Veris Technologies Quad 1000 Soil EC Mapping System - Operating Instructions - Manual (Page 23)

OM17-Quad1000
6-2
Procedure #2: Testing Electrical Continuity
Perform this test daily or every 10 hours of data collection to ensure you are obtaining reliable
data, and whenever EC data is questionable.
The purpose of this test is to insure that each disk-electrode has an uninterrupted signal path from
the EC Surveyor to the disk blade. Think of each disk-electrode and its
wire path as a ‘channel’.
On a Quad1000, there are 4 signal channels that must be clear and isolated from each other. You
will first test the complete pathway for each channel
—each disk-electrode. One easy-to-take
reading for each channel tests the cable, wiring harness, and each disk-electrode and disk blade.
If no problems surface during this test, there is no need to test individual components. This test
should take only a couple of minutes to perform.
To perform this test, you will need the EC Signal Test Box (part #10759) and an ohmmeter,
sometimes referred to as a multi-meter or voltmeter (Figure 2.1). Make sure the meter is set to
ohms,
Ω. If a range of ohms is available, choose the lowest setting--ohms rather than kilo or mega
ohms. If unfamili
ar with ‘ohming-out’ or resistance testing, make a few trial tests before performing
the Veris signal test procedure. Touching the meter leads together will display a zero resistance
reading, touching two places on the same piece of metal will produce a nearly zero reading,
touching nothing will produce an OL (overload or over limit) reading
—meaning complete
resistance, and no continuity.
Figure 2.1
Remove the signal cable from the EC Surveyor and connect it to the terminal on the test box.
When testing the signal on the Quad 1000, use the center 4 terminals and use the numbers below
the terminals. The outside terminals and numbers above the terminals are for the 6 electrode
models.