Dacom Sensetion User manual
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SENSETION
Manual
Dacom Farm Intelligence
+31 88 3226600 COC: 53188772 version: April 2018
TABLE OF CONTENT
TABLE OF CONTENT 2
INTRODUCTION 3
SAFETY 3
DESCRIPTION 3
GETTING STARTED 4
INSTALLATION 4
MORE SETTINGS 8
MOVING THE SENSETION 8
MOVING THE SENSETION TO ANOTHER LOCATION 8
USE THE SENSETION ON ANOTHER ACCOUNT 8
PLACING IN STORAGE 9
PUTTING IN USE AT THE START OF THE NEW GROWING SEASON 9
TECHNICAL EXPLANATION OF SOIL MOISTURE 9
SOIL MOISTURE SUPPLY 9
SOIL MOISTURE TERMS 9
POWER SUPPLY, DATA STORAGE 10
AND COMMUNICATION 10
POWER SUPPLY, DATA STORAGE & COMMUNICATION 10
POWER SUPPLY 10
DATA STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION 10
MAINTENANCE, TROUBLESHOOTING & REPAIR 11
MAINTENANCE 11
TROUBLESHOOTING & REPAIR 11
WARRANTY 11
ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY (EMC) 11
CORRECT DISPOSAL OF AN USED BATTERY OF THIS PRODUCT 11
CE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY 12
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 13
2
INTRODUCTION
By purchasing this Sensetion, you own a soil moisture station that enables you to easily determine the
soil moisture situation for optimal irrigation. For an optimal use of the Sensetion, you have to carefully read
this user manual, follow the instructions and properly maintain the device. This device is intended for use
in both outdoor and indoor agriculture and horticulture.
SAFETY
To ensure correct installation, the Sensetion is fitted with a sharp screw
tip. To avoid injuries, handle this device with care.
If you feel a strong resistance in the soil during installation, the Sensetion
may get damaged. Immediately stop pushing and turning, remove the
Sensetion from the hole by turning in the opposite direction and perform
the installation at a new location.
DESCRIPTION
The Sensetion is an easy to install!advanced!soil moisture station with access to our mobile app and our
web application. The Sensetion provides you with detailed information about the soil moisture situation for
optimal irrigation management. This way you know exactly!when, where!and!with what amount!you need to
irrigate.
Easy to install
Measure soil moisture and the temperature in two layers
Includes mobile app
Access to our smartphone app and online web application
Works on solar energy
Based on expert knowledge
The Sensetion is an advanced soil moisture station which measures soil moisture in two layers of 10 cm,
with a total measuring depth of 25cm. The mobile app shows you the measurement data of your stations in
one overview. This shows you directly when, where and how much irrigation is required. You will get
extensive information from your stations in our web application. This is shown in detailed charts and your
own personal dashboard.
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To prevent injuries and damage, please
use the original packaging during
transport and storage.
PLEASE NOTE
SHARP SCREW TIP
GETTING STARTED
Prior to the installation, you need to have a Dacom account. If you already have a Dacom account, you don’t
need to create a new one. Create an account by going to www.dacom.nl. Select ‘Login’ at the top right side
and press ‘Subscribe now’. Follow the instructions of the wizard and you are good to go. You can use your
username and password to sign into the online mobile and web application.
Download the Dacom Advice app from the Google Play store or App store.
INSTALLATION
The installation of the Sensetion is very simple, just follow the steps below.
1. Download and install the Dacom Advice app from the Google Play store or App store. If you
don’t have a Dacom account already, create a (free) Dacom account at www.dacom.nl.
2. Sign into the app with your username and password, and give permission to use your location
3. When you are signed in, you can start installing the Sensetion station at the selected spot in
the field
4. Open the box of the Sensetion and make sure all the parts are there
4.1. Sensetion soil moisture sensor (with screw tip)
4.2. Auger
4.3. Twist tool (including magnet)
5. Carefully choose a spot in the field to physically install the Sensetion. When doing so, please
follow these tips:
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!
6. Installation Sensetion soil moisture sensor
6.1. Use the auger to drill and undersized hole with a depth of at least 40 cm at the selected spot in the
field. If you are experiencing resistance when drilling, choose a different spot in the field.
