Vernier Tech Info Library TIL #1617

Soil Moisture Sensor Troubleshooting and FAQs

Soil Moisture Sensor, order code SMS-BTA, $95.00
Specifications and User Guide

TROUBLESHOOTING
-Primary Test: In air, the Soil Moisture Sensor should read somewhere between -5% and -50%. Grab the sensing portion with your hand, and the reading should go up to somewhere between 10% and 50%.

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SPECIFICATIONS
-Order code: SMS-BTA
-Range: 0 to 45% volumetric water content
-Accuracy: +/-3% typical, +/-1% with soil-specific calibration
-Resolution: 0.1% (LabPro, Go! Link, EasyLink); 0.4% (CBL 2)
-Calibration (silt loam): Slope = 65.29%/volt; Y-intercept = -22.74%
-Power: 3 mA @ 5 VDC
-Operating temperature: -40 deg C to +50 deg C
-Dimensions: 12.2 cm X 3.2 cm

CALIBRATION
-Calibrate? Usually, no. Possible exceptions: you are testing soil with high concentrations of salt, sand, or organic matter; very precise readings are required.

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Created by: jrandall on January 30 2007
Last updated by: dlim on May 29 2009