Miltel Communications IWCTX15-17 Field Station User Manual Revised

Miltel Communications Ltd Field Station Users Manual Revised

Users Manual Revised

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IrriWise
™
Wireless Crop Monitoring System
IrriWise Transmitter
IrriWise Transceiver (Receiver/Repeater)
User Manual
Miltel Communications Ltd.
September 2004
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1
GENERAL
This chapter provides a functional description of the IrriWiseTM – Wireless Crop Monitoring
System. This system has been designed to provide the grower with real-time data collected
from the field, thereby providing better control over irrigation scheduling and farm
resources.
1.1.1
What Is The System Intended For?
The IrriWiseTM system is a management tool intended to provide the grower with better
control over crop irrigation and farm resources by means of data collection and its
interpretation. Data is collected from the field using state of the art radio technology and
transferred to your PC, where it is presented in user-friendly software, enabling easy data
interpretation, improving real-time decisions and analysis of history.
Data is sampled from the sensors and transmitted to base station as follows:
•
Soil moisture sensors are measured every 15 minutes and transmitted every 30
minutes.
•
Weather station sensors are measured every 5 minutes and an average reading is
transmitted every 15 minutes.
•
Water meter readings are sent at the beginning and end of irrigations and every 10
minutes during irrigation.
1-2
1.1.2
Wireless Crop Monitoring System Diagram
A basic diagram of the Wireless Crop Monitoring System is displayed in Figure 1-1. Since the
system is modular, different configurations and components are possible.
Receiver
Repeater
Range:
Up to 10 km (7 miles)
Range:
Up to 4 km (2.5 miles)
Base Station
Remote
Access
(LAN)
Field Station
Remote
Ac cess
(Modem)
Figure 1-1. Wireless Crop Monitoring System Diagram
1-3
1.1.3
System Components
The Wireless Crop Monitoring System is comprised of the following components:
a.
Wireless system:
•
Base station – PC, IrriWise Receiver (transceiver) and antenna
•
IrriWise Transmitters
•
IrriWise Repeater (transceiver)
b.
Radio ManagerTM application – radio and network management software.
c.
IrriWiseTM application – user-friendly graphing and data analysis software.
d.
IrriDialTM application – remote access dialer enabling data download from various
IrriWiseTM users.
e.
Sensors:
•
Gro-PointTM – a volumetric soil moisture sensor based on TDT technology with fast
and accurate response to changes in soil moisture.
•
Tensiometer transducer – a special transducer that enables accurate and reliable
measurement of most traditional tensiometers.
•
Weather station (up to 8 different sensors) – a fully modular weather station for
measuring the local microclimate. Supports the following sensors: air temperature,
relative humidity, solar radiation, wind speed, wind direction, rain gauge, leaf
wetness and soil temperature. Transmits calculated data such as ET, dew point and
gust. The rain gauge can be installed as a standalone unit independent of the
weather station.
•
Water meter – various types of water meters:
•
Lateral or mainline flow meter – standard pulse-type flow meters.
•
1/2” drip-line flow meter to record single drip-line irrigation volume and
runtime.
•
Fertilizer flow meter can be connected to the system to record when and how
much fertilizer has been applied.
1-4
•
Tipping bucket flow sensor to record irrigation volume and runtime based on
individual dripper.
1.1.3.1
Wireless System
The wireless system provides the remote access interface. The transmission range of the
wireless system is up to 4 km (2.5 miles), depending on the following factors:
a.
Interference (noise) on the selected frequency. The “cleaner” the frequency, the longer
the range.
b.
Crop clearance – radio waves do not penetrate foliage very well, especially when wet
from rain or dew.
c.
Topographical conditions – the extent of line of sight (LOS) pureness and positioning
height affect the transmission range accordingly.
Base Station Receiver and Antenna
The base station includes the antenna and receiver as a joint unit and is responsible for the
reception of data sent by the transmitters and for its transfer to the PC via RS232 (see
Figure 1-2).
1-5
Antenna
Receiver
Rear Connec tion
to Pole
Input From
Antenna
Figure 1-2. Antenna and Receiver
1-6
RS232 and
Power Supply
Output to PC
PC
A PC computer is required for the collection of the received data. This PC contains the Radio
ManagerTM and IrriWiseTM software. Remote users can access the data stored on this PC by
means of modem and/or LAN and IrriDialTM application. The technical specification of PC
requirements is as follows:
a.
PC operating system – Windows 2000 or Windows XP.
b.
CPU – minimum Pentium III 900 MHz.
c.
RAM – minimum 128 MB.
d.
Available disk space – minimum 5 GB.
e.
Unused serial port (cannot be shared with Palm Pilot or other applications).
f.
Ability to remain switched ON 100% of the time.
g.
Quality surge suppressor power strip.
h.
Quality UPS plugged to surge suppressor.
