What does the TrolMaster WCS-1 measure?
The WCS-1 monitors the percentage of water and nutrient solution held within the growing medium, providing a real-time indication of substrate moisture.
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TrolMaster WCS-1 Water Content Sensor - Aqua-X Substrate Moisture & Dry-Back Sensor
Please sign in to see pricing
13995
£139.95
Unit price perEstimated delivery between November 01 and November 03.
The TrolMaster WCS-1 Water Content Sensor provides real-time monitoring of the percentage of water and nutrient solution held within the growing medium, helping growers understand irrigation response and substrate dry-back.
Designed for integration with compatible TrolMaster control systems, the WCS-1 uses a multi-prong substrate probe to monitor moisture within the root zone. The current water-content percentage can be viewed directly on the WCS-1 LCD as well as through the connected controller and TrolMaster app.
Rather than relying on irrigation timings alone, growers can see how the substrate responds after watering and how quickly it dries between irrigation events. This information can then be used to refine irrigation frequency, duration and overall watering strategy.
Historical data can also be displayed as a graph through the TrolMaster app, providing a clear picture of wetting and dry-down cycles over time. When multiple WCS-1 sensors are connected to a single Aqua-X, the controller and app display the average reading from the connected sensors.
Why choose the TrolMaster WCS-1?
- Real-time water-content monitoring - continuously measures the moisture level within the growing medium.
- 0-100% measurement range - provides an easy-to-understand percentage water-content reading.
- Monitor substrate dry-back - see how quickly growing media dries between irrigation events.
- Improve irrigation decisions - use real substrate data to help refine irrigation frequency and duration.
- Built-in LCD display - view the current water-content reading directly on the WCS-1 module.
- App graphing - compatible TrolMaster systems can display historical water-content data as a graph.
- High and low monitoring - the system can provide an alarm when configured water-content limits are exceeded.
- Expandable sensing - up to eight WCS-1 sensors can be connected to a single Aqua-X NFS-1 controller.
- Multiple-zone insight - several sensors can be distributed through a growing area to provide a broader picture of substrate conditions.
- Supplied as a complete cable set - includes the WCS-1 sensor, RJ12 T-Splitter and 16ft RJ12 cable.
Monitor irrigation & substrate dry-back
The WCS-1 allows growers to see what happens inside the growing medium following an irrigation event. As water or nutrient solution enters the substrate, the measured water content rises. As plants use water and the substrate dries, the reading falls.
Viewing this cycle over time provides useful information about the actual behaviour of the root zone. This can help identify irrigation events that are too frequent, insufficient dry-back between waterings or periods where the substrate is becoming drier than intended.
The resulting information can be used alongside crop stage, environmental conditions and plant demand when adjusting an irrigation programme.
Calibration for your growing medium
TrolMaster recommends calibrating each WCS-1 to the growing medium and nutrient solution being used. Different substrates can hold water differently, so calibration helps the sensor provide useful readings for the specific irrigation system.
For calibration, the probe should be installed in the growing medium at approximately one-third of the way up from the bottom of the container, or as close to this position as practical.
Fully saturate the growing medium with the nutrient solution normally used for irrigation until runoff occurs. Allow the medium to sit for approximately 2-3 minutes, then press and hold the WCS-1 addressing button for approximately five seconds to perform the calibration.
Use the normal nutrient solution rather than fresh water when calibrating, as the characteristics of the irrigation solution can affect sensor calibration.
Using multiple WCS-1 sensors
A single Aqua-X NFS-1 can support up to eight WCS-1 Water Content Sensors. This allows sensors to be positioned at representative points throughout a larger irrigation system rather than relying on a single measurement location.
When multiple WCS-1 sensors are connected to one Aqua-X, the value displayed by the Aqua-X controller and app is the average of the connected sensor readings.
This can provide a useful overall indication of substrate moisture across the monitored growing area while individual sensor placement helps account for variation between different locations.
TrolMaster WCS-1 product details
| Brand | TrolMaster |
|---|---|
| Model | WCS-1 |
| Product type | Growing medium water-content sensor |
| Primary measurement | Percentage water / nutrient solution within the growing medium |
| Measurement range | 0-100% |
| Display | Built-in LCD |
| Input voltage | 12V DC |
| Maximum input current | 0.1A |
| Operating temperature | 32-122°F / approximately 0-50°C |
| Operating humidity | Up to 90% |
| Aqua-X NFS-1 capacity | Up to 8 WCS-1 sensors |
| Multiple sensor display | Aqua-X and app display the average value of connected WCS-1 sensors |
| Package dimensions | 275 x 164 x 62mm |
| Typical applications | Substrate moisture monitoring, irrigation analysis & dry-back monitoring |
What's included?
| Water Content Sensor | 1 x TrolMaster WCS-1 |
|---|---|
| Splitter | 1 x RJ12 T-Splitter |
| Connection cable | 1 x 16ft RJ12 cable |
TrolMaster WCS-1 Water Content Sensor FAQs
What is the measurement range of the WCS-1?
The specified measurement range is 0-100% water content.
Can the WCS-1 help monitor substrate dry-back?
Yes. This is one of its key applications. Historical readings can show how quickly the growing medium loses moisture between irrigation events, helping growers visualise the dry-down cycle.
Can the WCS-1 help improve irrigation scheduling?
Yes. Monitoring how the substrate responds to irrigation and subsequently dries can provide useful information when adjusting irrigation frequency and duration.
Does the WCS-1 have its own display?
Yes. The WCS-1 incorporates an LCD so the current water-content percentage can be viewed directly on the module.
Can I see WCS-1 readings in the TrolMaster app?
Yes. When used with a compatible connected TrolMaster controller, water-content information can be viewed through the app and displayed as historical graph data.
Does the WCS-1 need to be calibrated?
TrolMaster highly recommends calibrating the WCS-1 to the growing medium and nutrient solution being used. This helps account for differences between substrates and irrigation solutions.
Should I use plain water when calibrating the WCS-1?
No. TrolMaster recommends saturating the test medium with the nutrient solution normally used for irrigation rather than fresh water, as using fresh water can affect calibration.
Where should the WCS-1 probe be positioned?
TrolMaster recommends positioning the probe approximately one-third of the way up from the bottom of the growing container, or as close to that position as practical.
How many WCS-1 sensors can I connect to an Aqua-X?
Up to eight WCS-1 Water Content Sensors can be connected to a single Aqua-X NFS-1 controller.
What happens when several WCS-1 sensors are connected?
When multiple WCS-1 sensors are connected to a single Aqua-X, the value displayed on the Aqua-X and in the app is the average of the connected sensor readings.
Can the WCS-1 provide moisture alarms?
Yes. The WCS-1 supports alarms when configured water-content setpoints are exceeded through a compatible TrolMaster system.
Does the WCS-1 measure EC or substrate temperature?
No. The WCS-1 is a dedicated water-content sensor. Growers requiring additional substrate measurements such as EC or temperature should use an appropriate TrolMaster multi-parameter substrate sensor.
What's included with the WCS-1 cable set?
The package contains one WCS-1 Water Content Sensor, one RJ12 T-Splitter and one 16ft RJ12 connection cable.
TrolMaster WCS-1 Water Content Sensor - Aqua-X Substrate Moisture & Dry-Back Sensor
Please sign in to see pricing
13995
£139.95
Unit price perThe TrolMaster WCS-1 Water Content Sensor provides real-time monitoring of the percentage of water and nutrient solution held within the growing medium, helping growers understand irrigation response and substrate dry-back.
Designed for integration with compatible TrolMaster control systems, the WCS-1 uses a multi-prong substrate probe to monitor moisture within the root zone. The current water-content percentage can be viewed directly on the WCS-1 LCD as well as through the connected controller and TrolMaster app.
Rather than relying on irrigation timings alone, growers can see how the substrate responds after watering and how quickly it dries between irrigation events. This information can then be used to refine irrigation frequency, duration and overall watering strategy.
Historical data can also be displayed as a graph through the TrolMaster app, providing a clear picture of wetting and dry-down cycles over time. When multiple WCS-1 sensors are connected to a single Aqua-X, the controller and app display the average reading from the connected sensors.
Why choose the TrolMaster WCS-1?
- Real-time water-content monitoring - continuously measures the moisture level within the growing medium.
- 0-100% measurement range - provides an easy-to-understand percentage water-content reading.
- Monitor substrate dry-back - see how quickly growing media dries between irrigation events.
- Improve irrigation decisions - use real substrate data to help refine irrigation frequency and duration.
- Built-in LCD display - view the current water-content reading directly on the WCS-1 module.
- App graphing - compatible TrolMaster systems can display historical water-content data as a graph.
- High and low monitoring - the system can provide an alarm when configured water-content limits are exceeded.
- Expandable sensing - up to eight WCS-1 sensors can be connected to a single Aqua-X NFS-1 controller.
- Multiple-zone insight - several sensors can be distributed through a growing area to provide a broader picture of substrate conditions.
- Supplied as a complete cable set - includes the WCS-1 sensor, RJ12 T-Splitter and 16ft RJ12 cable.
Monitor irrigation & substrate dry-back
The WCS-1 allows growers to see what happens inside the growing medium following an irrigation event. As water or nutrient solution enters the substrate, the measured water content rises. As plants use water and the substrate dries, the reading falls.
Viewing this cycle over time provides useful information about the actual behaviour of the root zone. This can help identify irrigation events that are too frequent, insufficient dry-back between waterings or periods where the substrate is becoming drier than intended.
