IMKO TRIME-PICO 64 User manual

Manual
TRIME-PICO 64/32

Manual TRIME_PICO64-32 Version 2_0 2017-05-30
Page 2
Thank you for purchasing a IMKO instrument.
Should you have any queries please
don’t hesitate to contact your local
distributor or address directly to IMKO:
IMKO Micromodultechnik GmbH
Am Reutgraben 2
D-76275 Ettlingen
Germany
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet: http://www.imko.de

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Manual for TRIME®-PICO 64/32
List of Contents
1Functional Description .................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Operation modes ........................................................................................................ 5
1.1.1 Operation mode A (Bus communication) .................................................................5
1.1.2 Operation mode B (Single measurement) ................................................................6
1.1.3 Operation mode C (Cyclic measurement)................................................................. 6
1.1.4 PC connection.......................................................................................................6
1.2 External power supply..................................................................................................6
2Technical Data................................................................................................................ 7
2.1 TRIME-PICO64.............................................................................................................7
2.2 TRIME-PICO32.............................................................................................................7
2.3 Installation hints..........................................................................................................8
3TRIME-PICO64/32 Versions:.............................................................................................9
3.1 PICO DataLogger cable 5m with end splices (Item no.: 300082) ...................................... 10
3.2 PICO IMP-Bus cable 5m, 4-pin female connector (Item no.: 300080) ............................... 10
3.3 PICO BT+TRIME-HD cable 1,5m, 7-pin female connector (Item no.:300081) ..................... 10
3.4 Accessories...............................................................................................................11
3.4.1 E-Box (Extension Box), (Item no.: 300092).............................................................. 11
3.4.2 C-Box (Current Box), (Item no.: 300091) ................................................................ 11
3.4.3 SM-USB Serial Interface Module ..........................................................................12
3.4.4 PICO-BT Bluetooth Module .................................................................................. 12
3.5 Datalogging with Differential Analog Inputs..................................................................13
4Installation details: ....................................................................................................... 14
4.1 Temperature measurement:....................................................................................... 14
4.2 Installation equipment:..............................................................................................14
4.2.1 Preparation set for TRIME-PICO64, (Item no.: 302035) ............................................14
4.2.2 Preparation set for TRIME-PICO32, (Item no.: 302023) ............................................14
4.2.3 Extension tubes for TRIME-PICO64 & TRIME-PICO32............................................... 15
4.2.4 Hand Auger Set for TRIME-PICO64 & TRIME-PICO32 ...............................................15
5Remote Power Supply to TRIME-PICO ............................................................................ 16
6Basic Calibration with the Calibration Set ....................................................................... 17
6.1 What is a basic calibration? ........................................................................................ 17
6.2 What are the benefits of the calibration set for the user? .............................................. 17
6.2.1 Calibration set for TRIME probes...........................................................................17
6.3 How to perform a basic calibration? ............................................................................17

