— Products —
Consumer hotline +8618073152920 WhatsApp：+8615367865107
Address：Room 102, District D, Houhu Industrial Park, Yuelu District, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
Agricultural Sensors
NBL-W-FGS fruit and stem growth sensor monitors diameter changes from 0–250 mm with RS485 Modbus, 4–20mA or 0–5V output for crop growth research and agricultural monitoring.
Tel/WhatsApp:+8615367865107
Email:Arvin@niubol.com +Nearly 100 partner companies in more than 75 countries. We are committed to providing high-quality, practical products to meet your needs and help you solve problems. Our products comply with international standards and are certified with ISO, CE and RoHS.Product Details
The NiuBoL NBL-W-FGS Fruit & Stem Growth Sensor is an electronic displacement sensor designed for continuous monitoring of diameter changes in plant fruits and stems. The sensor follows the expansion or contraction of the measured object and converts the mechanical displacement into an electrical output for data logging and long-term growth analysis.
Four measuring ranges are available: 0–50 mm, 0–100 mm, 0–150 mm and 0–250 mm. Output options include RS485 Modbus, 4–20 mA and 0–5 V, allowing the sensor to connect to data loggers, PLCs, agricultural monitoring stations and IoT gateways.
The NBL-W-FGS is suitable for fruit expansion monitoring, stem diameter monitoring, crop growth research, irrigation experiments, greenhouse studies and other projects where continuous plant growth data is required.
| Continuous Growth Monitoring | Tracks changes in fruit or stem diameter over time for daily and long-term growth analysis. |
| Four Measuring Ranges | 0–50 mm, 0–100 mm, 0–150 mm and 0–250 mm versions are available for different fruit and stem sizes. |
| Multiple Outputs | RS485 Modbus, 4–20 mA or 0–5 V can be selected according to the monitoring system. |
| Automatic Temperature Compensation | Designed to reduce temperature-related influence on long-term displacement measurements. |
| Long Mechanical Life | Specified mechanical lifetime greater than 1,000,000 cycles. |
| Field Integration | Can be integrated with agricultural data loggers, weather stations, PLCs and remote IoT systems. |
| Model | NBL-W-FGS |
| Product Name | Fruit & Stem Growth Sensor |
| Supply Voltage | DC 12–24 V |
| Signal Output | RS485 / 4–20 mA / 0–5 V |
| Type A Range | 0–50 mm |
| Type B Range | 0–100 mm |
| Type C Range | 0–150 mm |
| Type D Range | 0–250 mm |
| Accuracy | ±1% |
| Communication Protocol | Modbus RTU for RS485 version |
| Default Baud Rate | 9600 bps |
| Average Power Consumption | 0.3 W |
| Mechanical Lifetime | More than 1,000,000 cycles |
| Operating Temperature | -40 to 80°C |
| Operating Humidity | 0–95%RH |
| Protection Rating | IP65 |
| Standard Cable Length | 2.5 m |
The NBL-W-FGS uses a displacement measurement mechanism. The measuring frame remains in contact with the fruit or plant stem while the object expands or contracts. Changes in diameter move the sensing mechanism, and the displacement is converted into an electrical signal.
When measurements are recorded continuously, users can observe short-term diameter fluctuations as well as longer-term growth trends. This makes it possible to compare plant growth with irrigation, temperature, solar radiation, humidity and other environmental conditions.
The sensor measures diameter and diameter change directly. Fruit expansion rate or stem growth rate is calculated from the change in measured diameter over a defined time interval rather than being a separate physical parameter measured directly by the sensor.
| Sensor Type | Measuring Range | Typical Selection |
|---|---|---|
| Type A | 0–50 mm | Small fruits, young stems and smaller plant organs |
| Type B | 0–100 mm | Medium fruits and stems |
| Type C | 0–150 mm | Large fruits and larger plant stems |
| Type D | 0–250 mm | Large fruits, trunks and larger diameter monitoring applications |
The sensor range should be selected according to the expected diameter throughout the complete monitoring period. A sensor should have enough remaining range to accommodate continued growth rather than being selected only according to the diameter measured on the installation day.
| Output | Typical Use | Main Characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| RS485 Modbus | Data logger, PLC, RTU, agricultural IoT gateway | Digital communication and multi-device networking |
| 4–20 mA | Industrial analog input modules and long cable runs | Current-loop output |
| 0–5 V | Controllers and analog acquisition devices with voltage inputs | Voltage output proportional to selected measuring range |
For analog versions, the measured diameter can be calculated from the output signal and the selected full measurement range.
| Output Type | Formula | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5 V | L = (V / 5) × M | L = measured value; V = output voltage; M = selected full measuring range |
| 4–20 mA | L = (I − 4) × M / 16 | L = measured value; I = output current; M = selected full measuring range |
For example, when using a 0–100 mm sensor with 0–5 V output, a 2.5 V signal corresponds to approximately 50 mm according to the specified linear conversion formula.
