Related Manuals for ICT SFM1x
Summary of Contents for ICT SFM1x
- Page 1 SFM1x Sap Flow Meter Quick Start Guide Version 1.0 Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring.
-
Page 2: Table Of Contents
System Requirements ................5 Hardware................... 5 Software .................... 5 Screen Resolution ................5 Charging the SFM1x Internal Battery ............6 Connecting a Power Supply to the Instrument ......... 7 3.1.1 Connecting Power via USB C Cable to a Laptop/PC ....8 3.1.2... - Page 3 Check the Holes are Parallel ............23 Using Spacers .................. 24 Greasing the Needles ..............25 Attaching the SFM1x to the Tree and Installing the Needles ..26 Insulating Needles for Small Diameter Stems ......... 27 Uninstallation – Removal of the Needles........28 Downloading Data ................
-
Page 4: Quick Start Guide
1. Quick Start Guide Note: The SFM1x needles are made of hollow 1.3mm stainless steel tubing. They can easily be damaged if basic care is not taken in handling the instrument. Please read this entire document before installing your SFM1. If you are unsure about anything regarding your instrument, please contact ICT International before use. -
Page 5: System Requirements
System Requirements Hardware The minimum system required to run ICT Combined Instrument Software (CIS) is : Intel Atom 1.66 GHz and 1GB RAM or higher. Software ICT Instrument software is compatible with the following Operating Systems: a. Windows 8 & 8.1 b. -
Page 6: Charging The Sfm1X Internal Battery
Before using the instrument, this battery should be charged. ICT International recommends using part number CH24. A solar panel can be connected to the SFM1x in the field, see Figures 1-3 for more details. The unique power bus-plug design was developed by ICT International to simplify the electrical wiring process. -
Page 7: Connecting A Power Supply To The Instrument
Connecting a Power Supply to the Instrument Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring. -
Page 8: Connecting Power Via Usb C Cable To A Laptop/Pc
Figure 1. Connecting wires to power bus plugs. 3.1.1 Connecting Power via USB C Cable to a Laptop/PC Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring. -
Page 9: Connecting Power Directly Via Solar Panel
3.1.2 Connecting Power Directly via Solar Panel Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring. -
Page 10: Connecting Power Directly Via Ch24
Note: Continuous connection of an external battery or constant power supply (for days to months at a time) is not recommended as this can shorten the life of the internal battery. ICT International recommends using a solar panel directly connected (with no external battery backup in parallel) wherever possible, or a timer switch to turn off external power for 8-12 hours daily to simulate a solar panel during the day and night. -
Page 11: Install Ict Combined Instrument Software
Install ICT Combined Instrument Software Insert the supplied USB drive and run ICT Instrument-1.0.6.9 Beta 21.exe. Choose Next (a) and then choose the desired installation location (b) and then Install (c). The most recent versions of all ICT Software are available from: http://www.ictinternational.com/support/software/... -
Page 12: Turn The Instrument On
Turn the Instrument On To charge and turn on your SFM1x, connect the instrument to a computer via a USB cable. Alternatively, the SFM1x can either be turned on manually by pressing the power button or automatically by connecting an external power supply. -
Page 13: Connect To The Instrument
Connect to the Instrument Connecting via USB Connect the USB cable to the instrument and the computer. The SFM1x will automatically be detected by the computer, as with any USB device. Open ICT Instrument Software and Search for Devices. Double-click the instrument in the list to connect to it or select it and click ‘Connect’. -
Page 14: Connect Via Bluetooth
Connect via Bluetooth Ensure that the SFM1x is on. Press BT Scan, ICT Instrument Software will then begin scanning for available instruments. You can double click the instrument, or select it and Connect, as with USB. Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring. -
Page 15: Instrument Information
This naming system can be helpful for experiments, for instance, naming them based on the location or purpose of the SFM1x, and to tell them apart easily. The Name field is visible in the Device Chooser list, this makes it easier to find the logger you wish to connect to when using multiple SFM1x loggers in the field. -
Page 16: Set Date And Time
The date and time can be automatically set to the date & time of the computer that the SFM1x is connected to by selecting the option “Computer Date and Time”. An alternative option is provided to update the instrument to a user- defined time. -
Page 17: Set The Measurement Parameters
SD Card Status, and the instrument time and date. You can also begin a manual measurement from this tab if the SFM1x is in Manual measurement mode. Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring. -
