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TERRASEN MANUAL

Dacom Farm Intelligence +31 88 3226600 COC: 53188772 version: April 2018 service@dacom.nl VAT: NL 850786290B01 www.dacom.nl

TABLE OF CONTENT

TABLE OF CONTENT 2

INTRODUCTION 3

SAFETY 3

DESCRIPTION 3

GETTING STARTED 4

INSTALLATION 4

MOVING THE TERRASEN 9

MOVING THE TERRASEN WITHIN THE SAME FIELD 9

USE THE TERRASEN ON ANOTHER ACCOUNT 9

PLACING IN STORAGE 9

PUTTING IN USE AT THE START OF THE NEW GROWING SEASON 9

TECHNICAL EXPLANATION OF SOIL MOISTURE 10

SOIL MOISTURE SUPPLY 10

SOIL MOISTURE TERMS 10

POWER SUPPLY, DATA STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION 11

POWER SUPPLY 11

DATA STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION 11

MAINTENANCE, TROOBLESHOOTING & REPAIR 11

MAINTENANCE 11

TROUBLESHOOTING & REPAIR 11

WARRANTY 12

ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY (EMC) 12

CORRECT DISPOSAL OF AN USED BATTERY OF THIS PRODUCT 12

CE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY 13

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 14

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INTRODUCTION

By purchasing the TerraSen, you own a soil moisture station that enables you to easily determine the soil moisture situation for optimal irrigation. For an optimal use of the TerraSen, you have to carefully read this manual, follow the instructions and properly maintain the device. This device is intended for use in both outdoor and indoor agriculture and horticulture.

SAFETY To ensure correct installation, the TerraSen is fitted with a sharp screw tip. To avoid injuries, handle this device with care.

If you feel a strong resistance in the soil during installation, the TerraSen may get damaged. Immediately stop pushing and turning, remove the TerraSen from the hole by turning in the opposite direction and perform the installation at a new location.

DESCRIPTION The TerraSen is an easy to install advanced soil moisture station with access to our mobile app and web application. The TerraSen provides you with detailed information about the soil moisture situation for optimal irrigation management. This way you know exactly when, where and with what amount you need to irrigate.

Easy to install Measure soil moisture and the temperature in five layers Includes mobile app Access to our mobile app and web application Works on solar energy Based on expert knowledge

The TerraSen is an advanced soil moisture station which measures soil moisture and the soil temperature in five layers of 10 cm, with a total measuring depth of 50 cm. The TerraSen PRO also has a rain gauge for measuring precipitation. The mobile app shows you the measurement data of your stations in one overview. This shows you directly when, where and how much irrigation is required. You will get extensive information from your stations in our web application. This is shown in detailed charts and your own personal dashboard.

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To prevent injuries and damage, please use the original packaging during

transport and storage.

PLEASE NOTE SHARP SCREW TIP

GETTING STARTED

Prior to the installation, you need to have a Dacom account. If you already have a Dacom account, you don’t need to create a new one. Create an account by going to www.dacom.nl. Select ‘Login’ at the top right side and press ‘Subscribe now’. Follow the instructions of the wizard and you are good to go. You can use your username and password to sign into the online mobile and web application.

Download the Dacom Advice app from the Google Play store or App store.

INSTALLATION

The installation of the TerraSen is very simple, just follow the steps below.

1. Download and install the Dacom Advice app from the Google Play store or App store If you don’t have a Dacom account already, create a (free) Dacom account at www.dacom.nl.

2. Sign into the app with your username and password, and give permission to use your location 3. When you are signed in, you can start installing the TerraSen station at the selected spot in the field 4. Open the box of the TerraSen and make sure all the parts are there

4.1. TerraSen soil moisture sensor (with screw tip) 4.2. Rain gauge (in case of a TerraSen station PRO) 4.3. Data logger DSG 3.0 with solar panel and communication function 4.4. Aluminium pole 4.5. Plastic shell (to protect the top of the pole powder) 4.6. Cap 4.7. Hose clamp(s) 4.8. Auger 4.9. Twist tool (including magnet) 4.10. Socket wrench

5. Carefully choose a spot in the field to physically install the TerraSen. When doing so, please follow these tips:

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6. Installation TerraSen soil moisture sensor 6.1. Use the auger to drill and undersized hole with a depth of at least 70 cm at the selected spot in

the field. If you are experiencing resistance when drilling, choose a different spot in the field. 6.2. Place the TerraSen soil moisture sensor in the undersized hole with a light downward pressure

and turn it clockwise into the soil up to the black marker line using the twist tool. When twisting, don’t move sideways and don’t place your full weight on the soil moisture sensor. Make sure you keep the plug of the sensor cable clean.

