Spectrum Technologies Field Scout 2266FS User manual

Direct Soil EC Meter
PRODUCT MANUAL
Item #’s
2266FS, 2266FSTP

2
CONTENTS
Introduction 3
EC Probe 4
Meter Settings 6
Taking Measurements 9
Direct Soil Readings 10
SME Measurement 11
Probe Calibration 12
Sensor/Tip Replacement 14
Battery Replacement 16
Specifications 17
Appendices
1. Preferred EC Values for Selected Plants 18
2. Classification of Irrigation Water 19
3. Interpreting EC Readings From Turf Grass 20
4. Greenhouse Media 22
This manual will familiarize you with the features and
operation of your Field Scout Soil & Water EC Meter.
Please read this manual thoroughly before using
your meter. For customer support or to place an
order call Spectrum Technologies, Inc.
800-248-8873 or [phone]
between 7:30 am and 5:30 PM CST
FAX at 815-436-4460
[email protected].
www.specmeters.com
Spectrum Technologies, Inc.
3600 Thayer Court
Aurora, IL 60504

3
Congratulations on the purchase of your FieldScout
Direct Soil EC Meter. This instrument has been specif-
ically designed for direct measurement of salts in soil
media as well as water or nutrient solutions. This man-
ual describes how to use your meter and keep it work-
ing accurately for many years. Please read it thor-
oughly to get effective performance from your meter.
The salinity of the soil solution, irrigation water or ferti-
lizer solution is an important parameter affecting the
root zone environment. Any of these factors can have
a significant effect on plant growth and physiology.
The easiest way to monitor salinity is by measuring the
electrical conductivity (EC). EC is strongly correlated
to the salinity of the soil solution. EC measurement is
also affected by temperature and, to a lesser degree,
by soil moisture content.
Use this portable EC meter and probe to measure sa-
linity in greenhouse soil media right on the spot with-
out tedious soil sampling and preparation. Green-
house production managers can compare readings
from plant to plant and fine-tune their fertility program
because measurements can be made directly in a plug
tray cell without cannibalizing the seedlings. Turf man-
agers can monitor for high salt levels on golf course
greens and determine when to flush (leach) salts be-
fore turf quality declines.
The meter comes with the Field Scout Soil/Water EC
probe. This single, stainless steel probe has a special-
ly designed conical tip. It can measure liquid EC
(water or nutrient solutions) or in-situ soil salinity. The
probe automatically compensates for temperature.
Introduction

4
Electrical conductivity (EC) is an important
parameter in evaluating irrigation water and fertilizer
solutions. Crops can be damaged if irrigated with
water with a high conductivity. The quality of
irrigation water has been classified into 5 separate
categories (See Appendix 2, p. 19). EC is also an
indicator of the strength of fertilizer solutions. In
greenhouse applications and other situations
requiring frequent fertilization, EC should be checked
regularly to ensure the plants are getting sufficient
nutrients while avoiding the effects of salt toxicity.
See Appendix 1 (p. 18) for a list of preferred EC
values for some common plants. Typically, younger
plants will require lower EC than mature plants.
The stainless steel soil EC probe is designed to be
inserted directly into soil. The sensing surface is
composed of 2 pairs of electrodes on the probe tip.
Additionally, the probe is narrow in diameter so it can
be used effectively in plug trays.
Because EC readings are affected by moisture
content, it is important that soil moisture content
does not differ significantly between readings. An
easy way to achieve this condition is by taking
measurements approximately 30 to 60 minutes after
an irrigation. This should ensure the soil moisture
level has approximately reached field capacity.
The probe should be inserted in the root zone. The
measurement region is at the tip of the probe. For
turf, the root zone is approximately 2” - 4”. For
vegetables and small plants, this is about 8” - 12”.
EC Probe

5
Wait until the meter reading stabilizes before
withdrawing the probe. Taking several
measurements will allow a representative average to
be computed.
Important: Do not touch the sensor tip with your
fingers. The oils on the skin will affect the
probe’s measurement accuracy.
Sensor
Electrode
Pair

