REALM 004B Data Gateway User Manual
- June 6, 2024
- REALM
Table of Contents
USER’S
MANUAL
Data Gateway
Revision Sheet
Release No. | Date | Revision Description |
---|---|---|
Rev. A | 4/25/2018 | Release |
GENERAL
1.1 System Overview
The Data Gateway is the link between the edge devices in the Internet of
Things (IoT) for agriculture and the cloud data server. The Data Gateway
listens for data packets from edge devices and periodically makes a cellular
data connection to forward the accumulated edge device packets to a server
along with its own packets. The Data Gateway acknowledges packets from edge
devices. The Data Gateway also holds downlink packets from the server for edge
devices and sends them to the device after the next uplink packet from that
device in lieu of an acknowledgment.
1.2 Features
The Data Gateway includes the following features:
- Low power microcontroller
- Low power, long-range radio for communication with edge devices
- Cellular data modem
- GPS receiver for device location
- Non-volatile memory for configurable settings
- Non-volatile memory for uplink and downlink packet queues
- red-green-blue LED status and cellular RSSI indicators
- Accelerometer for user input
- Solar charged LiFePO4 41 W-Hr battery pack
- Powered by a 10 W Solar Panel
1.3 Acronyms and Abbreviations
Term | Description |
---|---|
API | Application Interface |
FCC | Federal Communications Commission |
GPS | Global Positioning System |
Hr | Hour |
ID | Unique Identification Number |
IoT | Internet of Things |
LED | Light Emitting Diode |
LiFePO4 | Lithium Iron Phosphate |
QR | Quick Response |
RSS | Radio Standards Specification |
s | Seconds |
URL | Universal Resource Locator |
UTC | Universal Time Coordinated |
V | Volts |
W | Watt |
1.4 Important FCC and IC Compliance Information
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void
the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
This product meets the applicable FCC Part 15 rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of
the device.
To limit RF exposure, please ensure 8 inches (20 cm) of separation from the
transmitter antennas at all times.
1.5 Installation Safety
1.5.1 Pivot Safety
Do not part a vehicle in the path of the irrigation pivot towers.
Before installing the Data Gateway on a pivot, insure that power to the pivot
is off.
Use a harness to tether to a solid point that could hold you weight while
working up high on a pivot.
1.5.2 Ladder Safety
Read and follow all safety instructions for the ladder used to install the
Data Gateway.
Do not use a ladder under overhead power wires.
Do not exceed the weight rating of the ladder.
Set the ladder on s firm surface with both legs touching the ground where they
will not slip or sink. Set the ladder at the proper angle.
Ensure that both sides of the top of the ladder rest firmly against a solid
surface Have a second person hold the base of the ladder.
Keep three points of contact with the ladder.
Do not overreach when working on a ladder.
1.6 Device Use Information
1.6.1 Enclosure
The Data Gateway has a sealed enclosure. It should not be opened as this may
damage the seal and void the warranty.
1.6.2 Installation Packet Series
The Data Gateway will automatically send a series of four radio packets after
it is powered up by connecting it to the solar panel. It sends a version
packet, a status packet, a modem info packet, and a location packet. After
booting it turns on its GPS receiver to acquire time and location. This is
indicated with short cyan flashes every two seconds. It needs time to set its
real-time clock. It also needs a location to send the location packet. IT MUST
BE ABLE TO RECEIVE FROM GPS SATELLITES TO FUNCTION CORRECTLY. After acquiring
time and before the location is acquired, it wakes up its cell modem, connects
to a local tower, and sends the version, status, and modem info packets. Solid
green indicates it is connecting to a tower. Blinking green indicates it is
transferring data to the server. After acquiring the location, it sends the
location packet and then goes to sleep. It keeps its radio on, in receive
mode, while it is sleeping. When a radio packet is received it queues the
packet and goes back to sleep. A magenta-green blink indicates it received a
radio packet and sent an acknowledge.
1.6.3 User Input
To achieve a long battery life, the Data Gateway sleeps most of the time. It
will transmit data to the cloud via a cellular connection every 15 minutes. It
is set up to detect a double-tap – two taps, one immediately following the
other. This will wake up the device if it is asleep. A white flash of the
status indicator signals a double-tap detection. This can be used to wake the
Data Gateway and verify it is powered and running if it is sleeping.
1.6.4 Indicator Description
The Data Gateway has two red-green-blue LED indicators: one for status (in the
middle of the side) and one for cellular RSSI (toward the corner on the side).
The table below gives the meaning of colors and flashes on the status LED.
Color | Flash Timing | Meaning |
---|---|---|
Green | 0.1 s flash every 2 s | Battery good |
Yellow | 0.1 s flash every 2 s | Battery low |
Cyan | 0.1 s flash every 2 s | GPS enabled |
White | Once | Double-tap detected |
Magenta-Green | Once | Radio packet received and sent acknowledge |
Green | On | Attempting to connect to a cellular tower |
Green | 0.5 s flash every 1 s | Cellular connection made, transferring data |
RBGRBG | Rapid and repeating | Bootloader running |
RYGY | Rapid and repeating | Booting Firmware |
The RSSI LED indicator changes color to indicate cellular signal strength.
Color | Meaning |
---|---|
Off | The modem is sleeping or powered down |
Red | Very poor signal strength – relocate Data Gateway to improve cellular |
reception
Yellow| Poor signal strength
Green| Okay signal strength
Cyan| Good signal strength
---|---
White| Excellent signal strength
1 .6.5 Orientation
The bottom of the Data Gateway is V-shaped and has magnets to aid in setting
on a metal pipe. The Data The gateway may be installed horizontally or
vertically. When installed horizontally the antenna should be set to a right
angle with the antenna pointing up. When installed vertically the antenna and
connector end should be on the bottom end. The antenna should be set straight
and pointed down.
