Veris pH Manager Operating Instructions
Operating Instructions
Mobile Sensor Platform
pH Manager
Table of Contents
Section 1
1-1 Warranty
1-2 Safety
Section 2
2-1 Electronics Overview and Set-up: EC Surveyor
2-2 Electronics Overview and Set-up: DataLogger
2-4 Software Set-up: SoilViewer
Section 3 Field Operations: Electronics
3-1 Field Operations—Mapping pH with DataLogger
3-2 pH calibration and Controller set-up using DataLogger
3-6 Recording Data with DataLogger
3-12 Field Operations—Mapping pH with SoilViewer Software
3-15 pH calibration and Controller set-up using SoilViewer software
3-19 Recording Data with SoilViewer software
Section 4 Set-up and Field Operations: Implement
4-1 12v Power and Hydraulics Set-up
4-5 Implement Set-up and Adjustments
4-7 Field Operation Adjustments
Section 5
5-1 Maintenance and Service Procedures
Section 6 Troubleshooting
6-6 #1: Checking power inside External Controller
6-9 #2. Sampler Cylinder Hydraulics
6-12 #3. Communication between Instrument and External Controller
6-18 #4. Prox Sensor
6-21 #5. Diagnosing GPS-related problems
6-25 #6. Firmware updates and SD card formatting
6-26 #7. Micro-chip replacement
Pub.# OM17-MSP-pH
Pub.# OM17-MSP-pH
Mobile Sensor Platform: pH Manager
Soil EC Surveyor Software Version 1.2
Sensor DataLogger Version 1.03
Warranty
Veris Technologies warrants this product to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a
period of one (1) year from the date of delivery to the purchaser. Veris Technologies will repair or
replace any product returned to Salina, Kansas, which appears upon inspection to be defective in
materials or workmanship. Veris Technologies will have shall have no obligation under this
warranty for the cost of labor, down-time, transportation charges, or for the repair or replacement of
any product that has been misused, carelessly handled, modified, or altered.
ALL OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR OF FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND ALL CLAIMS FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, ARE
SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMED AND EXCLUDED.
Safety
1-1
Pub.# OM17-MSP-pH
Important! Read the following SAFETY PROCEDURES before operating the Veris system:
• Read and understand all instructions on safety decals
• Escaping fluid under pressure can penetrate the skin causing serious injury. Avoid the hazard
by relieving pressure before disconnecting hydraulic lines. Use a piece of paper or card-board,
NOT BODY PARTS, to check for suspected leaks.
• Wear protective gloves and safety glasses or goggles when working with hydraulic and highpressure wash systems.
• If an accident occurs, see a doctor immediately. Any fluid injected into the skin must be surgically
removed within a few hours or gangrene may result.
• Pinch point hazard: to prevent injury, stand clear when raising or lowering any part of the Veris
implement.
• Install all transport locks before transporting or working underneath.
• Detach and store implements in an area where children normally do not play. Secure implement
by using blocks and supports.
• Read Operations Manual before operating machine
• Review safety instructions with operators before operating machine and at least annually
• Never stand on or use tire as a step
• Do not tow the implement on public roads without the road-kit light package, or without the proper
safety equipment and licensing as required by your State Department of Transportation. Always
use safety chain.
• Riders obstruct the operator’s view. They could be struck by foreign objects or thrown from the
machine.
• Never allow children to operate equipment.
• To prevent possible electrical shock, or damage to the instrument, do not connect to any power
source greater than twelve (12) volts DC.
• Do not grease or oil implement while it is in operation.
• Disk edges are sharp. Be careful when working in this area.
• Disconnect battery ground cable (-) before servicing or adjusting electrical systems or before
welding on implement.
• Remove buildup of mud, oil or debris.
• Be very careful when mapping stubble fields with a gasoline engine pickup. Be prepared if a fire
starts.
• Keep a first aid kit and fire extinguisher handy.
