Soil Sensors

Multi-depth Soil moisture and temperature profile Sensor

  • Continuous soil moisture measurements over the entire length of the probe

  • Available in 6 different probe lengths up to 48” (120cm)

  • SDI-12 interface, optional Modbus over RS-485.

  • Based on our unique patented TDT5 technology. Less influenced by EC and soil type variations.

  • Comes with 3 m (9.8′) durable cable (Flying lead Standard, Optional 5-pin IP68-rated M-12 connector).

  • Factory-calibrated for most agricultural soils, but can be custom calibrated before shipping—request when ordering.

  • Soil sensor can be custom calibrated by the customer. Each depth can be calibrated to match soil horizon—see the detailed procedure in the User Manual.

Overview

GroPoint™ Profile is a scientific-grade and cost-effective soil moisture probe that measures the volumetric water content and soil temperature over multiple depths using a single probe. It can be deployed in sensitive agriculture zones to enable full control of irrigation, increase water-use efficiency and provide an understanding of water movement throughout the soil.

Unlike other multi-depth soil moisture probes, GroPoint Profile is the only one on the market to provide a true soil moisture profile. It continuously measures the soil moisture across the entire length of the probe by averaging the volumetric water content across each segment (15cm or 6″). This unique feature provides continuous measurements of water movement throughout the soil rather than at discrete positions on the probe, which cause “dead spots” in the soil profile.

The sleek, lightweight design installs quickly using a pilot rod and slide hammer tool with minimal soil disruption. Our soil probe design eliminates the cumbersome excavation that is required when installing other profiling probes. GroPoint Profile is designed for vertical installation to make continuous soil moisture and soil temperature measurements over multiple soil layers.

 

The Most Accurate and Cost-Effective Soil Moisture Profiling Solution Available

  • Perfect for research, vineyards, vegetable crops, fruit trees and many more agricultural applications.

  • Eliminates need for multiple soil moisture sensors and cabling systems.

  • Measures across the entire length of the soil moisture probe, averaging the volumetric water content and soil temperature in each segment

  • Installs quickly and easily without excavating.

  • One SDI-12 address is used to read all segments, providing simplified installations. Optional MODBUS/RS-485 output.

  • Soil moisture readings can be user-calibrated with 3rd-order polynomials to meet custom requirements.

  • Low power requirements—suitable for remote, autonomous applications.

  • Patented TDT5 technology for scientific-grade accuracy and excellent long-term stability of measurements.

  • Fully potted electronics for excellent durability.

 

Configurations

GroPoint Profile is available in six different multi-segment lengths, suitable for a wide range of agricultural crop monitoring.

You can also choose from two different configurations for soil temperature sensors, depending on your requirements. You can configure it with no temperature sensors if you only require soil moisture measurement, or the standard configuration places temperature sensors roughly every 10cm.

Choose the number of 15 cm (6″) segments that are right for your application. Custom lengths also available.

Specifications
Moisture 
Measurement range0% to 100% of VMC
Accuracy±2.0% *
Precision< 0.2%
Temperature 
Measurement range-20°C to +70°C (-4°F to 158°F)
Accuracy±0.5°C
Electrical 
OutputSDI-12 V1.3 (RS485 and Modbus optional)
ConnectionBare wire (optional 5-pin M-12 IP68 rated environmental connectors)
Input voltage6 to 14 VDC max. 18 VDC
Current consumptionQuiescent: Active: 15-20 mA (depending on number of segments) for 100 mS
Warm-up time on power up350ms
Environmental 
Operating temperature-20°C to 70°C (-4°F to 158°F)
Storage temperature-40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F)Physical
Physical 
Length

Each segment is approximately 15 cm (5.9″) long. Total length is the number of segments multiplied by 15 cm.
For example, a 3-segment probe is about 45cm long.

Probe weight

2 segments: 292 g (10.3 oz.)
3 segments: 351 g (12.4 oz.)
4 segments: 408 g (14.4 oz.)
5 segments: 468 g (16.5 oz.)
6 segments: 526 g (18.6 oz.)
8 segments: 642 g (22.6 oz.)