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6.3.1 Preparation of the glass beads..............................................................................17
6.3.2 Basic calibration procedure ..................................................................................18
7Material-Specific Calibration..........................................................................................19
7.1 Soil Density Correction with PICO Sensors ....................................................................19
8Mounting Spare Rods with O-ring Seals ..........................................................................21
9Information on Lightning Protection of the ENVIS Environmental Measurement System....22
9.1 Introduction..............................................................................................................22
9.2 Excess voltage protection on 110/220V mains supply ....................................................22
9.3 Protection of modem and telephone lines....................................................................22
9.4 Excess voltage protection for network modules by "SM-Blitz".........................................22
9.5 Lightning protection on meteorological towers.............................................................22
9.6 Installation instructions for SM BLITZ lightning protection modules.................................22
9.7 Conclusion................................................................................................................22
10 Datalogging configuration examples...............................................................................23
10.1 PICO probes connected to a PC under Windows............................................................23
10.2 PICO probes connected to a SDI12 Datalogger ..............................................................24
11 Quick guide for the Software PICO-CONFIG.....................................................................25
11.1 Connection of the RS485 or the SDI-12 and the IMP-Bus to the SM-USB Module ..............25
11.1.1 RS485 or IMP-Bus Configuration and Probe Scan ....................................................26
11.2 Scan of connected PICO probes on the RS485 or IMP-Bus ..............................................27
11.3 Configuration of Measure Mode .................................................................................27
11.4 Analogue outputs of the PICO probe............................................................................28
11.5 Simulate Analog Output .............................................................................................28
11.6 Selection of the individual Calibration Curves ...............................................................29
11.7 Test Run in Measurement Mode A ..............................................................................30
11.8 TRIME WIN MONITOR Datalogger Software..................................................................31
11.9 Calibration Curves .....................................................................................................32
11.10 Creating a linear Calibration Curve for a specific Material...............................................35
11.10.1 Calculation for a linear 2-point calibration curve.....................................................35
11.10.2 Calculation for a non-linear calibration curve .........................................................36
12 Measure Electrical Conductivity with TRIME Probes.........................................................37
12.1 The analysis of Soils for Electrical Conductivity ECTRIME ...................................................38
12.2 ECTRIME Measurement Range for TRIME Probes.............................................................39
12.3 Measurement of Pore-Water-Conductivity or Salt-Content of Soils .................................39
12.4 Creation of a Moisture/ ECTRIME Diagram for a particular Soil..........................................42
13 Software Error codes.....................................................................................................43
13.1 Software Errors which will be coded with 4 digits. ........................................................43
13.2 PICO Errors (Firmware errors). The errors come from the firmware, from 1 to 255. ..........44
14 Savety Notes ................................................................................................................45

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1Functional Description
The intelligent and compact TRIME-PICO64/32 sensors are measurement devices for continuous and non-
destructive determination of volumetric or gravimetric material moisture, material temperature and material
conductivity. They are designed for stationary subterranean field use. A variety of installation options (greater
depth, vertical or horizontal orientation) offer a wide range of applications.
TRIME-PICO64/32 systems require an external 7-24V/DC power supply. They are designed for connection to a
data logger or a PC for monitoring and data logging purposes.
Your sensor is supplied ready for use and works in a wide range of standard soils. For further information
please check the details under Section 6!
1.1 Operation modes
TRIME-PICO64/32 systems are supplied with an IMP-Bus interface and analogue output of 0..1V for soil mois-
ture and temperature.
TRIME-PICO64/32 sensors can be easily connected (in operation modes A) to SDI12 datalogger and conven-
tional analogue data loggers (in operation modes B and C).
A detailed description of how to select a specific operation mode for your application can be found below.
PLEASE NOTE: Analogue dataloggers require differential inputs!
1.1.1 Operation mode A (Bus communication)
TRIME-PICO64/32 systems can be connected directly to the IMP-Bus (4-wire bus system), either via SDI12 data-
logger or via the SM-23U level converter module for use in conjunction with the EnvisLog data-logging soft-
ware.
If multiple sensors are to be wired as a network, IMKO offers 3-port, 6-port and 12-port distribution modules.
Please note that the IMP-Bus cable length and cable diameter must be properly matched as otherwise the
energy consumption of the TRIME sensors (100mA @ 12V/DC for 2..3s) may cause a drop in voltage. More
information is available in Section 5.
Benefits:
Low power consumption in field installations (with SDI12 datalogger)
Straightforward installation and simple wiring by virtue of pre-configured standard compo-
nents (e.g. lightning protection, distribution modules…)
Attachment of any other analogue sensors to IMP-Bus (via SM-Modules)
Systems are supplied ready for use
Cable length >1000m (with only 4 wires for all sensors)
For use with:
SDI12 Datalogger
EnvisLog (PC-Software for Microsoft Windows) only with converter module SM-USB
IMKO calibration and test software PICO-CONFIG (see page 27, Software download:
www.imko.de) only with converter module SM-USB