Pub.# OM17-MSP-pH
EC
Surveyor
DataLogger
SD
card
reader
Mtg
bracket
Power
cord
Signal test
box
Mtg
bracket
Power cord
Signal test
load
Serial
cable
Soil
Viewer
software
Protective
case
SECTION 2
Electronics Overview and Set-up
The Veris Electronics kits includes the items shown in Figure 1. Additionally, the pH Manager
includes a pH simulator and fuse kit.
Figure 1a EC Surveyor/pH Manager kit Figure 1b. DataLogger kit
Use protective shipping/storage case to protect electronics components whenever electronics are
shipped. Keep all diagnostics and operations manual with system when mapping.
Mount instrument in a location that is as free as possible from dust, vibration, and electrical
interference. Display should be visible to operator and shielded from direct sunlight. Use
adjustable mounting brackets to position electronics for optimal visibility (Figure 2).
Figure 2
2-1
Figure 3 EC Surveyor (rear)
Power port:
The Soil EC Surveyor is shipped
with an accessory power cord.
If an alternative connection is
desired, make sure that the unit
is properly connected to a power
connection that is not controlled
by the ignition switch. If
connecting directly to the
battery, we suggest a 3-amp inline fuse is installed between the
battery and the instrument.
EC Signal:
EC Signal Cable
extension from
implement attaches
to the EC Surveyor
here. Route cable
properly to prevent
damage. Signal test
load also attaches
here—used to test
EC Surveyor.
EC Data out:
Attach serial cable
here and other end
to Sensor
DataLogger or
laptop PC.
GPS input:
Connect GPS cable here.
It is designed to accept
GPS input in NMEA 0183
format via an RS232
connector.
(GPS must send GGA and
either VTG or RMC strings
at a 1hz rate, at 4800 baud,
8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no
parity.)
Data Status:
When lit, this green LED
indicates data is being sent
out serial port. If not lit, EC
values are negative or GPS
signal not received.
Power:
When lit, this red
LED indicates EC
Surveyor is powered
up.
On/Off:
Turns power to EC
Surveyor on and
off.
Fuse:
This allows the fuse to
be replaced, with a 1A
fastblow fuse, if blown.
Figure 4 EC Surveyor (front)
Pub.# OM17-MSP-pH
2-2
Pub.# OM17-MSP-pH
Data Status:
When lit, this green
LED indicates data
is being recorded to
memory card. If not
lit, EC values are
negative or GPS
signal not received.
Power:
When lit, this red
LED indicates
Sensor DataLogger
is powered up.
Memory Card slot:
SD memory storage
card must be
installed when
booting up, and at all
times data is being
collected.
pH:
Serial cable from pH
Controller (MSP
only) attaches here.
Reset
button:
Can be used
to reboot
DataLogger
Power port:
The Sensor DataLogger is
shipped with an accessory
power cord. If an alternative
connection is desired, make
sure that the unit is properly
connected to a power
connection that is not
controlled by the ignition
switch. If connecting directly
to the battery, we suggest a
3-amp in-line fuse is
installed between the battery
and the instrument.
Alarm Vol:
Used to adjust
volume of auditory
alarm
EC:
Serial cable
from EC
Surveyor
attaches here.
On/Off:
Turns power to
Sensor DataLogger
on and off.
Fuse:
This allows the fuse
to be replaced, with
a 500mA Fastblow
fuse, if blown.
Figure 5 DataLogger (rear)
Figure 6 DataLogger (front)
Important – Do not allow moisture to enter the Soil EC Surveyor or Sensor DataLogger, and
do not pass strong magnets near the unit.
2-3
Figure 8
The Veris SoilViewer software will
automatically run the setup once the CD
is inserted into the computer. If not the
installation can be manually started by
double clicking on the setup.exe located
on the CD.
Once the CD has begun select the
installation directory and click Next
Click Next to continue through
installation
Pub.# OM17-MSP-pH
Software Setup
Figure 9
2-4
Figures 10a and 10b
Next two license
agreements will need
to be accepted
before continuing.
