ICT International PSY1 User manual

PSY1
Leaf Psychrometer
May, 2018

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Contents
1. Introduction ..............................................................................................................................................................3
2. System Requirements ............................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Hardware...........................................................................................................................................................4
2.2 Software............................................................................................................................................................4
2.3 Screen Resolution ............................................................................................................................................. 4
3. Charging the PSY1 Internal Battery...........................................................................................................................5
3.1 Connecting a Power Supply to the Instrument.................................................................................................6
3.1.1 Individual Power Supply Connections.......................................................................................................6
3.1.2 Connecting Power via USB Cable to a Laptop/PC ..................................................................................... 7
3.1.3 Connecting Power Directly via CH24 Power Supply..................................................................................8
3.1.4 Connecting Power Directly via Solar Panel (Field Operation)...................................................................9
4. Cleaning the Psychrometer Chamber .....................................................................................................................10
5. Install ICT Combined Instrument Software and USB Driver....................................................................................11
6. Turn the Instrument On ..........................................................................................................................................12
7. Connect to the Instrument .....................................................................................................................................13
7.1 Connect via MCC Mini.....................................................................................................................................14
8. Set the Measurement Parameters..........................................................................................................................15
8.1 Configuration ..................................................................................................................................................16
Cooling Time and Waiting Time ..............................................................................................................................16
Chamber Heating ....................................................................................................................................................16
Calibration...............................................................................................................................................................16
Chamber Heating ....................................................................................................................................................17
8.2 Calibration.......................................................................................................................................................17
8.3 Diagnostics ......................................................................................................................................................18
Reverse Peltier (Warming)......................................................................................................................................18
8.4 SD Card Logging Options.................................................................................................................................19
View Options...............................................................................................................................................................19
9. Download Data .......................................................................................................................................................20
10. Sensor Installation...............................................................................................................................................22
Grit Selection...............................................................................................................................................................23
Level of Abrasion.........................................................................................................................................................23

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1. Introduction
The PSY1 Leaf Psychrometer follows the same principle of measurement as the stem psychrometer, however the
body of the chamber is reduced to accommodate smaller and thinner leaf areas in several plant species. The
technique used to prepare and install the Leaf Psychrometer is different to the Stem Psychrometer as it requires
additional care to prepare the installation site.
The PSY1 Leaf Psychrometer is comprised of:
•PSY1 Logger
•Leaf Psychrometer Chamber
Please note, the Psychrometer thermocouples are made from 25µm Chromel/Constantan wire. You will require a
microscope to view the thermocouples. You should not attempt to manipulate their position with the naked eye, the
thermocouples can easily be broken if handled incorrectly.
Thermocouples under 20x magnification.

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2. System Requirements
2.1 Hardware
The ICT Combined Instrument Software does not require a powerful computer.
Recommended Minimum System Specifications:
Intel Atom 1.66 GHz and 1GB RAM or higher.
2.2 Software
The ICT Instrument software is compatible with the following Operating Systems:
a. Windows 7
b. Windows 8 & 8.1
c. Windows 10
d. Mac OS X
2.3 Screen Resolution
The ICT Combined Instrument Software works best on computers that have screen resolution of 1366 x 768 or
larger.

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3. Charging the PSY1 Internal Battery
The PSY1 is a self-contained instrument that incorporates a lithium polymer battery. Before using the instrument,
this battery should be charged. To choose from a range of charging options see:
Connecting a Power Supply to the Instrument (pages 6 to 9).
The unique power-bus plug design was developed by ICT International to simplify the electrical wiring process. It
minimises the need for custom tools in the field requiring only that the outer cable sheath be stripped back to
expose the copper wire.
As shown in Connecting a Power Supply to the Instrument (page 6) no other tools are required, with all necessary
components and fixings fully incorporated into the instrument design. Retaining straps ensure the power-bus plugs
do not separate from the instrument when removed from the power-bus during wiring preparation and connection
of external power.

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3.1 Connecting a Power Supply to the Instrument
3.1.1 Individual Power Supply Connections

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3.1.2 Connecting Power via USB Cable to a Laptop/PC

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3.1.3 Connecting Power Directly via CH24 Power Supply
Note: The PSY1 is non-polarised.
Note: Continuous connection of an external battery or constant power supply (for days to months at a time) is not
recommended as this can shorten the life of the internal battery. ICT International recommend using a solar panel
directly connected (with no external battery backup in parallel) wherever possible; or a timer switch to turn off
external power for 8-12 hours daily to simulate a solar panel during the day and night.

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3.1.4 Connecting Power Directly via Solar Panel (Field Operation)
Note: The PSY1 is non-polarised

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4. Cleaning the Psychrometer Chamber
The Leaf Psychrometer consists of two very small welded thermocouples made of very fine 25µm wire.
This makes the sensor very sensitive for measuring water potential, but equally sensitive to dirt and mild oxidation. It
is recommended that before starting any measurements you clean the thermocouples. The cleaning process
involved using an organic solvent such as chloroform, or electronics contact cleaner.
Watch the Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUe2leJzxE0