5TE

5TEWater Content, EC

and Temperature Sensors

Operator’s ManualVersion 3

Decagon Devices, Inc.2365 NE Hopkins Court

Pullman WA [email protected]

©2008 Decagon Devices, Inc.All rights reserved

5TE Operator’s ManualTable of Contents

Contents

1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Contact Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Seller’s Liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2. About the 5TE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Background Info . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

3. Theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Volumetric Water Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Electrical Conductivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Converting Bulk EC to Pore EC . . . . . . . . . . 8Pore Water vs. Solution EC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

4. Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Dielectric Permittivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Mineral Soil Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Calibration in Non-Soil Media . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

5. Connecting Sensors . . . . . . . . . . .14Using the 5TE with Em50/50R data loggers. 14

3.5mm Stereo Plug Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

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5TE Operator’s ManualTable of Contents

Extending Sensor Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Connecting to a non-Decagon Data logger . . . . 16

Logger Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Dielectric Permittivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Electrical Conductivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

6. Installing the Probes . . . . . . . . . 20Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Removing the Probes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Multiple Probe Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

7. Campbell Scientific Programs . . 24

8. Troubleshooting & Sensor Care 25Datalogger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25Probes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Sensor Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Cleaning Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . 28

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5TE Operator’s Manual1. Introduction

1. IntroductionThank you for choosing Decagon’s 5TE for measuring watercontent, temperature, and EC. This manual is designed to helpyou understand the probe’s features and how to use thisdevice successfully.

Specifications

Volumetric water content Range:Apparent dielectric permittivity (εa): 1 (air) to 80 (water) Resolution: εa: 0.1 εa (unitless) from 1-20, <0.75 εa (unitless) from 20-80VWC: 0.0008 m3/m3 (0.08% VWC) from 0 to 50% VWCAccuracy: (εa): ±1 εa (unitless) from 1-40 (soil range), ±15% from 40-80(VWC):• Using Topp equation: ±0.03 m3/m3 (±3% VWC) typical

in mineral soils that have solution electrical conductivity < 10 dS/m

• Using medium specific calibration, ±0.01 - 0.02 m3/m3 (± 1-2% VWC) in any porous medium

Electrical Conductivity (bulk)Range: 0-23 dS/m (bulk)Resolution: 0.01 dS/m from 0 to 7 dS/m, 0.05 dS/m from 7to 23 dS/mAccuracy: ±10% from 0 to 7 dS/m, user calibration requiredabove 7 dS/m

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TemperatureRange: -40-50 °CResolution: 0.1 °CAccuracy: ±1 °C

GeneralDimensions: 10 cm (1) x 3.2 cm (w) x 0.7 cm (d)Prong Length: 5.2 cmDielectric Measurement Frequency: 70 MHzMeasurement Time: 150 ms (milliseconds)Power requirements: 3.6 - 15 VDC, 0.3 mA quiescent, 10mA during 150 ms measurementOutput: RS232 or SDI 12 (contact Decagon for informationon SDI-12 mode)Operating Temperature: -40-50 °CConnector types: 3.5 mm “stereo” plug or stripped andtinned lead wiresCable Length: 5m standard; custom cable length availableupon requestDatalogger Compatibility (not exclusive):Decagon: Em50, Em50RCampbell Scientific: Any logger with serial I/O (CR10X,CR850, 1000, 3000, etc.)

Contact InformationIf you need to contact Decagon:• Call us at 800-755-2751 or (509) 332-2756• Fax us at (509) 332-5158• E-mail us at [email protected].

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Warranty InformationAll Decagon products have a 30-day satisfaction guaranteeand a one-year warranty.

Seller’s LiabilitySeller warrants new equipment of its own manufacture againstdefective workmanship and materials for a period of one yearfrom date of receipt of equipment (the results of ordinarywear and tear, neglect, misuse, accident and excessive deterio-ration due to corrosion from any cause are not to be consid-ered a defect); but Seller’s liability for defective parts shall inno event exceed the furnishing of replacement parts F.O.B. thefactory where originally manufactured. Material and equip-ment covered hereby which is not manufactured by Seller shallbe covered only by the warranty of its manufacturer. Sellershall not be liable to Buyer for loss, damage or injuries to per-sons (including death), or to property or things of whatsoeverkind (including, but not without limitation, loss of anticipatedprofits), occasioned by or arising out of the installation, opera-tion, use, misuse, nonuse, repair, or replacement of said mate-rial and equipment, or out of the use of any method orprocess for which the same may be employed. The use of thisequipment constitutes Buyer’s acceptance of the terms setforth in this warranty. There are no understandings, represen-tations, or warranties of any kind, express, implied, statutoryor otherwise (including, but without limitation, the impliedwarranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular pur-pose), not expressly set forth herein.

