METER VARIOS User manual

VARIOS

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction.............................................................................................. 1
1.1 VARIOS—Complete Set .............................................................................1
1.2 VARIOS—Extension Set.............................................................................1
1.3 VARIOS—Standalone Set ..........................................................................2
2. Operation ...................................................................................................3
2.1 Installation ................................................................................................3
2.2 Key Factors to Get Reliable Measurements ...............................................4
2.3 Connect VARIOS Configurations.................................................................4
2.3.1 VARIOS Thermal Dryout Configuration .............................................4
2.3.2 VARIOS Standalone Configuration ...................................................7
2.4 Prepare Soil Sample................................................................................... 8
2.4.1 Undisturbed Soil Sample .................................................................9
2.4.2 Disturbed Soil Sample ................................................................... 12
2.5 Saturate Soil Sample ............................................................................... 13
2.5.1 Undisturbed Soil Sample ............................................................... 13
2.5.2 Disturbed Soil Sample ................................................................... 16
2.6 Insert Sensor Needle Into Sample Material ............................................. 18
2.6.1 Soft Material Sample (TC-S70 or TC-S100 Sensor) ........................ 18
2.6.2 Solid Material Sample (TC-S100 Sensor) ....................................... 20
2.7 Set Measurement Configuration in LABROS Soilview Software ............... 20
2.7.1 Possible Device Combinations....................................................... 20
2.7.2 Connecting Devices to a PC Computer ........................................... 21
2.7.3 Preparing the Balance.................................................................... 21
2.7.4 Configure a Measurement.............................................................. 24
2.7.5 Running a Measurement ................................................................ 30
18471-00
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2.7.6 Additional Function of LABROS SoilView ....................................... 35
2.7.7 Postprocessing a Measurement..................................................... 36
3. System....................................................................................................... 39
3.1 Specifications.......................................................................................... 39
3.2 Components ............................................................................................ 41
3.2.1 Sensors.......................................................................................... 41
3.2.2 Soil Sample Ring............................................................................ 42
3.2.3 HYPROP Balance............................................................................ 42
3.2.4 Saturation Ring.............................................................................. 42
3.2.5 Silicone Retaining Rings ................................................................ 42
3.2.6 USB-A to USB-B Adapter and Cable ............................................... 42
3.2.7 Glycerin Verification Standard....................................................... 42
3.2.8 Upper Adapter................................................................................ 42
3.2.9 Lower Adapter................................................................................ 42
3.3 Theory...................................................................................................... 42
4. Service....................................................................................................... 46
4.1 Sensor Verification .................................................................................. 46
4.2 Cleaning................................................................................................... 49
4.3 Troubleshooting ....................................................................................... 50
4.4 Updating Firmware .................................................................................. 50
4.5 Customer Support.................................................................................... 51
4.6 Terms and Conditions .............................................................................. 51
References ....................................................................................................52
Index ................................................................................................................. 53

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1. INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing the VARIOS Thermal Properties Analyzer from METER Group.
VARIOS is an automated measurement and evaluation lab system for determining thermal
conductivity as a function of water content of soil samples and other suitable materials. This
manual will help the user understand and use the VARIOS in its possible combinations to the
best of its capability.
Please verify that all components for the components ordered are included and appear in
good condition. Explanations for all components are located in Section3.2.
1.1 VARIOSCOMPLETE SET
The most common ordering option is for a VARIOS Complete Set. This option is most often
used for the dryout process described in Section2.3.1. The following items are included in
the shipment.
• VARIOS Thermal Properties Analyzer
• HYPROP Balance (VARIOS ready) with USB cable
• TC-S70 needle
Accessories included:
Soil sample ring with 2 drilled holes
2 Saturation trays
6 Silicone retaining rings
Glycerin verification standard
1.2 VARIOSEXTENSION SET
The components listed below are available individually to measure thermal conductivity at
specific water content points (will not be able to associate the thermal conductivity with
water content).
The VARIOS Extension Set does not include the HYPROP Balance (VARIOS ready). If this will
be used with an existing HYPROP Balance (not VARIOS ready), make sure a USB cable and
power adapter with cable is included (Figure3).
• VARIOS Thermal Properties Analyzer
• TC-S70 needle

