GARDENA Soil Moisture Sensor (Art. 1867)

Introduction

This manual provides instructions for the GARDENA Soil Moisture Sensor, Art. 1867.

Installation and Initial Operation

[I1] Removing the Cover: Diagram shows holding the sensor and turning the cover counter-clockwise ? to unlock and lift it upwards ⬆️.

[I2] Inserting Batteries: Diagram shows a hand inserting two AA alkaline batteries ? into the sensor's battery compartment, noting correct polarity.

[I3] Battery Check: Diagram shows the battery compartment with batteries, and an LED ? illuminating green for 3 seconds, indicating successful insertion.

[I4] Replacing the Cover: Diagram shows a hand replacing the cover and turning it clockwise ? to lock it.

[I5] Connecting the Cable: Diagram shows connecting the sensor's cable (5) to the sensor's plug (6), and then connecting the cable to an irrigation control.

[I6] Planting the Sensor: Detailed steps for planting the sensor in the ground:

1. Dig a funnel-shaped hole (7) at least 12 cm deep.
2. Break up the removed soil (7) and remove any stones.
3. Moisten the soil (7) if it is dry.
4. Replace the damp broken-up soil (7) loosely in the funnel-shaped hole.
5. Insert the sensor (8) up to its lower edge, ensuring the tip (9) is in full contact with the damp soil on all sides.
6. Lightly press the soil (7) around the sensor (8). Ensure it is not loose.
7. Water the area around the sensor with approx. 1 litre water. It may take several hours for the sensor to measure actual soil moisture.

For GARDENA Micro-Drip-System, install a drip head directly above the sensor.

[O1] Resetting the Device: Diagram shows two buttons on an irrigation control with text indicating a 3-second reset.

[M1] Sensor Tip Replacement: Diagram shows unscrewing the sensor tip (9) and screwing in a new one.

1. Safety

Important: Read the operator's manual carefully before use and keep for future reference. ?

• General Safety: Keep out of reach of children and persons unfamiliar with the instructions. Supervise children. Do not operate when tired, ill, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medicine.
• ⚠️ DANGER! Risk of suffocation: Small parts can be easily swallowed. Keep toddlers away during assembly.
• ⚠️ DANGER! Cardiac arrest: The product emits an electromagnetic field that may interfere with medical implants. Consult a physician and implant manufacturer before use if you have medical implants.
• Do not place the sensor with the tip facing upwards, as it poses a risk of injury.
• Do not use damaged products. Dispose of parts correctly.
• Regularly examine the product for damage.
• Position the sensor to avoid tripping hazards.
• Regularly examine batteries for damage.

Battery Safety:

• Use only 2 x alkalimanganese (alkaline) batteries type LR6 (AA) (Mignon).
• ⚠️ DANGER! Risk of explosion: Ensure batteries are replaced correctly.
• Replace batteries promptly to prevent sensor failure, especially during long absences (not exceeding 6 months).
• Rechargeable batteries should not be used. ❌

2. Function

The GARDENA Soil Moisture Sensor measures soil moisture and sends data to the irrigation control at intervals of 30-60 minutes. This information is used to control watering systems.

If batteries are depleted, the irrigation control will continue to operate based on its selected watering program.

3. Initial Operation

The sensor requires 2 x AA alkaline batteries (not included).

Battery life is approximately 1 year, depending on temperature and usage frequency.

Steps:

1. Turn the cover 1 counter-clockwise ? to unlock and remove it.
2. Insert 2 x AA alkaline batteries (2) into the battery compartment (3), ensuring correct polarity. The LED (4) will illuminate green for 3 seconds.
3. Replace the cover (1) and turn clockwise ? to lock it.

If the LED (4) flashes red every 5 seconds, the batteries are empty and need replacement.

Connecting the Sensor

• Connect the sensor's connection cable (5) to the sensor's plug (6).
• Connect the cable to the irrigation control.

Hints:

• Lay cables flat to avoid injury and damage.
• Use GARDENA Hooks Art. 4090 for securing cables (optional).
• Lay cables in sand to protect them from stones.
• The cable can be extended up to 105 m using the GARDENA Extension Cable Art. 1868.

Selecting the Correct Location

Correct Location: Position the sensor in the watering area, exposed to the same climatic conditions as the plants (sun, wind, rain, etc.).

Incorrect Location: Avoid placing the sensor under shade or covered by neighboring plants. Areas of shade should be avoided.

Do not position the sensor in dips to prevent erroneous results due to waterlogging.

Planting the Sensor

CAUTION: The sensor tip must be in full contact with the ground on all sides for accurate measurement. No air should be trapped at the tip.

