Watermark: How to Use Scotchloks

Many (but not all) of the soil moisture sensors discussed are connected to measuring
equipment using low voltage irrigation connectors. 3M® 316IR Scotchloks can be used
for this purpose. If you have not used Scotchloks before, the following notes will be of
use:

• Use one Scotchlok per connection, see picture below.

• If there are three holes - use one for a sensor wire and
  one for a measurement equipment wire - leave the third hole unused.

• Don’t strip the insulation from the wires to be joined. The metal plates inside the
  connectors work by displacing the insulation. Stripping the insulation will result
  in a poor connection.

Directions 

Watermark sensors require to be soaked for 24 hours before installation 

1. Insert one wire from the sensor cable and its corresponding colored wire from the logger or field station into the connector until fully inserted. The connectors are translucent on the side opposite the black button, allowing you to see when the wires are fully inserted.

2. Secure the wires in place and use pliers or multi-grips to press the black button on the connector all the way down. Repeat this process for all remaining connections.

3. Once all connections are made, ensure that the end of the logger cable is elevated off the ground and pointing downward to prevent water accumulation.

4. For added protection, consider wrapping the end of the cable or the connection itself in waterproof tape.