Compact soil moisture and temperature sensor using 70 MHz FDR (Frequency Domain Reflectometry) technology for accurate volumetric water content measurement in mineral soils and porous media. Suitable for environmental monitoring, agriculture, and research applications.
The PRMPA1202 is a high-precision soil moisture and temperature sensor designed for accurate monitoring in mineral soils and other porous materials. Utilizing advanced FDR (Frequency Domain Reflectometry) technology at 70 MHz, it minimizes the effects of soil texture and salinity, ensuring consistent and reliable measurements without special calibration for mineral soils.
Applications
This sensor is ideal for agriculture, horticulture, environmental monitoring, and research. It allows users to track soil water content and temperature, helping optimize irrigation, improve crop yield, and monitor soil health in various field and laboratory conditions.
Design and Installation
The PRMPA1202 features a compact, robust design with corrosion-resistant probes that can be inserted into the soil to a depth of 5.5 cm or fully buried. The 5 m cable enables flexible positioning, while SDI-12 output ensures compatibility with data loggers like Alpha-Log.
Main Advantages
- High accuracy in mineral soils without special calibration
- Minimized salinity and texture effects due to 70 MHz measurement frequency
- Low power consumption for long-term monitoring
- Compact and durable design for field or greenhouse use
Usage Guidelines
- Insert probes into soil to a depth of 5.5 cm or bury completely
- Ensure stable contact between probes and soil for best accuracy
- Connect to SDI-12 compatible data logger for continuous data collection
- Operate within specified temperature and power limits for reliable performance
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Measurement Principle | FDR (Frequency Domain Reflectometry) / Capacitance |
| Dielectric Measurement Frequency | 70 MHz |
| Volumetric Water Content Range | Mineral soils: 0…0.7 m³/m³; Soilless media: 0…1.0 m³/m³ |
| Accuracy | Generic calibration: ±0.03 m³/m³; Medium-specific: ±0.01…0.02 m³/m³ |
| Resolution | 0.001 m³/m³ |
| Temperature Range | -40…60 °C |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±1 °C (-40…0 °C); ±0.5 °C (0…60 °C) |
| Power Supply | 4…15 V DC |
| Power Consumption | Sleep: 0.03 mA |
| Power-up Time | 245 ms |
| Output | SDI-12 |
| Operating Temperature | -40…60 °C |
| Cable Length | 5 m |
| Dimensions | L: 9.4 cm; W: 2.4 cm; H: 7.5 cm; Needle length: 5.5 cm |
| Data Logger Compatibility | Alpha-Log |
| Brand | LSI-Lastem |
