DMS ™

DRAIN MEASUREMENT SYSTEM

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL

V 001.01 - JUNE 2017

 USE OF SYMBOLS

The symbols used in this manual refer to the following:

WARNING
The following text contains instructions aimed at preventing bodily injury or direct damage to the
crops, the DMS and/or the infrastructure.

CAUTION
The following text contains instructions aimed at preventing unwanted system operation,
installation or conditions that, if not followed, might void the warranty.

ATTENTION
The following text contains instructions aimed at enhancing the efficiency of usage of the
instructions in the manual.

NOTE
The following text contains instructions aimed at emphasizing certain aspects of operation or
installation of the system.

ELECTRICAL HAZARD
The following text contains instructions aimed at preventing bodily injury or direct damage to the
DMS and/or the infrastructure in the presence of electricity.

SAFETY FOOTWEAR
The following text contains instructions aimed at preventing foot injury.

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
The following text contains instructions aimed at preventing damage to health or bodily
injury in the presence of fertilizers, acid or other chemicals.

© COPYRIGHT 2017, NETAFIM

NO PARTS OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED, STORED IN AN AUTOMATED DATA FILE OR MADE PUBLIC IN
ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS, WHETHER ELECTRONIC, MECHANICAL, BY PHOTOCOPYING, RECORDING OR IN ANY
OTHER MANNER WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER.

ALTHOUGH NETAFIM TAKES THE GREATEST POSSIBLE CARE IN DESIGNING AND PRODUCING BOTH ITS PRODUCTS
AND THE ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTATION, THEY MAY STILL INCLUDE FAULTS.

NETAFIM WILL NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR DAMAGE RESULTING FROM THE USE OF NETAFIM'S PRODUCTS OR
THE USE OF THIS MANUAL.

NETAFIM RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES AND IMPROVEMENTS TO ITS PRODUCTS AND/OR THE ASSOCIATED
DOCUMENTATION WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.

NOTE
All the drawings in this document are for the purpose of illustration only. The actual product details
and infrastructure condition may differ in any actual application.

FOREIGN LANGUAGES
In the event that you are reading this manual in a language other than the English language, you
acknowledge and agree that the English language version shall prevail in case of inconsistency or
contradiction in interpretation or translation.
 CONTENTS
Introduction 4
General instructions 4
Safety instructions 4

Description
Introduction 5
Main benefits 5
System view 5
Ordering options 6
General technical data 7
Dimensions 7
Weight 7

Installation
Before installation 8
Tools needed 8
Materials needed 8
Unpacking 8
Placement 8
Assembly and installation - step by step 9
Aluminum stand assembly 9
Drain manifold installation 9
EC sensor insertion 10
Drain collector funnel and strainer installation 10
EC-pH transducer installation 11
Electrical connection box installation 11
Steel clips to gutter connection 11
Gutter end cap to gutter connection 12
Gutter on aluminum stand placing 12
Gutter and stand adjustment 12
Wiring 13

Initial operation
Crop and dripperline placing on the DMS gutter 14
Calculating the number of drippers on the DMS gutter 14
Entering the pulse value and drain delay time in the controller 14
EC measurement 14

Maintenance
Tipping spoon cleaning 15
Drain nozzle cleaning 15
Collector strainer cleaning 15

Troubleshooting
No drain reading in the controller 16
Wrong EC sensor reading 16
The NMC controller does not receive pulses 16

List of parts 17

Warranty 18

DMS INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL 3

INTRODUCTION
Aim of this manual
This manual gives details on the installation, connection, commissioning and maintenance of Netafim’s
Drain Measurement System (DMS).

NOTE
This manual describes the installation process of the DMS full kit version A, that includes drain
quantity and EC measurement. When installing other DMS versions, refer only to the relevant steps.
However, the operation, maintenance and troubleshooting chapters refer to all the DMS versions.

CAUTION
Read the safety instructions below before beginning installation of the DMS.

General instructions
• Installation should be performed on a hard, leveled floor or on a flat, hard leveled plate.

