OWNER’S MANUAL

OXYGEN SENSOR
Models SO-411 and SO-421
Rev: 1-Feb-2021

APOGEE INSTRUMENTS, INC. | 721 WEST 1800 NORTH, LOGAN, UTAH 84321, USA
TEL: (435) 792-4700 | FAX: (435) 787-8268 | WEB: APOGEEINSTRUMENTS.COM

Copyright © 2021 Apogee Instruments, Inc.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Owner’s Manual ............................................................................................................................................................................... 1

Certificate of Compliance ......................................................................................................................................................... 3

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................. 4

Sensor Models ......................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Specifications ........................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Deployment and Installation .................................................................................................................................................... 8

Operation and Measurement .................................................................................................................................................. 9

Absolute and Relative Gas Concentration.............................................................................................................................. 10

Maintenace and Recalibration ............................................................................................................................................... 23

Troubleshooting and Customer Support ................................................................................................................................ 25

Return and Warranty Policy ................................................................................................................................................... 26

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CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE

EU Declaration of Conformity

This declaration of conformity is issued under the sole responsibility of the manufacturer:

Apogee Instruments, Inc.

721 W 1800 N
Logan, Utah 84321
USA

for the following product(s):

Models: SO-411, SO-421

Type: Oxygen Sensor

The object of the declaration described above is in conformity with the relevant Union harmonization legislation:

2014/30/EU Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive

2011/65/EU Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS 2) Directive
2015/863/EU Amending Annex II to Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 3)

Standards referenced during compliance assessment:

EN 61326-1:2013 Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use – EMC requirements
EN 50581:2012 Technical documentation for the assessment of electrical and electronic products with respect to
the restriction of hazardous substances

Please be advised that based on the information available to us from our raw material suppliers, the products
manufactured by us do not contain, as intentional additives, any of the restricted materials including lead (see
note below), mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), polybrominated
diphenyls (PBDE), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and
diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP). However, please note that articles containing greater than 0.1% lead concentration are
RoHS 3 compliant using exemption 6c.

Further note that Apogee Instruments does not specifically run any analysis on our raw materials or end products
for the presence of these substances, but rely on the information provided to us by our material suppliers.

Signed for and on behalf of:

Apogee Instruments, February 2021

Bruce Bugbee
President
Apogee Instruments, Inc.
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INTRODUCTION
Oxygen (O2) is the second most abundant gas in the atmosphere and is essential to life on Earth. Oxygen
availability determines the rate of many biological and chemical processes and is required for aerobic respiration.
As described in this manual, it is the absolute amount of oxygen (measured as partial pressure in kilopascals) that
nearly always determines oxygen availability, but we think of oxygen as a percent of the total number of molecules
in the air (20.95 %). The best example of this is the oxygen on top of Mount Everest, which is 20.95 %, but most
climbers need supplemental oxygen to get to the top.

There are two types of oxygen sensors: those that measure gaseous O2 and those that measure dissolved oxygen
in a solution. The Apogee sensor measures gaseous O2.

There are multiple techniques for measuring gaseous oxygen. Three widely used approaches for environmental
applications are galvanic cell sensors, polarographic sensors, and optical sensors. The Apogee sensor is a galvanic
cell type. Galvanic cell and polarographic sensors operate by electrochemical reaction of oxygen with an
electrolyte, which produces an electrical current. The electrochemical reaction consumes a small amount of
oxygen. Unlike polarographic oxygen sensors, galvanic cell sensors are self-powered. Optical oxygen sensors use
fiber optics and a fluorescence method to measure oxygen via spectrometry.

Typical applications of Apogee oxygen sensors include measurement of oxygen in laboratory experiments,
monitoring gaseous oxygen in indoor environments for climate control, monitoring of oxygen levels in compost
piles and mine tailings, and determination of respiration rates through measurement of oxygen consumption in
sealed chambers or measurement of oxygen gradients in soil/porous media. Apogee oxygen sensors are not
intended for use as medical monitoring devices.

Apogee Instruments SO-400 series oxygen sensors consist of a galvanic cell sensing element (electrochemical cell),
Teflon membrane, reference temperature sensor (thermistor), heater (located behind the Teflon membrane),
signal processing circuitry (mounted in a polypropylene plastic housing), and a cable to connect the sensor to a
measurement device. Sensors are designed for continuous gaseous oxygen measurement in ambient air,
soil/porous media, sealed chambers, and in-line tubing (flow through applications). SO-400 series oxygen sensors
output gaseous oxygen data via the SDI-12 digital protocol.
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SENSOR MODELS
Model Output Response Temperature Sensor
SO-411 SDI-12 Standard Response Thermistor
SO-421 SDI-12 Fast Response Thermistor
SO-110 Analog Standard Response Thermistor
SO-120 Analog Standard Response Thermocouple
SO-210 Analog Fast Response Thermistor
SO-220 Analog Fast Response Thermocouple

The standard response sensor (SO-411) is designed for use in soil/porous media. It has a longer expected lifetime
than the fast response sensor (SO-421), which is designed for use in flow through applications.

Sensor model number, serial number, and

production date are located on a label between the
sensor and pigtail lead wires.

Accessories

All Apogee oxygen sensors can be purchased with attachments to facilitate measurements in soil/porous media or
in-line tubing.

Model AO-001: Diffusion head designed for measurements in soil/porous media. The diffusion head maintains an
air pocket and provides protection to the permeable Teflon membrane where gas diffusion occurs.

Model AO-002: Flow through head designed for in-line measurements. The flow through head allows connection
of tubing via ¼ inch barbed nylon connectors.
 6

Model AO-003: Connection Nut. The custom-size nut and o-ring used to connect and seal Apogee Oxygen sensors
to jar lids and other containers for gaseous oxygen studies.

