Note: This is a pre-release document. Therefore, the content of this document is subject to change without notice.
ii IMPORTANT NOTICE TO INSTALLER: ACCEPTANCE OF THE TERMS OF THIS SENTINEL WMS SOFTWARE END-USER AGREEMENT IS REQUIRED PRIOR TO THE INSTALLATION OF THIS SOFTWARE. 5. This Sentinel WMS software (Software) End-User (Customer) License Agreement (License Agreement) is a legal agreement between the Customer (either individually or acting as an agent for a single entity) and The Toro Company. By installing, or otherwise using the Software, the Customer agrees to be bound by the terms of this License Agreement.
8. 9. Customer is solely responsible for selection of the Software to achieve Customer's intended results or for particular applications. The Toro Company is not responsible for lost or stolen Software.
iv Table of Contents End-user Agreement Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii Welcome to Sentinel WMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1 Part 2 – Working with Multiple Satellites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 – Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Part 1 – Hardware and Software Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Part 2 – Software Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Welcome to Sentinel WMS Central System Putting together an efficient irrigation system is no small task. Concerns such as watering precision, broken pipes and mainlines or dealing with electrical shorts and power outrages have been problematic for landscape managers for decades.
1 Getting Started 2 In this Chapter: Part 2 – Software Installation Part 1 – Hardware/Software Requirements Part 2 – Software Installation Sentinel Water Management System is comprised of the Sentinel WMS software running on a central computer and a system of Sentinel field satellite controllers. The central software and computer are used to program, monitor and remotely operate the Sentinel field satellites.
3. The Software Setup window will automatically open the first time WMS software is launched to enable a Sentinel database to be located or created. 8. The database file name will appear in the Location of Sentinel Database text field. Choose Save and Close. 4. Choose the Database tab to display the database setup options. To load an existing database file (.mdb), browse to the file location, select the file and choose Open. The file name will appear in the Location of Sentinel Database text field.
2 Sentinel WMS System Setup In this Chapter: Part 1 – The Sentinel WMS Program Window Part 2 – Sentinel WMS Program Setup The first part of this chapter provides an introduction to the Sentinel WMS program interface features and walks you through the various setup and configuration steps required for basic operations. The second part provides the initial steps required to create satellite controllers in the Sentinel WMS satellite database.
The following procedures describe how to set up various Sentinel WMS program operating characteristics and user preferences. 1. To begin, choose the Setup button in the toolbar to open the Software Setup window. The Software Setup window will open at the General tab. Part 2 – Sentinel WMS Program Setup The Watcher Operations Tabs Note: Bypass the Watcher Operations tab at this time. Prior to using this feature, refer to “Chapter 8 - Sentinel Watcher Operations” for details. The Notifications Tab 1.
6 3. Some SMTP servers require a user Authentication in order to send e-mail. If required, select either SMTP or POP-before-SMTP. If not required, select None Required from the drop down menu. 4. Both authentication options require a user name and password to be entered. Enter a User name and Password in the text boxes provided 5. Two Mail To options are provided. Select All notifications sent to: to direct all e-mail to the address(es) entered in this window.
2. Choose Unit List Sort Order by Unit Code number or Unit Description. 3. Choose the Allow multiple unit nodes to be expanded option to enable the database tree to be expanded /collapsed when selecting a field unit. Note: Skip the Watcher setup options at this time. Refer to “Chapter 8 Sentinel Watcher Operations” for detailed information. 4. English is the default screen Language. Use the drop-down menu to select French, Italian, Spanish or Chinese as preferred.
3 Satellite Setup In this Chapter: Part 1 – Creating Satellites Part 2 – Satellite Special Data Setup Part 3 – Synchronize Time and Day Part 4 – Zone Data Editor 8 5. As shown in the example below, the satellite is now created in the Master List of the satellite database file. Either minimize the window if additional satellites will be created later in this session, or choose Close.
