AF270-1
Aquaflex Cellular Logger
USER MANUAL
AF270-1
Aquaflex Cellular kit contents
Aquaflex Cellular is supplied as a kit and comes complete with all the parts required for a standard installation.
Please check the following list to ensure the kit is complete before attempting to install the Aquaflex Cellular system.
Qty
Name
Description
1
Aquaflex Sensor
Sensor with 3m data cable. A data cable
extension can be supplied on request.
1
Aquaflex Cellular Hub
Unit that sensors connect to.
3
AA Rechargeable batteries
3 1.2V Rechargeable AA batteries
1
Mounting kit
Screws and cable ties for mounting the
Aquaflex Cellular Hub
1
User Manual
This Manual
1
Aquaflex Handbook
Guide to how to use your Aquaflex system
Aquaflex sensor
Aquaflex Cellular Hub
AA Rechargeable
batteries
Mounting kit
Aquaflex Sensor
Aquaflex uses a process called Time Domain Transmission where an electrical pulse is sent along the 3m (10ft) long
sensing tape.
The electrical field of the pulse interacts with the surrounding soil which affects the speed and shape of the pulse.
The sensor measures the soil moisture in a volume of 6 litres (370 cubic inches) which along with temperature sensing
allows the Aquaflex sensor to provide a highly accurate measurement of the soil conditions.
.
Sensor Block
3m (10ft) Sensing tape
Data cable
AF270-1
Aquaflex Cellular Hub
The Cellular logger can be connected to many different types of sensors including flow meters, rain Gauges, air
temperature sensors and SDI-12 sensors including Aquaflex. These optional sensors can be purchased additionally to
the Aquaflex Cellular kit and can be added at any time.
The Aquaflex Cellular logger will be pre-configured so it can recognise when a sensor is connected.
Data from the connected sensors will automatically be logged and sent to the Streats API.
The Aquaflex Cellular Hub has a solar panel to keep the internal batteries charged. The auxiliary power input is used for
installations where the solar cell will not receive sufficient sunlight and where it is impractical to replace the batteries.
Mounting the Aquaflex Cellular Hub
The Aquaflex Cellular Hub should be mounted within reach of the Aquaflex sensor data cable
(and cables from Auxiliary sensors if fitted) and in a position where it won’t be damaged by
stock, or submerged in water etc. The solar panel on the top of the Aquaflex Cellular Hub
should be exposed to as much sunlight as possible.
An existing fence post is often ideal, if there isn’t an existing fencepost available a new post
could be installed.
The backing plate has several pre-drilled holes to aid the mounting of the Aquaflex Cellular
Hub.
Tips for mounting the Aquaflex Cellular Hub:
• Check that the Aquaflex sensor data cable is long enough. Optional extension cable lengths are available if
required.
• The batteries will not charge unless the Aquaflex Cellular Hub is located to get sunlight or external power is
supplied.
• If mounting to a post use the supplied cable ties to secure the cable(s) to the post.
Mounting steps:
• Hold the Aquaflex Cellular Hub in position. If the material is a hard wood or metal then mark the hole positions and
drill to an appropriate size for the screws being used.
• Insert the screw through the mounting plate and tighten. Ensure at least two screws are securing the Aquaflex
Cellular Hub.
• Make sure to protect the unit if there is ever going to be livestock present, the most common method of protection
is to extend an electric fence around the unit to keep livestock away from it
Connecting sensors
Sensors are connected via the 4 connectors at the bottom of the Aquaflex Cellular Hub.
Each sensor type will only fit into its corresponding connector.
Use the following diagram to determine where the connectors are located.
AF270-1
Connector (from left)
Pins
Position in image
SDI-12 Sensor
7
Bottom left
External power
4
Top Centre
Digital input
6
Bottom Centre
SDI-12 Sensor
7
Bottom right
To connect a sensor:
• Remove the waterproof dust cap from the connector.
• Insert the sensor plug into the connector socket taking care that the plug and socket locating tabs are lined up.
• Tighten the locking thread on the plug until it is secure.
Installing the Battery
The Aquaflex Cellular Hub has 3 AA rechargeable batteries which must be fitted after the system is installed.
• Loosen the four corner screws on the front cover of the Aquaflex Cellular Hub.
• Carefully pull the front cover forward and remove it.
• Insert the batteries making sure that the polarity is correct.
• Check the seal on the front cover is intact and free from debris and then replace the front cover onto the Aquaflex
Cellular Hub.
• Tighten the four corner screws to secure the faceplate.
• Now that your system is installed and operating you can advise your provider, from here your data will be setup
under an account and you will be given login instructions to view your data
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
The following points should be considered for maintenance.
• Prevent foliage from covering the solar cell and wipe clean if dirty
• Check rain gauges at each download and clear any blockages
Forcing a reset
Reset the Aquaflex Cellular Hub by removing all its power.
This is done by covering the solar cell and removing the batteries.
Watch the Green LED for a quick flash when the battery is inserted which indicates it has started up.
AF270-1
Conditions of Use
Aquaflex must be installed and operated as specified in the Aquaflex Installation Notes. In particular,
Aquaflex user’s attention is drawn to the following warnings:
Aquaflex and Aquaflex components only provide data on soil moisture and temperature. Use of this data is
entirely at the discretion of the user. The use of data generated by Aquaflex should therefore be subject to
current best practice principles of soil moisture management and agronomic management. These must
include regular checks on the integrity of Aquaflex and the data it is producing plus regular visual inspections
of crops, plants or other materials being monitored by Aquaflex.
The Aquaflex system may have other sensors connected to it (e.g. air temperature, rain gauge information
etc. Use of the data from these sensors is entirely at the discretion of the user. The use of data generated
by Aquaflex should therefore be subject to current best practice principles of agronomic management for
these sensors. These must include regular checks on the integrity of the sensors and the data it is producing
plus regular visual inspections of crops, plants or other materials being monitored by the sensors.
Neither Streat Instruments nor its Distributors shall be liable (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) for any
loss (including but not limited to loss of profits and consequential loss) of any kind whatever arising out of
any published material or in connection with the performance or use of Aquaflex.
Streat Instruments Limited makes no warranty of any kind with regard to the material contained in or the products
referred to in this manual, including, but not limited to, implied warranties or fitness for a particular purpose.
Streat Instruments Limited shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in
connection with the performance or use of this manual or the products referred to in this manual.
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
Ask a question and I''ll find the answer in the document
Finding information in a document is now easier with AI
Related papers
Other documents
-
Schaerer VITO Owner's manual
-
-
Schaerer CFN-EN User manual
-
-
-
WMF Presto 1400 Series User manual
-
-
-
-