Good Soil-to-Sensor Contact is Crucial: 

High-quality data starts with solid contact between the sensor and the soil. Poor contact leads to unreliable readings, often showing unusually low moisture levels.

Pre-Installation (1 week before)

1. FULLY charge battery. We recommend charging batteries overnight to ensure a full charge. 
   
2. Insert battery into sensor and connect antenna paddle, this allows the sensor to start communicating with the server.
   
3. Run pre-installation diagnostics. 
   
1. Go to the "More" tab on the mobile app.
   
2. Select "Sensor Tools."
   
3. Choose "Pre-Installation Diagnostics."
   
4. Wrap antenna cable with plastic loom to prevent rodent damage.
   

Installation (Day Of) - Software 

1. During the installation, make sure the coordinates and location of sensor is correct on the map.
   

   

   Allow your phone GPS to settle for ~60 seconds for improved accuracy.

   

   Sensor location cannot be changed once sensor installation is complete.
   
2. If you are installing with an offset, be sure to choose the offset option during the installation wizard. Offsets cannot be applied post-installation.
   
3. Wait in field for a success notification. This should take no more than six minutes. 
   
4. If Installation Fails:
   
1. Try installation wizard two more times. 
   
2. Run diagnostics on the sensor. 
   
1. More > Sensor Tools > Pre-Installation Diagnostics
2. Use BLE Scanner and Network Change
3. Ensure antenna is screwed on correctly. 
4. If a success notification still is not triggered, call the Support line.  
   

Installation (Day Of) - Hardware

1. For light textured soils: Drill slightly past where the bottom of the sensor will sit in soil.
   
2. For medium to heavy soils: Drill down to where the bottom of the sensor will sit. No further. 
   

1. Stop immediately. Continuing creates air gaps and inaccurate readings.
2. Remove the sensor, re-drill the hole, use more water if needed, and reinstall.
   

Special Notes for the V4 Sensor:

Sensor upgrades have made the structure sturdier, especially with thicker flighting. However, this also means too much torque or over-turning during installation can create air pockets, affecting data accuracy.

Recommended rotations during installation:

• 8 rotations for 4" offset
• 9 rotations for 2" offset
• 10 rotations for full depth install

This helps prevent “augering in place”, which creates loose soil and reduces sensor accuracy.

Confirming Your Installation Data

• Check the initial VWC measurements from the installation confirmation.
  

• In general, if any VWC reading is below 8%, it likely indicates poor soil contact (except in dry sandy conditions).
  Review the chart below to check that your soil is not below the average wilting point of its type:
  

  • Typical VWC at Wilting Point by Soil Type

    Note: These values are approximate and can vary depending on local soil structure and compaction. If readings are near or below the wilting point for your soil type, it's a strong indicator of either very dry conditions or a potential installation issue.

    Soil Type	Wilting Point (%VWC)
    Sand	4-6%
    Loamy Sand	6-8%
    Sandy Loam	6-10%
    Loam	10-12%
    Silt Loam	12-15%
    Clay Loam	14-18%
    Silty Clay Loam	15-20%
    Clay	18-22%
    Peat or Organic Soils	Highly variable (often >25%)

• To resolve: Remove the sensor, drill a new hole, lightly lubricate with water, and reinstall.

Items and tools to bring to the field:

1. Sensor with antenna paddle and cable
   
2. CropX Installation Kit 
   
3. Mobile phone
4. 18V drill or better with sufficient torque
   
5. Charged drill batteries
6. Spray bottle with water
   
7. Electrical tape or zip ties
   
8. Utility marker flags or 8 to 10' fiberglass whip flags (optional for marking)
9. PVC pipe or suitable pole to mount extended antenna (optional for tall crops/poor signal)