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1.1.2 Operation mode B (Single measurement)
TRIME-PICO64/32 will perform a single measurement when the power is switched on. Once the measurement
has been taken (2..3s) the readings are supplied as analogue output signals until the power is switched off. The
probe switches to the energy-saving mode (>1mA) and takes no more measurements until the power has been
switched off.
Benefits:
Low power consumption in field installations
Easy control of the measurement rate from an external source
No implementation of commands necessary
For use with:
Switched power supply
Analogue data loggers with relay
PC A/D converter boards with relay
1.1.3 Operation mode C (Cyclic measurement)
TRIME-PICO64/32 takes measurements at a freely configurable measurement rate (from 8s..24h). Once the
measurements have been taken (2..3s) the measured values are supplied as analogue output signals. Until the
next measurement is finished, the values of the previous measurement are available as analogue signal. In
standby until the next measurement is executed the probe consumes 8..10mA @ 12V/DC, if the communica-
tion is set to standby (can be changed in PICO-CONFIG software) 2..3mA @ 12V/DC.
Benefits:
Probe can be supplied with mains power
Measurement rate can be specified as required (even independent from logging rate of analogue
logger)
No implementation of commands necessary
Non-intelligent logger can be used (without power management)
For use with:
Mains power
Analogue data loggers with mains power
PC A/D converter boards
The operation mode is preset to customer specifications prior to despatch. Reconfiguration is possible using
the complementary software PICO-CONFIG (download under http://www.imko.de).
1.1.4 PC connection
The TRIME-PICO64/32 can be connected to a PC via:
SM-23U IMP-Bus RS232 converter module
BT-Module RS485 Bluetooth converter module
SM-USB IMP-Bus/RS485 USB converter module
1.2 External power supply
In the IMP-Bus the power to sensors can be supplied by battery, a complete solar system or mains power. For
serial connection of a large number of sensors or long IMP232-bus cables it is advisable to use a power amplifi-
er module (SM-23LV) or decentralised power supply.

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2Technical Data
2.1 TRIME-PICO64
For in situ monitoring of volumetric moisture in soils.
The large measuring volume is particularly suitable
for applications in heterogeneous and skeletal media.
Burying capability for both horizontal and vertical
orientation.
2.2 TRIME-PICO32
For in situ monitoring of volumetric moisture in soils.
The small measuring volume permits high spatial
resolution. Burying capability for both horizontal and
vertical orientation.

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2.3 Installation hints
Please assure careful installation of the probes with close contact between rod and soil. It is important to avoid
air pockets around the rods as the highest measuring sensitivity is directly around them.
Air pockets around the probe rods can reduce the measured moisture reading. Where saturated soils are in-
volved, water-filled air pockets will result in an exaggerated reading.
IMKO supplies pre-drilling sets for an optimal preparation of the installation point avoiding compaction of soil
otherwise caused by the insertion of the rods.

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3TRIME-PICO64/32 Versions:

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3.1 PICO DataLogger cable 5m with end splices (Item no.: 300082)
Wiring:
Pink:
Shield
Grey:
0..1V = -40..+70°C soil tempera-
ture
Violet:
AGND
White:
0..1V = 0..100% vol. water con-
tent
Blue:
COM (IMP-Bus)
Green:
R/T (IMP-Bus)
Black:
GND; (SDI-12 GND)
Red:
+Vs; (SDI-12 +Vs)
Yellow:
RS485B; (SDI-12 Data if
SDI-12 version)
Brown:
RS485A
3.2 PICO IMP-Bus cable 5m, 4-pin female connector (Item no.: 300080)
Pin layout:
Pin 1:
+Vs
Pin 2:
R/T (IMP-Bus)
Pin 3:
GND
Pin 4:
COM (IMP-Bus)
3.3 PICO BT+TRIME-HD cable 1,5m, 7-pin female connector (Item
no.:300081)
Pin layout:
Pin 1:
+Vs
Pin 2:
RS485-B
Pin 3:
GND
Pin 4:
RS485-A
Pin 5:
0..1V = 0..100% vol. soil water content
Pin 6:
AGND
Pin 7:
0..1V = -40..+70°C soil temperature