Image courtesy of Utah State University Crop Physiology Lab

 7

SPECIFICATIONS
SO-411 SO-421
Standard Response Faster Response
Input Voltage
5.5 to 24 V DC
Requirement
Current Draw 0.6 mA (quiescent); 1.3 mA (active)
Measurement Range 0 to 100 % O2
Measurement
Less than 0.1 % of mV output at 20.95 % O 2
Repeatability
Non-linearity Less than 1 %
Long-term Drift
1 mV per year 0.8 mV per year
(Non-stability)
Oxygen Consumption 0.1 µmol O2 per day at 20.95 % O2 and 23 C (galvanic cell sensors consume O2 in a chemical
Rate reaction with the electrolyte, which produces an electrical current)
Response Time 60 s 14 s
-20 to 60 C; 0 to 100 % relative humidity (non-condensing); 60 to 114 kPa
Operating Environment Note: Electrolyte will freeze at temperatures lower than -20 C. This will not damage the sensor,
but the sensor must be at a temperature of -20 C or greater in order to make measurements.
Input Voltage
12 V DC continuous (for heater); 2.5 V DC excitation (for thermistor)
Requirement
Heater Current Draw 6.2 mA (74 mW power requirement when powered with 12 V DC source)
Thermistor Current Draw 0.1 mA DC at 70 C (maximum, assuming input excitation of 2.5 V DC)
Dimensions 32 mm diameter, 68 mm length
5 m of four conductor, shielded, twisted-pair wire, additional cable available in multiples of 5 m;
Cable TPR jacket (high water resistance, high UV stability, flexibility in cold conditions); pigtail lead
wires
Mass 175 g (with 5 m of lead wire)
Warranty 4 years against defects in materials and workmanship

Influence from Various Gases: Sensors are unaffected by CO, CO2, NO, NO2, H2S, H2, and CH4. There is a small
effect (approximately 1 %) from NH3, HCI, and C6H6 (benzene). Sensors are sensitive to SO2 (signal responds to SO2
in a similar fashion to O2). Sensors can be damaged by O3.
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DEPLOYMENT AND INSTALLATION

Apogee SO-400 series oxygen sensors are built with a polypropylene plastic housing and are designed to be
installed in soil/porous media or sealed chambers, in addition to air.

Note: To facilitate the most stable

readings, sensors should be mounted
vertically, with the opening pointed down
and the cable pointed up. This orientation
allows better contact between the
electrolyte and signal processing circuitry.

Apogee oxygen sensors are resistant to 2.7 G of shock, but vibration may influence sensor sensitivity and should be
minimized.
 9

OPERATION AND MEASUREMENT

All SO-400 series oxygen sensors have an SDI-12 output, where oxygen measurements and temperatures are
returned in digital format. Measurement of the SO-400 series oxygen sensors requires a measurement device with
SDI-12 functionality that includes the M or C command.

VERY IMPORTANT: Apogee changed all wiring colors of our bare-lead sensors in March 2018 in conjunction
with the release of inline cable connectors on some sensors. To ensure proper connection to your data device,
please note your serial number or if your sensor has a stainless-steel connector 30 cm from the sensor head then
use the appropriate wiring configuration below.

Wiring for SO-400 Series with Serial Numbers 1145 and above

White: SDI-12 Data Line

Black: Ground (for sensor signal and input

power)

Yellow: Positive Heater Power

Blue: Negative Heater Power

Red: Power In (4.5-24 V DC)

Clear: Shield/Ground

Wiring for SO-400 Series within Serial Number range 0- 1144

White: Positive Heater Power

Green: Negative Heater Power

Red: Power In (4.5 to 24 V DC)

Black: SDI-12 Data Line

Clear: Ground (shield wire)

 10

ABSOLUTE AND RELATIVE GAS CONCENTRATION

Gas concentration is described in two ways, absolute and relative concentration. The ideal gas law yields absolute
gas concentration, often expressed in quantity per volume [mol m-3] or partial pressure [kPa]:

PV = nRT (1)

where P is pressure [Pa], V is volume [m3], n is gas quantity [mol], T is temperature [K], R is the ideal gas constant
(8.314 J mol-1 K-1), and rearrangement of equation (1) to solve for n / V or P yields absolute gas concentration (in
mol m-3 or kPa, respectively). However, a simple and common way to report concentration of a specific gas in a
mixture is by expressing it relative to other gases in the mixture, as a fraction or percentage. For example, the
amount of oxygen in the atmosphere, assuming a dry atmosphere (no water vapor), is 0.2095 kPa O 2 per kPa air, or
20.95 %. Atmospheric concentration of oxygen has remained constant for several hundred years at 20.95 %, and
this percentage is the same at all elevations. However, absolute oxygen concentration does not remain constant
(e.g., pressure decreases with elevation, thus, absolute oxygen concentration decreases with elevation). Absolute
oxygen concentration determines the rate of most biological and chemical processes, but relative oxygen
concentration is often reported. This is analogous to measuring and reporting relative humidity when absolute
humidity is what determines evaporation rates. Absolute and relative gas concentration measurements can be
expressed using several different units.

Units Used to Describe Absolute and Relative Gas Concentration Measurements

Absolute Amount of Gas Relative Amount of Gas

moles of O2 per unit volume % O2 in air
(e.g., moles per m3 or moles per liter) (e.g., 20.95 % in ambient air)
mass of O2 per unit volume mole fraction
(e.g., grams per liter; (e.g., moles of O2 per mole of air; 0.2095 mol O2 per
O2 has a mass of 32 g per mole) mole of ambient air; this can also be expressed as
partial pressure 0.2095 kPa O2 per kPa air)
(e.g., kilopascals [kPa])

Sensor Calibration

All Apogee oxygen sensors respond to absolute oxygen concentration in air, where common units of absolute gas
concentration are partial pressure (e.g., kilopascals, kPa), mass per unit volume (e.g., grams per liter, g l -1), and
number of molecules per unit volume (e.g., moles per liter, mol l -1). The absolute amount of oxygen in air is
dependent on absolute (barometric) pressure and temperature, in addition to oxygen content of air. Therefore,
Apogee oxygen sensors are not calibrated at the factory and must be calibrated by the user, where an onsite
calibration before first use is highly recommended.