2
INTRODUCTION
Accessories included
Soil sample ring with 2 drilled holes
2 Saturation trays
6 Silicone retaining rings
Glycerin verification standard
Items sold separately
VARIOS USB Adapter and cable (order separately if applicable)
VARIOS Power Adapter and cable (order separately if applicable)
Sensor Installation Tool
1.3 VARIOSSTANDALONE SET
The components listed below are available individually. This allows for use of a custom soil
sample container, or measure thermal conductivity at specific water content points. Contact
Customer Support for more information.
• VARIOS Thermal Properties Analyzer (1)
• USB-A to USB-B adapter and cable (1)
The following components can be ordered separately, if needed.
Sensor installation tool
Thermal conductivity soil sample ring
Glycerin verification standard
VARIOS Power supply adapter and cable
HYPROP Balance (VARIOS ready)
Sensor with TC-S70 needle
Sensor with TC-S100 needle

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VARIOS
2. OPERATION
Please read all instructions before operating the VARIOS to ensure it performs to its
full potential.
PRECAUTION
METER sensors are built to the highest standards, but misuse, improper protection, or improper installation may
damage the sensor and possibly void the manufacturer’s warranty. Before integrating VARIOS into a system, make
sure to follow the recommended installation instructions and have the proper protections in place to safeguard
sensors from damage.
2.1 INSTALLATION
Follow the steps listed in Table1 to set up the VARIOS standalone as well as VARIOS dryout.
Table1 Installation
Tools Needed
Microsoft®Windows®computer (Windows 10 or newer)
LABROS SoilView software
LABROS SoilView-Analysis software
Preparation
WARNING
VARIOS is not intended for outdoor use.
CONSIDER SURROUNDINGS
When the VARIOS is used in combination with the HYPROP Balance, place the
Balance on a horizontal, vibration-free, solid surface where the temperature
remains fairly stable (away from the air conditioner and heater vents,
windows, etc.).
IMPORTANT: Temperature fluctuations or vibrations will strongly affect the accuracy of
the measurement results.
Remove the plate of the HYPROP Balance, and place the VARIOS on top of
the scale.

4
OPERATION
Table 1 Installation (continued)
Installation
Install LABROS SoilView Software and METER USB Driver
Download the LABROS SoilView Software Download.
Run the LABROS SoilView.exe file and follow the installation instructions.
NOTE: LABROS SoilView software can only be used with Microsoft Windows 10 or newer.
If there is a problem executing the LABROS SoilView.exe, please download and
install Microsoft.NET Framework 4.8.0 manually and have the current version
of the Microsoft Windows installer.
Click on the LABROS SoilView icon to open the program.
Connect VARIOS to HYPROP Balance (VARIOS ready)
Insert the VARIOS connector cable into the back of the HYPROP Balance
(Figure2).
Connect VARIOS to a HYPROP Balance That is not VARIOS Ready
Connect the VARIOS connector cable into the VARIOS power adapter, and plug
the power adapter into the HYPROP Balance (Figure3).
When the VARIOS is powered, a blinking white light will appear on the front of
the unit. See Table10 for more information regarding the lights and meanings.
2.2 KEY FACTORS TO GET RELIABLE MEASUREMENTS
Getting reliable results from VARIOS measurements is dependent upon the following factors.
• Air gaps in the sample may form if the needle moves around in the sample.
If an air gap forms, the accuracy of the measurement will be affected. The sensor needle
needs to fit tightly in the sample to reduce the chance of the needle moving around.
• Small stones or pebbles in the sample may prevent the sensor needle from being inserted
into the sample.
Try installing the sensor through the second drilling hole.
2.3 CONNECT VARIOS CONFIGURATIONS
The VARIOS can be configured two ways depending on the type of measurement data
required and the accessories available. This section describes the two configurations and
how to connect the accessories.
2.3.1 VARIOS THERMAL DRYOUT CONFIGURATION
The VARIOS Thermal dryout configuration uses both the VARIOS and a HYPROP Balance to
calculate the thermal conductivity as a function of water content of soil samples or various
suitable materials. Both the VARIOS Complete Set and the Extension Set can be used for the
Thermal dryout configuration.

