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International: +1.509.332.2756

10HS Soil Moisture Sensor

Measurements:
- Dielectric Permittivity,
- Volumetric Water Content
Applications:

Larger Volume of Influence

Looking for a soil moisture sensor with a larger volume of influence? Use the 10HS to accurately measure water content where a large volume of influence is needed, with minimal salinity and textural effects in most soils.

Characterize Spatial Variability

At 10 cm long, the 10HS has a 1 liter area of influence. Imagine the probe running the length of a one liter bottle--the bottle represents the approximate area of influence. The 10HS estimates the volumetric water content of the soil within that volume.

Engineered for Accuracy

The 10HS determines volumetric water content (VWC) by measuring the dielectric constant of the soil using capacitance/frequency domain technology. Using a 70 MHz frequency minimizes salinity and textural effects, making the 10HS accurate in most soils. Factory calibrations can be used in most typical soils with a saturation extract EC of 10 dS/m.

Integrate with CSI Data Loggers

The 10HS's analog signal means no-hassle integration with systems manufactured by other companies (such as Campbell Scientific). An on-board voltage regulator allows the Decagon factory calibrations to be used with any excitation voltage between 3 and 15 V.

Use with the Topp Equation

The 10HS's output can be set to dielectric for use with the Topp Equation or other dielectric-to-volumetric water content conversion equations.

Reasons to pick the 10HS:

If volumetric water content is the only measurement you need.
If you just want a simple, all-purpose sensor with excellent accuracy.
If you are interested in a large volume of influence.

Specifications

Part number 40760 (Stereo), 40762 (Pigtail), 40761 (Custom)

Accuracy	Apparent Dielectric Permittivity (ε_a): ± 0.5 from ε_a of 2 to 10, ± 2.5 from ε_a of 10 to 50 Soil Volumetric Water Content (VWC): Using standard calibration equation: ± 0.03 m³/m³ (± 3% VWC) typical in mineral soils that have solution electrical conductivity < 10 dS/m Using soil specific calibration, ± 0.02 m³/m³ (± 2% VWC) in any soil
Resolution	ε_a: 0.1 from ε_a of 1 to 30, 0.2 from ε_a of 30 to 50 VWC: 0.0008 m³/m³ (0.08% VWC) in mineral soils from 0 to 0.50 m³/m³ (0-50% VWC)
Range	ε_a: 1 (air) to 50 VWC: Calibration dependant; up to 0 - 57% VWC with polynomial equation
Measurement Time	10 ms (milliseconds)
Sensor Type	Capacitance (frequency domain)
Output	300 - 1250 mV, independent of excitation voltage
Operating Environment	Survival Temperature: -40 - 50°C Operating Temperature: 0 - 50°C
Power requirements	3 VDC @ 12 mA to 15 VDC @ 15 mA
Cable Length	5 m standard; custom cable lengths available
Cable Connector Types	3.5mm "stereo" plug, or stripped and tinned lead wires (3)
Sensor Dimensions	14.5 cm x 3.3 cm x 0.7 cm
Data Logger Compatibility (not exclusive)	Decagon: Em50 series loggers, ProCheck, ECH₂O Check Campbell Scientific: CR10X, CR21X, CR23X, CR850, CR1000, CR3000, etc. Other: Any data acquisition system capable of 3-15 VDC excitation and single ended voltage measurement at 12 bit or better resolution.
Warranty	One year, parts and labor

