METER TEROS 54 Manual
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METER TEROS 54 Manual

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

2.1 Installation ................................................................................................ 2
2.1.1 Overview .......................................................................................... 2
2.1.2 Installation Methods ........................................................................ 6
2.2 Connecting ............................................................................................... 11
2.2.1 Connect to METER Data Logger ...................................................... 12
2.2.2 Connect to Non-METER Data Logger .............................................. 12
2.3 Communication ....................................................................................... 14
2.4 Removal ................................................................................................... 15
....................................................................................................... 20
3.1 Specifications .......................................................................................... 20
3.2 Components ............................................................................................ 24
3.3 Theory ...................................................................................................... 27
3.3.1 Volumetric Water Content .............................................................. 27
3.3.2 Temperature .................................................................................. 27
....................................................................................................... 28
4.1 Calibration ............................................................................................... 28
4.1.1 Mineral Soils .................................................................................. 28
4.1.2 Apparent Dielectric Permittivity .................................................... 29
4.2 Maintenance ............................................................................................ 29
4.3 Troubleshooting ....................................................................................... 29
4.4 Customer Support.................................................................................... 31
4.5 Terms and Conditions .............................................................................. 31
.............................................................................................. 1
................................................................................................... 2
i
18511-00
3.2023

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  • Page 1: Table Of Contents

    2.1 Installation ....................2 2.1.1 Overview ..................2 2.1.2 Installation Methods ................ 6 2.2 Connecting ....................11 2.2.1 Connect to METER Data Logger ............12 2.2.2 Connect to Non-METER Data Logger ..........12 2.3 Communication ..................14 2.4 Removal ....................15 3.
  • Page 2 References ....................32 Index ......................... 33...

  • Page 5: Introduction

    Thank you for choosing the TEROS 54 Soil Water Content Profile probe from METER Group. The TEROS 54 probe is designed to be installed in mineral soils, a variety of growing media, and other porous materials. This manual describes how to use the probe and guides the customer through the probe features.

  • Page 6: Operation

    METER sensors are built to the highest standards, but misuse, improper protection, or improper installation may damage the sensor and possibly void the manufacturer’s warranty. Before integrating TEROS 54 into a system, make sure to follow the recommended installation instructions and have the proper protections in place to safeguard sensors from damage.
  • Page 7 NOTE: METER recommends using the TEROS 54 auger and slide hammer that are designed specifically for installing the TEROS 54 in compact, firm soil. This method will result in good soil contact. The TEROS 54 can only be installed in very loose, sandy, and soft soils without using the TEROS 54 auger.
  • Page 8 When the hole has been drilled to its final depth, position the TEROS 54 centered over the hole, tip-first, and press it down vertically. NOTE: Do not try to insert the TEROS 54 to the desired depth by pushing down by hand. For installation, METER highly recommends the slide hammer, available from METER.
  • Page 9 (Section 2.1.2). Install cables in conduit or plastic tubing when near the ground to avoid rodent damage. Gather and secure cables between the TEROS 54 and the data logger to the mounting mast in one or more places. TEST...

  • Page 10: Installation Methods

    This section explains installation methods METER recommends for different soil conditions (Figure 1). The TEROS 54 probe can only be installed in very loose, sandy, and soft soils without the TEROS 54 auger. METER recommends using the TEROS 54 auger and slide hammer that are designed specifically for installing the TEROS 54 in compact, firm soil.
  • Page 11 TEROS 54 Choosing the right installation method Soil Soft, Compact, condition loose soil firm soil Predrill hole using Install using TEROS 54 slide hammer specific auger Predrilling If installation is not possible, Sensor head choose another location. successful? contacts soil?
  • Page 12 OPERATION CAUTION When using the slide hammer to install the TEROS 54 probe, please wear proper ear protection to prevent hearing damage because the hammer is quite loud. Please wear gloves to protect hands from being pinched. Auger handle Handle...
  • Page 13 TEROS 54 CAUTION Never hit the head of the TEROS 54 with a regular hammer. This can damage the probe. Only use the dedicated slide hammer tool from METER. The following steps detail how to use the TEROS 54 auger: Assemble the auger using the handle and auger tip.
  • Page 14 OPERATION 15 cm 30 cm 45 cm 60 cm Figure 4 TEROS 54 measurement depths NOTE: Insert the TEROS 54 deep enough into the soil that the head of the TEROS 54 is approximately 5 mm deep into the soil (Figure 4).