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5TE Operator’s Manual2. About the 5TE

2. About the 5TEThe 5TE is designed to measure the water content, electricalconductivity, and temperature of soil and growing media.Using an oscillator running at 70 MHz, it measures the dielec-tric permittivity of soil to determine the water content. A ther-mistor in thermal contact with the probe prongs provides thesoil temperature, while the screws on the surface of the sensorform a two-probe electrical array to measure electrical con-ductivity.

Background InfoIn 2006, Decagon incorporated research from its EC-5 volu-metric water content sensor into the ECH2O-TE, a sensorwhich measured volumetric water content, temperature, andelectrical conductivity. The new 5TE uses the same theory asthe ECH2O-TE, but the location of the EC measurement is inthe stainless steel screws instead of gold traces. The use ofstainless steel screws has made the 5TE a more robust sensor.Additionally, the 5TE utilizes a 5 point dielectric calibration toprovide dielectric permittivity measurements far more accu-rate than the previous ECH2O-TE.

4

5TE Operator’s Manual2. About the 5TE

Figure 1: 5TE Components

5

5TE Operator’s Manual3. Theory

3. Theory

Volumetric Water ContentThe 5TE probe uses an electromagnetic field to measure thedielectric permittivity of the surrounding medium. The probesupplies a 70 MHz oscillating wave to the probe prongs thatcharges according to the dielectric of the material. The storedcharge is proportional to soil dielectric and soil volumetricwater content. The 5TE microprocessor measures the chargeand outputs a value of dielectric permittivity from the probe.

Temperature The 5TE uses a surface-mounted thermistor to take tempera-ture readings. It is located underneath the probe overmold,next to one of the prongs, and will read the temperature of theprong surface. The 5TE will output temperature in °C unlessotherwise stated in your preferences file in either the ECH2ODataTrac or ECH2O Utility programs.

It is important to note that if the black plastic overmold of theprobe is in direct sunshine, the temperature measurement mayread high. Exposure of the overmold to solar radiation willalso drastically decrease the life expectancy of the sensor. Wedo not recommend that the sensor be installed with the over-mold in the sun.

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Electrical ConductivityElectrical conductivity (EC) is the ability of a substance toconduct electricity and can be used to infer the amount ofpolar molecules that are in solution. EC is measured by apply-ing an alternating electrical current to two electrodes, andmeasuring the resistance between them. Conductivity is thenderived by multiplying the inverse of the resistance (conduc-tance) by the cell constant (the ratio of the distance betweenthe electrodes to their area).

The 5TE uses a 2-probe array to measure the EC. The array islocated on the screws of two of the 5TE prongs. Smallamounts of oil from skin contact with the screws willcause significant inaccuracy in the EC measurement. Seethe sensor cleaning section at the end of this manual forinstructions on cleaning the probes if contamination occurs.

The 5TE uses a two electrode array to measure the bulk EC ofthe surrounding medium. The bulk EC measurement is cali-brated at the factory to be accurate within ±10% from 0 to 7dS/m. This range is adequate for most field, greenhouse andnursery applications. However, some special applications insalt affected soils may requires measurements with bulk ECgreater than the specified range. The 5TE will measure up to23.1 dS/m bulk EC, but user calibration is required above 7dS/m. Additionally, EC measurements above 7 dS/m are verysensitive to contamination of the electrodes by skin oils, etc.Be sure to read sensor cleaning section at the end of the man-ual if you plan to measure the EC of salty soils.

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Converting Bulk EC to Pore EC For many applications, it is advantageous to know the electri-cal conductivity of the solution contained in the soil pores(σp), which is a good indicator of the solute concentration inthe soil. Traditionally, σp has been obtained by extracting porewater from the soil and measuring σp directly. As one wouldexpect, this is a time consuming and labor intensive process.

