ICT SFM1 Quick Start Manual
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ICT SFM1 Quick Start Manual

Sap flow meter
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SFM1 Sap Flow Meter
Quick Start Guide
Version 4.0 29/10/2014
ICT International
Enabling better global research outcomes in soil,
plant & environmental monitoring.

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Summary of Contents for ICT SFM1

  • Page 1 SFM1 Sap Flow Meter Quick Start Guide Version 4.0 29/10/2014 ICT International Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    3.1.1 Individual Power Supply Connections............8 3.1.3 Connecting Power Directly via Solar Panel..........9 3.1.4 Connecting Power via External 12V Battery or the ICT CH24....10 3.1.5 Connecting Power via External 12V Battery and Solar Panel....11 3.1.6 Sharing an External 12V Battery and Solar Panel via Daisy Chaining..12 Install the SFM1 Software &...
  • Page 3 Check the Holes are Parallel............... 36 12.6 Use Spacers....................37 12.7 Greasing the Needles................... 38 12.8 Attach SFM1 to Tree and Install the Needles..........39 12.9 Insulate Needles on Small Diameter Stems..........40 12.10 Uninstall - Removal..................41 Download Data..................42 13.1 Download Data via USB Cable..............

  • Page 4: Quick Start Guide

    ICT YouTube site: http://www.youtube.com/user/ictintl WARNING – The measurement needles of the SFM1 are made of hollow 1.3 mm stainless steel tubing. They can easily be damaged if basic care is not taken in handling the instrument.

  • Page 5: Sfm1 Start Up Check List

    SFM1 Start Up Check List WARNING! Please Read, Understand and Complete this checklist before unpacking the SFM1 Sap Flow Meter. Have you read the manual? http://ictinternational.com/support/product-manuals/ Have you watched the videos? http://www.youtube.com/user/ictintl If you are unsure about anything regarding your Sap Flow Meter contact ICT International before use.

  • Page 6: System Requirements

    System Requirements Hardware The ICT Instrument software does not require a powerful computer. Minimum Recommended System Specifications: Intel Atom 1.66 GHz and 1GB RAM or higher. Software The ICT Instrument software is compatible with the following Windows Operating Systems: Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows 8 and 8.1...

  • Page 7: Power Requirements And Charging The Sfm1 Internal Battery

    To choose from a range of charging options see: Connecting a Power Supply to the Instrument (pages 8 to 12). The SFM1 can be charged from a range of external voltages via the Bus Plugs, however there are limits. For the SFM1 to correctly charge, the external power supply must be within a voltage range of 8Volts DC to 30Volts DC at all times.

  • Page 8: Connecting A Power Supply To The Instrument

        Connecting a Power Supply to the Instrument 3.1.1 Individual Power Supply Connections Remove both ICT bus plugs from one end of the Logger  see pages 9 -12 ICT International Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring.

  • Page 9: Connecting Power Directly Via Solar Panel

    3.1.3 Connecting Power Directly via Solar Panel SFM1 Solar Panel ICT International Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring.

  • Page 10: Connecting Power Via External 12V Battery Or The Ict Ch24

    3.1.4 Connecting Power via External 12V Battery or the ICT CH24 SFM1 12V Battery alone does not guarantee continuous operation or charging of the SFM1 SFM1 External 12V Battery CH24 Power Supply is a 24V DC output charger that trickle...

  • Page 11: Connecting Power Via External 12V Battery And Solar Panel

    3.1.5 Connecting Power via External 12V Battery and Solar Panel SFM1 Solar Panel Solar Regulator External 12V Battery ICT International Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring.

  • Page 12: Sharing An External 12V Battery And Solar Panel Via Daisy Chaining

    3.1.6 Sharing an External 12V Battery and Solar Panel via Daisy Chaining SFM1 SFM1 SFM1 Solar Panel Solar Regulator Note: The External 12V Battery is polarized External 12V Battery ICT International Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring.

  • Page 13: Install The Sfm1 Software & Usb Driver

    Turn the Instrument On To turn on your SFM1 connect the Instrument to a computer via a USB cable. Alternatively the SFM1 can either be turned on manually by pressing the power button or automatically by connecting an external power supply via the Bus Plugs.

  • Page 14: Connect To The Instrument Via Usb Cable

    Connect to the Instrument via USB Cable Connect the USB Cable to the instrument. The SFM1 will be detected by the computer automatically and the driver will also install automatically. Double click the SFM1 software icon on the desktop to open the software.