  • Page 15: Connecting

    Figure 5 TEROS 54 head installation view 2.2 CONNECTING The TEROS 54 works seamlessly with METER ZENTRA data loggers, and it can also be used with other data loggers, such as those from Campbell Scientific, Inc. For extensive directions on how to integrate the sensors into third-party loggers, refer to the TEROS 54 Integrator Guide.

  • Page 16: Connect To Meter Data Logger

    NOTE: The acceptable range of excitation voltages is from 4.0 to 24.0 VDC. To read TEROS 54 with Campbell Scientific, data loggers, power the sensors from a switched 12-V port or a 12-V port if using a multiplexer.
  • Page 17 TEROS 54 Digital Power communication Ground (brown) (orange) (bare) Excitation Digital in Ground SDI-12 3-wire SDI-12 Data Logger Figure 7 Three-wire SDI-12 pigtail wiring digram For RS-485, the power supply wire (brown) will be connected to the excitation, the digital communication + wire (white) to a digital input (high), the digital communication – wire (black) to a digital input (low) and the blue ground wire to ground.

  • Page 18: Communication

    SDI-12 Data Logger Figure 10 Four-wire M12 connector SDI-12 wiring diagram If the TEROS 54 cable has a standard stereo plug connector and needs to be connected to a non-METER data logger, use one of the following two options. Option 1 Clip off the stereo plug connector on the probe cable.

  • Page 19: Removal

    SDI-12 communications. 2.4 REMOVAL Do not shake the TEROS 54 to remove it from the soil. Do not try to pull the TEROS 54 from the borehole with bare hands. To remove the TEROS 54, only use the TEROS 54 Removal Tool (Figure 11) available from METER, consisting of an eyebolt, a carabiner, a tensioning strap, a lever tool (pile puller), and a base (serves as a foundation by inserting the lever tool).
  • Page 20 Insert the vertical leg (A) of the lever tool into the base. Connect the carabiner to the eyebolt. Gently pull the TEROS 54 out of the soil by pressing down on the lever arm several times. Retighten the tension strap.
  • Page 21 TEROS 54 Removal Safety Guidelines One person only Side view maximum 100 (220 lb) Never touch the joint during the removal process. Fingers may be pinched. Stand at the end of the arm. This reduces the risk of injury in the event of tensioning strap breakage.
  • Page 22 Do not pull by the cable! Doing so may break internal connections and make the probe unusable. NOTE: If the soil where the TEROS 54 is installed is very dry, water it thoroughly before removing the TEROS 54. Make sure that the soil directly around the TEROS 54 absorbs the water. This may take several days depending on the type of...
  • Page 23 TEROS 54 Moisten the soil around the probe. Wait as long as possible. Start removal process. Figure 15 Moisten soil Removal tool 90° Tension strap Carabiner Eyebolt Base Figure 16 Removal tool connected to TEROS 54...

