Campbell SoilVUE 10 User manual

Revision: 11/2022
Copyright © 2019 – 2022
Campbell Scientific, Inc.

Table of contents
1. Introduction 1
2. Precautions 1
3. Initial inspection 2
4. QuickStart 2
5. Overview 5
6. Specifications 6
7. Installation 8
7.1 Wiring 8
7.2 CRBasic programming 8
7.3 Siting 9
7.4 Field installation 9
8. Operation 12
8.1 SDI-12 measurements 12
8.2 Measurements at fast scan rates 16
8.3 Measurement theory 16
9. Maintenance and troubleshooting 17
10. References 18
Appendix A. Importing Short Cut code into CRBasic Editor 19
Appendix B. SDI-12 sensor support 20
B.1 SDI-12 command basics 20
B.2 Acknowledge active command (a!) 21
B.3 Send identification command (al!) 21
B.4 Start verification command (aV!) 22
B.5 Address query command (?!) 22
B.6 Change address command (aAb!) 22
B.7 Start measurement commands (aM!) 23
B.8 Stopping a measurement command 24
B.9 Send data command (aD0! … aD9!) 24
B.10 SDI-12 transparent mode 24
Table of Contents - i

B.10.1 Changing an SDI-12 address 25
Table of Contents - ii

1. Introduction
The SoilVUE™10 is a time-domain reflectometer-based soil profile probe that measures
volumetric water content, permittivity, electrical conductivity, and temperature at multiple
depths. This probe was designed with environmental researchers and environmental monitoring
network operators in mind; it is ideal for long-term outdoor operation and for applications that
require highly accurate measurements.
The SoilVUE 10 has two probe length options. The 0.5 m option makes measurements at six
depths (5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 cm), and the 1.0m option makes measurements at nine depths
(5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 75, and 100 cm). Waveguides (measurement rods) are embedded in
threads and are centered on the measurement depths. The threaded design allows it to screw
into a hole created by a standard 5-cm (2-in) hand auger. This simple installation procedure
reduces cost, complexity, and disturbance of the soil.
NOTE:
This manual provides information only for CRBasic data loggers. For retired Edlog data logger
support, contact Campbell Scientific.
2. Precautions
lREAD AND UNDERSTAND the Safety section at the back of this manual.
lAlthough the SoilVUE 10 is rugged, it should be handled as a precision instrument.
lThe depth of the hole in which the SoilVUE 10 will be installed must match the SoilVUE 10
length. Mark the installation tool to align with the length of the probe to ensure the proper
depth is obtained. Gaps between the bottom of the SoilVUE 10 and the bottom of the hole
may adversely affect the measurements.
lWater should be used to wet the sides of the hole, reducing the force needed to install the
probe.
lThis is a robust sensor, but it could break if excessive force is applied during installation.
lCare should be taken to ensure the sides of the hole are even and do not become tapered
with repeated removal of soil.
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lTo prevent damage to the connector pins, the plastic cap should be left on the cable
connection during installation.
lExternal radio frequency (RF) sources can affect probe operation. Therefore, the SoilVUE 10
should be located away from significant RF sources such as ac power lines and motors.
3. Initial inspection
lUpon receipt of the SoilVUE 10, inspect the packaging and contents for damage. File any
damage claims with the shipping company.
lThe model number and cable length are printed on a label at the connection end of the
cable. Check this information against the shipping documents to ensure the expected
product and cable length are received.
4. QuickStart
A video that describes data logger programming using Short Cut is available at:
www.campbellsci.com/videos/cr1000x-data logger-getting-started-program-part-3 .Short
Cut is an easy way to program your data logger to measure the sensor and assign data logger
wiring terminals. Short Cut is available as a download on www.campbellsci.com . It is included
in installations of LoggerNet,RTDAQ, and PC400.
The following procedure also details the use of Short Cut in programming the SoilVUE 10.
1. Open Short Cut and click Create New Program.
2. Double-click the data logger model.
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3. In the Available Sensors and Devices box, type SoilVUE10 or locate the probe in the
Sensors> Soil folder. Double-click SoilVUE10 Complete Soil Profiler. Type the correct
SDI-12 Address; default address is 0. The Probe length defaults to 0.5 m; to change this,
click the Probe length box and select 1m. Select whether to Measure every hour (default) or
every 15 minutes. For each measurement depth, temperature defaults to degrees Celsius.
This can be changed by clicking the Deg C box and selecting Deg F for degrees Fahrenheit
or Kfor Kelvin.
4. Click the Wiring tab to see how the probe is to be wired to the data logger. Click OK after
wiring the probe.
5. Repeat steps three and four for other sensors.