The installer will
install all necessary
components
Once the installer is completed, click
finish and Restart your computer
before starting the Veris SoilViewer
Software
Pub.# OM17-MSP-pH
Figure 11
Figure 12
2-5
Pub.# OM17-MSP-pH
Ground speed
(from GPS) in
miles/hour
GPS status: may
read GPS, DGPS,
RTK, or None. If
None, no GPS signal
is received and no
data will be sent out
serial port.
Shallow (Sh) and Deep (Dp) soil EC
readings. If negative, no data will be sent
out serial port. NOTE: FOR pH MAPPING,
SERIAL STRING WITH GPS AND EC
MUST BE SENT TO DATALOGGER; USE
EC TEST LOAD TO PROVIDE EC DATA
SECTION 3
Field Operations—pH Electronics with Veris DataLogger
Attach the serial communication cable to the pH port on back of DataLogger. Connect EC signal
cable, GPS, and power cords to ports on rear of EC Surveyor. NOTE: EC signal is required for
pH data to be recorded. If no EC data is desired or available, install EC test load on EC
Surveyor signal port to provide a simulated EC signal.
Before logging any data, make sure the SD card in the Datalogger is clear of any files that
are not Veris .dat files. Any other files will cause the data an error when logging data.
The Veris DataLogger is not compatible with SDHC cards. Only SD cards will work
correctly.
Figure 1 DataLogger (rear)
EC Surveyor display readings
Here are the display readings that you will see when operating the EC Surveyor:
Figure 2
The unit is ready to operate. The Surveyor is informing you of the firmware version its
programmable interface chip (PIC) contains. Immediately the screen will change to the operating
screen below:
Figure 3
3-1
Pub.# OM17-MSP-pH
Sensor DataLogger display readings
Here are the display readings that you will see when operating the Sensor DataLogger:
Starting up…
Figure 4
The unit is ready to operate. The DataLogger is informing you of the firmware version its
programmable interface chip (PIC) contains.
Press any of the four keys, and the next screen will appear:
Figure 5
For EC and pH mapping, press the #1 key. Press 1 and begin acquiring data (see below for more
details). Press 2 and enter Setup menu. (Press 4 to Exit this window).
Figure 6
Press 1 to calibrate ion-selective (ISE) pH electrodes
Calibrating pH electrodes
Enter menu option 1) Calibration.
Figure 7
You will be asked for the ID of the electrode connected to channel 1. You may want to add an ID
number to the electrodes, for your own tracking purposes. Use the 1 and 2 keys to change the
number and 3 to confirm:
Figure 8
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Pub.# OM17-MSP-pH
Repeat for electrode 2’s ID and press 3 to confirm.
The instrument will prompt for the electrodes to be inserted into pH buffer 4 solution; Slide cup with
pH 4 buffer solution onto electrode holder. Press 1 to continue with calibration or 2 to exit. Tips:
Don’t overfill solution. Cup only needs enough solution to immerse electrode tip and face. Don’t
reuse solutions.
Figure 9
Figure 10
The instrument will read the electrodes for 10 seconds, displaying the output (as it counts
seconds):
Figure 11
After 10 seconds, the instrument will display the final pH reading and offer the options to 1) Accept
pH 4 buffer readings; 2) Redo pH 4 buffer readings; or 3) Exit pH electrode calibration. If the
readings are satisfactory, press 1; if the readings are suspect, press 2 to return to re-do pH 4.
Figure 12
After accepting the pH 4 buffer readings, the Instrument will prompt for the electrodes to be
inserted into pH 7 buffer solution. Remove the pH 4 buffer solution cup from the electrode
holder.Rinse the electrodes, electrode holder, and solution cup using the manual wash for at least
10 seconds. Slide the pH buffer 7 solution cup onto the electrode holder.
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Pub.# OM17-MSP-pH
On the DataLogger, press 1 to continue with calibration. The DataLogger will read the electrodes
for 10 seconds, displaying the output. After 10 seconds, the instrument will display the final pH
reading and offer the options to 1) Accept pH 7 buffer readings; 2) Redo pH buffer 7 readings; or 3)
Exit pH electrode calibration. If the readings are satisfactory, log pH 7 reading and press 1; if the
readings are suspect, press 2 to return to pH 7 calibration step.
