METER TEROS 54 User Manual

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction .............................................................................................. 1
2. Operation ...................................................................................................2
2.1 Installation ................................................................................................2
2.1.1 Overview ..........................................................................................2
2.1.2 Installation Methods ........................................................................6
2.2 Connecting ............................................................................................... 11
2.2.1 Connect to METER Data Logger ...................................................... 12
2.2.2 Connect to Non-METER Data Logger .............................................. 12
2.3 Communication ....................................................................................... 14
2.4 Removal ...................................................................................................15
3. System .......................................................................................................20
3.1 Specifications .......................................................................................... 20
3.2 Components ............................................................................................ 24
3.3 Theory ...................................................................................................... 27
3.3.1 Volumetric Water Content .............................................................. 27
3.3.2 Temperature .................................................................................. 27
4. Service ....................................................................................................... 28
4.1 Calibration ............................................................................................... 28
4.1.1 Mineral Soils .................................................................................. 28
4.1.2 Apparent Dielectric Permittivity .................................................... 29
4.2 Maintenance ............................................................................................ 29
4.3 Troubleshooting ....................................................................................... 29
4.4 Customer Support....................................................................................31
4.5 Terms and Conditions ..............................................................................31
18511-00
3.2023

METER TEROS 54 Specifications

General

Measurement Type	Soil Moisture, Temperature, Electrical Conductivity
Accuracy (Temperature)	±1°C
IP Rating	IP68
Dielectric Permittivity Range	1 (air) to 80 (water)
Measurement Range (Moisture)	0% to 100% VWC
Measurement Range (Temperature)	-40 to 60°C
Measurement Range (Electrical Conductivity)	0 to 23 dS/m
Accuracy (Moisture)	±3% VWC (typical in mineral soils)
Resolution	0.1 °C
Output	SDI-12, RS-485
Operating Temperature	-40 to 60°C
Weight	Approx. 200 g (without cable)
Cable Length	5 m standard
Material	Epoxy
Electrical Conductivity Range	0 to 23 dS/m

Summary

Introduction

Operation

Installation Overview

Overview of the TEROS 54 installation procedure and necessary tools.

Installation Methods

Recommended installation methods for different soil conditions using auger and slide hammer.

Connecting to Data Loggers

Instructions for connecting the TEROS 54 to METER and non-METER data loggers.

Communication Protocols

Details on communication protocols used by the TEROS 54 probe.

Probe Removal Procedure

Procedure and tools for safely removing the TEROS 54 from the soil.

System

Measurement Specifications

Detailed measurement, dielectric, and temperature specifications for the TEROS 54.

Theory of Operation

Explanation of the theory behind volumetric water content and temperature measurement.

Volumetric Water Content Theory

Theory on how the TEROS 54 measures volumetric water content using electromagnetic fields.

Temperature Measurement Theory

Theory on how the TEROS 54 measures soil temperature using integrated sensors.

Components Description

Description of the TEROS 54 probe and protective cap components.

Service and Support

Calibration Information

Information on factory and customer calibration for the TEROS 54 sensor.

Mineral Soil Calibration

Calibration equation for mineral soils and factors affecting accuracy.

Apparent Dielectric Permittivity

Equation for apparent dielectric permittivity and its use in VWC and EC calculations.

Maintenance Guidelines

Guidelines for TEROS 54 maintenance, lifespan, and cleaning.

Troubleshooting Guide

Common problems, solutions, and troubleshooting steps for the TEROS 54.

Customer Support Details

Contact information and procedures for customer support in North America and Europe.

Terms and Conditions

Agreement to METER Group's Terms and Conditions when using the product.