UGT UMP-1 User manual

Operating Manual
UMP-1 BT
Version: 22/05/19
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UMP-1 combined soil humidity, conductivity and temperature
sensor

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Content
1. Introduction.......................................................................................................................................3
2. General information ..........................................................................................................................5
2.1. Structure and basic function............................................................................................... 5
2.2. Technical data ..................................................................................................................... 6
3. Volumetric water content of the soil ................................................................................................7
4. Mode of operation ............................................................................................................................7
4.1. Water content measurement ............................................................................................. 7
4.2. Electrical conductivity measurement.................................................................................. 8
4.3. Temperature measurement................................................................................................ 8
5. Installation .........................................................................................................................................8
6. Operation...........................................................................................................................................9
7. Data output......................................................................................................................................10
7.1. App Installation ................................................................................................................. 10
7.2. Using the UMP-1 app ........................................................................................................ 11
7.3. Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................ 16

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1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the UMP–1 sensor. This manual can help you understand the UMP-1
features.
We designed this UMP–1 sensor as an innovative device for measuring combined soil
humidity, conductivity and temperature in soils.
The UMP-1 series offers a range of combination sensors supplying high quality
measurements at minimum effort. The combination of the three measured variables of
volumetric water content, electrical conductivity and temperature in one sensor means that
these combination sensors save money spent on procurement and time spent on installation
and servicing. In addition, soil disturbance is reduced because only one sensor has to be
installed in order to measure three soil properties.
In Addition to the cable based sensor, wireless UMP-1 are also available, designed for a
different usage:
UMP-2 Connection to the data logger by cable
Data storage on the data logger, output via an interface on
laptop or remote data transmission
Particularly suitable for measurement stations with several
sensors for long-term measurements
UMP-1 BT Data transmitted via Bluetooth
Data is recorded through the UMP-1 Smartphone app
Designed for direct in situ measurements to determine current
values in different measurement stations
UMP-2 BT Plus Data storage on the sensor
Data is transmitted via Bluetooth on a laptop
Particularly suitable as single sensor for medium-term
measurements

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There are several ways to contact UGT if you ever need assistance with your product, have
any questions, or feedback.
Email:
[e-mail] or [e-mail]
Phone:
+ 49 (0) 33432 – 89 575
Fax:
+ 49 (0) 33432 – 89 573
If contacting us by email or fax, please include as part of your message your instrument
serial number, your name, address, phone, and a description of your problem or question.
Please read these instructions before operating your UMP – 2 sensor to ensure that it
performs to its full potential.

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2. General information
2.1. Structure and basic function
The basic construction is the same for all UMP-1 variants (Fig. 1). The probe is waterproof
and can be completely buried for a depth or horizontal installation. It is made of plastic or
stainless steel, while the measuring rods (antennas) are always made of stainless steel.
Regular maintenance is not necessary. On request, the measuring rods can also be produced
in other lengths. In this case, the measuring frequency also changes.
Cable connection
(optional)
Housing
(plastic or stainless
steel depending on
design)
Ø = 40 mm
Temp. sensor
Thread for antenna
Pin (bare stainless
steel)
Ø = 3 mm

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2.2. Technical data
Power requirement
6V … 24V DC
Power input
60 mA
Water content
Measurement range
0 … 100 % vol. water content
Accuracy
± 2%
Resolution
0.1 % vol. water content
Electrical conductivity
Measurement range
0.001 … 4mS/cm
Optional measurement extension to 40mS/cm
possible
Accuracy
1%
Resolution
Temperature
Measurement range
-20 … +60°C
Accuracy
± 0.2°C (across the entire temperature range)
Resolution
0.01°C

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3. Volumetric water content of the soil
The water content is one of the most important characteristic variables in soil science. It is
used by agriculture as limit value and control variable for irrigation, by construction as limit
value for the ability to drive on ground, and in environmental and landscape protection both
as a decision criterion for planned measures and as an important indicator.
Since a direct determination of the water content by weighing is not possible in the field,
indirect procedures are deployed to determine the volumetric water content to obtain non-
destructive and continuous measurements in the field.
The volumetric water content is the ratio of water volume in the soil to total volume and is
calculated according to (1):
𝜃=
𝑉
𝜔
𝑉
𝑇
∙100%
(1)
where
𝜃
…
Volumetric water content
𝑉
𝜔
...
Volume of water
𝑉
𝑇
…
Total volume
4. Mode of operation
4.1. Water content measurement
The water content measurement procedure on the UMP-1 sensor is assigned neither to
the FDR sensors nor the TDR sensors.
The basic mode of operation however corresponds to the FDR process, because the
sensor operates with a continuous signal at constant frequency (60 MHz) and not with a
pulse. However the phase shift rather than the frequency change is taken into
consideration to calculate the measurement reading.
The measurement pipe consists of two stainless steel rods (antennae) 10 cm in length
and with a diameter of 3 mm. These dimensions and the measurement frequency
produce a measurement volume of approx. 1 litre. Faults within the measurement
volume such as vessel walls, large air pockets or cables can distort the measurement
result. The continuous signal runs along the antennae in the ground. The waves of the
signal running back and forth are compared here. The dielectric constant εof the
surrounding soil/water mix is determined from the phase difference of the signals
running back and forth. The dielectric constant for pure water at 20°C is ε=80. Dry soil
as a εof 2…5. The dielectric constant of the soil/water mix lies between these two
levels, and is higher the more water there is in the soil.
Using the calculated dielectric constant, the water content of the soil is then determined
in the unit ([m³])/([m³]) according to the Topp/Davis equation.

