AquaCheck ACPROBE-R User manual

AquaCheck ACPROBE-R
Instruction Manual
Feb 2015
www.aquacheck.co.za

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AquaCheck (Pty) Ltd
All rights reserved
Neither whole nor any part of the information contained in this publication
may be reproduced, transcribed or translated in any form, written or electronic
for any purpose whatsoever without prior written consent of AquaCheck (Pty)
Ltd.
This publication is intended only to assist the reader in the use of the product.
AquaCheck (Pty) Ltd shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from
the use of any information contained in this publication, or any error or
omission in such information, or any incorrect use of the product.
Version 1.1 FEB 2015.

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STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCY
ELECTRO-MAGNETIC COMPLIANCE
The ACPROBE-R wireless probe has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for this Class digital device, pursuant to the requirements of the CE rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause interference to other radio communications.
EMC APPROVALS
The ACPROBE-R, Analogue and MobiCheck versions of the AquaCheck probe have
been tested and found to comply with the following EMC guidelines:
IMMUNITY TESTING: IEC 61000-6-1 and IEC 61000-6-2
Electrical Fast Transients (EFT) - IEC 61000-4-4
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) - IEC 61000-4-2
Surges - IEC 61000-4-5
Radiated Susceptibility - IEC 801 –3
Voltage Dips and Interruptions - IEC 61000-4-11
Conducted Susceptibility - IEC 61000-4-6
EMISSIONS AND HARMONICS: CISPR 11/14/15/22 IEC 61000-3-3 and IEC 61000-3-2
Radiated Emissions
Conducted Emissions
Flicker
Harmonics

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NOTICE:
Changes or modifications made to this equipment not expressly approved by
AquaCheck (Pty) Ltd. could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Use only AquaCheck (Pty) Ltd approved accessories.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: 1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and 2) This device
must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try 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
This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation
is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an
antenna of a type and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Industry
Canada. To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its
gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not
more than that necessary for successful communication.
This radio transmitter (identify the device by certification number, or model number if
Category II) has been approved by Industry Canada to operate with the antenna types
listed below with the maximum permissible gain and required antenna impedance for
each antenna type indicated. Antenna types not included in this list, having a gain
greater than the maximum gain indicated for that type, are strictly prohibited for use with
this device.

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Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils
radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : (1)
l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage
radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le
fonctionnement.
Conformément à la réglementation d'Industrie Canada, le présent émetteur radio peut
fonctionner avec une antenne d'un type et d'un gain maximal (ou inférieur) approuvé
pour l'émetteur par Industrie Canada. Dans le but de réduire les risques de brouillage
radioélectrique à l'intention des autres utilisateurs, il faut choisir le type d'antenne et son
gain de sorte que la puissance isotrope rayonnée équivalente (p.i.r.e.) ne dépasse pas
l'intensité nécessaire à l'établissement d'une communication satisfaisante.
Le présent émetteur radio (identifier le dispositif par son numéro de certification ou son
numéro de modèle s'il fait partie du matériel de catégorie I) a été approuvé par Industrie
Canada pour fonctionner avec les types d'antenne énumérés ci-dessous et ayant un
gain admissible maximal et l'impédance requise pour chaque type d'antenne. Les types
d'antenne non inclus dans cette liste, ou dont le gain est supérieur au gain maximal
indiqué, sont strictement interdits pour l'exploitation de l'émetteur.
List of antennas
Antenna
Gain (dBi)
Whip
5.25
Wideband Omni
2.0

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“...then anyone who leaves behind him a written
manual, and likewise anyone who receives it, in the
belief that such writing will be clear and certain,
must be exceedingly simple-minded...”
Plato (423-347 BC).