The output of Apogee oxygen sensors is a linear function of absolute oxygen concentration. A simple linear
calibration is generally used to derive a calibration factor used to convert sensor output to relative oxygen
concentration. The calibration factor (CF, in kPa O2 mV-1) is derived by dividing ambient oxygen partial pressure
(21.23 kPa at sea level assuming standard pressure of 101.325 kPa) by the measured voltage output from the
sensor under ambient conditions (in air or over water in a sealed chamber) minus the measured voltage output
under conditions of zero oxygen (0 kPa O2):
 11

0.2095 PB
CF = (2)
mV C − mV 0

where PB is barometric pressure [kPa], 0.2095 multiplied by P B equals partial pressure of oxygen under ambient
conditions [kPa], mVC is sensor voltage output [mV] during calibration, mV 0 (on average = 3.0 mV for the SO-411
and 0.3 mV for the SO-421) is sensor voltage output [mV] under zero oxygen (0 kPa O 2), and CF is a linear multiplier
that converts voltage measurements from the sensor to partial pressure of oxygen [kPa] using the equation:

O 2 = CF  mVM − Offset (3)

where mVM is measured voltage output [mV] and Offset is derived by multiplying CF by mV 0. The voltage output
during calibration, mVC, should be measured in a well-ventilated area. Do not breathe on the sensor, as exhaled
breath has a much lower oxygen concentration than ambient air. If mV0 is not measured, it can be estimated to be
3.0 mV for SO-411 sensors and 0.30 mV for SO-421 sensors. It is recommend that mV0 be measured (in pure
nitrogen gas) for applications where low values of oxygen (less than 10 kPa) will be measured. Precise
measurements of hypoxic and anaerobic conditions can be made by making a periodic zero calibration of the
sensor with ultra-pure nitrogen gas.

To convert sensor voltage output to partial pressure of oxygen (in kPa), multiply the measured voltage signal by
the calibration factor, and then subtract the offset. For example, at sea level and 20.95 % O 2:

Calibration Factor [kPa O2 per mV] * Sensor Output Signal [mV] - Offset [kPa] = Oxygen [kPa]

0.379 * 59.0 - 1.14 = 21.23

The calibration factor and offset are variable from sensor to sensor (those listed above are examples), and a
sensor-specific calibration factor should be derived for each individual sensor. For routine oxygen measurements,
the generic offset described above can be used. For measurements in air with less than 10 kPa (approximately 10
%) oxygen, a sensor-specific offset should be derived for each individual sensor.

Sensors can also be calibrated to measure relative oxygen concentration. The same procedure described for
calibration to absolute oxygen is used, except ambient oxygen is set equal to 20.95 % (instead of 0.2095 multiplied
by barometric pressure) to derive the calibration factor [% O2 mV-1]:

20.95%
CF = (4)
mVC − mV0

where mVC and mV0 are as described above. The offset is also derived in the same manner, where mV 0 is
multiplied by the calibration factor calculated from equation (4). Equation (3) is then used to produce relative
oxygen measurements, when the calibration factor and offset derived from 20.95 % are used.

Changes in barometric pressure and temperature cause changes in absolute oxygen concentration, and as a result,
changes in sensor signal output. This causes apparent changes in relative oxygen concentration, even though the
relative amount of oxygen remains constant. Thus, barometric pressure and temperature corrections must be
applied to relative oxygen measurements. Changes in absolute humidity (water vapor pressure of air) cause
changes in absolute and relative oxygen concentration, as water vapor molecules displace and dilute oxygen
molecules. Even though changes in water vapor content cause actual (not apparent) changes in relative oxygen
concentration, water vapor effects are often corrected for to yield relative oxygen concentrations for a dry
atmosphere.
 12

Effect of Barometric Pressure on Oxygen Concentration

The ideal gas law, equation (1), shows that absolute gas concentration increases by 0.987 % at sea level for every 1
kPa increase in pressure (1 kPa / 101.325 kPa = 0.00987). For a sensor that measures absolute gas concentration,
but is calibrated to read out in relative units, a 1 kPa pressure increase at sea level results in an apparent oxygen
increase of 0.207 % (0.00987 * 20.95 % = 0.207 %) and an apparent relative oxygen concentration of 21.157 %.
Relative gas concentration didn’t really increase, but absolute concentration, which is what sensors measure, did
change. This shows up as an apparent change in relative concentration.

Due to lower barometric pressure at higher elevations, the percentage increase in absolute gas concentration per
kPa increases with elevation. For example, at an elevation of 1378 m (Logan, Utah), barometric pressure is
approximately 86 kPa and absolute gas concentration increases by 1.16 % for every 1 kPa increase in pressure (1
kPa / 86 kPa = 0.0116). Again, for a sensor that measures absolute gas concentration, but is calibrated to read out
in relative units, this results in an apparent oxygen increase. In this example, 0.247 % for every 1 kPa increase in
barometric pressure (0.0118 * 20.95 % = 0.243 %) and an apparent relative oxygen concentration of 21.193 %.