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6. In Output Setup, type the scan rate, meaningful table names, and Data Output Storage
Interval.
CAUTION:
The scan rate must be evenly divisible into 15 or 60 minutes (depending on the Measure
every selected in step 3). The 0.5m probe can take one minute, and the 1.0m probe can
take one and a half minutes, to complete measurements. If the scan rate is less than
that length of time, skipped scans will be registered by the data logger.
7. Select the measurement and its associated output option.
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8. Click Finish and save the program. Send the program to the data logger if the data logger
is connected to the computer.
9. If the sensor is connected to the data logger, check the output of the sensor in the data
display in LoggerNet,RTDAQ, or PC400 to make sure it is making reasonable
measurements.
5. Overview
The SoilVUE 10 uses time-domain reflectometry (TDR) to measure soil volumetric water content
(VWC) and electrical conductivity (EC). The waveguides (measurement rods) are embedded in
threads and centered on the measurement depths of 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 cm for the 0.5 m
option (Figure 5-1 [p. 5]); depths of 60, 75, and 100 cm are added for the 1.0m option. The
threaded design maximizes soil contact and minimizes preferential flow—two major drawbacks
to smooth-sided soil profiling probes. This proprietary implementation of TDR by Campbell
Scientific produces a clean, high resolution measurement that provides accuracy and assurance
that cannot be found among other commercially available sensors.
Figure 5-1. SoilVUE 10 waveguides and measurement depths
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The SoilVUE 10 should be installed in a hole made by a standard 5-cm (2-in) hand auger tool.
Auger the hole to the proper depth and screw the SoilVUE 10 into the hole (see Field installation
[p. 9]). Water should be used to lubricate the sides of the hole to aid in installation and to ensure
the probe is not damaged due to excessive force. The threaded design presses the sensing
elements into the side of the hole, producing optimal contact with the soil and minimizing air
gaps that are common with alternative profile probes.
The SoilVUE 10 also has a detachable cable that allows either the probe or cable to be
independently replaced if it gets damaged.
All of these design factors combine to result in a more accurate measurement.
Features:
lVolumetric water content (VWC), electrical conductivity (EC), permittivity, and temperature
measurements at six depths over 0.5 m or nine depths over 1.0 m using one probe
lCampbell Scientific proprietary TrueWave™ TDR technology uses advanced waveform
analysis to determine the true travel time of a high frequency pulse that provides
defensible measurements that can be universally compared with other TDR systems
lThreaded design with individual waveguides built into the threads for optimal contact with
soil, which minimizes air-gap errors
lInstallation using a standard 5-cm (2-in) hand auger, thus eliminating the need for
excavation machinery or expensive proprietary tools
lQuick, low-impact installation
lDetachable cable that facilitates field replacement
lSDI-12 digital output
lDesigned for long-term outdoor operation
lCompatible CRBasic data loggers: CR6, CR3000, CR1000X, CR800-series, CR300-series,
CR1000
6. Specifications
Operating temperature range: –40 to 60 °C
Volumetric water content range: 0 to 100%
Maximuminstallationtorque: 54 N•m (40 ft•lb)
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Diameterwithoutthreads: 5.2 cm (2.05 in)
Diameter including threads: 5.8 cm (2.3 in)
Length: 0.55 m/1.05 m (21.5 in/41.2 in)
Weight: 1.9 kg/3.6 kg (4.2 lb/7.9 lb)
Output: SDI-12 version 1.4 compliant
Operating voltage: 9 to 36 VDC
Current drain at 12 VDC: ~1.5 mA (quiescent), ~64 mA (active)
Measurement depths
0.5 m option: 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 cm (2, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 in)
1.0 m option: 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 75, and 100 cm (2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24,
30, and 40 in)
Permittivity range: 1 to 80
Electricalconductivityrange: 0 to 10 dS/m
Accuracy
Volumetricwatercontent: ±1.5% typical with most soils; soils with high organic matter
(>12% soil organic carbon) or high clay content (>45% clay)
may need a soil-specific calibration due to the dispersive
nature of these materials. For more information, refer to Soil-
specific calibration procedure for volumetric water content
sensors available on the Campbell Scientific website.
Permittivity: ±1 permittivity unit between 4 and 42 permittivity
Electrical conductivity: ±2% (0 to 2.5 dS/m), ±5% (full range)
Temperature: ±0.15 °C between –30 and 40 °C
Response time: Up to 1 minute for 0.5 m probe and up to 1.5 minutes for 1.0m
probe
Compliance documents: View at: www.campbellsci.com/soilvue10
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