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CONTENTS
LIST OF FIGURES.................................................................................................................9
1Introduction....................................................................................................................10
2ACPROBE-R Wireless System Components ..............................................................11
3Probe construction.........................................................................................................13
4General Statistics ...........................................................................................................14
5Sensor Configuration.....................................................................................................14
6Probe Settings.................................................................................................................14
7Hand-held wireless logger.............................................................................................15
7.1 Introduction..............................................................................................................15
7.2 Menu Functions .......................................................................................................17
7.3 THE STEPS OF COMMISSIONING .....................................................................20
8COMMISSIONING STEPS IN DETAIL....................................................................20
8.1 Charge the logger’s battery......................................................................................20
8.2 Record the unique ID of each Basic II probe PRO II..............................................21
8.3 Program the ID’s into the Logger............................................................................21
8.4 Program the current Time and Date into the Logger...............................................22
8.5 Perform a Profile Log on all Programmed Profiles.................................................23
9ADDITIONAL FEATURES.........................................................................................24
9.1 Single Log................................................................................................................24
9.2 9.2 Clear All Logs....................................................................................................24
9.2 9.2 Clear All Logs....................................................................................................25
9.3 9.3 View Stats..........................................................................................................25
9.3 9.3 View Stats..........................................................................................................26
10 Trouble shooting ............................................................................................................27
11 Taking a reading............................................................................................................28
11.1 Adding a probe as a profile......................................................................................28
11.2 Download readings ..................................................................................................28
11.2.1 Profile Log.......................................................................................................28
11.2.2 Single Log........................................................................................................29
12 Add-on’s..........................................................................................................................29
13 Maintenance ...................................................................................................................29
14 INSTALLATION OF THE PROBE............................................................................30
14.1 Installation in sandy soils.........................................................................................30
14.2 Using the “Slurry Technique”..................................................................................32
15 REFILL LIMITS...........................................................................................................35

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16 Getting Started...............................................................................................................37
16.1 STEP 1 – Setup logger.............................................................................................37
16.2 STEP 2 - Activate probe (s).....................................................................................37
16.3 STEP 3 – Installing the Software.............................................................................37
16.4 STEP 4 – Setting up blocks .....................................................................................39
16.5 STEP 5 – Connecting the logger to the CropGraph software..................................39
16.6 STEP 6 – Setting up groups on the logger...............................................................39
16.7 STEP 7 – Taking the first reading............................................................................39

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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Hand-held wireless logger................................................................................... 11
Figure 3: AquaCheck probe................................................................................................ 12
Figure 4: Probe Construction ............................................................................................. 13
Figure 5: RF Utility Software............................................................................................... 15
Figure 6: Drilling a hole with the hand-held auger.......................................................... 30
Figure 7: Collecting sand from the augured hole............................................................ 31
Figure 8: A good fitting access tube.................................................................................. 31
Figure 9: Wetting the profile ............................................................................................... 32
Figure 10: Pouring slurry from the augured hole back into the hole............................ 33
Figure 11: Increasing the viscosity of the slurry.............................................................. 33
Figure 12: An installed MobiCheck access tube............................................................. 34
Figure 13: A typical hand-auger bit............................................................................... 34
Figure 14: A typical hand-auger T-handle bar................................................................. 34
Figure 15: A typical separate level graph showing a depletion cycle.......................... 35
Figure 16: A typical summed graph showing a depletion cycle.................................... 36
Figure 17: ProductKey Menu.............................................................................................. 38
Figure 18: Software registration form................................................................................ 38

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1 Introduction
Capacitance based soil moisture probes have been used for irrigation scheduling
purposes for the past 15 years around the world.
Global market trends have however necessitated a revised point of departure for
affordable and practical irrigation scheduling technology and instruments.
AquaCheck (Pty) Ltd, has recognized the shift in global trends. The AquaCheck
probe was therefore specifically developed to address these needs. Its design and
construction is not only flexible enough to interface with the most advanced irrigation
system, but also has the ability to function as a very basic tool for entry level
irrigators.
Five versions of the AquaCheck II probe are available:
oA BASIC II wireless continuous logging version using a wireless hand-held
logger for data transfer to a PC;
oAn ANALOGUE version compatible to third party analogue loggers.
oA SDI-12 version compatible to third party SDI-12 loggers.
oA MODBUS version compatible to third party MODBUS loggers.
oAn AquaGREEN probe (SDI-12 or MODBUS) for greenhouse and turf
applications.
Capacitance sensors measure the dielectric constant of the soil by applying a
voltage between two electric plates (sensor rings). The frequency measured by the
rings varies with the dielectric constant, and this is used to calculate the soil
moisture content of the soil. The sensors are typically positioned at various depths
on a column 32mm in diameter. The current AquaCheck probe range offers six
standard length options varying from 200mm to 1200mm. The 400mm typically has
4 sensors and the 1200mm offers 6 sensor depths (see page 10 – configuration).
The column with attached sensors is positioned in the probe shaft and is sealed with
a water resistant resin. After assembly, the sensors are individually calibrated or
normalized to set the default air and water counts for each sensor. The probe also
takes a soil temperature reading at each depth. Each sensor has a built-in
temperature variation compensation factor. Readings from each sensor are
therefore corrected for possible inherent electronic temperature variations.
The probe can be set to take readings at variable time intervals but typically a
reading every 30 minutes (on all 6 sensors) would allow for up to 42 days on-board
storage capacity.
This manual covers the BASIC II wireless version.