A barometric pressure correction should be applied to all oxygen sensors that are calibrated to read relative
oxygen concentration. The equation to correct relative oxygen measurements for barometric pressure at any
elevation is:

P 
O 2 = O 2 M  C  (5)
 PM 

where O2M is measured oxygen concentration [%] (apparent oxygen concentration), P C is barometric pressure [kPa]
at the time of calibration, and PM is barometric pressure [kPa] at the time of the current measurement.
Approximate barometric pressure (PB, in kPa) for a given elevation is calculated from:

  E 
5.25328

PB = 101 .325 − 101 .325 1 − 1 −   (6)
  44307 .69231  

where E is elevation [m]. In order to make a barometric pressure correction on gas measurements, it must be
continuously measured as it changes over time (see Apogee webpage for a barometric pressure sensor that can be
used for continuous measurements of barometric pressure: http://www.apogeeinstruments.com/barometric-
pressure/). The typical annual barometric pressure range is approximately 4 kPa, or the average pressure for a
given elevation +/- 2 kPa.

The apparent effect of barometric pressure on relative oxygen measurements, based on calculations from
equation (5), is plotted in the figure below for 1378 m elevation to show the significance of measuring and
correcting for barometric pressure. If not accounted for, barometric pressure fluctuations show up in oxygen
measurements as a change in relative oxygen concentration because sensors respond to absolute oxygen
concentration, but are generally calibrated to read out in relative units.
 13

A) Barometric pressure and absolute

oxygen concentration at 20 C as a
function of elevation. Equation (6) was
used to calculate barometric pressure.

B) Effect of barometric pressure on

apparent relative oxygen concentration.
Oxygen sensors respond to absolute
oxygen concentration, but are often
calibrated to yield relative oxygen
concentration. As barometric pressure
fluctuates, absolute oxygen
concentration, thus, oxygen sensor
output, fluctuates with it, producing an
apparent change in relative oxygen
concentration if this pressure effect is
not accounted for. It is assumed the
sensor was calibrated at 86 kPa, and the
solid line shows how the apparent
relative oxygen concentration is
dependent on barometric pressure.

Effect of Temperature on Oxygen Concentration

The ideal gas law, equation (1), shows that absolute gas concentration decreases by 0.341 % for a 1 C increase in
temperature from 20 C (1 K / 293 K = 0.00341). For a sensor that measures absolute gas concentration, but is
calibrated to read out in relative units, a 1 C temperature increase from 20 C results in an apparent decrease of
0.0714 % O2 (0.341 % * 0.2095 = 0.0714 %) and a relative oxygen concentration of 20.878 %. As with barometric
pressure, to obtain accurate oxygen measurements with a sensor that is calibrated to read relative oxygen
concentration, a correction should be applied to compensate for temperature effects. The equation to correct
relative oxygen measurements in air for temperature effects is:

T 
O 2 = O 2 M  M  (7)
 TC 

where O2M is as given above, TC is air temperature [K] at calibration, and TM is air temperature [K] at the time of
measurement (note that temperatures in equation (7) must be in K). The effects of temperature on relative oxygen
concentration measurements, based on calculations from equation (7), are plotted in the figure below to show the
significance of measuring and correcting for temperature. If not accounted for, temperature fluctuations show up
 14

in the measurement as an apparent change in relative oxygen concentration because sensors respond to absolute
oxygen concentration, but are calibrated to read out in relative units.

Sensor Response to Temperature

In practice, equation (7) does not accurately correct for temperature effects because in addition to the ideal gas
law temperature effect, sensor electronics are affected by temperature. The combination of these two effects on
Apogee oxygen sensors (SO-400 series) was determined from measurements in dry air across a wide temperature
range by plotting pressure-corrected apparent oxygen concentration (i.e., measured oxygen concentration before
temperature correction was applied) versus measured sensor temperature (TS). The SO-400 series does not follow
the ideal gas law response, thus, an empirical correction derived from measured data must be applied to account
for both the ideal gas law and sensor electronics responses:

O2 = O2 M + C3TS +C2TS + C1TS + C0

3 2
(8)

where TS is measured sensor temperature [C] (Apogee oxygen sensors come with a thermistor temperature
reference sensor); coefficients C3, C2, and C1 are listed in the figure below for the SO-400 series sensors; and C0 is
the offset coefficient calculated from measured temperature at calibration (TC, in C):

(
C0 = − C3TC +C2TC + C1TC .
3 2
) (9)

The temperature effect on sensor electronics is slightly variable from sensor to sensor, thus, coefficients derived
(average of three replicate sensors; error bars representing two standard deviations are shown in figure) may not
yield the most accurate temperature correction for all sensors of the same model.

Empirically-measured temperature responses of the SO-411 and SO-421 series oxygen sensors, with third order
polynomials fit to data, compared to the theoretical temperature response calculated from the ideal gas law,
equation (1). The difference between theoretical and measured responses is due to a temperature effect on
sensor electronics. The polynomial coefficients used to correct for the temperature response with equation (8)
are listed. An offset coefficient (C0) is not listed because it is dependent on temperature at calibration. It is
calculated with equation (9). Sensors were calibrated at 20 C. As with barometric pressure, absolute oxygen
concentration, thus, oxygen sensor output, varies with temperature. As temperature changes, relative oxygen
concentration remains constant at 20.95 %, but an apparent oxygen change is measured if the temperature
correction is not applied to relative measurements.
 15

Effect of Humidity on Oxygen Concentration

As absolute humidity in the atmosphere increases, water vapor molecules displace and dilute other gas molecules.
This causes the signal output of a gas sensor to decrease. The water vapor effect on relative oxygen concentration
as a function of relative humidity (RH) and at a constant temperature is a linear decrease with increasing RH, as
shown in the figure below. Conversely, the effect as a function of temperature at constant RH is a curvilinear
decrease with increasing temperature, essentially the inverse of the slope of vapor pressure curves from a
psychrometric chart. Even though water vapor molecules dilute and displace oxygen molecules, and cause an
actual and not an apparent decrease in relative oxygen concentration, humidity effects are often accounted for to
yield relative oxygen concentrations for a dry atmosphere. The equation to correct for humidity effects is:

 P + (e AM − e AC ) 
O 2 = O 2 M  C  (10)
 PC 

where PC is barometric pressure at calibration [kPa], eAM is vapor pressure [kPa] of air at the time of measurement,
and eAC is vapor pressure [kPa] of air at calibration. Vapor pressures in equation (10) are calculated from:

 RH 
e A = eS   (11)
 100 

where RH is in % and eS is saturation vapor pressure [kPa] of air calculated from air temperature (TA, in C):

  T 
 TA 18.678 − A  
e S = 0.61121 exp  
234 .5  
. (12)
 257 .14 + TA 
 
 

In soil environments relative humidity is generally between 99 and 100 %, unless the soil is extremely dry (below
the permanent wilting point of -1,500 kPa). Thus, the water vapor effect can be accounted for as a function of
temperature by correcting oxygen measurements based on the shape of the curve for 100 % RH in the graph
below.
 16

A) Relative humidity effects on relative

oxygen concentration shown as a function of
relative humidity at temperatures increments
of 10 C and

B) as a function of temperature at relative

humidity increments of 20 %. The air in soil is
typically always saturated with water vapor
(100 % relative humidity) unless the soil is
very dry.

As with temperature, humidity also causes a slight effect on the sensor electronics. For measurements in soil or
saturated air (100 % relative humidity), it is recommended that Apogee oxygen sensors are calibrated in conditions
where relative humidity is 100 %. A simple way to accomplish this is to mount the sensor in a sealed chamber over
water, with ambient air filling the headspace, as shown below.

Apogee oxygen sensor mounted in a sealed chamber over

water. For measurements in environments where relative
humidity is 100 %, sensors should be calibrated in
conditions where relative humidity is 100 % in order to
account for any humidity effects on sensor electronics.
 17

Heating Sensor with Internal Heater

All Apogee oxygen sensors are equipped with an internal resistance heater. The heater is designed to maintain the
temperature of the sensing element at approximately 2 C above ambient temperature in condensing (100 %
relative humidity) environments (e.g., soil). Heating the sensing element keeps condensation from forming on the
membrane, which would block the oxygen diffusion path and result in erroneous measurements. To operate the
heater, apply continuous 12 V DC across the white (positive) and green (negative) wires.

SDI-12 Interface

The following is a brief explanation of the serial digital interface SDI-12 protocol instructions used in Apogee SO-
400 series oxygen sensors. For questions on the implementation of this protocol, please refer to the official version
of the SDI-12 protocol: http://www.sdi-12.org/specification.php (version 1.4, August 10, 2016).

Overview

During normal communication, the data recorder sends a packet of data to the sensor that consists of an address
and a command. Then, the sensor sends a response. In the following descriptions, SDI-12 commands and
responses are enclosed in quotes. The SDI-12 address and the command/response terminators are defined as
follows:

Sensors come from the factory with the address of “0” for use in single sensor systems. Addresses “1 to 9” and
“A to Z”, or “a to z”, can be used for additional sensors connected to the same SDI-12 bus.

“!” is the last character of a command instruction. In order to be compliant with SDI-12 protocol, all commands
must be terminated with a “!”. SDI-12 language supports a variety of commands. Supported commands for the
Apogee Instruments SO-400 oxygen sensors are listed in the following table (“a” is the sensor address. The
following ASCII Characters are valid addresses: “0-9” or “A-Z”).

Supported Commands for Apogee Instruments SO-400 Series Oxygen Sensors

Instruction Name Instruction Syntax Description

Send Identification Command aI! Send Identification Information
Measurement Command aM! Tells the Sensor to take a Measurement
Tells the Sensor to take a Measurement and return it
Measurement Command w/ Check
aMC! with a Check
Character
Character
Change Address Command aAb! Changes the Address of the Sensor from a to b
Used to take a measurement when more than one
Concurrent Measurement Command aC!
sensor is used on the same data line
Used to take a measurement when more than one
Concurrent Measurement Command
aCC! sensor is used on the same data line. Data is returned
w/ Check Character
with a check character.
Used when the address is unknown to have the sensor
Address Query Command ?!
identify its address
Get Data Command aD0! Retrieves the data from a sensor
Used to calibrate the output of the sensor to the units
Calibration Commands aXxxxx!
desired by the user
Returns or sets the running average for sensor
Running Average Command aXAVG!
measurements.
 18

Make Measurement Command: M!

The make measurement command signals a measurement sequence to be performed. Data values generated in
response to this command are stored in the sensor's buffer for subsequent collection using “D” commands. Data
will be retained in sensor storage until another “M”, “C”, or “V” command is executed. M commands are shown in
the following examples:

Command Response Response to 0D0!

aM! or aM0! a0013<cr><lf> Calibrated oxygen, sensor mV, sensor body temperature
aM1! a0011<cr><If> Calibrated oxygen percent corrected for temperature
aMC! a0013<cr><lf> Calibrated oxygen, sensor mV, sensor body temperature w/ CRC
aMC1! a0011<cr><If> Calibrated oxygen percent corrected for temperature w/CRC

where a is the sensor address (“0-9”, “A-Z”, “a-z”) and M is an upper-case ASCII character.

The Calibrated Oxygen, Sensor mV, and Sensor Temperature are separated by the sign “+” or “-“, as in the
following example (0 is the address):

Command Sensor Response Sensor Response when data is ready

0M! 00013<cr><lf> 0<cr><lf>
0D0! 0+20.95+50.123+25.456<cr><lf>
0M1! 00011<cr><If> 0<cr><If>
0D0! 0+20.95<cr><If>

where 20.95 is calibrated oxygen output (units as set by user using the appropriate extended command), 50.123 is
the sensor mV, and 25.456 is sensor body temperature.

