MPS-2 Dielectric Water Potential
Maintenance-Free Water Potential and Temperature Sensor
The MPS-2 measures a wide range of soil water potentials (-5 to -500 kPa (pF 1.71 to pF 3.71)) without user maintenance and factory calibration.
Install Sensor, Log Data
Unlike tensiometers, which need a skilled operator, this dielectric water potential sensor needs no care and feeding. It can be packed into a hole, plugged into a data logger, and left to log water potential data. While the MPS-2 doesn't have the accuracy of UMS tensiometers, its extended range make this sensor ideal for measuring the water potential in natural systems or other drier systems where cavitation of tensiometers is a concern. The added temperature measurements can be used to determine approximate soil water potential in partially frozen soils.
Plug and Read
Get straight to the data with the Em50 series of data loggers. Just install the sensor, plug it into the Em50, set the clock and measurement intervals, and start logging data. No programming required.
Using a Different Logger? No Problem
The MPS-2 can be integrated with systems manufactured by other companies (such as Campbell Scientific) using serial or SDI-12 communication modes. Some programming is required; sample programs are available.
Accuracy Trade-offs
The MPS-2 has much higher accuracy with the factory calibration (±25% of reading from -5 kPa to -100 kPa*) than the MPS-1 and other matrix sensors available on the market. User calibration is difficult, however it can improve accuracy significantly. Aside from the tensiometer, the MPS-2 is the only calibrated water potential sensor on the market.
Best For:
- Deficit irrigation monitoring and control.
- Water potential monitoring in the vadose zone.
- Crop stress.
- Waste water drainage studies.
- Plant water availability.
*please refer to the user manual for more details on the accuracy at different water potentials
Specifications
Warranty
| Accuracy |
Soil Water Potential: ± 25% of reading from -5 kPa to -100 kPa, see user manual for more details on accuracy Soil Temperature: ±1°C |
|---|---|
| Resolution |
Soil Water Potential: 0.1 kPa Soil Temperature: 0.1°C |
| Range |
Soil Water Potential: -5 to -500kPa (pF 1.71 to pF 3.71) Soil Temperature: -40°C to 50°C |
| Measurement Speed |
150 ms (milliseconds) |
| Equilibration time | 10 min. to 1 hr. depending on soil water potential |
| Sensor Type | Frequency domain with calibrated ceramic discs, thermistor |
| Output | RS232 (TTL) with 3.6 volt levels or SDI-12 communication protocol |
| Operating Environment | -40°C to 50°C |
| Power |
3.6 - 15 VDC, 0.03 mA quiescent, 10 mA max during 150 ms measurement |
| Cable Length | 5m, custom cable lengths available |
| Cable Connector Types | 3.5mm "stereo" plug or stripped and tinned lead wires (3) |
| Sensor Dimensions |
9.6 cm (l) x 3.5 cm (w) x 1.5 cm (d) |
| Data Logger Compatibility (not exclusive) |
Decagon: Em50, Em50R, Em50G, ProCheck Campbell Scientific: Any logger with serial I/O including CR10X, CR23X, any CRBasic type logger (CR850, 1000, 3000, etc.) Other: Any data acquisition system capable of 3.6-15V excitation and serial or SDI-12 communication |
| Warranty |
One year, parts and labor |
Comparisons
| Sensor | Measures | Data Logger Compatibility | Range |
| MPS-1 | Water potential | Em5b, Em50, Em50R, Em50G, ProCheck, Campbell Scientific | -10 to -500 kPa (pF 2 to pF 3.71) |
| MPS-2 | Water potential, temperature |
Em50, Em50R, Em50G, ProCheck, SDI-12 |
-5 to -500 kPa |
Support
Manuals
Software & Downloads
Video
Request Support
Email: support@decagon.com
Phone: 800-755-2751 or
509-332-2756
Fax: 509-332-5158
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