Irrometer MOD950T1107 Wireless Monitor Transmitter User Manual

Irrometer Company, Inc. Wireless Monitor Transmitter Users Manual

Users Manual

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION INSTRUCTIONSThe Wireless Monitor Receiver (950R1) automatically records sensor read-ings received from Field Transmitters (950T1) for collection and display on acomputer. Each Field Transmitter can read up to four (4) Watermark soilmoisture sensors, temperature sensors or Irrometer Model RSU (4-20mAtransducer) sensors. The Receiver unit can also read a direct input from aswitch closure sensor or rain gauge.SENSOR INSTALLATIONWatermark soil moisture sensors must be “conditioned” prior to installation.The sensors should be soaked to saturation and then dried fully, twice, andthen soaked to saturation again prior to installation. This “conditioning” ofthe sensors ensures quick response to changing soil moisture conditions. Ifa sensor is only soaked and then installed, several irrigation cycles must passbefore the sensor will respond accurately. Soak the sensors in a bucket ofwater for several hours to saturate them. Hang them up overnight to drysufficiently. After “conditioning” they are ready for installation. SensorsMUST be installed in an active portion of the root zone of the plant to bemonitored, either vertically or up to a 45° angle. Bore a 7/8” (22mm)diameter access hole to the desired depth, then insert the sensor. Becareful to ensure a snug fit between the sensor and the surrounding soil.Then backfill the hole firmly. The access hole can be made by pounding a7/8” (22mm) diameter bar (or ½” IPS pipe) to the desired depth, thenextracting the bar, being careful not to disturb the soil surrounding theborehole. With hard or rocky soil, a larger diameter hole can be made witha soil auger. Mix the auger cuttings with water to create a slurry and pourinto the borehole. Then insert the sensor into the hole. Once the slurrydries, the sensor will have been “grouted” in to ensure good contact withthe soil. The sensor can be attached to ½” class 315 PVC pipe with a PVCto ABS cement. The pipe becomes a conduit to protect the sensor wires.Also, this makes the sensor easier to push into the access hole and remove,if desired. The top of this pipe section should be capped or plugged sosurface water does not travel down to the sensor. Drill a small hole in theside of the pipe just above the sensor to allow water to drain away if itbecomes trapped in the pipe.To measure soil temperature and compensate the accompanyingWatermark sensors on the same Field Transmitter, the temperature sensorshould be installed in the soil near a representative soil moisture sensor.Only one temperature sensor can be used per Field Transmitter. Bore a1/2” (13mm) hole in the soil and insert the sensor. Then backfill the hole. #89TROUBLESHOOTINGPlease reference the suggestions below, look in the Help section of WaterGraph orcontact Irrometer for further assistance.No Display: Check battery, replace if <7.2 Volts. Try RESET, see below.Unusual readings: The following are possible readings that may be displayedinstead of a soil moisture, temperature or switch position: DRY-meaning the resistanceis so high that there must be an open wiring connection on a Watemark or a lowtemperature reading (frozen) on a temperature sensor, check for broken wires. SHORT-meaning the resistance is so low that the circuit must be shorted on aWatermark, or off scale on a temperature sensor, check for shorts.No reading reported for too long: Sensor may have lost contact with the soil. Re-installsensor, being sure to establish good soil contact. Communication may be poor fromthat location. Transmission can be checked from the Field Transmitter to the Receiverby pressing the small button in the middle of the transmitter circuit board. Each pressof this button should register another reading on the counter in the display of theReceiver. Relocate or elevate antenna as necessary for better transmission.Soft RESET: Use the end of a paper clip or other small object to press the RESET buttonlocated underneath the small hole labeled RESET on the faceplate.Hard RESET: Disconnect the battery. Press and hold the RESET button down for atleast 5 seconds. Then re-insert the battery.Firmware upgrading: Using the “Update Datalogger” command in the “Tools” menuin WaterGraph, select the new firmware version (.hex format) and press “Open.” Ifthe upload process is interrupted, then Monitor will be locked up and it’s displaywill stay on “Uploading.” If this happens, use the “Recover Monitor Update”command in the “Tools” menu to finish the upload process.The Company Mail: P.O. Box 2424 Riverside, CA 92516Phone: (951) 689-1701 Fax: (951) 689-3706TechSupport@Irrometer.com www.Irrometer.comWARRANTY: The IRROMETER COMPANY warrants its products against defectiveworkmanship or materials under normal use for one year from date of purchase.Defective parts will be replaced at no charge for either labor or parts if returned tothe manufacturer during the warranty period. The seller’s or manufacturer’s onlyobligation shall be to replace the defective part and neither seller nor manufacturershall be liable for any injury, loss or damage, direct or consequential,arising out ofthe use of or inability to use the product. This warranty does not protect againstabuse, shipping damage, neglect, tampering or vandalism, freezing or other damagewhether intentionally or inadvertently.SPECIFICATIONS433 MHz, FCC Part 15 & IC compliant, license free for the userRecords capacity:8062 total readings from Field Transmitters254 switch closures (127 irrigation events, date/time stamped)254 rain gauge records (up 655 inches)Industry Canada Compliance Statement(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This devicemust accept any interference received, including interference that may causeundesired operation.