Concurrent Measurement Command: aC!

A concurrent measurement is one which occurs while other SDI-12 sensors on the bus are also making
measurements. This command is similar to the “aM!” command, however, the nn field has an extra digit and the
sensor does not issue a service request when it has completed the measurement. Communicating with other
sensors will NOT abort a concurrent measurement. Data values generated in response to this command are stored
in the sensor's buffer for subsequent collection using “D” commands. The data will be retained in the sensor until
another “M”, “C”, or “V” command is executed:

Command Response Response to 0D0!

aC! or aC0! a00103<cr><lf> Calibrated oxygen, sensor mV, sensor temperature
aC1! a00101<cr><If> Calibrated oxygen percent corrected for temperature
aCC! a00103<cr><lf> Calibrated oxygen, sensor mV, sensor temperature w/ CRC
aCC1! a00101<cr><If> Calibrated oxygen percent corrected for temperature w/CRC

where a is the sensor address (“0-9”, “A-Z”, “a-z”, “*”, “?”) and C is an upper-case ASCII character.

For example (0 is the address):

Command Sensor Response

0C! 000103<cr><lf>
0D0! 0+20.95+50.123+25.456<cr><lf>
0C1! 000101<cr><If>
0D10! 0+20.95<cr><If>
 19

where 20.95 is calibrated oxygen output (units as set by user using the appropriate extended command), 50.123 is
the sensor mV and 25.456 is sensor body temperature.

Change Sensor Address: aAb!

The change sensor address command allows the sensor address to be changed. If multiple SDI-12 devices are on
the same bus, each device will require a unique SDI-12 address. For example, two SDI-12 sensors with the factory
address of 0 requires changing the address on one of the sensors to a non-zero value in order for both sensors to
communicate properly on the same channel:

Command Response Description

aAb! b<cr><lf> Change the address of the sensor

where a is the current (old) sensor address (“0-9”, “A-Z”), A is an upper-case ASCII character denoting the
instruction for changing the address, b is the new sensor address to be programmed (“0-9”, “A-Z”), and ! is the
standard character to execute the command. If the address change is successful, the datalogger will respond with
the new address and a <cr><lf>.

Send Identification Command: aI!

The send identification command responds with sensor vendor, model, and version data. Any
measurement data in the sensor's buffer is not disturbed:

Command Response Description

"aI!" a13Apogee SO-4mmvvvxx…xx<cr><lf> The sensor serial number and other identifying values are
returned

where a is the sensor address (“0-9”, “A-Z”, “a-z”, “*”, “?”), mm is a the sensor model number (10, 20), vvv is a
three character field specifying the sensor version number, and xx...xx is serial number.

Running Average Command

The running average command can be used to set or query the number of measurements that are averaged
together before returning a value from a M! or MC! command. For example, if a user sends the command
“0XAVG10!” to sensor with address 0, that sensor will average 10 measurements before sending the averaged
value to the logger. To turn off averaging, the user should send the command “aXAVG1” to the sensor. To query
the sensor to see how many measurements are being averaged, send the command “aXAVG!” and the sensor will
return the number of measurements being averaged (see table below). The default for sensors is to have averaging
turned off.

Command Name Characters Sent Response Description

Query running aXAVG! an a = sensor address, n = number of measurements used in
Average average calculation. Note: n may be multiple digits.
Set running aXAVGn! a a = sensor address, n = number of measurements to be used in
Average average calculation. Note: n may be any value from 1 to 100.
 20

Extended commands for calibration

Send Calibration Coefficients: aXCFZ!

This command sets the user-derived multiplier (slope) and offset (intercept) of the sensor output. Sent with this
command needs to be the multiplier in the units the user wishes to have the sensor output and the offset in mV.

Command Response Description

"aXCFZ+m.mmmm+o.o!" a<cr><lf> Set the multiplier and offset.

where a is the sensor address (“0-9”, “A-Z”, “a-z”, “*”, “?”), +m.mmm is the multiplier and +o.oo is the offset in
mV.

Set Zero Offset: aXZERO!

This command sets the zero offset of the sensor. The zero is set to the current mV measurement of the sensor.
Before sending this command the sensor should be exposed to Nitrogen gas long enough for the sensor to
equilibrate.

Command Response Description

"aXZERO!" a<cr><lf> Set the zero offset

where a is the sensor address (“0-9”, “A-Z”, “a-z”, “*”, “?”).

Set Ambient Air – Relative Multiplier: aXAMBR!

This command sets the multiplier of the sensor. The multiplier is set using the current mV measurement of the
sensor. The multiplier is calculated assuming ambient air conditions. This command sets the output to units of %
Oxygen.

Command Response Description

"aXAMBR!" a<cr><lf> Set the multiplier

where a is the sensor address (“0-9”, “A-Z”, “a-z”, “*”, “?”).

Set 100% Oxygen Multiplier: aXONEH!

This command sets the multiplier of the sensor. The multiplier is set using the current mV measurement of the
sensor. The multiplier is calculated assuming 100% Oxygen connected to the sensor. This command sets the output
to units of % Oxygen.

Command Response Description

"aXONEH!" a<cr><lf> Set the multiplier

where a is the sensor address (“0-9”, “A-Z”, “a-z”, “*”, “?”).

Set Ambient Air – Absolute Multiplier: aXAMBA+pp.ppp!

This command sets the multiplier of the sensor so that the output is in units of absolute oxygen. Sent with this
command needs to be the current pressure in the units the user wishes to have the sensor output. For example, if
 21

the units of pressure is in kPa the units of the calibrated oxygen from the M! or C! commands is in kPa. The
multiplier is calculated assuming ambient air conditions.

