Crisis 7-in-1 Soil Tester Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The Crisis 7-in-1 Soil Tester is a comprehensive sensor designed to measure seven critical soil parameters: pH, Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Temperature, Humidity, and Electrical Conductivity (EC). This device provides accurate and rapid assessment of soil conditions, making it an essential tool for scientific experiments, water-saving irrigation, greenhouses, agriculture, and various environmental monitoring applications.

This manual provides detailed instructions for the proper installation, operation, and maintenance of your Crisis 7-in-1 Soil Tester to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

2. Product Overview

The Crisis 7-in-1 Soil Tester features a robust design with a special metal probe resistant to rust, electrolysis, and salt-alkali corrosion. Its high-density epoxy resin potting ensures excellent sealing performance, preventing moisture ingress and allowing for long-term burial in soil.

Key Features:

• 7-in-1 Multifunctionality: Measures pH, NPK, Temperature, Humidity, and EC.
• Durable Construction: Corrosion and electrolysis resistant probe, suitable for long-term soil deployment.
• High Accuracy: Provides precise measurements for various soil conditions.
• Wide Application: Ideal for agriculture, gardening, scientific research, and environmental monitoring.
• IP68 Protection: Fully waterproof design allows for complete submersion.

Components:

• Soil Sensor Unit with 5-pin probe
• Connection Cable
• Instruction Manual (this document)

Figure 1: Crisis 7-in-1 Soil Tester with integrated sensor and cable. This image shows the main unit of the soil tester, featuring the black sensor body, the five metal probes, and the attached multi-wire cable.

Figure 2: Crisis 7-in-1 Soil Tester probe inserted into soil, demonstrating its application. A hand is shown gently pressing the sensor's probes into the ground next to a small plant, illustrating typical usage.

Figure 3: Crisis 7-in-1 Soil Tester in a greenhouse environment, suitable for various agricultural settings. The sensor is visible in the foreground, with a person watering plants in a greenhouse in the background, indicating its use in controlled agricultural environments.

Figure 4: Crisis 7-in-1 Soil Tester with product barcode and model information. This image shows the sensor unit from a different angle, highlighting a sticker with the number 200827001132, likely a serial or batch number.

3. Technical Specifications

Figure 5: Dimensions of the Crisis 7-in-1 Soil Tester, showing its compact size. This image provides a visual representation of the sensor's length and width with measurements in both centimeters and inches.

4. Setup Instructions

4.1 Wiring Connection

The Crisis 7-in-1 Soil Tester uses an RS485 output signal and requires a 12-24V DC power supply. Connect the sensor according to the following wiring diagram:

Figure 6: Wiring diagram for the Crisis 7-in-1 Soil Tester, showing power supply and communication connections. This image clearly labels the function of each colored wire (brown, black, yellow, blue) for correct electrical hookup.

4.2 Installation Method

The sensor can be installed using one of two methods:

1. All Buried: The entire sensor unit, including the probes and the main body, can be buried in the measured medium. Ensure the cable connection is properly sealed and protected.
2. Probes Inserted: Only the probes are inserted into the measured medium, with the main sensor body remaining above ground. This method is suitable for temporary measurements or when frequent relocation is required.

For accurate readings, ensure the probes are fully inserted into the soil and make good contact with the surrounding medium. Avoid inserting the probes into overly compacted or rocky soil that could damage them.

Figure 7: Crisis 7-in-1 Soil Tester deployed in a field with irrigation system, highlighting its outdoor use. The sensor is shown installed in agricultural land, with a sprinkler system in the background.

5. Operating Instructions

Once the sensor is properly installed and connected to a compatible data logger or monitoring system via the RS485 interface, it will begin to collect data on the specified soil parameters.

1. Power On: Ensure the 12-24V DC power supply is connected and active.
2. Data Acquisition: The sensor will continuously measure soil pH, NPK, temperature, humidity, and EC. Data can be read from the RS485 output using appropriate software or hardware.
3. Probe Insertion: For accurate readings, ensure the probes are fully inserted into the soil. If the soil is dry or hard, moisten it slightly before insertion to ensure good contact and prevent probe damage.
4. Response Time: The sensor has a rapid response time of less than 1 second, providing near real-time data.

Refer to your data logger or monitoring system's manual for specific instructions on how to interpret and record the RS485 output data.

Figure 8: Crisis 7-in-1 Soil Tester in a greenhouse with banana plants, illustrating its use in diverse plant cultivation. The sensor is positioned in the soil amidst lush banana plants, showcasing its versatility.

6. Maintenance

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and accuracy of your Crisis 7-in-1 Soil Tester.

• Cleaning: Regularly clean the probes with a soft cloth and clean water to remove any soil residue or contaminants that may affect readings. Do not use abrasive materials or harsh chemicals.
• Probe Protection: Avoid bending the steel needles violently during insertion or removal. Do not pull the lead wire forcefully.
• Environmental Protection: The sensor has an IP68 protection level, meaning it is fully waterproof and can be soaked in water. However, avoid strong direct sunlight on the sensor for extended periods, as this can cause excessive temperature and potentially affect performance.
• Power Considerations: Due to the presence of radio frequency electromagnetic radiation in the air, it is not recommended to leave the sensor powered on and exposed to the air for prolonged periods without being inserted into the medium.
• Storage: When not in use, store the sensor in a dry environment within the specified storage temperature range of -20℃ to 60℃.

Figure 9: Crisis 7-in-1 Soil Tester sensor and connection cable. This image displays the sensor unit and its attached cable, emphasizing the robust construction.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Crisis 7-in-1 Soil Tester, consider the following common troubleshooting steps:

• No Readings or Inaccurate Data:
  • Check all wiring connections (Power Positive, Power Negative, 485-A, 485-B) to ensure they are secure and correctly matched.
  • Verify that the power supply is providing the correct voltage (12-24V DC).
  • Ensure the probes are fully inserted into the soil and making good contact. Dry or loose soil can lead to poor contact.
  • Clean the probes thoroughly to remove any accumulated dirt or debris.
  • Confirm that your data acquisition system or software is correctly configured for RS485 communication and the sensor's protocol.
• Sensor Damage:
  • Inspect the probes for any visible bending or damage. Avoid forceful insertion into hard soil.
  • Check the cable for cuts or damage, especially near the sensor body.
• Temperature Fluctuations:
  • Ensure the sensor is not exposed to direct, strong sunlight for prolonged periods, which can cause localized heating and affect temperature readings.

If the problem persists after attempting these steps, please contact customer support for further assistance.

8. Warranty and Support

The Crisis 7-in-1 Soil Tester comes with a 12-month warranty from the date of purchase, covering manufacturing defects and malfunctions under normal use conditions.

For technical support, warranty claims, or any questions regarding your product, please contact Crisis customer service. Please have your product model and purchase details ready when contacting support.

Manufacturer: Crisis