Temperature Placement

2 segments: 3.5cm, 10cm, 20cm, and 30cm
3 segments: 3.5cm, 10cm, 20cm, 30cm, 40cm, and 45cm
4 segments: 3.5cm, 10cm, 20cm, 30cm, 45cm, and 60cm
5 segments: 3.5cm, 10cm, 20cm, 30cm, 45cm, 60cm, and 75cm
6 segments: 3.5cm, 10cm, 20cm, 30cm, 40cm, 45cm, 60cm, 75cm, and 90cm
8 segments: 3.5cm, 10cm, 20cm, 30cm, 45cm, 60cm, 75cm, 90cm, 105cm, and 120cm

Cable weight38 g per m (0.42 oz. per foot)
Standard cable5 m (16.4 ft.) 5xAWG22, with molded M12-5 Male code A
Warranty1-year limited parts and labour

Data Loggers / Handhelds

Log Data From Multiple SDI-12 Sensors and Retrieve it Wirelessly on a Smartphone or Tablet

  • The GP-BTDL Bluetooth SDI-12 Data Logger Kit includes:

  • Connects up to 10 SDI-12 sensors (via multiple 4-Port SDI-12 Expansion Bars)

  • The Bluetooth SDI-12 Data Logger is both a data logger and a wireless access point to retrieve data

  • Logger operates on Primary C-Cell battery (3.6V – Cold Temperature Battery) – Battery Not Included

  • Free GP Reader app available for Android devices (iOS coming soon).

Overview

Bluetooth SDI-12 Data logger Kit

The GP-BTDL Bluetooth SDI-12 Data Logger Kit includes:

This kit will allow you to connect four SDI-12 Sensors. To connect eight sensors, you will need an additional M12 Male to Female Cable and 4-Port Expansion Bar, as well as a 2-Port Expansion Bar. Sensors must terminate in an M12 connector.

This kit uses the free GP Reader Android App.

The free GP Reader app (available for Android devices only) is used to check current conditions, download data and set up the sensor sampling interval (from one minute to 12 hours). With the app open on your smartphone, simply push the button on the GP-BTDL Bluetooth SDI-12 Data Logger to wake it up and automatically establish a wireless connection. Tap the Download button in the app to download all logged data. You can also check the current battery level of the Bluetooth Data Logger.


Features

  • Retrieve sensor data wirelessly to your smartphone with a quick visit to the site

  • Stay connected up to 60m (200 ft) away

  • Operates with a Primary C-Cell battery (3.6V or 21.5 V alkaline)

  • Battery life of several years is typical

  • Water-resistant, IP65-rated enclosure

  • Data is retained even with no battery

  • Free GP Reader App available for Android devices

Specifications

Product Specifications

OutputCSV text file via USB cable (included)
Sensor interfaceSDI-12 / RS-485 (SDI-12 version)
Sensor port connector1x Switchcraft EN3P4F (4 female pins)
Maximum number of sensors10 (via multiple 4-Port SDI-12 Expansion Bars)
Depending on measurement interval and type of sensor, additional sensors may be configured.
Up to 60 SDI-12 sensors may be configured depending on cable length and sensor power requirements
Wireless protocolBluetooth 4.0 LE
Storage4 MB
This is the equivalent of:
> 200K GroPoint Lite measurements
> 80K moisture and temperature measurements from a GroPoint Profile 4-segment sensor
Measurement intervalConfigurable by user
Range: 1 minute to 12 hours
Operating temperature range-20°C to 65°C (-4°F to 150°F)
Storage temperature range-20°C to 70°C (-4°F to 160°F)
Power3.0V lithium coin cell powers the memory (included)
2 x AA alkaline batteries OR 3.6V 1x C-cell Li-ion battery powers the sensors (included)
Battery lifeUp to several years, depending on measurement interval and battery selection
Dimensions11.4cm x 8.0cm x 6.0cm (4.49” x 3.15” x 2.36”)
Weight216 g (7.62 oz)
Warranty1-year limited parts and labour
Environmental sealingEnclosure: IP65
Push button: IP67
Sensor connectors: IP66/IP68
Order NumberPart 2992-KIT

 

Wireless Telemetry Products

Titan Radius Repeater

SDI-12 Wireless LPWAN Network Extender

  • Connects directly to SDI-12
  • sensors (up to 10 per Mote).

The Radius Repeater uses unlicensed wireless spectrum to extend the range of a Radius Mote so it can be located up to 15km farther away from a central Radius Gateway.

Radius networks incorporate advanced low power, long range wireless technologies with proprietary mechanical engineering, power management and power supply to eliminate the need for expensive supporting infrastructure (large batteries, solar panels, enclosures, cables). By eliminating this infrastructure as well as the need for a data logger and communications uplink at each sensor site, the cost of the entire sensor network is reduced dramatically

Overview

Create a Seamless, Low-Power, Wide-Area Wireless Network (LPWAN) for SDI-12 Sensors

  • All-in-one: Integrated radio, battery, power management, enclosure, mounting bracket—nothing else required.

  • Automatic: devices self-configure and form a wireless network automatically.

  • Simple: works out of the box. No tools required to install.

  • Extremely low power consumption: solar panel generally not needed, lasts for years without needing recharging.

  • Durable: IP67/IP68 rating for reliable long-term deployments in harsh environments.

  • Scalable: Up to 10 sensors per Mote/slave, 6 Motes/slaves per repeater, 3 repeaters per network.

