The SNiP-TER2 is a 'Sensor Node Integrated Package' for LoRaWAN or Cat-M1 communication of real-time soil moisture, temperature and electrical conductivity measurements for continuous soil monitoring.
The base SNiP-TER2 integrates 1x S-NODE and 1x METER Group TEROS-12 soil moisture sensor to a site’s unique network, communication and power requirements. The S-NODE can support an added 3x TEROS-12 devices.
The TEROS-12 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.
See Further Specifications on the S-NODE
See Further Specifications on the METER Group TEROS-12 Sensor
In the field, soil moisture accuracy can make or break a study. But accuracy is about more than just the sensor. It’s about eliminating anything that confounds the data. That’s why we’ve completely reinvented not just our sensor, but the entire soil moisture sensor experience. Introducing the new TEROS 12.
For 20 years, our experts have worked on achieving the highest possible accuracy spec. Now we’ve turned our attention to something nobody else is thinking about—the accuracy of the entire system. The new TEROS 12 sensor is more than just a sensor. It’s a complete soil moisture system that treats the whole accuracy problem, rather than just one part of it, by eliminating common problems that cause uncertainty in the data—things like sensor-to-sensor variability, air gaps, or preferential flow. No other soil moisture system on the market addresses these issues.
Accuracy is only as good as a sensor’s consistency. And if you’re calibrating every sensor individually, errors can occur, especially when you’re installing hundreds of sensors. The TEROS 12 uses a completely new calibration procedure that maximizes accuracy and minimizes sensor-to-sensor variability (less than 1%), while keeping the TEROS 12 cost reasonable. So you can be confident that every sensor you install is going to read exactly like the next one.
Accurately characterizing soil moisture variability demands a large volume of influence. We’ve optimized the circuitry in the TEROS 12 to deliver an incredible one-liter volume of influence (versus the 200 mL typical for most sensors). Not only that, we’ve positioned a temperature sensor perfectly inside the middle needle so the needles are robust, yet extremely sensitive to soil temperature change. These high-quality stainless steel needles slip easily into even hardened soils, and a durable epoxy fill means the sensor lasts up to 10 years in the field.
Everything comes down to installation, in terms of accuracy. If installation is poor, it doesn’t matter how good the calibration is, your data will be bad. The new TEROS Borehole Installation Tool mistake-proofs installation. The tool and sensor were designed as a unit to fit down a 4-inch diameter hand-augered hole. This delivers consistent, flawless installation into any soil type (even hard clay) while minimizing site disturbance. Sensors are installed straight in and perpendicular with uniform pressure then gently released to prevent air gaps.
TEROS offers an excellent way to measure the soil profile. Major advantages: install into undisturbed soil instead of a slurry, at depths you choose, without creating the preferential flow issues that plague traditional profile sensors. The TEROS Borehole Installation Tool can install sensors at borehole depths up to 1.8 meters.
Easy and reliable data collection is part of the TEROS 12 experience. Combine the TEROS 12 with the new EM60G, where all data is connected and delivered through the cloud. So all you have to do is sit back and let the data flow.
Traditional soil moisture sensors miss the forest for the trees.The new TEROS 12 goes beyond merely optimizing the reading to optimize the accuracy of the whole data set. It combines consistent, flawless installation, minimal sensor-to-sensor variability, and a large volume of influence to deliver performance, accuracy, and reliability at a price you can afford.
The S-NODE (for Environmental Monitoring) has been designed to support the broad suite of SDI-12 based environmental sensors. The S-NODE can support sensors with higher power requirements; a solar panel can charge either the internal lithium-ion battery or both the node and sensor can be powered by an external 12V system (e.g. battery or mains source).
A decoder suitable for TTN will be provided based upon sensor configuration.
Volumetric water content (VWC) | |
Range: | Mineral soil calibration: 0.00–0.62 m3/m3 Soilless media calibration: 0.0–1.0 m3/m3 Apparent dielectric permittivity (εa): 1 (air) to 80 (water) NOTE: The VWC range is dependent on the media the sensor is calibrated to. A custom calibration will accommodate the necessary ranges for most substrates. |
Resolution: | 0.001 m3/m3 |
Accuracy: | Generic calibration: ±0.03 m3/m3 (±3.00% VWC) typical in mineral soils that have solution EC <8 dS/m Medium specific calibration: ±0.01–0.02 m3/m3 (±1–2% VWC) in any porous medium Apparent dielectric permittivity (εa): 1–40 (soil range) , ±1 εa (unitless) 40–80, 15% of measurement |
Dielectric measurement frequency | 70 MHz |
Temperature | |
Range: | −40 to 60°C |
Resolution: | 0.1°C |
Accuracy: | ±1°C |
Bulk electrical conductivity (ECb) | |
Range: | 0–10 dS/m (bulk) |
Resolution: | 0.001 dS/m |
Accuracy: | ±5% of measurement |
Output | DDI serial or SDI-12 communications protocol |
Data logger compatibility | Any data acquisition system capable of 4.0- to 15-VDC power and serial or SDI-12 communication (see compatibility chart) |
Measurement volume | 1010 mL |
PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS | |
Dimensions | Length: 9.4 cm (3.70 in) Width: 2.4 cm (0.95 in) Height: 7.5 cm (2.95 in) |
Probe length | 5.5 cm (2.17 in) |
Operating temperature range | Minimum: –40°C Typical: NA Maximum: 60°C NOTE: Sensors may be used at higher temperatures under certain conditions; Contact Customer Support for assistance |
Cable length | 5 m (standard) 75 m (maximum custom cable length) NOTE: Contact Customer Support if a nonstandard cable length is needed |
Connector types | 3.5-mm stereo plug connector or stripped and tinned wires |
ELECTRICAL AND TIMING CHARACTERISTICS | |
Supply voltage (VCC) to GND | Minimum: 4.0 VDC Typical: NA Maximum: 15.0 VDC |
Digital input voltage (logic high) | Minimum: 2.8 V Typical: 3.6 V Maximum: 3.9 V |
Digital input voltage (logic low) | Minimum: –0.3 V Typical: 0.0 V Maximum: 0.8 V |
Power line slew rate | Minimum: 1.0 V/ms Typical: NA Maximum: NA |
Current drain (during 25-ms measurement) | Minimum: 3.0 mA Typical: 3.6 mA Maximum: 16.0 mA |
Current drain (while asleep) | Minimum: NA Typical: 0.03 mA Maximum: NA |
Power up time (DDI serial) | Minimum: 80 ms Typical: NA Maximum: 100 ms |
Power up time (SDI-12) | Minimum: NA Typical: 245 ms Maximum: NA |
Measurement duration | Minimum: 25 ms Typical: NA Maximum: 50 ms |
COMPLIANCE | Manufactured under ISO 9001:2015 EM ISO/IEC 17050:2010 (CE Mark) 2014/30/EU and 2011/65/EU EN61326-1:2013 and EN55022/CISPR 22 |