Page 18: Configuration
Measurement Mode allows you to select a measurement interval between 3 minutes and 60 minutes. A good standard measurement interval is 10 or 15 minutes. Refer to the SFM1x Manual for more information about logging intervals. Measurement Suspend and Time Delay allow you to set a time for the instrument to begin logging. -
Page 19: Corrections
8.1.1 Corrections Corrections are used for pre-processed channels – Corrected Inner and Outer; and Sap Flow (kg/hr). Note that data can be post-corrected in ICT DataView. Probe Spacing allows you to set the distance between probes. By default, this is set to 5mm. The original HRM principle was developed using 6mm spacing, as such this option is provided, though it is not recommended. -
Page 20: Sd Card Logging Options
Internal Battery External Supply These record the status of the internal battery and external power supply. Both are enabled by default, and ICT International strongly recommends logging Internal Battery and External Supply as this is useful for troubleshooting and diagnostic purposes. -
Page 21: Install The Sensor
Remove the sapwood core and stain with an indicator dye. See the SFM1x Manual for more information on measuring the plant. Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring. -
Page 22: Attach Installation Guide
Attach Installation Guide Attach the installation guide to the tree using the 4 anchor pins. For small diameter stems between 10-25mm in diameter it may be necessary to pack the back of the installation guide with a stick to ensure a stable mounting of the guide on the stem. -
Page 23: Begin Drilling
Begin Drilling Commence drilling the three holes into the stem using a 1.3mm drill bit. Use a cordless drill on a high RPM setting to get good clean-cutting action. Only drill short increments on each pass (2-3mm). The moist sapwood of the tree will build up in the flutes of the drill bit and will require cleaning. -
Page 24: Using Spacers
Spacers can be made from an electrical cable sheath stripped from the figure- 8 power cable used for charging the SFM1x. Use a razor blade to cut all three spacers same... -
Page 25: Greasing The Needles
Greasing the Needles Before inserting the needles, use a small amount of silicone vacuum grease to aid the installation and removal of the needles. This helps minimize the cementing action of sap and gums produced by the tree in response to wounding and will help when it comes time for uninstallation. -
Page 26: Attaching The Sfm1X To The Tree And Installing The Needles
Attaching the SFM1x to the Tree and Installing the Needles Position the instrument so that a gentle curve in the cable of the measurement needles is created to take the strain off the cables. Fasten the plastic mounting bracket in place using a strap, screws, or nails. -
Page 27: Insulating Needles For Small Diameter Stems
Insulating Needles for Small Diameter Stems If the needles extend beyond the stem, they should be insulated from direct sunlight, as this will artificially heat the stainless-steel needles. A cable sheath from the figure-8 power cable can be used along with some insulating foam. Cover the full installation with aluminum foil to reflect direct radiation. -
Page 28: Uninstallation - Removal Of The Needles
Uninstallation – Removal of the Needles SFM1x needles can be safely removed from the installation site. A mini- crowbar or lever tool (part number SFM-LT) is required. Grasp the hubs of all three needles and turn them clockwise (~30-40) and anticlockwise alternately [note: for left-handed, turn anti-clockwise first then clockwise]. -
Page 29: Downloading Data
Download can be made via USB or Bluetooth. You will be prompted for a location to save the data file. If you would like the SFM1x to begin a new data file, Rename or Delete the existing file. The included MicroSD card can store many decades of data when recording in Sap Flow Mode, therefore it is not necessary to delete the data file from the MicroSD card. -
Page 30: Download Data Directly From Microsd Card
The data file (.csv or .bin) can be copied off onto your device, then simply re-insert the MicroSD card into the SFM1x. Open the USB port cap to access the MicroSD card. The card is secured with a spring locking mechanism, push the card in slightly to eject it. -
Page 31: Analyse Data
.bin files can be processed and exported from Sap Flow Tool as .csv. .csv files can be opened in ICT DataView for comparison with outer measured parameters, such as stem water potential, solar radiation, VPD, soil moisture, stem circumference, or any range of environmental sensors. - Page 32 Sap Flow Tool (top), DataView (bottom). Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring.
- Page 33 www.ictinternational.com sales@ictinternational.com.au Ph: 61 2 6772 6770 Enabling better global research outcomes in soil, plant & environmental monitoring.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the SFM1x and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers