CS506-L Fuel Moisture Sensor
Remote Measurements
Monitors forest-fire factor; ideal for use with RAWS
weather applications water applications energy applications gas flux and turbulence applications infrastructure applications soil applications

Overview

The CS506 is a fuel moisture sensor that measures the moisture content of the 26601 10-hour fuel moisture stick. The 26601 emulates the moisture content of similarly sized twigs on the forest floor. The CS506/26601 combination is used to assess forest fire fuel and is often incorporated in our prewired or custom fire-weather stations.

Note: The image shows a CS506 fuel moisture sensor attached to a 26601 fuel moisture stick. The 26601 is purchased separately.

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Benefits and Features

  • Compatible with most Campbell Scientific data loggers
  • Companion product to CS205/107 fuel temperature sensor; can be mounted on the same stake
  • Can automatically monitor changing fuel conditions without having to visit the measurement site
  • Compatible telemetry options include spread spectrum radios, narrow-band radios, cellular phones, and satellite transmitters

Images

CS506 fuel moisture sensor attached to a 26601 fuel moisture stick (sold separately)
CS506 fuel moisture sensor attached to a 26601 fuel moisture stick (sold separately)
CS506 fuel moisture sensor attached to a 26601 fuel moisture stick (sold separately)
26817 mounting stake with a CS506, 26601, CS205, and 107 (items sold separately)

Similar Products

Detailed Description

The CS506 reports the status of small-diameter (10-hour) forest fire fuels as percent moisture by weight (1%=1 g water/100 g dry fuel). It consists of an epoxy-encapsulated electronics package that uses time-domain reflectometry (TDR) technology to measure the moisture content of the 26601 10-hour Fuel Moisture Stick. The sensor produces a ±0.7 Vdc square-wave frequency that is read using an analog or pulse channel on a Campbell Scientific data logger. The data logger then converts the frequency measurement to percent fuel moisture via a quadratic calibration.

Specifications

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 Consumption
  • 65 mA (active)
  • 45 μA (quiescent)
Output Signal ±0.7 Vdc square wave (with an output frequency of approximately 31 to 58 kHz)
Dimensions 10.16 x 6.35 x 1.91 cm (4 x 2.5 x 0.75 in.)
Weight < 0.5 kg (< 1 lb)

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

Note: The following shows notable compatibility information. It is not a comprehensive list of all compatible or incompatible products.

Data Loggers

Product Compatible Note
CR1000 (retired)
CR1000X (retired)
CR300 (retired)
CR3000 (retired)
CR310
CR350
CR6
CR800 (retired)
CR850 (retired)

Additional Compatibility Information

Fuel Temperature

The CS506 is typically measured alongside the CS205/107, which measures the fuel temperature.

Mounting

The 26817 Mounting Stake is often used to mount the CS506/26601 with the CS205/107. This stake places the probes twelve inches above the forest floor. Because the probes are mounted parallel to each other, shadowing is minimized. Cable ties are included for securing the cables to the side of the stake.

Data Logger Considerations

Programming

The CS506 produces a ±0.7-Vdc square-wave frequency that is read using an analog or pulse channel on a Campbell Scientific data logger. The data logger then converts the frequency measurement to percent fuel moisture via a quadratic calibration.


Frequently Asked Questions

Number of FAQs related to CS506-L: 2

  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. 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.


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