INSPECT MS-7004SD Soil Moisture Meter Instruction Manual

INSPECT MS-7004SD Soil Moisture Meter

Product Information

• Product Name: SD Card Real Time Recorder 4 PINS Soil Moisture Meter
• Model: MS-7004SD

Features

• Measurement Ranges: 0 ~ 100% for soil moisture, 0 ~ 60°C for
  thermister temperature

• Four PIN probe

• High accuracy

• Fast response

• Remote probe

• Thermister temperature sensor

• Real-time SD memory card Datalogger with built-in clock

Specifications
General Specifications

• Circuit: Custom one-chip microprocessor LSI circuit
• Display: LCD size – 52 mm x 30 mm, LCD with green backlight (ON/OFF)
• Measurement Range: Soil moisture – 0 ~ 100%, Thermister temperature – 0 ~ 60°C
• Datalogger Sampling Time Setting Range: Auto – 1 second to 3600 seconds (Memory data may be lost if set to 1 second), Manual – Push the data logger button once to save data one time, Manual mode can also select the position (Location) number from 1 to 99
• Memory Card: SD memory card
• Advanced Features: Set clock time, set sampling time, auto power-off management, set beep sound ON/OFF, decimal point of SD card setting, SD memory card format, set temperature unit to °C or °F
• Temperature Compensation: Automatic temperature compensation for the NTC thermister

Data Hold Memory Recall Sampling Time of Display Data
Output

• Operating Temperature: 0 to 50°C
• Operating Humidity: Less than 85% R.H.
• Power Supply: Alkaline or heavy-duty DC 1.5 V battery (UM3, AA) x 6 PCs, or equivalent, DC 9V adapter input (AC/DC power adapter is optional)
• Power Current: Normal operation (w/o SD card save data and LCD backlight is OFF) – Approx. DC 46 mA, When the SD card saves the data but the LCD backlight is OFF – Approx.
• DC 65 mA (AC/DC power adapter consumption will increase by approx. 16 mA)
• Auto Shut Off: Approx. 10 minutes to save battery life or manually off by pushing the power button for more than 2 seconds
• Weight: 538 g/1.12 LB. (without battery)
• Dimension: METER – 177 x 68 x 45 mm (7.0 x 2.7 x 1.9 inch)

Standard Accessories Included

• Instruction manual – 1 PC
• Moisture sensor with protective cover – 1 PC

Optional Accessories

• SD Card
• AC to DC 9V adapter
• USB cable (USB-01)
• RS232 cable (UPCB-02)
• Data Acquisition software (SW-U801-WIN)
• Hard carrying case (CA-07A)

Soil Moisture Measurement

• Measurement Range: 0 ~ 100.0%
• Resolution: 0.1%
• Accuracy: Not specified

Thermister Temperature Measurement

• Measurement Range: 0 to 60.0°C
• Resolution: 0.1°C
• Accuracy: Not specified

Note
Above specifications are tested under the environment with RF Field Strength less than 3 V/M & frequency less than 30 MHz only.

Front Panel Description
Refer to the above image for the front panel description

• Display
• Power Button (Backlight Button)
• Hold Button
• REC Button
• –
• SET Button (Clock Button)
• LOG Button (ENTER Button)
• Probe input socket
• Probe 4-pin protective cover
• SD card socket
• RS-232 Output Terminal

Please refer to the user manual for detailed instructions on operating the SD Card Real Time Recorder 4 PINS Soil Moisture Meter.NOTE: if you are unable to turn off the meter &/or change settings. This often occurs when the meter is in record mode (REC). This is a fail-safe to prevent someone from inadvertently turning off the meter during the data logging process. In order to determine if this mode had been activated, you should see the (REC) indication at the top of the reading on the screen of the meter. Therefore preventing the meter from being powered off. If this is the case, and you are not in the middle of data logging, hold the (REC) button for 2 to 3 seconds or until the (REC) indicator is off. At this time you will then be able to power the meter off as you normally would by holding the (POWER) button for 2 to 3 seconds until the meter is powered off.