As you can see by the Satellite database tree represented in the example below, the Special Data window is one of three satellite setup windows within the main Setup directory. The majority of all required and optional satellite operating and communication settings are located on the tabbed pages of the Special Data window. Part 2 – Satellite Special Data Setup Setup Communication Parameters 1. 2. 1.
10 To complete the satellite setup procedures, work through all tabbed pages of the Special Data window. Completing the Satellite Setup Procedures Note: Following the tabbed sequence of the Special Data window is recommended to ensure that all data entry fields are completed as necessary. This procedure will establish two-way communications as well as ensure that the Sentinel WMS software will function properly with the current satellite firmware version. The General Tab 1. Choose the General tab.
The Flow Meter Tab The Alarm Input Tab 1. Enter the K- Factor and Offset values per the flowmeter specifications. 1. The Assert alarm on input change to options enable the alarm input to be triggered when the sensor contacts open (normally-closed) or close (normally-open). Select neither to ignore or external alarm input. 2. Select optional Flow Watch alarm parameters as applicable: Zero Flow, Low Flow, High Flow, and Unexpected Flow>Mainline Alarm Transition Threshold.
12 The settings on this tab are provided for satellite communication using a telephone modem connected via the serial interface. The settings on this tab enable you to designate a specific station output within a specific program (or programs) to activate auxiliary equipment, such as a pump start relay. The Field Modem Tab The Auxiliary Pump Tab 1. The Field Modem Initialization String is sent to the modem upon power reset of the satellite. Enter the modem initialization string or choose the (...
The settings on ET (evapotranspiration) tab are provided for programs that utilize ET data to determine run time. The ET Tab 1. Enter the Maximum allowed program ET total value and the Default daily ET value in the text fields provided. The Forwarding tab options enable the satellite to transfer stored data via radio communication to other satellites in the network. (Refer to page 9 for Target Device Comm Parameter setup procedures.
14 Both the PC running the Sentinel WMS software and the satellite controllers have time-keeping registers that must remain synchronized at all times to maintain scheduled operations. The Time & Day window provides setup options for the time/day synchronization feature. Part 3 –Synchronize Time and Day 1. To begin, open the Time & Day Unit: window by choosing Time & Day under the Setup directory. The Zone Data window provides all zone setup parameters, conveniently organized in spreadsheet format.
3. The example below shows Soil Data Station and Station Mapping columns hidden from view. 7. Enter the Precipitation Rate value from 0–99.9 Inches/Hour. (Required for ET-based run time calculations.) 8. Enter the Soil Infiltration Rate value from 0–99.9 Inches/Hour. (Required for ET-based run time calculations.) 9. Enter the Water Holding Capacity value from 0–2.55 Inches. 10. Enter the MapTo data Unit and Station numbers as applicable. 11.
4 Satellite Programming In this Chapter: Part 1 – Program Satellites for Automatic Operations Part 2 – Checking Unsent Changes This chapter provides the various satellite programming procedures required to establish and configure automatic irrigation programs. 16 Program Toolbar buttons provide easy access to the most commonly used menu functions. Note: The toolbar functions apply only to the program page currently being edited. 1 – Program Toolbar Part 1 – Programming for Automatic Operations 1.
Help - Displays a quick reference key for the various symbols displayed on the program tabs. The various settings within this portion of the Program window enable each program to be modified as needed for optimum control. As settings are made, the program setup status information will be displayed in the colored panel. Green and Blue indicate the selected parameters are acceptable. When an error or conflict is found, the cause/resolution will be flagged in Red.
ET-based Run Time - Select this option to enable station run times to be recalculated at the day change time based on the ET Total for the program. Note: To utilize ET-based run time, a Plant Factor (other than 0) and an Application Rate (entered in Zone Data or the Slot Editor) must be selected. When the ET-based run times option is selected, the ET Total selection box and Send button will be enabled. 1. Choose the Program toolbar Receive button to receive the ET Total data from the satellite. 2.