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The εvalue can also be called up when making independent water content calculations
using other models.
4.2. Electrical conductivity measurement
The UMP-1 sensor records the electrical conductivity of the soil by means of an
additional circuit (IC) independently of the soil moisture measurement. This system
offers two great advantages. On the one hand an extremely precise measurement of
conductivity is possible using the components and measurement principle. On the other
hand the independently measured conductivity can be used to correct the calculated
water content.
Small electrical conductivity values have no effect on the measurement of the dielectric
constant. However the effect on the dielectric constant becomes greater with increased
conductivity. Without correction the dielectric constant obtained is too high, so
producing a water content that is too high.
To measure conductivity, the soil moisture measurement is interrupted for a sort time,
and a signal in the kHz range transmitted over the antennae. The corresponding IC
measures the impedance of several different frequencies and averages the results.
4.3. Temperature measurement
The UMP-1 sensor also measures the soil temperature using a further circuit. A stainless
steel bolt recessed between the probes transmits the temperature of the soil from the
point of water content and conductivity measurement to the temperature sensor, so
that all values originate from the same measurement point.
6 minutes should be allowed as setting time to achieve a reliable temperature
measurement.
5. Installation
To conduct the measurement, the sensor is placed in the ground so that the probe rods and
the metal bolt for temperature measurement have a good contact to the soil. Air-filled
hollow spaces between soil and steel lead to distorted measurement results.
To simplify the installation and to protect the antennae, it is advisable to punch the
installation site with the supplied tool. The antennae of the punch are narrower than those
of the sensor which ensures good contact to the soil.
Caution!
The antennae must be completely in the ground because the measurement is always
along the entire antenna.

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The sensors are watertight and can also be buried in the ground. For the UMP-1-BT version,
a maximum depth of 50 cm to be able to receive the Bluetooth signal. Depending on the soil
type, the water content and the Bluetooth receiver the maximum installation depth may
vary. Prior to installing several sensors deeper than 50 cm it is recommended to test the
operation of the data transmission with a single sensor.
6. Operation
To guarantee an effective use the UMP-1 is available in two different types. Standard as
UMP-1 BT for installation in the field at different, maybe even hard to reach sites. And as
UMP-1 BTim for measurement campaigns with many single measurements spread over a
wide area. With a diameter of 5 mm the pins are bigger but also more robust than the pins
of the standard type. The guidance of the pins additionally prevents damages of the pins
during penetration of the soil. The extension of the probe with handle bar and smartphone
bracket enables fast work for taking many single measurements in a row.
Despite the different design the two probes hardly vary in the basics of operation just in the
practical adjustment to their core tasks.
By pressing the button on top of the
sensor briefly the sensor is switched on.
The red lighted status-LED shows the
operating state of the sensor. After
completion of the measurement/test
series the sensor should be switched off
by pressing the button long (ca. 2s) to
save power. Then the LED is no longer
lighted. Only in the switched on state a
Bluetooth connection can be
established.
Especially for fast done single measurements and anew penetration of the sensor into
the soil each time special importance needs to be attached to the installation.
•For the measurement the antennas need to be completely in the soil.
•There must not be produced a gap between antenna and soil (for example by
movement of the sensor).
•The antennas have to be parallel and undamaged. The correct position of the
antennas to each other is crucial for the accuracy of the measurement results.
•Be careful pushing the antennas into the soil. In case of hindrances don´t push
further with more force but rather penetrate again at another spot. For very rigid soil
better pre-drill.
Button On/Off
with status-LED
Charge Socket

