
4
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
METER sensors are built to the highest standards, but misuse, improper protection, or improper installation
may damage the sensor and possibly void the warranty. Before integrating sensors into a sensor network,
followthe recommended installation instructions and implement safeguards to protect the sensor from
damaging interference.
SURGE CONDITIONS
Sensors have built-in circuitry that protects them against common surge conditions. Installations in
lightning-prone areas, however, require special precautions, especially when sensors are connected to a
well-grounded third-party logger.
Visit metergroup.com for articles containing more information.
POWER AND GROUNDING
Ensure there is sufficient power to simultaneously support the maximum sensor current drain for all the
sensors on the bus. The sensor protection circuitry may be insufficient if the data logger is improperly
powered or grounded. Refer to the data logger’s installation instructions. Improper grounding may affect the
sensor output as well as sensor performance.
Visit metergroup.com for articles containing more information.
CABLES
Improperly protected cables can lead to severed cables or disconnected sensors. Cabling issues can be
caused by many factors, including rodent damage, driving over sensor cables, tripping over the cable, not
leaving enough cable slack during installation, or poor sensor wiring connections. To relieve strain on the
connections and prevent loose cabling from being inadvertently snagged, gather and secure the cable
travelling between the TEROS 11/12 and the data acquisition device to the mounting mast in one or more
places. Install cables in conduit or plastic cladding when near the ground to avoid rodent damage. Tie excess
cable to the data logger mast to ensure cable weight does not cause sensor to unplug.
SENSOR COMMUNICATIONS
METER digital sensors feature a serial interface with shared receive and transmit signals for communicating
sensor measurements on the data wire (Figure 3). The sensor supports two different protocols: SDI-12 and DDI
serial. Each protocol has implementation advantages and challenges. Please contact Customer Support if the
protocol choice for the desired application is not obvious.
SDI-12 INTRODUCTION
SDI-12 is a standards-based protocol for interfacing sensors to data loggers and data acquisition equipment.
Multiple sensors with unique addresses can share a common 3-wire bus (power, ground, and data). Two-way
communication between the sensor and logger is possible by sharing the data line for transmit and receive
as defined by the standard. Sensor measurements are triggered by protocol command. The SDI-12 protocol
requires a unique alphanumeric sensor address for each sensor on the bus so that a data logger can send
commands to and receive readings from specific sensors.
Download the SDI-12 Specification v1.3 to learn more about the SDI-12 protocol.
DDI SERIAL INTRODUCTION
The DDI serial protocol is the method used by the METER data loggers for collecting data from the sensor. This
protocol uses the data line configured to transmit data from the sensor to the receiver only (simplex). Typically,
the receive side is a microprocessor UART or a general-purpose I/O pin using a bitbang method to receive data.
Sensor measurements are triggered by applying power to the sensor.
INTERFACING THE SENSOR TO A COMPUTER
The serial signals and protocols supported by the sensor require some type of interface hardware to be
compatible with the serial port found on most computers (or USB-to-serial adapters). There are several
SDI-12 interface adapters available in the marketplace; however, METER has not tested any of these