  • Page 24: System

    SySTEM 3. SySTEM This section describes the specifications, components, and theory of the TEROS 54. 3.1 SPECIFICATIONS MEASUREMENT SPECIFICATIONS Volumetric Water Content (VWC) Range Mineral soil 0.00−0.70 m calibration Apparent 1–50 (soil range) 1 (air) to 80 (water) dielectric ε...
  • Page 25 RS-485 Modbus RTU and tensioLINK serial communications protocol 4-wire version (Figure 9) Data Logger Compatibility METER ZL6 and EM60 data loggers or any data acquisition system capable of 4.0- to 24.0-VDC power and serial interface with SDI-12; and/or RS-485 interface, Modbus RTU, or tensioLINK communication.
  • Page 26 SySTEM Connector Size 3.50 mm (diameter) 14.4 mm (diameter M12) Connector Types Stereo plug connector or stripped and tinned wires 4-pin M12 connector or stripped and tinned wires Conductor Gauge Stereo Plug 22-AWG / 24-AWG ground wire 22-AWG M12 Plug ELECTRICAL AND TIMING CHARACTERISTICS Supply Voltage (power to ground) Minimum...
  • Page 27 TEROS 54 Power Line Slew Rate Minimum 1.0 V/ms Typical Maximum Current Drain (during 500-ms measurement) Minimum 3 mA Typical 35 mA Maximum 50 mA Current Drain (while asleep) Minimum 0.03 mA Typical 0.1 mA Maximum Power-Up Time (DDI Serial)

  • Page 28: Components

    SySTEM COMPLIANCE EM ISO/IEC 17050:2010 (CE Mark) 3.2 COMPONENTS The TEROS 54 consists of the probe and a protective cap for the thread of the probe head. Protective cap Probe head Cable VWC sensor Temperature sensor Probe tip Figure 17 TEROS 54 components The TEROS 54 measures the volumetric water content (VWC) and soil temperature at four defined depths: 15 cm, 30 cm, 45 cm, and 60 cm.
  • Page 29 In this case the other three sensors provide correct data. The most accurate measurement results are obtained very close to the TEROS 54 shaft in each area between the wings. As the distance from the shaft increases, the strength of the sensors also decreases.
  • Page 30 SySTEM Figure 19 Measurement method...

  • Page 31: Theory

    3.3.2 TEMPERATURE The TEROS 54 uses four temperature sensors mounted on the PCB near the VWC sensors. TEROS 54 temperature measurement is optimized to be accurate when the TEROS 54 is buried in soil or substrate.

  • Page 32: Service

    RAW is the raw sensor output when read with a METER or third-party data logger. The TEROS 54 is not sensitive to variation in soil texture and electrical conductivity (EC) because it runs at a high measurement frequency. Therefore, its generic calibration equation should result in high accuracy for most instances;...

  • Page 33: Apparent Dielectric Permittivity

    – 1,4095E+00 × RAW +4,2535E+01 × RAW + 4,7540E+02 Equation 2 4.2 MAINTENANCE TEROS 54 may be returned to METER for maintenance in the following areas: system inspection, parts replacement, and instrument cleaning. Replacement parts can also be ordered from METER. Contact Customer Support for more information.
  • Page 34 TEROS 54 is selected. Ensure the software and firmware is up to date. If there are high fluctuations in the values, this may be because the TEROS 54 has larger gaps to the soil. This can cause air or water to collect and falsify the values.

  • Page 35: Customer Support

    NOTE: For products purchased through a distributor, please contact the distributor directly for assistance. 4.5 TERMS AND CONDITIONS By using METER instruments and documentation, you agree to abide by the METER Group, Inc. Terms and Conditions. Please refer to metergroup.com/terms-conditions...
  • Page 36 SERVICE REFERENCES Topp, G. Clarke, J.L. Davis, and A. Peter Annan. 1980. "Electromagnetic Determination of Soil Water Content: Measurement in Coaxial Transmission Lines." Water Resources Research 16, no.3: 574–582.
  • Page 37 20 configuration. See  connecting data logger compatibiity 21 connecting 11 dielectric measurement frequency 20 communication 14 electrical and timing to METER logger 12 characteristics 21–23 to non-METER logger 12 output 21 customer support 31 physical specifications 21 temperature 20 volume of influence 24 data loggers.
  • Page 38 INDEX volumetric water content specifications. See  specifications, volumetric water content theory. See  theory, volumetric water content VWC. See  theory, volumetric water content specifications. See  specifications, volumetric water content...

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