Environment
 
    Watchdog Sensor Pups
SP3900-000

Watchdog Sensor Pups


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Why buy from Geneq? - find out more

Wireless sensor network that allows growers and researchers the ability to…

  • Monitor crop and soil microclimates for:
    • Soil moisture/irrigation scheduling
    • Insect and disease pressures
    • Frost/temperature alerts
    • Plant growth
    • Additional sensor inputs
  • Transmit data in rolling/complex topography
  • Collect site specific data with one system
  • Mesh networks are "self-healing," since the network automatically finds the fastest and most reliable paths to send data, even if nodes (Pups) are blocked or lose their signal

Applications for Plant Management

•  Monitor frost temperatures for real-time decisions to protect crops
•  Track soil moisture and EC in numerous locations for better irrigation practices
•  Record temperature and humidity for decisions regarding disease and insect pressure

 

Network Components

WatchDog Retriever

Retriever logs sensor data from its network of Pups (max 16 Pups per network).

  • Single button operation: switch modes, download data, upload configuration, and check battery status
  • Tri-colored LEDs indicate mode, battery level, data communication status, and configuration status
  • Non-volatile memory preserves your logged data, even when the batteries are removed
  • Transfer data or configuration information via flash drive or direct PC connection
  • Internal flash memory on the Retriever will hold approximately 6 months of data for a 10 Pup network using 15 minute logging intervals
  • Spectrum-supplied USB flash drive will hold several years of data at the Retriever for a 10 Pup network using 15 minute logging intervals
  • 3.5mm stereo port for computer connection USB cable (included)
  • AUX port for wireless (DataScout Cellular or WiFi modem) communication connection
  • Includes six non-rechargeable AA batteries (8 months typical life)
  • DC port for optional AC/DC power adapter (Max 17VDC)
  • Optional solar package includes rechargeable battery pack (2200 mAh, 7.2V NiMH),and 5W solar panel
  • Retrievers are available in both 900 MHz (US customers) and 2.4 GHz bands (international customers)
  • Retriever & Pups Launch Utility software included on USB flash drive

WatchDog Pups

Each Sensor Pup within the network is compatible with a diverse number of sensors and offers flexibility by allowing the grower to monitor the sensor inputs they require.

  • Pups are available in 3 types: Sensor Pup, Station Pup, and Repeater Pup
  • Single button operation: check battery status, signal strength, and join sensor network
  • Tri-colored LEDs indicate battery level, signal strength, and data communication status
  • Includes six non-rechargeable AA batteries (8 months typical life)
  • Communication range of 2,500 ft (about 1/2 mile),line-of-sight installation recommended between Pups or Retriever
  • Pups are available in both 900 MHz (US customers) and 2.4 GHz bands (international customers)

WatchDog Sensor Pups

  • Connect up to 4 external sensors via 2.5mm stereo-plug
  • Can monitor high, low, current, and average values for each sensor during each logging period

WatchDog Station Pups

  • Connects to your existing WatchDog 2000 Series Full and Mini Weather Stations
  • Sends all Weather Station sensor data to your Retriever network
  • No external sensors, can only be connected to another device

WatchDog Repeater Pups

  • Provide added range to WatchDog Retriever networks
  • Serves as a “hopping node” around buildings or obstacles, or over high sections of your fields
  • No external sensors can be connected

 

Detailed Product Information

External Sensors

  • Customize each WatchDog Pup to monitor only the parameters you need
  • Most Spectrum sensors are Pup-compatible, including :
    • Soil Moisture Sensors (WaterScout SM 300, WaterScout SMEC 300, and Watermark sensors)
    • LightScout Light Sensors (Solar Radiation, UV, and Quantum light)
    • Leaf Wetness Sensors
    • Temperature and Humidity Sensors
    • Barometric Pressure Sensors
    • CO2 Sensors
    • Rainfall and Wind Speed/Direction Sensors (available late-2015)

 

Enclosure

  • Reliable, waterproof IP65 enclosure
  • Weatherproof glands for sensor cables
  • Lockable front door with the use of a padlock (not included)

Mounting

  • Mounting bracket allows vertical or horizontal orientation
  • Mounting hardware included - 1-¼ inch U-bolt
  • Antenna connection can be extended for higher placement for additional range between Pups & Retriever (antenna extension sold separately)

Communication Options

  • USB flash drive (included with all Retrievers)
  • Cellular network (See DataScout™ Modems below)
  • Wi-Fi (see DataScout Modems below)


DataScout Modem (optional)

Communicates data to the web via Cellular or Wi-Fi options (more information on SpecConnect Web Portal can be found here)

  • Model 110 CMDA Cellular Modem (US customers) with Solar Power (includes Modem, Solar Panel, and Rechargeable Battery Pack)
  • Model 120 GSM/GPRS Cellular Modem (International customers) with Solar Power (includes Modem, Solar Panel, and Rechargeable Battery Pack)
  • Model 130 HSPA+ Cellular Modem (Canada customers) with Solar Power (includes Modem, Solar Panel, and Rechargeable Battery Pack)
  • Model 140 Wi-Fi Modem with Solar Power (includes Modem, Solar Panel, and Rechargeable Battery Pack)
  • Model 140 Wi-Fi Modem with AC/DC Power (includes Modem and AC/DC Power Cord)

Configuration

  • PC-based Retriever & Pups Launch Utility
  • Configuration Parameters
    • Logging and upload intervals
    • Pup names
    • Sensor choices
    • Calculated sensor parameters (high / low / average)
  • Data transfer and configurations may be done by
    • USB memory stick
    • Computer cable
    • SpecConnect web portal (subscription purchased separately)
  • Pup configuration completed at Retriever and sent wirelessly to Pup network - Pups do not have a computer interface
  • Spec 9 Pro or Basic Software not required, unless transferring data files/history to your PC

Capacity

  • Measurement intervals: 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, or 60 minutes
  • Non-volatile internal memory helps preserve data
  • Pups - When communication is interrupted, internal memory buffers sensor data until reconnection to the Retriever is achieved
  • Retriever - Will hold approximately 6 months of data for a 10 Pup network using
    15 minute logging intervals
  • Spectrum-supplied USB memory stick - 4GB
    • Will hold several years of data at the Retriever for a
      10 Pup network using 15 minute logging intervals
    • Can use other customer-supplied USB drives