archiving of SOWACS
proudly sponsored by

this could be
your logo - >
[Prev][Next][Index]

sowcas TDRinsulation, & poor performance

SOWACS   Re Insulation of TDR probes & opinions.

I received (anonymously) the following opinions: Can anyone
support or disute the claims?

>QUOTE>>>>
The calibration data and technical information available from
both Campbell Scientific and Automata, in my opinion, fails to
meet minimal standards for metrological traceability.  Although
the instructions for use describe and imply certain performance,
actual use varies widely.  This variation generally will be
associated with soil conditions by both the manufacturer and the
customer.  Again, in my opinion, much of this variation results
from electronic performance deficiencies which are easily
identified.

Both of these manufacturers claim to integrate the volume of
water surrounding the sensors.  Neither characterizes this
integration in detail. True capacitance does not require direct
electrical contact with the dielectric media between the
conductors.  There must be some other reason for not insulating
the probes.
<<<<END QUOTE<

I do not know anything about the Automata sensor apart from the
fact that it is NOT a TDR-based sensor, and the address details
supplied below.
Anyone with more info please let sowacs know.
Thanks

Automata, Inc. , 16216 Brooks Road, Grass Valley, Cal.
95945-8816,
916-273-0380, fax 916-273-0381.  No known web site.
Product is called "Aqua-tel."