2 11The Wireless Monitor Receivershould be mounted on a post atleast 4 feet (1.2 m) high andwithin 1500 ft (457m) line-of-sight transmission range of thearea where the FieldTransmitters are installed. Thesolar panel should be orientedto catch as much sunlightas possible. The included pipeclamps can be used for a postas large as 2 inch (51mm) indiameter. Alternately, the clampholes can be used to attach to awooden post with up to 1/4”(6mm) screws or bolts.If ambient air temperature is to be measured, then no other sensorsshould be used on that Field transmitter. Air temperature measurementsmay be somewhat slow to respond due to the potting protecting thesensor. The measurement range is 20 F to 120F (0-50C), which may besuitable for frost protection monitoring purposes.Refer to Irrometer installation instructions for proper installation of ModelRSU.The switch closure sensor is a pressure gauge with a ¼” NPT connectionthat has an adjustable switch mounted to its face. The gauge is installedinto the irrigation pipeline. The pressure range of the gauge should beselected so that the normal system pressure is in the middle third of thegauge range. The normal system pressure is the set point which will tripthe switch, indicating that an irrigation is taking place.The Rain Gauge should be installed on a post near the Receiver location.It wires directly to the terminal strip on the face of the Receiver (950R1).It should be fully exposed to any rainfall that may occur and be easilyaccessible for cleaning and maintenance purposes.MOUNTING ENCLOSURESIf additional elevation difference exists between the Field Transmitterlocations and the Receiver location, then range may be enhanced. Theradio signal that eminates from the transmitter is oval shaped and can bedisturbed if it hits the ground or canopy. A minimum of 4 ft. (1.2m)height is recommended, if more exists the range can be lengthened.INSTRUCTION TO THE USERThis equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits fora class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. Theselimits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful in-terference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, usesand can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used inaccordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to ra-dio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interferencewill not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does causeharmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be de-termined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged totry to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: * Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. * Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. * Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. * Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.In order to maintain compliance with FCC regulations, shielded cablesmust be used with this equipment. Operation with non-approved equip-ment or unshielded cables is likely to result in interference to radio andTV reception. The user is cautioned that changes and modifications madeto the equipment without the approval of manufacturer could void theuser’s authority to operate this equipment.Your own situation may be unique because of differences in crop, soilsand climate. Perhaps the most important soil moisture reading is thedifference between today’s reading and that of 3 – 5 days ago. That is tosay, how quickly is the reading going up. A slow increase means the soilis drying out slowly. But a big jump means the soil is losing water veryrapidly. By analyzing such trends in the readings, you will determine WHENto irrigate.By using sensors at two or more depths in the root system, you will learnHOW MUCH water to apply. If the shallow sensor shows a rapidlyincreasing reading, but the deep sensor shows adequate moisture, youcan run a short irrigation cycle as you only need to replenish the shallowroot profile. If the deep sensor also shows a dry condition, then a longerirrigation cycle is needed to fully re-wet the entire root zone. Thereadings you take after an irrigation or rainfall event will show youexactly how effective that water application really was.Your own experience and management will soon point you in the properdirection. You will be practicing “irrigation to need” with the expectedpositive results that come from any good management program.