The 5TE measures the electrical conductivity of the bulk soilsurrounding the probes (σb). A considerable amount ofresearch has been conducted to determine the relationshipbetween σb and σp. Recent work by Hilhorst (2000), has takenadvantage of the linear relationship between the soil bulkdielectric permittivity (εb) and σp to allow accurate conversionfrom σb to σp if the εb is known. The 5TE measures εb andσb nearly simultaneously in the same soil volume. It is there-fore well suited to this method.

The pore water conductivity can be determined from (see Hil-horst, 2000 for derivation):

where σp is the pore water electrical conductivity (dS/m); εP isthe real portion of the dielectric permittivity of the soil porewater (unitless); σb is the bulk electrical conductivity, (dS/m),which is measured directly by the 5TE; εb is the real portionof the dielectric permittivity of the bulk soil (unitless); is thereal portion of the dielectric permittivity of dry soil (unitless).

'0σ

'b

b'p

pb

εεσε

σ=−

= (1)

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εp can be calculated from soil temperature using:

εp = 80.3 - 0.37 * (Tsoil - 20) (2)

where Tsoil is the soil temperature (C) measured by the 5TE.

εb is also measured by the 5TE. Raw VWC counts can be con-verted to bulk dielectric by the ECH2O-TE dielectric calibra-tion:

Finally, εσb = 0 is an offset term loosely representing thedielectric permittivity of the dry soil. Hilhorst (2000) recom-mended that εσb = 4.1 be used as a generic offset. However,our research in several agricultural soils, organic, and inorganicgrowth media indicates that εσb = 6 results in more accuratedeterminations of σp. Hilhorst (2000) offers a simple and easymethod for determining for individual soil types, which willimprove the accuracy of the calculation of σp in most cases.

Our testing indicates that the above method for calculating σpresults in good accuracy (± 20%) in moist soils and othergrowth media. In dry soils where VWC is less than about 0.10m3/m3, the denominator of equation 1 becomes very small,leading to large potential errors. We recommend that σp notbe calculated in soils with VWC < 0.10 m3/m3 using thismethod.

Pore Water vs. Solution ECAs noted in the previous section, pore water electrical conduc-tivity can be calculated from bulk EC using the probe-mea-

50Raw

bεε = (3)

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sured dielectric permittivity of the medium. However, porewater EC is not the same as solution EC. Pore water EC is theelectrical conductivity of the water in the pore space of thesoil. One could measure this directly if the soil was squeezedunder high pressure to force water out of the soil matrix andthat water was collected and tested for EC. Solution EC is theelectrical conductivity of pore water removed from a saturatedpaste. In this case, the soil is wetted with distilled water untilthe soil saturates, then the soil is placed on filter paper in avacuum funnel and suction is applied. An electrical conductiv-ity measurement on the water removed from the sample willgive the solution electrical conductivity. Theoretically, the twoare related by the bulk density. An example calculation willillustrate this relationship: A soil is at 0.1 m3/m3 VWC, has apore water EC of 0.7 dS/m, and a bulk density of 1.5 Mg/m3.We can calculate the solution EC as follows.

In this example, ø is the porosity, ρb is bulk density, ρs is den-sity of the minerals (assumed to be 2.65 Mg/m3), subscript dis distilled water, and θ is volumetric water content. Weassume that the EC of the distilled water is 0 dS/m. In prac-tice, solution EC calculated from this method and solution ECtaken from a laboratory soil test may not agree well becausewetting soil to a saturated paste is very imprecise.

ReferenceHilhorst, M.A. 2000. A pore water conductivity sensor. Soil

Science Society of America Journal 64:6 1922-1925

( ) ( ) dS/m 162.00.43

01.07.0 ECSolution

43.065.25.111

=+

=−+

=

=−=−=

φθφσθσ

ρρφ

dp

s

b

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5TE Operator’s Manual4. Calibration

4. Calibration

Dielectric PermittivityEach 5TE sensor has been calibrated to measure dielectricpermittivity (εa) accurately in the range of 1 (air) to 80 (water).The unprocessed raw values reported by the 5TE in standardserial communication have units of εa*50. When used in SDI-12 communication mode, the unprocessed values have unitsof εa*100.

