Smart Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture​
Handheld Reader and Computer Interface
Features
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Compatible with all EnviTronics sensors
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Dedicated software (SHUSHAN CVI)
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Simple communication protocol for third party hardware and software
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Rechargeable Li-ion battery; charge indicator
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OLED display technology making it easy to see under any light conditions, indoors or outdoors
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Automatic sensor data calibration and temperature compensation
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Programmable wet and dry alarm threshold with emoji indicator for irrigation scheduling
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Can be interfaced with Arduino and Raspberry Pi boards
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Comes with a protective carrying case
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Unique digital device ID
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Optional Bluetooth LE add-on
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Open-source DIY version available
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Firmware can be updated; add more features as becoming available
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​AVAN CT
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AVAN CT is a handheld reader. It has a firmware which can be updated, and the ability to automatically detect and read all EnviTronics sensors. In addition, it can be used as an interface to send data to PC or Raspberry Pi. If needed, EnviTronics SHUSHAN CVI software (free) can be used to configure the reader. The AVAN CT is capable of carrying out automatic sensor data calibration and temperature-compensation. In the case of the APAS T1 soil water content sensor, an emoji indicates if the substrate is too wet or too dry. The unit can be charged by connecting to a computer USB port or any standard charger. A battery icon in the corner of the screen shows the remaining battery charge. The reader comes with an optional Bluetooth add-on (AVAN CT-BLE) allowing for mobile-based datalogging and monitoring.
Plug and Play with EnviTronics Sensors
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The AVAN CT is compatible all EnviTronics sensors. Just plug your sensor into the reader and get real-time sensor readings on its OLED display! The AVAN CT automatically detects EnviTronics Lab sensor connected to its port and can be operated out of the box with its default settings. The AVAN CT has an updatable firmware meaning that future sensor models will also be supported with a simple firmware update using the SHUSHAN CVI-Wireless application for Windows.
Communication with Computer or Raspberry Pi
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There are applications where it might be useful to use the AVAN CT as an interface with third-party hardware and software. The AVAN CT has an established communication protocol which allows you to easily communicate with it using simple command lines. Popular single-board computers and microcontroller boards such as the Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone Black and Arduino among others, can easily obtain measurements from the AVAN CT via its USB port. Please read the AVAN CT user manual to learn more about this feature.
Bluetooth Add-on (Optional)
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The AVAN CT comes with an optional Bluetooth LE connectivity add-on (AVAN CT-BLE) that adds almost all features of our AVAN BLE to the reader. This means you will be able to connect to the reader using the SHUSHAN Mobile app for Android. The app displays real-time sensor data, and also sensor metadata (serial number, firmware version, etc). You can use the app to turn your smartphone into a datalogger! Sensor data will be stored on your phone in a 'csv' file along with GPS coordinates and timestamp. You can also manually choose and save specific sensor readings on your phone. To learn more about the features that Bluetooth connectivity brings to the table, please visit this page.
Dedicated Monitoring and Configuration Software
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To give the user the best experience, we have developed a graphical user interface called SHUSHAN CVI to work with the AVAN CT. Here are some of the features of the SHUSHAN CVI:
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Logging and Monitoring of Soil Moisture, EC & Temperature
​The SHUSHAN CVI works together with our AVAN CT computer interface and EnviTronics sensors to log and visualize moisture and temperature measurements in real-time. Recorded data are available in text format and can be easily exported to a spreadsheet like Excel.
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Configuration Utility
​The SHUSHAN CVI can be used to upload new settings and calibration coefficients into the AVAN CT reader, and APAS T1 and HITTA E0 sensors.
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Data Filtering
​The software allows for programming logging intervals for computer-based data logging. The averaging allows the user to conduct experiments in the noisiest of environments and still collect high quality data.
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Software Calibration and Temperature Compensation
​By default, the AVAN CT reader automatically applies calibration coefficients to moisture readings to compensate for temperature change. As an option, the SHUSHAN CVI can be used to apply extra layers of calibration and compensation to measurements in real-time.
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Protective Carrying Case
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The AVAN CT comes with a protective carrying case with zippered pockets for storing the reader and its accessories like a micro USB cable. This durable case will protect the reader against accidental damage when you are out in the field. You have the option to use the shoulder strap or the belt loop strap (included) to attach the case to your clothing or other equipment for more convenience.
Rechargeable Battery
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The ISHTAR 1P-BLE is equipped with a rechargeable Li-ion battery that can power the unit for months of daily use with a single charge. Any standard wall charger, regular or solar powered USB bank providing 100 mA @ 5.0 V with micro USB cable type B can be used to recharge the battery.
Open-Source DIY Version (AVAN CT-OS)
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AVAN CT-OS is the open-source version of our AVAN CT handheld reader. It includes almost all features of the AVAN CT including a firmware which can be updated (once a new version is available) and the ability to automatically detect and read all EnviTronics Lab sensors.
If you are a maker and have some experience in electronics and computer, you might want to check this blog post for a DIY version of the AVAN CT handheld reader. The post provides details information on how to build one for your own project and use with EnviTronics sensors.
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OLED Display
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The reader enjoys the latest developments in the display technology. The OLED display not only gives a sexy look to the reader, but also provides easy-to-read texts under any light conditions, indoors or outdoors.
Applications
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​Moisture and temperature are recognized as important variables that influence plant productivity in both agricultural and natural ecosystems. Continuous monitoring of soil/substrate moisture is very important in different areas of science and engineering such as hydrology, soil science, geotechnical, ecology, meteorology, agronomy and controlled environment agriculture. Accurate soil moisture measurements are necessary tools in precision irrigation and water management. Substrate temperature is also a useful parameter in monitoring crop growth and can also be used for correcting moisture measurements. Soil moisture measurements can be used by farmers and researchers to determine water deficit and to specify the amount of water needed by plants.
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California Proposition 65 Warning
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This product may contain chemicals, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Please go to the proposition 65 warnings website for more information.