• Do not apply excessive force or pressure to the components during the installation or operation.

• Verify that all the infrastructure components work properly.

Electricity
• Ensure that a suitable electrical power supply is available in the vicinity of the installation for the DMS
electrical connection.

Safety instructions
• All safety regulations must be applied.

• Ensure that the installation is carried out in a manner that prevents leaks which could contaminate the
environment, soil or ambient area.

• Protection provided by the equipment could be impaired if the equipment is used in a manner other than
that specified by the manufacturer.

WARNING
In an agricultural environment - always wear protective footwear.

WARNING
Measures must be taken to prevent fertilizer infiltration of the water source, to avoid water pollution.

CAUTION
When opening or closing any manual valve, always do it gradually, to prevent damage to the
system by water hammer.

WARNING
Always use protective equipment, gloves and goggles when handling fertilizers, acid and
other chemicals!

4 DMS INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL

DESCRIPTION
Introduction
Netafim’s Drain Measurement System (DMS) allows the grower to accurately follow the amount of drain
water which has not being absorbed by the plant. By comparing this amount of drain water with the
amount of irrigation quantity, the grower gets insight into the amount of water absorbed by the plants in
the course of the day.

By combining the DMS with an NMC controller or the uManage™ monitoring system, the grower is
having an extra set of tools to regulate and keep an eye on the water dosage, as well as to protect the
plants from being deprived of water as a result of short irrigation or long delay between irrigation cycles.

The grower can achieve an increase in production by simply reacting correctly to the amount of drain water.

The DMS consists of growing gutter ended with a collector which collects the drain water that leaks on a
tipping spoon.

The controller measures the number of pulses, convert it to a volumetric amount of drain and present it
also as percentage of the total water that has been given to the plants.

For more information on viewing and using the measured drain, please refer to the NMC-PRO (or other
irrigation controller) user manual.

Main benefits
• Increases production by precise reaction according to the actual amount of drain water.
• A high accuracy volumetric sensor connects the system with any type of irrigation controller or with the
uManage™ monitoring system.
• An EC sensor monitoring the EC of the drain water allows a significant reduction in fertilizer expenses.
• The system includes a 2 meter gutter that can carry any type of media (Coconut, Rock wool, Volcanic
rock and more).
• The system includes a modular aluminum stand that can be installed in any soilless application.
• Fast and easy installation.

System view
Front view - operative system with crop and drip irrigation

DMS INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL 5

DESCRIPTION
Front view Back view
Adjustable
aluminum frame

D
GRP gutter,
2-meter

H
EC transducer

Drain collector and sensor

EC sensor

Ordering options
The DMS can be ordered in 4 versions

DMS full kit A DMS full kit B

Drain quantity and Drain quantity
EC measurement measurement only
Cat. No.: Cat. No.:
33000-012370 33000-012350

DMS lite A DMS lite B

Drain quantity and EC measurement Drain quantity measurement only
(without aluminum frame and gutter) (without aluminum frame and gutter)
Cat. No.: 33000-012390 Cat. No.: 33000-012380

6 DMS INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL

DESCRIPTION
General technical data
• Drain flow rate - 5 to 20 l/h (1.3 to 5.3 GPH)
• Collector output - dry contact (tipping spoon), 5 - 7 ml/pulse (0.00132 - 0.00185 gallon/pulse)
• EC monitoring
• Operating temperature - 5 – 50ºC (41 – 122ºF)
• EC range - 0-10 mS
• Temperature compensation - PT 100
• Power supply - 24 VAC ±25%, 50/60 Hz, 5 Watt
• Output - 4-20 mA (4mA = 0mS, 20mA = 10mS, Max load = 200)

Dimensions
DMS external dimensions (W/D/H*) Package dimensions (W/D/H**)
DMS full kit A 204/48.5/104 cm (80.3/19.1/41.0")
205/45/46.1 cm (80.7/17.7/18.2")
DMS full kit B 204/37/104 cm (80.3/14.6/41.0")
DMS lite A
33/26/21 cm (13.0/10.2/8.3") 24.8/27/56 cm (9.8/10.6/22.0")
DMS lite B
*The height varies by ±1 cm (±0.5") according to the adjustment of the legs.
**The package height includes the pallet height of 15 cm (6").

