20
OPERATION
Figure 21 Soil sample ring with sensor installed
14. Leave the sample cover on for at least 30 min to equilibrate before starting the measurement.
15. Remove the cover and saturated filter paper from the top of the soil sample.
16. Start the measurement.
The measurement should be started as soon as possible after the sample is removed
from the water trough and the sensor needle is inserted. The sample loses moisture
despite the evaporation protection, which will influence the measurement.
2.6.2 SOLID MATERIAL SAMPLE (TC-S100 SENSOR)
Use the following steps to install a sensor into solid materials, such as wood or hard soil.
1. Drill a pilot hole in solid material using a 2.40-mm (0.0945-in) drill bit (not included) for
the TC-S100 sensor.
2. Clean the hole with a swab or compressed air.
3. Put thermal grease into the hole before inserting the sensor needle.
4. Ensure there are no air gaps around the sensor needle.
2.7 SET MEASUREMENT CONFIGURATION IN LABROS
SOILVIEW SOFTWARE
This section provides instructions for configuring and processing a measurement using
LABROS SoilView software.
2.7.1 POSSIBLE DEVICE COMBINATIONS
The possible device combinations for soil measurements are described in the following sections.
2.7.1.1 VARIOS PLUS BALANCE (COMPLETE SET OR EXTENSION SET)
To measure the thermal conductivity dryout curve, place the VARIOS and sample on a HYPROP
Balance (VARIOS ready or existing) to record the weight and thermal data points continuously
during the measurement. METER recommends the HYPROP Balance (VARIOS ready), however
an existing HYPROP Balance can be used with a power adapter to provide the necessary power
