GARDENA 1867 Soil Moisture Sensor User Manual

1867 Soil Moisture Sensor
User Manual

1867 Soil Moisture Sensor

GARDENA Soil Moisture Sensor

Translation of the original instructions.
For safety reasons, children and young people under 16 as well as anyone who is not familiar with these operating instructions should not use the product. Persons with reduced physical or mental abilities may use the product only if they are supervised or instructed by a responsible person. Children must be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the product. Never operate the product when you are tired, ill, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medicine.

Intended use:
The GARDENA Soil Moisture Sensor is designed to be used solely outdoors in domestic and private gardens and in greenhouses to control sprinklers and watering systems via a GARDENA Irrigation control with a sensor connection taking into account the soil moisture level.

DANGER!
Risk of physical injury!
The GARDENA Soil Moisture Sensor must not be used for industrial purposes or in conjunction with chemicals, foodstuffs, or easily flam­mable and explosive materials.

SAFETY

Important!
Read the operator’s manual carefully before use and keep it for future reference.
DANGER! Risk of suffocation!
Small parts can be easily swallowed. There is also a risk that the polybag can suffocate toddlers. Keep toddlers away when you assemble the product.
DANGER! Cardiac arrest!
This product makes an electromagnetic field while it operates.
This field may under some conditions interfere with active or pas­sive medical implants. To decrease the risk of conditions that can possibly injure or kill, we recommend persons with medical implants speak with their physician and the medical implant manufacturer before they operate the product.

Do not set the sensor down with the tip facing upwards. The tip poses a risk of injury.
Do not use damaged products. Ensure that all parts are correctly disposed of with immediate effect (please see Chapter 6. STORAGE Disposal/Disposal of the batteries).
Keep damaged parts out of the reach of children.
Regularly examine the product for damage.
There is a risk of tripping. Position the sensor in such a manner that it can be seen at all times.
Regularly examine the batteries for damage.
Do not use damaged batteries. Ensure that they are correctly disposed of (please see Chapter 6. STORAGE Disposal / Disposal of the batteries).
Keep damaged batteries out of the reach of children.
The product will become hot when exposed to sunlight. Touching the product in such a condition can result in slight burns if touched.
Batteries:
To ensure the Sensor runs safely, only 2 x alkali manganese (alkaline) batteries type LR6 (AA) (Mignon) must be used.

DANGER!
There is a risk of explosion if batteries are not replaced in the proper manner. See 6. STORAGE for information on how to dispose of used batteries.
To prevent failure of the Sensor due to weak batteries in conjunction with a lengthy absence, batteries should be replaced in due course.
This will depend on the previous operating life of the batteries and the probable length of an absence, which should not exceed 6 months in total.

FUNCTION

With the GARDENA Soil Moisture Sensor, the soil moisture level is taken into consideration for watering. Depending on the soil moisture, measurements are taken at intervals of between 30 and 60 minutes and sent to the irrigation control.
If the batteries are flat and are not replaced, the connected Irrigation control will function with the watering program selected.

INITIAL OPERATION

To insert the batteries [ Fig. I1 / I2 / I3 / I4 ]:
The batteries are not included in the scope of delivery.
The Sensor must only be operated with 2 x alkali manganese (alkaline) batteries type LR6 (AA) (Mignon).
The battery life is approx. 1 year. Depending on the outside temperature and the frequency of measurement and transmission, the battery life may vary.

CAUTION!
Rechargeable batteries should not be used!

1. Turn the cover (1) anti-clockwise to unlock and remove it upwards.

2. Insert the batteries (2 x alkaline type LR6 (AA)) (2) into the battery compartment (3). Make sure that the polarity is correct.
   The LED battery (4) in the battery compartment (3) below the batteries (2) illuminates green for 3 seconds.

3. Replace the cover (1) and turn it clockwise to lock.
   If the LED battery (4) flashes red every 5 seconds, the batteries are empty and must be replaced.
   If the LED battery (4) illuminates red, an error has occurred (see 7. TROUBLESHOOTING).

To connect the connection cable [ Fig. I5 ]:

1. Connect the connection cable (5) to the plug (6) of the soil moisture sensor.
2. Connect the connection cable to the irrigation control.