Weight
Net weight* Packed weight*
DMS full kit A 50 kg (110 lbs) 75 kg (165 lbs)
DMS full kit B 45 kg (99 lbs) 70 kg (154 lbs)
DMS lite A 13 kg (29 lbs) 15 kg (33 lbs)
DMS lite B 8 kg (18 lbs) 10 kg (22 lbs)
*Order of magnitude only - final weights are issued with the product order.

DMS INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL 7

INSTALLATION
Before installation
Tools needed
4, 6 and 8mm Multimeter,
allen keys able to read
Ohms

3.5mm flat-blade
screwdriver

Spirit level

Materials needed
• Cables 2 x 1.5mm2 for connection between the irrigation controller and the DMS tipping spoon.

Unpacking
• Check the ShockWatch label attached to the DMS
packaging and ensure the indicator is white.
If the indicator is red - follow the instructions
on the ShockWatch label.

• Place the DMS package close to the installation site.

• Gently open the package and make sure all the parts
are present.

Placement
• The DMS sould be placed at a location which represent the best the average transpiration of the plants
in a certain irrigation block.

• The distance between the DMS and the irrigation controller should not exceed 300 meter (1000 feet).

• If the ground surface is not solid (i.e. concrete), then make sure a leveled, solid platform is placed under
the legs of the DMS aluminum stand.

NOTE
• If the greenhouse gutters are detachable, you can assemble the DMS in advance on a remote
location and place it in its final location when assembled. To do that, begin by dismantling a section
of the greenhouse gutter, place the DMS and put the section of greenhouse gutter back in place
passing through the DMS legs under the lower aluminum bar (see illustration on page 5).

• If the greenhouse gutters are not detachable, you will have to assemble the DMS in its final
location. To do that, disconnect the lower horizontal crosspiece of each DMS leg. Place the legs
in their intended location, bestriding the greenhouse gutter (mind their orientation - the middle
horizontal crosspieces should face outward) and reattach the lower horizontal crosspieces.
Then continue the assembly process beginning on page 9.

8 DMS INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL

INSTALLATION
Assembly and installation - step by step
Aluminum stand assembly
• Connect the 2 upper aluminum bars (shorter) and the
lower aluminum bar (longer) to one of the legs.

• Repeat the above procedure with the second leg.

Drain manifold installation

• Connect the drain manifold to the downstream end of
the aluminum stand.

DMS INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL 9

INSTALLATION
EC sensor insertion
• Remove the cap and the gasket from
the EC sensor location in the drain
manifold.
• Keep the gasket.

• INsert the EC sensor holder into its

location in the drain manifold.
• Insert the EC sensor into its holder.
When tightening the nut holding the
sensor in place, use the gasket you
kept.

Drain collector funnel and strainer installation

• Connect the drain collector funnel to the drain manifold.
To prevent leakage, apply waterproof sealant around the
perimeter of the connection.

• Place the collector strainer inside the

drain collector funnel.

10 DMS INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL

INSTALLATION
EC-pH transducer installation
• Connect the EC-pH transducer to the aluminum stand.

Electrical connection box installation

• Connect the electrical connection box to the aluminum stand.

Steel clips to gutter connection

• Connect the 3 steel clips undeneath the gutter.

DMS INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL 11

INSTALLATION
Gutter end cap to gutter connection
• Connect the gutter end cap to the upstream end of the gutter.

Gutter on aluminum stand placing

• Place the gutter assembly on the upper horizontal crosspiece
of the aluminum stand.
Make sure that the downstream end of the gutter rests on the
drain collector funnel.

Gutter and stand adjustment

• Adjust the DMS legs in order to have it horizontal and stable.

• Adjust the DMS gutter in order to have a -2º slope towards the tipping spoon location (downstream).