Comparisons

ANALOG SENSORS		DIGITAL SENSORS
SENSOR	EC-5	10HS	5TM	5TE	GS3	MPS-2
MEASURES	volumetric water content, dielectric permittivity	volumetric water content, dielectric permittivity	volumetric water content, dielectric permittivity, temperature	volumetric water content, dielectric permittivity, temperature, electrical conductivity	volumetric water content, dielectric permittivity, temperature, electrical conductivity	water potential, temperature
VOLUME OF INFLUENCE	0.3 L	1 L	0.3 L	0.3 L	0.3 L	N/A
DATA LOGGER COMPATIBILITY	Em5b, Em50, Em50R, Em50G, ProCheck, ECH₂O Check, Campbell Scientific*	Em5b, Em50, Em50R, Em50G, ProCheck, ECH₂O Check, Campbell Scientific*	Em50, Em50R, Em50G, ProCheck, Campbell Scientific*, SDI-12 capable	Em50, Em50R, Em50G, ProCheck, SDI-12 capable	Em50, Em50R, Em50G, ProCheck, SDI-12 capable	Em50, Em50R, Em50G, ProCheck, SDI-12 capable
MEASUREMENT RANGE	0 to 100% VWC	0 to 53% VWC	0 to 100% VWC -40 to 50°C	0 to 100% VWC -40 to 50°C 0 to 23 dS/m	0 to 100% VWC -40 to 50°C 0 to 23 dS/m	-10 to -500 kPa (pF 2 - pF 3.71) -40 to 50°C
BEST IF	VWC is all that you need. You're establishing a large sensor network.	You want a large volume of influence.	You have high temperature variability in your soils. You are monitoring shallow or desert soils where data must be corrected for temperature effects. You need to monitor soil temperature for biological activities. You want to use SDI-12.	You are managing salts in your system. You want to use SDI-12.	You are measuring water content of soilless substrates. You need high accuracy EC.	You want to compare soil moisture at different research sites. You want to determine water available for plant growth. You are monitoring deficit irrigation. You want to measure water potential.
BUT NOT IF	You cannot apply a regulated voltage (only applies to non-Decagon data loggers).	You are measuring in nursery pots. You are installing in rocky soil.	N/A	You want to monitor soiless substrates or potting soils.	You are doing downhole installations.	You want to monitor soils at or near saturation.

Compatibility and Programming Specifications for Campbell Scientific and Other (non-Decagon) Data Loggers

Note: ECH₂O sensors are “plug and read” on Decagon data loggers. You do not need to program any of this information (or ANY information) into a Decagon logger.

SENSOR	CAMPBELL COMPATIBILITY	OTHER LOGGERS	OUTPUT	VOLTAGE REQUIREMENTS
EC-5	CR10X, 21X, 23X, CR1000, CR3000, etc.	Any data acquisition system capable of switched 2.5 to 3.6 V excitation and single ended voltage measurement at 12 bit or better resolution. (Note: some people take their chances with resolution as low as 3 bits, but resolution lower than 10 bits will leave the data quite choppy).	Voltage, correlated linearly (soil) or polynomially (growing media) with VWC	2.5-3.6 V
10HS	CR10X, 21X, 23X, CR1000, CR3000, etc.	Any data acquisition system capable of 3-15 VDC excitation and single ended voltage measurement at 12 bit or better resolution.	Voltage correlated with VWC, independent of excitation	3-15 V
5TE	Any logger with serial I/O (CR10X, CR850, CR1000, CR3000, etc.)	Ask a Decagon representative for an integrator’s guide to interfacing the 5TE	Digital ASCIII stream or SDI-12	3.6-15 V
5TM	Any logger with serial I/O (CR10X, CR850, CR1000, CR3000, etc.)	Ask a Decagon representative for an integrators guide to interfacing the 5TM	Digital ASCII Stream or SDI-12	3.6-15 V
GS3	Any logger with serial I/O (CR10X, CR850, CR1000, CR3000, etc.)	Ask a Decagon representative for an integrators guide to interfacing the GS3	Digital ASCII Stream or SDI-12	3.6-15 V
MPS-2	Any logger with serial I/O (CR10X, CR850, CR1000, CR3000, etc.)	Ask a Decagon represenative for an integrators guide to interfacing the MPS-2	Digital ASCII Stream or SDI-12	3.6-15 V

Accessories

Auger Kit

For use with deep installation of the ECH₂O probes. Includes a regular and sand auger (2.75" [7 cm] diameter), two 2' (0.6 m) extension rods, a standard rubber handle, and a ratchet handle.

Cable Armor

Give your cables a higher level of protection from the elements and rodents. Also organizes your cables as you run them to your datalogger.

Installation Kit

Install sensor into augered hole or a sidewall. Use the insertion tool to create a pilot hole before inserting the sensor in hard or rocky soils.

Splice Kit

Repair damaged cables in the field with few tools and less time.

Support

Application Notes

How-To Articles

Software & Downloads

EchoCSI.zip - SCWin (ShortCut)

Video

Manuals

Manual-10HS

Information Sheet

Meet your Decagon Soil Moisture Sensor

Request Support

Email: support@decagon.com
Phone: 800-755-2751 or
509-332-2756
Fax: 509-332-5158