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1 ACPROBE-R Wireless System Components
The ACPROBE-R wireless system consists of the following components:
A. A continuous logging soil moisture probe
B. Hand-held wireless logger unit & CropGraph software
C. Accessories:
a. Charger & Download cable
b. Manual & Installation CD
c. RF Utility Module
d. Installation Kit
The AquaCheck Basic II wireless probe is also offered in a sub-surface
configuration for turf and pasture applications. For this application the probe head
and shaft are separate units joined by a 0.5m cable. The shaft is equipped with a
hardened top cap, which if viewed from the top, looks like a standard popup
sprinkler head once installed.
The probe head is embedded in a separate sleeve with a screw-on lid allowing
access to the probe head. The lid can be opened and probe head removed to
replace the battery pack. (For more detail on the subsurface version please visit
our website at www.aquacheck.co.za and browse the products section)
Figure 1: Hand-held wireless logger

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Figure 2: AquaCheck probe ACPROBE-R

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2 Probe construction
Figure 2: Probe Construction
PROBE COVER
PROBE HEAD
LONG/SHORT
CONNECTOR
ASSEMBLY
BOTTOM
STOPPER
PROBE SHAFT

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3 General Statistics
Dimensions: 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200mm lengths with a shaft
diameter of 32mm
Weight: ±1 Kg (800mm & 6 sensors)
Protection: IP68+
Power supply: Internal 3.6V Lithium Battery (Approx 3 Years)
or External 4V to 8V at 12mA active and 0.8mA standby.
Output: Digital interface (0-3V) MODBUS compatible
Analog interface (0-2,5V) (12 Bit)
6 x S-Moist. Sensors and 6 x S-Temp. sensors.
Memory: 42 days continuous, logging every half hour.
Temp. Range: 0 to 50 0C working, and -15 to 80 0C capable.
4 Sensor Configuration
The AquaCheck continuous logging probe is available in 6 standard depths or
lengths:
o200mm length with 2 sensors at 100 and 200mm;
o400mm length with 4 sensors at 100, 200, 300 & 400mm;
o600mm length with 5 sensors at 100, 200, 300, 400 & 600mm;
o800mm length with 6 sensors at 100, 200, 300, 400, 600 & 800mm;
o1000mm length with 6 sensors at 100, 200, 400, 600, 800 & 1000mm
o1200mm length with 6 sensors at 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000 & 1200mm;
o400mm or 600mm version for pastures/turf;
oSoil temperature on each depth.
5 Probe Settings
Various settings on the AquaCheck ACPROBE-R probe can be changed such as ID
number, date/time, logging interval, etc. A special utility tool is available from your
distributor which will enable you to change these settings. For more information

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about the RF Utility Toolkit, please contact your local distributor or contact
AquaCheck at www.aquacheck.co.za
Figure 3: RF Utility Software
6 Hand-held wireless logger
6.1 Introduction
The AquaCheck Basic II data logger is a component of the AquaCheck soil moisture
management system. A typical soil moisture system consists of soil moisture probes
and a Data logger. The probe data (soil moisture and temperature) are relayed to

