1. Introduction
The RCYAGO THE01888S-RS485 is an advanced 8-in-1 soil comprehensive sensor designed for precise and real-time monitoring of various soil parameters. This device is ideal for applications in smart farming, agriculture, gardening, and environmental monitoring, providing crucial data for optimizing plant growth and soil health. It integrates measurements for soil temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), salinity, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and moisture content.
This manual provides detailed instructions for the setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your soil sensor to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
2. Key Features
- All-in-One Soil Monitoring: Accurately measures temperature, pH, EC, salinity, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and moisture in real time.
- High Accuracy with RS485 Interface: Supports RS485 Modbus RTU protocol for seamless data collection with PLCs, microcontrollers, or computers via a USB converter.
- Wide Detection Range: Measures moisture (0–100%), salinity (0–20000μS/cm), and NPK (0–1999mg/kg) with high resolution and low error margin.
- Durable & Waterproof Design: Constructed with 316L stainless steel probes and IP68 waterproof epoxy sealing, ensuring resistance to rust, corrosion, and harsh weather for long-term buried or inserted installation.
- Remote & Cloud Monitoring: Capable of connecting to PC or mobile devices via cloud-based software or a USB interface, allowing real-time data tracking from multiple sensors simultaneously.
3. Specifications
| Parameter | Value/Range |
|---|---|
| Measurement Unit | % (m3/m3); µS/cm; pH; mg/kg (mg/L) |
| Temperature Range | -40 ~ 80 °C (can be customized to 0~50 °C or any other range) |
| Moisture Range | 0-100% (can choose 30%, 50% and other ranges or customize any range) |
| Salinity/Conductivity Range | 0-2000 µS/cm, 0-10000 µS/cm, 0-20000 µS/cm |
| pH Range | 3-10 pH |
| Nitrogen/Phosphorus/Potassium Range | 0-1999 mg/kg (mg/L) |
| Measurement Accuracy | ± 0.2 °C; 0 ~ 50% (m3/m3) |
| Accuracy (within range) | ± 2% (m3/m3); ± 2%; ± 1; ± 3% (mg/kg); ± 2% |
| Resolution | 0.1 °C; 0.1%; 1 µS/cm; 0.01; 1mg/kg (mg/L); 1 µS/cm |
| Output Signal | RS485 (standard Modbus RTU protocol, default device address: 01) |
| Power Supply Voltage | 12-24V DC |
| Working Range | -30 °C to 70 °C |
| Stable Time | 3 seconds after power on |
| Response Time | <1 second |
| Probe Length | 55mm |
| Probe Diameter | 3mm |
| Probe Material | 316L stainless steel |
| Sealing Material | ABS engineering plastic, epoxy resin |
| Waterproof Rating | IP68 |
| Cable Specifications | Standard configuration of 2 meters (other cable lengths can be customized, up to 1200 meters) |
4. Setup and Installation
4.1 System Framework and Connections
The sensor can be integrated into various systems for data acquisition and monitoring.
- This product can be used with multiple sensors combined on an RS485 bus. Theoretically, one bus can accommodate up to 254 RS485 sensors.
- Connect the sensor to a PLC with an RS485 interface, or to a microcontroller through an RS485 interface chip.
- For PC connection, use an RS485 to USB converter.
- Use the sensor configuration tool provided by the manufacturer for configuration and testing. Note: Only one device can be connected when using this configuration software.
4.2 Measurement Methods
4.2.1 Rapid Measurement Method
- Select a suitable measurement location, avoiding rocks and similar hard objects.
- Excavate the surface soil to the required measurement depth.
- Maintain the original looseness of the soil below.
- Grip the sensor tightly and insert it vertically into the soil. Do not shake it left or right during insertion.
- It is recommended to calculate the average of multiple readings within a small range for one measurement point to ensure accuracy.
4.2.2 Buried Surveying Method (Long-Term Monitoring)
- Dig a pit with a diameter greater than 20cm vertically.
- Insert the sensor steel needles into the pit according to the measurement needs.
- Fill and compact the pit to ensure the steel needles are in close contact with the soil.
- Allow the sensor to stabilize for a period of time before continuous long-term measurement and recording can be carried out.
5. Operation
5.1 Data Transmission and Real-time Monitoring
The sensor supports various methods for data transmission and real-time monitoring:
- Local Monitoring via PC: The device can be uploaded to your own upper computer software through an RS485 to USB converter for real-time monitoring.
- Remote Monitoring via Cloud Platform (8 Elements): The device can be uploaded to a free cloud platform through a network collector (which can monitor 8 elements) to achieve remote real-time monitoring on mobile phones, computers, and tablets.
- Remote Monitoring via Cloud Platform (32 Elements): The device can also be uploaded to a free cloud platform through an environmental monitoring host (which can monitor 32 elements) for remote real-time monitoring on mobile phones, computers, and tablets.
- Direct Integration with Microcontroller/PLC: The equipment can view data directly through your own microcontroller or PLC using the Standard Modbus RTU protocol.
6. Maintenance and Precautions
- Proper Insertion: The steel needles must be fully inserted into the soil during measurement to ensure accurate readings.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prevent direct exposure of strong sunlight to the transmitter, as this may cause excessive temperature and affect performance. Pay attention to lightning protection when using outdoors.
- Soil Moisture for NPK/pH/EC: When measuring parameters such as pH, conductivity, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, it is necessary to keep the soil moist (at least 20%) for reliable results.
- Waterproof Rating: The transmitter has an IP68 protection level and can be completely submerged in water.
- Stabilization Time: After inserting the sensor into the soil, it cannot immediately provide a stable value. The value can only be read after it stabilizes. The waiting time varies for different soil types, but data typically stabilizes after being inserted for about 3-5 minutes.
- Probe Cleaning: Among the four probes, one has a dark color, which is made of a special alloy and is prone to wear and tear. After each use, the probes should be cleaned thoroughly to maintain accuracy and longevity.
7. Troubleshooting
- Q: Can this soil sensor work directly with a computer?
- A: Yes, but you will need an RS485 to USB converter and compatible upper computer software (not included) to establish the connection and interpret data.
- Q: Is this sensor suitable for long-term underground use?
- A: Yes, it has an IP68 waterproof rating and epoxy resin sealing, making it safe for permanent burial in soil for continuous monitoring.
- Q: How many sensors can I connect simultaneously?
- A: You can connect up to 254 sensors on one RS485 bus for centralized data collection, depending on your system's capabilities.
- Q: Does the sensor support cloud data monitoring?
- A: Yes, when paired with a compatible data acquisition module and network, you can remotely monitor data via mobile devices or PCs through a cloud platform.
- Q: What is the cable length and can it be customized?
- A: The default cable length is 2 meters. Yes, it can be customized up to 1200 meters to suit specific installation requirements.
8. User Tips
- For optimal accuracy, ensure the soil is adequately moist (at least 20%) when measuring pH, EC, and NPK. Dry soil can lead to inaccurate readings for these parameters.
- When performing rapid measurements, take several readings within a small area and average them to get a more representative value for that location.
- Regularly clean the sensor probes after each use, especially the dark-colored alloy probe, to prevent residue buildup and ensure consistent performance.
- If integrating with a custom system, verify that your microcontroller or PLC supports the Modbus RTU protocol for seamless communication with the sensor.
- Consider the cable length requirements carefully during planning, as custom lengths are available up to 1200 meters for larger installations.
9. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the product packaging or contact your retailer. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
