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Soil Moisture, Temperature, and Electrical Conductivity Solution Quick Start Guide

Prerequisites​

Before proceeding with each step for using the Soil Moisture, Temperature, and Electrical Conductivity Solution, make sure to have all the necessary items listed below:

Figure 12077: Soil Moisture, Temperature, and Electrical Conductivity Solutions Package Inclusion

Hardware​

Software​

WisToolBox

Solution Configuration​

Sensor Hub Setup​

SIM Card Installation​

If the selected solution utilizes the NB-IoT/LTE CAT-M wireless communication mode, follow these steps to insert a SIM card. If you opt for the LoRaWAN wireless communication mode, skip this section, as a SIM card is not required.

  1. Remove the back cover by unscrewing the four screws with a cross screwdriver.
Figure 12078: Remove the back cover
  1. Insert the SIM card into the groove, then gently push it into the card slot.
Figure 12079: Insert the SIM card

Sensor Hub Mounting​

Wall Mounting​
  1. Use a 5 mm drill bit to drill holes in the wall, then insert the screw anchors into the holes.
Figure 12080: Installation Preparation
  1. Secure the mounting bracket to the wall by using self-tapping screws.
Figure 12081: Secure the mounting bracket
  1. Align the device's hanging tab with the slots on the bracket, and then insert the tab into the slots. Pull the device downwards until it snaps into place.
Figure 12082: Align the device with the hanging tabs
Pole Mounting​
  1. Secure the mounting bracket to the pole using a steel strap.
Figure 12083: Fix the mounting bracket
NOTE

Mount the bracket on a pole with a 50-80 mm diameter. For larger poles, use a bigger steel strap. The standard kit does not include a larger steel strap. Purchase separately if needed.

  1. Align the hanging tab of the device with the slots on the bracket, then insert the tab into the slots. Gently pull the device downwards until it securely snaps in place.
Figure 12084: Device Installation
  1. Insert a security screw at the top to fasten the device and the bracket together.
Figure 12085: Lock the device and the bracket

RAK2560 WisNode Sensor Hub + Soil Moisture, Temperature, and Electrical Conductivity Sensor Setup​

Sensor Probe IO + Soil Moisture, Temperature, and Electrical Conductivity Sensor Installation​

The Soil Moisture, Temperature, and Electrical Conductivity Sensor comes pre-assembled with Sensor Probe IO by default at the factory. Therefore, no additional assembly is required.

Figure 12086: Sensor Probe IO and the Soil Moisture, Temperature, and Electrical Conductivity Sensor

Sensor Hub + Sensor Probe IO + Soil Moisture, Temperature, and Electrical Conductivity Sensor Installation​

  1. Connect the Sensor Probe IO to the Sensor Hub using the SP11 connector.
  2. Align the white dot mark on the Sensor Probe IO SP11 connector plug with the white dot mark on the Sensor Hub SP11 connector socket and push the plug firmly into the socket.
  3. Once connected, tighten the locking nut to secure the connection of the SP11 connector. The Sensor Probe IO can be connected to any Sensor Hub SP11 connector port. Refer to the actual use and connect to the appropriate port, as shown in Figure 11.
Figure 12087: Connect Sensor Probe IO
Figure 12088: Installation completed

Power Supply Setup​

The Sensor Hub relies on the Sensor Probe IO for connectivity to the soil monitoring sensors. Consequently, it cannot be powered by batteries alone and requires a connection to either a solar panel or a 12 VDC power supply for operation.

RAK9154 Solar Battery Installation​

NOTE

Mount the bracket on a pole with a 50-80 mm diameter. For larger poles, use a bigger steel strap. The standard kit does not include a larger steel strap. Purchase separately if needed.

  1. Secure the mounting bracket on the pole with two steel straps.
Figure 12089: Secure the mounting bracket
  1. Attach the mounting plate to the RAK9154 with two (2) M3 screws.
Figure 12090: Secure the mounting plate
  1. Install the RAK9154 to the back of the solar panel with four (4) screws and nuts.
Figure 12091: Attach RAK9154 to solar panel
  1. Connect the cable of the solar panel to the PV input connector of RAK9154. Install two (2) M6 screws to the mounting plate with a clearance of about 3 mm.
Figure 12092: RAK9154 and Solar Panel Connection
  1. Suspend the solar panel on the mounting bracket, adjust its angle and direction, and then tighten the two (2) M6 screws along with the remaining two screws.
Figure 12093: Install the solar panel combination
  1. Connect Sensor Hub and RAK9154. Use a cable to link the remaining connection port of the Sensor Hub to the lithium battery Output 1 SP11 connection port of RAK9154.
NOTE

When connecting to RAK9154, ensure that the Sensor Hub is connected to the Output 1 connection port.

