Ecomatik DD-L2 User manual

Dendrometer
ECOMATIK GmbH
Muenchner Str. 23
D-85221 Dachau/Germany
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
website: www.ecomatik.de
Diameter Dendrometer (Type DD-L2)
For measuring changes in diameter of
fast growing tree stems/branches
User Manual
Version 2019

Diameter Dendrometer Large –Type DD-L2
1
1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing an Ecomatik Dendrometer type DD-L2. This is a highly precise
sensor for continuous measurements of diameter changes of tree stems/ branches under
outdoor conditions.
This manual is written to help you install and operate your DD-L2 dendrometer with least
difficulty and for desirable results. Please read it carefully before installing the sensor, and
refer to it if you should have any difficulty with the sensor in the future.
The dendrometer is the sensor part of a measuring system. This means that the den-
drometer should be connected to a data logger for continuous data recording. The den-
drometer is compatible with the most data logger types. At Ecomatik a low-cost, special
for dendrometers developed DL18 logger is available
2. Product Description
As shown below, the DD-L2 dendrometer consists of:
1 Sensor with 5 m cable. The cable length is extendable to 100 m
1 Frame for fixing the sensor onto the stem/branch
1 Piece UV-resistant rubber band
2 Piece of coated metal wire
Please contact us should you miss anything of these items.
DD-L2 Dendrometer
The standard cable length is 5 m. if you ordered cable extension, the cable length is the
ordered extension + 5 m.
To meet the requirements of different loggers, there are 2 different types of cables: cable
with plug and cable without plug. Cable with plug can only be connected to Dendrome-
ter Logger DL18. Cable without plug can be connected to other loggers.
3. Safety Information
The sensor is protected from rain water, but it is not waterproof. Please do not immerse
the sensor in water.
Avoid any tension between the cable and sensor during handling and operation.
Pay attention to connections to data logger. Wrong connections will provide wrong read-
ings.

Diameter Dendrometer Large –Type DD-L2
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4. Installation
4.1 Cable Extension
The standard version is delivered with 5 m cable. It can be extended up to 100 m. Cable
type 4×0.25 mm2with shield is recommended for extensions.
4.2 Required tools for installation and for operation
A spanner (M3), a pair of scissors.
4.3 Mounting
4.3.1 Attach the two perforated rubber belts with the single-hole-end to the two fixation
bolts at the back-side bar of the mounting frame.
4.3.2 Firmly fix the frame at the stem/branch, by tightly wrapping the rubber belts around
the stem/branch and locking them again by slipping the desired holes of the belts on
the corresponding bolts at the back-side bar.
4.3.3 Mount the two threaded rods in the suitable spaced holes of the back plate of the
frame, by using the enclosed screws and washers and tighten them using the en-
closed socket wrench.
Front side Back side
4.3.4 Place the front part of the frame and fix it with the screws. Place the screws for the
front plate such that the sensor rod is pushed in by about 2-3 mm. When the instal-
lation is taking place shortly before frost period, the sensor rod should be pushed in
by 5 mm. At frosts the stem diameter can shrink considerably.
4.3.5 Re-tighten all screws firmly.
4.3.6 Fix the cable onto the tree stem/branch by using the rubber cord, such that the sen-
sor is protected from any accidental pull/drag on the entire cable length. This can be
done using a rope or cable straps. Ensure there is no tension between the sensor
and cable.
4.3.7 Ensure that no rain water can run along the cable into the sensor casing.

Diameter Dendrometer Large –Type DD-L2
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5. Wiring and Logger Configuration
The dendrometer is compatible with most data loggers. In the following we describe the
connection with Dendrometer Logger (DL18), Campbell Logger (CR1000). Please contact
us if your logger is not described here.
Dendrometer Data Logger (DL18)
The DL18 is a battery powered, waterproof logger for connecting 4 dendrometers. It is a
very effective data logger for dendrometer measurement under outdoor conditions. For
details please see the user manual of the DL18.
Campbell Data Logger (CR1000)
The dendrometer can be measured both in single-ended voltage as well as differential
voltage mode. Differential voltage mode provides better accuracy. But single-ended mode
requires half as many channels as differential mode. One CR1000 can include 16 den-
drometers in single-ended mode, but only 8 dendrometers in differential mode.
Single-ended Voltage Mode ( 2 dendrometers)
Connection
Cable Color
Input Port
1st dendrometer
Yellow
1H
Green
Ground
Brown
Vx1
White
Ground
2nd dendrometer
Yellow
1L
Green
Ground
Brown
Vx1
White
Ground
Program Syntax
ExciteV (Vx1,2500,0)
VoltSe(SEVolt(),2,mV2500,1,True,0,_50Hz,Mult(),Offs())
If Multiplier=10.16, Offset=0, the results are measured in microns.
Differential Voltage Mode ( 2 dendrometers)
Connection
Cable Color
Input Port
1st dendrometer
Yellow
1H
Green
1L
Brown
Vx1
White
Ground
2nd dendrometer
Yellow
2H
Green
2L
Brown
Vx1
White
Ground
Program Syntax
ExciteV (Vx1,2500,0)
VoltDiff(DiffVolt(),2,mV2500,1,True,0,_50Hz,Mult(),Offs())
If Multiplier=10.16, Offset=0, the results are measured in microns.
An interval 0.5-hour for data collection can reveal the diurnal course of diameter changes very well.

Diameter Dendrometer Large –Type DD-L2
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6. Adjustment and maintenance
Ensure that no falling branches, fruits or snow land on the sensor. The sensor is protected
against water droplets but is not waterproof.
When the sensor is correctly installed, it will function under outdoor conditions without the
need for further maintenance.
Depending on the growth rate of the tree, the sensor should be reset after some months
or years of measurements. When the output approaches 25 mm, the sensor needs to be
reset.
Relax the screw slowly so that the sensor rod is pushed in by about 2-3 mm. When the
reset is taking place shortly before frost period, the sensor rod should be pushed in by 5
mm. At frosts the stem diameter can shrink considerably.
Tighten all screws firmly.
7. Technical Specifications
Name of the Sensor
Diameter dendrometer large
Type DD-L2
Use area
For measuring diameter growth fast growing of trees
Suitable for plant size
Diameter 3-30 cm
Range of the senor
25.4 mm
Resolution
The resolution of the sensor itself is infinite. The resolution of
readings is determined by connected data logger, e.g.
CR1000: 3.3 µm
Dendrometer logger DL18: 0.5 µm
Accuracy
Dendrometer dependent:
Max. ±1.97% of reading (stable offset)
Dependent on the connected data logger, e.g.:
CR1000:±(0.04% of reading+10µm)
Dendrometer logger DL18: ±0.1%
Temperature coeffi-
cient of the sensor
<0.2 µm / °C in the whole range
Linearity
<0.7%
Environment
Outdoor condition: -25 to 70C air temperature, 0 to 100% relative
air humidity
Weight of the sensor
33 g without cable
Power supply
Stabilized Vex 0.5 –10 VDC, power consumption practically zero
Material
Stainless steel and Aluminium
Cable length
5 m, extendable up to 100 m