Description
This affordably priced soil water content sensor offers a two-tine design for easy installation. In addition, the EC-5 is a smart sensor, which allows users to launch monitoring systems quickly, easily, and affordably. Since HOBO data loggers recognize this sensor, no complicated programming or setup is required. The EC-5 integrates with the field-proven ECH2O™ Sensor and a 12-bit A/D; and provides ±3% accuracy in typical soil conditions, and ±2% accuracy with soil-specific calibration. Readings are provided directly in volumetric water content. This sensor is designed to maintain low sensitivity to salinity and textural effects.
Features
- Measures a 0.3 liter volume of soil
- Sensor uses a high-frequency (70 MHz) circuit that provides good accuracy even in high-salinity and sandy soils.
- Compatible with Onset standalone and web-based weather stations
Specifications
| Specifications | S-SMC-M005 |
| Measurement Range | In soil: 0 to 0.550 m³/m³ (volumetric water content) |
| Extended range | -0.401 to 2.574 m³/m³; see Note 1 |
| Accuracy | ±0.031 m³/m³ (±3.1%) typical 0 to 50°C (32° to 122°F) for mineral soils up to 8 dS/m and ±0.020 m³/m³ (±2%) with soil specific calibration; see Notes 2 and 3 |
| Resolution | 0.0007 m³/m³ (0.07%) |
| Volume of Influence | 0.3 liters (10.14 oz) |
| Sensor Frequency | 70 MHz |
| Soil Probe Dimensions | 89 x 15 x 1.5 mm (3.5 x 0.62 x 0.06 in.) |
| Weight | 180 grams (6.3 oz) |
| Decagon ECH2O Probe Part No | EC-5 |
| Sensor Operating Temperature | 0° to 50°C (32° to 122°F). Although the sensor probe and cable can safely operate at below-freezing temperatures (to -40°C/F) and the smart sensor tube (the white portion of the sensor cable that houses the electronics) can be exposed to temperatures up to 70°C (158°F), the soil moisture data collected at these extreme temperatures is outside of the sensor’s accurate measurement range. |
| Bits per Sample | 12 |
| Number of Data Channels* | 1 |
| Measurement Averaging Option | No |
| Cable Length Available | 5 m (16 ft) |
| Length of Smart Sensor Network Cable* | 0.5 m (1.6 ft) |
| The CE Marking identifies this product as complying with all relevant directives in the European Union (EU) | |
* A single smart sensor-compatible HOBO logger can accommodate 15 data channels and up to 100 m (328 ft) of smart sensor cable (the digital communications portion of the sensor cables).
Note 1: The sensor is capable of providing readings outside the standard volumetric water content range. This is helpful in diagnosing sensor operation and installation. See the Operation section for more details.
Note 2: This is a system level accuracy specification and is comprised of the probe’s accuracy of ±0.03 m³/m³ typical (±0.02 m³/m³ soil specific) plus the smart sensor adapter accuracy of ±0.001 m³/m³ at 25°C (77°F). There are additional temperature accuracy deviations of ±0.003 m³/m³ / °C maximum for the probe across operating temperature environment, typical <0.001 m³/m³ / °C. (The temperature dependence of the smart sensor adapter is negligible.)
Note 3: Given the nature of the sensor design and sensor operating frequency, the system has inherent susceptibilities to Radio Frequency signals. The accuracy specification when subjected to certain RFI environments, such as those outlined in IEC 61000-4-3 and IEC 61000-4-6, is reduced to 0.061 m³/m³. The system level accuracy will be particularly affected when placed in an electric field of 3 V/m or greater in the 70 MHz range. RFI mitigation practices and physical deployment changes may reduce the systems susceptibility.