7. Installation data logger DSG 3.0 and rain gauge (in case of a TerraSen station PRO) 7.1. Install the pole at least 1 meter from the sensor. Place the plastic shell on the aluminum pole and

hit about 1/3rd of the pole into the ground. Make sure the pole is in the ground firm and straight. Replace the plastic shell with the cap.

7.2. On the lower side of the DSG there are two connectors: a 2-pin connector for the rain gauge and a cable into the sensor 7-pin connector for the soil moisture sensor. Put the plug of the sensor cable into the 7-pole connector and screw it tight. The plug of the sensor cable and the connector can only be connected in one way. If this does not go smooth, make sure the plug is in the correct connector.Put the plug of the rain gauge in the 2-pole connector and screw it tight.

7.3. Mount the DSG and rain gauge (in case of a TerraSen station PRO) with the hose clamps on the pole. Use the socket wrench to fix the hose clamps. Make sure the solar panel is aimed south (or north in the southern hemisphere) and that the DSG and rain gauge are above the crop.

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Minimum of 1 unit per irrigation zone Near or in between plants Dry climate: driest location in the field Moderate climate: average location in the field

Sprinklers: don’t overlap Driplines: near drippers (25 cm)

Don’t place near the roads and/or spraying path

Regular/deep root zone (0-40 cm) Standard height: 60 cm

8. Open the Dacom Advice app and activate the TerraSen

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b. Fill in the username and password and press ‘Log in’.

c. Start scanning the QR code on the back of the data logger by pressing the ‘+’ sign. If you scan a station that is already coupled to another account, you will receive a message. Make sure the app has access to your camera, otherwise you will receive an error.

a. Open the Advice app and press ‘Log in’.

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d. Now you can fill in the sensor name, soil type and add the sensor to your account. Because you gave permission to use your location when installing the the Dacom Advice app, the geographical location for the TerraSen station will be stored.

e. Switch on the DSG by moving the magnet in the twist tool once from top to bottom on the right side next to the solar panel. Make sure that the magnet is located at the correct side of the twist tool and that the solar panel is aimed at yourself. You will hear a beep instantly. The installation is now completed.

f. When you are signed in, you will see this screen. If you sign in for the first time, the screen is empty. Once you activate sensor the TerraSen will be in this overview. The status, field name and refill capacity will be visible. Sign into the web application (www.dacom.nl) to view detailed information. From this overview you can do the following things: • With the symbol in the top-left corner you

can ‘refresh’ the list. • With the symbol in the top-right corner the

menu will pop up, you can use this to sign out for example

• With the ‘+’ sign you can scan a TerraSen station.

MORE SETTINGS Sign into the web application (www.dacom.nl) to ‘fine-tune’ your sensor. Select a sensor from the list and press ‘Edit sensor’. Now you can adjust the name of the sensor, measurement period, position in the field, soil type and warning points. For more information about fine-tuning watch our instruction video which is located under the ‘I’ in our web application or our YouTube channel.

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g. After you selected a sensor from the list, you will see the following:

• Voltage • Signal • Serial number • Status • Latest measurement • Refill capacity • Direct access to the graphs (swipe from left to right)

h. You can deactivate the TerraSen by pressing the ‘+’ symbol and scan the QR code on the back of the data logger. This screen will open and you can deactivate the sensor with the slider, or remove the TerraSen from your account using the button.

MOVING THE TERRASEN

There may be several reasons to move the TerraSen to another location. Depending on the reason of the relocation, the TerraSen needs to be deactivated or removed from your account.

MOVING THE TERRASEN WITHIN THE SAME FIELD If you want to measure the soil moisture at another location in the same field (using your own account), you must deactivate the sensor. Use the Dacom Advice app to deactivate the TerraSen. Click on the ‘+’ sign in the overview, scan the QR-code on the back of the data logger and use the slider to deactivate the TerraSen. Don’t forget to save changes. You can also deactivate the sensor in the web application.

USE THE TERRASEN ON ANOTHER ACCOUNT If you want to use the TerraSen on another account, you must first remove the TerraSen from your current account using the Dacom Advice app. Click on the ‘+’ sign in the overview, scan the QR-code on the back of the data logger and press ‘Remove sensor from account’. Now sign out from the app and sign in with another account and activate the TerraSen on this account (installation, step 8)

PLACING IN STORAGE If want to place the TerraSen in storage, for example after the growing season, the TerraSen needs be deactivated. Use the Dacom Advice app to deactivate the TerraSen. Click on the ‘+’ sign in the overview, scan the QR-code on the back of the data logger and use the slider to deactivate the TerraSen. Don’t forget to save changes. You can also deactivate the sensor in the web application.

