DF Fruit and Vegetable Dendrometer

    The DF series dendrometers are used for high-precision and continuous measurement of fruit and vegetable growth. These devices are suitable for long-term application in outdoor conditions. Due to their extremely low power consumption, Ecomatik dendrometers are ideal for battery-powered solutions, e.g., in IoT applications.

    DF fruit and vegetable dendrometers are specially designed to measureme on fruit bodies of different sizes and shapes. This design allows for stable fixation of the fruit in the dendrometer frame without affecting fruit growth. Depending on the model and conditions of installation, the dendrometer frame can be flexibly attached to the branch/shoot from which a fruit hangs. This installation prevents any straining on the branch/shoot, thus avoiding damage to the fruit being measured.

    The DF series comprises four different models:
    The models DF5 and DF6 come with a quick-mount fruit holder in which the fruit is easily installed and measured.  Fruit growth is directly measured without mechanical magnification of the respective measuring range (11 and 25 mm). The fruit growth data collected by these models are precise to the nearest micrometer and are therefore suitable for tracking even the finest growth responses.

    The DF4 model, on the other hand, comes with a completely different measuring and installation method. Instead of being fixed in a frame, the fruit is clamped in a movable claw. The advantages of this movable claw include quick, easy installation and a notable mechanically magnified measuring range of up to 130 mm. This range is suitable for many types of fruit and thus allows maintenance-free, absolute measurement of a fruit throughout the growth and ripening process.

    1. DF4, easy installation and maintenance-free measurement through a claw mechanism, large measuring range of 130 mm for large and fast-growing fruits (e.g. apple, orange, peach, tomato, ...)
    2. DF5: with a measuring range of 11 mm for small fruits (e.g. cherries, grapes).
    3. DF6: larger measuring range of 25 mm for medium-sized and fast-growing fruits (e.g. plums, nuts, tangerines, apricots)

    Advantages

    • Suitable for diameters between 0 and 3 cm (DF5), 0 und 5 cm (DF6), or 0 and 13 cm (DF4)
    • Solutions for larger diameters on request
    • No extra weight load on the fruit
    • Records when ripening occurs in the case of soft fruit and vegetable varieties
    • Injury-free installation
    • Minimal pressure on the measuring point
    • Maximum stability against wind, snow, falling branches and fruit
    • Reliable measurement values

      Specific to the DF5 & DF6 models
    • Direct micrometer-precise measurement of fruit growth, without mechanical magnification of the respective measuring range (11 and 25 mm).
    • DF6 with extended measuring range; reduced maintenance effort (i.e. longer time interval between readjustment of the dendrometer frame) for fast-growing species

      Specific to the DF4 model
    • Mechanically greatly magnified measuring range of up to 130 mm, maintenance-free (no readjustment necessary) measurement of the absolute fruit diameter throughout the fruit formation process.

    Limits

    • Not suitable for fruits that are too soft (e.g. ripe raspberries)

    Models

    Model name

    Suitable for fruit diameter

    Sensor measurement range

    DF410 to 130 mm130 mm
    DF55 to 30 mm11 mm
    DF65 to 50 mm25 mm

    Technical data

    Sensor model name

    Fruit & Vegetable Dendrometer

    Type DF4

    Fruit & Vegetable Dendrometer

    Type DF5

    Fruit & Vegetable Dendrometer

    Type DF6

    Scope of application

    Medium-/large-sized and fast-growing fruitsmall-sized fruitSmall- to medium-sized, fast-growing fruit

    Suitable for fruit diameter

    10 – 130 mm0 – 30 mm5 – 50 mm

    Special features/limitations

    Quick and easy installation with the fruit gripper.

    Mechanically greatly magnified measuring range of 130 mm.

    Maintenance-free (no readjustment necessary) measurement of the absolute fruit diameter.

    Quick and easy installation with quick-mount fruit holder.

    Extended measuring range for medium-sized, fast-growing fruits.

    Direct, micrometer-accurate measurement of fruit growth.

    Quick and easy installation with quick-mount fruit holder.

    Extended measuring range for medium-sized, fast-growing fruits.

    Direct, micrometer-accurate measurement of fruit growth.