310SENSOR WIRINGLong runs of sensor wiring are eliminated by using this wireless system. Thesensors wire directly to the Field Transmitter that wirelesslytransmits readings back to the Receiver module. Attach sensor wires tothe appropriate terminals as determined by your sensor selection.Follow the sensor placement listings below to correspond to theconfiguration of the transmitter module you are using. The terminal stripshave spring tensioned lever type terminals. First, insert the wire in thebottom of the terminal, then push down on the black lever. The black levercan be lifted with a finger, or small screwdriver inserted in the slot, for wireremoval.The Wireless Monitor Field Transmitters should be locatedin the field where sensors readings are desired. Severaldifferent depths can be measured or similar depths can bemeasured, which can later be averaged in the software.Install the sensors nearby at the desired depths. Cut apiece of 2 inch (51mm) pipe to the desired length to beused as a mounting post for the transmitter. Note thefinished height of the transmitter antenna should be atleast 4 feet (1.2m). Route the sensor wires through thepipe and firmly install it in the ground at the sensorlocation. Route the sensor wires through the couplingand short pipe section of the Field Transmitter, thenattach them to the terminal strip on the Field Transmitterper the drawing in Figure 1. Slide the short pipe sectionup over the circuit board and into the cap. Then, slip thefoam wedge over the wires and insert it into the bottomof the transmitter housing to protect it from moisture anddirt. If insects are a problem, then the mounting pipeshould be sealed on the inside around the wires withsilicone or spray foam to help protect the radio transmitter.Insert the coupling over themounting pipe and the transmitterhousing to complete the installation.The coupling can be solvent ce-mented in place if desired, but thecap should be left as a friction fit sothe transmitter can be removed ifnecessary. Leave sufficient excesswire to allow for removal of the capand transmitter.MANAGEMENTThe key element in proper soil moisture measurement is the operator. Takingthe time to interpret your sensor readings will give you a vivid picture of whatis happening with the soil moisture in the root system of your crop. Usually 2 –3 readings between irrigations is sufficient. The graphical display of your read-ings show exactly how quickly (or slowly) your soil moisture is being depleted.Use the following readings as a general guideline:• 0 – 10 centibars = Saturated soil• 10 – 30 centibars = Soil is adequately wet (except coarse sands, which are beginning to lose water)• 30 – 60 centibars = Usual range for irrigation (most soils)• 60 – 100 centibars = Usual range for irrigation in heavy clay• 100 – 200 centibars = Soil is becoming dangerously dry for maximum production. Proceed with caution!An Irrometer Switching Pressure Gauge can be used for the Switch Closuresensor input port, to record whenever the irrigation system is running.Install the switching gauge on the irrigation pipeline and whenever thesystem turns on it registers a switch closure. Be sure to select a SwitchingPressure Gauge with the correct range for the operating pressure of theirrigation system. The pressure at which the switch closes should be withinthe middle third of the gauge operating range. For example, if the irrigationsystem’s normal operating pressure is 8 p.s.i., then use a gauge with a0 to 15 p.s.i.range. The switch closure displays as a horizontal bar, or back-ground bar, indicating the system run time.You can purchase additional Watermark, Temperature, Switch Closure orRain Gauge sensors as necessary to outfit your Monitor for thecharacteristics you desire:200SS-5 Watermark with 5 ft. wire200SS-10 Watermark with 10 ft. wire200SS-15 Watermark with 15 ft. wire (stripped & tinned for terminal strip)200SS-X Watermark w/o wire lead (for splicing to customer supplied wire)200-TS Soil temperature w/15’ wire950 RG Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge (.01” or .2 mm increment)7-*/Switch/DC Switching pressure gauge(* choose from 15, 30, 60, 10, 200 or 400 psi ranges)Switch Closureor Rain GaugeThe Receiver unit can also readone directly wired sensor input,either switch closure or rain gauge.Either of these inputs can aid inmaking irrigation scheduling deci-sions. The Rain Gauge is used torecord hourly or daily rainfall.Terminal stripon ReceiverIf fewer sensors are utilized, the empty ports do not report readings. Thesoil temperature sensor is used to compensate the Watermark soil moisturesensor readings for varying soil temperatures, since temperature affects theaccuracy of the reading. NOTE: Irrometer Model RSU transducers requireauxiliary power.When selecting locations for Field Transmitters, test communication first.With the Receiver in position, monitor the display screen. With the FieldTransmitter at a potential location, press the test button to send a signal tothe Receiver. If the Counter in the display of the Receiver increases, thenthe transmission was successful. Repeat to verify consistency.