1. Dig a funnel-shaped hole (7) at least 12 cm deep.
2. Break up the removed soil (7) and remove any stones.
3. Moisten the soil (7) if it is dry.
4. Replace the damp broken-up soil (7) loosely in the funnel-shaped hole.
5. Insert the sensor (8) up to its lower edge, ensuring the tip (9) is in full contact with the damp soil on all sides.
6. Lightly press the soil (7) around the sensor (8). Ensure it is not loose.
7. Water the area around the sensor with approx. 1 litre water. It may take several hours for the sensor to measure actual soil moisture.

For GARDENA Micro-Drip-System, install a drip head directly above the sensor.

4. Operation

Use with GARDENA Watering Controls (Art. 1889, 1890, 1891, 1892):

Observe irrigation over 1-2 weeks to find the suitable switching point for the soil moisture sensor, adjusting on the watering control as needed.

Setting the Switching Point:

• For medium-heavy soils (loamy humus): Select medium humid.
• For sandy soils: Select very humid.
• For potting soil: Select rather dry soils.

Adjusting Soil Moisture Level: If the soil is too dry or too moist, adjust the switching point via the irrigation control's sensor setting.

Functionality is offered by the following irrigation controls from software version:

• 1889 / 1285: all
• 1890: 2.0 and higher
• 1891: 2.0 and higher
• 1892: 32 and higher

Earlier versions have a factory preset switching point.

Displaying Software Version: After inserting the battery or after a factory reset (hold two buttons for 3 seconds [Fig. O1]).

Displaying Soil Moisture: The irrigation control shows the last measured moisture level. Watering is inhibited if moisture is at or above the set switch point.

Operation with other GARDENA Irrigation Controls with Sensor Connection (Art. 1881, 1883, 1885, 1862, 1864, 1866, 1874, 1283, 1284, 1276 and previous models): A switching point is preset and cannot be changed. An adapter cable set can be ordered from GARDENA Service for two-wire connections.

Usages: For consistent soil moisture, use short watering cycles and short watering times. This is especially important for balcony flower boxes (watering time < 5 minutes). Moisture spreads slowly in soil; watering may overlap with rain.

5. Maintenance

Cleaning / Replacing Sensor Tip:

• Clean the sensor tip (9) with clear water when relocating the sensor. Avoid grease/oil contact with the felt.
• If the felt is damaged, the sensor tip can be re-ordered from GARDENA Service.
• Unscrew the old sensor tip (9) and screw on the new one.

Cleaning the Sensor: Use a damp cloth. Do not use caustic or abrasive cleaning agents or solvents.

6. Storage

To put into storage:

• Store away from children.
• Remove batteries to preserve them (see 3. INITIAL OPERATION).
• Store the sensor in a dry, enclosed, and frost-free place.

Disposal:

• Dispose of the product through your municipal recycling collection centre, in accordance with local environmental regulations (RL2012/19/EC). Do not dispose of with household waste.
• Dispose of batteries only when discharged, through your municipal recycling collection centre.

7. Troubleshooting

Note: For other malfunctions, contact GARDENA service. Repairs must only be done by approved service departments or dealers.

8. Technical Data

9. Accessories

• GARDENA Extension Cable (10 metres): Used to extend sensor cable to max. 105 metres. (Art. 1868)
• GARDENA Sensor tip with felt: For replacement with damaged sensor tip. (obtainable via GARDENA Service)
• GARDENA Hooks: For attaching the connecting or extension cable. (Art. 4090)
• GARDENA Adapter Cable Set: For GARDENA Irrigation Controls with a two-core Sensor Connection. (obtainable via GARDENA Service)

10. Service / Warranty

Service: Please contact the address on the back page.

Warranty Statement:

GARDENA Manufacturing GmbH provides a two-year warranty from the date of original purchase for all original GARDENA new products, provided they are used for private purposes. This warranty does not apply to second-hand products. It covers significant defects proven to be material or manufacturing faults. Fulfillment is by replacement or repair of the faulty product, at GARDENA's discretion.

Warranty Provisions:

• Product used for its intended purpose as per instructions.
• Product has not been opened or repaired by unauthorized parties.
• Only original GARDENA replacement and wear parts were used.
• Presentation of the receipt.

Normal wear and tear, visual changes, wear parts, and consumables are excluded.

This warranty is limited to replacement and repair and does not cover damages or claims beyond that. It does not affect statutory warranty claims against the retailer.

The warranty is governed by the law of the Federal Republic of Germany.

For warranty claims, return the faulty product with a copy of the receipt and fault description, postage paid, to the service address.

Consumables: The sensor tip with felt is a wear part and not covered by the guarantee. Faults due to incorrectly installed or leaking batteries are also not covered.

Contact Information

A comprehensive list of GARDENA service addresses worldwide is provided in the document.