6
Meter Settings
Accessing the Setup Screen
Power on the tester. Press the MENU/▼ button. The
meter will briefly display the Key Info screen before
transitioning to the Setup screen. Follow the
instructions for the specific parameter that is to be
modified. Pressing the Cal/Esc button will return you
to the measurement screen.
Measurement Parameter
1. Press MENU/▼ to scroll to Measurement option.
2. Press HOLD. The display shows Cond, TDS and
Salinity.
3. Use the MENU/▼ button to toggle between Cond,
TDS and Salinity. Press HOLD to select desired
option.
4. The display shows the selected parameter with a
checkmark and returns to the Setup screen.
TDS Factor
1. Press MENU/▼ to scroll to Settings option.
2. Press HOLD. The display shows TDS factor and
Backlight.
3. Use the MENU/▼ button to scroll to the TDS
Factor option
4.Press HOLD. Current adjustment factor will be
displayed.
5.Adjust the setting with the MENU/▼ button. Note
that the setting can only be adjusted down. The
value will flip to 1.00 after you scroll past 0.40.
6. Press HOLD to confirm the TDS factor setting.
The display shows the TDS factor with a check mark
then returns to the Setup screen.

7
Backlight
The backlight increases screen readability in low-
light conditions.
1. Press MENU/▼ to scroll to Settings option.
2. Press HOLD. The display shows TDS factor and
Backlight.
3. Use the MENU/▼ button to scroll to the Backlight
option.
4. Press HOLD. The options are ON and OFF.
5. Use MENU/▼ to scroll to the desired option.
6. Press HOLD to select. The display shows the
selection with a check mark and returns to the Setup
screen.
Temperature units
1. Press MENU/▼ to scroll to Temp Set option.
2. Press HOLD. The display shows options
3. Press MENU/▼ to select Set °C/°F. Press HOLD.
4. Press MENU/▼ to select desired units and press
HOLD to confirm. The display shows the selected
unit with a check mark and returns to the Setup
screen.
Temperature Calibration
1. Press MENU/▼ to scroll to Temp Set option.
2. Press HOLD. The display shows options.
3. Press MENU/▼ to select Temp Cal. Press HOLD.
4. The lower display shows the current measured
temperature reading based on the last set offset. The
upper display shows the current measured
temperature reading based on the factory default
calibration.
5. Dip the tester into a solution of known temperature
and allow time for the built-in temperature sensor to
stabilize.
6. Press MENU/▼ to adjust the temperature value or
press HOLD to confirm the calibrated value as the
new temperature value of the solution.
Note: To exit this program without confirming the
calibration, press CAL/ESC.

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Temperature Coefficient
1. Press MENU/▼ to scroll to Temp Set option.
2. Press HOLD. The display shows options
3. Press MENU/▼ to select Temp Coeff. Press
HOLD.
4. Press HOLD to select Temp Coeff or MENU/▼ to
adjust the Temp Coeff.
5. Press HOLD to confirm the Temp Coeff value.
The new value is automatically confirmed with a
checkmark.
User Reset
Resets the meter’s calibration to the user’s default
settings. Temperature user calibration is not affected
by the user reset function.
1. Press MENU/▼ to scroll to Reset option.
2. Press HOLD. The display shows options
3. Press HOLD to select User Reset.
4. The display automatically shows No and Yes. Use
MENU/▼ to scroll to the desired option.
5. Press HOLD to confirm selection. Display shows
User Reset option with a checkmark.
Factory Reset
1. Press MENU/▼ to scroll to Reset option.
2. Press HOLD. The display shows options
3. Press MENU/▼ to select Factory Reset. Press
HOLD.
4. The display automatically shows No and Yes. Use
MENU/▼ to scroll to the desired option.
5. Press HOLD to confirm selection. Display shows
Factory Reset option with a checkmark.