12 DMS INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL

INSTALLATION
Wiring
Action See instructions in
1 Tipping spoon connection to electrical connection box.
• Connect the 2 wires to 2 of the connectors inside the box.
2 EC sensor connection to EC-pH transducer. EC-pH transducer manual
3 EC-pH transducer connection to electrical connection box.
NMC controller manual
• Connect the 2 wires to the 2 free connectors inside the box.
4 Electrical connection box connection to NMC controller.
• Connect a 4x6005, 22 AWG cable (e.g. Netafim™ Cat. No. 77100-005010)
to the 4 connectors inside the box. The cable length should not exceed
300 m (1000 ft). NMC controller manual
• Before connecting the cable in the controller, make sure to identify the
2 wires for the tipping spoon and the 2 wires for the EC-pH transducer
by insulation color or by continuity check.
5 EC-pH transducer 24 VAC feed.
• If the NMC controller is located close to the DMS, connect the wires *NMC controller manual
to the NMC controller 24 VAC supply.*
• If there is an electrical outlet in the vicinity of the DMS, use a 24 VAC
external power supply (not supplied).

EC-pH transducer
Tipping spoon

Electrical connection box

2 5 3 1

NMC controller 3 4

5 4 Max. 300 m (1000 ft)

EC sensor

DMS INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL 13

INITIAL OPERATION
Crop and dripperline placing on the DMS gutter
Place the crop and growing medium on the DMS gutter (see illustration on page 5).
Place the dripperline on the growing medium (see illustration on page 5).

Calculating the number of drippers on the DMS gutter

The 2-meter long gutter supplied with the DMS can accommodate a limited number of drippers as derived
from the DMS drain flow rate range - 5 to 20 l/h (1.3 to 5.3 GPH).
The typical drain flow rate is 25% to 50% of the total flow rate of the drippers on the DMS gutter.

To derive the allowed number of drippers, measure the actual drain flow rate:
1. Conduct regular irrigation until the water content in the growing medium stabilizes (the growing medium
water content stabilizes after approximately 15 days).
2. Hold a measurement cup of minimum 1 liter (0.26 gallon) under the tipping spoon and measure the
amount of water accumulated in the cup during 3 minutes.
3. Multiply the result by 20.
• If the result is within the DMS drain flow rate range - 5 to 20 l/h (1.3 to 5.3 GPH), proceed to entering
the pulse value in the controller as described below.
• If the result is lower than the minimum DMS drain flow rate - 5 l/h (1.3 GPH), add drippers and plants
on the DMS gutter, proportionally as to reach the minimum DMS drain flow rate.
• If the result is higher than the maximum DMS drain flow rate - 20 l/h (15.3 GPH), plug drippers
and remove plants from the DMS gutter, proportionally as to reduce the drain flow rate to the
maximum DMS drain flow rate.
EXAMPLE
Number of Flow rate of all the Drain flow rate on the DMS gutter (l/h)
drippers on the Single dripper drippers on the DMS
DMS gutter capacity (l/h) gutter (l/h) 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50%
10 20 5 6 7 8 9 10
15 2 30 7.5 9 10.5 12 13.5 15
20 40 10 12 14 16 18 20

Entering the pulse value and drain delay time in the controller
Enter the pulse value in the irrigation controller (i.e. NMC-PRO, menu 7.9) according to the table below.
Pulse value related to drain flow rate
Drain flow rate (l/h) Pulse value (ml/pulse)
Up to 10 5
10-13 6
13 or higher 7

Drain delay time

Conduct an irrigation cycle and measure the delay from the irrigation start time until the DMS first pulse.
Enter the delay time in the irrigation controller (i.e. NMC-PRO, menu 7.9).

EC measurement
See the enclosed EC/pH transducer manual.

14 DMS INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL

 MAINTENANCE
Perform the maintenance procedures described below once a week.

Tipping spoon cleaning

Clean the tipping spoon A gently with a damp cloth.

Do not apply force or pressure to the tipping spoon.

D
Drain nozzle cleaning G
Remove the drain nozzle B and thoroughly clean it F

with running water.

Make sure that the nozzle is not clogged.