FEATURES

• Measurement ranges, from 0 ~ 100 %. 0 ~ 60 ℃
• Four PIN probe
• High accuracy
• Fast response.
• Remote probe.
• Thermister temperature sensor.
• Real-time SD memory card Datalogger, it Built-in Clock and Calendar, real-time data recorder, sampling time set from 1 second to 3600 seconds.
• A manual datalogger is available ( set the sampling time to 0 ), during executing the manual datalogger function, it can set the different position ( location ) No. ( position 1 to position 99 ).
• Innovation and easy operation, the computer is not need to setup extra software, after executing datalogger, just take away the SD card from the meter and plug the SD card into the computer, it can download all the measured values with the time information ( year/month/date/ hour/minute/second ) to the Excel directly, then user can make further data or graphic analysis by themselves.
• SD card capacity: 1 GB to 16 GB.
• LCD with green light backlight, easy reading.
• Can default auto power off or manual power off.
• Data hold, record max., and min. reading.
• Microcomputer circuit, high accuracy.
• Power by UM3/AA ( 1.5 V ) x 6 batteries or DC 9V adapter.
•  RS232/USB PC COMPUTER interface.

SPECIFICATIONS

Circuit| Custom one-chip of microprocessor LSI

circuit.

---|---
Display| LCD size : 52 mm x 30 mm

LCD with green backlight ( ON/OFF ).

Measurement

Range.

| Soil moisture : 0 ~ 100 %

Thermister temperature : 0 ~ 60 ℃ .

Datalogger Sampling Time Setting range| Auto| 1 second to 3600 seconds

@ Sampling time can set to 1 second,

but memory data may loss.

Manual| Push the data logger button once will save data one time. @ Set the sampling time to

0 second.

@ Manual mode, can also select the 1 to 99 position ( Location ) no.

Memory Card| SD memory card.
Advanced setting| *    Set clock time ( Year/Month/Date, Hour/Minute/ Second )

*    Set sampling time

*    Auto power OFF management

*    Set beep Sound ON/OFF

*    Decimal point of SD card setting

*    SD memory card Format

*      Set temperature unit to ℃ or ℉

Temperature

Compensation

| Automatic temp. compensation for the

NTC thermister.

Sampling Time

of Display

| Approx. 1 second.
Data Output| RS 232/USB PC computer interface.

*     Connect the optional RS232 cable UPCB-02 will get the RS232 plug.

*     Connect the optional USB cable

USB-01 will get the USB plug.

Operating

Temperature

| 0 to 50 ℃.
Operating

Humidity

| Less than 85% R.H.
Power Supply| * Alkaline or heavy duty DC 1.5 V battery

( UM3, AA ) x 6 PCs, or equivalent.

* DC 9V adapter input. ( AC/DC power

adapter is optional ).

Power Current| Normal operation ( w/o SD card save data and LCD Backlight is OFF) :

Approx. DC 46 mA.

When SD card save the data but and LCD Backlight is OFF) :

Approx. DC 65 mA.

* AC/DC power adapter is optional. consumption will increase approx.

16 mA.

Power off| Auto shut off ( approx. 10 minutes) saves battery

life or manual off by push power button > 2 sec..

Weight| 538 g/1.12 LB. ( without battery )
Dimension| METER : 177 x 68 x 45 mm ( 7.0 x 2.7 x 1.9 inch)

PROBE : Ø 50 * 113 mm ( TEST PIN 78 mm )

Standard Accessories Included| *  Instruction manual………………………… 1 PC

*  Moisture sensor with protective

…………………………………….                                1 PC

Electrical Specifications (23±5 ℃)

__

Soil Moisture

| __

0 ~ 100.0 %

| __

0.1%

| __

± ( 5 % F.S.+ 5d )

Above specification tests under the environment RF Field Strength less than 3 V/M & frequency less than 30 MHz only.

thermister

temperation.

| 0 to 60.0 ℃| 0.1 ℃| ± ( 1.5% F.S.+ 5d )

FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION

1. 3-1 Display
2. 3-2 Power Button ( Backlight Button ) 3-3 Hold Button
3. 3-4 REC Button
4. 3-5 ▲ Button
5. 3-6 ▼ Button
6. 3-7 SET Button ( Clock Button )
7. 3-8 LOG Button ( ENTER Button ) 3-9 Probe input socket
8. 3-10 Probe 4-pin protective
9. 3-11 SD card socket
10. 3-12 RS-232 Output Terminal
11. 3-13 Reset Button
12. 3-14 DC 9V Power Adapter Input Socket 3-15 Battery Compartment/Cover
13. 3-16 Battery Cover Screws
14. 3-17 Stand
15. 3-18 Tripod Fix Nut
16. 3-19 Probe Plug
17. 3-20 Probe Handle
18. 3-21 Soil moisture/Temp. sensing

MEASURING PROCEDURE

4- 1 Soil moisture/temp. Measurement

1. Power on the meter by pressing the ” Power button ” ( 3-2, Fig. 1 ) > 3 seconds continuously. * After already powering on the meter, pressing the ” Power button ” > 3 seconds continuously will turn off the meter.

2. Install the ” Probe Plug ” ( 3-19, Fig. 1 ) into the ” Probe Input Socket ” ( 3-9, Fig. 1 ).

3. When Powering on the meter, the meter display will show the ” % ” ( moisture ) & ” ℃ ” ( temp. ) unit Now the meter is ready to make the measurement.

4. Use the hand to hold the ” Sensor Handle ” ( 3-20 ), sensor test stainless 4pin ” soil Sensor ” ( 3-21, Fig. 1 ) into the soil about 4 cm to measure soil moisture & temp., The display will show the soil measurement value.
   Remark : If want to change the Temp. unit ( ℃ or ℉ ) please refer to chapters 7-7 ( page 17 ).

5. if finish the measurement please clean the stainless test pin and use the protective unit to protect the stainless est pin.

4-2 Data Hold
During the measurement, press the ” Hold Button ” ( 3-3, Fig. 1 ) Once will hold the measured value & the LCD will display a ” HOLD ” symbol. Press the ” Hold Button ” once again will release the data hold function.

1. 4-3 Data Record ( Max., Min. reading )  The data record function records the maximum and minimum readings. Press the ” MAX/MIN Button ” ( 3-4, Fig. 1 ) Once to start the Data Record function and there will be a ” REC ” symbol on the display.  With the ” REC ” symbol on the display: Press the ” MAX/MIN Button ” ( 3-4, Fig. 1 ) once, the ” REC MAX ” symbol along with the maximum value will appear on the display.
2. Press the ” MAX/MIN Button ” ( 3-4, Fig. 1 ) again, and the ” REC MIN ” symbol along with the minimum value will appear on the display.
3. Press the ” MAX/MIN Button ” ( 3-4, Fig. 1 ) again, and the ” MIN ” symbol will be disappeared, LCD only show the ” REC ” symbol, and the meter starts the Data Record function again.
4. To exit the memory record function, just press the ” MAX/MIN Button ” ( 3-4, Fig. 1 ) > 3 seconds continuously. The display will revert to the current reading.

4-4 LCD Backlight ON/OFF
After powering ON, the ” LCD Backlight ” will light automatically. During the measurement, Push the ” Backlight Button ” ( 3-2, Fig. 1 ) once, and turn OFF the ” LCD Backlight “. Push the ” Backlight Button ” once will turn ON the ” LCD Backlight ” again.

