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Compatible Sensors:   Pressure Transducers:   GT3-1   GT3-15   GT3-30   Tensiometers:   ICT2100F   Jet Fill

Soil Tension Meter

Measurement of soil matric potential via a tensiometer

The Soil Tension Meter (STM) is a stand-alone logging instrument and can support up to 4 x ICTGT3 pressure transducers measuring ±7 kPa, ±100 kPa or -100 to +200 kPa. Tensiometers include designs for soil columns and field sites.

The STM is ideally used in combination with the SFM sap flow meter (tree water use), PSY stem psychrometer (plant water potential), SMM soil moisture meter, SOM soil oxygen meter and the ICT International automatic weather station.

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Features
  • Precise measurements of soil matric potential
  • Live monitoring of sorption and desorption curves
  • Up to 4 x sensor capacity
Logging:
  • Stand-alone logging
  • MicroSD expandable memory
  • Wireless connectivity and data transfer
  • Simple conversion and scripting
  • Flexible sensor calibration, look-up tables, and user scripts
  • 24-Bit resolution
  • IP68 rated water proof enclosure
  • Free Windows utility configuration software
  • Optional wireless logging via MCC1    
Power management:
  • Field: solar power and 12V battery
  • Lab: main power supply
  • Internal Lithium-Polymer battery
  • Internal voltage regulation
  • Optical isolation lightening protection
Specifications

Meter Specifications

Instrument Logging
Instrument Specification Brochure
Analogue Channels 5 double ended or 10 single ended
Resolution 0.00001V—24-Bit
Accuracy 0.001V
Minimum Logging Interval 1 second
Delayed Start Suspend Logging, Customised Intervals
Sampling Frequency 10Hz
Data
Communications USB, Wireless Radio Frequency 2.4 GHz
Data Storage MicroSD Card, SD, SDHC & SDXC Compatible (FAT32 format)
Software Compatibility Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7
Data Compatibility FAT32 compatible for direct exchange of SD card with any Windows PC
Data File Format Comma Separated Values (CSV) for compatibility with all software programs
Memory Capacity 2GB expandable to 64GB
Operating Conditions
Temperature Range -40 ° C to +80 ° C
R/H Range 0-100%
Upgradable User Upgradeable firmware using USB boot strap loader function
Power
Power supply 12V DC 2-wire non polarized bus
Power Consumption 20 mA
Internal Battery Monitoring Logging internal battery voltage & charging current
Charging Rate Automatic variable rate of charging to maximise solar panel charging current on full sun days and or under low light cloudy conditions Variable current 10 mA to 200 mA


Compatible Sensors

Associated Sensors

Pressure Transducers
ICTGT3-1
  • Measurement range: -7 to +7kPa
  • Accuracy: ± 1%
  • Resolution: 0.01kPa



ICTGT3-15
  • Measurement range: -100 to +100kPa
  • Accuracy: ± 1%
  • Resolution: 0.01kPa
ICTGT3-30
  • Measurement range: -100 to +200kPa
  • Accuracy: ± 1%
  • Resolution: 0.01kPa
Tensiometers
ICT2100F Tensiometer for Soil Columns Ceramic dimensions: 6mm diameter & 2.5cm length
Air Entry Value: 100kPa
Cable length: 1.8m
Jet Fill Tensiometers for Field Applications Ceramic dimensions: 2.1cm diameter & 8.2cm length
Tensiometer dimensions: 2.1cm diameter
Lengths from: 15cm, 30cm, 45cm, 60cm, 90cm, 120cm, 150cm

Applications
  • Soil column testing
  • Moisture retention curves
  • Geotechnical engineering
  • Soil water potential for irrigation monitoring

