Argus PiCUS TMS 3 Instructions for use

PiCUS Tree Motion Sensor 3
Application manual
This manual has been created for the PTMS 3 device system with the following component
versions:
TMS 3 Hardware Version: 3.5.0002
TMS 3 Firmware Version: 1.1.0006
TMS 3 App Version: 2.0
TMS PC Program Version: 3.1.1.1
Manual version: 20.09.2021
argus electronic gmbh
Erich-Schlesinger-Straße 49d
18059 Rostock
Germany
www.argus-electronic.de
email: [email protected]
Tel.: [phone]

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Content
Abbreviations and conventions................................................................................................... 3
PiCUS TMS 3................................................................................................................................ 3
Application............................................................................................................................... 3
Disclaimer................................................................................................................................ 3
First time operation....................................................................................................................... 4
General information................................................................................................................ 4
Hardware................................................................................................................................. 4
Ambient conditions for measurements .................................................................................. 4
First time operation of the TMS 3 App.................................................................................... 4
Tracking capabilities ................................................................................................................ 5
Performing measurements with PiCUS TMS 3........................................................................ 6
Activating the PiCUS TMS 3..................................................................................................... 6
Starting a measurement.......................................................................................................... 8
Stopping a measurement ........................................................................................................ 9
Additional functions of the TMS 3 App ................................................................................... 9
4.4.1 Live mode....................................................................................................................... 9
4.4.2 Downloading and clearing the PiCUS TMS 3 memory......................................... 11
4.4.3 Querying sensor information..................................................................................... 11
4.4.4 Querying and deleting the link key list..................................................................... 12
4.4.5 Errors............................................................................................................................ 12
Notes on Bluetooth communication with Android devices ................................................... 13
Maximum number of connected sensors ............................................................................. 13
5.1.1 Controlling the maximum number of PiCUS TMS 3.............................................. 14
Problems connecting to multiple sensors............................................................................. 15
PiCUS TMS 3 mounting instructions....................................................................................... 15
Installation of base sensors................................................................................................... 15
Installation of control sensors............................................................................................... 15
Copying PiCUS TMS 3 measurement data onto a PC......................................................... 16
Charging PiCUS TMS 3............................................................................................................. 17
Battery care ................................................................................................................................. 17
Technical data......................................................................................................................... 18
Manufacturer ........................................................................................................................... 20

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Abbreviations and conventions
PiCUS TMS 3 Tree Motion Sensor
TMS 3 App TMS control software for mobile phones
TMS 3 Control Software for Windows PCs for transferring and analysing data, which was
measured with the PiCUS TMS 3
BLE Bluetooth Low Energy
Input fields of the mobile phone’s operation System are written in bold, italic and grey text EXAMPLE.
Input fields of the TMS 3 App are written in bold, italic and green text EXAMPLE.
Notifications from the TMS 3 App are written in bold, italic and blue text EXAMPLE.
Links and references to other chapters in this manual or in the TMS 3 Control software manual are
written in italic.
Potential error sources are warned of with a bold Attention! Followed by a short explanation in italic.
PiCUS TMS 3
Application
The PiCUS tree inspection equipment offers tree inspectors an extensive diagnostic suite for detecting
and evaluating defects in trees. For evaluating a tree’s stability, the PiCUS TreeQinetic pulling test and
the PiCUS TMS 3 are suitable methods for measuring the root plate tilt in exhaustive tree inspections.
The PiCUS TMS 3 are the newest generation.
The PiCUS TMS 3 are accelerometer and can be influenced by strong ground shaking or by cracking in
the wood. It is therefore imperative that, during the analysis of tilt measurements, exceptionally high tilt
angles are checked for plausibility. For examination the analysis and raw data functions of the TMS 3
PC software will be used.
Disclaimer
The application of the PiCUS TMS 3 on other objects, can cause damages to both the sensor and the
measured object. The measurement results obtained with the PiCUS TMS 3 require interpretation by a
trained professional.
Conclusions about a tree’s condition, based on the Wind Tipping Curves generated by the PiCUS TMS
3, are the sole responsibility of the interpreter. Neither manufacturer nor dealer are legally liable for any
results caused by the application of the PiCUS TMS 3.
If the angle measurements made with PiCUS TMS 3 show a large tilt, indicating to fell the tree,
the use of other inspection methods is required to verify the measurement results.
All technical specifications are subject to change without notice.