DATALOGGER
5-1 Preparation before executing the datalogger function

• Insert the SD card Prepare a ” SD memory card ” ( 1 G to 16 G, optional ), and insert the SD card into the ” SD card socket ” ( 3-11, Fig. 1). The front panel of the SD card should face against the down case.
• SD card Format If the SD card is just the first time use in the meter, it recommends making the ” SD card Format ” at first. , please refer to chapters 7-6 ( page 16 ).
• Time setting If the meter is used for the first time, it should adjust the clock time exactly, please refer to Chapter 7-1 ( page 14 ).
• Decimal format setting The numerical data structure of SD card is the default using the ” . ” as the decimal, for example, “20.6” or “1000.53”. But in certain countries ( Europe …) is used”, ” as the decimal point, for example, ” 20, 6 “and “1000,53”. Under such a situation, it should change the Decimal character at first, For details of setting the Decimal point, refer to Chapters 7-5, page 16

5-2 Auto Datalogger ( Set sampling time ≧ 1 second )

Start the data logger
Press the ” LOG Button ( 3-8, Fig. 1 ) > 3 seconds continuously, the upper LCD show symbol of ” LOGGER ” and then the ” SAVE ” symbol will flash per sampling time, at the same time the measuring data along the time information will be saved into the memory circuit. Remark:  For how to set the sampling time, refer to Chapters 7-2, page 1 5.  How to set the beeper sound is enable, refer to Chapter 7-4, page 1 5.

Pause the datalogger
During executing the Datalogger function, pressing the ” LOG Button ” ( 3-8, Fig. 1 ) once will pause the Datalogger function ( stop to save the measuring data into the memory circuit temporally ). At the same time, the ” SAVE ” symbol will stop flashing, and the upper LCD will show the text ” LOGGER “. Remark: If press the ” LOG Button ” ( 3-8, Fig. 1 ) once again will execute the Datalogger again, and the ” SAVE ” symbol will flash.

Finish the Datalogger
During execute the Datalogger function, press the ” LOG Button ( 3-8, Fig. 1 )

3 seconds continuously again will finish the Datalogger function, and the ” LOGGER ” symbol will be disappeared and finish the Datalogger. 5-3 Manual Datalogger ( Set sampling time = 0 seconds)

Set sampling time to 0 second
Press the ” LOG Button ( 3-8, Fig. 1 ) > 3 seconds, and the upper LCD will show the ” Position no. “, then press the ” LOG Button ” ( 3-8, Fig. 1 ) once, and the ” LOGGER ” symbol will flash once and Beeper will sound once, at the
same time the measuring data along the time information will be saved into the memory circuit. Remark: During execute the Manual Datalogger, it can use the ” ▲ Button ” ( 3-5, Fig. 1) or ” ▼ Button ” ( 3- 6, Fig. 1 ) to
set the measuring position ( 1 to 99, for example, room 1 to room 99 ) to identify the measurement location, the lower Display will show P x ( x = 1 to 99 ). ( x = 1 to 99 ).

Finish the Datalogger
During execute the Datalogger function, press the ” LOG Button ( 3-8, Fig. 1 )

3 seconds continuously again will finish the Datalogger function, the Position no. ” PXX ” will be disappeared and finish the Datalogger. function.

5-4 Check time information During the normal measurement ( not executing the Datalogger ), If press ” Clock Button ” ( 3-7, Fig. 1 ) once, the LCD display will present the time information of Year/Month, Date/Hour, Minute/Second and the Sampling time information in the same time.

5-5 SD Card Data structure

1.  When the SD When the first time MSD01

2. If the first time to execute the Datalogger, under the route MSAD01\, will generate a new file name MSAD01001.XLS. After exiting the Datalogger, then executing again, the data will save to the MSAD01001.XLS until

3. a column reach 30,000 columns, then will generate a new file, for example, MSA01002.XLS

4. Under the folder MSA01\, if the total files is more than 99 files, will generate a new route, such as MSA02……
   The file’s route structure :

   • MSA01\ MSA01001.XLS
   • MSA01002.XLS
   • MSA01099.XLS
   • MSA02\ MSA02001.XLS
   • MSA02002.XLS
   • MSA02099.XLS MSAXX

Remark
XX: Max. value is 10.

Saving data from the SD card to the computer ( EXCEL software )

1.  After executing the Data Logger function, take away the SD card from the ” SD card socket ” ( 3-11, Fig. 1 ).

2. Plug in the SD card into the Computer’s SD card slot ( if your computer builds in this installation ) or insert the SD card into the ” SD card socket “. then connect the ” SD card socket ” to the computer.