After accepting the pH 7 buffer readings, the electronics firmware will determine if each electrode’s
response is sufficient to provide suitable readings. A score is displayed for each electrode; the
acceptable score range is between 75 and 102. If both electrodes are within this range, the
instrument will display the following screen:
Figure 13
If an ‘X’ is displayed beside one or both electrodes’ scores, this indicates that one or both of the
electrodes did not perform well enough for continued reliable use. No calibration settings are
changed if calibration is unsuccessful. The electrode(s) responsible for failed calibration should be
removed and either cleaned or replaced and the calibration procedure repeated.
Figure 14
After calibration is complete, you will have the option to use the calibrated readings or reset to the
ideal settings. Tip: many operators use the ideal settings rather than calibration settings. One
reason is this enables readings from one day to be compared to another. It is still important to
perform the calibration step at least daily, even if ideal settings are used. The calibration process
is important to test electrode quality.
pH Controller Set-up
After calibration, you may wish to change the pH Controller default parameters. Press 2 and enter
Setup menu. (Press 4 to Exit this window).
Figure 15
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Pub.# OM17-MSP-pH
Figure 16
Sampling time is the duration that the sampler assembly is in the soil. Typically 2 seconds is
adequate. In soil conditions that do not produce a firm core, this time may need to be set at 3
seconds in order to allow soil to begin flowing through cutting shoe. If soil conditions result in a
very firm core, the sampling time may be reduced to 1 second. In rocky conditions, use 1 second
sample time to reduce likelihood of sampler shoe damage. Press 1 or 2 to adjust the sample time,
press 3 to continue to the next screen.
Figure 17
Maximum log time is the longest time in seconds the pH controller will wait for the pH readings to
settle. The controller usually cycles before this maximum time is reached. The minimum setting
for the maximum log time is 20 seconds. (Tip: use 20 seconds unless there is a special reason to
allow a longer wait time) Press 1 or 2 to adjust the sample time, press 3 to continue to the next
screen.
Figure 18
Select the type of water you are using to clean the electrodes between samples. The available
types are TAP, RO (reverse osmosis), or DI (de-ionized). Press 1 or 2 to cycle through the water
types, press 3 to continue to the next screen. Tip: If you don’t want a baseline wash performed
every 40 cycles, use RO setting rather than Tap or DI (regardless of actual water being used).
Figure 19
Turning on the extra wash option will add 1.5 seconds of cleaning per cycle. The extra wash is
performed by stopping the shoe briefly during the cycle. Use this feature if you have noticed the
electrodes are not cleaning during the cycle. Press 1 or 2 to choose ON or OFF, press 3 to
continue. Tip: water usage will double if extra wash is used.
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Pub.# OM17-MSP-pH
pH Data Recording
Figure 20
For EC mapping, press the #1 key. #4 returns you to the initial start-up screen. Select #3 EC+pH
to collect EC and pH data. Pressing #1 or #3 brings up the next screen:
Figure 21
The DataLogger is displaying the map file number it is creating, in case you want to record it along
with any other information about the field. Press any key to begin new map file. After starting the
file, pressing the #4 key will stop the file. If DataLogger freezes at the screen shown in Figure 20 or
Figure 21, check formatting of SD card—must be FAT format.
If memory card was not inserted during boot-up, the following screen will appear:
Figure 22
Install card and re-start DataLogger. NEVER REMOVE CARD WHILE LOGGING DATA.
If you pressed the option #1 for EC, this is the next screen:
Figure 23
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Pub.# OM17-MSP-pH
GPS indicator:
NONE, _GPS,
DGPS, RTK
Shallow and
Deep EC
readings
pH readings from each
electrode
Status of pH
sampling
mechanism
Speed in
MPH
If you pressed the option #3, pH and EC, this is the next screen:
Figure 24
The display is showing the pH values from the pH electrodes, conductivity of the top 1’ (30 cm) and
top 3’ (90 cm) of the soil, and whether you have GPS or DGPS (differentially corrected) signal. At
any time during the mapping process, you can press the 4 key to stop the file. If you create more
than one file from the same field, you can bring the files into a spreadsheet program and combine
them prior to mapping. Note: the #1 key toggles the pH sampler from engaged to disengaged; the
#4 key stops the file.