9 4950T1-TW:Terminal 1: Soil temperatureTerminal 2: Watermark smooth wireTerminal 3: Watermark smooth wireTerminal 4: Watermark smooth wireTerminals GND: Temperature andWatermark ridged wires950T1-W:Terminal 1: Watermark smooth wireTerminal 2: Watermark smooth wireTerminal 3: Watermark smooth wireTerminal 4: Watermark smooth wireTerminals GND: Watermark ridged wires950RSU:Terminal 1: Model RSU black wireTerminal 2: Model RSU black wireTerminal 3: Model RSU black wireTerminal 4: Model RSU black wireTerminals GND: Auxiliary power groundTerminal OUT: All RSU red wiresTerminal IN: Auxiliary power positiveEach of these positions will correspond to an individual sensor nameassigned when you configure the Receiver module. If soil temperaturecompensation is desired, then the 950T1-TW configuration must be usedon each transmitter. If ambient air temperature is being measured, it shouldbe on a separate transmitter with only a temperature sensor on port 1.1 2 3 4 GND OUT INRidged WiresBATTERY INSTALLATIONField transmitters:Insert an alkaline 9 volt battery into the holder on the back side of thecircuit board. If battery voltage is low, an alert indicator will appear whendownloaded data is graphed.Receiver module:Plug the battery into the Receiver module connector to activate the unit.A coin cell battery is used to maintain the internal clock in the event of a lossof external battery power. This coin cell battery will not operate the radioreceiver or record readings. If 115 VAC power is available at the receiverlocation, a plug-in style transformer can be used in place of the battery andsolar panel.Watermark sensors have one smooth wire and one wire with a small ridgerunning the length of the wire. Unlike with other Watermark readingdevices, sensor wire polarity must be observed when wiring the sensor tothe 950T1 Field Transmitter. The wires with the ridge always connect tothe ground terminals.Irrometer Model RSU requires auxiliary power (9 to 24 VDC) from an outsidesource to power the transducers, such as the 900M-BP solar rechargingbattery pack.SENSOR SELECTIONEach Field Transmitter can be programmed to read one soil temperatureand three Watermark sensors or four Watermark sensors or four IrrometerModel RSU sensors.FIELD OPERATIONWith the SETUP programmed and the sensors connected, your WirelessMonitor can now be used to download or display soil moisture tensions.You may view the most recent reading of the sensors at any time. Simplypush the green button once to “wake up” the display. The display will showthe date/time and base receiver address. A second push shows the datereading collection began. The next push displays the date/time of the lastreading, the transmitter address and battery status. Push the green but-ton again to display the last four sensor readings on transmitter numberone. Each successive push of the green button will reveal another set oftransmitter readings. After 10 seconds of inactivity, the Monitor display willgo into sleep mode, to preserve battery life. Viewing in-field readings canaid in making on the spot irrigation scheduling decisions, while the storeddata is used to view the rate of change over time and to evaluate theperformance of irrigations which have taken place.WaterGraph software is used for managing the collected data to aid inmaking irrigation scheduling decisions. Many functions can be performed:Retrieving collected data from the Monitor (downloading)Viewing data in graph form (opening existing files)Viewing data in spreadsheet form (raw data)Detailed instructions describing all the features of these various functionsare described in the on-screen documentation available in the pull downHelp menu of the program.16 The date and time is automatically retrieved from your computer’s clock.17 When you are finished, click on “Send Setup to Datalogger.” This launches or transfers your configuration to the Monitor’s memory.18 Your SETUP characteristics can be saved with the “Save Datalogger Setup” choice from the File menu, for re-programming units.19 “Retrieve Datalogger Setup” can be used to view the existing configuration.