6.2. Place the Sensetion soil moisture sensor in the undersized hole with a light downward pressure and
turn it clockwise into the soil up to the black marker line using the twist tool. When twisting, don’t
move sideways and don’t place your full weight on the soil moisture sensor. Make sure you keep the
plug of the sensor cable clean.!
7. Open the Dacom Advice app and activate the Sensetion
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Minimum of 1 unit per irrigation zone
Near or in between plants
Dry climate: driest location in the field
Moderate climate: average location in the field
Sprinklers: don’t overlap
Driplines: near drippers (25 cm)
Don’t place near the roads
and/or spraying path
a. Open the Dacom Advice app and press ‘Log in’.
Screw in soil until marking
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b. Fill in your username and password and press ‘Log in’.
c. Start scanning the QR code on the back of the data
logger by pressing the ‘+’ sign. If you scan a station
that is already coupled to another account, you will
receive a message. !
!
Make sure the app has access to your camera,
otherwise you will receive an error.
d. Now you can fill in the sensor name, soil type and add
the sensor to your account. Because you gave
permission to use your location when installing the
Dacom Advice app, the geographical location for the
Sensetion station will be stored.
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e. Switch on the DSG by moving the magnet in the twist
tool once from top to bottom on the right side next to
the solar panel. Make sure that the magnet is located at
the correct side of the twist tool and that the solar
panel is aimed at yourself. You will hear a beep
instantly. The installation is now completed.
g. After you selected a sensor from the list, you will see the
following:
• Voltage
• Signal
• Serial number
•Status
• Latest measurement
• Refill capacity
• Direct access to the graphs, or swipe from left to right in
the main overview
f. When you are signed in, you will see this screen. If you
sign in for the first time, the screen is empty. Once you
activate a sensor the Sensetion will be in this overview.
The status, field name and refill capacity will be visible.
Sign into the web application (www.dacom.nl) to view
detailed information.
From this overview you can do the following things:
• With the symbol in the top-left corner you can
‘refresh’ the list.
• With the symbol in the top- right corner the
menu will pop up, you can use this to sign out
for example
• With the ‘+’ sign you can scan a Sensetion station.
MORE SETTINGS
Sign into the web application (www.dacom.nl) to ‘fine-tune’ your sensor. Select a sensor from the list and
press ‘Edit sensor’. Now you can adjust the name of the sensor, measurement period, position in the field,
soil type and warning points. For more information about fine-tuning watch our instruction video which is
located under the ‘I’ in our web application or our YouTube channel.
MOVING THE SENSETION
There may be several reasons to move the Sensetion to another location. Depending on the reason of
the relocation, the Sensetion needs to be deactivated or removed from your account.
MOVING THE SENSETION TO ANOTHER LOCATION
If you want to measure the soil moisture at another location in the same field (using your own account),
you must deactivate the sensor. Use the Dacom Advice app to deactivate the Sensetion. Click
on the ‘+’ sign in the overview, scan the QR-code on the back of the data logger and use the
slider to deactivate the Sensetion. Don’t forget to save changes. You can also deactivate the
sensor in the web application. If you want to activate the Sensetion again, please follow the
installation steps on page 6.
USE THE SENSETION ON ANOTHER ACCOUNT
If you want to use the Sensetion on another account, you must first remove the Sensetion from your
current account using the Dacom Advice app. Click on the ‘+’ sign in the overview, scan the QR-code on the
back of the data logger and press ‘Remove sensor from account’. Now sign out from the app and sign in
with another account and activate the Sensetion on this account (installation, step 7)
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h. You can deactivate the Sensetion by pressing the ‘+’
symbol and scan the QR code on the back of the data
logger. This screen will open and you can deactivate the
sensor with the slider, or remove the Sensetion from your
account using the red button.
PLACING IN STORAGE
If you want to place the Sensetion in storage, for example after the growing season, the Sensetion needs
to be deactivated. Use the Dacom Advice app to deactivate the Sensetion. Click on the ‘+’ sign in the
overview, scan the QR-code on the back of the data logger and use the slider to deactivate the Sensetion.
