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Weather Station Monitoring Solution Quick Start Guide

Prerequisites​

Before proceeding with each step for using the Weather Station Monitoring Solution, make sure to have all the necessary items listed below:

Figure 13127: Weather Station Solution Package Inclusion

Hardware Tools​

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 13128: Remove the back cover
  1. Insert the SIM card into the groove, then gently push it into the card slot.
Figure 13129: 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 13130: Installation preparation
  1. Secure the mounting bracket to the wall by using self-tapping screws.
Figure 13131: 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 13132: Align the device with the hanging tabs
Pole Mounting​
  1. Secure the mounting bracket to the pole using a steel strap.
Figure 13133: 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 13134: Device installation
  1. Insert a security screw at the top to fasten the device and the bracket together.
Figure 13135: Fasten the device and the bracket

RAK2560 WisNode Sensor Hub + Micro Weather Sensor Setup​

Sensor Probe IO + Micro Weather Sensor Installation​

  1. Pass the communication cable connector of the micro weather sensor through the circular hole in the provided mounting bracket.

  2. Connect the micro weather sensor and the communication cable. Align the grooves of the connectors and insert the cable connector into the sensor connector.

Figure 13136: Insert the Cable Connector into the Sensor Connector

  1. After inserting, tighten the locking nut.

  2. Fix the sensor to the mounting bracket using the provided wing screws. When installing the sensor, ensure that the indicator on the sensor corresponds to the geographical north.

Figure 13137: Fix the Sensor to the Mounting Bracket
Figure 13138: Indicator
  1. Fix the mounting bracket to the pole.
NOTE

Precautions during mounting:

  • Check regularly to ensure that the sensor is not disturbed by other running equipment that may not fully comply with the general standards, such as radio/radar transmitters, ship engines, and motors.
  • Do not mount the sensor on the same plane as any radar scanning devices, and keep a distance of at least 2 meters between them.
  • When mounting the sensor, keep it at a certain distance from the radio receiving antennas around.
  • Avoid nearby structures, such as trees, utility poles, and tall buildings, which can generate an eddying flow that affects the accuracy of the ultrasonic sensor.
  • When mounting the sensor on a building, the ideal mounting height should be 1.5 times the height of the building.
  • When mounting the sensor on the boom of a mast, the boom needs to be on the prevailing wind side.

Sensor Hub + Sensor Probe IO + Micro Weather Sensor Installation​

The micro weather sensor comes pre-assembled with Sensor Probe IO by default at the factory. No additional assembly is required; simply connect Sensor Probe IO and Sensor Hub.

  1. Connect Sensor Probe IO with Sensor Hub via the SP11 connector.
  2. Align the white dot symbol on the Sensor Probe IO SP11 connector plug with the white dot symbol 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 SPI connection. The Sensor Probe IO can connect to any Sensor Hub SP11 connector port. Refer to the actual use and connect to the appropriate port, as shown in Figure 13.
Figure 13139: Connect the Sensor Probe IO
Figure 13140: Installation completed

Power Supply Setup​

The Sensor Hub relies on the Sensor Probe IO for connectivity to the micro weather 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 13141: Secure the mounting bracket
  1. Attach the mounting plate to the RAK9154 with two (2) M3 screws.
Figure 13142: Attach the mounting plate
  1. Install the RAK9154 to the back of the solar panel with four (4) screws and nuts.
Figure 13143: 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 13144: Connector the RAK9154
  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 13145: 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 13146: Connect the 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 13147: Power Adapter Connection
  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 13148: Connect the external power cable

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 13149: Start App
  1. On the Select connection mode menu, choose NFC Activation.
Figure 13150: Select NFC Activation
  1. Select the Sensor HUB option in the device selection interface to establish a connection.
Figure 13151: Select Sensor Hub
  1. Click the CONNECT button to initiate the scanning process for devices.
Figure 13152: Click on the CONNECT button
  1. Hold your mobile device close to the N symbol on the Sensor Hub device.
Figure 13153: Scanning in progress
NOTE

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

Figure 13154: Scan Successful
  1. After the connection is established, there will be a synchronization of device data. This process may take some time.
Figure 13155: 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 13156: SENSOR HUB INFO page
  1. While on the SENSOR HUB INFO page, configure the Uplink Settings according to the selected network.
Figure 13157: Uplink Settings option
  1. Once configured, click SAVE SELECTION, and then the APPLY button to implement the configuration options.
Figure 13158: Apply the configuration options

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

Figure 13159: 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 13160: 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 13161: 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 13162: 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 13163: 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 13164: 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 13165: 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.
  • 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 13166: Apply the modified configuration
  1. When configured correctly and successfully connected to the server, the Connection Status will display as connected.
Figure 13167: Successfully connected to the server

Sensor Configuration​

This section details the configuration process of the weather sensor. It shows how to access the monitoring data and device details of the weather station 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 weather stations on the interface.
Figure 13168: Weather Station sensor
  1. Click the dropdown arrow to expand the details of the weather station sensor.
Figure 13169: Sensor details
  • Wind speed
  • Wind direction
  • Temperature
  • Humidity
  • Pressure: The atmospheric pressure.
  • FETCH DATA: Update the monitoring data from the sensor.
  • Device details
Figure 13170: Sensor details

For this example, fetch the data of the Wind speed and set the parameters by then choosing the Wind speed feature.

  1. Configure the periodic uplink data sending, thresholds, and other relevant information for the sensor.
Figure 13171: 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: 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: Maximum acceptable value.
  • Send uplink if above threshold: Send uplink data if the value exceeds the upper threshold.
  • Threshold, m/s: 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 13172: 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 13173: Commands 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.