ICT SFM1 User manual

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SFM1 Sap Flow Meter
Quick Start Guide
Version 4.2

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Contents
Quick Start Guide .............................................................................................. 4
2. System Requirements ............................................................................... 5
2.1 Hardware........................................................................................... 5
2.2 Software............................................................................................ 5
2.3 Screen Resolution ............................................................................. 5
3. Charging the SFM1 Internal Battery ......................................................... 6
3.1 Connecting a Power Supply to the Instrument................................. 7
3.1.1 Connecting Power via USB Cable to a Laptop/PC ..................... 8
3.1.2 Connecting Power Directly via Solar Panel ............................... 9
3.1.3 Connecting Power Directly via CH24....................................... 10
4. Install ICT Combined Instrument Software and USB Driver.................... 11
5. Turn the Instrument On .......................................................................... 12
6. Connect to the Instrument ..................................................................... 13
6.1 Connect via MCC Mini..................................................................... 14
7. Instrument Information .......................................................................... 15
7.1 Set Date and Time........................................................................... 16
8. Set the Measurement Parameters.......................................................... 17
8.1 Configuration .................................................................................. 18
8.1.1 Corrections.............................................................................. 19
8.1.2 SD Card Logging Options......................................................... 20
9. Install the Sensor..................................................................................... 21
9.1 Measure the Plant........................................................................... 21
9.2 Attach Installation Guide ................................................................ 22
9.3 Begin Drilling ................................................................................... 23

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9.4 Check the Holes are Parallel ........................................................... 23
9.5 Using Spacers .................................................................................. 24
9.6 Greasing the Needles...................................................................... 25
9.7 Attaching the SFM1 to the Tree and Installing the Needles ........... 26
9.8 Insulating Needles for Small Diameter Stems................................. 27
9.9 Uninstallation – Removal of the Needles........................................ 28
10 Downloading Data............................................................................... 29
10.1 Download Data Directly from MicroSD Card .................................. 29
11 Analyse Data ................................................................................... 31

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Quick Start Guide
Note: The SFM1 needles are made of hollow 1.3mm stainless steel tubing.
They can easily be damaged if basic care is not taken in handling the
instrument.
Please read this entire document prior to installing your SFM1. If you are
unsure about anything regarding your sap flow meter, please contact ICT
International before use.
Email: [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]

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2. System Requirements
2.1 Hardware
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
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
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 SFM1 Internal Battery
The SFM1 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 6-9).
A solar panel can be connected to the SFM1 in the field, see page 6 for more
details.
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, 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

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3.1.1 Connecting Power via USB Cable to a Laptop/PC

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3.1.2 Connecting Power Directly via Solar Panel

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3.1.3 Connecting Power Directly via CH24
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.