Soil Radar Moisture Meters TRIME PICO

The TRIME PICO series consists of advanced radar-based soil moisture sensors from IMKO, designed for highly accurate measurement of soil moisture and, optionally, electrical conductivity and temperature. The series includes the models PICO 32, PICO 64, PICO IPH2, and PICO PROFILE. All sensors can be controlled via Bluetooth and measurement data can be visualized directly on Android smartphones or tablets. They are extremely robust and suitable for use in harsh environments, greenhouses, heterogeneous soils, and scientific applications requiring high resolution.

Principle of Operation

TRIME PICO sensors operate using Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) technology with a very high-frequency electromagnetic pulse (up to 1 GHz). A short pulse is transmitted along the probe rods inserted into the soil. The propagation time of the pulse depends on the dielectric permittivity of the material, which is strongly influenced by water content. The reflected signal is precisely analyzed to determine soil moisture in volumetric percent (% vol.). Depending on the model, the sensors are optimized either for maximum resolution (PICO 32) or for reliable measurements in highly heterogeneous and stony soils (PICO 64). The method is largely insensitive to temperature, salinity, and soil inhomogeneities and usually requires no material-specific recalibration.

Models and Specifications

PICO 32

• Temperature range: –15 °C to +50 °C

• Power supply: +7 V to +24 V DC

• Analog outputs: 2 × 0…1 V (Output 1: moisture % vol.; Output 2: temperature or optional conductivity/standard deviation)

• Interfaces: RS485 or IMP-Bus

• Dimensions: 155 × Ø 32 mm

• Protection class: IP68

• Special features: Optional rod lengths 50, 80, 100 mm; designed for high-resolution and selective measurements (e.g., greenhouses, precision irrigation)

PICO 64

• Temperature range: –15 °C to +50 °C

• Power supply: +7 V to +24 V DC

• Analog outputs: 2 × 0…1 V (Output 1: moisture % vol.; Output 2: temperature or optional conductivity/standard deviation)

• Interfaces: RS485 or IMP-Bus

• Dimensions: 155 × Ø 63 mm

• Protection class: IP68

• Special features: Optional 100 mm rods; wide range of accessories (pre-drilling tools, telescopic extensions, SM-USB converter, HD2 display, PICO-BT wireless module, current/voltage transformers, data loggers, calibration kits); optimized for heterogeneous, stony, and compacted soils

Main Application Areas

TRIME PICO radar moisture meters are used for precise soil moisture monitoring in:

• Precision agriculture and greenhouse management (optimized irrigation)

• Soil science and environmental research (heterogeneous soils, profile measurements)

• Hydrology and civil engineering projects (extreme conditions, flood monitoring)

• Scientific field and laboratory studies with real-time data visualization on mobile devices

Advantages of TRIME PICO Radar Moisture Meters

• Outstanding accuracy and resolution: TDR technology with 1 GHz frequency delivers highly precise measurements even in difficult soils

• Robustness: Full IP68 protection and durable stainless-steel construction for long-term use in extreme environments

• User-friendly operation: Bluetooth control and direct visualization on Android devices; no additional handheld required

• Flexibility: Wide range of rod lengths, installation accessories, and interface options for almost any application

• Low maintenance: No frequent recalibration needed; insensitive to salinity and temperature fluctuations

• Fast and reliable data: Immediate results for real-time decision-making in agriculture, research, and water management