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RF Hand logger via a propriety RF telemetry system. The logged data is then
downloaded to a PC which processes the data for trending display via a PC
application (CropGraph/Plant-Plus).
The hand-held wireless logger can log up to 120 probes. The logger offers a menu
option which allows the user to view, edit and manage certain functions. The menu
options are:
oDate & Time (default)
oProfile Log – normal function to collect data from the probe
oSingle log – log all data from a specific probe
oDownload interval – only applicable for the base station loggers
oClear all logs – clear data from the logger
oView Stats – view how many logs are on the logger
oSet time & date – change current date & time
oContinuous logging –. only applicable for the base station loggers
oProfile setup – populate the 120 possible profiles with probe ID’s.
oPRO II Firmware update – the hand logger can be used to remotely upgrade
firmware on the PRO II RTU’s
oExit
New firmware offering additional features on the loggers are released from time to
time or as needed. There is a software utility available to upgrade your logger.
Please visit the AquaCheck website to verify the latest logger firmware version for
your logger at www.aquacheck.co.za and browse to the downloads section to search
for the applicable files.
RF radios & Probes Logger PC Application

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AquaCheck Basic II data logger.
The AquaCheck Basic II data logger as shown above is fitted with the
following:
a. Omni-directional internal antenna
b. 2 x 16 character Back light LCD Dot matrix display
c. 5 pin socket for charger and downloading data to a P.C.
d. Numeric keypad
e. Rechargeable internal battery
f. Internal Radio to communicate with PRO II’s and Basic II soil moisture
probes.
g. Databank with a capacity for 15000 logs.
h. A mains charger, Car charger and download cable is supplied with the
logger.
6.2 Menu Functions
The AquaCheck Basic II data logger functions are accessed via the 12-pushbutton
keypad and the information is displayed on the LCD display. See below:
The Scroll()/menu and ENT/ON/OFF pushbuttons have dual functions. The ENT
pushbutton turns the logger ON and OFF, whilst during Setup, it functions as an
ENTER key. Once the logger is first turned ON, only the function written below the
key is operational. All the other keys are inactive.
12 3
56
7
4
8 9
0
ENT
ON/OFF
MENU
DATALOGGER
LCD Display
Keypad

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Once the logger is turned on(press the ON/OFF key) then the display turns on,
displaying the following information in quick succession:
Boot Loader
Aqua
Check
SW4920
Ver 1.04
Data
Logger
16:45
4 Oct 08
Brand
Firmware Version
Type
Time & Date
Bootl.dr
v1.00

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Once the time and date is displayed, press the Menu key to gain access to the
logger functions. The functions can be scrolled and the menu is circular as
displayed below:
Each item on the screen flashes. Pressing the
/Scroll key at this time selects the next menu
item.
Press ENT to execute the menu function.
Example: To set the time and date, follow the
steps below:
a. Turn on the Logger. and wait for the time and
date to be displayed
b. Press the MENU/key.
c. Then press the MENU/key until the ‘Set
Time & Date’ screen is displayed:
The shaded area indicates flashing.
To change the time to 17:00, now press
The display will now show:
Using the numeric keypad, edit the date in the
same manner as shown in the time setting
example. Once completed, press the ENT key.
The display will now show:
Press the MENU/key until ‘Exit’ is displayed,
then press Enter. Pressing Enter again will turn
off the logger.
Set Time 16:35
Set Time & Date
ENT
1
7
0
0
Set Time 7:00
Date: 04/12/08
ENT
Set Time & Date
Press Menu
Profile Log
16:45 4 Nov ‘08
Single Log


Clear All logs

View Stats

Set Time & Date

Cont. Logging

Profile Setup

PRO II Firmware

Exit

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6.3 THE STEPS OF COMMISSIONING
1. Charge the logger’s battery.
2. Once the probes and PRO II’s are installed, record the unique ID of each one.
3. Program each ID’s into a profile on the logger.
4. Set the current Time and Date on the Logger
5. Perform a profile log on all of the probes/PRO II’s. This will synchronies the
time and date with each device and download the unread data.
7 COMMISSIONING STEPS IN DETAIL
7.1 Charge the logger’s battery.
Plug the charger into a 220V mains outlet and plug the charger’s cable into the 5
way connector. After a few seconds, the display will read:
An on-board timer is activated to time the charge cycle. Once charging is
completed, the display will read: ‘Charge Complete’
Unplug the charger from the logger and then from the mains. After a few seconds,
the logger will turn itself off.
16:45 4 Nov ‘08
Charging..