58USB drivers will also need to be installed onto your computer:1 Insert the WaterGraph CD into your computer’s CD drive.2 Select the USB Driver installation program from the CD3 Select “Yes” when prompted to install the driver.4 Follow the on screen prompts, selecting “Next” and accepting the default choices suggested until reaching the end of the installation.5 Select “Finish” to conclude the installation.6 You may now launch WaterGraph by double clicking on the desktop icon.To assign transmitter and sensor labels for the graph legend (SETUP):1 Connect the Receiver (950R1) to your Windows® based (PC) computer (laptop or desktop) with the supplied USB cable. One end connects to the Receiver at the port labeled “USB Port” and the other end connects to one of the powered USB ports on your computer.2 Double click the WaterGraph icon on your desktop to open the program.3 The first window you will see may say “Choose Language.” If so, select the language you wish to use. This can later be changed in the File pull down menu, but the program must be re-started to take effect.4 The next window you see says “Auto Detect.” This window prompts you to allow the program to locate the correct COM port on your computer or allows you to select the appropriate port. Click either “Auto Detect” or select the COM port from the drop down list and click “Done.”5 Once the computer has connected with the Receiver, the main program window will open which says “WaterGraph.”6 Select “Setup Datalogger.” This will open the Setup window where you input individual transmitter addresses and sensor names for the graph legend.7 First, enter a specific name in the space provided for User/Company Name (16 alphanumeric characters available using spacebar for blank spaces).8 Next select which Base Receiver you are programming by choosing from the pull down menu.9 Next enter a unique name for the Base Radio Receiver (16 alphanumeric characters available using the spacebar for blank spaces).10 Next, enter a unique name for Unit 1 Name (8 alphanumeric characters available using the spacebar for blank spaces)11 Then, enter names for each of the 4 sensors that will be connected to that specific Field Transmitter.12 Then, following the switch positions listed for Unit 1, adjust the DIP switch settings on the field Transmitter to correspond exactly. The diagram below shows the DIP switch positions.13 Next, the sensor selection will need to be programmed in for the Field Transmitter as well using the smaller 4 position DIP switch. Follow the diagram below or the settings listed on the SETUP screen to match the sensors being installed.14 Similarly configure every transmitter being used.15 If you are using a directly wired sensor input to the Receiver, select either Switch Closure or Rain Gauge from the Switch Mode pull down menu. If using a Rain Gauge, select the hourly or daily accumulation interval and inches or mm reporting units.Programming the sensor selections:Programming the sensor selection is done by selecting from amongseveral preset choices of sensor combinations. The selections are madeby switching the smaller four position DIP Switch to correspond to thechoices as illustrated. A reading interval does not need to be selected.The unique design of the Wireless Monitor system only records sensorreadings when they have changed, thus eliminating the recording ofunnecessary readings and reducing file size and downloading time. Usethe SETUP function in WaterGraph to create individual sensor names thatwill be referenced in the graph legend for easy identification. Theselabels will only apply when downloaded to the same computer that wasused to launch the Monitor. The settings are stored in a settings file thatcan be moved to another computer to retain the sensor labels, if desired.Programming and addressing Field Transmitters:Field Transmitters need to be programmed for the sensor combinationsattached and individually addressed, as well as addressed to a specificreceiver unit. This programming is done by setting the positions of twodifferent DIP switches on the circuit board of the transmitter. Diagramson the following pages illustrate the location and switch positions asdescribed in the instructions. On-screen instruction is also provided inthe WaterGraph software program as you go through the setup processon the computer to configure your system.Addressing the Field Transmitters:The larger, 7 position, DIP switch is used to address the Field Transmitterand also select the Receiver unit it will communicate with. The first fourpositions will address the transmitter. The last three positions will setthe receiver it is to communicate with. Each transmitter must have aunique address, so the first four positions cannot be the same among allthe transmitters being used per receiver. However, the receiver selectionmust be the same among all the transmitters reporting to it. So the firstfour positions will always be different, and the last three postions willalways be the same for each system (consisting of one receiver and upto sixteen transmitters).Please refer to the following diagrams and the on-screen documentationwhen programming with the DIP switches.
