Introduction to the LI-710 and Water Node

The LI-710 Evapotranspiration Sensor measures the total transport of water from evaporation and transpiration over an area. The output from the LI-710 is evapotranspiration, energy flux, and other parameters in 30-minute increments. The LI-710, when paired with an IoE Module, is a Water Node on LI-COR Cloud.

Figure 1‑1. The LI-710 Evapotranspiration Sensor consists of two transducers for anemometric measurements and an air intake.

If you have just received your LI-710, check the packing list to be sure you have everything that you ordered. The LI-710 may include some or all of the following components.

LI-710 Evapotranspiration Sensor

Part number 9971-010

The sensor features one cable connector for power and data and one mounting post for mounting onto a tripod or meteorological sensor platform using a 1" (2.54 cm) cross-over fitting.

Data and power cable

Part number 392-19605

Each sensor includes a 5-meter long combined data and power cable. The cable connects to the SDI-12 terminals on a datalogger.

Spares kit

Part number 9971-008

Each LI-710 is shipped with a spares kit, which includes replacement parts and a tool for the instrument. See Table 1‑1 for a complete list.

Table 1‑1. Spares and accessories that are included with the LI-710.
Description Quantity Part Number
Pump 1 286-17946
Pump O-ring; 16×1.5 mm VITON 75 1 192-18247
Pump O-ring; 29×2 mm VITON 75 1 192-18249
Screws; M3×0.5 20 Stainless Steel 4 151-18159
Hex key; 2.5 mm ball end 1 611-20555
Intake Filter Tool 1 6371-021
Intake O-ring; 14.5×1 mm FKM 75 5 192-09986
Intake Filters 5 6571-002

Replacement parts

The spares kit included with each LI-710 includes the parts listed in Table 1‑1. Additional replacement parts are available for purchase.

Filter pack

Part number 9971-015

Five replacement filters are included in the spares kit. Additional filter packs are available for purchase. The filter pack includes five filters and five O-rings.

Replacement pump

Part number 9971-016

One replacement pump is included in the spares kit. Additional pumps are available for purchase. The kit includes one pump, two O-rings, and four screws.

IoE Module overview

The IoE Module may include some or all of the following components and services:

  • Cellular service plan and access to LI-COR Cloud (1 year).
  • Backup data logging to a removable Micro SD card (all configurations).
  • Built-in charge controller for the solar power supply (all configurations).
  • Solar and battery power supply (optional).
  • Mounting structure and enclosure for sensors and equipment (optional).

The IoE Module powers sensors for continuous long-term operation, while simultaneously posting data to the LI-COR Cloud via a cellular network. It allows operators to view data and assess results from sensors without visiting the sites.

IoE configurations are given in Table 1‑2 and described in the following sections.

Table 1‑2. IoE modules are available in a variety of configurations.
Part # LI-COR Cloud IoE Module Frame and Mast Solar Power
99512-014 - Yes - -
9000-01 Yes - - -
9000-02 Yes Yes Yes Yes
9000-031 Yes Yes - -
9000-04 Yes Yes Yes -

IoE module only

Part number 9000-03

The stand-alone IoE module includes the enclosure, electronics, power and data cable for the LI-710 (392-20750), one year of cellular service, and one year of LI-COR Cloud data service. We recommend the optional hardware mounting kit (9000-05) with this configuration.

IoE module, mast, and frame assembly

Part number 9000-04

This configuration includes everything listed previously, plus the frame with mast, assembly hardware, instrument and guy wire adapter, earth anchor kit, grounding kit, and tool kit. The mast allows height adjustment resolution of 20 cm at heights from 2 to 5 meters.

LI-720 instrument and guy adapter.

Assembly hardware kit

The hardware kit includes parts and accessories to assemble the system.

Description Part #
Braces; 1.25×0.5" U-channel; 39" long 98512-052
M6×1 6-mm stainless lock nuts (4) 157-20957
M6×1 12-mm cap screws (4) 151-20958
Instrument and guy wire adapter (1) 98512-081
Instrument and guy wire adapter (discontinued) 98512-013
M8×1.25 set pins (2) 155-16763

Earth anchor kit

The anchoring kit includes hardware to stabilize the mast when it is extended.

Description Part #
14-inch earth anchors with eye-bolts (3) 609-20822
Guy wires with clip (3) 609-20846
Gripple cable locks (3) -
Gripple release key (1) 611-21003

Grounding kit

The grounding kit includes hardware for an earth-ground.

Description Part #
Ground rod (1); 1.5 meter 609-20976
Ground wire (1); 2 meters; 8-gauge 374-12937
Ground rod clasp (1) 354-20819

Tools

Several assembly tools are included.

Description Part #
10 mm and 1/2" wrench (1) 98512-066
Multipurpose screwdriver (1) 611-07902
4 mm hex key (1) 611-21236

IoE module, mast, frame, battery, and solar panel

Part number 9000-02

The turnkey IoE Module includes everything listed previously, plus a solar panel, battery, and hardware for the solar power and battery. The panel rails provide angle adjustments to allow the solar panel to face the sun in different latitudes and seasons.

Battery kit

Part number 99512-031

The battery kit includes a 100-Ah 12-volt absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery, cables, and a bracket to secure the battery.