One of the most unique and powerful programming features of the Sentinel WMS software is the method used to organize and control satellite station outputs within each irrigation program. This method is referred to as “Program Slots.” Program Slots are organized in a sequential matrix, defined by 4 rows of 12 Slots, for a total of 48 slot positions. The program cycle operating sequence begins at the first Slot in row 1, and ends at the last Slot in row 4.
20 Editing Multiple Slots When several slots will have station assignments that share common parameters and Run Time values, editing the slots simultaneously as a group can be a great time-saving tool to build programs rapidly. Editing Station Information Station database information can be conveniently changed and entered directly within the Slot Editor and immediately reflected in the Zone Data window. Use the following procedure to select and edit multiple Slots.
Clearing Slots The Clear Slots tool removes Slots data incrementally as follows: • Clears run time of all selected Slots (assigned station number in bold). • Clears run time of all Slots with a 0 placeholder. • Clears all Slots with blank run time. • Clears all Slots data. Note: Selecting the Refresh button returns all program data to the previously saved settings.
5 Satellite Reports 22 In this Chapter: Part 1 – Hydro Report Part 2 – Flow Graph Report Hydro reports can be quickly generated from current and historic satellite data including: Water Use, ET and/or Rainfall, in a convenient graphic format. The reports can be viewed, printed and logged for future reference. A data editor function enables the report data to be modified and sent back to the field satellite. Part 1 – The Hydro Report 1. To begin, choose Hydro Report under the Reports directory. 2.
2. Choose Receive or Refresh to plot the graph. The Erase Tool The Erase tool works progressively to clear various elements of the graph. 1. Choose the Erase tool from the Flow Graph toolbar. • Click once to delete all maker lines • Click twice to delete all marker labels • Click three times to delete all graph data.
6 Satellite Operations & Status In this Chapter: Part Part Part Part Part 1 2 3 4 5 – – – – – Map View Features Manual Operations/Output Status Alarms Rain Days Percent Scale 24 When working with map images, hiding the Selection and Information panels to increase the workspace area is often preferred. The satellite support features, accessible from the Selection panel database tree, are listed in the Unit Options drop-down menu to provide easy access to all support feature windows.
When station indicators are positioned on the map image, they are dynamically linked to the Sentinel WMS software to reflect current operating conditions. For example, during manual operations, the station indicator will change from blue (inactive) to yellow (manual operation). During automatic operation, active stations will be displayed in green. Placing Station Indicators on the Map 1.
26 Any stations that are currently operating automatically will be highlighted in Green. Station operation can be stopped by clicking on the station number and choosing Send. Automatic Operation Status Note: Stopping a station that is currently running within an automatic irrigation program will stop the entire program. When the Manual/Output Status window is open and satellite data received, the station indicators on the map change color to reflect the station status. Map Window Update 1.
The Alarm example below indicates the exact time and date a power failure occurred and when power was restored. The General Alarms Tab When a station current overload or output fault is detected, all affected station numbers will be indicated on this Alarm tab. The current overload condition will be indicated with a White highlight, and an output fault will be highlighted in Red. Selecting User Set outputs will highlight the check box in blue. The Current & User Set Alarms Tab 1.
28 The Rain Days control feature enables program operation to be suspended for a defined period of time, ranging from 0 to 250 consecutive days, then automatically resume operation when the delay period elapses. Part 4 - Rain Days The Rain Days mode can be implemented by any one of three optional methods: Unit (all programs), Select Programs or program Description. • Assigning Rain Days by Unit suspends automatic operation of all defined irrigation programs.
The control features of the Percent Scale window are used to increase and decrease Program Run Time by percentage from 0 to 255%. The Percent Scale adjustment can be implemented by any one of three optional methods: by Unit (all programs), by Select Programs or by program Description. Part 5 - Percent Scale • Assigning Percent Scale adjustment by Unit scales the run time of all defined irrigation programs.