From this screen, pressing the 1 key as you drive forward will initiate the automatic sampling
process. The software requires movement indicated by the GPS receiver in order to cycle.
Speed must be detected within 5 seconds after pressing 1 or the system will disengage.
If TAP or DI were selected as the wash water type above, the controller will go through a wash
baseline process after engage is pressed for the first time. The status text will change to the
following:
Figure 25
After washing (or immediately if RO was selected as the wash water type), the unit will continue
cycling and display the following screen:
Figure 26
“Cycling” means the sampler assembly is in the process of washing, and lowering for soil sampling.
After a core has been collected and is being held against the electrodes, the status text will change
to the following:
Figure 27
3-7
Pub.# OM17-MSP-pH
The pH readings on the display show what each electrode is reading at every second. The
sampler will hold the soil against the electrodes and continue to record pH until the readings settle.
The minimum recording time is 7 seconds; the maximum time is determined in the pH settings
menu. The pH values that are recorded are the final values at the end of the logging duration. (last
reading on the display before the “Cycling” status appears). The final pH value is logged along
with the DGPS position where the sample was collected.
If the electrodes take longer than 10 seconds to settle, a warning will appear by the readings that
indicates the number of seconds the reading has required. When the maximum log time is
reached, a T will appear indicating that the measurement has ‘timed out’, and the unit initiates a
new sample cycle (refer to pH Controller settings for adjusting the log time).
Figure 28
This time warning is to let the operator know that a measurement cycle is requiring excessive time.
While an occasional cycle may exhibit this warning. see the troubleshooting section if this occurs
frequently.
The Veris MSP pH Manager uses two electrodes for optimal data quality. If there is a difference of
0.75 or greater between the final electrode readings, an audible alarm will beep, informing the
operator of the erroneous reading.
To pause the data collection process at any time (but keep the same file), press the 1 key. Once
the sampling process has completed its cycle, it will disengage and the status text message will
indicate disengaged (press 1 to start cycling again). If the system no longer senses a speed signal
from the GPS, it will also disengage and return to Neutral. NOTE: do not depend on the GPS
speed signal for disengagement. Before inspecting or working around any component of the
system, press the 1 key and verify status of system is ‘Disengaged’ before exiting the vehicle.
Sporadic GPS signals may simulate movement and initiate the cycling process, resulting in
possible entanglement and injury.
If TAP or DI are selected as the wash water type, the water baseline process will be repeated
every 40 cycles following the next engage press. If the pH during the cycling sequence does not
get within 0.5 of the baseline pH, an audible alarm will sound and the pH labels will blink. This is to
allow operator that the electrodes are not cleaning properly.
pH Offset and Settings Menu
While the instrument is in pH data acquisition, the pH sampler settings can be adjusted without
exiting the current file. For example, it may be necessary to add extra wash or change sampling
time. A correction can be applied to each electrode’s pH shown on the screen. Occasionally, the
pH readings shown on the screen may differ from those expected in the field. A condition that
could cause this is high pH wash water which is elevating all pH readings. If this is the case, the pH
shown on the screen can be adjusted up or down. To enter the settings screen, make sure
message in the upper right of the screen says DISENGAGED. Press the 3 key. The following
screen will display:
3-8
Pub.# OM17-MSP-pH
Figure 29
This screen allows you to adjust the offset that will be applied to channel 1’s electrode reading.
The offset is adjustable in 0.5 pH increments up to +/- 2.00 pH. NOTE: The firmware DOES NOT
apply this offset to the extracted file. Only the readings seen on the screen will be affected. Press
1 or 2 to adjust the reading down or up, and 3 to confirm the offset and proceed to the next screen.
