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Weather Station Hardware => Oregon Scientific Hardware => Topic started by: sam2004gp on August 16, 2009, 10:57:45 AM
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Yesterday evening, I added a OS-THC268 Probe sensor to my hardware.
I went ahead and buried the sensor 9 inches in the ground and I will use it as a Soil Temp. Sensor. I ran the sensor wire thru some extra conduit I had in the garage to keep the weed eater from chewing up the wire. To keep water and temp from using the conduit as a "quick shortcut" to the sensor, I filled the conduit up with some "Great-Stuff" spray-in foam insulation. I then sealed both ends with some silicone caulk.
Before I dug the hole, the dirt was well compacted. So I watered and tamped it down after I buried it. I guess it will take a while before the dirt is "solid" again. I will continue to add dirt and step over it, when I find myself out there.
I have already added the readout/data to my website. www.mountcrawfordweather.org (http://www.mountcrawfordweather.org)
Here are some pics.
(http://mountcrawfordweather.org/Weather%20Station%20Photos/Soil%20Temperature%20Sensor%20Photos/slides/DSCN7504.JPG)
(http://mountcrawfordweather.org/Weather%20Station%20Photos/Soil%20Temperature%20Sensor%20Photos/slides/DSCN7505.JPG)
(http://mountcrawfordweather.org/Weather%20Station%20Photos/Soil%20Temperature%20Sensor%20Photos/slides/DSCN7503.JPG)
(http://mountcrawfordweather.org/Weather%20Station%20Photos/Soil%20Temperature%20Sensor%20Photos/slides/DSCN7501.JPG)
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Looks great Sam, always fun with something new to "play" with !
I just had a look at your website and it seems like your new sensor is working just fine. \:D/
A company here in Sweden, are selling a sensor with a probe (like your one) for the WMR100, but, it is nearly 3 times more expensive than a regular one.
Wonder what happens if I just dig a hole sensor down ? I guess its hard to get a good connection.
Has anyone tried this ??
Andy
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I ran the sensor wire thru some extra conduit I had in the garage to keep the weed eater from chewing up the wire.
I did the same thing for the same reason. I have 4 soil moisture and 4 soil temp sensors that I ran through PVC. The elbow shown is buried so no exposed cable for hungry weed-wackers! ;)
Nice job.
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Looks great Sam, always fun with something new to "play" with !
I just had a look at your website and it seems like your new sensor is working just fine. \:D/
A company here in Sweden, are selling a sensor with a probe (like your one) for the WMR100, but, it is nearly 3 times more expensive than a regular one.
Wonder what happens if I just dig a hole sensor down ? I guess its hard to get a good connection.
Has anyone tried this ??
Andy
I was thinking the same thing at first, but you would have to seal the sensor unit in a bag. And basically most of the sandwhich bags and similiar still allow moisture to pass thru the plastic.
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Sam is correct! Plastic (polyethylene) is porous! It is. :!: :shock:
8-)
Henry
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You may also want to build a cover for the sensor it's self. Remember it is not water proof.
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I can attest (although by accident) it is NOT waterproof. (submersible in chorinated water for an hour+)
However it is the exact same construction, all weather / weather proof / water resistant design as the thgr268. And I have had at least one of these outside unsheltered for 5+ years without issue. Current one is now in a radiation shield due to new location.....
So a mini roof is not a bad idea, but not really a necessity.
Andrew
ps: which reminds me I need to add a picture and write up on pool sensor for my about station page.
You may also want to build a cover for the sensor it's self. Remember it is not water proof.
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:-) Sam: you could "drape" the plastic bag that came with the sensor over it entirely, while leaving the bottom open. That way, it will shed rain, yet allow humidity that could possibly get trapped inside to vent out. I know, it will look ugly, but I did that and "hid" my sensor inside a pagoda/radiation shield to keep it shaded. ;)
8-)
Henry
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You may also want to build a cover for the sensor it's self. Remember it is not water proof.
You mean the transmitter, I will look into that the next time I am around the electrical section of Lowes. I hope I can find some thing so I don't have to remove the sensor from the ground again.
I have had my "backup" radio shack unit exposed for years. The only issue I have had is the plastic case turning yellow some.
(http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii256/sam2004gp/weather%20station/DSCN6760.jpg)
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:-) Sam: you could "drape" the plastic bag that came with the sensor over it entirely, while leaving the bottom open. That way, it will shed rain, yet allow humidity that could possibly get trapped inside to vent out. I know, it will look ugly, but I did that and "hid" my sensor inside a pagoda/radiation shield to keep it shaded. ;)
8-)
Henry
I was thinking of a small white outdoor electrical outlet box. Similar to the boxes I have seen others with their home brew outdoor electronics in, elsewhere on the forum. ;)
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=D> Not a bad idea, Sam. Go for it! \:D/
8-)
Henry
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Sounds like a plan.
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Looks good. Smart location for the probe; by the fence.