FS TCM500 NDVI Turf Colour Meter - 2975NDVI

Turfgrass quality is visually evaluated by human assessors based on a scale of 1 (dead grass) to 9 (perfect grass) in the current assessment method. This evaluation practice has several disadvantages and therefore, there is the need for a better evaluation technique. Individual biases are inevitable and lead to some level of inconsistency, even among the most highly trained observers. Research from Clemson University, “Predicting Visual Quality Ratings of Turfgrass Research Plots Using Spectral Reflectance”(Muharrem, Keskin, Roy B. Dodd, Young J. Han, Ahmad Khalilian - Paper # 031114, ASAE 2003 Annual Meeting) is the basis for the technology used in this meter.

The FieldScout TCM 500 NDVI Turf Color Meter measures reflected light from approximately a three-inch diameter section of turfgrass in the red (660nm) and near infrared (850nm) spectral bands. Using an internal light source allows the meter to negate the effect of sunny versus cloudy conditions.

Data logging capability allows users to save measurements and to download to a PC (Spectrum’s PC cables connect to a 9-pin serial port. USB-Serial adapter (item 3661USB) required for connection to computers with only USB ports). When coupling the meter with a GPS unit (GPS interface requires two cables. The GPS/DGPS cable (item 2950CV5) is available from Spectrum. A PC serial interface cable supplied by the manufacturer of the GPS receiver is also required), the meter can collect geo-referenced measurements which can be used to create accurate maps of turf quality. The T-Handle allows readings to be taken from an upright position. Data is presented as percent reflectance of red and near infrared, NDVI, and Grass Index (ie. 7.3).

• Measures reflected light from approximately a 3 inch (7.6 cm) diameter section of turfgrass
• Uses an internal light source to negate the effect of sunny versus cloudy conditions
• Measures reflectance in the red (660 nm) and near infrared (850 nm) spectral bands
• Measurement diameter of 3 in (7.6 cm)
• Displays result as NDVI, percent reflectance, or as a user-adjustable grass index from 1 to 9
• Equipped with internal data logger and RS-232 port
• Records 3,250 measurements (1,350 with added GPS/DGPS option)
• Includes hard carrying case and TCM 500 T-Handle (item 2975H)

• Connects to any GPS receiver with serial output option, GPS interface requires two cables. The GPS/DGPS cable (item 2950CV5) is available from Spectrum. A PC serial interface cable supplied by the manufacturer of the GPS receiver is also required.
• Configure and download meter with FieldScout software (included), Spectrum’s PC cables connect to a 9-pin serial port. USB-Serial adapter (item 3661USB) required for connection to computers with only USB ports.