NEW PRODUCTS SENTEK DRILL & DROP SOIL MOISTURE PROBE WITH BLUETOOTH
Finally! A cable-free solution for monitoring soil moisture. Instead of using cellular modem telemetry, this new probe from Sentek uses a Bluetooth connection with a phone or tablet to collect and transfer the sensor data. With sensors every 10 cm along the probe length, high quality data about soil water content, temperature, and even salinity readings can be collected. Using the app, the user simply walks close to the probe in the field, makes the connection, then collects the data. With the sensor readings stored on the phone or tablet, the data can later be uploaded to Sentek’s IrriMAX Live software when in a Wi-Fi or mobile reception zone. Rob Stevens is Sentek’s regional manager and has been selling the new Bluetooth enabled probe to irrigation stores and crop agronomists since its release in August 2019. “Consultants appreciate the simplicity of the probe,” said Rob. “Taking away the solar panel, cables, modem and SIM card makes it easier to get started. It is ideal in situations where someone is out checking the field every week or so, so they can grab the soil moisture readings.” The Drill & Drop probe with Bluetooth suits a range of industries including, row crop vegetables, nurseries, research, turf and landscape, as well as ornamental plantings. The soil moisture probe is powered by a small replaceable lithium battery that can last up to 3 years, depending how often the readings are taken.
GIANT FLOW METER A COST SAVER Last year, Aquamonix fabricated this huge end-insert mag meter for metering irrigation water on a cotton property on western New South Wales. The flow meter is designed to mount inside a large concrete pipe (1500 – 1800 mm) and provide accurate metering of irrigation extractions from large river pumping stations.
The Drill & Drop Bluetooth probe is available in lengths of 30, 60, 90 and 120 cm, making it suitable for annual and perennial plants. Features include: • cable-free, using Bluetooth and a handheld device to collect and transfer the data • powered by a long-life replaceable lithium battery • precise readings of soil moisture to assist in irrigation decisions • data is viewed in IrriMAX Live from your phone, laptop or tablet • easy to install, and information is easy to extract • probe can be moved as needed. Information. Go to website www.sentek.com.au.
According to Aquamonix, the insertion-style meter provides a significant cost and civil works saving over other technologies, coming in at under half the capital cost of other flow meters and able to be installed in less than a day. The company has applied to have this meter pattern approved to AS 4747. Information. Aquamonix website www.aquamonix.com.au
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