3. Power ON the computer and run the ” EXCEL software “. Download the saved data file ( for example the file name: MSA01001.XLS, MSA01002.XLS ) from the SD card to the computer. The saved data will present into
   the EXCEL software screen ( for example as following EXCEL data screens ), then the user can use those EXCEL  data to make further Data or Graphic analysis usefully.

4. EXCEL data screen ( for example )

EXCEL graphic screen ( for example )

ADVANCED SETTING
Under do not execute the Datalogger function, press the ” SET Button ” ( 3-7, Fig. 1 ) continuously At least two seconds will enter the ” Advanced Setting ” mode. then press the ” SET Button ” ( 3-7, Fig. 1 ) once a while in sequence to select the eight main functions, the lower display will show :

• DATE…… Set clock time ( Year/Month/Date, Hour/Minute/ Second )
• SP-T…… Set sampling time ( Hour/Minute/Second )
• POFF……. Auto power OFF management
• BEEP…….. Set beeper sound ON/OFF
• DEC…….. Set SD card Decimal character
• SD-F….. SD memory card Format
• T-CF……. Select the Temp. unit to ℃ or ℉

Remark
During executing the ” Advanced Setting ” function, if Pressing the ” SET Button ” ( 3- 7, Fig. 1 ) > 3 seconds will exit the ” Advanced Setting ” function, the LCD will return to the normal screen. 7-1 Set clock time ( Year/Month/Date, Hour/Minute/ Second ) When the lower display show ” DATE ” 1) Use the ” ▲ Button ” ( 3-5, Fig. 1 ) or ” ▼ Button ” ( 3-6, Fig. 1 ) to adjust the value ( Setting start from Year value ). After the desired value is set, press the ” Enter Button ” ( 3-8, Fig. 1 ) once will go to the next value adjustment ( for example, the first setting value is Year then next to adjust Month, Date, Hour, Minute, Second value ). 2) After set all the time values ( Year, Month, Date, Hour, Minute, Second ), press the ” ENTER Button ” ( 3-8, Fig. 1 ) Once will save the time value.

Remark
After the time value is set, the internal clock will run precisely even Power off if the battery is under normal conditions ( No low battery power ).

7-2 Set sampling time ( Seconds )
When the lower display show ” SP-T ”

1. Use the ” ▲ Button ” ( 3-5, Fig. 1 ) or ” ▼ Button ” ( 3-6, Fig. 1 ) to adjust the value ( 0, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30,60, 120, 300, 600, 1800,3600 seconds ).
2. After the Sampling value is selected, press the ” Enter Button ” ( 3-8, Fig. 1 ) will save the setting function with default. 7-3 Auto power OFF management When the lower display show ” POFF “
3. Use the ” ▲ Button ” ( 3-5, Fig. 1 ) or ” ▼ Button ” ( 3-6, Fig. 1 ) to select the upper value to ” YES ” or ” NO “.  YES – Auto Power Off management will enable. NO – Auto Power Off management will be disabled.
4. After selecting the upper text to ” YES ” or ” NO “, press the ” ENTER Button ” ( 3-8, Fig. 1 ) will save the setting function with default. 7-4 Set beeper sound ON/OFF When the lower display show ” BEEP “
5. Use the ” ▲ Button ” ( 3-5, Fig. 1 ) or ” ▼ Button ” ( 3-6, Fig. 1 ) to select the upper value to ” YES ” or ” NO “. YES – The meter’s beep sound will be ON by default. NO – The meter’s beep sound will be OFF with default.
6. After selecting the upper text to ” YES ” or ” NO “, press the ” ENTER Button ” ( 3-8, Fig. 1 ) will save the setting function with default.

7-5 Decimal point of SD card setting
The numerical data structure of SD card is the default using the as decimal, for example, “20.6” and “1000.53” . But in certain countries ( Europe …) is used as the decimal point, for example, ” 20,6 ” or “1000,53”.
Under such a situation, it should change the Decimal character at first.