B
A

Collector strainer cleaning

Manually collect leaves and dirt accumulated on C
the collector strainer C

Remove the collector strainer and thoroughly clean

it with flowing water.
E

DMS INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL 15

TROUBLESHOOTING
The table below describes the troubleshooting procedures for the most common malfunctions of the DMS
with reference to the illustrations on page 15.

Malfunction Possible causes Action Refer to

No drain reading in The collector strainer C Clean the collector strainer Mantenance,
the controller is clogged. Manually collect leaves and dirt page 15
accumulated on the strainer
Remove the strainer and thoroughly clean
it with flowing water.
Put the strainer back in place.
The drain nozzle B isRemove the drain nozzle and thoroughly Mantenance,
clogged. clean it with running water. Make sure the page 15
aperture is not clogged.
If the drain nozzle has been damaged, you
can replace it with the air release nozzle D
located at the top of the drain manifold.
The air release nozzle has the same
dimension as the drain nozzle.
Water flows upstream Adjust the DMS gutter in order to have a -2º
the DMS gutter E and slope towards the tipping spoon location
do not reach the tipping (downstream).
spoon.
Wrong EC sensor The EC sensor F is Fill the drain manifold G with water and EC/pH
reading not immerged in water check that the EC reading is not 0. transducer
(reading = 0) manual.
NMC
Difference between the Perform an EC sensor calibration
controller
pulse value presented in procedure and update the factor in the
manual.
the NMC controller and NMC controller.
the actual pulse value
measured by the tipping
spoon.
The NMC controller The tipping spoon A Hold the tipping spoon at its lower EC/pH
does not receive wiring to the NMC position and check that the contact is ON. transducer
pulses although controller is faulty. If it is ON, see the controller manual. manual.
the tipping spoon If it is OFF call your local Netafim™ NMC
The tipping spoon dry
is mechanically representative. controller
contact is out of order.
functioning. manual.

16 DMS INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL

LIST OF PARTS
Part Description Qty. Cat. No.
1 Dribbling manifold for drain kit 1 33000-003477
2 Drain sensor volume counter + reed switch 1 73280-002110
3 Gutter for drain kit, GGV 2 X 200mm, L=1.95m 1 45000-021390
4 GGV end cistern NGG-00-0160 1 78770-002500
5 GGV end cap NGG-00-0150 1 78770-002600
6 GGV steel clips NGG-00-0411 3 78770-002700
7 EC Jumo sensor + union adaptor set 1 33140-008520
8 Aluminum stand for drain kit 1 45000-008380
9 Window screen for DMS 1 45000-006711
10 EC/PH transducer in plastic case 1 74340-003580
11 T-slot nut (8) ST M5 5 45000-008229
12 Electrical connection box 82x42x40mm + nipple 1 77100-001145
13 Allen bolt with SS head ISO4762 M5x10 2 98015-049500
5
14 SS washer M5 3 76540-005270
15 Allen bolt with SS head ISO4762 M5x20 3 98015-049700
6

3
8

12

13
11

4
7
11
10
14 15
1
8
2

DMS INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL 17

WARRANTY
Netafim™ warrants all the components of the DMS Drain Measurement System to be free of defects in
material and workmanship for 1 (one) year from the date of installation, provided the installation has been
reported to Netafim™ within 30 days of installation.

If the installation was not reported or was reported later than 30 days from the date of installation,
Netafim™ will warrant the DMS for a period of 18 months from the date of production, according to its
serial number.

If a defect is discovered during the applicable warranty period, Netafim™ will repair or replace, at its
discretion, the product or the defective part.

This warranty does not extend to repairs, adjustments or replacements of a DMS or part that results from
misuse, negligence, alteration, force majeure, lightning, power surge, improper installation or improper
maintenance.

If a defect arises in your Netafim™ product during the warranty period, contact your local Netafim™
representative.

Limited warranty
This warranty is subject to the conditions in Netafim's official warranty statement.
(For the full text of Netafim's official warranty statement, please contact your local Netafim™
representative).

18 DMS INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL

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