If the TerraSen has not been used for a prolonged period of time, the TerraSen should be placed two entire days outside in the sunlight once a month. This will prevent the batteries from being discharged excessively and ensures a longer lifespan of the batteries.

PUTTING IN USE AT THE START OF THE NEW GROWING SEASON One week before the start of the new growing season, you should place the TerraSen outside in the sun to ensure it’s fully charged.

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TECHNICAL EXPLANATION OF SOIL MOISTURE

SOIL MOISTURE SUPPLY The total amount of moisture a soil can contain, depends primarily on the particle size distribution within the soil and the organic matter content. Only a portion of the total amount of soil moisture is readily available to the plant. We call this the ‘readily available soil moisture’. The crop should be irrigated once the amount of readily available soil moisture is likely to become too low. The soil moisture deficit determines the number of millimeters to be irrigated. Irrigating more than the deficit will cause water (and nutrients) to seep away beyond the reach of the roots or may cause ponding and runoff.

SOIL MOISTURE TERMS Field capacity (FC): is the amount of water that a saturated soil can still retain after 2 to 3 days against the force of gravity. The field capacity influences the availability of water-soluble nutrients for the plant, the flushing of nutrients and the irrigation. Once the field capacity has been reached, the soil is not yet completely saturated with water. There is still air in the large- and medium-sized pores. So, in case of precipitation it is possible for the soil to contain more water than at field capacity. Saturation: occurs when all the voids in the soil are completely filled with water. Although there is a lot of water available for the crop, the water uptake will be very limited due to the lack of oxygen. If the situation in excess of the field capacity persists, the plant will die. Wilting Point (WP): the (permanent) wilting point is the level of moisture content of the soil where the

plant is not able to absorb any more water from the soil and, therefore, will wilt and die. Maximum Available Soil Moisture (MASM): is the difference between the amount of soil moisture at field capacity and the amount at wilting point. Refill point: the point at which irrigation should be applied to avoid stress to the crop. Beyond this point the daily uptake of water by the plants is reduced because it requires more pressure (suction) to move water into the plant. A plant will be limited it its production as it closes down stomata to avoid dehydration. Some crops require some stress in certain stages of the crop development. Easy Available Soil Moisture: the difference between the amount of soil moisture at field capacity and the amount at the refill point. Warning point: an adjustable warning point can be set to receive a warning before the actual refill point is reached.

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Wilting point

Refill point

Field capacity

STANDAARD pF 2.0 - pF 4.2

26 - 8 = 18

DACOM pF 2.0 - pF 3.3

26 - 12 = 14

POWER SUPPLY, DATA STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION

POWER SUPPLY The operation of the TerraSen is possible thanks to an entirely autonomous power supply. This fully integrated system consists of a mono crystalline solar panel, 2 rechargeable batteries and an optimized charging circuit. The power management capacity is more than adequate to perform many measurements, data logging and communication.

DATA STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION The TerraSen measures the soil moisture content once every 15 minutes. The measurements are stored in the internal memory. Depending on the power level, these data are sent to the central server between 1 and 4 times every 4 hours via a 2G or 3G connection. The internal memory is 4Mb. After the installation of the TerraSen, a measurement result and advice will be displayed in your personal account in the first communication afterwards. For a good indication of the current soil moisture status, it is recommended to leave the TerraSen at the same location throughout the growing season.

MAINTENANCE, TROOBLESHOOTING & REPAIR

MAINTENANCE For a long lasting and reliable operation of the station it’s important to maintain the TerraSen. Local circumstances will determine how often this should be done. The minimum would be once a year, ahead of the growing season.

Clean the solar panel of the data logger regularly and the rain gauge from time to time. Clean the orifice of the rain gauge. Remove any debris or dirt that may cause a blockade. Take of the orifice and rinse it if needed. If the TerraSen has not been used for a prolonged period of time, the TerraSen should be placed outside in the sunlight, one week before the start of a new growing season. This will prevent the batteries from being discharged excessively and ensures longer lifespan of the batteries!

Check the tipping spoon inside the rain gauge. If dirt is stuck to the spoon, this will influence the measurements. Clean it with water and a soft cloth. Hold it in position with one finger on the back of the tipping spoon, while cleaning the inside of the spoon. If the rain gauge is frequently filled with bird droppings, contact Dacom via service@dacom.nl to receive metal spikes that can be placed on top of the rain gauge.