| Interface | RS485 |
| Protocol | Modbus RTU |
| Default Baud Rate | 9600 bps |
| Data Bits | 8 |
| Parity | None |
| Stop Bits | 1 or 2 |
| Device Address | 0–255 configurable |
| Read Function | Modbus function code 03 |
| Communication Interval | At least 1000 ms |
| Wire Color | RS485 Version | Analog Version |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Power + | Power + |
| Black / Green | Power - | Power - |
| Yellow | RS485 A+ | Voltage or current signal depending on version |
| Blue | RS485 B- | Refer to supplied wiring configuration |
Wiring note: The wiring definition differs between RS485, current and voltage versions. Confirm the output configuration and wire identification supplied with the sensor before connection.
| Fruit Expansion Monitoring | Stem Diameter Monitoring | Orchard Research |
| Greenhouse Experiments | Irrigation Research | Plant Physiology |
| Crop Growth Monitoring | Agricultural IoT | Scientific Research |
Fruit and stem diameter data becomes more useful when it is recorded together with environmental measurements. A monitoring system can combine NBL-W-FGS growth data with soil moisture, air temperature and humidity, solar radiation, rainfall or irrigation records.
| Measurement | Monitoring Purpose |
|---|---|
| Fruit / Stem Diameter | Records plant growth and short-term diameter changes. |
| Soil Moisture | Provides root-zone water-condition data for comparison with plant growth response. |
| Air Temperature & Humidity | Provides atmospheric conditions that may influence plant water loss and growth. |
| Solar Radiation | Provides information about incoming energy and daytime crop conditions. |
| Irrigation / Rainfall | Allows plant diameter response to water-supply events to be compared over time. |
The sensor itself does not determine whether irrigation is sufficient or predict crop yield. These conclusions require analysis of the growth data together with crop type, growth stage and environmental conditions.
| Select the Correct Range | Allow enough range for expected fruit or stem growth during the entire monitoring period. |
| Representative Position | Install on a representative fruit or stem according to the monitoring objective. |
| Avoid Excessive Force | The measuring frame should follow diameter changes without applying unnecessary mechanical pressure to the plant. |
| Secure Cable | Fix the cable so wind or movement does not pull directly on the sensor body. |
| Record Installation | Record plant ID, sensor range, installation position and initial reading for long-term comparison. |
| Maintenance Item | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Sensor Cleaning | Inspect regularly. Clean the outer surface with water; use a damp soft cloth or soft brush if debris remains. |
| Mechanical Inspection | Check the sensor and measuring frame for damage or obstruction. |
| Cable Inspection | Check cable routing and connections, particularly where the cable is exposed outdoors. |
| Calibration | Factory calibration is completed before delivery; routine user calibration is generally not required unless specified by the project or competent authority. |
A1. It measures the diameter and diameter changes of plant fruits or stems using a displacement sensing mechanism.
A2. It directly measures diameter. Growth or expansion rate can be calculated by comparing diameter values over a selected time interval.
A3. Four ranges are available: 0–50 mm, 0–100 mm, 0–150 mm and 0–250 mm.
A4. RS485 Modbus, 4–20 mA and 0–5 V output versions are available.
A5. Yes. The appropriate sensor range should be selected according to the expected diameter of the fruit, stem or trunk.
A6. Yes. The RS485 version supports Modbus RTU, while analog versions can connect to compatible 4–20 mA or 0–5 V input channels.
A7. Yes. The sensor can connect to a compatible data logger or IoT gateway for 4G, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, LoRaWAN or other remote communication depending on the system design.
A8. Factory calibration is completed before delivery. Routine field calibration is generally not required unless the project or applicable maintenance procedure requires verification.
NBL-W-FGS-Fruit-Stem-Growth-Sensor-Instruction-Manual.pdf
The NBL-W-FGS Fruit & Stem Growth Sensor provides continuous diameter measurement for agricultural research, orchards, greenhouses and plant-growth monitoring systems. Multiple range and output options allow the sensor to be selected according to plant size and the interface of the existing data-acquisition system.
Prev：Water level sensor Submersible Level Transmitter | RS485 Modbus| NBL-L-WLPS
Next：4-in-1 Soil Temperature Moisture EC Salinity Sensor For Agriculture/Garden/Farm |NBL-S-TMCS
Sensors & Weather Stations Catalog
Agriculture Sensors and Weather Stations Catalog-NiuBoL.pdf
Weather Stations Catalog-NiuBoL.pdf
Agriculture Sensors Catalog-NiuBoL.pdf
Water Quality Sensor Catalog-NiuBoL.pdf
Related recommendations
TDR Soil Moisture & Temperature Sensor for irrigation| RS485 |4-20mA| NBL-S-THR
Soil pH sensor RS485 soil Testing instrument soil ph meter for agriculture |NBL-S-PH
Soil NPK Sensor RS485 Modbus | NBL-S-NPK | NiuBoL
NBL-S-TM-MD Multi-Layer Soil Moisture Temperature Salinity Sensor | RS485 Modbus
7-in-1 Soil Sensor for Android USB-Type-C
8-in-1 Portable Soil Sensor for Android Type-C/USB Soil Multi-Parameter Tester & Analyzer
Screenshot, WhatsApp to identify the QR code
WhatsApp number：+8615367865107
（Click on WhatsApp to copy and add friends）