Specifications
Communications 
RangeUp to 15 km (9.3 miles). Signals can penetrate certain foliage, buildings and obstructions.
Range depends on antenna height/type and obstacles in path of line of sight.
Wireless frequency915 and 868 MHz certified, 860‐930 MHz frequency range
Sensors 
Maximum number
of sensors
10
Sensor power12VDC switched, during measure‐ ment
Maximum output current138 mA (12V), up to 500 mA pulse (12V) with capacitor battery option (available 2018-Q3)
Sensor protocolSDI‐12, v.1.3
On-board sensorsTemperature sensor for optimizing power management and battery charging in cold operations.
Electrical 
Current consumptionListen/idle: 300 μA
Data transmit: 128 mA
Stop/idle: 1.65 μA
Input voltage10‐18V, reverse polarity protected.
Internal battery optionsPrimary: 8.6Ah ‐ 38Ah, 3.6V
Secondary: 10Ah Li‐ion rechargeable
Custom option: Hybrid
TX output power128 mA
Optional external battery pack10‐18V
Environmental 
Operating temperature-40°C to 75°C
Storage temperature-40°C to 75°C
Physical 
LED indicators

RSSI, sensor, battery, operating status

Weight (excluding battery)12.8 oz (400g)
Weight (including full battery configuration)19.2 oz (600g)
Warm-up time30s
External antennaWip antenna, high-gain omnidirectional
Security128 bit AES encryption

GroPoint Classic

GroPoint Classic

The original analog GroPoint soil moisture sensor, with legendary ruggedness and accuracy.

Soil moisture Sensor

  • Measures soil moisture
  • 4-20 mA interface provides easy integration into common irrigation management and control systems.
  • Also available with 0-5mA output.
  • Based on field-proven TDT soil moisture measurement, and features some aspects of our proprietary TDT5 technology.
  • Comes with 5 m (16.4′) durable cable (4-pin IP68-rated EN3 connector optional).
  • Low power consumption—suitable for remote applications.
Overview

GroPoint™ Classic is our original analog soil moisture sensor, with a rugged design that has been proven over decades of use. The sensing element is manufactured from a solid 7mm (0.28″) stainless steel rod, and all electronics are sealed in water-proof epoxy.

The 4-20mA output integrates easily with common irrigation control and management systems, and it’s also available with 0-5mA output. The standard 5m cable can be extended to up to 150m (500′) and terminates in a rugged IP66/68 environmental connector or bare wires.

The soil moisture sensor features a larger area of influence than our other sensors—about 10cm (4″) surrounding the sensing element. It can be calibrated specifically for sandy soils, high salinity and clay soils or a broad range of soils. Please specify when ordering.

The GroPoint Classic responds immediately and accurately to changes in soil moisture. It’s extremely rugged, easy to install and requires virtually no maintenance, providing years of reliable service.


  • Fully potted electronics for excellent durability.

  • Stainless steel sensing element provides years of maintenance free, reliable sensing.

  • 4-20 mA interface provide easy and simple integration into common irrigation management and control systems. Also available with 0-5mA output.

Specifications

Moisture

Moisture 
Measurement range0% to 100% of VMC
Accuracy±2.0% *
Precision< 0.2%Temperature
Electrical 
Output4-20 mA (optional 0-5mA)
ConnectionBare wire (optional 3 pin, IP66/IP68 rated environmental connector)
Input voltage6 to 14 VDC max. 18 VDC
Current consumption0-5 mA: 15 mA (nominal), 20mA (max)
4-20 mA: 30 mA (nominal), 50 mA (max)
Warm-up time on power up 
Environmental 
Operating temperature-20°C to 70°C (-4°F to 158°F)
Storage temperature-40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F)Physical
Physical 
Dimensions26 cm x 8.9 cm x 4.4 cm (10.25” x 3.5” x 1.75”)
Weight (with standard cable)635 g (1.4 lb.)
Cable weight38 g per m (0.42 oz. per foot)
Standard cable5 m (16.4 ft.) Max. 500 ft.
3xAWG22 dual-shielded, twisted pair, rated for direct burial
Warranty1-year limited parts and labour

* 8% to 42% VMC, in controlled laboratory conditions; factory calibrated for most agricultural soils. In field applications, accuracy may slightly decrease due to the inevitable heterogeneity of soil texture, soil compaction, moisture and fluctuation in soil temperature. The accuracy may also decrease in difficult soil conditions (higher clay and salinity content). In normal conditions, GroPoint sensors will maintain their accuracy from permanent wilting through field capacity in sandy loam through clay soils with less than 60% clay particles. Under moderately saline conditions. GroPoint sensors will maintain their accuracy up to 6 ds/m.