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•When installed the sensor must not be moved. By that the antennas could be twisted
or bend leading to inaccurate measurement values and damage of the antennas.
•For correct survey of the temperature the temperature sensor has to be in contact
with the soil for at least 6 minutes.
For the measurement a connection to the sensor is established using the app. Following
the measurement can be started through the app. After finishing the measurement, the
Bluetooth connection should be disconnected.
To ensure the longest possible measurement time the sensor should be charged before
every use. Therefore, open the cap of the charge socket (bajonet cap) and connect the
probe to either the USB-port of your PC or a socket using the provided cable and adapter.
7. Data output
7.1. App Installation
The app is already installed if you have acquired the smartphone together with the
UMP-1 sensor from UGT-GmbH. If you want to use your own, existing Android
smartphone you can install the app yourself. Two versions are available for this.
Installation directly from the smartphone (recommended)
1. download the apk file from the following address:
http://appstore.ugt-online.de (internet access/WIFI required)
2. Click on the downloaded file in the “Downloads” folder
3. Select “install” and following the instructions on the screen
4. After successful installation, click on the UMP-1 symbol in the app menu
Caution!
No moisture or dirt is allowed to get in the open charge socket. The degree of protection
IP67 of the probe only applies for proper closed charge socket.

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Installation using a PC
1. Connect your mobile device to the PC. Your mobile device should then be available
as removable storage medium under “Computer”. If not, change the USB settings on
your mobile device.
2. Download the apk file at the following address: “http://appstore.ugt-online.de”
3. Copy the downloaded file from your PC to the mobile device
4. Open the copied file on your mobile device. To display the file system on the mobile
device, use a previously installed application where available. Examples include “My
documents” in the case of Samsung devices or “Albums” when using HTC devices.
Under “Albums” you also have access to the “Downloads” folder among other things.
If no such possibility is available, install a free file manager from the App Store (for
example the “ES File Explorer“) and use this to click on the copied file.
5. Select “Install” and follow the instructions on the screen
6. After successful installation, click on the UMP-1 symbol in the app menu
7.2. Using the UMP-1 app
The app is available in different languages and uses the language that is set in the
system concerned. Currently German and English are supported. If the system
language cannot be translated, English is used as standard. All functions and
designations described below are based on the English translation.
The main menu
This is the main menu. From here you can get to all of the other
app dialogues. You have 4 options:
•Messwerte/Data: Display of data (only possible if there is at
least a connection to one probe)
•Dateien/Files: Management of records (only possible if records
are available)
•Geräte/Devices: Device management, management of the
UMP-1 probes, connection management (adding and
disconnecting probe connections)

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•Einstellungen/Settings: Settings for the app behaviour
Devices
All UMP-1 probes are managed in the “Devices” dialogue. Only
connections to probes listed in this view are possible. The use
of Bluetooth restricts the maximum number of simultaneous
connections to 7, although the actual app can manage more
than 7 probes.
This dialogue also provides information on the charge status of
each probe and on the current connections status. By clicking
on a probe (outside the checkbox area), a window opens with
the available options. Two options are possible: to change the
name of a probe or to delete a probe.

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As soon as the “Devices” dialogue is opened, a check is conducted to establish whether
Bluetooth is available. If Bluetooth has been disabled, you are asked whether the app
may activate Bluetooth. You should permit activation if you wish to set up connections
or start a search.
Box 1 in the adjacent figure shows
the name of the probe. You can
freely select the name and enter it in
the “Rename” option. This name
must not have more than 17
characters and may only contain the
characters A-Z, a-z, 0-9 and _. Box 2 describes the current connection status of a probe.
The probe can be selected in box 3 (box checked) to express a wish to connect to this
probe. If no probe has been selected, no connection is established and where
applicable the existing connection to this probe is disconnected. If all probes are listed
and set, the configuration is accepted by pressing the “Accept” button. The connection
is set up to the probes in this moment. These connections are set up in parallel, and the
waiting sign only closes once all results of all probes are present. If all settings have
been successfully implemented, the dialogue closes and the main menu reappears. If
the dialogue does not close automatically, a fault has occurred with at least one probe,
and is displayed in Box 2 of the relevant probe. More detailed explanations of fault
descriptions can be found in the Troubleshooting section.
Adding new devices
To add probes, please press the “Add” box on the bottom left-hand corner of the
screen. Initially all probes that are already linked to your device will be displayed (there
is not yet any search of the environment). By pressing on the “Search” box, the
environment is searched for further probes. Now select your probe. If your probe has
not yet been linked, at the moment connections are set up to new probes, you will be
prompted to enter the PIN. This is “0000” and needs only to be entered once. If your
probe is not listed after entering the PIN, press “Search” again at the bottom edge of the
screen. Your probe should now be shown in the list. If not, check that the probe is
switched on, has sufficient energy supply, and that the range is not too great. Repeat
the procedure for each probe that you wish to add.
Deleting devices
To remove probes from the list, tap on the corresponding probe. In the following
dialogue select the “Delete” option. Any existing connection will now be disconnected
and the probe will be removed from the list. The device link remains in place.