More Details       

  • The STM is a fully self-contained unit requiring power input from a 7W solar panel (field applications) or 12V power supply (laboratory applications). Communication is via a USB port or wireless connectivity. The STM is IP-68 rated and has a Windows driven GUI interface for complete logging solutions including look-up tables, scripts and sensor calibration capabilities.
  • The STM is a stand-alone instrument and does not need extensive cables and power requirements. All data is stored within the unit on a removable SD card.
  • Communication with the STM is made either with a USB or wireless connection. Wireless is compatible up to 250m distance.
  • In conjunction with an ICT web-based controller, the STM and/or individual sensors can be controlled remotely. Real-time, live measurements can be made remotely from any location with internet access. Data can be logged directly onto a remote computer or stored in the field on an ICT log server which can then be accessed via the internet.
  • The STM has a Windows configuration software. The software is GUI based and extremely userfriendly. Custom calibration equations or data can be entered and edited via the software. Real-time measurements, diagnostics and sensor configuration can easily be made.
  • The STM has 2 wire, non-polarized bus for power input. There is no chance of incorrect wiring of positive and negative voltage because the STM is non - polarized.
  • The STM has an internal lithium-polymer battery that is kept charged by an external power supply (solar panel or mains). The instrument has an internal voltage regulation for maximum power reliability.
  • The STM is IP68 rated and has been demonstrated to operate in extreme environmental conditions. Units are being used in diverse environments from hot Australian deserts, tropical Amazon rainforests, temperate German forests, Indian agricultural fields and North American Arctic cold.

Case Studies








Meter Software

Overview

ICT International instruments have customised software support. The software acts as an interface between the user, instrument and sensors. Each instrument has software pre-configured for the sensors it supports.

Look up Table

A look-up table is a linear conversion from a mV output from the sensor into any conversion units. A minimum of two values are needed: the lowest mV output and the highest mV output.

Script

For more complex conversions, such as exponential, logistic or polynomial equations, users can enter a script.

Self Calibration

Individual sensors can be calibrated using the ICT International software. A minimum three point calibration curve is required. Statistical analysis of calibrated data is automatically performed. Calibration curves can be saved, retained and modified. Calibration of individual sensors allows absolute precision data collection.

Communication

MCC
  • Wireless communication with any ICT International instrument within 250m.
  • Portable, easy to use via ICT International software interface.
  • Connects directly into any Windows based computer via USB cable.
  • Multiple channel ports, such as SDI-12, RS232, RS485, SI8, ICT-BUS & ICT Wireless Protocols, for highly flexible interfacing between ICT International instruments and third party devices.

Meter Components
ICT Instrument
The ICT Instrument is pre-calibrated and can support up to ten sensors.
Breakout board
Sensors, connect to the meter via a Pelican box for maximum environmental protection.

Depending on sensor requirements, a maximum of 5 or 10 sensors can be connected.
      

Windows configuration software

Custom calibration equations or data can be entered and edited via the software.

Real-time measurements, diagnostics and sensor configuration can easily be made.
      
USB cable
Removable Micro SD card plus adapter
Data stored internally on a 2GB removable micro-SD card. Memory can handle months to years of data. Expandable to 4GB, 8GB or 16 GB micro-SD cards.
Solar panel / CH7 Power Supply (optional)
Field Applications:
  • 7W Solar Panel (standard)
  • 11W Solar Panel (high demand)
  • 12V Battery (recommended, not supplied)
  • Solar charger regulator (recommended with solar panel)
Laboratory / Glasshouse Applications:
  • CH7, 12V Switch-mode power adapter (Note: must be 12V power input)

MCC Wireless Device (optional)
Communication with the meter is made either with a USB or wireless (MCC) connection. Wireless is compatible up to 250m distance.

Individual Calibration of Sensors

Individual Calibration of Sensors

Calibration of the sensors is carried out using the ICT Instrumentation Software provided free with the ICT Data Logger. If your computer is connected to the internet the software will automatically check for any updates when you run the program. Connect your computer to the logger using the methods described in the manual provided, and start the ICT Instrument Software.

Read More ...
         

Specification Sheet    
Instrument Specification    
Instrument Components    
Instrument Software    

   






ICT2100F Tensiometer Measuring a Soil Column x 4 Depths




ICT2725 Jet Fill Tensiometers Monitoring Moisture Dynamics Near Infrastructure




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