Mineral Soil CalibrationNumerous researchers have studied the relationship betweendielectric permittivity and volumetric water content (VWC) insoil. As a result, the soil science literature is littered with vari-ous transfer equations used to predict VWC from measureddielectric permittivity. You are free to use any of these varioustransfer equations to convert raw dielectric permittivity datafrom the 5TE into VWC. In Decagon’s ProCheck reader andDataTrac and ECH2O Utility software packages, if the mineralsoil calibration option is chosen, raw dielectric permittivityvalues from are converted to VWC using the well knownTopp equation (Topp et al. 1980):

VWC = 4.3x10-6 εa3 - 5.5x10-4 εa

2 + 2.92x10-2 εa - 5.3x10-2

Our tests have shown that a properly installed 5TE sensorinstalled in a normal mineral soil with saturation extract elec-trical conductivity <10 dS/m, the Topp equation will result in

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measurements within ±3% VWC of the actual soil VWC. Ifyou require more accurate VWC than ±3% or are working in asoil with very high electrical conductivity, or non-normal min-eralogy, then it may be necessary to conduct a soil specific cal-ibration for your 5TE sensor which will improve the accuracyto 1-2% for any soil. For more information on how to per-form your own soil-specific calibration, or to have Decagon’scalibration service perform one for you, visit us online athttp://www.decagon.com.

Calibration in Non-Soil MediaDecagon has performed calibrations with the 5TE in severalnon-soil growth media. The following are suggested calibra-tion equations for some common materials.

Potting SoilVWC = 2.25x10-5 εa

3 - 2.06x10-3 εa2 + 7.24x10-2 εa - 0.247

RockwoolVWC = -1.68x10-3 εa

2 + 6.56x10-2 εa + 0.0266

PerliteVWC = -1.07x10-3 εa

2 + 5.25x10-2 εa - 0.0685

Decagon will develop additional calibration equations for var-ious other growth media as opportunities arise. Please checkthe Decagon website (http://www.decagon.com) or contactDecagon for the status of this ongoing research.

The 5TE can accurately read VWC in virtually any porousmedium if a custom calibration is performed. For informationon how to perform your own medium-specific calibration, or

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to have Decagon’s calibration service perform one for you,visit http://www.decagon.com.

ReferenceTopp, G.C., J.L. David, and A.P. Annan 1980. Electromag-

netic, Determination of Soil Water Content: Measurementin Coaxial Transmission Lines. Water Resources Research16:3. p. 574-582.

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5TE Operator’s Manual5. Connecting Sensors

5. Connecting Sensors

The 5TE sensor was designed to work most efficiently withDecagon’s Em50, Em50R or our ProCheck handheld reader.They can be adapted for use with other data loggers, such asthose from Campbell Scientific, Inc. for example. The 5TErequires an excitation voltage in the range of 3-16V.

Using the 5TE with Em50/50R dataloggers.The 5TE has been designed to work specifically with theEm50 datalogger. To download data to your computer, youwill need to install ECH2O Utility, ECH2O DataTrac or a ter-minal-port program on your computer.

The following software support the 5TE sensor:ECH2O Utility 1.10 or greaterECH2O Utility Mobile 1.17 or greaterECH2O DataTrac 2.77 or greater

Please check your software version to ensure it will supportthe 5TE. To update your software to the latest versions, pleasevisit Decagon’s software download site: http://www.deca-gon.com/home/downloads.php

To use the 5TE with your Em50 data logger, simply plug thestereo plug into one of the five ports on the data logger anduse either ECH2O Utility, ECH2O Utility Mobile, DataTrac

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Mobile, or DataTrac software (see respective manuals) to con-figure that port for the 5TE and set the measurement interval.

3.5mm Stereo Plug Wiring5TE sensors used with Decagon loggers come with a 3.5mm“stereo plug” connector. The stereo plug allows for rapid con-nection directly to Decagon’s Em50 and Em50R dataloggersand to the hand-held ProCheck readers. Below is a diagramshowing the wiring configuration for this connector.

Extending Sensor CablesDecagon supplies 10-foot (3m) and 50-foot (15.25m)extension cables for use with the stereo plug type 5TEsensors. You can safely connect up to four of the 50-footcables without signal attenuation. For field applications, it iscritical to seal the connections from the elements to maintaina good connection and to prevent corrosion. It is imperativethat these connections are checked before the sensor isburied. On the Decagon website you can access a step by stepphoto tutorial of how to seal the connection. To access thisfile go to www.decagon.com/literature/app_notes and click

Digital out

Ground Excitation

15


on the Wire Splicing and Sealing Technique for Soil MoistureSensors.