Description Part #
100-Ah 12-volt AGM lead-acid battery 442-20708
Battery cable assembly 99512-022
Battery hold-down bracket 98512-065

Solar panel kit

The solar power kit includes a solar panel and hardware for the power supply.

Description Part #
100-watt 12-volt solar panel 590-20735
Solar panel extension cables 392-20841
Solar panel bracket assemblies (2)  
Angle bracket (installed) 98512-050
U-channel bracket (installed) 98512-051
16-mm serrated flange bolts (installed) 150-20955
M6×1 6-mm nylon lock nuts (installed) 157-20957
1/4" clevis pin with 1/16" cotter pin 186-20847
M6×1 12-mm cap screws (4) 151-20958
Panel clamps (4) 98512-010

Sensor cable

Part number 392-20750

Each IoE Module includes a sensor cable to connect the LI-710 or LI-720 to the SENSOR connector on the IoE Module. It is a 5-meter long 5-pin cable with connectors on each end.

Optional mounting hardware

Part number 9000-05

Stand-alone IoE modules (9000-03) can be mounted with the mounting hardware kit, which is compatible with a vertical mast, horizontal cross arm, or pipe at nearly any angle. The kit includes two brackets, two band clamps, and additional hardware.

Warning: Do not use the optional mounting hardware with the battery kit (99512-031) or any other heavy battery. The mounting hardware (9000-05) is not strong enough to safely hold the battery, and may present a risk of injury if a battery is installed.

Optional auxiliary power cables

Power cables are used to power the IoE Module from external power (9 to 33 VDC, 3.0 A). Power cables are available in three lengths:

Description Part #
3-meter power cable 8150-706
5-meter power cable 9975-030
25-meter power cable 9975-056

Enclosure and electronics

The enclosure houses the electronics, antennas, and other components.

Warning: Read and understand the operating instructions and safety information before using this equipment. Failure to understand the safety information may result in bodily injury, damage to equipment, or unsatisfactory results.

Components

Components of the enclosure are labeled and described below.

  • Display: Monochrome display that presents status and configuration information. See The IoE module interface for a tour.
  • Buttons: Buttons include power (), navigation (, , , ), select (), and mount/unmount card.
  • Battery Shelf: To support the optional battery. Always use the hold-down bracket when a battery is installed.
  • Serial Number Label: The serial number label gives the product serial number, which may be useful if you need technical support.
  • Micro USB Port: To connect to a computer for manual firmware updates. Accepts a Micro-B connector.
  • Micro SD Card Slot: The slot is for the included Micro SD card to store a backup of data. An 8 GB card is included (part number 616-21301). The 8 GB card can store many years of data, typically. Most micro SD cards (FAT12, FAT16, FAT32, and ExFAT format) will work as long there is free space for files.
  • Battery Cable Connector: The cable from the optional 12-volt lead-acid battery attaches to this connector.
  • Auxiliary Power Out: One auxiliary power supply is provided inside the enclosure. Contact LI-COR technical support if you want to use the power out.

External connectors

The external connectors are for sensors, auxiliary power, and solar panels.

Warning: Read and understand the operating instructions and safety information before using this equipment. Failure to understand the safety information may result in bodily injury, damage to equipment, or unsatisfactory results.

  • SDI-12 Connectors: Two connectors for SDI-12 devices. Power, configuration, and data transfer are supported. The device must have a 5-pin sealed connector. The Stevens Soil Probe available from LI-COR (part number 900-19016) has the connector. The SDI-12 power supply provides 12 VDC with a maximum of 2.5 amps total, including the Sensor Connector.
  • Sensor Connector: Accepts the LI-710 or LI-720 cable (392-20750). It features a 5-pin sealed connector for a combined SDI-12/RS-232 port. The SDI-12 power supply provides 12 VDC with a maximum of 2.5 amps total, including the two SDI-12 connectors.
  • Auxiliary Power Input: For operation from an external power supply (other than the solar panel or battery). Supports 9 to 33 VDC, 3.0 A maximum current.
  • Solar Panel Inputs: To attach the solar panel extension cables. The maximum input is 9.15 A (circuitry is current limited to prevent damage). Compatible panels should output 17 to 21 V, with a maximum open circuit voltage of 32 V.

Extension cable (optional)

Part number 392-20529

25-meter extension cable with weather-resistant connectors on each end. Extends the IoE Module data/power cable for a total length of 30 meters.

Warning: Do not connect solar panels with voltage rating that is higher than specified. Doing so can damage equipment or cause injury.

Summary of theory of operation

The LI-710 uses eddy covariance calculations that are optimized for the hardware and sensor configuration. It combines vertical wind speed measurements with high-precision relative humidity measurements to compute evapotranspiration from the area surrounding the sensor. When the prevailing wind directions around the LI-710 are random or uniform, measurements represent the surrounding area and vegetation (known as the “fetch footprint”). When wind is from a prevailing direction, measurements represent the land area and vegetation under the prevailing winds. The fetch footprint encompasses an area around the LI-710 that is 50 to 100 times the height of the sensor (e.g., a 2-meter height above the canopy has a fetch footprint of 100 to 200 meters).

The LI-710 does not provide horizontal wind information and therefore, it does not report the fetch footprint of the measurement. In a proper deployment, the footprint will encompass a uniform land area surrounding the sensor or an area upwind of the prevailing wind direction (see Installing the LI-710 for more information).