Smart Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture​
USB Sensor to Computer Interface
Features
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Compatible with DurUntash sensors
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Dedicated software (SHUSHAN CVI)
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Simple communication protocol for third party interfaces
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Stores configuration data
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Onboard sensor calibration and temperature-compensation
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Can be easily interfaced with Arduino and Raspberry Pi boards
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Powered by computer USB port
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Unique digital device ID
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Great for IoT applications; monitor sensor data on a webpage using Node-RED
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Open-source DIY version available
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Handheld and wall/pole mount rugged weatherproof enclosure
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Firmware can be updated; add more features as becoming available​
​ISHTAR Zero
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ISHTAR Zero is a USB to analog and digital adapter for DUL sensors. It's identical to our AVAN Zero sensor adapter in terms of functionality, but in a weatherproof enclosure that can be used in a tabletop configuration or two different wall-mount configurations. The ISHTAR Zero adapter provides an affordable and easy way to evaluate, power, and configure DUL sensors. The ISHTAR Zero can be used to log, and visualize sensor data, when combined with our SHUSHAN CVI Software. The ISHTAR Zero adapter is compatible with different Arduino and Raspberry Pi boards and can be directly plugged into computer USB port. In combination with Node-RED, you can use the ISHTAR Zero to monitor sensor data on a webpage.
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Plug and Play with DurUntash Sensors
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The ISHTAR Zero is compatible all DurUntash sensors. Just plug your sensor into the adapter and get real-time sensor readings! The ISHTAR Zero automatically detects DurUntash Lab sensor connected to its port and can be operated out of the box with its default settings. The ISHTAR Zero 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.
Simple Protocol for Communication with Computer or Raspberry Pi
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Similar to our AVAN Zero adapter, the user can communicate with the ISHTAR Zero 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 ISHTAR Zero via its USB communication port.
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 ISHTAR Zero. Here are some of the features of the SHUSHAN CVI:
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Logging and Monitoring of Moisture, EC & Temperature
​The SHUSHAN CVI works together with our ISHTAR Zero computer interface and DurUntash 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 ISHTAR Zero adapter, and DurUntash 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 ISHTAR Zero 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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Handheld and Easy Wall Mount
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The ISHTAR Zero can be used as a handheld readout device. It also comes with all the required hardware accessories that allow it to be used in a tabletop configuration or two different wall-mount configurations. Additional hardware (pole mounting brackets) is available upon order to mount the node securely to a pole.
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Monitor Data on a Webpage
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The ISHTAR Zero interface automatically detects sensor type, takes sensor readings, carries out signal conditioning (e.g. calibration and temperature-compensation), formats the results in the form of comma-separated data string, and makes them available at its USB port every 5 s. This means the only thing you need to do is to connect each sensor to an ISHTAR Zero unit, and connect the ISHTAR Zero to your computer or Raspberry Pi board (via its USB cable). The rest is done in Node-RED. We have a complete guide on how you can use the ISHTAR Zero and DurUntash sensors to do "Real-Time Monitoring of Data from Multiple Sensors on a Webpage using Node-RED".
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Unique Digital Device ID
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Three series of numbers are embedded in every line of data that is sent to computer via the USB port: 1) device code, 2) device number, and 3) serial number. The combination of these numbers creates a unique digital ID that could be used to identify specific device.
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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.