Decagon's full-featured soil moisture sensor. Measures volumetric water content, temperature, and electrical conductivity in soil. This three-pronged, 5 cm long sensor is for use in soil only. High frequency oscillation and patented signal filtering deliver excellent accuracy with minimal textural effects. Serial or SDI-12 communication options come standard with each 5TE, giving lots of options for integrating into systems manufactured by other companies.
The 5TE makes all three measurements (volumetric water content, temperature, and EC) independently. Like all ECH2O sensors, the 5TE determines volumetric water content (VWC) by measuring the dielectric constant of the media using capacitance/frequency domain technology. The sensor uses a 70 MHz frequency, which minimises salinity and textural effects, making the 5TE accurate in most soils. The 5TE measures temperature with an onboard thermistor, and electrical conductivity using a stainless steel electrode array. VWC in mineral soils is calculated using the Topp equation; other calibrations are provided on request. Temperature and electrical conductivity are factory calibrated for all soil types.
5TE Soil Moisture Sensor Features
For measuring volumetric water content, dielectric permittivity, temperature, electrical conductivity
Data Logging Compatibility with Em50, Em50R, Em50G, ProCheck, SDI-12 capable
Measurement Range 0 to 100% VWC -40 to 50°C 0 to 23 dS/m
Soil Moisture, Temperature, and Electrical Conductivity
The 5TE monitors bulk electrical conductivity (EC), in addition to volumetric water content (VWC) and soil temperature.
Monitor Salt Levels
The 5TE enables users to measure the EC response to salts and fertilizers in the soil. EC Measurements require good contact between the stainless steel electrodes on the sensor, and the soil. In potting soil and soilless medias, we recommend using the GS3 to maintian good soil contact and compensate for air gaps in the substrate.
Engineered for Accuracy
The 5TE determines VWC by measuring the dielectric constant of the media using capacitance/frequency domain technology. The sensor uses a 70 MHz frequency, which minimizes salinity and textural effects, making the 5TE accurate in most soils. The 5TE measures temperature with an onboard thermistor, and electrical conductivity using a stainless steel electrode array. VWC in mineral soils is calculated using the Topp equation; other calibrations are provided on request. Temperature and electrical conductivity are factory calibrated for all soil types.
Easy Installation
The 5TE's small size makes it easy to install in the field and the greenhouse. This robust sensor should be pushed directly into undisturbed soil to ensure good accuracy.
Easy Integration
Each 5TE comes standard with serial and SDI-12 communication options, meaning easy integration with systems manufactured by other companies.
Advantages of the 5TE
Measures VWC, EC, and temperature
Monitoring salts
SDI-12 compatible
| ACCURACY | Apparent Dielectric Permittivity (εa): ± 1 εa (unitless) from 1 – 40 (soil range); ± 15% from 40 – 80 (soil range) |
| Soil Volumetric Water Content : Using Topp equation: ± 0.03 m3/m3 typical in mineral soils that have solution electircal conductivity < 10 dS/m | |
| Using medium specific calibration, ± 0.01 – 0.02 m3/m3 (± 1 – 2% VWC) in any porous medium | |
| Electrical Conductivity (EC): ± 10% from 0 to 7 dS/m, user calibration required above 7 dS/m | |
| Temperature: ± 1°C | |
| RESOLUTION | εa: 0.1 εa (unitless) from 1 – 20, < 0.75 εa (unitless) from 20 – 80 |
| VWC: 0.0008 m3/m3 (0.08% VWC) from 0 to 50% VWC | |
| EC: 0.01 dS/m from 0 to 7 dS/m, 0.05 dS/m from 7 to 23.1 dS/m | |
| Temperature: 0.1°C | |
| RANGE | εa: 1 (air) to 80 (water) |
| EC: 0 – 23 dS/m (bulk) | |
| Temperature: -40 – 50°C | |
| SENSOR TYPE | VWC: Frequency domain |
| EC: Two probe design | |
| Temperature: Thermistor | |
| DIMENSIONS | 10 cm x 3.2 cm x 0.7cm |
| MEASUREMENT TIME | 150 ms (milliseconds) |
| POWER | 3.6 – 15 VDC, 0.3 mA quiescent, 10 mA during 150 ms measurement |
| OPERATING ENVIRONMENT | -40°C to 50°C |
| OUTPUT | RS232 (TTL) or SDI-12 |
| CABLE LENGTH | 5 m standard, custom cable lengths available upon request |
| CABLE CONNECTOR TYPES | 3.5mm “stereo” plug, or stripped and tinned lead wires (3) |
| WARRANTY | One year, parts and labor |
| Decagon: Em50 series loggers, ProCheck; Campbell Scientific: Any logger with serial I/O (CR10X, CR850, CR1000, CR3000, etc.) | |
| Other: Any data acquisition system capable of 3.6-15V excitation and serial or SDI-12 communication | |
Decagon_5TE Integrators Guide (PDF 783KB)
Decagon_5TE_Manul_EN (PDF 1MB)
Decagon_5te_Brochure (PDF 1MB)
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