SOLYX 14

Measure accurate water content and pore water EC with revolutionary CDX technology

The toughest, longest-lasting soil moisture sensor, built with new CDX technology for accurate measurements in a wide range of soil salinity and temperatures.

Measures dielectric permittivity, soil moisture, temp, bulk EC, and pore water EC with Complex Dielectric through intersections (learn about CDX)
Achieve accurate water content measurements—even in high salinity soils
Built tough for long-term deployment in harsh conditions

Overview / Features

The future of soil moisture monitoring starts here

Get more out of every measurement with the SOLYX 14 featuring CDX (learn about CDX). Continuously monitor dielectric permittivity, soil temperature, bulk electrical conductivity (ECb), volumetric water content (VWC), and pore water electrical conductivity (ECw). Designed and proven through rigorous durability testing, the SOLYX 14 is METER’s toughest, longest-lasting sensor yet—ensuring you get consistent, accurate soil moisture data season after season, year after year.

Soil moisture—evolved

Accurate soil moisture measurement relies on more than just collecting and processing data. To truly trust data validity, sensors should be easy to consistently install correctly and durable enough to endure years of use in harsh environmental conditions. METER instruments are chosen by scientists, growers, and engineers worldwide for their accuracy, and the CDX technology behind the SOLYX 14 marks the next advancement in soil moisture measurement.

Redefining what’s possible with CDX technology

Developed by METER scientists, Complex Dielectric through intersection, or CDX, is a patented impedance technology that makes accurate measurement of VWC, EC, and soil temperature possible in soil, substrates, and porous material across a wide range of salinities and temperatures.

By measuring complex dielectric permittivity, the SOLYX 14 independently measures both the real dielectric permittivity (related to water content) and the imaginary dielectric permittivity (which is influenced by salts and lossy clays). That means you can achieve accurate soil moisture measurements in more places than ever before.

Consistent installation = higher accuracy

The more consistent the sensor installation, the more reliable the data. That’s why the SOLYX 14 can be installed using the same Borehole Installation Tool (TBIT) as the TEROS soil moisture sensors, which minimizes air pockets and ensures solid sensor-to-soil contact. The TBIT firmly inserts the sensor into the side of a 10 cm borehole at depths of up to 5 meters, making installation quicker, easier, and more accurate. Once installed, setup is as simple as plug-and-play with METER data loggers, sending real-time data to ZENTRA Cloud for remote data visualization, computation, and collaboration.

Engineered for endurance

Whether you’re measuring soil moisture over a season or a decade, SOLYX 14 delivers long-term stability and reliability. Its low-power requirements make it ideal for permanent installation—even at remote sites. Robust stainless-steel needles, a high-durability cable, and epoxy fill enable this sensor to provide research-grade accuracy year after year, even under harsh conditions. We’re so confident about the long life of the SOLYX 14, we’ve increased our standard warranty from one to three years.

Feature summary

CDX technology accurately measures dielectric, soil moisture, and EC in a wide range of soil types, salinities, and temperatures
Sensor-to-sensor consistency ensures trustworthy measurements
Simplify sensor installation with the Borehole Installation Tool
On-board diagnostic tool checks sensor functionality with every measurement
Robust design with epoxy fill, stainless steel needles, and cable with braided metal shield to protect against damage
Ideal for long-term deployment

Specifications: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Measurement Specifications

Volumetric Water Content (VWC) Range

Mineral Soil Calibration: 0.00–0.72 m³/m³

Real Dielectric Permittivity (ε_r): 1 (air) to 80 (water)

Note: The VWC range is dependent on the media the sensor is calibrated to. A custom calibration will accmmodate the necessary ranges for most substrates.

Volumetric Water Content (VWC) Resolution

0.001 m³/m³

Volumetric Water Content (VWC) Accuracy

Generic Calibration: ±0.03 m³/m³ typical in mineral soils

Medium Specific Calibration: ±0.01 m³/m³ in any porous medium

Real Dielectric Permittivity (ε_r): ± 1ε_r (unitless)

Dielectric Measurement Frequency

70 MHz

Temperature

Range: –40 °C to +60 °C

Resolution: 0.1 °C

Accuracy: ±0.3 °C from 0 to +60 °C, ±1 °C from –40 to 0 °C

Note: Temperature measurement for applicable sensor may not be accurate if sensor is not fully immersed in the medium of interest due to longer equilibration time.

Bulk Electrical Conductivity (EC)

Range: 0–20 dS/m (bulk)

Resolution: 0.001 dS/m

Accuracy: ±(5% + 0.01 dS/m) from 0–10 dS/m

Accuracy: ±8% from 10–20 dS/m

Communication Specifications

Output

DDI-serial

SDI-12 communication protocol

Data Logger Compatibility

METER ZL6 data loggers and any data acquisition system capable of 4.0- to 15.0-VDC power and serial or SDI-12 communication.

Physical Specifications

Dimensions

Length: 8.9 cm (3.50 in)

Width: 2.5 cm (0.98 in)

Height: 7.5 cm (2.96 in)

Needle Length

5.5 cm (2.17 in)

IP Rating

IP 65

IP 67

Operating Temperature Range

Minimum: –40 °C

Typical: N/A

Maximum: 60 °C

Note: Sensors may be used at higher temperatures under certain conditions; contact Customer Support for assistance.

Cable Length

5 m (standard)

75 m (maximum custom cable length)

Note: Contact Customer Support if a nonstandard cable length is needed.