Figure 12094: Connect Sensor Hub and RAK9154
  1. Once the connection is complete, the Sensor Hub is ready to be powered up.

12 VDC Power Supply Installation​

  1. Connect the power adapter to the external power cable of Sensor Hub using a circular DC connector.
Figure 12095: Connect the power adapter
  1. Connect the external power cable to the Sensor Hub using the SP11 connector.
  2. Align the white dot mark on the SP11 connector plug of the external power cable with the white dot mark on the Sensor Hub SP11 connector socket, and push the plug firmly into the socket.
  3. After the plug and socket are connected, tighten the locking nut to secure the connection of the SP11 connector. The external power cable can connect to any Sensor Hub connection port.
Figure 12096: Connect the external power

Software Configuration Guide​

Sensor Hub Configuration​

Power Up Sensor Hub​

After installing all hardware components, connect the power supply. If the power supply consists of a solar panel and a battery, the device will power on automatically once all hardware has been installed.

warning

To prevent damage to the device, refrain from powering up the Sensor Hub before connecting it to the sensor. It is advisable to use the 12 VDC adapter provided with the Sensor Hub for optimal performance.

Connect Sensor Hub to WisToolBox​

  1. Download and install the WisToolBox app on your smart mobile device. The WisToolBox app is available for download from the Apple App Store and the Android Google Play Store.

  2. Initiate the app and confirm that NFC and Bluetooth are enabled on your mobile device. Click on START.

Figure 12097: Start App
  1. On the Select connection mode menu, choose NFC Activation.
Figure 12098: Select NFC Activation
  1. Select the Sensor HUB option in the device selection interface to establish a connection.
Figure 12099: Select Sensor Hub
  1. Click the CONNECT button to initiate the scanning process for devices.
Figure 12100: Click on the Connect Button
  1. Hold your mobile device close to the N symbol on the Sensor Hub device.
Figure 12101: Scanning in progress
NOTE

The detection of the Sensor Hub device indicates that the device has been successfully powered up.

Figure 12102: Scan Successful
  1. After the connection is established, there will be a synchronization of device data. This process may take some time.
Figure 12103: Sync Device
NOTE
  • By default, if no connection is established within 30 seconds, the BLE broadcast of the Sensor Hub will automatically shut down. To establish a connection, connect the RAK device immediately after turning on the power or restart the power.
  • Certain Android smartphones may necessitate enabling GPS to connect to BLE. Enabling GPS does not involve the use or sharing of sensitive information with the app.
  1. Upon completion of data synchronization, the app will automatically transition to the SENSOR HUB INFO page.
Figure 12104: Sensor Hub Info Page
  1. While on the SENSOR HUB INFO page, configure the Uplink Settings according to the selected network.
Figure 12105: Uplink Settings option
  1. Once configured, click SAVE SELECTION, and then the APPLY button to implement the configuration options.
Figure 12106: Apply the configuration options

After a few seconds, the synchronization progress will be completed, concluding this process.

Figure 12107: Commands applied successfully

Sensor Hub Network Configuration​

LoRaWAN Configuration​

This section focuses on configuring the LoRaWAN parameters and joining the network. Before proceeding with the following steps, ensure that the gateway and Sensor Hub are connected to the server.

Refer to the Connect the Gateway to the Server and Connect Sensor Hub to the Server sections for detailed instructions.

  1. Click the LORA & LORAWAN PARAMETERS tab. Configure the following parameters:
  • Global settings
Figure 12108: Global settings
  • Join mode: Configure the Join mode based on the device's network access mode: Over-The-Air Activation (OTAA) or Activation By Personalization (ABP). Make sure it matches the join mode registered on the network server.
  • Active region: Set the Active region to the device's frequency plan. Ensure that it is consistent with the gateway and device frequency plan registered on the network server.

Supported frequency bands include CN470, RU864, IN865, EU868, US915, AU915, KR920, AS923-1/2/3/4.

LoRaWAN keys, ID, EUI

  • For the OTAA join mode, configure the following parameters: Application EUI, Application key, and Device EUI.
Figure 12109: OTAA Join Mode Configuration
  • Application EUI: Confirm that it matches the device's Application EUI as registered in the network server.
  • Application key: Verify its alignment with the device's Application key registered in the network server. Click GENERATE KEY to create a new key if needed.
  • Device EUI: Confirm that it matches the Device EUI registered in the network server.
Figure 12110: ABP Join Mode

  • Data on LoRa® network

  • For the ABP join mode, configure the required parameters: Application session key, Device address, and Network session key.

