Integrated Soil Moisture Monitoring Station - IC-SNiP-MP3-ML

The SNiP-MP3 is a 'Sensor Node Integrated Package' for LoRa, LoRaWAN, FSK, or CAT-M1 communication of real-time accurate soil moisture measurements for continuous soil monitoring.

Base SNiP-MP3

The base SNiP-MP3 integrates 1x MFR-NODE and 1x MP306 soil moisture probe to a site's unique network, communication and power requirements. The MFR-NODE can support an added 3x MP306 soil moisture probes to monitor soil moisture at multiple depths.

The MP306 provides a measurement on the absolute Volumetric Soil Water % (VSW), based on the Standing Wave, or Amplitude Domain Reflectometry (ADR) measurement principle.

MFR-NODE

- The Multifunction Research Node has been designed to provide flexible communication, sensor and power options.
- The MFR-NODE supports SDI-12 and 2 x dry contact digital inputs as well as optionally 2x differential / 4x single ended analogue inputs. The MFR-NODE supports sensors with higher power requirements; a solar panel can charge either the internal lithium-ion battery or both the node and sensor can be powered by an external 12V system (e.g. battery or mains source). Optional CAT-M1 provide an option for remote installation and in areas outside the range existing LoRaWAN networks. The optional multiconstellation GNSS ensures you won't lose track of your device.
- The MFR-NODE has an onboard 8GB SD Card to provide data logging capabilities and full data redundancy in the event of temporary loss of communications or dropped packets - ideal for research applications.

MP306 Moisture Sensor

- The MP306 has a compact body and the needles are arranged in a single plane making it ideal for use in soil columns. It is also ideally suited to measuring pots in glasshouses and growth cabinets. The MP306 can also be installed in the field, with a lifespan of 20+ years in the most extreme conditions.
- The MP306 can be used to take continuous measurements over time through permanent or temporary burial and connection to a SMM Soil Moisture Meter. The sensor has a compact body and the needles are arranged in a single plane making it ideal for use in soil columns, enabling measurement of discrete soil layers within the column. Similarly in soil profiles, narrow layers can be precisely measured.
- The MP306 is also used to measure the moisture content in materials used in mining, roadway and buildings. The material that can be measured is often soil but can be any composition of non-metallic powdered, liquid or solid substance into which the needles are inserted. It is especially suitable for mineral stock piles, mine tailings and sand for batch mixing of concrete.
- The MP306 Soil Moisture Sensor can also measure soil water potential via the SMM Soil Moisture Meter and a soil water characteristic curve.

MP306 Moisture Sensor specifications:

- Measurement Range: 0-100 VSW%
- Accuracy: 1% VSW% after calibration to a specific soil type; +/- 5 VSW% using the supplied soil calibration
- Resolution: 0.01% VSW%
- Response Time: Less than 0.5 seconds
- Stabilisation Time: 3 seconds approximately from power-up
- Input Requirements: 9-18 V DC unregulated
- Power Consumption: 14 mA typical, 30mA max
- Output signal: 0-1160mV for 0-100 VSW%
- Total Length: 199 mm
- Needle Length: 60 mm
- Needle Seperation: 8 mm
- Needles: Stainless Steel (Grade 316) - does not corrode in saline solutions
- Exterior: ABS Plastic
- Cable: 4.5m Standard