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VARIOS
The Extension Set will require an existing HYPROP Balance and VARIOS Power Adapter to
create a thermal dryout curve.
The VARIOS is placed on top of and connected to a HYPROP Balance. The soil sample ring
is placed directly on top of the VARIOS. The thermal conductivity and weight data are
automatically recorded from the HYPROP Balance and evaluated via the LABROS SoilView
and LABROS SoilView-Analysis software. As a result, the correlation between thermal
conductivity and water content of the dried-out soil sample is determined by the data
collected from the sample during the dryout process.
NOTE: The Complete Set uses a HYPROP Balance (VARIOS ready) and the Extension Set uses a legacy HYPROP
Balance. If HYPROP Balance is used, it can mean either version and depends on the equipment being set up.
2.3.1.1 CONNECT USING THE VARIOS COMPLETE SET
The VARIOS Complete Set or the Extension Set with an existing HYPROP Balance can be used
for the VARIOS Thermal dryout configuration.
Follow the steps below to connect the VARIOS Complete Set (Figure2).
1. Place the VARIOS ready HYPROP Balance on a stable surface.
2. Remove the Balance plate.
3. Place the VARIOS on top of the Balance.
4. Plug the VARIOS connection cable on the back of the VARIOS into the connector
(Figure2).
5. Plug the USB-B connector to the back of the VARIOS ready Balance and the USB-A
connector to the computer (Figure2).
6. Turn on the Balance.
7. Open the LABROS SoilView software.
NOTE: If the LABROS SoilView and SoilView-Analysis software package in not installed, download the latest
version from LABROS SoilView Sofware Download.
Make sure the VARIOS and HYPROP Balance (VARIOS ready) are connected.
Connected devices are shown in a device tree on the left side of the LABROS SoilView
software screen (Figure22). Be sure that the device stays connected during the
entire measurement.
NOTE: Make sure that the VARIOS connecting cable is not under any tension or touching anything that may
influence the accurate weight data.

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OPERATION
VARIOS
Weight
calibration knob
HYPROP
Balance
HYPROP Balance
power supply cable
Bubble
level
VARIOS
indicator light
Figure1 VARIOS Complete Set for thermal dryout configuration—front view
HYPROP
Balance
VARIOS VARIOS
connecting
cable
HYPROP Balance
USB cable
To computer
USB-A port
To power
supply
HYPROP Balance
power supply cable
VARIOS
ready label
Figure2 VARIOS Complete Set for thermal dryout configuration—back view
2.3.1.2 CONNECT USING THE VARIOS EXTENSION SET
When using an existing HYPROP Balance (that is not VARIOS ready), the Extension Set should
be used. The Extension Set includes a METER power supply that plugs into the back of the
Balance to provide enough power to run the VARIOS unit. Contact Customer Support for
ordering information if a VARIOS power adapter is needed. Follow the steps below to connect
the VARIOS Extension Set (Figure3).
1. Place the HYPROP Balance on a stable surface.
2. Remove the Balance plate.
3. Place the VARIOS on top of the Balance.

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VARIOS
4. Plug the connection cable on the back of the VARIOS into the METER Power Adapter.
5. Plug the METER power adapter into the connector port on the back of the Balance.
6. Plug the power adapter cable from the METER Power Adapter into the wall.
7. Plug the USB-B connector end into the back of the Balance and the USB-A connector
end to the computer.
8. Turn on the Balance.
9. Open the LABROS SoilView software.
NOTE: If the LABROS SoilView and SoilView-Analysis software package in not installed, download the latest
version from LABROS SoilView Software Download.
Make sure the VARIOS and the Balance are connected. Connected devices are shown in
a device tree on the left side of the SoilView software screen (Figure19). Be sure that the
device stays connected during the entire measurement.
NOTE: Make sure that the VARIOS connecting cable is not under any tension or touching anything that may
influence the accurate weight data.
VARIOS
VARIOS
connecting
cable
HYPROP
Balance
HYPROP Balance
power supply cable
HYPROP Balance
USB cable
VARIOS
power adapter
VARIOS
power adapter and
power supply cable
To computer
USB-A port
Figure3 VARIOS Extension Set with VARIOS power adapter for thermal dryout configuration—back view
2.3.2 VARIOS STANDALONE CONFIGURATION
The VARIOS Standalone Configuration is suitable for spot or continuous measurement of
thermal conductivity of various suitable materials where recording the sample weight (water
content) is not required (Figure4).
The Standalone Configuration can be achieved by using either one of the options listed below:
• Purchase the VARIOS and USB power adapter in addition to the Standalone Configuration
(Section1.3).
• Use the VARIOS Extension Set components (Section1.2) and a VARIOS USB adapter
(sold separately).