Transmitter
The transmitter (Figure 1-3) enables to send data by means of RF transmission. This device
is equipped with a battery designed to provide an operation term of at least 6 years (except
for weather station transmitter battery, which lasts for 3 years) and is highly reliable. The
transmitter enables the transmission to a range of up to 4 km (2.5 miles).
There are four types of transmitters, as displayed in Figure 1-3.
1-7
TM
Gro Point Transmitter
Tensiometer Transmitter
Weather Station Transmitter
Water Meter Transmitter
Figure 1-3. Transmitter Types
1-8
Repeater
The repeater is externally similar to the receiver previously described in this section (except
for the cable for connection to the PC). This device enables to extend transmission range by
to 10 km (6.2 miles) depending on topographical conditions. The repeater should be located
at a strategic point between the transmitters and base station. It picks up the transmitted
signal and repeats it. This unit requires 12V DC mains power or a battery charged by a solar
panel. The electrical consumption of the repeater is 80 mA.
Repeater
Solar Panel
Power Supply and Cable
Power Supply
Figure 1-4. Repeater
1-9
CHAPTER 2
SYSTEM INSTALLATION
2.1
GENERAL
This chapter provides the guidelines and instructions for system installation in different
applications.
2.2
INSTALLATION AND GETTING STARTED (QUICK GUIDE)
This section provides summarized instructions for advanced users only. It is recommended
that other users refer to the detailed instructions in Paragraph. Before starting the
installation procedure, inspect all system components and verify that they all appear in
order. Before starting the installation procedure, set your computer to administrator
properties.
2.2.1
Base Station Type Installation
To install a base station type, perform the steps as follows:
a.
Install the Radio ManagerTM application
b.
Plug the receiver into the power supply and connect the base station to the unused
communication port on your PC.
c.
In Radio Manager window select Settings>Comm Port... and select the required
communication port from the list.
d.
Perform a receiver operation check and verify proper operation on the receiver.
e.
While the Radio ManagerTM is open and waits for incoming calls (orange icon), open
the incoming connections (Start>Connect To…>Show All Connections>Incoming
Connections) and select the modem designated for Radio ManagerTM communication.
f.
Install the IrriWiseTM application.
2-10
g.
Reboot (restart) your computer.
h.
Define the transmitters in the Radio ManagerTM System Configuration Table.
i.
Click
the
IrriWiseTM
shortcut
on
the
desktop
or
alternatively
select
Start>Programs>IrriWise.
j.
Register IrriWiseTM.
k.
Perform a transmission test for each transmitter - verify proper operation. Verify that
the counter number progresses according to the station type (the number depends on
the number of sensors in the transmitting station), and that the correct time and date
appear at the bottom left corner of the window.
l.
In the IrriWiseTM application select File>Open the Select a Chart screen will open. A list
of all transmitters as specified in the Radio ManagerTM system configuration table
should appear. Verify that all transmitters appear and are named as specified. If not,
check the system configuration table in the Radio ManagerTM and perform a
transmission test again.
The application is now installed and ready for operation. Proceed to field installation.
2-11
CHAPTER 3
WIRELESS SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS & INSTALLATION
3.1
GENERAL
This chapter provides the guidelines and instructions for the wireless system installation.
3.2
BASE STATION – ANTENNA AND RECEIVER
3.2.1
Installation
The antenna should be positioned in a manner that provides best Line of Sight (LOS)
between itself and the field units. LOS may be partially interrupted by topographical features
(such as vegetation), but this might reduce transmission distances.
It is recommended that the base station unit will be plugged into an Uninterrupted Power
Supply (UPS) and a quality surge suppressor strip. The ground resistance for the unit should
be less then 1.0 Ω of resistance to a known good ground. To achieve maximum reliability,
the base station PC should also be connected to the UPS, although its monitor may be
plugged directly to the power strip. See Figure 3-1 for recommended installation.
3-12
LOS
RS232
30 m (98 ft)
1.5 - 2 m
(5 - 6.5 ft)
Up to 4 km (2.5 miles)
Base Station
Field Station
Figure 3-1. Wireless System Installation
3.2.2
Specifications:
The specifications of the antenna and receiver are as follows:
•
Cable length:
30 meters
•
Power supply:
10~240 VAC
3.2.3
Installation Procedure
To install the antenna and receiver, perform the steps as follows (see Figure 3-2):
a.
Using a flat screwdriver, remove 4 screws and remove the receiver cover.
b.
Insert the communication cable into the box and connect the red, black, green and
white wires as specified.
c.
Plug the power cable into a 110~240 VAC mains outlet. Verify that the LED is blinking
at a rate of 2 blinks per second.
3-13
d.
Connect the RS232 plug to the PC.
e.
Perform a receiver check in the Radio Manager window. Verify that the message
Receiver working OK appears and the Total Received number progresses by four
(Figure 3-3).
f.