Command Response Description

"aXAMBA+pp.ppp!" a<cr><lf> Set the multilplier

where a is the sensor address (“0-9”, “A-Z”, “a-z”, “*”, “?”) and pp.ppp is the pressure.

For example (0 is the address):

Command Sensor Response

0XAMBA+100.12! 0<cr><lf>

Where 100.12 is the pressure in the units chosen by the user.

Metadata Commands

Identify Measurement Commands

The Identify Measurement Commands can be used to view the command response without making a
measurement. The command response indicates the time it takes to make the measurement and the number of
data values that it returns. It works with the Verification Command (aV!), Measurement Commands (aM!, aM1! …
aM9!, aMC!, aMC1! … aMC9!), and Concurrent Measurement Commands (aC!, aC1! … aC9! , aCC!, aCC1! … aCC9!).

The format of the Identify Measurement Command is the address, the capital letter I, the measurement command,
and the command terminator (“!”), as follows:

<address>I<command>!

The format of the response is the same as if the sensor is making a measurement. For the Verification Command
and Measurement Commands, the response is atttn<CR><LF>. For the C Command, it is atttnn<CR><LF>. For the
High Volume Commands, it is atttnnn<CR><LF>. The address is indicated by a, the time in seconds to make the
measurement is indicated by ttt, and the number of measurements is indicated by n, nn, and nnn. The response is
terminated with a Carriage Return (<CR>) and Line Feed (<LF>).

Identify Measurement Command example:

3IMC2! The Identify Measurement Command for sensor address 3, M2 command, requesting a CRC.

30032<CR><LF> The response from sensor address three indicating that the measurement will take three seconds
and two data values will be returned.

Identify Measurement Parameter Commands

The Measurement Parameter Commands can be used to retrieve information about each data value that a
command returns. The first value returned is a Standard Hydrometeorological Exchange Format (SHEF) code. SHEF
codes are published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The SHEF code manual can
be found at http://www.nws.noaa.gov/oh/hrl/shef/indexshef.htm. The second value is the units of the parameter.
Additional fields with more information are optional.
 22

The Measurement Parameter Commands work with the Verification Command (aV!), Measurement Commands
(aM!, aM1! … aM9!, aMC!, aMC1! … aMC9!), and Concurrent Measurement Commands (aC!, aC1! … aC9! , aCC!,
aCC1! … aCC9!).

The format of the Identify Measurement Parameter Command is the address, the capital letter I, the measurement
command, the underscore character (“_”), a three-digit decimal number, and the command terminator (“!”). The
three-digit decimal indicates which number of measurement that the command returns, starting with “001” and
continuing to “002” and so on, up to the number of measurements that the command returns.

<address>I<command>_<three-digit decimal>!

The format of the response is comma delimited and terminated with a semicolon. The first value is the address.
The second value is the SHEF code. The third value is the units. Other optional values may appear, such as a
description of the data value. The response is terminated with a Carriage Return (<CR>) and Line Feed (<LF>).

a,<SHEF Code>,<units>;<CR><LF>

Identify Measurement Parameter Command example:

1IC_001! The Identify Measurement Parameter

Command for sensor address 1, C
command, data value 1.
1,RW,Watts/meter squared,incoming solar radiation;<CR><LF> The response from sensor address 1, SHEF
code RW, units of Watts/meter squared,
and additional information of incoming
solar radiation.
 23

MAINTENACE AND RECALIBRATION

Visual inspection of the Teflon membrane should be made periodically to verify that the oxygen path is free from
obstruction, as shown below. Avoid placing sharp objects inside the sensor opening, as the membrane can easily
be punctured.

Life Expectancy

Life expectancy of the SO-411 and SO-421 sensors is approximately ten and five years of continuous use in 20.95 %
oxygen at 20 C, respectively. Lifetime can be lengthened by storing sensors in cold temperatures (e.g., fridge or
freezer) when not in use.

Sensor recalibration can be conducted periodically and should be determined by the level of measurement
accuracy required for the application. Sensor signal decrease over one year when exposed to 20.95 % oxygen is
shown in the figure below. SO-411 sensors decrease by approximately 1 mV per year and SO-421 sensors decrease
by approximately 0.8 mV per year, or approximately 2 % of signal output at 20.95 % oxygen (SO-411) and 6 % of
signal output at 20.95 % oxygen (SO-421). This signal decrease yields increases in calibration factor of
approximately 2% for SO-411 and 6 % for SO-421 sensors.

Long-term stability (output

voltage decrease over time) of
Apogee SO-400 series oxygen
sensors. The response time and
signal decrease for both series
are also listed.
 24

Sensor Storage

To prolong the life expectancy of Apogee sensors, storage at low temperature (in a refrigerator) and at low oxygen
concentration is recommended. Care should be taken to not short the positive and negative leads for the O 2 sensor
as this may have an effect on the response time to oxygen.

If the sensor is stored in a 0% O2 environment for an extended period of time, the sensor's offset becomes lower
and response speed to O2 will become slower. In this case, the sensor will be able to recover to normal response
speed after exposure to a normal environment for a period of 24 hours.

Helpful Links

For tips on how to make calibration corrections for changes in environmental conditions, check out our technical
support video at https://youtu.be/xnIyjfzFpa0.

For more information on sensor operation and calibration, as well as a link to the oxygen readings calculator, go to
https://www.apogeeinstruments.com/oxygen-sensor-support/.

.
 25

TROUBLESHOOTING AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Independent Verification of Functionality

The oxygen sensing element inside Apogee SO-400 series oxygen sensors outputs a voltage signal proportional to
partial pressure of gaseous oxygen. Connect the sensor to a compatible datalogger and send the M1! Command
the first result is the sensor output in mV. SO-400 series sensors should read approximately 60 mV at sea level in
ambient air (20.95 % O2). These voltages will decrease by approximately 1 % per 100 meters of elevation increase
above sea level.

