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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Operating Range | 0 to 70% moisture content |
Power Supply | 5 to 18 Vdc |
Enable Voltage |
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Current Consumption |
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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 |
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0 to 10% Range |
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10 to 20% Range |
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20 to 30% Range |
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30 to 50% Range |
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Note: The following shows notable compatibility information. It is not a comprehensive list of all compatible or incompatible products.
Product | Compatible | Note |
---|---|---|
CR1000 (retired) | ||
CR1000X | ||
CR300 | ||
CR3000 (retired) | ||
CR310 | ||
CR350 | ||
CR6 | ||
CR800 (retired) | ||
CR850 (retired) |
The CS506 is typically measured alongside the CS205/107, which measures the fuel temperature.
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.
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.
Number of FAQs related to CS506-L: 6
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Both of these dowels can be easily replaced in the field with a Phillips screwdriver and an adjustable wrench.
For descriptions and illustrations (with part numbers) of the various instruments used in measuring fuel temperature and moisture, see the "Remote Measurements" brochure.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
Many Campbell Scientific sensors are available with different cable termination options. These options include the following:
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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