  • Page 15: Connect Via Usb Cable

    6.1.1 Connect via USB Cable SFM1 USB Cable ICT International Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring.

  • Page 16: Usb Connection Software Procedure Step 1

    “Find Devices” to search for the target instrument, Select the target instrument from the Available Devices within the Device Selection Window. Click the icon “Connect to SFM” ICT International Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring.

  • Page 17: Usb Connection Software Procedure Step 2

    6.1.3 USB Connection Software Procedure Step 2: You must first choose the connection type “USB” then Click “Find Devices” to search for the instrument via USB cable. ICT International Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring.

  • Page 18: Usb Connection Software Procedure Step 3

    6.1.4 USB Connection Software Procedure Step 3: You must click on the device that matches the serial number of the target SFM1. Double click on the device to connect. Alternatively highlight then click "select device" to connect. After you highlight the target device then click “Select Device”.

  • Page 19: Alternatively: If You Are Using A Mcc1 Wireless Radio Modem

    Connect the MCC1 to a computer via a USB Cable. Double click the SFM Software icon on the Desktop to open the software and click the icon “Connect to SFM”. USB Cable MCC1 SFM1 ICT International Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring.

  • Page 20: Mcc Rf Connection Software Procedure Step 1

    6.2.2 MCC RF Connection Software Procedure Step 1: Change the Connection Type from "USB" to "RF" and click “Find Devices”. When "ICT Compatible RF Modem" appears double click on it to bring up the RF Device Chooser Window. Make sure the MCC1 has been detected then highlight.
  • Page 21 A set amount of time is used to find devices, If they have not all appeared wait for 1 minute and perform a merged rescan to fill the list. ICT International Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring.

  • Page 22: Mcc Rf Connection Software Procedure Step 2

    6.2.3 MCC RF Connection Software Procedure Step 2: Click on Device. After you highlight the device click “Connect”. ICT International Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring.

  • Page 23: Instrument Information

    SD Card present or removed.) 4) For the update to be successful, you will need to power down the SFM1 for 5 minutes and then power it back up. To do so, remove external power to the bus plugs, disconnect in the SFM software and power down by the power button (hold in for 2+ seconds) or use the power down command in the SFM software –...

  • Page 24: Set Date & Time

    The date and time are accessible via the commands menu along the top menu bar of the SFM1 software. The date and time can be automatically set to the date & time of the computer that the SFM1 is connected to by selecting the option "Update Computer Time". An alternative option is provided to update the...

  • Page 25: Set Logging Options

    The SFM1 by default has both the inner and outer measurement points enabled. From within the SD Card logging options the SFM1 can be configured to use the inner, outer or both at the same time. These options are useful when working with small stems as typically the needles are pushed all the way through to reduce mechanical strain on the needles.

  • Page 26: Raw Temperature Mode

    Sap Flow Tool Software as all correction factors are determined as the experiment progresses. The SD Card Logging Options Menu is again accessible via the commands menu along the top menu bar of the SFM1 software. Different reporting option recommended for needle temperature mode. ICT International...

  • Page 27: Set The Measurement Control

    Set the Measurement Control The SFM1 Sap Flow Meter provides two Reporting Options: Needle Temperature Mode or Sap Flow Mode. 10.1 Needle Temperature Mode Needle Temperature Mode is highly recommended for detailed scientific research. The raw needle temperatures measured throughout the measurement cycle are recorded at a typical frequency of 3 Hz, although the user can adjust this between 1 and 30 Hz.

  • Page 28: Sap Flow Mode

    15 minutes, 20, 30 and 60 minute intervals are available. Note: when changing the logging interval it is necessary to click the “Update Measurement Options” icon to make the change take effect. ICT International Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring.

  • Page 29: Test Instrument Integrity Prior To Deployment In The Field

    This test provides confidence that the instrument is fully functional before leaving for a fieldsite. Corrections The correction parameters are used when the SFM1 Sap Flow Meter is used to process data on board without the aid of Sap Flow Tool software. 11.1...

  • Page 30: Base-Line Asymmetry Multipliers

    Note: If entering the correction factors directly to the SFM1 for real-time data processing, Thermal Diffusivity should be sampled and determined prior to installation.

  • Page 31: Sap Wood Area

    If raw heat pulse velocities are measured and corrections are done in Sap Flow Tool Software then no data is sacrificed, as all data can be instantly reprocessed once the correction parameters have been determined. ICT International Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring.

