Long-Range Wireless Monitoring System
EnviTronics Lab offers a complete wireless sensor network solution. It comprises sensor nodes, a gateway, high-quality sensors, and accompanying software. This allows users to establish a network in a star or star-of-stars topology for various applications, including fields, orchards, greenhouses, nurseries, grow rooms, and even home gardens. The system operates independently without requiring internet access or incurring subscription fees. Users maintain full ownership of their local network. With a line-of-sight range of up to 2 kilometers (1.2 miles), the system provides comprehensive coverage for a wide array of environments. Furthermore, its transparent communication scheme allows for seamless integration with existing control and monitoring systems, such as those based on PLCs and IoT systems, minimizing setup time and maximizing compatibility.
Features
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Each network includes sensors, wireless sensor nodes, gateway and monitoring software
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Works out of the box; no configuration required; takes only a few hours to establish a network
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Plug and play with EnviTronics Lab sensors
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Can cover a radius of 2-km (1.2 mi) line of sight
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Scheduled RTC-based data transmission minimizes data collision; allows for connecting up to 100 EnviTronics Lab sensors per network or up to 100 networks in the same area
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Comes with free visualization and configuration software for computer-based data logging and monitoring, and remote access to data
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Compatible with PLC-based monitoring systems that support UDP messaging
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Works with both EnviTronics 4-channels and single-channel long range (LoRa) wireless sensor nodes
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Optional IoT-enabled features allows for remote access to sensor data
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Data transmission protocol and sentence format (similar to NMEA) allows easy integration into third-party hardware & software
System Setup
To establish your wireless sensor network, you'll require the ISHKUR gateway, at least one wireless sensor node, and the SHUSHAN CVI-Wireless Windows application.
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We offer two types of wireless sensor nodes: single-channel (ISHTAR 1P-LR; retired) with one sensor port and 4-channel (SHINAK 4P-LRD) with four sensor ports. You can flexibly combine these nodes to suit your specific needs.
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Sensor nodes are equipped with rechargeable batteries that can be conveniently recharged using standard USB adapters, solar chargers, or power banks. The 4-channel nodes feature a larger battery pack, providing up to 12 months of continuous operation.
The number of sensors you'll need will depend on your budget and the number of irrigation zones in your system. An irrigation zone comprises all plants with similar water requirements (irrigated simultaneously). We recommend installing at least two sensors per irrigation zone to account for natural variations in plant and soil conditions.
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Begin with a single wireless sensor node and expand your network gradually as needed. The gateway seamlessly detects and integrates new nodes upon their addition, activation, and proper configuration. With a sensor measurement interval of 60 minutes, you can typically accommodate around 100 sensors within the same wireless network. This ensures reliable data transmission, although in practice, you may support even more.
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Provided the sensors are installed correctly – which encompasses most of the process – the remainder of the setup is remarkably straightforward.
Access to Sensor Data
The ISHKUR gateway offers versatile working modes, including an IoT-enabled option.
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Local Operation: In its basic WiFi mode, the gateway transmits data directly to a local computer. The SHUSHAN CVI software is free, ensuring no ongoing subscription fees for your wireless sensor network.
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IoT Connectivity: The IoT-enabled gateway connects your system to the internet via WiFi, enabling cloud-based data storage and remote access. The ISHKUR aggregates and stores sensor data securely in the cloud.
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Data Access: Utilize the SHUSHAN CVI software to connect to the database and download historical data, as well as monitor near real-time data streams.
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Third-Party Integration: Sensor data is also accessible through a REST API, facilitating seamless integration with other platforms and applications.
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Please read this article if you are interested in remote access to your sensor data using a satellite IoT-enabled gateway.
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Integration into Existing Control & Monitoring Systems ​
The system is designed for seamless integration with a wide range of existing control and monitoring systems, thanks to its transparent communication scheme. Similar to the NEAMA standard, the system uses easily parsed data messages containing sensor readings, allowing third-party systems to readily understand and utilize the information. This flexibility makes integration straightforward, regardless of the specific system you use.
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For example, the system is fully compatible with IoT solutions and some select PLC-based control and monitoring systems. Access real-time sensor data from the wireless network using UDP messaging and parse data streams efficiently with tools like Node-RED. If your current control and monitoring infrastructure relies on a PLC, you can readily incorporate the system. Typically, this involves only minor programming adjustments on the PLC side to access and utilize the valuable sensor data. This same principle applies to other compatible control and monitoring systems, allowing for easy integration and enhanced functionality.
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