netvox R718PB13 Wireless Soil Moisture Sensor User Manual

netvox R718PB13 Wireless Soil Moisture Sensor User Manual

Copyright©Netvox Technology Co., Ltd.

This document contains proprietary technical information which is the property of NETVOX Technology. It shall be maintained in strict confidence and shall not be disclosed to other parties, in whole or in part, without written permission of NETVOX Technology. The specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

Introduction

The R718PB13 is a Class A type device based on the LoRaWAN protocol.
R718PB13 is connected with EC-5 soil sensor.
As detectors for soil VWC (volumetric water content), the value collected by the sensor are reported to the corresponding gateway.

LoRa Wireless Technology:

LoRa is a wireless communication technology dedicated to long distance and low power consumption. Compared with other communication methods, LoRa spread spectrum modulation method greatly increases to expand the communication distance. Widely used in long-distance, low-data wireless communications. For example, automatic meter reading, building automation equipment, wireless security systems, industrial monitoring. Main features include small size, low power consumption, transmission distance, anti-interference ability and so on.

LoRaWAN:

LoRaWAN uses LoRa technology to define end-to-end standard specifications to ensure interoperability between devices and gateways from different manufacturers.

Appearance

Main Characteristics

• Using SX1276 wireless communication module
• 2 ER14505 batteries AA size (3.6V / cell) power supply in parallel
• Host protection grade IP65
• VWC (volumetric water content) detection
• Compatible with LoRaWANTM Class A
• Using frequency hopping spread spectrum technology
• Configurable parameters via third-party software platform, reading data and setting alarms via SMS text and email (optional)
• Applicable to third-party platforms: Actility / ThingPark, TTN, MyDevices / Cayenn
• The product has low power consumption and supports longer battery life.

Note *:

The battery life is determined by the frequency and other variables reported by the sensor.
Please refer to http://www.netvox.com.tw/electric/electric_calc.html
On the website, users can find various models of battery life in different configurations

Operation

On/Off

Network Joining

Function Key

Sleeping Mode

Low Voltage Warning

Data Report

The device will immediately send a version packet report along with an uplink packet including VWC value.
The device sends data in the default configuration before any configuration is done.

Default setting:

MaxTime: Max Interval = 15 min (default)
MinTime: None
Soil Type: 0x00 (Mineral Soil)

Note:

1. The device report interval will be programmed based on the default firmware which may vary.
2. Mintime and ReportChange are not supported by R718PB13 (Invalid configuration)
3. Report cycle will be based on Report Max Time period when sending data packet.
4. Data packet: VWC value
5. It would take about 3 seconds for the soil sensor to sample and process the collected value if you were to manually trigger the device by pressing the button, please be patient.

The device reported data parsing please refer to Netvox LoRaWAN Application Command document and Netvox Lora Command Resolver http://loraresolver.netvoxcloud.com:8888/page/index

5-1 Data report configuration and sending period are as following

1. Configure device parameters MaxTime = 1min
   Downlink: 01580000003C0000000000
   The device returns:
   8158000000000000000000 (Configuration succeeded)
   0 )

2. Read device configuration parameters
   Downlink: 0258000000000000000000
   The device returns:
   82580000003C0000000000 (device current configuration parameters)

5-2 Soil data collection calibration

The R718PB13 calibrates the acquired soil data by setting soil calibration values.
When the soil calibration value in the issued command is 0, the collected data is the data actually collected by the soil sensor.
If the soil calibration value in the command is not 0, the collected data is the original collected data plus the calibration value.

Soil acquisition data calibration configuration:

1. Configure the device VWC calibration value to be 10%.
   Downlink: 0C580A0000000000000000
   Device returns:
   8C58000000000000000000 (configuration is successful)
   8C58010000000000000000 (configuration is failed)

2. Read device parameters
   Downlink: 0C58000000000000000000
   Device returns:
   8C580A0000000000000000 (device current configuration parameter)

5-3 Select soil type

R718PB13 selects soil types by instruction.
Soil types include mineral soil, potting soil, and rock wool. See the documentation for details.

1. Configure the device soil type to Potting Soil
   Downlink: 0A58010000000000000000
   Device returns:
   8A58000000000000000000 (configuration is successful)
   8A58010000000000000000 (configuration is failed)

2. Read device parameters
   Downlink: 0B58000000000000000000
   Device returns:
   8B58010000000000000000 (device current configuration parameter)

Installation

Method1. Horizontal Installation

1. Excavate a hole or trench a few centimeters deeper than the depth at which the sensor is to be installed.

2. At the installation depth, shave off some soil from the vertical soil face exposing undisturbed soil.

3. Insert the sensor into the undisturbed soil face until the entire sensor is inserted. The tip of each prong has been sharpened to make it easier to push the sensor into the soil.
   Be careful with the sharp tips!

4. Backfill the trench taking care to pack the soil back to natural bulk density around the sensor body of the soil sensor.

Method2. Vertical Installation

1. Auger a 3-in hole to the depth at which the sensor is to be installed.
2. Insert the sensor into the undisturbed soil at the bottom of the auger hole using a hand or any other implement that will guide the sensor into the soil at the bottom of the hole. Many people have used a simple piece of PVC pipe with a notch cut in the end for the sensor to sit in, with the sensor cable routed inside the pipe.
3. After inserting the sensor, remove the installation device and backfill the hole taking care to pack the soil back to natural bulk density while not damaging the black over molding of the sensor and the sensor cable in the process.

Important Maintenance Instruction

Your device is a product of superior design and craftsmanship and should be used with care. The following suggestions will help you use the warranty service effectively.

• Keep the equipment dry. Rain, moisture, and various liquids or moisture may contain minerals that can corrode electronic circuits. In case the device is wet, please dry it completely.
• Do not use or store in dusty or dirty areas. This can damage its detachable parts and electronic components.
• Do not store in excessive heat. High temperatures can shorten the life of electronic devices, destroy batteries, and deform or melt some plastic parts.
• Do not store in a cold place. Otherwise, when the temperature rises to normal temperature, moisture will form inside, which will destroy the board.
• Do not throw, knock or shake the device. Rough handling of equipment can destroy internal circuit boards and delicate structures.
• Do not wash with strong chemicals, detergents or strong detergents.
• Do not apply with paint. Smudges can block debris in detachable parts and affect normal operation.
• Do not throw the battery into a fire to prevent the battery from exploding. Damaged batteries may also explode.

All of the above suggestions apply equally to your device, battery and accessories.
If any device is not working properly.
Please take it to the nearest authorized service facility for repair.

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

Download This Manual (PDF format)

Download this manual  >>