Frequently Asked Questions

The LI-8100App mobile app is compatible with the following mobile devices:

  • Apple devices: Compatible with iOS versions 4.0 to 14.8. Not compatible with iOS versions newer than 14.8.
  • Android devices: Compatible with devices with ARMv7 CPU architecture. Not compatible with CPU architectures common to newer devices.

You can continue to use the LI-8100A with a computer or tablet that is connected directly to the LI-8100A Analyzer Control Unit with an Ethernet cable or over a wireless network. You also can continue to use the LI-8100App on any older iOS or Android device that has a compatible operating system and architecture.

If you are performing long-term measurements with a single chamber, the 8100-704 Cable/Hose Assembly (2 m) is used to connect the 8100-104 Long-Term Chamber to the LI 8100A Analyzer Control Unit. The 8150-705 Cable/Hose Extension Assembly (15 m) is used to connect to the LI 8150 Port Multiplexer and is required to multiplex with multiple long-term chambers. Both the 8100-102 and 8100-103 survey chambers include an attached cable/hose assembly.
The LI 8100 cannot be upgraded to the LI 8100A; however, current owners of the LI 8100 can upgrade to the latest software for the LI 8100A. This software supports the use of Windows, iOS, Ethernet and high CO2 capabilities. Contact LI COR for more information.
Yes, you do need an Analyzer Control Unit and the LI 8150 Multiplexer to perform flask measurements because together they operate as a closed system, determining CO2 flux from the change in the CO2 mole fraction over time in a fixed volume. The ACU is the gas analysis, data storage and communication center for your measurements.
One 6400-03 Rechargeable Battery lasts approximately 2-3 hours.
You cannot purchase the 8100-552 Wireless Card elsewhere; however, the iOS device can be purchased from a third-party source.
Yes, you can upgrade your 8100-104 Long-term Chamber to the 8100-104C Long-term Clear Chamber. The Upgrade Kit to convert an 8100-104 to an 8100-104C is the 8100-910 Clear Chamber Bowl Assembly.
The LI 8100A Analyzer Control Unit should never require factory recalibration unless it is returned for repair. If you perform a zero and span of your analyzer periodically and everything appears to be working correctly, no factory calibration is necessary.
The soil moisture and temperature probes that begin with the part number 8100-XXX, must be used with the LI 8100A Analyzer Control Unit for either survey or single long-term measurements. The sensors that begin with the part number 8150-XXX are used with long-term chambers.
The following chambers can be used together in any number adding up to a total of sixteen: 8100-101, 8100-104, and 8100-104C. Survey chambers cannot be used with the LI 8150 Multiplexer.
The exact power requirements are dependent on the number of chambers and sampling frequency. Generally, the instrument will have a continuous draw of 2-3 amperes at 12 Volts. For more details, refer to the application note.
The physical design of both chambers is very similar. However, the 6400-09 in conjunction with LI 6400XT uses a draw-down technique to measure soil CO2 flux at the ambient CO2 concentration. The 8100-102 in conjunction with the LI 8100A ACU uses a combination of automated chamber closure and a mathematical algorithm to measure soil CO2 flux at the ambient concentration.
You can connect to the LI-8100A in a variety of ways. With a Windows computer, you can use RS-232 (serial), USB, Ethernet, or a wireless connection. We have Android and iOS apps that allow you to connect using a wireless hotspot. If your iOS device has iOS 8 or lower, you can also connect using an 8100-552 wireless card. We also support wireless connection with Windows Mobile and PALM devices.
The LI-8100A comes with an Auxiliary Sensor Interface, which allows you to connect up to four voltage inputs (soil moisture probes, thermistors, other analyzers) and four thermocouples. The 8100-201 and 8100-203 soil temperature probes and 8100-202 and 8100-204 soil moisture probes can connect here, as well as other sensors with bare wire leads and voltage outputs. When using a multiplexer, the 8100-104/C chamber has three voltage inputs available. The 8150-203 soil temperature probe and 8150-202 and 8150-204 can connect to the 8100-104/C voltage inputs. Other sensors can be connected using the 392-08577 cable.

We have examined many different USB adapters and found the type that we sell to work best with all of our instruments. Other adapters may work, but they may not.

We can only guarantee the FTDI adapter that we sell. It is included with many of the LI-COR instruments that require serial communication with a computer. We have found that some third-party USB adapters (Prolific, for example) do not accurately transmit all the data from the instrument to the computer, or vice versa. You should use an adapter with an FTDI chipset, and Belkin and Keyspan adapters typically work well with our instruments too.