The resulting information can be used alongside crop stage, environmental conditions and plant demand when adjusting an irrigation programme.
Calibration for your growing medium
TrolMaster recommends calibrating each WCS-1 to the growing medium and nutrient solution being used. Different substrates can hold water differently, so calibration helps the sensor provide useful readings for the specific irrigation system.
For calibration, the probe should be installed in the growing medium at approximately one-third of the way up from the bottom of the container, or as close to this position as practical.
Fully saturate the growing medium with the nutrient solution normally used for irrigation until runoff occurs. Allow the medium to sit for approximately 2-3 minutes, then press and hold the WCS-1 addressing button for approximately five seconds to perform the calibration.
Use the normal nutrient solution rather than fresh water when calibrating, as the characteristics of the irrigation solution can affect sensor calibration.
Using multiple WCS-1 sensors
A single Aqua-X NFS-1 can support up to eight WCS-1 Water Content Sensors. This allows sensors to be positioned at representative points throughout a larger irrigation system rather than relying on a single measurement location.
When multiple WCS-1 sensors are connected to one Aqua-X, the value displayed by the Aqua-X controller and app is the average of the connected sensor readings.
This can provide a useful overall indication of substrate moisture across the monitored growing area while individual sensor placement helps account for variation between different locations.
TrolMaster WCS-1 product details
| Brand | TrolMaster |
|---|---|
| Model | WCS-1 |
| Product type | Growing medium water-content sensor |
| Primary measurement | Percentage water / nutrient solution within the growing medium |
| Measurement range | 0-100% |
| Display | Built-in LCD |
| Input voltage | 12V DC |
| Maximum input current | 0.1A |
| Operating temperature | 32-122°F / approximately 0-50°C |
| Operating humidity | Up to 90% |
| Aqua-X NFS-1 capacity | Up to 8 WCS-1 sensors |
| Multiple sensor display | Aqua-X and app display the average value of connected WCS-1 sensors |
| Package dimensions | 275 x 164 x 62mm |
| Typical applications | Substrate moisture monitoring, irrigation analysis & dry-back monitoring |
What's included?
| Water Content Sensor | 1 x TrolMaster WCS-1 |
|---|---|
| Splitter | 1 x RJ12 T-Splitter |
| Connection cable | 1 x 16ft RJ12 cable |
TrolMaster WCS-1 Water Content Sensor FAQs
What does the TrolMaster WCS-1 measure?
The WCS-1 monitors the percentage of water and nutrient solution held within the growing medium, providing a real-time indication of substrate moisture.
What is the measurement range of the WCS-1?
The specified measurement range is 0-100% water content.
Can the WCS-1 help monitor substrate dry-back?
Yes. This is one of its key applications. Historical readings can show how quickly the growing medium loses moisture between irrigation events, helping growers visualise the dry-down cycle.
Can the WCS-1 help improve irrigation scheduling?
Yes. Monitoring how the substrate responds to irrigation and subsequently dries can provide useful information when adjusting irrigation frequency and duration.
Does the WCS-1 have its own display?
Yes. The WCS-1 incorporates an LCD so the current water-content percentage can be viewed directly on the module.
Can I see WCS-1 readings in the TrolMaster app?
Yes. When used with a compatible connected TrolMaster controller, water-content information can be viewed through the app and displayed as historical graph data.
Does the WCS-1 need to be calibrated?
TrolMaster highly recommends calibrating the WCS-1 to the growing medium and nutrient solution being used. This helps account for differences between substrates and irrigation solutions.
Should I use plain water when calibrating the WCS-1?
No. TrolMaster recommends saturating the test medium with the nutrient solution normally used for irrigation rather than fresh water, as using fresh water can affect calibration.
Where should the WCS-1 probe be positioned?
TrolMaster recommends positioning the probe approximately one-third of the way up from the bottom of the growing container, or as close to that position as practical.
How many WCS-1 sensors can I connect to an Aqua-X?
Up to eight WCS-1 Water Content Sensors can be connected to a single Aqua-X NFS-1 controller.
What happens when several WCS-1 sensors are connected?
When multiple WCS-1 sensors are connected to a single Aqua-X, the value displayed on the Aqua-X and in the app is the average of the connected sensor readings.
Can the WCS-1 provide moisture alarms?
Yes. The WCS-1 supports alarms when configured water-content setpoints are exceeded through a compatible TrolMaster system.
Does the WCS-1 measure EC or substrate temperature?
No. The WCS-1 is a dedicated water-content sensor. Growers requiring additional substrate measurements such as EC or temperature should use an appropriate TrolMaster multi-parameter substrate sensor.
What's included with the WCS-1 cable set?
The package contains one WCS-1 Water Content Sensor, one RJ12 T-Splitter and one 16ft RJ12 connection cable.
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13995
£139.95
Unit price per