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OPERATION
Follow the steps below to set up the VARIOS Standalone Configuration:
1. Place the soil sample directly on top of the VARIOS (Section2.4).
2. Connect the VARIOS to the VARIOS USB adapter.
NOTE: Make sure that the VARIOS connecting cable is not under any tension or touching anything that may
influence the accurate weight data.
3. Open LABROS SoilView software.
Make sure the VARIOS is connected and that all connected devices are shown in a device
tree on the left side of the SoilView software screen.
Make sure that the devices stay connected during measurement.
VARIOS
connecting cable
VARIOS
USB adapter
Power supply cable
VARIOS
VARIOS
USB adapter
VARIOS
USB adapter
USB cable
Sensor
Sensor
cable
Figure4 VARIOS Standalone setup with USB adapter for taking thermal conductivity measurement
2.4 PREPARE SOIL SAMPLE
There are two methods for preparing a soil sample to measure the thermal conductivity
using the VARIOS.
In both cases, it is important that the sample ring is full and the soil surface is flush (planar)
with the top and bottom of the sample ring. All calculations are based on the exact volume of
the sample ring.
A serial number is laser etched on the sample ring so it can be assigned to the respective
measurement. In addition, the weight, measured to one decimal place exactly, is laser etched
on the sample ring and represents the precise tare weight in the evaluation when using the
VARIOS dryout configuration.

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VARIOS
2.4.1 UNDISTURBED SOIL SAMPLE
The first option uses an undisturbed soil sample transferred from the field so the measured
parameters can be transferred from and be representative of the respective field site. This
makes it important to take the soil sample with as little disturbance and change in soil
structure as possible.
METER recommends using METER soil sample rings because the highly polished stainless
steel surface minimizes friction and soil disturbance. The soil remains intact and air pockets
are reduced. The METER soil sample ring volume that is standard for thermal measurements
is 250 mL. It is also possible to use other soil sample rings, but the limiting factor is the
length of the sensor needle used, as well as the maximum weight the Balance can weigh
when using VARIOS thermal dryout set up. The HYPROP Balance is able to weigh as much as
2,200 g and, if a larger sample ring is used, it could end up weighing more than the Balance
can handle.
The tools needed to collect an undisturbed soil sample are listed below (Figure5):
• duct tape
• spade
• knife
• METER soil sample ring
• METER hammering adapter
• PE hammer
• transport box for moving the sample ring from the field to the lab (not shown).
Soil hammering
adapter
Soil sample ring
Duct
tape Cutting
edge
PE hammer
Figure5 METER soil hammering adapter and hammer
The following steps describe how to collect an undisturbed soil sample.
1. Place a piece of duct tape over the drilling holes in the sample ring.
2. Cut off any vegetation to show the bare soil.

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OPERATION
3. Dig a hole to the desired depth where the sample will be taken.
Make sure there are no large stones or roots at the selected location.
4. Place the soil sample ring with the cutting edge down on the ground.
5. Place the METER hammering adapter (available for 250 mL) on the sample ring (Figure6).
Soil Sample Ring
Cutting Edge
Soil Hammering
Adapter
Figure6 METER soil hammering adapter placement
6. Pound on the METER hammering adapter using the recommended PE hammer until the
sample ring is completely buried in the soil (Figure7).
Make sure the sample ring goes straight down into the soil, not at an angle.
Approximately 1 cm of material should protrude above the upper edge of the sample ring.

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VARIOS
Soil Sample Ring
Soil Hammering
Adapter
PE Hammer
Figure7 Pound METER hammering adapter with PE hammer
to drive soil sample ring into ground
7. Remove the hammering adapter.
8. Use a spade to dig the sample ring out of the hole, including the undisturbed soil sample.
Dig generously around the sample ring to avoid losing any sample material.
NOTE: Always take additional replacement samples from the same site in case one is not suitable.
9. Remove the soil around the sample ring.
10. Use a knife or scissors to cut the protruding material from the top and the bottom side of
the soil sample ring so both covers fit on each end.
Cut in little steps along the edge of the sample ring and be careful not to smudge the
surface and close the pores (Figure8).