Don’t forget to save changes. You can also deactivate the sensor in the web application.
If the Sensetion will not be used for a prolonged period of time, the Sensetion should be placed two
entire days outside in the sunlight once a month. This will prevent the batteries from being discharged
excessively and ensures a longer lifespan of the batteries.
PUTTING IN USE AT THE START OF THE NEW GROWING SEASON
One week before the start of the new growing season, you should place the Sensetion outside in the sun
to ensure it’s fully charged.
TECHNICAL EXPLANATION OF SOIL MOISTURE
SOIL MOISTURE SUPPLY
The total amount of moisture a soil can contain, depends primarily on the particle size distribution within
the soil and the organic matter content. Only a portion of the total amount of soil moisture is readily
available to the plant. We call this the ‘readily available soil moisture’. The crop should be irrigated once the
amount of readily available soil moisture is likely to become too low. The soil moisture deficit determines
the number of millimeters to be irrigated. Irrigating more than the deficit will cause water (and nutrients) to
seep away beyond the reach of the roots or may cause ponding and runoff.
SOIL MOISTURE TERMS
Field capacity (FC): is the amount of water that a saturated soil can still retain after 2 to 3 days against
the force of gravity. The field capacity influences the availability of water-soluble nutrients for the plant,
the flushing of nutrients and the irrigation. Once the field capacity has been reached, the soil is not yet
completely saturated with water. There is still air in the large- and medium-sized pores. So, in case of
precipitation it is possible for the soil to contain more water than at field capacity.
Saturation: occurs when all the voids in the soil are completely filled with water. Although there is a lot of
water available for the crop, the water uptake will be very limited due to the lack of oxygen. If the
situation in excess of the field capacity persists, the plant will die.
Wilting Point (WP): the (permanent) wilting point is the level of moisture content of the soil where the
plant is not able to absorb any more water from the soil and, therefore, will wilt and die.
Maximum Available Soil Moisture (MASM): is the difference between the amount of soil moisture at field
capacity and the amount at wilting point.
Refill point: the point at which irrigation should be applied to avoid stress to the crop. Beyond this point
the daily uptake of water by the plants is reduced because it requires more pressure (suction) to move
water into the plant. A plant will be limited in its production as it closes down stomata to avoid
dehydration. Some crops require some stress in certain stages of the crop development.
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Easy Available Soil Moisture: the difference between the amount of soil moisture at field capacity and
the amount at the refill point.
Warning point: an adjustable warning point can be set to receive a warning before the actual refill point
is reached.
POWER SUPPLY, DATA STORAGE
AND COMMUNICATION
POWER SUPPLY, DATA STORAGE & COMMUNICATION
POWER SUPPLY
The operation of the Sensetion is possible thanks to an entirely autonomous power supply. This fully
integrated system consists of a mono crystalline solar panel, 2 rechargeable batteries and an optimized
charging circuit. The power management capacity is more than adequate to perform many measurements,
data logging and communication.
DATA STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION
The Sensetion measures the soil moisture content once every 15 minutes. The measurements are stored in
the internal memory. Depending on the power level, these data are sent to the central server between 1 and
4 times every 4 hours via a 2G or 3G connection. The internal memory is 4Mb. After the installation of the
Sensetion, a measurement result and advice will be displayed in your personal account after the first
communication. For a good indication of the current soil moisture status, it is recommended to leave the
Sensetion at the same location throughout the growing season.
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Wilting point
Refill point
Field capacity
DACOM
pF 2.0 - pF 3.3
26 - 12 = 14
STANDARD
pF 2.0 - pF 4.2
MAINTENANCE, TROUBLESHOOTING & REPAIR
MAINTENANCE
For a long lasting and reliable operation of the station it’s important to maintain the Sensetion. Local
circumstances will determine how often this should be done. The minimum would be once a year, ahead of
the growing season.
Clean the solar panel of the data logger regularly. Clean the solar panel of the data logger with a wet cloth,
without using abrasive materials or fluids. If the Sensetion has not been used for a prolonged period of
time, the Sensetion should be placed outside in the sunlight, one week before the start of a new growing
season.This will prevent the batteries from being discharged excessively and ensures longer lifespan of the
batteries!