Figure 12111: Data on LoRa® network
  • Confirm mode: Message confirmation mode.
  • Enable auto join: Determine whether to activate automatic network access. When enabled, the device will join the network automatically upon powering up.
  • Network status: Indicates the status of the network connection. It will be activated automatically once successfully connected to the network.
  • ADR: The Adaptive Data Rate optimizes data rates in the network. Toggle the button to enable or disable it.
  • JOIN NETWORK: After completing the network parameter, click the JOIN NETWORK button to run the join network command.
  1. After clicking JOIN NETWORK, a Message sent message will appear, indicating that the join network command has been sent.
Figure 12112: Join the Network

NB-IoT/LTE CAT-M1 Configuration​

This section primarily introduces the configuration of LTE-M network parameters. If you are using the NB-IoT/LTE CAT-M1 network, after connecting the device, select LTE-M in the Uplink Settings options on the SENSOR HUB INFO interface to display the LTE-M PARAMETERS configuration tab.

  1. Click the LTE-M PARAMETERS tab and check the following parameters to ensure that the network is working properly.
Figure 12113: View the LTE-M Parameters tab

LTE-M Network

  • OPERATOR: Shows the Network operator. If the operator's name is displayed, it indicates that the device has recognized the SIM card. For example, CHINAMOBILE.

IP Network

  • STATUS: If the status is Activated, it signifies that the network of the SIM card is functioning normally.
  1. Select the Application option to configure the cellular network parameters.
Figure 12114: Configure the cellular network parameters
  • Service: Choose a service, either AWS IoT Core or Generic MQTT. For this guide, use Generic MQTT as an example.
  • Server address: Input the server address. Using the external MQTT broker as an example, enter broker.hivemq.com. Enter the address based on your specific use case.
  • Server Port: Specify the server port according to your configuration.
  • Client ID: Set the client ID for your device.
  • Enable user auth: Decide whether to activate user authentication for your device.
  • Enable SSL: Decide whether to activate SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) for secure communication.
  • Publish Topic: Specify the topic for publishing messages.
  • Data Format: Select JSON as the preferred format for data transmission.
  • Subscribe Topic: Subscribe to the topic for receiving incoming messages, as illustrated in this example.
  1. Following the configuration, click APPLY in the command list at the bottom of the interface to implement the changes. If the message All commands applied successfully appears, it indicates a successful configuration modification.
Figure 12115: Apply the modified configuration
  1. When configured correctly and successfully connected to the server, the Connection Status will display as connected.
Figure 12116: Successfully connected to the server

Sensor Configuration​

This section details the configuration process of the soil monitoring sensor. It shows how to access the monitoring data and device details of Soil Moisture, Temperature, and Electrical Conductivity solution. Additionally, there’s an option to configure other information for each monitoring parameter, such as the uplink data sending period and threshold.

  1. To start with, click the SENSOR PROBE tab to display the connected Soil Moisture, Temperature, and Electrical Conductivity on the interface.
Figure 12117: Soil Moisture, Temperature and EC Sensor
  1. Click the dropdown arrow to expand the details of the soil moisture, temperature, and EC sensor.
Figure 12118: Details of the soil moisture, temperature and EC sensor
  • Humidity: Soil moisture
  • Electric conductivity: Soil electrical conductivity
  • FETCH DATA: Update the monitoring data from the sensor
  • Device details
Figure 12119: Device details
  1. Configure the periodic uplink data sending, thresholds, and other relevant information for the sensor.
Figure 12120: Set the sensor parameters
  • Sensor data: Data provided by the sensor.
  • FETCH DATA: Update the latest sensor data.
  • Send uplink if value changes: Send uplink data if the sensor data changes.
  • Sensor interval(s): The payload sending interval in seconds. It determines how often the sensor sends uplink data to the server, with a range interval from 60 ~ 86,400 Seconds. Set this parameter when the Send periodic uplink is enabled.
  • Send periodic uplink: Send uplink data periodically based on the sensor interval.
  • Lower threshold, °F: Specifies the minimum acceptable value.
  • Send uplink if below threshold: Trigger the transmission of uplink data if the value falls below the lower threshold.
  • Upper threshold, °F: Maximum acceptable value.
  • Send uplink if above threshold: Send uplink data if the value exceeds the upper threshold.
  • Threshold, °F: Range of acceptable values.
  • Send uplink if between thresholds: Send uplink data if the value falls within the specified threshold range.
  1. After completing the modifications, a message Commands in queue will appear at the bottom of the interface. Click APPLY to send the parameter update commands.
Figure 12121: Apply Commands
  1. When the message All commands applied successfully, appears on the interface, it indicates that the parameter update commands have been successfully sent.
Figure 12122: Applied successfully

Other Operations

  • REMOVE SENSOR PROBE: Detach the sensor.
  • RESTORE TO DEFAULT SETTINGS: Reset the Sensor Probe to its default settings.
  • UPGRADE SENSOR PROBE: Upgrade the firmware of the Sensor Probe.