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Summary of Contents for Spectrum Technologies Field Scout TCM 500
- Page 1 Catalog #2975NDVI Spectrum Technologies, Inc.
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
Contents General Overview Computer Interface/Changing the Battery Identifying the Correct Com Port Initial Startup Connecting to a GPS Unit Keypad Operation Standard Reading Mode Field Scout Software Toolbar Meter Settings Data Files Meter Indexes Specifications ERROR messages Appendix 1: Time Zone Corrections Frequently Asked Questions Service and Support... -
Page 3: General Overview
To answer this need, researchers have developed the Normalized Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI). The Field Scout TCM 500 “NDVI” Turf Color Meter measures reflected light from turf grass in the red (660 nm) and near infrared (850 nm -NIR) spectral bands. - Page 4 Features • A measuring target approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm) in diameter. • Consistent internal light source that negates the effects of sunny versus cloudy conditions. • Red & NIR data is presented in three forms: Percent reflectance (0.0 to 99.9) of Red and NIR, NDVI (0.000 to 1.000), and Grass Index (ie.
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Page 5: Computer Interface/Changing The Battery
Computer Interface/ Changing the Battery Software Installation Insert the CD for Field Scout software into your PC’s disk drive. If auto-start is not enabled on your computer, select Run from the Start menu and type D:\Setup.exe (Substitute the appropriate drive letter for your CD drive). Click OK and follow the instructions on the screen. - Page 6 Initial Startup Allow the temperature of the TCM 500 meter to equilibrate with the turf environment prior to sampling. When the TCM 500 meter is first turned on, the battery strength (Battery at __ %) will appear on the LCD. The available battery power percentage assumes alkaline batteries are being used.
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Page 7: Identifying The Correct Com Port
Identifying the Correct Com Port T h e c o m p u t e r Communications Port to which the PC-3.5 serial cable is connected can be identified by using a paper clip. 1. Disconnect the serial cable from the meter. 2. -
Page 8: Connecting To A Gps Unit
Connecting to a GPS Unit The data logger function must be enabled using the Field Scout software in order to record a GPS signal (see Meter Settings p. 16). The GPS unit must be plugged into the TCM500 meter and working when the meter is first turned on. If a GPS signal is found at startup, the logger will search for a GPS signal for every reading. - Page 9 Cable Connections A GPS/DGPS cable (item # 2950CV5) is required to con- nect the TCM500 meter to a GPS unit. This cable has a 9- pin male connection and a stereo pin that connects to the meter’s data port. You will also need a cable that allows the GPS unit to connect to a 9-pin male serial port.
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Page 10: Keypad Operation
Keypad Operation The ON button turns the meter on and off. When the meter is turned on, it will dis- play the battery status for 3 seconds. The screen will then display the amount of memory available and the status of the GPS connection. - Page 11 Measurements are taken by pressing the Read READ button. The turf color data, in the currently selected mode (see be- low), will be displayed on the top line of the LCD. The reading is also incorporated into the running average (AVG) and the sample number (N) is incremented.
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Page 12: Standard Reading Mode
Standard Reading Mode Taking Readings When in standard reading mode, the LCD of the TCM500 will display the turf color data and a running average. This value remains in the meter’s short-term memory until it is deleted or the meter is shut off (see Keypad Operation, p. - Page 13 running average (AVG) and the sample number (N) is incremented. The current AVG and N are both displayed on the bottom line of the LCD. Although N can increment up to 250, only a maximum of 64 INDEX readings (N064) can be used to generate the running AVG.
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Page 14: Field Scout Software Toolbar
Field Scout Software Toolbar Com Port The gray software cable connects the meter to the computer data port. Select the Com Port that is assigned to the computer data port. Identifying the Correct Com Port (p. 6) for instructions on how to de- termine which port to select. - Page 15 Download To download data from the internal data logger, turn the meter off and connect the gray serial cable to the RS-232 port beneath the ON button on the meter face plate. Click the Download button on the main software screen. In the Save Data As screen (see below), give the file a descrip- tive name and select the location where it will be saved.
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Page 16: Meter Settings
Meter Settings The Meter Settings screen in the Field Scout software is The Meter Settings screen in the Field Scout software is used to configure the meter and data logger for your spe- used to configure the meter and data logger for your spe- cific application. -
Page 17: Data Files
Data Files Sample data showing results of data collected with and without GPS activated. Note: GPS signal not found when recording data in lines 10 through 15. The data is stored in comma-delimited text files. These files can be opened with text-editing software (e.g. Note- pad) or spreadsheet software (e.g. -
Page 18: Meter Indexes
Meter Indexes The LCD of the TCM500 NDVI meter displays measurements in one of three modes (see MODE key p. 11). The modes are described below: 1.) Normalized Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI) NDVI is defined as: NIR - Red NDVI = ---------------- NIR + Red Where: NDVI = Normalized Difference Vegetation Index... -
Page 19: Specifications
Specifications Measurement Sample: Turf grass canopy Measurement System: Reflectance of red (660 nm) and NIR (850 nm) light Light Requirements: The TCM 500 meter has its own internal light source. Measurement Area: Approximately 3.0 inches (7.6 cm) Measurement Units: a) Percent reflectance (0.0 to 99.9) of Red and NIR b) NDVI (0.000 to 1.000) c) Grass Index (1.00 to 9.00) Measurement Interval:... -
Page 20: Error Messages
Error Messages LIGHT LEAKAGE This error occurs when am- bient light leaks under to meter and on to the sample area. MEMORY FULL This error occurs when the optional data logger capac- been reached. Download the data and clear the memory. This error message begins LOW BATTERY to flash when the alkaline... -
Page 21: Appendix 1: Time Zone Corrections
Appendix 1 Time zone corrections Time Zone City Correction Dublin, Lisbon, London Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo Asuncion USA: Eastern Standard Time Central Standard Time Mountain Standard Time Pacific Standard Time Anchorage Honolulu Wellington Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney Vladivostok, Brisbane Seoul, Tokyo Beijing, Hong Kong, Manila, Singapore, Taipei Hanoi, Jakarta, Vientiane Calcutta, New Delhi... -
Page 22: Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions I have new batteries. Why doesn’t my initial startup screen read “Battery at 100%”? The battery strength indicator is set to accurately detect the strength of alkaline batteries. The displayed battery strength of NiCad batteries will be less than 100%. -
Page 23: Service And Support
Who do I contact? Contact the company that you bought the TCM 500 meter from: Spectrum Technologies, Inc. or a Spectrum Authorized Dealer. When Contacting Spectrum Technologies, Inc. Please indicate that you need Technical Support for the TCM 500 meter. - Page 24 Warranty This product is warranted to be free from defects in material or workmanship for 1 year from the date of purchase. During the warranty period Spectrum will, at its option, either repair or replace products that prove to be defective.
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