If the sensor does not communicate with the datalogger, use an ammeter to check the current drain. It should be
near 0.6 mA when the sensor is not communicating and spike to approximately 1.3 mA when the sensor is
communicating. Any current drain greater than approximately 6 mA indicates a problem with power supply to the
sensors, wiring of the sensor, or sensor electronics.

Compatible Measurement Devices (Dataloggers/Controllers/Meters)

Any datalogger or meter with SDI-12 functionality that includes the M or C command.

An example datalogger program for Campbell Scientific dataloggers can be found on the Apogee webpage at
http://www.apogeeinstruments.com/content/Oxygen-Sensor-Digital.CR1.

Modifying Cable Length

SDI-12 protocol limits cable length to 60 meters. For multiple sensors connected to the same data line, the
maximum is 600 meters of total cable (e.g., ten sensors with 60 meters of cable per sensor). See Apogee webpage
for details on how to extend sensor cable length (http://www.apogeeinstruments.com/how-to-make-a-
weatherproof-cable-splice/).
 26

RETURN AND WARRANTY POLICY

RETURN POLICY
Apogee Instruments will accept returns within 30 days of purchase as long as the product is in new condition (to be
determined by Apogee). Returns are subject to a 10 % restocking fee.

WARRANTY POLICY
What is Covered
All products manufactured by Apogee Instruments are warranted to be free from defects in materials and craftsmanship
for a period of four (4) years from the date of shipment from our factory. To be considered for warranty coverage an
item must be evaluated by Apogee.

Products not manufactured by Apogee (spectroradiometers, chlorophyll content meters, EE08-SS probes) are covered
for a period of one (1) year.

What is Not Covered

The customer is responsible for all costs associated with the removal, reinstallation, and shipping of suspected warranty
items to our factory.

The warranty does not cover equipment that has been damaged due to the following conditions:

1. Improper installation or abuse.

2. Operation of the instrument outside of its specified operating range.

3. Natural occurrences such as lightning, fire, etc.

4. Unauthorized modification.

5. Improper or unauthorized repair.

Please note that nominal accuracy drift is normal over time. Routine recalibration of sensors/meters is considered part of
proper maintenance and is not covered under warranty.

Who is Covered
This warranty covers the original purchaser of the product or other party who may own it during the warranty period.

What Apogee Will Do

At no charge Apogee will:

1. Either repair or replace (at our discretion) the item under warranty.

2. Ship the item back to the customer by the carrier of our choice.

Different or expedited shipping methods will be at the customer’s expense.

How To Return An Item

1. Please do not send any products back to Apogee Instruments until you have received a Return Merchandise
 27

Authorization (RMA) number from our technical support department by submitting an online RMA form at
www.apogeeinstruments.com/tech-support-recalibration-repairs/. We will use your RMA number for tracking of the
service item. Call (435) 245-8012 or email techsupport@apogeeinstruments.com with questions.

2. For warranty evaluations, send all RMA sensors and meters back in the following condition: Clean the sensor’s exterior
and cord. Do not modify the sensors or wires, including splicing, cutting wire leads, etc. If a connector has been attached
to the cable end, please include the mating connector – otherwise the sensor connector will be removed in order to
complete the repair/recalibration. Note: When sending back sensors for routine calibration that have Apogee’s standard
stainless-steel connectors, you only need to send the sensor with the 30 cm section of cable and one-half of the
connector. We have mating connectors at our factory that can be used for calibrating the sensor.

3. Please write the RMA number on the outside of the shipping container.

4. Return the item with freight pre-paid and fully insured to our factory address shown below. We are not responsible for
any costs associated with the transportation of products across international borders.

Apogee Instruments, Inc.

721 West 1800 North Logan, UT
84321, USA

5. Upon receipt, Apogee Instruments will determine the cause of failure. If the product is found to be defective in terms
of operation to the published specifications due to a failure of product materials or craftsmanship, Apogee Instruments
will repair or replace the items free of charge. If it is determined that your product is not covered under warranty, you
will be informed and given an estimated repair/replacement cost.

PRODUCTS BEYOND THE WARRANTY PERIOD

For issues with sensors beyond the warranty period, please contact Apogee at techsupport@apogeeinstruments.com to
discuss repair or replacement options.

OTHER TERMS
The available remedy of defects under this warranty is for the repair or replacement of the original product, and Apogee
Instruments is not responsible for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including but not limited to
loss of income, loss of revenue, loss of profit, loss of data, loss of wages, loss of time, loss of sales, accruement of debts
or expenses, injury to personal property, or injury to any person or any other type of damage or loss.

This limited warranty and any disputes arising out of or in connection with this limited warranty ("Disputes") shall be
governed by the laws of the State of Utah, USA, excluding conflicts of law principles and excluding the Convention for the
International Sale of Goods. The courts located in the State of Utah, USA, shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any
Disputes.

This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state
and jurisdiction to jurisdiction, and which shall not be affected by this limited warranty. This warranty extends only to
you and cannot by transferred or assigned. If any provision of this limited warranty is unlawful, void or unenforceable,
that provision shall be deemed severable and shall not affect any remaining provisions. In case of any inconsistency
between the English and other versions of this limited warranty, the English version shall prevail.

This warranty cannot be changed, assumed, or amended by any other person or agreement

APOGEE INSTRUMENTS, INC. | 721 WEST 1800 NORTH, LOGAN, UTAH 84321, USA
TEL: (435) 792-4700 | FAX: (435) 787-8268 | WEB: APOGEEINSTRUMENTS.COM

Copyright © 2021 Apogee Instruments, Inc.