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The procedure below illustrates the general process
for taking pH readings. When taking measurements
in liquids, ensure that the tip is fully immersed and
not touching the side of the container. Stir and let the
reading stabilize. Information on measuring other
media are given in subsequent sections.
1. If necessary, power on the tester.
2. The timer icon will blink during this time. Once the
reading is stabilized, the timer stops blinking and will
appear to indicate the stability of the reading.
3. Note the value or press HOLD to freeze the read-
ing. To release the reading, press HOLD again.
4. Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds to
turn off tester. If key is not pressed for 8.5 minutes,
the tester will automatically shut off to conserve bat-
teries.
Taking Measurements

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Greenhouse Soils
The stainless steel probe of the Field Scout Soil &
Water EC Meter can be inserted directly into the soil.
By taking measurements at different soil depths, you
can determine where the fertilizer is concentrated in
the soil. Be aware that the soil moisture content will
significantly influence the measured EC value. To
ensure accurate measurement, it is recommended
that in-situ readings be taken when soil moisture is
close to field capacity or saturation. The probe tip
(sensor) must be held still in the soil to achieve a
stable measurement. Soil EC measurements made
with soils at field capacity or saturation will have
readings 10-15% more than SME measurements
due to a lesser amount of water in the soil.
Soil EC measurements should be made 30-60
minutes after irrigation.
Procedure
- Power up the meter.
- Insert the probe tip 1 inch below soil surface.
- Wait for reading to stabilize
- Repeat at 1 inch increments in the pot.
Golf Course Greens
A similar procedure can be followed for golf course
greens following irrigation or deep-soaking rain
event. Probe to the depth of the turf root zone.
Measurements exceeding 0.7 mS/cm (approximately
equivalent to 2.7 mS/cm in a saturated paste extract)
will result in cool season turf grass stress. See
Appendix 3 (p. 20) for more details.
Direct Soil EC Readings

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SME Measurement
Saturated Media Extract (SME) Measurements
Growth media used in most greenhouse operations
is high in organic material and processed materials
and low in mineral soil. These materials are easier to
handle, are well aerated and have good moisture-
holding properties, but have limited ability to retain
nutrients. Therefore, tests developed for field soils do
not always yield meaningful results. Saturated Media
Extract (SME) analysis has been shown to eliminate
these problems. The samples should not be dried,
sieved or pulverized as this will affect the growth
medium properties and alter the results.
Traditionally, the soil solution from the saturated
medium is extracted by a vacuum pump. However,
the Field Scout Soil & Water EC Meter allows the
saturated sample to be tested directly.
Procedure
- Moisten the media sample with distilled water to
reach a consistent “saturated” moisture level.
When saturated, the media should glisten and
slide from the mixing spatula with little or no free
water.
- Wait 15 minutes and add more water if needed.
The sample should have the consistency of a
paste with slightly more water than if the media
was in a pot and fully irrigated.
- Power up the meter.
- Insert the probe tip into the media and read the
results.

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Conductivity, TDS, or Salinity
For best results, periodic calibration with an accurate
standard is recommended prior to measurement.
Prior to calibration, the tip of the probe should be
cleaned with alcohol. The tester will retain one
calibration value in each mode (conductivity, TDS,
salinity) when the instrument is powered off. The
conductivity value can be calibrated automatically or
manually. The TDS and salinity values require
manual calibration. The tester will begin in the
measurement mode that was used when it was
powered off. See Measurement Parameter Setting
(p. 6) for how to change the desired parameter.
Note: It is strongly recommended that calibration be
done with 1.41 mS/cm solution. Manual calibration is
possible with other solutions. But, there are EC
concentrations for which even manual calibration
cannot be done.
Automatic Calibration (Conductivity only)
1. Power on the meter.
2. Completely immerse the tip in calibration
standard.
3. Stir gently and press the CAL/ESC button to begin
the calibration. The meter will briefly display the Key
Info screen before transitioning to the Cal screen.
4. The display will show CAL in the upper left corner.
The values for automatically recognized standards
(84 μS/cm, 1413 μS/cm, and 12.88 mS/cm) will cycle
beneath the meter value.
5. If the reading is within the calibration range of one
of the standards, the cycling will stop and a check
mark icon is displayed at the top of the screen.
Probe Calibration

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6. Press HOLD to accept the auto conductivity
standard and finish the calibration.
7. Display returns to Measurement window.
Manual Calibration
When the conductivity reading is outside the
calibration range of the automatic conductivity
standards or when TDS or salinity is used, the tester
will require manual adjustment.
1. Repeat steps 1 to 4 from “Automatic Calibration”.
2. Wait until the display settles on a measured value.
Press MENU/▼ to manually adjust the value to the
desired reading.
Note: The adjustment will decrease only, however
the adjustment will eventually cycle to the highest
available value after decreasing by 40% of the initial
value.
3. Press HOLD to accept and finish the calibration
when the desired value is selected.
Note: To abort calibration, press CAL/ESC to
escape.
4. Once the calibration is finished and user has
accepted the changes, the Measurement window will
show the calibrated reading.