When the lower display show ” DEC “

1. Use the ” ▲ Button ” ( 3-5, Fig. 1 ) or ” ▼ Button ” ( 3-6, Fig. 1 ) to select the upper text to ” USA ” or ” EURO “. USA – Use as the Decimal point with default. EURO – Use as the Decimal point with default.
2. After selecting the upper text to ” USA ” or ” EURO “, press the ” ENTER Button ” ( 3-8, Fig. 1 ) will save the setting function with default. 7-6 SD memory card Format When the lower display show ” SD- F “
3. Use the ” ▲ Button ” ( 3-5, Fig. 1 ) or ” ▼ Button ” ( 3-6, Fig. 1 ) to select the upper value to ” YES ” or ” NO “.

YES – Intend to format the SD memory card NO – Not execute the SD memory card format  If select the upper to ” YES “, press the ” Enter Button ” ( 3-8, Fig. 1 ) Once again, the Display will show text ” SURE ” to confirm again, if make sure to do the SD memory card format, then press the ” Enter Button ” once will format the SD memory clear all the existing data that is already saved into the SD card. 7-7 Select the Temp. unit to ℃ or ℉

When the lower display show ” T-CF “
Use the ” ▲ Button ” ( 3-5, Fig. 1 ) or ” ▼ Button ” ( 3-6, Fig. 1 ) to select the upper Display text to ” C ” or ” F “. C – Temperature unit is ℃ F – Temperature unit is ℉ 2) After Display unit is selected to ” C ” or ” F “, press the ” Enter Button ” ( 3-8, Fig. 1 ) will save the setting function with default.

POWER SUPPLY from DC
ADAPTER
The meter also can supply power supply from the DC 9V Power Adapter ( optional ). Insert the plug of the Power Adapter into the ” DC 9V Power Adapter Input Socket ” ( 3-14, Fig. 1 ). The meter will permanently power ON when using the DC ADAPTER power supply ( The power button function is disabled).

BATTERY REPLACEMENT

1. When the left corner of the LCD display shows it is necessary to replace the battery. However, in-spec. measurement may still be made for several hours after the low battery indicator appears before the instrument become inaccurate.
2. Loosen the screws of the ” Battery Cover Screws ” ( 3-16, Fig. 1 ) and remove the ” Battery Cover ” ( 3-15, Fig. 1 )  from the instrument and remove the batteries.
3.  Replace with (6) AA alkaline or equivalent 1.5vDC battery ( UM3 ) and reinstall the cover & screws.
4. Make sure the battery cover is secured after changing the battery.

SYSTEM RESET
If the meter happens the troubles such as the CPU system is held ( for example, the key button can not be operated… ). Then making the system RESET will fix the problem.  The system RESET procedures will be either following method: During the power on, use a pin to press the ” Rese  Button ” ( 3-13, Fig. 1 ) once a while will reset the circuit system.

RS232 PC SERIAL INTERFACE

The instrument has RS232 PC serial interface via a 3.5 mm terminal ( 3-12, Fig. 1 ). The data output is a 16-digit stream that can be utilized for the user’s specific application. An RS232 lead with the following connection will be
required to link the instrument with the PC serial port. The 16 digits data stream will be displayed in the following format :

Each digit indicates the following status

If the display reading is 1234, then D8 to

D1 is : 00001234

D9| Decimal Point(DP), position from right to the left

0 = No DP, 1= 1 DP, 2 = 2 DP, 3 = 3 DP

D10| Polarity

0 = Positive         1 = Negative

D11 & D12| Annunciator for Display
℃ = 01| ℉ = 02|
% = 03|  |
D13| When send the upper display data = 1

When send the lower display data = 2

D14| 4
D15| Start Word

RS232 FORMAT: 9600, N, 8, 1

PATENT
The meter ( SD card structure ) already get a patent or patent pending in the following countries :

ZL 2008 2 0189917.0

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)  >>

Download This Manual (PDF format)

Download this manual  >>