TROUBLESHOOTING & REPAIR
The Sensetion is made of new durable materials for rugged outdoor use. For a long lasting and reliable
operation, the following points should be observed:
1. Do not remove the screws at the bottom of the data logger. No repairs may be carried out! Once the
sealing has been broken, the warranty will be void.
2. When removing the Sensetion from the soil, don’t damage the sensors!
WARRANTY
The Sensetion is tested for correct operation before the device leaves the factory. The warranty period is 12
months after delivery of the hardware. For the duration of one year, Dacom guarantees that any defect in
materials or manufacturing defects will be repaired free of charge. The rights under the warranty lapse if
the defects or damage are wholly or in part caused by improper use or incorrect treatment, or if they are in
any other way attributable to the customer. To qualify for warranty, please contact [email protected]. For
the warranty terms and conditions go to www.dacom.nl.
ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY (EMC)
The Sensetion meets the provisions of the EU Directive 2014/30/EC (EMC Directive) and complies with the
applicable standards on the condition that the Sensetion has been installed properly. Should such
interference occur anyway, relocate the Weather Station.
CORRECT DISPOSAL OF AN USED BATTERY OF THIS PRODUCT
This marking on the Sensetion, manual or packaging indicates that the batteries in this product should not
be thrown away, mixed with other waste, at the end of their lifespan. The chemical symbol Pb indicates that
the lead content in the battery is higher than the reference level in the Directive 2013/66/EC. If the used
batteries are not handled correctly, these substances can be harmful to human health or the
environment. To protect natural resources and to promote material reuse, please separate your waste
batteries from other types of waste and o er them for recycling to the free collection system for
accumulators and batteries in your area.
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CE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Dacom
Waanderweg 68
7812 HZ Emmen
The Netherlands
www.dacom.nl
Phone: +31 88 3226600
Product: Soil moisture station
Model: Sensetion
On behalf of Dacom, based in Emmen in The Netherlands, the undersigned declares that the Sensetion
complies with the provisions of the directives:
2014/30/EC (February 26, 2014) on electromagnetic compatibility; Applicable standards: ETSI EN 301
489-1 V1.9.2, ETSI EN 301 489-7 V1.3.1;
2014/53/EC (April 16, 2014) on radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment and the
mutual recognition of their conformity; Applicable standard: ETSI EN 301 511 V9.0.2;
2011/65/EC (June 8, 2011) on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and
electronic equipment (RoHS);
2013/56/EC (November 20, 2013) on the use of batteries and accumulators;
2012/19/EC (July 4, 2012) on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).
Emmen, March 2018
Janneke Hadders
CEO Dacom
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS SENSETION
Type
Measurement principle
Volumetric soil moisture determination (m3.m-3 or Vol. - %.)
Measurement value
Full measurement range is 0.0 m3.m-3 to 1.0 m3.m-3
Measurement volume
>95% Of the soil moisture measurement takes place in a cylinder ground
around the tube with a diameter of 20 cm and a length of 25 cm
Environmental factors
Prolonged use in almost all soil types under extremely wet conditions
(even in water) with no failures or corrosion (IP-67 up to 5 meteres) For
use in temperatures from -30 to 50 °C
Stabalisation time
Up to 60 minutes after being put into use
Response time
Less than 1 ms
Operation mode
Soil moisture measurement and data logging once every 15 minutes !
Data transmission 1 to 4 times every 4 hours!
Internal memory 4 Mb for maximum 1,000 values
Integrated power supply
Solar panel: 4.0 - 4.8V DC regulated !
Batteries: 2 Cyclone sealed lead acid batteries, 2V/2.5 aH
Power consumption: 19 mA, 23 mA maximum
Integrated modem
Cinterion BGS2-BGS2-W, omnidirectional quad-band!
Frequency: GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz
For use in temperatures from -30 °C to 85 °C!
Fully compliant with EU RoHS Directive
Cover material
ASA Luran s 777K/PVC
Dimensions
141 cm x 10.4 cm x 11.3 cm
Weight
Approximately 1,370 gram
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