PiCUS TMS – Tree Motion Sensor
The Wind-Reaction-Measurement with PiCUS TMS is used for in depth tree inspections to obtain information about a tree’s stability, defined by its root anchoring force in the ground.
PiCUS TMS 3 – consistently innovative
Bluetooth-communication – control via mobile phone
New inclination measurement – quick and simple installation
Small and stealthy – Even you will have trouble finding it!
Wind-Reaction-Measurement – the method
The Wind-Reaction-Measurement records the dynamic sway motion of a tree in naturally occurring wind, by measuring the root plate tilt.
Advantages:
The trees reaction is measured directly, including all environmental influences.
These include tree specific parameters (size, form of the crown, etc.), wind strength and wind exposition (buildings and other trees in the vicinity).
In contrast to this the tree pulling test (Wessolly & Erb, 1998), an established method for assessing root defects, uses an artificial wind replacement load. However, an estimate for the correlation between actually occurring natural wind and the artificial wind replacement load is rather difficult because of the previously mentioned environmental influences.
Typical applications for Wind-Reaction-Measurements
Confirmation of stability
If trees only show a small root plate tilt, even in strong wind gusts, one can assume a stable root system.
Identification of trees with root anchorage problems
After measuring tree groups comparing the results can identify trees with conspicuously large root plate tilt.
Combination with static tree pulling test (TreeQinetic) with regards to stability
If a tree with increased tilt angles has been identified, it is often meaningful to follow up with a static pulling test to measure the trees reaction to a known force.
Addition to sonic tomography (PiCUS Sonic Tomograph) and resistance tomography (TreeTronic3)
Trees with large defects in the lower stem area (with assumed root defects) should additionally have their stability tested in natural wind
Surveillance of trees near construction
Sustained changes in a tree’s tilt angle during groundworks (e.g. placing of sheet pile walls) can be detected with the PiCUS TMS.
Long term monitoring of trees
Trees suspected of having root anchorage problems can be inspected in regular intervals to check whether:
The root plate tilt in wind decreases (tree grows new and stronger roots)
The root plate tilt in wind increases (roots are dying off or get damaged otherwise)
The reaction remains constant
Parameter PiCUS TMS 3 PiCUS TMS
General characteristics
colour grey black
weight 73 g 270 g
dimensions 61 mm x 41 mm x 20 mm 100 mm x 80 mm x 75 mm
protection Completely sealed against water and dust Protected against rain and dust
warranty 5 years 2 years
Measurement
Accuracy tilt measurement 0,03 ° 0,03 °
Measurement interval 0,05 s (20 Hz) 0,05 s (20 Hz)
Type of tilt measurement 3D measurement 2D measurement
Sensor orientation arbitrary horizontal
Accuracy temperature measurement 1 °C 1 °C
Temperature range -20 – +50 °C -20 – +50 °C
Battery
Battery capacity and runtime 250 mAh; > 14 days 2900 mAh; > 20 days
Charging wireless Micro USB cable
Charge duration approx. 2 h approx. 6 h
recommended charging temperature 5 – 35 °C 5 – 35 °C
Memory
Memory type MicroSD memory card
Memory size 256 MB Up to 32 GB
Memory runtime 20 days > 130 days (1 GB memory card)
Communication
Standby- and measuring mode Bluetooth Low Energy 4.0 Micro USB cable
Data download Bluetooth Classic 2.1 MicroSD card reader
Handling
TMS power on Magnetic key Electrical switch
Outdoor-handling BLE-capable mobile phone (Android, iOS)+TMS 3 App Electrical switch
Data download and analysis PC with Bluetooth Classic MicroSD card reader
+ TMS 3 Control software (direct sensor interaction) + TMS PC software
PiCUS TMS-case
Power supply 230 V AC, 50 Hz (adaptor) 230 V AC, 50 Hz (adaptor)
Number of TMS-chargers 10 (wireless charge bays) 10 (MicroUSB cable charger)
Maximum number of TMS 20 20
weight, filled (screws, cables, 10 TMS) 5,5 kg 11 kg
Maße 48 cm x 35 cm x 15 cm 60 cm x 45 cm x 17 cm
