SNiP-EC5
The SNiP-EC5 is a 'Sensor Node Integrated Package' for LoRaWAN communication of real-time soil moisture measurement for continuous soil monitoring.
The SNiP-EC5
The base SNiP-EC5 integrates 1x AD-NODE and 1x METER Group EC5 Moisture Sensor to a site’s unique network, communication and power requirements.
The EC5 Soil Moisture Sensor is a low cost sensor that measures the dielectric permittivity of a surrounding medium using capacitance technology. The sensor uses a 70 MHz frequency, which minimises salinity and textural effects, making it an ideal sensor in agricultural and standard scientific projects. The EC-5 has a small area of influence. The sensor is 5cm in length and can measure a small volume of soil, ideal in situations such as glasshouse pots or localised areas of soil moisture (for example, soil for small herbs).
See Further Specifications on the AD-NODE
See Further Specifications on the Decagon EC5 Moisture Sensor
Lowest Cost Individual Sensors for Large Sensor Networks
Looking for a basic, no-frills soil moisture sensor? Look no further than the EC-5, a sensor that accurately measures water content in any soil or soilless media with minimal salinity and textural effects.
The EC-5 delivers research-grade accuracy at a price that makes large sensor networks economically practical. You can adequately characterise your site with sensors at multiple depths and locations, even if you’re on a tight budget.
Engineered for Accuracy
The EC-5 determines volumetric water content (VWC) by measuring the dielectric constant of the media using capacitance/frequency domain technology. Its 70 MHz frequency minimises salinity and textural effects, making this sensor accurate in almost any soil or soilless media. Factory calibrations are included for mineral soils, potting soils, rockwool, and perlite.
Easy Installation
Just 5 cm long with a 0.3 L measurement volume, this handy little sensor is easy to install in the field and can also be used in nursery pots. The EC-5´s robust design makes it easy to push directly into undisturbed soil to ensure good accuracy.
Reasons to pick the EC-5:
- If volumetric water content is the only measurement you need.
- If you are on a tight budget.
- If you want a basic, all-purpose sensor with excellent accuracy.
- If you are interested in a small volume of influence (eg. field spatial variability, lab column studies, or greenhouse research).
AD-NODE: For High Resolution Analogue & Digital Sensors
The AD-NODE is designed for those requiring precision in their analogue and digital measurements. With a 24-bit ADC, the AD-NODE supports two RTDs, a 0–10V with compressing range and a 4–20mA input. Each of the four dry-contact digital inputs is capable of simultaneously sampling at 1 kHz, with periodic reporting. Settings on the device can be altered remotely via LoRaWAN™ or locally via USB.
- LoRaWAN™ low-power long-range connectivity
- 2x 24-bit RTD
- 1x 24-bit Voltage input (0-10 V with compressing range)
- 1x 24-bit 4-20 mA
- 4x 32-bit dry-contact counting digital inputs, 2 x digital outputs
- 400 Hz 3-Axis Accelerometer
- 3 x AA Lithium Energizer battery
- Fully reconfigurable via LoRaWAN™ downlinks
METER Group EC-5
The METER Group (previously Decagon Devices) EC-5 has a small area of influence. The sensor is 5cm in length and can measure a small volume of soil, ideal in situations such as glasshouse pots or localised areas of soil moisture (for example, soil for small herbs).
- High resolution allows daily or hourly tracking of water use
- Voltage output proportional to water content
- Low-cost dielectric water content sensor
- Very low power requirement
Measurement |
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| Measurements taken | Volumetric water content |
| Range | 0-60% VWC |
| Accuracy | VWC: Using Standard calibration: ±5% typical on mineral soils, ±1-2% with soil site specific calibration |
| Time | 10 ms (milliseconds) |
Power |
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| Power Requirements | 2.5-5V DC @ 10mA Stable excitation voltage required |
Operating Conditions |
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| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +50°C |
Interface |
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| Frequency | 70MHz |
| Output Range | 375 mV (dry soil) to 1000 mV (saturated) |
Mechanical |
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| Connector Types | 3.5 mm “stereo” plug or stripped and tinned lead wires |
| Cable Length | 5m standard |
| Dimensions | Dimensions 8.9 x 1.8 x 0.7 cm |