CS516-QD Fuel Moisture and Temperature Sensor with Fuel Sticks for RAWS-F Station

Overview

The CS516-QD consists of a CS506 Fuel Moisture Probe, a 26601 10-hour Fuel Moisture Stick, a CS205 Fuel Temperature Stick, and a 107 Temperature Probe mounted on a 26817 Mounting Stake. The cables on the CS506 and 107 probes terminate in a military style connector instead of pigtails. The connector attaches to the RAWS-F Fire Weather Quick Deployment Station.

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Detailed Description

Fuel temperature is measured by inserting the thermistor-based 107 probe inside of the CS205 dowel. Dowel replacement is recommended every spring; more frequent replacement may be required in some environments (i.e., those with a large number of wet/dry cycles).

The CS506 Fuel Moisture Sensor consists of an epoxy-encapsulated electronics package. It uses Time Domain Reflectometry to measure the moisture content of the USFS-specified, 10-hour, ponderosa pine dowel. No artificial materials (e.g., epoxy sealant) are added to the dowel that would adversely influence the natural behavior characteristics of it. Because the complete dowel surface is accessible for moisture exchange, the response of the CS506 is similar to that of the traditional weighing racks.

To optimize probe-to-probe repeatability and to allow probe interchangeability without individual calibration, two additional sorts are performed on the dowels before they are selected to be used as a sensor. First, the dowels are sorted dry by density to improve accuracy in the dry range of 0 to 15%. Second, the dowels are sorted after a 50-minute soak by weight to reduce probe-to-probe time response variation and minimize variability in the wet range of 20 to 50%.

Specifications

Cable Length 3.7 m (12 ft)
Weight 2.4 kg (5.29 lb)

Fuel Moisture

Operating Range 0 to 70% moisture content
Power Supply 5 to 18 Vdc
Enable Voltage
  • Off at 0 Vdc (< 1 Vdc)
  • On at 5 Vdc (> 4 Vdc; maximum 18 Vdc)
Current Use
  • 65 mA (active)
  • 45 μA (quiescent)
Output Signal ±0.7 Vdc square wave (with an output frequency of approximately 31 to 58 kHz)

Fuel Temperature

Sensor BetaTherm 100K6A1B Thermistor
Tolerance ±0.2°C (over 0° to 50°C range)
Temperature Measurement Range -35° to +50°C
Steinhart-Hart Equation Error ≤ ±0.01°C (over measurement range)

Fuel Moisture Accuracy

0 to 10% Range
  • ±1.25% (worst case)
  • ±0.74% (RMS error)
10 to 20% Range
  • ±2% (worst case)
  • ±0.9% (RMS error)
20 to 30% Range
  • ±3.4% (worst case)
  • ±1.94% (RMS error)
30 to 50% Range
  • ±4.11% (worst case)
  • ±2.27% (RMS error)

Compatibility

The cables on the CS506 and 107 probes terminate in a military style connector instead of pigtails. The connector attaches to the RAWS-F enclosure.


Frequently Asked Questions

Number of FAQs related to CS516-QD: 6

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    • The CS506-L Fuel Moisture Sensor uses a 26601 10-Hour Fuel Moisture Stick.
    • The 107 Temperature Probe uses a CS205 10-Hour Fuel Temperature Stick.

    Both of these dowels can be easily replaced in the field with a Phillips screwdriver and an adjustable wrench.

  1. For descriptions and illustrations (with part numbers) of the various instruments used in measuring fuel temperature and moisture, see the "Remote Measurements" brochure.

  2. Not every sensor has different cable termination options. The options available for a particular sensor can be checked by looking in two places in the Ordering information area of the sensor product page:

    • Model number
    • Cable Termination Options list

    If a sensor is offered in an –ET, –ETM, –LC, –LQ, or –QD version, that option’s availability is reflected in the sensor model number. For example, the 034B is offered as the 034B-ET, 034B-ETM, 034B-LC, 034B-LQ, and 034B-QD.

    All of the other cable termination options, if available, are listed on the Ordering information area of the sensor product page under “Cable Termination Options.” For example, the 034B-L Wind Set is offered with the –CWS, –PT, and –PW options, as shown in the Ordering information area of the 034B-L product page.

    Note: As newer products are added to our inventory, typically, we will list multiple cable termination options under a single sensor model rather than creating multiple model numbers. For example, the HC2S3-L has a –C cable termination option for connecting it to a CS110 instead of offering an HC2S3-LC model. 

  3. Most Campbell Scientific sensors are available as an –L, which indicates a user-specified cable length. If a sensor is listed as an –LX model (where “X” is some other character), that sensor’s cable has a user-specified length, but it terminates with a specific connector for a unique system:

    • An –LC model has a user-specified cable length for connection to an ET107, CS110, or retired Metdata1.
    • An –LQ model has a user-specified cable length for connection to a RAWS-P weather station.

    If a sensor does not have an –L or other –LX designation after the main model number, the sensor has a set cable length. The cable length is listed at the end of the Description field in the product’s Ordering information. For example, the 034B-ET model has a description of “Met One Wind Set for ET Station, 67 inch Cable.” Products with a set cable length terminate, as a default, with pigtails.

    If a cable terminates with a special connector for a unique system, the end of the model number designates which system. For example, the 034B-ET model designates the sensor as a 034B for an ET107 system.

    • –ET models terminate with the connector for an ET107 weather station.
    • –ETM models terminate with the connector for an ET107 weather station, but they also include a special system mounting, which is often convenient when purchasing a replacement part.
    • –QD models terminate with the connector for a RAWS-F Quick Deployment Station.
    • –PW models terminate with the connector for a PWENC or pre-wired system.
  4. Both the 26601 10-Hour Fuel Moisture Stick (used with the CS506-L) and the CS205 10-Hour Fuel Temperature Stick (used with the 107-L) can be easily replaced in the field with a Phillips screwdriver and an adjustable wrench.

    The dowels should be replaced each spring; more frequent replacements may be required in some environments. The more wet/dry cycles the dowels experience, the more frequently they will need to be replaced.

  5. Many Campbell Scientific sensors are available with different cable termination options. These options include the following:

    • The –PT (–PT w/Tinned Wires) option is the default option and does not display on the product line as the other options do. The cable terminates in pigtails that connect directly to a data logger.
    • In the –C (–C w/ET/CS110 Connector) option, the cable terminates in a connector that attaches to a CS110 Electric Field Meter or an ET-series weather station.
    • In the –CWS (–CWS w/CWS900 Connector) option, the cable terminates in a connector that attaches to a CWS900-series interface. Connection to a CWS900-series interface allows the sensor to be used in a wireless sensor network.
    • In the –PW (–PW w/Pre-Wire Connector) option, the cable terminates in a connector that attaches to a prewired enclosure.
    • In the –RQ (–RQ w/RAWS Connector) option, the cable terminates in a connector that attaches to a RAWS-P Permanent Remote Automated Weather Station.

    Note: The availability of cable termination options varies by sensor. For example, sensors may have none, two, or several options to choose from. If a desired option is not listed for a specific sensor, contact Campbell Scientific for assistance.


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