Similarly, an offset can be applied to channel 2’s electrode. Press 1 or 2 to adjust the offset down
or up, and 3 to confirm the offset and proceed to the next screen.
Figure 30
Sampling time is the duration that the sampler assembly is in the soil. Typically 2 seconds is
adequate. In soil conditions that do not produce a firm core, this time may need to be set at 3
seconds in order to allow soil to begin flowing through cutting shoe. If soil conditions result in a
very firm core, the sampling time may be reduced to 1 second. In rocky conditions, use 1 second
sample time to reduce likelihood of sampler shoe damage. Press 1 or 2 to adjust the sample time,
press 3 to continue to the next screen.
Figure 31
Maximum log time is the longest time in seconds the pH controller will wait for the pH readings to
settle. The controller usually cycles before this maximum time is reached. The minimum setting
for the maximum log time is 20 seconds. (Use 20 seconds unless there is a special reason to allow
a longer wait time) Press 1 or 2 to adjust the sample time, press 3 to continue to the next screen.
Figure 32
Select the type of water you are using to clean the electrodes between samples. The available
types are TAP, RO (reverse osmosis), or DI (de-ionized). Press 1 or 2 to cycle through the water
types, press 3 to continue to the next screen. Tip: If you don’t want a baseline wash performed
every 40 cycles, use RO setting rather than Tap or DI (regardless of actual water being used).
3-9
Pub.# OM17-MSP-pH
Figure 33
Turning on the extra wash option will add 1.5 seconds of cleaning per cycle. The extra wash is
performed by stopping the shoe briefly during the cycle. Use this feature if you have noticed the
electrodes are not cleaning during the cycle. Press 1 or 2 to choose ON or OFF, press 3 to
continue.
After all of the settings have been entered, the instrument will save the settings and return to the
data acquisition screen. You may continue collecting data using the new settings by pressing the
#1 key to engage. Settings are stored in memory and will remain as set until they changed.
pH Data Flags
Numbered “flags” can be added to the pH data by pressing the 2 key while the pH Manager is
CYCLING or RECORDING. If the key is pressed while the pH Manager is in the RECORDING
phase, an exclamation point (!) will appear on the screen next to the pH data labels:
Figure 33
This means the flag will be recorded with the current data point in the pH file. If the key is pressed
while the pH Manager is in the CYCLING phase, the next point will be flagged and exclamation
point will not appear until the RECORDING phase is reached. Tip: Use this function to flag any
sample where a problem has occurred, such as a plugged shoe. Open the pH file in a
spreadsheet program, locate the points that have been flagged, and delete rows of problem data.
There are warning signals programmed into the Veris DataLogger to warn the operator that data
are not being recorded, so that corrective action can be taken. If data aren’t being recorded, a
warning alarm will sound, and the portion of the screen text that is missing information will blink.
For example, if the GPS isn’t being received (or the NMEA string containing speed) the Lat/Long
text will blink. If EC values are negative, they will blink. Also, the Data Status LED light on the
front of the DataLogger indicates the whether data is being recorded. If this light is not lit, data are
not being recorded. (note: no data is recorded unless unit is moving—receiving speed signal from
GPS)
At any time during the mapping process, you can press any key to stop the file. If you create more
than one file from the same field, you can bring the files into a spreadsheet program or GIS and
combine for whole field map display.
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Pub.# OM17-MSP-pH
After #4 key is pressed during Data Acquisition, the following screen will be displayed: (if data
was collected during Data Acquisition)
Figure 34
DATA IS ONLY STORED ON THE SD CARD. NO INTERNAL FILES ARE CREATED.
If no data was logged during Data Acquisition, the following screen will be displayed:
Figure 35
DATA QUALITY TIPS
As you collect pH data, monitor the performance of the system by continually asking yourself these
questions:
-During ‘Cycling’ phase, do both pH electrode readings get close to the wash water pH? If not, one
or both electrodes may not be cleaning properly.