12
OPERATION
Figure8 Level soil with top of sample ring
11. Place the sample ring with both covers in the transport box.
This protects the sample from vibrations and high temperature changes. Vibrations and
microbiological processes due to high temperatures may change the soil structure.
12. Take the samples out of the transport boxes and store them in the refrigerator in the lab.
2.4.2 DISTURBED SOIL SAMPLE
The second option uses disturbed soil material that is pressed manually into the sample ring
until full.
NOTE: If a specific dry density is requested, the amount of native soil material that has to be filled in the sample
ring has to be calculated (i.e., more than the quantity that the sample ring holds needs to be collected in order to
completely fill the sample ring,even when packing the soil into the sample ring).
The tools needed to collect a disturbed soil sample are listed below:
• duct tape
• METER soil sample ring
• HYPROP Balance
• fork
• knife
The following steps describe how to collect a disturbed soil sample.
1. Place a piece of duct tape over the drilling holes in the sample ring.
2. If requested, calculate the mass of material that has to be filled in the sample ring by
using the desired dry density as well as the water content.
3. Weigh the amount of material that has to be filled into the sample ring.
4. Fill the sample ring with material in small steps to prevent air gaps.
Use a fork or something similar to rough up the material to ensure a homogenous
passage between the filled in layers.
5. Be sure that the soil sample ring is filled completely and the surface is level.
If required, cut overlapping material with a knife.

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VARIOS
6. If no specific dry density is requested, fill the sample ring until it is completely full and
the surface is flush (planar) with the soil sample ring.
If required, cut overlapping material with a knife.
7. For storage, place the two covers on the sample ring.
8. Place the soil sample ring in the refrigerator in the lab.
2.5 SATURATE SOIL SAMPLE
The next preparation step is to saturate the soil samples. The following sections explain out
to properly saturate the different sample types.
Gather the tools listed below prior to saturating the soil sample:
• Filter paper—large
• Filter paper—small
• LABROS Saturation plates (2)
• Weight
• Tray
• Tap water at room temperature
2.5.1 UNDISTURBED SOIL SAMPLE
Follow the steps below to saturate an undisturbed soil sample.
1. Take the soil sample out of the refrigerator.
2. Remove the cover on the noncutting side of the sample ring.
If soil material is protruding above the top of the sample ring, cut off the protruding
material until the surface is flush (planar) with the top of the sample ring.
Cut a little bit at a time along the edge of the sample ring and be careful not to smudge
the surface and close the pores (Figure9).
Figure9 Cut protruding material level with top of sample ring

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OPERATION
3. Examine the cut side for irregularities such as big stones, pebbles, woody debris, roots,
and intensive smell.
4. Estimate the possible lack of volume in mL attributed to the space taken up by
irregularities identified in step3.
5. Enter the volume in mL under the Information tab in the LABROS SoilView-Analysis
software (Figure10).
This will affect the calculations that are based on the assumed 250 cm³ volume.
Figure10 Volume correction in LABROS SoilView-Analysis software
6. Place one of the large filter papers on the noncutting side of the sample ring.
Large filter paper
Duct tape
Cutting edge
Noncutting edge
Small filter paper
Bottom
saturation plate
Top saturation plate
Figure11 Large filter paper

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VARIOS
7. Place a LABROS saturation plate on the noncutting side of the sample ring.
NOTE: The sample ring should fit snug in the LABROS saturation plate.
8. Turn the sample ring over, holding onto the filter paper and LABROS saturation plate, so
the noncutting side is facing down.
Figure12 Saturation plate
9. Remove the cover on the cutting side of the sample ring.
10. Place one of the small filter papers on the cutting side of the sample ring.
11. Place the sample ring in a tray.
12. Fill the tray with about 3 cm of room-temperature tap water.
13. Tilt the LABROS saturation plate carefully to every side to remove air bubbles.
14. It is important to let the sample saturate through capillary action.
Let the sample pull the water from the bottom to the top. Do not pour water on the top of
the sample because air enclosures and the pores won't completely fill with water.
15. Be sure that the trough and the soil samples are not directly exposed to sunlight.
16. In case the material swells as it takes in water, place a weight on top of the sample to
keep it from floating or tipping.
17. Saturation is finished when the surface of the sample is glossy.
Figure13 Saturation plate in water trough

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OPERATION
2.5.2 DISTURBED SOIL SAMPLE
The steps below describe how best to saturate the soil sample.
1. Take the soil sample out of the refrigerator.
2. Remove the cover from the noncutting side of the sample ring.
If soil material is protruding above the top of the sample ring, cut off the protruding
material until the surface is flush (planar) with the top of the sample ring.
Cut a little bit at a time along the edge of the sample ring and be careful not to smudge
the surface and close the pores (Figure8).
Figure14 Cut protruding material level with top of sample ring
3. Place one of the large filter papers on the noncutting side of the sample ring.
Large filter paper
Duct tape
Cutting edge
Noncutting edge
Small filter paper
Bottom
saturation plate
Top saturation plate
Figure15 Large filter paper