14
will use a default temperature of 75° F (24° C) to compensate the soil moisture
readings.
Finishing the Sensor Connections to the Station
1. Secure sensor cables within the cable clamps located next to the grommets. See
the above illustration.
2. Secure the cable clamps using the by screwing
them to the cable clamp mounts inside the hous-
ing near the grommets.
3. To prevent fraying or cutting of cables, secure
them so they will not whip about in the wind.
Secure a cable to a metal pole by wrapping elec-
trical tape around them both. Make sure cables
are secure by placing clips or ties approximately
every 3 – 5' (1 – 1.6 m).
Note:
Do not use metal staples or a staple gun to secure cables. Metal staples — especially when
installed with a staple gun — have a tendency to cut the cables.
Locating Sensors
Be aware of the soil variations in your field or lawn. The lighter soils dry very
quickly, heavier soils more slowly. Both conditions must be considered.
Furrow or Flood Irrigation
• Sensors are usually placed about 2/3 of the way down the run, just ahead of the
tail or backup water. This is the area where water penetration is usually the poor-
est.
• In tree crops, place the sensors on the drier side of the tree exposed to the most
sun. In the Northern Hemisphere, this is typically the Southwest side of the tree,
which is exposed to the hot afternoon sun.
Running Soil Moisture and Temperature Sensor
Connecting Soil Moisture and Temperature Sensors
Cable Clamp
Mount
Leaf Wetness
Sensor Cable
Rubber
Grommets
SENSOR
SENSOR
INTERFACE
INTERFACE
MODULE
MODULE
Cable Clamp
Test LED
Cable Clamp
Screw
Temperature
Moisture
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Soil Moisture
Sensor Cable
Temperature
Probe Cable
Cable Clip
Cable Tie
Securing Cables with Clips and Ties