Cable Diameter

0.54 ± 0.01 cm (0.212 ± 0.004 in) with a minimum jacket of 0.076 cm (0.030 in)

Connector Types

3.5 mm stereo plug connector or stripped and tinned wires

Conductor Gauge

22-AWG / 24-AWG drain wire

Electrical and Timing Characteristics

Supply Voltage (VCC) to GND

Minimum: 4.0 VDC continuous

Typical: N/A

Maximum: 15.0 VDC continuous

Digital Input Voltage (Logic High)

Minimum: 2.8 V

Typical: 3.6 V

Maximum: 5.0 V

Digital Input Voltage (Logic Low)

Minimum: –0.3 V

Typical: 0.0 V

Maximum: 0.8 V

Digital Output Voltage (Logic High)

Minimum: N/A

Typical: 3.6 V

Maximum: N/A

Power Line Slew Rate

Minimum: 1.0 V/ms

Typical: N/A

Maximum: N/A

Required Supply Current

Minimum: 16.0 mA

Typical: N/A

Maximum: N/A

Current Drain (During Measurement)

Minimum: N/A

Typical: 4.43 mA

Typical: NOTE: 372 ms ?M! command

Maximum: N/A

Current Drain (While Asleep)

Minimum: N/A

Typical: 0.03 mA

Maximum: 0.06 mA

Power Up Time (DDI Serial)

Minimum: N/A

Typical: 100 ms

Maximum: 350 ms

Power Up Time (SDI-12)

Minimum: N/A

Typical: 260 ms

Maximum: N/A

Power Up Time (SDI-12, DDI Disabled)

Minimum: N/A

Typical: 170 ms

Maximum: N/A

Measurement Duration

Minimum: N/A

Typical: 50 ms

Maximum: N/A

Other

Compliance

EM ISO/IEC 17050:2010 (DoC upon request)

2014/30/EU (EMC) via EN 61326-1:2013

2011/65/EU (RoHS) via EN 63000:2018

CISPR 11:2024 Group 2 Class A

Support / FAQ

SOLYX 14 User Manual

Manual

PDF, 2.12 MB

SOLYX 14 Integrator Guide

Integrator Guide

PDF, 0.357 MB

CSI CR1000x data logger example program for the SOLYX 14

Instructions

URL, 0.0 kb

Where can I learn more details about the new CDX technology used in the SOLYX 14 sensor?: You can find detailed information in our CDX webinar linked here.

Accessories: Cable repair and replacement accessories

TEROS 10, TEROS 11, TEROS 12, TEROS 22, TEROS 21, TEROS 31, TEROS 32, TEROS 06, TEROS 54, PHYTOS 31

ZSC Bluetooth sensor interface and stereo to pigtail adapter

TEROS 10, TEROS 11, TEROS 12, TEROS 22, TEROS 54, TEROS 31, TEROS 32, PHYTOS 31, ATMOS 14, ATMOS 22 Gen 2

View All Accessories

"Great quality products and excellent service. I have your equipment in use in California and in the Andes in Colombia."

Niall McCartin | Ecohydrology researcher, California

Water Content Features

wdt_ID	wdt_created_by	wdt_created_at	wdt_last_edited_by	wdt_last_edited_at	Features	TEROS 10	TEROS 11	TEROS 12	SOLYX 14	TEROS 54	ECH2O EC-5
25	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	Measures volumetric water content	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
26	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	Measures temperature		✓	✓	✓	✓
27	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	Measures bulk EC			✓	✓
28	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	Models pore water EC			✓	✓
29	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	Measures dielectric permittivity				✓
30	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	Depths measured simultaneously	1	1	1		4	1
31	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	Individually normalized		✓	✓		✓
32	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	Can install manually	✓	✓	✓			✓
33	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	Install tool available	TBIT	TBIT	TBIT		TEROS 54 Install Tool	N/A
34	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	Install via borehole or trench	Either	Either	EIther		Borehole	Either
35	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	Quickest install/removal					✓
36	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	Maintenance-free	✓	✓	✓		✓	✓
37	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	Compatible with verification clip	✓	✓	✓
38	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	VMC accuracygeneric calibration***	±0.03 m³/m³	±0.03 m³/m³*	±0.03 m³/m³*		±0.05 m³/m³*	±0.03 m³/m³*
39	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	VWC accuracymedium specific calibration***	±0.01–0.02 m³/m³**	±0.01–0.02 m³/m³**	±0.01–0.02 m³/m³**		±0.02–0.03 m³/m³**	±0.02 m³/m³**
40	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	Analog vs digital	Analog	Digital	Digital		Digital	Analog
41	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	Uses capacitance technology	✓	✓	✓		✓	✓
42	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	Maximum measurement volume	430 mL	1010 mL	1010 mL		300 cm³ per segment	240 mL
43	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	Connects to ZENTRA	✓	✓	✓		✓	✓
44	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	LEARN MORE	TEROS 10	TEROS 11	TEROS 12		TEROS 54	ECH20 EC-5
45	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	* Generic calibration - typical in mineral soils that have solution EC
46	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	** Medium specific calibration - in any porous medium
47	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	[email protected]	04/03/2026 02:18 PM	*** Volumetric water content

SOLYX 14

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SOLYX 14

Measure accurate water content and pore water EC with revolutionary CDX technology

Overview / Features

The future of soil moisture monitoring starts here

Soil moisture—evolved

Redefining what’s possible with CDX technology

Consistent installation = higher accuracy

Engineered for endurance

Feature summary

Specifications

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Measurement Specifications

Communication Specifications

Physical Specifications

Electrical and Timing Characteristics

Other

Support / FAQ

Accessories

Cable repair and replacement accessories

ZSC Bluetooth sensor interface and stereo to pigtail adapter

Water Content Features

Request a quote

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Europe

MIA