TROUBLESHOOTING & REPAIR The TerraSen is made of new durable materials for rugged outdoor use. For a long lasting and reliable operation, the following points should be observed: 1. Do not remove the screws at the bottom of the data logger. No repairs may be carried out! Once the sealing has been broken, the warranty will be void. 2. When removing the TerraSen from the soil, don’t damage the sensors!

When you are encountering any failures or other problems, contact us via: service@dacom.nl. �11

WARRANTYThe TerraSen is tested for correct operation before the device leaves the factory. The warranty period is 12 months after delivery of the hardware. For the duration of one year, Dacom guarantees that any defect in materials or manufacturing defects will be repaired free of charge. The rights under the warranty lapse if the defects or damage are wholly or in part caused by improper use or incorrect treatment, or if they are in any other way attributable to the customer. To qualify for warranty, please contact service@dacom.nl. For the warranty terms and conditions go to www.dacom.nl.

ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY (EMC) The TerraSen meets the provisions of the EU Directive 2014/30/EC (EMC Directive) and complies with the applicable standards on the condition that the TerraSen has been installed properly. Should such interference occur anyway, relocate the TerraSen.

CORRECT DISPOSAL OF AN USED BATTERY OF THIS PRODUCT This marking on the TerraSen, manual or packaging indicates that the batteries in this product should not be thrown away, mixed with other waste, at the end of their lifespan. The chemical symbol Pb indicates that the lead content in the battery is higher than the reference level in the Directive 2013/66/EC. If the used batteries are not handled correctly, these substances can be harmful to human health or the environment. To protect natural resources and to promote material reuse, please separate your waste batteries from other types of waste and o er them for recycling to the free collection system for accumulators and batteries in your area.

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CE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Dacom Waanderweg 68 7812 HZ Emmen The Netherlands

info@dacom.nl www.dacom.nl

Phone: +31 88 3226600

Product: Soil moisture station Model: TerraSen

On behalf of Dacom, based in Emmen in The Netherlands, the undersigned declares that the TerraSen complies with the provisions of the directives: 2014/30/EC (February 26, 2014) on electromagnetic compatibility; Applicable standards: ETSI EN 301

489-1 V1.9.2, ETSI EN 301 489-7 V1.3.1; 2014/53/EC (April 16, 2014) on radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment and the

mutual recognition of their conformity; Applicable standard: ETSI EN 301 511 V9.0.2; 2011/65/EC (June 8, 2011) on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and

electronic equipment (RoHS); 2013/56/EC (November 20, 2013) on the use of batteries and accumulators; 2012/19/EC (July 4, 2012) on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Emmen, March 2018

Janneke Hadders CEO Dacom

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

DATA LOGGER DSG 3.0

Type

Dimensions 250 mm x 80 mm x 100 mm

Weight Approximately 1.200 gram

Ingress Protection Class IP-67

Operating temperature range -30 to 50 °C

Case material Custom designed, ASA

Connectors (external) - Direct connection - Dedicated 2-pin connector for rain gauge - 7-pin M9 binder connector to sensor

Internal power supply - Solar panel: 4.0-4.8 V DC regulated - Batteries: 2 Cyclon sealed lead acid 2 x 2V/2.5Ah - Power usage: 19 mA, 23 mA max

I/O ports - Puls counter rain gauge - SDI-12 channels

Sampling interval Remotely set from 60 sec to 30 days in 1 min intervals

Transmission interval Remotely set from 60 sec to 30 days in 1 min intervals

Measuring method Synchronous & asynchronous

Internal memory 1MByte for up to 1.000 values

Operating time (without charging internal batteries)

In standard mode up to 60 days, in power save mode up to 6 months; depends on slot time, transmission rate and sensors

GPRS communication GSM (850/1900 MHz) Quad band EGSM, GPRS class 10 850/900MHz class 4 (2W) 1800/1900 MHz class 1 (1W) Optional (replaces BGS-2 modem) Cinterion EHS5-E: dual band UMTS (900 and 2100 MHz) and dual band GSM (900/1800 MHz) or: Cinterion EHS5-US: dual band UMTS (850 and 1900 MHz) and dual band

Transmission distrance Max. 36 km (GSM standard)

Antenna GPRS: omni-directional quad-band

Data logger DSG 3.0

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RAIN GAUGE

Type

Dimensions Orifice: 200 cm² Inside diameter: 159,6 mm Outside diameter: 165 mm

Resolution 0,2 mm per tip

Weight 380 gram

Material Styrosun

Accuracy +/- 2%

Connectors 2-pin M9 binder connector

Rain gauge

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