    Measurement range

    130 mm linear (full range, FS)

    11.0 mm linear

    25.4 mm linear

    Resolution

    Data logger dependent e.g.:

    CR300 series: 0.15 µm

    Dendrometer logger DL18: 2.5 µm

    Data logger dependent e.g.:

    CR300 series: 0.01 µm

    Dendrometer logger DL18: 0.2 µm

    Data logger dependent e.g.:

    CR300 series: 0.03 µm

    Dendrometer logger DL18: 0.5 µm

    Accuracy

    Dendrometer dependent: max. ± 0.8% of the measured value (stable offset)

    Data logger dependent e.g.:

    CR300 series: ± (0.1% of the measured value + 3.5 µm)

    Dendrometer logger DL18: ± (0.1% of the measured value + 5.5 µm)

    Dendrometer dependent: max. ± 4.5% of the measured value (stable offset)

    Data logger dependent e.g.:

    CR300 series: ± (0.04% of the measured value + 0.3 µm)

    Dendrometer logger DL18: ± (0.1% of the measured value + 0.45 µm)

    Dendrometer dependent: max. ± 1.97% of the measured value (stable offset)

    Data logger dependent e.g.:

    CR300 series: ± (0.04% of the measured value + 0.6 µm)

    Dendrometer logger DL18: ± (0.1% of the measured value + 1 µm)

    Output signal

    Analogue, 0V to 80% of Vex (excitation supply voltage)

    Analogue, 0V to Vex (excitation supply voltage)

    Analogue, 0V to Vex (excitation supply voltage)

    Temperature drift of the sensor

    < 0.015% of FS/°C in the whole measurement range

    < 0.2 µm/°C in the whole measurement range

    < 0.2 µm/°C in the whole measurement range

    Linearity

    < 1%

    < 1%

    < 0.7%

    Operational conditions

    All Models:

    normal outdoor field conditions, -25 to 70 °C, 0 to 100% relative air humidity

    All Models:

    normal outdoor field conditions, -25 to 70 °C, 0 to 100% relative air humidity

    All Models:

    normal outdoor field conditions, -25 to 70 °C, 0 to 100% relative air humidity

    Weight (sensor without cable)

    48 g

    15 g

    33 g

    Power supply

    Vex (! stabilized !) 0.5 to 10 VDC,

    Power consumption max. 0.28 µWh per measurement

    Vex (! stabilized !) 0.5 to 10 VDC,

    Power consumption max. 0.28 µWh per measurement

    Vex (! stabilized !) 0.5 to 10 VDC,

    Power consumption max. 0.28 µWh per measurement

    Material

    Stainless steel and aluminium

    Stainless steel and aluminium

    Stainless steel and aluminium

    Sensor cable length

    5 m, extendable on request to max. 100 m

    5 m, extendable on request to max. 100 m

    5 m, extendable on request to max. 100 m

    Manual

    Technical data sheets

    Special information for integrators & developers

    Do you already know our references?

    You would like to gain an insight into our worldwide customer base or some of our interesting projects? You are interested in our certificates and awards or in some selected scientific publications?

    Accessories & Compatible Products

    Data loggers

    From small and compact to an extensive measuring network, Ecomatik offers complete system solutions for sensor data acquisition in any desired size:

    Note

    The output signal of all Ecomatik dendrometer models is an analogue DC voltage. Our dendrometers are therefore compatible with almost all common data loggers and microcontrollers with analogue voltage input channels (e.g. also Arduino). If you are unsure about the compatibility of an existing data logger, please do not hesitate to contact us.

    Contact

    You need a quotation, have questions about a product, or need extensive technical advice in the context of your project planning. Starting with an initial determination of your needs, through the detailed planning of the required measurement equipment and data transmission technology, up to professional implementation on site, we are at your disposal at any time with advice and action.

    General information on order processing

    Thank you for your interest in our products and services! Here you will find important information about the ordering process:

    To our international customers: Please note, we ship worldwide! If we do not currently have a listed distributor in your country (a list can be found here) , please feel free to contact us directly.

    Assessment of your needs

    With your consideration and input, we determine which of our products best meet your needs. We are also happy to design fully-integrated measuring stations (plant, climate, soil sensors), including an independent power supply and mobile data transmission, depending on your requirements.

    Do you require our assistance before placing an order?

    We are happy to help! So that we can provide you with correct and helpful advice, please fill out the online form below with your contact details and other information about your application and send it our way. We will then immediately review your details and contact you.

    Are you already familiar with our products and know exactly what you need?

    Perfect, then just write us an email! In your order, please state the diameter of your measuring objects in addition to the required cable lengths.

    Your contact details and Assessment of your needs

    Like so many things, everything started with an idea ...

    In the case of the plant scientist and founder of ECOMATIK, Dr. Liu, it was the idea that modern measurement technology should enable crucial plant physiological parameters to be measured directly, precisely and with high temporal resolution on the plant itself. It was obvious to him that there is an information potential of immense value in the detailed understanding of immediate reactions of plants to their environment...