1.6.6 Data Gateway Power Connection
Plugging the Solar Panel into the Data Gateway will power the Data Gateway up
from its internal battery pack even if there is no sunlight to charge the
battery. The Data Gateway can run through the night and through several
heavily overcast days in a row when fully charged. It can be fully charged in
less than one sunny day assuming the Solar Panel is oriented for good solar
reception. However, due to battery shipping regulations, the Data Gateway
ships with approximately 30% battery charge. It will need at least one full
sun day for the battery level indicator to sync with the actual battery level
(full charge). Care should be taken not to plug the Solar Panel connector into
the Data Gateway upside down as this may damage the Data Gateway.
1.7 Cloud Data Services
Data from RealmFive IoT devices is stored on data servers in the cloud. The
data is accessible to customers through an API allowing customer integration
into their own applications and websites. Device data is also accessible
through app.realmfive.com which is intended to aid
installers with configuration and verification of device operation. Both
require credentials for access. See the following section for information on
how to obtain credentials.
1.8 Points of Contact
1.8.1 Installation User Interface
RealmFive’s installer interface is at app.realmfive.com. A login username and
password are required to access this website. Access to this website is needed
to verify device installation. Please contact your administrator at least 24
hours prior to installation time to get your login set up if you do not have
one.
1.8.2 Obtaining a Login
A login username and password may be obtained by emailing your administrator
with the following information:
FIRST NAME
LAST NAME
PHONE NUMBER
ORGANIZATION
Your username will be your email address. You will be sent a temporary
password which must be changed the first time you log in.
To log in, go to app.realmfive.com, or simply scan
the QR code on a device, and enter your username and password.
1.8.3 Obtaining Help
Questions and problems can also be submitted via the help desk or chat link
within the app. A guide to common user tasks and frequently asked questions
can be found under “Support” at app.realmfive.com.
More immediate help can be obtained through a live chat under “Support” at
app.realmfive.com.
INSTALLATION
The Data Gateway should be installed before the end devices that will communicate with the Data Gateway.
Data Gateway
2.1| Prior to mounting the Data Gateway, scan the QR code on the bottom via
smartphone. The QR code contains the URL of the webpage for that specific
device scanning with any generic QR code scanner that should take you to the
page for the device.
Or go to
app.realmfive.com/devices/0x1XXXXX
where XXXXX is the balance of the ID as
it appears on the label. |
---|---|---
2.2| If you have not logged in to the website before, the login page
will appear first. Log in to RealmFive’s browser-based installation app.
See Section 1.8.2 for how to obtain credentials.|
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2.3| All received devices should already be provisioned to each
customer. The installer will need to assign each device to the grower and
field. This is done by tapping on the in the upper right corner and selecting
Organization. Then navigating to or add the grower and field as necessary. And
finally, tap Add New Device and scan the QR code or type the ID.|
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2.4| If a pivot is not available as a mounting site, RealmFive does
offer a tripod pole mount option. Please refer to pole mounting kit
installation instructions for this option.|
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2.5| The Data Gateway easily attaches to a pivot pipe using molded-in
magnets in the base of the enclosure. Slots in the Data Gateway base also
allow for an additional zip tie to be utilized (recommended).|
2.6| Attach Solar Panel to the mounting bracket.|
2.7| RealmFive recommends installing in the first span, preferably NOT
in the direct spray
from the pivot. While the Data Gateway is sealed, direct spray increases the
risk of
water damage and mineral buildup on both the Data Gateway and the solar panel.
Sprinkler drops can be installed to avoid the direct spray.
Position the Data Gateway and Solar Panel on the pivot pipe within cable reach
of each other. Ensure the connector on Data Gateway faces the solar panel.|
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2.8| Use the supplied zip ties to secure the Solar Panel assembly and
Data Gateway
to the pivot pipe. Tighten the zip ties enough to prevent the device from
sliding sideways on the pipe. Avoid overtightening the zip tie on the Data
Gateway as this may damage the enclosure.|
2.9| Plug the solar panel cable into the Data Gateway with the latch
chip on the top side as shown. This will turn the Data Gateway on. The status
LED will flash multi-colored when first turns on.
it will turn on its GPS receiver to acquire time and location. A short cyan
blinks every two seconds indicates GPS is on.
It will also initiate a cellular connection and send a series of packets to
verify functionality. See section Error! Reference source not found. for a
description of the installation series. Solid green indicates it is connecting
to a cell tower. 50% blinking green indicates it is communicating over
cellular.
Immediately after booting, the Data Gateway will start listening for packets
from end devices that are within range. A magenta->green blink indicates a
radio packet was received.
Note that several statuses LED indications can go on at the same time. The
LED on the corner indicates RSSI. The installation should be relocated if this
indicator stays red while connecting to cellular. Yellow indicates a poor
signal. Green, cyan, or white are okay to excellent respectively.|
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2.10| Once the Data Gateway completes the cellular connection, the Data
Gateway’s app web page should show new data from the device
The signal strength number is the RSSI of the cellular connection. If the RSSI
is less than -115, consider moving the Data Gateway installation higher or
closer to a cell tower. On a pivot, the signal strength
will vary as the pivot rotates. With poor signal strength, this should be
checked prior to leaving the installation site.
The timestamps on Location or Connectivity are in UTC. Tapping the timestamp
will pop up the time since the last packet was received.
More details about the device can be obtained by clicking the arrow to the
right.|
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Phone: 531-500-3817
3300 Folkways Circle
RealmFive.com
Lincoln, NE 68504
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