ICT SFM1x User manual

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SFM1x Sap Flow Meter
Quick Start Guide
Version 1.0

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Table of Contents
1. Quick Start Guide ...................................................................................... 4
2. System Requirements ........................................................................... 5
2.1 Hardware........................................................................................... 5
2.2 Software............................................................................................ 5
2.3 Screen Resolution ............................................................................. 5
3. Charging the SFM1x Internal Battery........................................................ 6
3.1 Connecting a Power Supply to the Instrument................................. 7
3.1.1 Connecting Power via USB C 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............................................. 11
5. Turn the Instrument On.......................................................................... 12
6. Connect to the Instrument ..................................................................... 13
6.1 Connecting via USB ......................................................................... 13
6.2 Connect via Bluetooth..................................................................... 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 SFM1x 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 .................................. 30
11 Analyse Data ....................................................................................... 31

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1. Quick Start Guide
Note: The SFM1x 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 before installing your SFM1. If you are unsure
about anything regarding your instrument, please contact ICT International
before use.
Email: [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]

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2. System Requirements
2.1 Hardware
The minimum system required to run ICT Combined Instrument Software (CIS)
is :
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 8 & 8.1
b. Windows 10
2.3 Screen Resolution
ICT Combined Instrument Software works best on computers that have a
screen resolution of 1024x 768 or higher.

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3. Charging the SFM1x Internal Battery
The SFM1x is a self-contained instrument that incorporates a lithium-ion
battery. Before using the instrument, this battery should be charged. ICT
International recommends using part number CH24.
A solar panel can be connected to the SFM1x in the field, see Figures 1-3 for
more details.
The unique power bus-plug design was developed by ICT International to
simplify the electrical wiring process. It minimizes 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 Figure 1, no other tools are required. 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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Figure 1. Connecting wires to power bus plugs.
3.1.1 Connecting Power via USB C 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 recommends 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.