Hints:

• Lay the cable flat to avoid injury and damage.
• If necessary, fix the cable with GARDENA Hooks Art. 4090 (accessory for GARDENA Robotics).
• Lay the cable in the ground in a bed of sand to prevent damage from stones.
• The connecting cable can be extended to a total length of 105 m using the GARDENA Extension Cable Art. 1868 (10 m).A

To select the correct location:
Correct location:
The Sensor must be positioned at a location in the watering area which is exposed to the same climatic conditions as the plants (sun, wind, rain, etc.) for which status is to be displayed.
Incorrect location:
The Sensor should not be covered by neighboring plants. Areas of the shade should be avoided.
To rule out erroneous results caused by waterlogging, the Sensor should not be positioned in dips in the ground.

To plant the Sensor [ Fig. I6 ]:
CAUTION!
The tip of the sensor will only measure the soil moisture correctly if the sensor tip is in full contact with the ground on all sides! No air should be trapped at the sensor tip in the ground.

1. Dig a funnel-shaped hole in the ground (7) at least 12 cm deep.

2. Break up the soil (7) removed and take out any stones.

3. Moisten the soil (7) if the soil is dry.

4. Replace the damp broken-up soil (7) in the funnel-shaped hole without packing tight.

5. Insert the sensor into the broken-up soil up to the lower edge (upper edge in the mowing area) of the Soil Moisture Sensor (8).
   Here the sensor tip (9) must be in full contact with the damp soil on all sides.

6. Press down the soil (7) around the Soil Moisture Sensor (8) lightly.
   The Sensor should not stand loose in the ground.

7. Water the area around the sensor with approx. 1-liter water.
   Depending on the ground it may take several hours until the sensor measures the actual soil moisture.

To connect the GARDENA Micro­Drip­System:
To ensure that the quantity of water delivered is registered by the sensor tip when using the GARDENA Micro-Drip-System, a drip head should be installed directly above the sensor.

OPERATION

Use with the GARDENA Watering Controls Art. 1889, 1890, 1891, 1892:
The water requirement of plants depends on many factors, e. g. type of plant, soil, sunshine, wind. To find the suitable switching point of the Soil Moisture Sensor, it has to be  observed during irrigation over a period of approx. 1 – 2 weeks and adjusted on the watering control side if necessary.
To set the switching point of the Soil Moisture Sensor:

• For medium-heavy outdoor soils (loamy humus), the switching point
  should be selected at medium humid.

• For sandy soils, the switching point should be selected at very humid.

• For potting soil, the switching point should be selected for rather dry soils.

To adjust the soil moisture level

• If the soil seems too dry or too moist for a corresponding application (soil type or plant species), adjust the switching point using the sensor setting of the irrigation control.

This functionality is offered by the following irrigation controls from software version:

In an earlier version, a switching point is preset at the factory, see p. following section.

Display of the software version of the irrigation control:

• after inserting the battery or
• after resetting to the factory setting by holding the two buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds [ Fig. O1 ].

To display the soil moisture:
The display of the irrigation control shows the last measured moisture level.
If the soil moisture is equal to or greater than the selected switch point, no watering is carried out.
Operation with all other GARDENA Irrigation Controls with Sensor
Connection, Art. 1881, 1883, 1885, 1862, 1864, 1866, 1874, 1283, 1284, 1276, and previous models with a Sensor Connection:

• A switching point is preset at the factory and cannot be changed.
• For GARDENA Irrigation Controls with a two-wire Sensor Connection, an adapter cable set can be ordered from GARDENA Service.

Usages:
To keep the soil moisture level as constant as possible, irrigation should be carried out with short watering cycles and short watering times. This especially applies to flower boxes on balconies, which have a watering time of < 5 minutes.
The spread of moisture in the soil after watering or rainfall is rather slow.
In the worst-case scenario, it may happen that irrigation and a rain shower overlap until the required soil moisture is attained.

MAINTENANCE

To clean/replace the sensor tip [ Fig. M1 ]:
Whenever the Sensor is relocated, the sensor tip should be cleaned /replaced. The felt on the tip should not come into contact with grease/oil.

• Clean the sensor tip (9) with clear water.

If the felt becomes damaged, the sensor tip can be re-ordered from GARDENA Service.

• Unscrew the sensor tip (9) and screw on the new sensor tip.

To clean the sensor:
No caustic/abrasive cleaning agents should be used.

• Clean the sensor with a damp cloth (do not use solvent).

STORAGE

To put into storage:
The product must be stored away from children.

1. Remove the batteries to preserve them (see 3. INITIAL OPERATION).
2. Store the Sensor in a dry, enclosed and frost-free place.