7 Satellite Systems In this Chapter: Part 1 – Creating Satellite Systems Part 2 – Working with Multiple Satellites 30 Note: The System name will be added to the System list as well as to the Systems tab of the Selection panel, as shown in the inset below. A Satellite System is simply a collection or group of satellites that are given the same name.
7. To remove satellites from the System Contents list, use the same procedure as adding satellites, with the exception of using the Right arrow buttons. 8. To change the System description, Choose the Edit Systems button open the Edit Window. 9. Type in a new System description, and choose OK. System Level Operations 1. Choose the Systems tab of the Selection panel. 2. Choose the System name to expand the database tree.
8 Sentinel Watcher Operations In this Chapter: Part 1 – Enabling the Sentinel Watcher Part 2 – Configuring Watcher Operations Many of the system level operations, as well as weather source related operations, can be scheduled to occur at a predefined time. In all cases, the results of the Watcher operations are written to the Log file and various windows Results tabs. If the e-mail feature is utilized, the results of some operations can be e-mailed immediately after they occur.
The Watcher Operations provided on this tab are used in conjunction with the (Optimizer) window (main toolbar). The Scheduler/Optimizer Scheduler is used to optimize programs based on demand and flow limit while leaving the station operating order within the program unchanged. Access to this feature from the Watcher simplifies scheduling; i.e., after an ET update. Scheduler/Optimizer 1. Choose Enable or Disable polling option as preferred: 2. Enter the preferred polling start time.
9 Working with Weather Sources In this Chapter: Part Part Part Part 1 2 3 4 – – – – Creating a Weather Station Configuring a Weather Station Creating a Weather Monitor Checking the Weather Source Weather Sources provide weather-related data to the Sentinel WMS software. This information can be used by the satellites to automatically adjust run times based on ET demand and rainfall activity. Sentinel WMS can also monitor weather parameters and react at preset thresholds.
When configuring new or existing Weather Station, all setup parameters will be accessed and defined on the tabbed pages of the Station Properties window. Part 2 – Configuring the Weather Station 1. To begin, choose Properties under the Status & Setup directory to open the Station Properties window. 3. Select the preferred Weather Data to Retrieve options: Note: The Sentinel WMS program uses weather history data from the previous 24 hours to determine the 24-hour ET and rainfall values.
36 The Communication Settings Tab (continued) The Station Type Tab 1. Select the manufacturer and model of Weather Station instrument. Note: If the of Weather Station instrument type or model is not listed, contact Toro NSN for assistance at 1-800-275-8676. 2. Select English or Metric units. Note: Units type must remain consistent throughout the Sentinel WMS program and satellite setup windows for proper operation. 3.
The Notifications Tab 1. Select Enable Notifications option as preferred. The settings on this tab are used to specify the normal and accelerated polling frequency rate of the Weather Station by the Sentinel WMS program. The Weather Monitor Settings Tab The Weather Station continuously monitors specific data points calibrated for various local weather and climate conditions.
38 Part 3 – Creating a Weather Monitor A unique Weather Monitor can be configured for each Weather Station polled by the Sentinel WMS program. The Weather Monitor window provides a convenient location to define a Weather Station by name, type, operating parameters, monitored activities and threshold limits. Note: Currently, only Rainfall monitors can be created. 1. To begin, choose the Weather Monitors toolbar button on the Station Properties window to open the Weather Monitor window.
With the Weather Station and Weather Monitor parameters properly defined in the Sentinel WMS program software, weather monitoring and reporting should now be available. Part 4 – Checking the Weather Source 5. To review the current Weather Monitor settings, choose the Station Properties toolbar button to open the Station Properties window.
40 Note: This is a pre-release document. Therefore, the content of this document is subject to change without notice. Count On It. © 2008 The Toro Company, Irrigation Division • www.toro.