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First time operation
General information
The PiCUS TMS 3 are (exclusively) controlled by a mobile phone application on Android operating
system version 4.4 or higher. This Application is henceforth called TMS 3 App.
For communication with the PiCUS TMS 3 the mobile phone requires Bluetooth (Version 4.0 (BLE) –
5.0). It is also advantageous if the mobile phone has location tracking enabled while switching the sensor
on and off.
Hardware
The PiCUS TMS 3 are completely sealed. Therefore, communication happens exclusively via Bluetooth.
The communication with the PiCUS TMS 3, while in charging mode and while placed in the charging
cradle of the transport case, happens via Bluetooth 5 in high speed mode and the TMS PC program.
Outside of the charging mode Bluetooth 5 in BLE mode is used for communication with a mobile phone.
Ambient conditions for measurements
The PiCUS TMS 3 are protected against dust and constant submerging in water.
Temperature
Ambient temperature during measurement: -20°C to +50 °C
Storage temperature: 0°C to +30 °C
Temperature for battery charging: 5°C to +35 °C
ATTENTION! DO NOT charge or store at temperatures <0°C.
First time operation of the TMS 3 App
The TMS 3 App realises communication with the PiCUS TMS 3, while they are not placed in their
charging cradles.
The main function of the TMS 3 App is the configuration of the PiCUS TMS 3 and starting or stopping
of measurements.
For connecting the PiCUS TMS 3 with a mobile phone an authentication code is necessary.
The authentication code must be set before establishing the first connection between the TMS 3
App and a PiCUS TMS 3.
Installation of the TMS 3 App on your mobile phone:
The TMS 3 App is available in Google Play Store (Android operating system) and in Apple Store. Just
search for “TMS 3”.

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Entering the authentication code:
1. Open the TMS 3 App.
2. Click the Toolbar in the upper right corner.
3. Choose SETTINGS the view changes to the settings window of the App.
4. The top line shows the currently set authentication code, in the line below a new code can be
entered.
5. The button ACCEPT saves the new code.
Tracking capabilities
The internal clock of the PiCUS TMS 3 is automatically synchronised with the mobile phone.
The basis is the system time or, in case of activated tracking functions, the GPS time in combination
with the time zone set in the mobile phone.
This synchronises all PiCUS TMS 3 measurement data.
If no GPS is available, the system time of the mobile phone is transferred to the PiCUS TMS 3 when
starting or stopping a measurement.
Attention! The tracking capabilities of a mobile phone have a relatively large current consumption.
Completely close the TMS 3 App, if it is no longer needed.
Toolbar
Enter new authentication
code.

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Performing measurements with PiCUS TMS 3
Activating the PiCUS TMS 3
The PiCUS TMS 3 is switched on with a magnetic key.
Therefore, the key has to be placed on the marked point
of the PiCUS TMS 3 case for approx. 3 seconds.
Afterwards the TMS 3 App can be started.
The App automatically searches for active PiCUS TMS 3 during start up. If the App is already running,
pressing REFRESH will also start a new search for active devices.
After the display refreshes all found PiCUS TMS 3 will be displayed in a sensor-box and then sorted in
a device list. The PiCUS TMS 3 device name and additional information will be displayed.
The sensors status (2nd line) can have the following states:
–ReadyStandby mode, the PiCUS TMS 3 is waiting for commands
–Starting measurementthe PiCUS TMS 3 prepares for a measurement
–Measuringa measurement is currently under way
–not connectedthe PiCUS TMS 3 is not connected
PiCUS TMS 3 are
automatically
searched during
start up
REFRESH also starts a
new device search
The sensor-box shows the
sensors name, operation
mode, battery status and
memory consumption.

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The last two lines show information about battery level and memory consumption.
Additionally, every line is colour coded which allows it to easily discern relevant information.
The sorting of the list is done by sensor status (from first to last: standby, measurement mode, not
connected). PiCUS TMS 3 with the same status are sorted by serial number.
The PiCUS TMS 3 automatically deactivates Bluetooth communication, if no messages were received
within the last 2 minutes. If the PiCUS TMS 3 was in standbymode beforehand, it will turn off completely.
If it was in measurement mode, it will remain in measurement mode and merely deactivate Bluetooth
communication.
Deactivation of the Bluetooth communication also removes the PiCUS TMS 3 from the device list of the
TMS 3 App