Disposal:
(in accordance with RL2012/19/EC)
The product must not be disposed of to normal household waste.
It must be disposed of in line with local environmental regulations.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Watering is switched on
although the soil is damp| The sensor is not positioned in the watering area.
The switching point is selected too damp.|  Position the sensor in the watering area. Select the switching point “dryer”.
Watering is switched on
although soil is damp| Defective or loose sensor cable.
Batteries spent/inserted incorrectly/wrong batteries used.
Air is trapped at the sensor tip.| • Check the sensor cable and the connections.
• Replace the batteries/insert them correctly/use alkaline
batteries.
• Remove the trapped air (see 3. INITIAL OPERATION
To plant the sensor).
Watering is not switched on
although soil is dry| The sensor is in a dip in the ground.
The switching point is selected too dry.| • Insert the sensor in the correct position
(see 3. INITIAL OPERATION To select the
correct location).
• Select the switching point “damper”.
LED battery flashes red| The batteries of the sensor are flat.| • Replace the batteries of the sensor.
LED battery illuminates red| The sensor is defective.| • Contact the GARDENA Service.

NOTE: For any other malfunctions please contact the GARDENA service department. Repairs must only be done by GARDENA service departments or specialist dealers approved by GARDENA.

TECHNICAL DATA

(Mignon)
Operating time of the batteries| | approx. 1 year with alkaline batteries (min. 2000 mAh)

ACCESSORIES

GARDENA Extension Cable
(length: 10 metres)| Used to extend sensor cable to the max. 105 meters.| Art. 1868
---|---|---
GARDENA Sensor tip with felt| For replacement with damaged sensor tip.| obtainable via the GARDENA Service
GARDENA Hooks| For attaching the connecting or extension cable.| Art. 4090
GARDENA Adapter Cable Set| For GARDENA Irrigation Controls with a two-core Sensor Connection.| obtainable via the GARDENA Service

SERVICE/WARRANTY

Service:
Please contact the address on the back page.
Warranty statement:
In the event of a warranty claim, no charge is levied to you for the services provided.
GARDENA Manufacturing GmbH grants a warranty for all original GARDENA
new products for two years from the date of original purchase from the retailer provided that the devices have been for private use only. This manufacturer’s warranty does not apply to products acquired second-hand. This warranty includes all significant defects of the product that can be proved to be material or manufacturing faults. This war ranty is fulfilled by supplying a fully functional replacement product or by repairing the faulty product sent to us free of charge; we reserve the right to choose between these options. This service is subject to the following provisions:

• The product has been used for its intended purpose as per the recommendations in the operating instructions.
• Neither the purchaser nor a third party has attempted to open or repair the product.
• Only Original GARDENA replacement parts and wear parts have been used for operation.
• Presentation of the receipt.

Normal wear and tear of parts and components (such as blades, blade fixing parts, turbines, light bulbs, V-belts / toothed belts, impellers, air filters, spark plugs), visual changes,  wear parts, and consumables are excluded from the warranty.
This manufacturer’s warranty is limited to the replacement and repair of products in accordance with the abovementioned conditions. The manufacturer’s warranty does not constitute an entitlement to lodge other claims against us as a manufacturer, such as for damages. This manufacturer’s warranty does not, of course, affect statutory and  contractual warranty claims against the dealer/retailer.
The manufacturer’s warranty is governed by the law of the Federal Republic of Germany.
In case of a warranty claim, please return the faulty product, together with a copy of the receipt and a description of the fault, with postage paid to the service address.
Consumables:
As a wear part, the sensor tip with felt is not covered by the guarantee.
Faults that occur as a result of incorrectly installed or leaking batteries are not covered by the guarantee.

Canada / USA
GARDENA Canada Ltd.
100 Summerlea Road
Brampton, Ontario L6T 4X3
Phone: (+1) 905 792 93 30
info@gardenacanada.com
1867-20.960.01/0221
© GARDENA Manufacturing GmbH
D-89079 Ulm
http://www.gardena.com

References

• Husqvarna Forest & Garden
• Husqvarna Australia | Tools & Equipment for Lawn, Garden and Forestry
• Husqvarna Brasil
• GARDENA - Realize Your Gardening Dreams – Gardena
• GARDENA - Garden tools - GARDENA
• GARDENA - Puutarhatyökalut
• GARDENA - Realize Your Gardening Dreams – Gardena

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