CropX Sensor V02 / V03 Installation Guide

CropX Sensor V02 / V03 Installation Guide

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


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


The sensor is shipped with a matching installation kit
A

Sensor
B

Antenna
C

Antenna extension
D

Auger
E

Handle
F

Sensor head adapter
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. By clicking on one of the fields you’ve created, if no sensors are currently installed, a link to install your sensor will appear. Click on it to go to the interactive installation guide that will guide you through the installation process.

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 for 10 hours 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. 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 zone outlined on the map
  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

In a 3 and 2 depths type sensor,
you must drill in the ground according to the offset at which you choose to install.







The installation



Drill a vertical hole in the soil using your drill and the provided drill bit. If necessary, drill and retract several times until the bit reaches the full depth

Insert the sensor into the hole and screw it gently, until it stands firmly in the ground. Do not apply downward force. 
Ensure there is no debris (plants, leaves, etc.) caught on the sensor during installation. 

Mount the sensor head adapter in the
grooves on top of the sensor head

Mount the handle on the sensor
head adapter and tighten it.

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.



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

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)  

In areas of low reception and with high vegetation raise the antenna as high as possible on a pole

Scan the QR code in the CropX app


Fill in all the necessary details in 
the form and click Submit

The installation will be completed in a few minutes and you will receive 
a notification.



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 handle, the sensor head adapter, and a shovel with you, if the soil is very dry you may want to take a 1/2 gallon (2 L) of water as well.
  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. Connect the sensor head adapter to the handle.
  5. Mount the sensor head adapter to the grooves on the top of the sensor head and loosen the sensor counterclockwise.
  6. 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.
  7. 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. Gently remove the five screws on top of the sensor.
  2. Remove the charging socket cover.
  3. Connect the USB cable to the micro-USB cable port (cable provided) and connect to a certified UL/CE USB power adapter.
  4. Allow the sensor to fully charge for at least ten hours, until the light changes to blinking blue (this may take up to 24 hours, depending on the charging source).
  5. Before reattaching the charging socket cover, make sure the rubber sealing ring is in place and clean from dust & debris.




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