Time-domain Reflectometer

Trase utilizes the principle of TDR in order to convert the travel time of a high frequency, electromagnetic pulse into volumetric water content. In practice Trase generates a fast-rise pulse and sends it at the speed of light down a transmission line consisting of two parallel Waveguides that are inserted or buried in the soil. The velocity of propagation of the high frequency, broad band 3GHz wave in soil is determined primarily by the water content. The wave is reflected from the open ends of the Waveguides and returns along the original path. By microprocessor, the travel time of the wave is used to directly calculate the dielectric constant of the surrounding medium.
THE WORLD'S MOST VERSATILE TDR INSTRUMENT - TRASE
Trase is the only self-contained TDR instrument capable of investigating and monitoring not only soils, but a wide variety of other materials as well. It is fully field portable, and when you need to leave it at a remote site for several days or weeks, it can be accessed from home or office. On site, Trase quickly measures the dielectric and subsequent moisture properties of soil, seeds, or other materials at a specific location, or, with the optional Trase Multiplexer, at up to 256 locations. Trase automatically logs your sensors at intervals ranging from once a minute to once a day. Using diverse waveguide configurations and associated conversion tables, Trase rapidly measures new or unusual materials.