CropX Sensor V4 Step-by-Step Installation Guide

CropX Sensor V4 Step-by-Step Installation Guide

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This manual provides step-by-step instructions for installing a CropX sensor in your field. 

Info
Prior to installing your sensor, you should create an account and set up your fields.  

*Installation kit (auger and rods) sold separately
A

Sensor
B

Protective cover
C

Antenna
D

Antenna extentson
E

Auger
F

Rod
G

Mirco USB cable

Before installation

Step 1: Download the app

  1. Go to the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store, and download the CropX Farm Management app to your phone.
  2. Launch the CropX app by clicking on the CropX icon and create an account.
  3. If you already have an account, log in to your existing account.
  4. If you have yet to add a new field, you may do so by clicking on the add a new field sign (+) at the first screen and following the instructions.
  5. Once the field is created move to the next step

Step 2: Prepare to install the sensor

Although sensors are shipped with fully charged batteries that should last the whole season, 
we recommend charging your batteries until the light turns green prior to installation, using the USB cable provided (see charging instructions on the last page). 
*The batteries turn from a Red LED when charging to a Green LED when full.

Please ensure you have the following for installation:
  1. Sensor
  2. CropX Installation Kit

Please provide the following for installation as well:
  1. A smartphone
  2. heavy duty ½” cordless drill, minimum 18V (fully charged)
  3. In case of heavy and really dry soil please provide a container 
filled with a 1/2 gallon (~2 L) of water for each sensor

Step 3: Installation Recommendations

For optimal sensor installation and accuracy, it should be installed:
  1. In a soil that best represents the field average
  2. In moist soil, preferably around field capacity
  3. Within the average soil zone
  4. In a location in the field that best represents the crop 
(near the plants, in average plant density)
  5. On a flat surface, with no slope, no ditch, or cracked soil
  6. Away from the tractor and pivot wheel tracks
  7. In a uniformly planted area
  8. Inside the wetted area of an active emitter, but not too close to it,
if your crop is surface or sub-surface drip irrigated

Offset settings




Sensor depths offset

Info
With a V4 sensor,
you must drill in the ground 
according to the offset at 
which you choose to install.
With this type of sensor, the depth of the drilling in the ground must be according to the depth of installation (offset length).
Choose the offset you want and accordingly - know how deep you should drill in the ground.




*Deeper drilling maybe required if the soil is hard/dry/sandy.
**If the auger is not marked with letters according to the following figure, use the following lengths (measured from the tip of the drill)

The installation


Drill a vertical hole in the soil using your drill and the provided drill bit. Spray the auger with water to lubricate. If necessary, drill and retract several times until the bit reaches
the depth desired for the specific offset.

Remove the protective cover (if on) and unscrew the antenna.

Insert the sensor into the hole and screw it gently, until it stands firmly in the ground. Ensure there is no debris (plants, leaves, etc.) caught on the sensor during installation. 

Insert the rod into the ears
of the sensor.

Screw the sensor to the ground
using the rod you threaded into the sensor. Apply heavy downward and lateral force to ensure the sensor screws into the soil properly. The number of rotations should be 8 for 4 inch offset, 9 for 2 inch offset, and 10 for full install.



Screw the sensor almost all 
the way down using the rod, either all the way down, leaving a 1 finger gap, or to the desired offset.



Info
If the sensor is spinning in place then drill a new hole a bit deeper at a near location 
(back to action No. 1)

Info
If the installation was hard at two locations, then drill a deeper third hole, pour water slowly into the hole until it is full, wait 5 minutes, and then insert the sensor (back to action No. 2)  


Place the protective cover over the sensor's head.




Alert
Make sure there is no dirt and fluids on the sensor head and the sensor battery
slot is fully closed


Screw the antenna or extension cable if applicable to the sensor and make sure the antenna 
fully assembled.
InfoIn areas of low reception and with high vegetation screw the antenna extension cable to the sensor and the antenna to the extension cable and raise the antenna as high as possible on a pole.


Uncover the protective cover to scan the QR code

Scan the QR code in the CropX app.

Fill in all the necessary details in 
the form, choose your offset if needed, and click Submit.

The process will begin a measurement and transmission. Once that is complete you will see the first measurements within a few minutes on your screen. DO NOT navigate away from the app during this time.


Additional Operations

Uninstalling the sensor

It is recommended to uninstall the sensors at the end of each season, by completing the following: 
  1. Take the rod, a shovel, and in case of very dry soil, also water with you.
  2. Navigate to the Farm/Field in which the Sensor is located. To ensure you’ve selected the correct Sensor to uninstall, press the ‘Options’ button in the top right corner (3 white dots). From here, you’ll click on ‘Activate / Deactivate Sensor’, and on the next screen, you’ll click the ON button next to the Sensor’s name to deactivate it (ON = activated and OFF = deactivated). A pop-up window will ask you for confirmation to uninstall your Sensor and by clicking ‘Yes, deactivate,’ your Sensor will be deactivated.
  3. Ensure the soil is moist. It is recommended to wet the soil around the sensor a day prior to uninstalling, and just before the uninstallation.
  4. Insert the rod into the ears of the sensor and loosen the sensor counterclockwise.
  5. If you feel strong resistance from the sensor while trying to screw it out, pour water around the sensor area to soften the soil. You may use the shovel to dig around the sensor to further loosen the soil, but make sure to keep a distance of at least one foot away from the sensor.
  6. While in storage, assemble the antenna to the sensor and make sure the antenna is fully assembled.
  7. Clean battery housing from external fluids and dirt.
  8. After removing the sensor, keep the sensor in a safe and dry place and charge it prior to the next installation. 

Charging the sensor

To charge the battery, follow the steps below:

  1. Unscrew the battery socket cover and pull out the battery.
  2. Connect the provided micro-USB cable to the battery and connect to a certified UL/CE USB power adapter.
  3. Allow the battery to fully charge for at least ten hours, until the light changes to green (this may take up to 24 hours, depending on the charging source).
  4. Insert the battery into the battery socket and make sure the sensor has responded with a start-up beep.
  5. Before screwing back the battery socket cover, make sure it is clean from dust & debris.