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Sensor/Tip Replacement
If the probe cannot be calibrated, or if it does not
hold the calibration for a reasonable amount of time,
the probe or tip must be replaced. The 24” T-handle
probe comes with a replaceable tip (item 2266). With
these probes, the cable and shaft do not need to be
replaced.
An “Temperature out of Range” message on the LCD
may indicate a failed probe or simply that the probe
has come unplugged from the meter. See Attaching
a direct-insert probe (p. 15) before replacing the
probe or tip.
Replacing a tip (24” probes only)
The replaceable tip (left) is designed to thread
in and out of the end of the probe. A new tip
has two flat faces on opposite sides. This al-
lows the tip to be tightened onto the probe with
a pliers or 5/16” wrench.
I. Removing a direct-insert probe
The 8” probe do not have a replaceable tip. The re-
placement procedure is outlined below.
1. Remove the black nut from the strain-relief
where the cable feeds into the meter.
2. Remove the white nut on the cable end of the
meter.
3. Detach the probe cable plug from the socket in
the meter.
4. Remove the white nut and large o-ring.

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II. Attaching a direct-insert probe
1. If you are connecting an 8” probe, slide the white
nut over the probe and down the black cable.
Skip to step 4.
2. If you are connecting a 24” probe, remove the
strain relief from the larger plastic assembly.
3. Feed the cable and strain relief through white nut
and re-connect the strain relief and the assembly.
4. Attach the probe plug to the socket in the meter
housing.
5. Push the assembly onto the meter housing so the
metal pegs on the assembly line up with the
notches on the inner diameter of the meter open-
ing. Be sure that the small o-ring sits at the base
of the large plastic assembly.
6. While holding the assembly in place hand-tighten
the nut to the strain relief
7. Connect and tighten the white nut to the meter
housing.
Meter Housing
socket
Probe plug
Larger plastic
assembly/O-ring
Strain relief
Black nut
White nut

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The meter uses four AAA 1.5 V batteries.
1. To remove the battery cover, see Figure 1. Clear
the front catch then the back catch, before sliding the
cover off.
2. To remove the battery plate, push the center tab
towards the front of the tester as shown in Figure 2.
Once unlocked, remove the plate to access the bat-
teries.
3. Turn the tester upside down to remove the batter-
ies. Each side uses two AAA batteries. Orient each
battery with positive terminal facing downward.
4. To lock the battery plate, align the small tabs
(Figure 3) into the guide ribs on the housing and then
press down. See Figure 4.
Battery Replacement

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Conducvity
Range 0.0 to 200.0 μS, 200 to 2000 μS,
2.00 to 20.00 mS
Resoluon 0.1 μS, 1 μS, 0.01 mS
Relave accuracy ±1% full scale
Normalizaon temp. 25.0ºC (77ºF)
Temperature co-ecient 0.0% to 10.0%
Calibraon points Up to 3 points
TDS
Range 0.0 to 100.0 ppm, 100 to 1000 ppm,
0.10 to 10.00 ppt (TDS Factor 0.5)
Resoluon 0.1 ppm, 1 ppm, 0.01 ppt
Relave accuracy ±1% full scale
Calibraon points Up to 3 points
TDS factor 0.40 to 1.00 (selectable)
Salinity
Range 0.00 to 10.00 ppt
Resoluon 0.10 ppt
Relave accuracy ±1% full scale
Calibraon points 1
Temperature
Range 0 to 60°C (32.0 to 140.0°F)
Temperature resoluon 0.1°C / 0.1°F
Temperature accuracy From 0 to 50ºC (±0.5ºC / ±0.9ºF + 1 LSD);
from 50 to 60ºC (±1.0ºC / ±1.8ºF + 1 LSD)
General
Display Graphics Dot matrix 80 x 100 pixel
Auto o 8.5 minutes (from last key press)
Power requirement Four AAA 1.5 V baeries
Baery life >150 hours
Water proong IP67
Environmental operang condions
Ambient temperature 5 to 45°C / 41 to 113°F
Relave humidity 5% to 85% noncondensing
Storage temperature –20 to 60°C / –4 to 140°F
Storage humidity 5% to 85% noncondensing
Probe Dimensions 2266FS
Length 7.7 in (19.5 cm)
Diameter 0.30 in (0.8 cm)
2266FSTP
Length 24 in (61 cm)
Diameter 0.35 in (0.9 cm)
Specifications