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List of abbreviations:
+Vs: + Voltage supply (7..24V/DC)
COM: Common (ground for IMP-Bus)
GND: Ground (for voltage supply)
AGND: Analogue ground
R/T: Receive/Transmit (on IMP-Bus)
3.4 Accessories
3.4.1 E-Box (Extension Box), (Item no.: 300092)
For extending the cable length of the TRIME-PICO
with DataLogger cable (see 3.1) up to 35m with
0..1V output signal.
3.4.2 C-Box (Current Box), (Item no.: 300091)
For extending the cable length of the TRIME-PICO with
DataLogger cable (see 3.1) and converting the 0..1V sig-
nal into 0(4)..20mA (cable length >100m possible).

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3.4.3 SM-USB Serial Interface Module
For connecting any of the TRIME-PICO (see 3.1 to 3.3, for 3.2 & 3.3 adapter required) via the
USB-Interface to a PC. The module offers 2 Sensor-Interfaces, IMP-Bus (IMKO specific) and
RS485 (industrial standard). One sensor can be powered out of the USB-Interface, if multiple
sensors are connected external power supply is required!
3.4.4 PICO-BT Bluetooth Module
For connecting the TRIME-PICO with PICO BT+TRIME-HD cable (see 3.3) to a PDA/PC via
Bluetooth interface. Module contains a internal rechargeable battery, which enables >1000
measurements.

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3.5 Datalogging with Differential Analog Inputs
Using a datalogger with a common ground will produce considerable problems, due to earth loops.
The higher the length of the cable the higher the problems with earth loops. Earth loops can produce
considerable fluctuations at the measurement signal 0 to 1V !
IMKO recommends to use a datalogger with differential inputs as shown in the following picture. With
differential inputs the problems with earth loops are eliminated.

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4Installation details:
4.1 Temperature measurement:
Conclusion: the probes should be permanently buried in the soil for optimum
temperature measurement!
4.2 Installation equipment:
4.2.1 Preparation set for TRIME-PICO64, (Item no.: 302035)
For preboring the soil prior to probe insertion.
1 x spike
1 x core drill
1 x PVC block
Item no.: 302035
4.2.2 Preparation set for TRIME-PICO32, (Item no.: 302023)
For preboring the soil prior to probe insertion. Rod length:
110mm.
Item no.: 302023

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For compacted, coarse or stony soil use the preparation set to bore a pilot
hole!
Preboring using the preparation rods for PICO32 and PICO64 avoids
compaction of soil (which would impair measurement accuracy)
damaging the probe’s rods or rod tips. A defective PVC rod coating or a blank rod is sensitive to elec-
tromagnetic charge and may destroy the electronics of sensor.
4.2.3 Extension tubes for TRIME-PICO64 & TRIME-PICO32
Length 0.5m: Item no.: 302014
Length 1.0m: Item no.: 302015
4.2.4 Hand Auger Set for TRIME-PICO64 & TRIME-PICO32
Please contact us for further details.

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5Remote Power Supply to TRIME-PICO
The operation of TRIME sensors may cause problems when power has to be supplied via long cables. There are
limitations to the maximum cable length depending on the cable diameter.
When power is supplied over long distance the maximum cable length depends on the cable cross section A,
the supply voltage Vsand the number nof the sensors measuring simultaneously. Device-specific data also be
applied to the formula:
Power consumption during measurements: Inorm = 100mA @ 12V/DC
Power consumption at min. voltage: Imax = 175mA @ 7V/DC
Supply voltage: Vs =12V
Minimum sensor voltage at circuit end: Vmin = 7V
Wire cross section: A = 0,34mm²
Specific electrical resistance of copper:

= 0.0178Ωx mm² / m
Number of sensors: n = 1…
The maximum possible circuit length Imax can then be calculated in the following manner:
max
min
max 2)( In VVA
ls




Please see the following the following example:
In the IMP232 environmental measurement system a bus cable with a wire cross section of A = 0.34 mm2is
normally used. We further assume that the power supply voltage is Vs=12 V and only one sensor is designated
to measure. Thus n = 1.
m
A
m
mm VVmm
l270
175.010356.0
)712(34.0 2
2
max 



In the above calculation, no tolerance is included; for security reasons the calculated cable length should be
reduced by 10% to obtain a realistic value. In order to increase the maximum possible cable length several
solutions are feasible.
1. Using cables with larger conductor diameters
By using 6-core conductor cables instead of 4-core, the cable length can be doubled as two extra
cores can be used for power supply. Cables with conductors of larger diameters will further in-
crease the maximum cable length possible.
2. Increasing the power supply voltage
Power supply voltage can be increased up to 17V, thereby raising the maximum length from 270m
to 540m in the example calculation above.
3. Installation of buffer batteries in the distributor
Additional storage batteries close to the TRIME sensors, e.g. in the distributor, allow cable lengths
up to 1km and enable simultaneous measurement of several sensors. However, this method re-
quires an additional charging circuit for the buffer storage battery.
4. Installation of a voltage regulator at the distributor
Voltage loss in the cable can be reduced with a 30V power supply and an installation of a voltage
regulator directly in front of the TRIME sensor, thus allowing circuit lengths of up to 1km.
Which solution is best suited mainly depends on the nature of the power supply of the measurement system:
Battery supply: solution 1 and possibly solution 3 should be considered, the latter being relatively ex-
pensive.
Mains supply: solutions 1 and 2 could be combined, or, more expensive, solutions 2 or 4 could be cho-
sen.

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6Basic Calibration with the Calibration Set
6.1 What is a basic calibration?
Basic calibration serves to compensate the cable length and tolerances of the probe mechanics (thick-
ness of the rod coating, rod length, etc.). After two measurements, one in dry and one in water- saturat-
ed glass beads, the calibration data is calculated and stored in the TRIME sensor.
Every TRIME-PICO64/32 sensor must be calibrated before it can supply proper measurement results.
Basic calibration is carried out by IMKO in the factory prior to shipment.
6.2 What are the benefits of the calibration set for the user?
With the calibration set you can easily carry out basic calibration of your TRIME sensor yourself.
If defective probe rods must be changed, you can perform the required basic calibration your-
self.
The calibration set cannot be used for establishing a material (soil) specific calibration. For this purpose a
measurement dataset must be created for the specific material. The complementary calibration program
TRIME-Tool is required to calculate the calibration data for this dataset and to download it to the TRIME-
PICO-Probe.
6.2.1 Calibration set for TRIME probes
For basic calibration of TRIME probes.
- 2 x boxes (7 litres.)
- 28kg glass beads
Item no.: 305017
6.3 How to perform a basic calibration?
6.3.1 Preparation of the glass beads
The glass beads, supplied with the calibration set, have to be prepared first:
Fill up one bucket until the rods of the probe can be immersed completely. To obtain a consistent densi-
ty, knock the bucket on the ground several times.