Connecting to a non-Decagon Data logger5TE sensors for use with non-Decagon data loggers comepre-configured with stripped and tinned lead wires at the cus-tomer’s request. Below is a diagram showing the wiring con-figuration for this connector.

5TE sensors with stripped and tinned cable option can bemade with custom cable lengths (up to 250ft) on a per-footfee basis. This option gets around the need for splicing wire (apossible failure point).

Connect the wires to the data logger as shown, with the sup-ply wire (white) connected to the excitation, the digital outwire (red) to a digital input, the bare ground wire to ground asseen below.

Digital out (Red)

Ground (Bare)

Excitation (White)

Sensor cable

Switched3-15V DC

G

Supply Digitalout Ground

Datalogger

Digital In

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NOTE: The acceptable range of excitation voltages is from 3-15 VDC.If you wish to read the 5TE with the Campbell Scientific Data Loggers,you will need to power the sensors off of the switched 12V port.

If your 5TE is equipped with the standard 3.5mm plug, andyou wish to connect it to a non-Decagon datalogger, you havetwo options. First, you can clip off the plug on the sensorcable, strip and tin the wires, and wire it directly into the data-logger. This has the advantage of creating a direct connectionwith no chance of the sensor becoming un-plugged; however,it then cannot be easily used in the future with a Decagonreadout unit or datalogger. The other option is to obtain anadapter cable from Decagon. The 3-wire sensor adapter cablehas a connector for the sensor jack on one end, and threewires on the other end for connection to a datalogger (thistype of wire is often referred to as a “pigtail adapter”). Boththe stripped and tinned adapter cable wires have the same ter-mination as seen above; the white wire is excitation, red is out-put, and the bare wire is ground.

Logger CommunicationsWhen excitation voltage is applied, the 5TE makes a measur-ment. Within about 50 ms of excitation three measurementvalues are transmitted to the data logger as a serial stream ofASCII characters. The serial out is 1200 baud asynchronouswith 8 data bits, no parity, and one stop bit. The voltage levelsare 0-3.6V and the logic levels are TTL (active low). Thepower must be removed and reapplied for a new set of valuesto be transmitted.

The ASCII stream contains 3 numbers separated by spaces.The stream is terminated with the carriage return character.

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The first number is raw dielectric output. The second numberis raw electrical conductivity and the third number is raw tem-perature. The following explains how to convert the raw val-ues into their standard units.

Dielectric PermittivityThe raw dielectric value (εRaw), is valid in the range 0 to 4094.This corresponds to dielectric permittivity values 0.00 to81.88. The 5TE uses the εRaw value of 4095 to indicate thedielectric permittivity portion of the sensor is not working asexpected.

The εRaw value is converted to dielectric permittivity with thefollowing equation:

Electrical ConductivityThe raw electrical conductivity value (σRaw), is valid in therange 0 to 1022. The 5TE uses a compression algorithm toextend the range of electrical conductivity that can be repre-sented by a 10-bit value. σRaw can be converted to bulk electri-cal conductivities using the following algorithms.

If σRaw < 700 then EC (dS/m)=

If σRaw > 700 then EC (dS/m)=

εaεRaw50

-----------=Dielectric Permittivity =

100Rawσ

100)700(5700 −+ Rawσ

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Electrical conductivities above 23.1 are truncated to this maxi-mum value. The 5TE uses the σRaw value of 1023 to indicatethe electrical conductivity portion of the sensor is not workingas expected.

TemperatureThe raw temperature value, (TRaw), is valid in the range 0 to1022. The 5TE uses a compression algorithm to extend therange of temperatures that can be represented by a 10-bitvalue. The sensor sends temperature with 1/10 of a degreeCelsius resolution for the range -40 to 50.0°C. For the range50.5 to 111.0 the sensor sends temperature with a 1/2 of adegree resolution. Temperatures outside this range are trun-cated to the maximum or minimum values as appropriate.The 5TE uses the TRaw value of 1023 to indicate the tempera-ture portion of the sensor is not working as expected.

If TRaw < 900 then TRaw2 = TRaw

If TRaw > 900 then TRaw2 = 900 +5 (TRaw - 900)

Temperature(°C)=TRaw2 400∠

10-------------------------------

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5TE Operator’s Manual6. Installing the Probes

6. Installing the Probes

NOTE 1: Make sure the screw electrodes on the 5TE are clean beforeinstalling the sensors. See the sensor cleaning section at the end of themanual.