6 7ONOFF1234567ONOFF1234567ONOFF1234567ONOFF1234567ONOFF12 34 56 7ONOFF1234567ONOFF1234567ONOFF123 45 67ONOFF123 4 567ONOFF12 34 567ONOFF12 34 56 7ONOFF1234567ONOFF1234567ONOFF1234567ONOFF123 4 567ONOFF12 34 56 7Transmitter No. 2Transmitter No. 1ONOFF12 34 56 7ONOFF1234567ONOFF1234567ONOFF1234567ONOFF1234567ONOFF123 45 67Transmitter No. 3Transmitter No. 4Transmitter No. 5Transmitter No. 6Transmitter No. 7Transmitter No. 8Transmitter No. 9Transmitter No. 10Transmitter No. 11Transmitter No. 12Transmitter No. 13Transmitter No. 14Transmitter No. 15Transmitter No. 16Receiver No. 1Receiver No. 6Receiver No. 5Receiver No. 4Receiver No. 3Receiver No. 2ONOFF12 34 5 67Receiver No. 7ONOFF1234567Receiver No. 8PROGRAMMINGWaterGraph is a Microsoft Windows® based software program with whichyou communicate with the Wireless Monitor. With this software, and theMonitor connected to your computer, either directy or through a telemetrysystem, you will program your individual SETUP characteristics and downloadcollected data to graphically represent the soil moisture characteristics ofyour location. These functions are outlined in the following steps:To install the software onto your computer:(System Requirements: Win 98/98SE/ME/2000/XP, 5 MB hardrive space, 12MB RAM)1 Insert the WaterGraph CD into your computer’s CD drive.2 The installation program will launch automatically. If it does not, using Windows® Explorer, browse to the CD drive and double click the Setup.exe file located on the installation CD.3 Select “Yes” when prompted to install WaterGraph software.4 Follow the on screen prompts, selecting “Next” and accepting the default choices suggested until reaching the end of the installation.5 Select “Finish” to conclude the installation.Prior to installing theequipment in the field, theField Transmitter units need tobe programmed for thesensors to be read andaddressed to communicatewith the proper Receiver. Thisis done by setting thepositions of DIP switcheslocated on the circuit board ofthe Field Transmitter unit.Please refer to the diagram forthe proper DIP switchpositions. There are severalsensor combinations to selectfrom. If you are using fewerthan four (4) sensors, someof the positions on theterminal strip will be empty.
file:///C|/Users/Administrator/Desktop/tx1.txtASYNC 4800 baudeach bit is 208us +/- 10useach byte is 10 bits (8 data 1 start and 1 stop) 2.08mseach byte is sent twice once as true data then once inverted 4.16mspacket consists of 16 bytes 33.3mspackets sent 4 times 100ms apartpacket consists of addr,mode,sensor 1,2,3,4 battery and checksumsync 5ms x 2 x 2 20ms16 bytes 208s x 10 bits x 2 bytes x 8 bytes per packet 33.3ms4 packets 33.3 x 4 133ms100ms off between packets 400mstotal time 533msfile:///C|/Users/Administrator/Desktop/tx1.txt [10/31/2007 11:02:33 AM]

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