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The density of the glass beads increases with frequent insertion of probes. Therefore the glass beads should be poured
out into another bucket and poured back to achieve the original density.
Now the second bucket has to be filled with water in order to be able to fill in the glass beads without
leaving air-bubbles. An additional precaution against air-bubbles is to stir slightly while filling in the glass
beads. The container must now be knocked on the ground several times to obtain a consistent density.
The surplus water must be poured out until the depth of the water film above the glass beads is less
than 2mm.
The water-saturated glass beads should be in a temperature range between 20°C and 25°.
Attention: Water dissolves Na2O and K2O from glass which causes a rising pH-value and higher electrical conductivity.
New glass beads have to be washed intensively with tap water!!!
1. Fill a bucket with water
2. Stir the beads under water to drive out all air bubbles
3. Pour out the water. This procedure should be done with new glass beads at least five times, each time
with fresh water. If the glass beads have been in use for a prolonged period, three times is sufficient.
Please note that the electrical conductivity of the water-saturated glass beads medium increases al-
ready after a few days storage. Therefore the glass beads must be washed again before the next calibra-
tion.
6.3.2 Basic calibration procedure
Basic calibration must be performed using the calibration program Pico-Config . Please read the infor-
mation about basic calibration with Pico-Config in chapter 12 of this document.

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7Material-Specific Calibration
Your TRIME measuring system operates with a universal calibration for mineral soils as a standard.
The following parameters limit the application range of the universal calibration:
Clay content: >50%
Organic content: >10%
Bulk density: <1.1kg/dm³ or >1.7kg/dm³
Exceeding these limits may cause the tolerances given on page 5 to be overstepped.
Material-specific calibration is advisable if your soil is listed above or if you require accuracy down to the last
digit. The PICO-CONFIG software is required for setting up a material-specific calibration (download under
www.imko.de).
A test series with reference values is necessary for performing material-specific calibration (e.g. Oven drying at
105°C until weight is constant). The test series –and consequently the calibration–should include minimum and
maximum moisture values. TRIME readings and reference values are compared in a table. The calibration coef-
ficients must then be calculated and uploaded to the TRIME-device.
7.1 Soil Density Correction with PICO Sensors
One of the most important advantages of PICO sensors is, that it is possible to measure volumetric
moisture for all soil types with <50% clay and <10% organic with just one calibration. The only factor is
the offset caused by the differing soil density, which can be compensated by a formula which IMKO
offers at its homepage in an Excel-File “Soil Density Correction”.
Volcanic soils have normally lower densities, clayey soils can have higher densities.
It is possible to make an offset correction with Excel functions after datalogging of the stored moisture
values. But it is also possible to change the offset calibration parameter m0 inside the PICO probe
before installation and use of the PICO sensor. With help of the software tool PICO-CONFIG it is pos-
sible to load the “Universal Soil” calibration curve of the PICO sensor, to change it and store it back
to the sensor.
Necessary is to change the parameter m0 of the “Universal Soil” calibration curve inside the PICO
probe. If a soil has a lower density as 1,4 than the PICO senor measures a too low moisture value and
therefore the calibration parameter m0 has to be increased with an offset correction value.
E.g. if the soil density is 1,3 than the calibration parameter m0 has to be increased with +1,21.
If e.g. the calibration parameter m0 = -30 inside the PICO sensor than it has to be increased to
m0 = -30 + 1,21 = -28,79
If the soil has a density higher than 1,4 than the calibration parameter m0 of the “Universal Soil”
calibration curve has to be decreased with the appropriate offset correction value.

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The correction values for some soil density values are outlined below:
Soil
Density
Factor
Error in %
due to
deviating
Density
m0 Offset
Correction
Value
-0,3
1,10675
12,12
-17,05
-3,64
+3,64
-0,2
1,20675
12,12
-17,05
-2,42
+2,42
-0,1
1,30675
12,12
-17,05
-1,21
+1,21
0
1,40675
12,12
-17,05
0,00
DEFAULT
0,1
1,50675
12,12
-17,05
1,21
-1,21
0,2
1,60675
12,12
-17,05
2,42
-2,42
0,3
1,70675
12,12
-17,05
3,64
-3,64
0,5
1,90675
12,12
-17,05
6,06
-6,06
0,6
2,00675
12,12
-17,05
7,27
-7,27
0,7
2,10675
12,12
-17,05
8,48
-8,48
Load the Excel-file “Soil Density Correction” from IMKO´s homepage “Support” and “PICO-
CONFIG” and enter your soil density for getting the appropriate offset correction value.