NOTE 2: Decagon advises that you test the sensors with your data log-ging device and software before going to the field.

Before you select a site for installation, remember that the soilnext to the probe surface has the strongest influence on itsreadings. It is important to avoid air gaps or extremely com-pact soil around the probe, which can skew readings. Do notinstall the 5TE next to large metal objects, which can attenuatethe probes’ electromagnetic field and distort output readings.Because the probes have gaps between their prongs, it is alsoimportant to consider the size of the media you are insertingthe probe into. It is possible to get sticks, bark, roots or othermaterial stuck between the probe prongs, which will adverselyaffect readings. Finally, be careful when inserting the probesinto dense soil, as the prongs can break if excessive force isused when pushing them in.

ProcedureThe 5TE can be inserted directly into growing media or soil.The tip of each prong has been sharpened to make it easier topush the probe in. Be careful around the sharpened tips! The probeneeds to be completely covered by soil, as shown in Figure 2.

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Figure 2: 5TE installed correctly

The probes may be difficult to insert into extremely compactor dry soil. If you have difficulty inserting the probe, try loos-ening the soil somewhat or wetting the soil. Never pound theprobe in.

Method 1. : Horizontal InstallationExcavate a hole or trench a few centimeters deeper than thedepth at which the sensor is to be installed. At the installationdepth, shave off some soil from the vertical soil face exposingundisturbed soil. Insert the sensor into the undisturbed soilface until the entire sensing portion of the 5TE is inserted.

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The tip of each prong has been sharpened to make it easier topush the sensor in. Be careful with the sharp tips! Backfill thetrench taking care to pack the soil back to natural bulk densityaround the black plastic portion of the 5TE.

Method 2.: Vertical InstallationAuger a 4-inch hole to the depth at which the sensor is to beinstalled. Insert the sensor into the undisturbed soil at thebottom of the auger hole using your hand or any other imple-ment that will guide the sensor into the soil at the bottom ofthe hole. Many people have used a simple piece of PVC pipewith a notch cut in the end for the sensor to sit in, with thesensor cable routed inside the pipe. After inserting the sensor,remove the installation device and backfill the hole taking careto pack the soil back to natural bulk density while not damag-ing the black plastic portion of the sensor or the sensor cablein the process.

OrientationThe 5TE can be oriented in any direction. Because the probeshave prongs instead of a blade (like the EC-10 and EC-20), theprobe can be placed in any orientation that meets yourrequirements.

Removing the ProbesWhen removing the 5TE probe, do not pull it by the cable!This could break the internal wires and cause the probe tomalfunction or not function at all.

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Multiple Probe Installation‘The 5TE sensor makes eletrical conductivity (EC) measure-ments by exciting one screw on the sensor and measuring thecurrent that moves from that screw to the adjacent screw thatis grounded. The distance between the screws is an importantpart of the EC calculation. If 5TE sensors are placed closetogether (within 20cm), it is possible for some of the currentthat leaves the excited screw to pass through the nearby sen-sor’s ground screw, thus producing an erroneous sensor read-ing.

This problem occurs regardless of what logging system youare using if the ground wires are connected at all times. If youmust have your sensors close together, (i.e. column experi-ments, etc) consider a multiplexing option that would isolatethe ground wires.

If you are installing sensors vertically at short depth intervals,do not bury them directly over the top of each other.Although at times the vertical distance may be less than 20cm,the sensors can be staggered horizontally so they are notdirectly above each other, thus meeting the distance require-ment.

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5TE Operator’s Manual7. Campbell Scientific Programs

7. Campbell Scientific Programs

Because the probes use digital rather than analog communica-tion, they require special considerations when connecting to aCampbell Scientific datalogger. The following applicationnotes containing Campbell Scientific sample programs areavailable for the 5TE:

• Using the 5TE with Campbell Scientific CR10X Data logger

• Using the 5TE with Campbell Scientific CR1000• Multiplexing the 5TE using the AM16/32

To access these Campbell Scientific Programs, please visithttp://www.decagon.com/home/downloads.php

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5TE Operator’s Manual8. Troubleshooting&Sensor Care

