Description
The FieldScout TDR 350 moisture meter from Spectrum Technologies delivers the proven time-domain reflectometry accuracy that turf professionals have relied on for more than 30 years. Designed for golf course superintendents, grounds crews, and agronomic specialists, this field-ready instrument measures soil moisture across the full range of soil conditions — from dry sand-based greens to heavy native fairway soils — giving you the data needed to irrigate responsibly and reduce operating costs.
Why Turf Professionals Choose the FieldScout TDR 350
The Spectrum TDR 350 combines ergonomic design with advanced sensing technology to make soil moisture scouting faster and more reliable. Its improved shaft-mounted probe and telescoping tubular frame allow quick insertion across greens, tee boxes, fairways, and rough areas without slowing down your crew. The industry-exclusive backlit display ensures clear readings in any lighting condition, while the integrated Bluetooth and GPS enable hands-free data collection directly from the field.
A key upgrade in this generation is native integration with the Rain Bird CirrusPRO™ Irrigation Control System, which delivers real-time soil moisture and EC data directly into your irrigation management workflow. This closed-loop approach — measure, integrate, irrigate — helps eliminate guesswork and supports more precise water application across your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the FieldScout TDR 350 moisture meter measure?
The TDR 350 measures volumetric water content (VWC), electrical conductivity (EC), and turf surface temperature. An optional infrared temperature sensor is also available for canopy temperature readings. These combined measurements give turf managers a comprehensive picture of soil and surface conditions across greens, fairways, tee boxes, and other managed turf areas.
Does the TDR 350 require rods to function?
Yes. Rods are required for the TDR 350 to take measurements and are sold separately. Without the appropriate rods inserted into the soil, the meter cannot complete the time-domain reflectometry circuit needed to calculate volumetric water content. Be sure to order compatible FieldScout TDR rods when purchasing the meter.
What is the best use case for the TDR moisture meter?
The TDR moisture meter is best for consistent daily maintenance tasks where durability and control matter most. It performs well in routine prep work, touch-up applications, and repeat use across commercial and residential settings. For best results, pair it with complementary maintenance tools designed for the same workflow.
Is this product suitable for professional use?
Yes, this product is designed for professional-grade reliability while still being practical for smaller properties. Its construction supports repeated use, and the design helps reduce operator fatigue during longer sessions. It is a strong fit for crews, facilities teams, and property managers with frequent maintenance demands.
Key Features & Specifications
- Measures Volumetric Water Content (VWC) with increased accuracy
- Measures EC (Electrical Conductivity) for salinity monitoring
- Measures turf surface temperature (optional IR temp sensor available)
- Integrated Bluetooth Smart and GPS for hands-free data collection
- Data logger stores approximately 50,000 measurements
- Industry-exclusive backlit display for all-condition readability
- Compatible with SpecConnect platform and FieldScout Mobile App
- Data export via USB flash drive — no PC interface required
- Powered by AA lithium batteries
NOTE: SpotOn Pocket Soil Moisture Meter.
FieldScout Mobile App & SpecConnect Integration
The FieldScout TDR 350 pairs seamlessly with the free FieldScout Mobile App, available on both Apple App Store and Android Google Play. Using a Bluetooth Smart Ready smartphone or tablet, you can visualize real-time readings color-coded by moisture level, EC, surface temperature, or turf firmness — all while walking the course. Data can be emailed directly from the field to share results with your team or management. For operations requiring deeper analysis, Pro Mode with a SpecConnect subscription unlocks Google Maps satellite overlays, guided grid-reading mode, freeform mapping, automatic wireless data upload, color gradient mapping, and Excel export — all without a computer, cable, or separate GPS accessory.
Application Contexts: Golf Course & Turf Management
The FieldScout TDR 350 soil moisture meter is purpose-built for the demands of professional turf management. On putting greens, precise VWC readings help superintendents maintain ideal firmness and playability while avoiding over-irrigation that promotes disease. On fairways and tee boxes, GPS-tagged moisture maps reveal dry spots and wet areas that manual scouting would miss. The meter’s 50,000-reading data logger supports comprehensive course-wide scouting programs, and its compatibility with SpecConnect means historical moisture trends are always accessible for informed cultural practice decisions. Whether you manage a single 18-hole layout or a multi-course facility, the TDR 350 provides the measurement confidence needed to protect turf health and reduce water waste across every zone of play.
For complementary soil and turf measurement tools, explore the SpotOn Pocket Soil Moisture Meter for quick spot-checks, the SpotOn Turf Moisture Meter Pro for an alternative professional-grade option, or the SpotOn Digital Soil Compaction Meter to round out your agronomic data collection program.
How does the Spectrum TDR 350 connect to the FieldScout app?
The TDR 350 uses Bluetooth Smart technology to connect wirelessly to the FieldScout Mobile App on any Bluetooth Smart Ready smartphone or tablet. The free app is available on both iOS (Apple App Store) and Android (Google Play). Once connected, it displays real-time color-coded readings and allows you to email data directly from the field.
What is SpecConnect and do I need it?
SpecConnect is Spectrum Technologies’ cloud-based data platform. Basic use of the TDR 350 does not require a subscription, but Pro Mode — which includes GPS-mapped satellite overlays, guided grid readings, automatic wireless data upload, and Excel export — does require a SpecConnect subscription. It is recommended for operations that need comprehensive course-wide moisture mapping and historical data analysis.
Is the FieldScout TDR 350 compatible with Rain Bird irrigation systems?
Yes. The TDR 350 now integrates with the Rain Bird CirrusPRO™ Irrigation Control System, allowing real-time soil moisture and EC data to feed directly into irrigation scheduling decisions. This integration supports smarter, data-driven water management and is particularly valuable for golf course operations seeking to automate and refine their irrigation programs.
How many readings can the TDR 350 store, and how is data exported?
The TDR 350’s onboard data logger can store approximately 50,000 measurements. Data can be exported using a USB flash drive — no PC interface or proprietary cable is required. For wireless export and cloud storage, pairing with the FieldScout Mobile App and SpecConnect provides automatic upload and remote access to your full dataset from any web browser.
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WHAT IS YOUR ROOT ZONE TELLING YOU
WATER HOLDING CAPACITY CHARTS
TDR REPAIR FORM