Get accurate leaf wetness data instantly

Provides accurate leaf wetness data in a number of growing and research applications. This sensor, which is ready to use and does not require any painting or coating, uses a capacitive grid that is less sensitive to surface residues than resistive grid-based sensors, and comes preconditioned for consistent measurements between sensors and for long-term stability. Along with a 3-meter cable, a mounting bracket is included so the sensor can be easily positioned to mimic the wet-dry characteristics of the plants being studied.

The leaf wetness smart sensor is designed to work with HOBO® stations with its plug-in modular connector. All calibration parameters are stored inside the smart sensor, which automatically communicates configuration information to the station without the need for any programming, calibration, or extensive setup. Unlike other leaf wetness sensors, the HOBO leaf wetness smart sensor does not require any painting or coating—it is ready to use.

The leaf wetness smart sensor measures the percentage of the sensor grid that is wet. A completely dry sensor will record 0% wetness, while a measurement of 100% wetness corresponds to the sensor being completely covered with a thin layer of water. After prolonged exposure to very hot and wet environments, the sensor may return to only 1 to 3% wet when dried out, but given a day or two in a warm, dry environment, the sensor will recover and return to zero when dry.

Features

• Does not require any painting or coating
• Preconditioned for consistent measurements
• 3-meter cable and mounting bracket included

 

Measurement Range	0 (dry) to 100% (wet)
Sensor Type	Capacitive grid
Interchangeability Between Sensors (Over the Range 10–90% Wet)	±10%
Repeatability	±5%; see Note 1
Resolution	0.59%
Stability (Drift)	< ±5% per year (in typical growth conditions)
Service Life	3 years in typical growth conditions
Operating Temperature Range	-40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F)
Environmental Rating	Weatherproof
Sensor Construction Materials	PVC housing, epoxy potting compound, nylon grommet, FR-4 circuit board, PVC cable jacket
Bracket Materials	PVC mounting bracket, UV-stable nylon cable ties, zinc dichromate plated steel U-bolts
Bits per Sample	8
Number of Data Channels*	1
Measurement Averaging Option	No
Dimensions	Sensor grid: 4.7 cm x 5.1 cm (1.8 in x 2.0 in) Housing: 12.2 cm length x 1.8 cm diameter (4.8 in x 0.7 in) Mounting bracket: 20 cm x 3 cm x 0.5 cm (8 in x 1.3 in x 0.2 in)
Weight (Sensor and Cable)	127 g (4.5 oz)
Weight (Including Mounting Bracket)	290 g (10.2 oz)
Cable Length Available	3.0 m (9.8 ft)
Length of Smart Sensor Network Cable*	3.0 m (9.8 ft)
CE	The CE Marking identifies this product as complying with all relevant directives in the European Union (EU).

* A single station can accommodate 15 data channels and up to 100 m (328 ft) of smart sensor cable (the digital communications portion of the sensor cables).

Note 1 Given the nature of the sensor design and sensor operating frequency, the system has inherent susceptibilities to Radio Frequency signals. The repeatability specification when subjected to certain RFI environments, such as those outlined in IEC 61000-4-3 and IEC 61000-4-6, may be significantly reduced.

The system level repeatability will be particularly affected when placed in an electric field of 3 V/m or greater in the 150 KHz to 1000 MHz range. RFI mitigation practices and physical deployment changes may reduce the system susceptibility. If deployments are planned in high RFI energy environments, Onset recommends on-site testing to determine system level repeatability.