-During ‘Recording’ phase, do both electrode readings move to expected soil pH level? If they stay
near wash pH level and/or require more than 10 seconds to settle, one of the following may have
occurred: 1) shoe may have plugged, so no new soil is entering, and the shoe is slowly filling up
with wash water; 2) Excessive speed may have allowed soil core to shoot out the back, or 3) gap
between electrodes and shoe may be excessive, so thinner soil cores aren’t contacting pH
electrodes.
-Operators who monitor the screen, and are alert to pH values that aren’t appropriate for the
Cycling or Recording phase, generate better maps.
-Whenever the final pH readings at a sample location are >.50 apart, an alarm will sound indicating
data for that sample location will likely be eliminated during data extraction. If more than an
occasional, infrequent reading is rejected, inspect the sampler assembly for possible plugging or
other malfunction, and the electrodes for proper cleaning. Re-calibrate electrodes if necessary.
-The speed you travel and your transect width directly affects the sample density: 6 mph (9.6
km/hr) on 50’ (15 m) transects provides approximately 10 samples/acre (24/ha). 5 mph (16 km/hr)
on 75’ (23 m) transects results in approximately 5 samples/acre (12/ha). Collect enough samples
so that the raw pH data maps the underlying spatial structure of the field’s pH—rather than relying
on interpolation methods to fill in the gaps in the map.
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Pub.# OM17-MSP-pH
Field Operations—pH Electronics with SoilViewer
Attach the pH serial communication cable to an available COM port on your computer. Connect EC
signal cable, GPS, and power cords to ports on rear of EC Surveyor, then connect EC Data Out to
any available COM port on your computer using a standard serial cable. If serial port is not
available on PC, then a USB to Serial converter can be used with the EC Surveyor provided the
drivers for the converter are installed and functioning properly. NOTE: EC signal is required for
pH data to be recorded. If no EC data is desired or available, install EC test load on EC
Surveyor signal port.
Figure 1 DataLogger (rear)
SoilViewer startup display
Here are the display readings that you will see when operating the EC/pH SoilViewer Software:
Figure 2
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Pub.# OM17-MSP-pH
The SoilViewer program will ask the user to select the names of the EC and pH files to be stored.
If desired, a previous file can be appended.
Figure 3
Once the files have been selected, the software will look for communication with the pH controller.
If no communication can be established, check for a secure connection to the computer, and make
sure pH controller is turned on and has power to it. Also, switching to manual mode on the pH
controller will ensure the pH controller is in a recognizable state. After five attempts at
communication are rejected, the software will proceed to looking for communication with the EC
Surveyor, and will check every 45 seconds for the connection of the pH controller. If all
connections are secure and the pH controller power is on, it may be necessary to shut off power to
pH controller and turn it back on.
Figure 4
After the pH controller is found, the software searches for communication with the EC Surveyor,
before continuing on with acquisition. If the EC Surveyor is not found after five attempts, the
software will wait check every 45 seconds for the connection of the EC Surveyor. If the Surveyor is
not found, check for a secure connection to the computer and power to the EC Surveyor, and
reboot EC Surveyor.
3-13
Ground speed
(from GPS) in
miles/hour
GPS status: may
read GPS, DGPS,
RTK, or None. If
None, no GPS signal
is received and no
data will be sent out
serial port.
Shallow (Sh) and Deep (Dp) soil EC
readings. If negative, no data will be sent
out serial port. NOTE: FOR pH MAPPING,
SERIAL STRING WITH GPS AND EC
MUST BE SENT TO COMPUTER; USE
EC TEST LOAD TO PROVIDE EC DATA
IF NECESSARY
Point size for EC
values; adjust point
size to fill transects
and display spatial
structure to map.
Ranges used to map pH values. Each color
should have a unique range associated with it.
These are user-defined ranges and can be
changed at any time. If points appear to be
missing from the map, it could be that they are
out of the ranges selected. pH min and pH max
can be used as guidelines for setting up the pH
ranges. Up to five divisions can be selected
These EC ranges
are not user
selectable and are
set by giving each
range the same
number of EC
points.
Colors for the graphs
can be set here, by
clicking on the color
box and selecting a
new color.
Figure 5
Pub.# OM17-MSP-pH
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