IrriWise ™ Wireless Crop Monitoring System IrriWise Transmitter IrriWise Transceiver (Receiver/Repeater) User Manual Miltel Communications Ltd.
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.
1.1.2 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.
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.
• 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.
Antenna Receiver Rear Connec tion to Pole Input From Antenna Figure 1-2.
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.
TM Gro Point Transmitter Tensiometer Transmitter Weather Station Transmitter Water Meter Transmitter Figure 1-3.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Screws Power Supply and RS232 Cable LED Figure 3-2.
Power Supply and RS232 Cable 110-240 VAC Figure 3-3.
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.
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.
Screws Power Supply and Cable LED RS232 CABLE Figure 3-4.
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.
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.
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.
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.
