Preliminary specifications for the AMR-B. This information is based on the AMR-A units. Several engineering changes have been made since the AMR-A was built. It is anticipated that the AMR-B will meet or improve upon these values. All specifications are subject to change.
Imager: 1/3.2 inch (4:3), 2Mp color sensor. 1,920,000 effective pixels
Units: Pixels
Range: 320×240, 640×480 [1280×1040, 1600×1200]
Precision: 10um
Accuracy: 10um
Sample Rate: programmable — typically 2.75 seconds per image captured
Camera: Digital Imagery Measurement List Non-Critical Requirements
Image size: 3.01mm (width) x 2.26mm (height) (at 100x)
Maximum imaging area: 320mm x 740mm (optional 1M)
Typical imaging depth: 130mm to 730mm (installed at 40° angle)
Maximum number of images per tube: 32,928 (41,197 optional w/1M option)
Magnification: 100X [50X also available]
Wavelength of light source: 322nm
Physical:
Length (including handle and anti-spin tail fin): 156.87cm
Diameter: 107.95mm (Handle width 119.38mm)
Weight: Approximately 8.2kg
Environmental:
Operating range: -20C to +50C ambient air temp. The AMR uses the ground as a heat sink. Use in ground temps exceeding 40C (at 20cm) is not recommended and may damage the unit. Use in moist ground frozen deeper than 200mm may cause damage and cause less than repeatable results due to frost heave.
Humidity: Unit is submersible to 200mm (using optional connector and wiring harness). Ancillary equipment is not.
Performance:
MTBF (mechanical): Greater than 8,000 hours (prototype unit, 24/7 operation)
Power:
Maximum: 110W (w/optional ancillary housing heater running)
Nominal: < 50W
Hardware/SW Required:
Each AMR includes an ancillary housing containing: a small computer running Windows, a UPS, thermostatically controlled fans with shrouds, a network switch, a 12VDC power supply and bus, moisture management system (pump, tubing, replaceable desiccant filter, control module) for AMR, and a network controllable outlet switch for remote management.
The user interface (RootView™) is web-based and compatible with most browsers. RhizoSystems includes a preconfigured system with each AMR.
End user is responsible for providing Network (wired or wireless (802.11g/n)) and 115VAC, 60Hz, 2A to each ancillary housing.
Calibration Procedures:
The AMR unit typically does not require routine calibration. If the user begins to notice over/under lap of mosaic images or if errors greater than 500 microns are reported on sequential homing operations, the unit would need to be returned to the RhizoSystems for repair. (RootView3n includes a programmable alert function that notifies the user of this condition (and many others).)
Historical data:
The AMR Prototype unit has been in use doing science since 31 July 2008 while at the same time, being routinely reworked and modified due to it being a prototype. Images captured since first light have been published and have resulted in fundamental new discoveries by observing the previously unobservable.
Packaging:
Each AMR unit is shipped in a well-packaged, durable, reusable, container that can also be used for storage. FedEx or UPS overnight service is recommended for shipping along with an appropriate amount of insurance.
Training: $1,000 per day plus expenses (on-site only).
Sustainability statement:
The AMR was developed by funding provided by the NSF to the Center for Embedded Networked Sensing and to the Center for Conservation Biology. RhizoSystems, LLC, was formed in January 2010 to commercialize the product and work in partnership with the University of California to advance soil ecosystem research. While a startup, both the company and its advisory board bring decades of science research, start-up experience and business acumen to bear on this goal. We have many innovative ideas and a team of people dedicated to bringing them to life. A list of participants is available upon request.