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Starting a measurement
For starting a measurement with a PiCUS TMS 3 perform the following steps:
1. Mount the PiCUS TMS 3 on the tree.
Please pay attention to chapter 6 PiCUS TMS 3 mounting instructions.
2. Start the PiCUS TMS 3 with the magnetic key (see 4.1 Activating the PiCUS TMS 3).
ATTENTION! Wait for the initialisation time of approx. 5 s.
3. Start the TMS 3 App or press REFRESH for an update of the device list.
This process may take a few seconds.
4. The activated PiCUS TMS 3 is now visible in the device list.
5. Check the sensor status: READY signalises readiness for a measurement.
6. Clicking on the sensor-box opens the control menu.
7. Menu item START MEASUREMENT the view changes to the
configuration window of the measurement. Here all relevant tree data is
set.
ATTENTION! Some fields are required.
8. Click the START MEASUREMENT button.
If a setting is missing or incorrect an error message will be displayed so
that a correction is possible.
9. The App will request the decision for the PiCUS TMS 3 to automatically
deactivate its Bluetooth after completing the starting process.
10. GPS data is collected during the following wait time (time and position).
If the GPS signal is not available the phone’s internal system time is
used as start time for the measurement.
11. After the end of the start process the view goes back to the device list.
The status of the PiCUS TMS 3 is now displayed as STARTING
MEASUREMENT.
12. After approx. 20 s the PiCUS TMS 3 automatically changes to:
MEASURING with a subsequent update in display. PiCUS TMS 3
which are now switching off their Bluetooth communication will be removed from the device
list.
13. For all devices which shouldn’t automatically deactivate their Bluetooth:
For saving energy it is possible to manually deactivate Bluetooth communication (in the
sensor’s control menu SWITCH OF THE BLUETOOTH). Alternatively, the Bluetooth
communication will automatically shut down after 2 minutes if the PiCUS TMS 3 receives no
new messages from the mobile phone.
Tip! At the bottom of the configuration menu for a measurement is a button called LAST SETTINGS.
With the help of this button all settings from the previously made measurement can be taken. That
way, tree parameters need not be entered twice when starting a base and a
control sensor. Only the sensor data (sensor height, sensor type) and the
compass value have to be filled in again.
Click START
MEASUREMENT
in the menu.
The button LAST SETTINGS copies all
tree parameters from the last started
measurement.

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Stopping a measurement
For stopping a measurement with a PiCUS TMS 3 perform the following steps:
1. Activate BLE in the PiCUS TMS 3 with the magnetic key (a duration of 1 s is sufficient here).
ATTENTION! Wait for the initialisation time of the
communication of approx. 5 s!
2. Start the TMS 3 App or REFRESH for an update of the
device list.
This process may take a few seconds.
3. The activated PiCUS TMS 3 is now visible in the device
list.
4. Check sensor status: MEASURING
5. Clicking on the sensor-box opens the sensor control
menu.
6. Choose SWITCH OF THE SENSOR confirm the security query.
7. During the following wait time GPS data is collected (time and position). If the GPS signal is not
available the phone’s internal system time is used as stop time for the measurement.
8. After finishing the stopping procedure, the view changes back to the device list. The sensor is
now no longer listed (has shut itself down).
Additional functions of the TMS 3 App
4.4.1 Live mode
While the sensor is in measurement mode, the live mode shows the highest tilt in the last second. Live
data from all connected sensors can be shown simultaneously.
The live mode has to be activated for the PiCUS TMS 3 to send live measurement data to the mobile
phone.
Proceed as follows:
1. Prerequisite is a running measurement (see 4.2 Starting a measurement)
2. Every sensor-box in the device list has, while operating in measurement mode, a button on
the right side. These buttons activate the LIVEMODE for the associated sensors.
Live mode is
activated.
The PiCUS TMS 3 is
in measuring mode.
Live mode is
turned off.

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3. By clicking LIVE MODE VIEW the view changes to the life display. Here, all current
measurements of the PiCUS TMS 3 with activated live mode are shown.
4. Live mode view:
5. With the button BACK the view changes back to the device list.
6. If the live mode is no longer required it should be
deactivated for all sensors (click LIVEMODE in the
sensor-box again).
When turning off Bluetooth in the PiCUS TMS 3 or closing
the TMS 3 App, the device will deactivate the life mode by
itself.
Change to live
mode view
A sensor in
measurement mode
and live mode
Name of the PiCUS TMS 3
Current measurement
value
Back to the device list
Life mode is
turned off