Return the box cover to place and tighten the 4 screws.
3-14
Screws
Power Supply and
RS232 Cable
LED
Figure 3-2. Receiver Installation
3-15
Power Supply and
RS232 Cable
110-240 VAC
Figure 3-3. Receiver Check on Base Station PC
3-16
3.3
REPEATER
3.3.1
General
The Repeater is designated to either extend transmission range up to 10 km (6 miles) or to
enable transmission when LOS cannot be established between the antenna and the
transmitters. The repeater should be positioned in a strategic point, providing best LOS
between it, the base station and the transmitters. A suitable place could be for example an
elevated terrain (such as a hill) or on a high pole. Each repeater has a four-digit ID number,
which enables its identification in the system by the Radio ManagerTM.
3.3.2
Specifications
There are two types of repeaters, distinct by their power supply: mains or solar.
3.3.2.1
Solar-Powered Repeater
The specifications of the solar panel will be calculated according to the specific light
conditions in the area where it is placed.
•
Energy consumption: 80 mA 12 V.
•
Minimum requirement for solar panel: 10 W and a battery 7.5 Amp/hour (depending on
radiation factors). For repeater operation at low radiation times, higher capacity solar
panel and battery are required. Consult your local dealer about the most suitable solar
panel and battery for your region and operation requirements.
3.3.2.2
•
Mains-Powered Repeater
Power supply: 110~240 VAC.
3-17
3.3.3
Installation
To install a repeater, perform the steps as follows (Figure 3-4):
a.
Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove 4 screws and remove the receiver cover.
b.
Insert the power cable into the box and connect the red and black wires as specified.
c.
Plug the power cable into a 110~240 VAC mains outlet. Verify that the LED is blinking
at a rate of 2 blinks per second.
d.
Connect the RS232 plug to the PC.
e.
Proceed to repeater configuration.
3-18
Screws
Power Supply and Cable
LED
RS232 CABLE
Figure 3-4. Repeater Installation
3-19
3.4
TRANSMITTER
The transmitter transmits the signals received from the sensors that are connected to it. In
each transmission of all transmitters (except for weather station), there is data of the past
two hours: the transmission takes place once per 30 minutes, and contains a history of the
last three transmissions. In the transmission of the weather station transmitter, there is data
of the past 45 minutes: the transmission takes place once per 15 minutes, and contains a
history of the last two transmissions.
Each transmitter has a five-digit ID number, which enables its identification in the system by
the Radio ManagerTM. An orange label on the transmitter front (Figure 3-5) provides the
following information:
•
Id – a five-digit ID number.
•
Item No. – the transmitter serial number.
•
Transmitter type – Gro-Pointtm, Tensiometer, Weather Station or Water Meter.
•
Frequency – the transmitter frequency (depends on the region).
Id: 10513
Item No: 74300-1415
tm
Transmitter type: Gro-Point
Frequency: 433 Mhz
Figure 3-5. Transmitter Label
3-20
3.4.1
Transmitter Installation
This paragraph provides installation instructions for all transmitter types. To install a
transmitter, perform the steps as follows:
a.
Choose a site for installation (see Chapter 5).
b.
Put the transmitter on the ground and perform a transmission test using the magnet
(according to the procedure specified in Chapter 2). During nighttime or rainy weather
there may occur transmission interference.
c.
Insert a pole into the conical slot at the back of the transmitter. Pole diameter may be 8
– 13 mm (5/16 – 1/2 inches). Alternatively, insert a plastic strap or a T-wrap into the
loops on the sides of the transmitter or alternatively use screws or nails, and attach to a
pole.
d.
Screw the transmitter antenna (either directly on the transmitter or use a 6 m/20 ft
extender cable).
e.
Roll the remaining cable and attach it to the pole.
f.
Install the antenna above foliage height, at least 1 m (3 ft) above the spot where the
transmission test was performed.
The transmitter must be firmly attached to a pole and positioned at a height of 1 meter or
higher, depending on crop height (above foliage height).
3-21
FCC Declaration of Conformity
The IrriWise products including:
•
IrriWise Receiver (Transceiver)
•
IrriWise Repeater (Transceiver)
The above products comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Imported to the USA by:
Netafim USA
5470 E. Home Ave.
Fresno, CA 93727
Tel: 800-777-6541
FAX: 800-695-4753
3-22
Licensing Notice
The FCC rules require the equipment user to obtain a site license before
operation of this equipment. Licensing of the equipment is the user’s responsibility.
The user is required to contact an authorized FCC coordinator for the purpose of
obtaining the proper license for the specific location/site where the equipment is to
be installed. We strongly recommend that the user should obtain the proper
frequency license before ordering of the equipment.
3-23

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Title                           : Microsoft Word - IrriWise Revised Short User Manual.doc
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