8. Troubleshooting&Sensor Care

If you encounter problems with the 5TE sensor, they mostlikely will manifest themselves in the form of incorrect orerroneous readings. Before contacting Decagon about thesensor, do the following:

Datalogger

1. Check to make sure the connections to the data logger areboth correct and secure.

2. Ensure that your data logger's batteries are not dead orweakened.

3. Check the configuration of your data logger in ECH2OUtility or ECH2O DataTrac to make sure you haveselected 5TE.

Probes

1. Ensure that your probes are installed according to the“Installation” section of this manual.

2. Check probe cables for nicks or cuts that could cause amalfunction.

3. Check your electrical conductivity sensor screws to ensurethat they are not damaged or contaminated.

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Sensor CleaningThe EC measurement is very sensitive to the presence of non-conducting contamination on the screws, especially at highEC. The most common source of contamination is skin oilfrom handling the screws traces with bare hands. Figure 3aand 3b show the simplified electrical circuit resulting from afinger print on the screw in a low EC soil and high EC soil,respectively. It is apparent that in a low EC soil, the effects ofcontamination are relatively small, because the resistance inthe soil dominates the total resistance. However, in a high ECsoil, the effects of contamination become very large. Thisdemonstrates the need to keep the screws clean, especiallywhen the probe is to be used in high EC soil. Contaminationof the screws during handling and shipping prevent the fac-tory calibration from being valid past 8 dS/m, although theprobes will measure accurately at much higher EC with propercleaning and calibration by the user.

Figure 3a: Simplified circuit of con-taminated probe in low EC (highresistance) soil. Rtotal=101Ω, fingerprint causes 1% error.

Figure 3b: Simplified circuit ofcontaminated probe in high EC(low resistance) soil. Rtotal=5Ω,fingerprint causes 25% error

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Cleaning Method1. Wash the screws thoroughly with a drop of Dawn or other

grease cutting dish soap and warm water. Be sure that thesoap doesn’t contain skin conditioners or moisturizers.

2. Rinse the probe and screws thoroughly with tap water toremove all remnants of soap.

3. Dry the screws with a clean paper towel. Use a scrubbingmotion to dry the screws to be sure any particles havebeen detached. Be sure that the paper towel does not haveany skin conditioners or moisturizers in it, as this willundo all of the cleaning that you have just accomplished.

Be sure not to touch the screws with an un-gloved hand or tocontact them with any source of oil or other non-conductingresidue.

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5TE Operator’s ManualDeclaration of Conformity

Declaration of ConformityApplication of Council Directive:89/336/EE6

Standards to Which Conformity EN61326 : 1998is Declared: EN51022 : 1998

Manufacturer’s Name: Decagon Devices, Inc. 2365 NE Hopkins Court Pullman, WA 99163 USA

Type of Equipment: Dielectric soilmoisture probe

Model Number: ECH2O-TE/ECH2O EC-TM 5TE

Year of First Manufacture: 2005

This is to certify that the ECH2O-TE, ECH2O EC-TM and5TE dielectric soil moisture probes, manufactured by Deca-gon Devices, Inc., a corporation based in Pullman, Washing-ton, USA meet or exceed the standards for CE compliance asper the Council Directives noted above. All instruments arebuilt at the factory at Decagon and pertinent testing docu-mentation is freely available for verification.

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5TE Operator’s ManualIndex

Index

BBulk EC 8

CCampbell Scientific data logger 16Campbell Scientific Programs 24Cleaning

probe 27screws 27

Contact information 2Converting bulk EC to pore EC 8CSI loggers

using 5TE probes with 24

DDeclaration of conformity 28Dielectric permittivity 11, 18

EECH2O Utility 1.10 14Electrical conductivity 7Extension cables 15

HHorizontal installation 21How the TE works

electrical conductivity 7temperature 6volumetric water content 6

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IInstallation

orientation 22removing the probe 22

LLogger communication 17

MMineral soil calibration 11

PPerlite Calibration 12Pore water EC 8Potting Soil Calibration 12Power requirements 2

RRaw values 18Rockwool Calibration 12

SScrews 7Seller’s liability 3Sensor accuracy 1Sensor cleaning 26Sensor components 5Sensor installation 20Sensor range 1Sensor resolution 1Solution EC 9Specifications 1

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TTemperature 6, 19Troubleshooting 25

VVertical installation 22Volumetric water content 6

WWarranty information 3

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5TE

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