dc.description.abstract | Performance test of digital penetrometer had been conducted to evaluate the performance of developed digital penetrometer. Force was measured using a ring type load cell, while the penetration depth was measured using an ultrasonic distance sensor. All measured data can be displayed on the LCD and recorded on a flash memory. Measurement of forces have an accuracy of 0.1 kg, whereas the depth of measurement has an accuracy of 5 mm. Recorded data were force of penetration, depth of penetration and ambient temperature. Ambient temperature used to correct the speed of ultrasonic sensor in the air. Results of tests showed that the digital penetrometer based on microcontroller ATmega 8535 wich have accurate reading for measuring temperature, depth and penetration resistance of the soil. Cone index data used for determining trafficability, estimating traction ratio (at 50% slip), specific draft prediction for plowing and specific torque for rotary tilling. | en |