  • Page 32: Install The Sensor

    Hammer the screw driver in until it stops moving and you hear a change in pitch. This indicates the sapwood has been reached. Mark the edge of the tree on the screw driver, remove and measure this distance. ICT International Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring.

  • Page 33: Determine Sapwood Thickness

    Now using a coring tool to determine the sapwood depth so you know where to locate the measurement points of the SFM1. After boring the coring tool into the stem at least half way through the tree to ensure you pass through the sap wood into heartwood, twist the handle in the opposite direction to break the core attachment to the tree.
  • Page 34 As an example Methyl Orange works well with many Eucalyptus species as it turns the sapwood yellow and the heartwood a deep red colour. Now use a ruler or callipers to precisely measure the radial depth of sapwood. ICT International Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring.

  • Page 35: Attach Installation Guide

    This should then be held in place with clear adhesive or sticky tape so the holes of the guide are easily visible. ICT International Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring.

  • Page 36: Begin Drilling

    This can be done by inserting three drill bits into the holes and visually inspecting them. A piece of 5 mm lined note paper can be a very handy guide. ICT International Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring.

  • Page 37: Use Spacers

    2.5 mm below the cambium in the sapwood. Spacers can be made from electrical cable sheath stripped from the figure-8 power cable used for charging the SFM1. Use a single edged razor blade to cut all three spacers the same length with square edges on both sides.

  • Page 38: Greasing The Needles

    ICT International Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring.

  • Page 39: Attach Sfm1 To Tree And Install The Needles

    Attaching the SFM1 to the Tree and Install the Needles 12.8 Position the instrument so that a gentle curve in the cable of the measurement needles is created to take the strain off the cables. Then fit the mounting bracket in place just below where you wish to drill the measurement point holes. The bracket provides many options such as a 25 mm long flat head nail on either side hammered into the sapwood of the tree.

  • Page 40: Insulate Needles On Small Diameter Stems

    For further reference it is recommended that you watch the small stems installation before working with small stem installations for the first time. ICT International Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring.

  • Page 41: Uninstall - Removal

    12.10 Uninstall - Removal of the Needles SFM1 needles are relatively easy to remove. The key is to be gentle and slow the same as with installation. Begin by grasping the hubs of all three needles and ⅛ turning them in a block about an eighth turn anticlockwise, then a turn clockwise.

  • Page 42: Download Data

    Download Data icon on the main window under the Instrument Information section. If a data file exists on the MicroSD Card then a MS Windows Explorer window automatically loads providing a choice of directories to save the data file to. The Default location is C:\Program Files\ICT\ICT SFM\. This directory can be changed to a preferred storage location, it will also remember the last known or used directory for next time. Once the data file has been downloaded the software prompts you whether to delete or rename the data file.
  • Page 43 List icon on the SD Card tab. Note: when data is stored in Needle Temperature mode the data storage capacity will vary depending upon the sampling frequency for each raw heat pulse. ICT International Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring.

  • Page 44: Download Microsd Card Via Usb Adapter

    MicroSD Card inside the logger, if you do drop it, simply place the logger upside down and the card will fall out. ICT International Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring.
  • Page 45 The MicroSD Card will be automatically recognised by MS Windows Explorer and a File Window will pop up. Copy the file and paste it to your preferred directory location on your computer. After download, manually delete or rename the file on the MicroSD Card before reinserting it into the SFM1 to continue logging. Note: Deleting a file from the MicroSD Card will not cause any problems for the SFM1. If an MicroSD Card is inserted into an instrument and a data file...

  • Page 46: Analyse Data

    Sap Flow Tool Software can facilitate direct comparison of measured sap flow data with other measured parameters such as Stem Water Potential, Solar Radiation, VPD, Soil Moisture to easily and quickly look at the impact of these environmental interaction’s on plant water use. ICT International Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring.

  • Page 47: Appendix A

    0.24 2.0973 -0.0030 0.0005 1.0000 2.1825 0.9987 0.26 2.2231 -0.0037 0.0006 1.0000 2.3176 0.9985 0.28 2.3760 -0.0046 0.0008 1.0000 2.4813 0.9983 0.30 2.5232 -0.0055 0.0010 1.0000 2.6383 0.9982 ICT International Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring.
  • Page 48 ICT International Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring. www.ictinternational.com sales@ictinternational.com.au Phone: 61 2 6772 6770 Fax: 61 2 6772 7616 PO Box 503, Armidale, NSW, Australia, 2350...

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