Lowest Cost Individual Soil Sensor for Large Sensor
Networks
Looking for a basic, no-frills soil moisture sensor? Use the
EC-5 to accurately measure water content in any soil or soil-less
media with minimal salinity and textural effects.
The EC-5 delivers research-grade accuracy at a price that makes
large sensor networks economically practical. You can adequately
characterise your site with sensors at multiple depths and
locations, even if you're on a tight budget.
Engineered for Accuracy
The EC-5 determines volumetric water content (VWC ) by measuring
the dielectric constant of the media using capacitance/frequency
domain technology. The sensor uses a 70 MHz frequency, which
minimizes salinity and textural effects, making the EC-5 accurate
in almost any soil or soil-less media. Factory calibrations are
included for mineral soils, potting soils, rockwool, and
perlite.
Easy Installation
The EC5's small size makes it easy to install--handy in field
installations and good for nursery pots. The EC-5's robust design
makes it easy to push directly into undisturbed soil to ensure good
accuracy.
Integrate with CSI Data Loggers
The EC-5's analogue signal means no-hassle integration with
systems run by other data loggers (like CSI).
| Specifications |
| Accuracy |
Mineral Soil:
±3% VWC, most mineral soils, up to 8 dS/m
±1-2% VWC with soil specific calibration
Rockwool: ±3% VWC, 0.5 to 8 dS/m
Potting Soil: ±3% VWC, 3 to 14 dS/m |
| Resolution |
0.1% VWC (mineral soil)
0.25% VWC (rockwool) |
| Range |
Calibration dependant; up to 0-100% VWC with polynomial
equation
|
| Dimensions |
8.9 x 1.8 x 0.7 cm |
Cable Length
|
5 m, custom cable lengths available upon request |
Measurement Time
|
10 ms |
Power
|
2.5 - 3.6 V DC @ 10 mA. Output proportional to input
voltage. 2.5 V and 3 V excitations supported with calibration
equations |
Output
|
Voltage, correlated linearly (soil) or polynomially (growing
media) with VWC |
Temperature
|
-40°C to +50°C |
Connector Types
|
3.5 mm stereo jack plug or stripped and tinned lead wires
(3) |
Datalogger Compatibility
(not exclusive) |
Decagon: Em50, Em50R, ProCheck, ECH2O Check,
Em5b
Campbell Scientific: CR10X, 21X, 23X, CR1000, CR3000, etc.
Other: Any data acquisition system capable of switched 2.5 to 3.6
V excitation and single ended voltage measurement at 12 bit or
better resolution. |
Warranty
|
One year, parts and labour |
