Dynamax - Model WET150 -Multi-Parameter Soil Sensor

Measures three crucial growing media variables

When buried in soil or substrate the WET150 Sensor simultaneously measures three crucial variables that influence plant growth: moisture content, temperature, and electrical conductivity (EC) – a strong indicator of the general nutrient level.

An important feature of the WET150 is its ability to reliably calculate pore water conductivity (ECp), which is the ion content of the water available to the plant and also the bulk conductivity ECb; the conductivity of the soil.

The WET150s patented sensor electronics produce research grade measurement accuracy with exceptional salinity and temperature stability - essential for critical control and irrigation decisions. When the sensor is buried, temperature measurement (essential for compensating the EC measurement – for optimum accuracy) is measured directly in the root zone.

A powerful and cost effective solution for precision irrigation

When installed in grow bags, the WET150 can provide the accurate data required to power effective SDI-12 enabled automatic precision irrigation systems – cutting costs and waste whilst boosting produce yields and quality.

The rugged watertight build of the WET150 also makes it ideal for use in outdoor farming and agriculture – sensors can be left buried over very long periods of time without loss of performance. WET150 sensors can also be buried at different depths to enable monitoring of soil moisture, temperature and EC profiles.

Digital SDI-12 interface
The WET150 is a digital SDI-12 sensor (fully compliant with SDI-12 version 1.3 standards). SDI-12 is a standardized interface for connecting digital sensors to a master device – typically an SDI-12 compatible data logger, wireless node, controller, or computer. SDI-12 defines both the digital communications and sensor power standards.

A key strength of SDI-12 is that it supports the connection of multiple networked sensors to a single input on a SDI-12 enabled master device – cutting costs and complexity.

The WET150 (like all SDI-12 Sensors) is low power and features an integrated microprocessor that enables it to perform two way communication with an SDI-12 master device.

The WET150 outputs readings in a standard SDI-12 format which can be sent to, and recognized by, the master device. The inclusion of a microprocessor also gives the WET150 the ability to perform complex internal correction, compensation and averaging algorithms that enhance the quality of the data.

SDI-12 protocol is based on a master-slave configuration. When installed in an SDI-12 network, individually addressed WET150s (slaves) are sent data requests by the master device. These requests briefly wake all WET150s in the network – and result in a measurement and data sending response from the targeted WET150. When not responding to a master request, all WET150s remain in a dormant energy saving state.

• Use many sensors with just a single master device, reducing complexity and costs
• Low power systems that run off battery and are powered via the interface Bus
• Many parameters can be transmitted over simplified wiring
• No loss of accuracy over large cable runs. Ideal for wireless comms based applications
• Ideal for wireless comms based applications

Cables and connectors
The WET150 has a high quality, stainless steel IP68 rated connector (M12 x 5-way) – connecting to the standard Delta-T range of M12 x 5-way cables and accessories.

GP2 SDI-12 Data Logger – an ideal partner for the WET150
The WET150 is fully compatible with the SDI-12 enabled GP2 Data Logger and Controller – which features simple point & click configuration.

Up to 62 WET150s can be connected to a single GP2 SDI-12 Data Logger (subject to cable length and power requirements).

In addition to SDI-12 input, the GP2 can log 12 analogue channels. The SDI-12 enabled GP2 Data Logger and DeltaLINK enable quick and easy creation of sensor networks – without need to resort to the often complex programming methods typically employed by other manufacturers.

Due to the flexibility of the SD1-12 interface and the GP2 Logger, multiple power and cabling configurations may be possible when building a sensor network. Please refer to the WET150 User Manual for further information.

Easy installation
The WET150’s sharp and strong pins minimize soil and substrate disturbance, preserving the original structure around the measurement rods, and making the probe easy to insert and install. For burial at depth the cylindrical shape facilitates installation in augured holes. Optional extension tubes assist with placement and removal (50 cm and 100 cm lengths, connectable).

Applications
Horticulture and agriculture – The WET150 Sensor is available with a comprehensive set of soil and substrate calibrations and provides a simple, effective, rugged solution to checking the uniformity of growing conditions for many types of growing media.

Plants that are grown in artificial substrates routinely receive their nutrients in irrigation water – in the process known as “fertigation”. Nutrient levels can be controlled by monitoring the water content and conductivity (EC) and adjusting the injection of liquid fertilizer into the irrigation water. The WET150 Sensor excels in accurately measuring this crucial information.

Precision irrigation – The WET150 sensor is ideal for precision irrigation applications and its compact design allows it to be easily installed in grow bags. The WET150’s accurate sensor data can be used to optimize irrigation scheduling, or drive an SDI-12 enabled automatic irrigation system.

Soil salinity monitoring – When irrigation water is recycled or abstracted from rivers with high levels of dissolved salts, over time there can be a buildup of soil salinity. Soil salinization will eventually reduce crop yields. The WET150 Sensor is a powerful tool for sampling soil salinity, ensuring that growers and farmers have the essential information they need to take remedial action as quickly as possible.

System integration – The WET150’s accurate and stable three parameter measurement, simple SDI-12 output and low power makes it the ideal sensor for system integrators. Industrial rated, UV resistant cable fitted with a waterproof IP68 connector allows the sensor to be buried indefinitely, whilst still permitting easy cable exchange or extension if necessary.

Soil science research – The WET150 is easily integrated into SDI-12 systems and delivers research-grade accuracy and reliability for researchers monitoring soil or substrate conditions. Typical areas of use include irrigation research, crop trials, phenotyping, hydrology, soil water profiling, and forestry.

Data logging and portable readout
The WET150 is a dual purpose soil moisture sensor. It can be installed in soil or substrate and connected to a SDI-12 master device (e.g. data logger) to provide long-term moisture, temperature and EC data. Alternatively it can be used in Kit form as a portable sensor connected to the WET150 readout meter to take instant spot measurements of moisture content and EC (when used in portable mode the WET150 Sensor does not provide temperature indication).

Calibrations
The WET150 Sensor comes complete with calibrations for mineral and organic soils plus perlite, coir, peat, and mineral wool substrates.

• NEW lower cost research-grade multi-parameter soil sensor
• Measures moisture, temperature and EC
• Accurate monitoring of growing conditions
• Measures directly in the rootzone
• Digital SDI-12 for easy system integration
• Detachable and extendable cable system
• 5 year warranty