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Settings
Under “Settings” you can set how the probe data should be displayed. Depending on
the setting, the depiction opens as chart or as text. The “Start/Stop” button is found at
the bottom edge of the screen in both views. Using this, you can determined whether
data should be requested from the probes or not. If “Start” can be seen on the button,
then no measurements are currently being requested, and all measurements are 0.
Send and receives commences by pressing “Start”. Tap on the same button again to
stop the data transmission again.
Measurements
Each probe transmits 5 measurements:
•Storage battery voltage [V]
•Epsilon Er
•Water content [%]
•Temperature in [°C]
•Conductivity [mS/cm]
a) View as graph
In this view mode, the measured data are displayed as chart. 30
measurements are always displayed simultaneously and
continuously. From 5 measurements, 4 are displayed; the
battery voltage for each probe is already shown in the “Devices”
view and will not be considered in this view. A maximum of 7
probes can be displayed simultaneously, whereby each probe
has its own colour to make it easier to distinguish. A legend is
shown beneath the chart to enable colour and probe to be
matched.
Using the “Port++” button you can choose between the
individual measurements. Which of the 4 measurements is
currently displayed can be seen from the title on the top edge
of the chart. Using the “Port++” button, there are elements to
zoom within the chart. It is furthermore possible to display
individual measurements as explanatory text. Tap on the relevant point on the graph to
have the X and Y value for this point displayed.

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b) Text view
In the text view, all 5 measurements for a probe are depicted at
the same time, and the last measurement can always be seen.
Each probe has its own screen in the display element. You can
switch between the individual screens by moving or sweeping a
finger from one side of the display to the other. If you move
your finger from right to left, you get to the next screen on the
right (in relation to the current screen). If you move from left to
right, the left-hand preceding screen opens. The name of the
probe for which the measurements are displayed can be seen
on the top edge of the screen.
Files
File management under “Files” is only possible if at least one
record has been made. The file menu is used to manage the
recorded measurements. The recorded files are stored in the
external memory of the device so that the files can be
downloaded (e.g. to a PC). The first time recording takes place,
the folder “UMP1” is created in the file system (/mnt/sdcard). A
folder with the corresponding name will be created in this for
each probe. All recorded measurements for a probe are stored
in its folder. The measurements are stored in text form as CSV
file so that they can be further edited in the spreadsheet
program (e.g. Excel). For clear assignment, the file name
includes the time at which the measurement started. By
brushing your finger from left to right or vice versa over the
display, you can switch between folders or the various flags of
the display element. The name of the folder (identical to the
name of the device) for which the files are just being displayed
can be found on the top edge of the screen. All files are listed
below this.
Tap on a file to open a dialogue with possible options:
•Graph: apply and display measurements in the chart
•Statistics: text advance analysis of measurements
•Delete: delete file

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Settings
You can change important settings for the app in this menu:
•“Data display”: select between “Graph” and “Table” here to
define which view opens when you click on “Measurements”
in the main menu.
•“Update interval”: here you can define the intervals between
requesting two measurements. The lower, the more energy-
saving; the higher, the better the resolution.
•“Enable logging”: check this box to automatically record as
well as display measurements. If this option has not been
selected, the data are displayed only, but not recorded.
•“Screen orientation”: determine whether the screen
orientation should be portrait or landscape
•“Disable large images”: prevent large images, such as background images, being used
in the app.
7.3. Troubleshooting
Error code
Description
Causes/solutions
1
Batterie oder Distanz;
Check battery/distance!
No connection set-up possible; possible cause:
•Device is off
•Device has no sufficient power supply
•Device is out of range
2
Verbindung verloren;
Connection lost…
Bluetooth connection has been interrupted; possible
causes:
•Device is off
•Device has no sufficient power supply
•
Device is out of range
3
I/O Datenstromproblem;
Accessing I/O stream
Internal system problem, disconnect the probe
concerned and reconnect again. If the problem occurs
again, disable the Bluetooth interface on your
smartphone and then start again. If problems continue
to occur, start your smartphone again.
4
Fehler beim Datei öffnen! ;
Can´t open file!
5
Kein Zugriff auf Datei! ;

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Can´t access file!
6
Fehler beim Datei lesen! ;
Can´t read file!
7
Falsches Dateiformat! ;
Wrong file format!
8
Interner Systemfehler;
Internal system error!
9
Zähler abgelaufen;
Time expired