18
Plant EC (mS/cm)
Asparagus 1.5 - 2.0
Watermelon 1.5 - 2.5
Carrot 1.5 - 2.0
Cabbage 2.0 - 3.0
Cucumber 2.0 - 3.0
Crysanthemum 1.5 - 2.5
Onion 1.5 - 2.0
Bean 2.0 - 2.5
Strawberry 2.0 - 2.5
Lettuce 1.0 - 1.5
Eggplant 2.5 - 3.0
Melon 1.5 - 2.5
Potato 2.0 - 3.0
Pepper 2.0 - 3.0
Pea 1.0 - 1.5
Tomato 2.5 - 5.0
Celery 2.0 - 2.5
Marrow 2.0 - 2.5
Recommended soil EC for selected vegetable crops.
Note: The values on this table refer to measurement
of a saturated media extract (SME).
Appendix 1
Preferred EC Values
for Selected Plants

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Recommended EC Value (mS/cm)
SME a1 to 2 bPour thru
Poinsettia during
weeks 2-12.
2.0 - 3.0 0.85 - 1.25 2.8 - 4.1
Pansies during
active growth.
0.25 - 1.5 0.1 - 0.6 0.35 - 2.1
Geraniumus during
active growth.
1.6 - 2.4 0.65 - 1.0 2.2 - 3.3
Comparison of substrate tests for various EC sam-
pling methods. (Calvins, Whipker, and Fonteno,
North Carolina State University).
a saturated media extract
b 1 part soil to 2 parts water
Appendix 2
Classification of
Irrigation Water
Excellent EC < 0.25 mS/cm
Good 0.25 mS/cm < EC < 0.75 mS/cm
Permissible 0.75 mS/cm < EC < 2.0 mS/cm
Doubtful 2.0 mS/cm < EC < 3.0 mS/cm
Unsuitable EC > 3.0 mS/cm
Categories of irrigation water quality based on elec-
trical conductivity. [Wilcox L.V. (1948) The Quality of
Water for Irrigation Use, USDA Technical Bulletin
962]

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Appendix 3
Interpreting EC Readings
From Turf Grass
When taking direct-insert EC readings in turf grass
with the Field Scout meter, it is often helpful to con-
vert the measurement to the equivalent Saturated
Media Extract (SME) value. This conversion will
vary for different soils. For sandy soils, the expres-
sion:
SME = 2.7FS + 0.8
provides a good approximation. FS refers to the
reading taken by the Field Scout meter. This equa-
tion is the basis for table 1. Table 2 lists a variety of
grass species and the range of EC values (converted
to SME) they can tolerate.
FS SME FS SME FS SME
0.1 1.1 1.1 3.8 2.1 6.5
0.2 1.3 1.2 4.0 2.2 6.7
0.3 1.6 1.3 4.3 2.3 7.0
0.4 1.9 1.4 4.6 2.4 7.3
0.5 2.2 1.5 4.9 2.5 7.6
0.6 2.4 1.6 5.1 2.6 7.8
0.7 2.7 1.7 5.4 2.7 8.1
0.8 3.0 1.8 5.7 2.8 8.4
0.9 3.2 1.9 5.9 2.9 8.6
1.0 3.5 2.0 6.2 3.0 8.9
Table 1: Conversion from Field Scout direct readings
(FS) to equivalent Saturated Media Extract (SME)
values. (Reference 9:3. PACE Turfgrass Research
Institute. San Diego, CA)