Frequently Asked Questions

The Smart Chamber is optimized for use with the LI-870 CO2/H2O Analyzer and LI-COR Trace Gas Analyzers. LI-COR provides pre-made cable assemblies for LI-COR analyzers, which are very simple to setup. Volumes for these analyzers and cable assemblies are auto-filled in the interface software, so you don’t have to calculate system volume on your own. Data, including final flux rate, from LI-COR analyzers can be viewed directly through the user interface software in the field. For measurements of trace gases not supported by LI-COR analyzers, the Smart Chamber can also be used with gas analyzers not manufactured by LI-COR. Data from non-LI-COR analyzers cannot be viewed directly in the software, and files from the analyzer and Smart Chamber must be merged in SoilFluxPro™ Software to calculate fluxes. You will also need to calculate total system volume manually for these applications.
The LI-870 provides a simple, low-cost solution for CO2 survey measurements. LI-COR Trace Gas Analyzers allow for measurements of CH4 and CO2 (LI-7810), and for very-high precision CO2 measurements (LI-7815). The LI-870 uses non-dispersive infrared measurement technology, similar to that of the LI-8100A System, while LI-COR Trace Gas Analyzers use laser-based, Optical Feedback – Cavity Enhanced Absorption Spectroscopy (OF-CEAS). LI-COR is happy to discuss your individual research and help you decide which analyzer is the best choice for you.

The Smart Chamber comes with two types of communication cables to connect to a PC if you do not use Wi-Fi:

  • RJ45 Ethernet Cable (part number 616-06116): This cable is for communication with a PC.
  • USB Cable A/B Male 2-meter length (part number 392-13201) This cable is for communication to PC.

The cables that are NOT included are sealed and used to connect Smart Chamber to the Trace Gas Analyzer. These cable/tubing assemblies must be ordered separately:

  • Smart Chamber to LI-78xx; 1.2-meter length (part number 9982-009).
  • Smart Chamber to LI-78xx; 2-meter length. Recommended for use with the backpack harness (part number 9982-011).
Yes. With a bit of additional plumbing, the Smart Chamber could potentially be used with multiple analyzers at a time to measure a variety of gases.
No. The LI-870 is powered by the Smart Chamber.
For a typical use case (20 collars per hour, 2 minutes active time per collar), a single Smart Chamber battery provides approximately 17 hours of life. If you are using an LI-870 with your Smart Chamber and the same use case, the battery will last approximately 10 hours. Two batteries are included with your Smart Chamber, so even if you are powering an LI-870, you should have more than enough battery power for a full day’s work in the field.
No, While the Smart Chamber software allows for longer (30+ minute) measurements to be configured, it is not designed for long-term outdoor deployment.
No. For survey measurements with the LI-8100A, only the 8100-102 and 8100-103 10 cm and 20 cm survey chambers can be used.
No, these chambers cannot be upgraded.
No. The Smart Chamber houses its own electronics for communication, control of measurements and data processing. By moving the electronics from an analyzer control unit to the chamber itself, the Smart Chamber can be more easily integrated with different gas analyzers, or even be used on its own with the Trace Gas Sampling Kit (part number 8100-664).
Yes. The Smart Chamber contains an embedded Wi-Fi access point*, meaning cellular modems, routers, or satellite communications are not required. You can connect wirelessly with Android and iOS smart phones and tablets, and Windows and Mac computers. The Smart Chamber also uses a web application to configure measurements, which means you can connect via web browser (Chrome, Firefox, and Safari are recommended) and that you don’t have to download and install an app. *Wi-Fi is not available in all countries.
No. The Smart Chamber can be connected to a computer using the Ethernet or USB cables that are included with your purchase.
The Smart Chamber contains an SDI-12 interface and a port for a Type-E thermocouple. The major differences are the variables being measured, and the depth of temperature measurements. A Stevens HydraProbe is included with your Smart Chamber and connects via SDI-12. This probe measures soil moisture, soil surface temperature, and electrical conductivity. A Type-E thermocouple, such as the Omega Soil Temperature Thermocouple (available from LI-COR, discontinued part number 6000-09TC; current part number 9982-080), is longer, and can be used for taking deeper soil temperature measurements. A Type-E thermocouple is not included with your chamber, but an adapter that fits the connector on the chamber is included in the spares kit, meaning you can use virtually any Type-E thermocouple (or even make your own).
Response time and depth of measurement. The Stevens HydraProbe has a slower temperature response time, and only gives surface temperature measurements. A Type-E thermocouple (like the discontinued 6000-09TC Omega Soil Temperature Thermocouple or current 9982-080 temperature probe) has a quicker temperature response time and can be used for deeper measurements.
No. The Stevens HydraProbe is currently the only SDI-12 sensor supported by the Smart Chamber.
Yes. Just be sure to place the probes at least 30 cm (12 inches) apart from one another. The HydraProbe uses an electric signal, which can interfere with the thermocouple measurement if they are placed too close together.
Yes. Three PVC soil collars are included with your order. You may purchase more from LI-COR, though we recommend the cheaper option of making your own. Dimensions and instructions are included in the manual.
No. The Smart Chamber does not require any periodic factory calibration, but you may send it back to LI-COR for service as needed.
No, but your analyzer may need user calibration (zero/span). You can calibrate the LI-870 yourself if you have access to proper equipment, or LI-COR can perform the calibration for you. You may also send the LI-870 back for service, as needed.
Files (.json) can be easily downloaded from the Smart Chamber software to your computer, tablet, or mobile device. These data files are optimized for analysis with SoilFluxPro™ Software.