AquaMon® Installation Guide for Installation Guide for CHB5000BGSM Monitoring System

Installation of Remote Soil Moisture Monitirng System

 

Installation Guide for CHB5000BGSM Monitoring System

containing:

  • GSM RF Cell Radio

  • 3 Quick Response Soil Moisture Sensors

  • Solar Panel

  • Primary Sealed Battery

AquaMon Node

*Note: the image above is for illustration purposes only and does NOT include all options available for all variants of the CHB5000Xxx product family.


INTRODUCTION

This document contains installation instructions for the Cermetek CHB5000BGSM, Wireless Monitoring Network containing a GSM RF Cell Radio, 3 Quick Response Moisture Sensors, Solar Panel and Primary Sealed Battery.The CHB5000BGSM Wireless Monitoring Network permits monitoring of soil moisture at 3 depths and/or 3 separate locations.  The CHB5000BGSM is powered by a solar panel via a rechargeable sealed battery.

Additionally, maximum and minimum Alarm Set Point Limits can be established for parameters selected by the user to be used to automatically trigger activities should the monitored parameter(s) violate the user specified Alarm Set Point Limits.  Examples of usage of this feature would be:

  • Send alarm messages by email and/or TXT to cell phones when monitored temperature drops below a minimum value(such as 32°F).

CHB5000BGSM MONITORING NETWORK with RF CELL RADIO CONFIGURATION

Soil Monitor Station
Figure 1: Block Diagram of CHB5000BGSM Monitoring Network.

THEORY OF OPERATION

Referring to the block diagram in Figure 1, the basic CHB5000BGSM System is self-contained and includes the following basic sub-systems:

  • Base Station and associated hardware.
  • Remote Sensor Viewing Platform (RSVP®) software.

Specific equipment supplied by Cermetek includes:

  • GSM RF Cell Radio.
  • 3 Quick Response Soil Moisture Sensors.
  • Battery (to be used as a primary power source).
  • Battery charging circuitry.
  • Solar panel.
  • Various Mounting Brackets for the Base Station, the Solar Panel and the Weather Station.

Items supplied by Cermetek required for access to the Internet and to RSVP:

  • GSM Cell Network Access Account.
  • RSVP Login USERNAME and PASSWORD.

Solar

Solar Panel w/cable

Battery

Battery and Cable

Open Node

CHB5000BGMS Base Station

Sensor
Quick Response Soil Moisture Sensor with cable

Figure 2. Images of CHB5000BGSM components supplied by Cermetek.

USER SUPPLIED equipment includes:

  • Standard (or pole) to which GSM RF Cell Radio Base Station is to be attached.  Cermetek recommends using a pole with a 1 3/8 inch OD.
  • Work Station, PC, iPhone, iPad, etc.
  • Internet Access Account.

CHB5000BGSM Base Station. The Base Station serves dual purposes:

  • It is the central controlling point that manages system power, queries sensor I/O ports and sends/receives data to/from the Internet.
  • Provides a hardware interface to the sensors.

Functionally, the Base Station serves as a gateway to the Internet, collects sensor data and coordinates data flowing from Cermetek's RSVP Web based Internet platform to/from each sensor.

Data (i.e., monitored parameter values) collected from soil moisture sensors is cached in the Base Station and periodically (the period is user definable but no more often than once per minute) transmitted via the GSM RF Cell module to the internet.  Besides sensor data, Base Station Health Status information is transmitted allowing assessment of such items as remaining battery charge and solar panel charging performance.

Base Station Battery and Solar Panel Operation.  The Base Station is indirectly powered by the supplied Solar Panel but directly powered by the Battery.  This architecture is needed to provide continuous and uninterrupted power to the Base Station as the output power of the Solar Panel varies throughout the day and, of course, ceases during the evening hours.

Quick Response Soil Moisture Sensor.  The Quick Response Soil Moisture Sensors are tethered with an electrical hard wired connection to the Base Station.

RSVP Web Host.  The CHB5000BGSM System is web based.  All system supported activities and functions are designed to be performed via the Internet.  Typical functions/activities such as establishing/modifying Alarm Set Point Limits as well as viewing archived data is accomplished over the Internet by utilizing the Remote Sensor Viewing Platform (RSVP) software.  A subscription to Cermetek's Web Based Data Hosting Services is required for access to internet related services.

RSVP Software.  RSVP is a web based application that is accessed from any hardware platform running a commercially available browser.  Among the browsers supported by the RSVP software are such widely used products as: Internet Explorer™, Safari™, FireFox™, Mozilla™, Opera™, and Google Chrome™.

RSVP permits remote access to the sensors in the network and their associated archived data from any Internet enabled PC or MAC hardware platform (including Desktop and Laptop devices) as well as Internet enabled Cell Phones, iPads™, etc.  Access to the CHB5000BGSM RSVP account is via the Cermetek web page located at www.aquamon.net.  A Ceremtek supplied Login USERNAME and PASSWORD is required.  An RSVP account can be obtained by contacting Sales at Cermetek.

Archived Data.  Cermetek's Web Based Data Hosting Services automatically archives user sensor data.  Access to all user data is controlled via a user defined password. Additionally, a backup copy of user data is maintained by Cermetek for a minimum period of 3 years.  For additional data retention services, please contact Sales at Cermetek for more detailed information and pricing.

Archived data can be retrieved using Cermetek's RSVP software.  Retrieved data is downloaded in XLS (i.e., MS EXCEL™) format and may be stored locally (at the user's discretion).  A subscription to Cermetek's Web Based Data Hosting Services is required for access to internet related services.

LIST OF DOCUMENTS and MATERIALS PROVIDED BY CERMETEK

The following documents are provided by Cermetek:

  • Cermetek document # 607-1016, CHB5000BGSM System Installation Guide: Wireless Monitoring Network containing a GSM RF Cell Radio, 3 Quick Response Soil Moisture Sensors, Solar Panel and Primary Sealed Battery.
  • Cermetek document # 607-1101, RSVP Software User's Introduction Guide.

The following products and materials are provided by Cermetek:

  • Cermetek CHB5000BGSM Base Station with GSM RF Cell Radio and Sensor Node I/O Interface Board.
  • RF Base Station Mounting Hardware.
  • I/O Sensor Matrix with sensors and attached cabling.
  • 3 Quick Response Soil Moisture Sensors.
  • Solar Panel and Mounting Hardware.
  • Battery and charging circuitry.
  • Remote Sensor Viewing Platform (RSVP) Software.
  • SIM card and associated GSM RF Cell Network Account.
  • RSVP Login USERNAME and PASSWORD.

LIST OF MATERIALS TO BE PROVIDED BY END USER

The following materials are to be provided by the End User:

  • PC or MAC hardware platform running a commercially available browser. Among the browsers supported by the RSVP software are such widely used products as Internet Explorer™, Safari™, FireFox™, Mozilla™, Opera™, and Google Chrome™.
  • Standard (10 foot galvanized 1 3/8 inch OD recommended) suitable for mounting the Solar Panel, Base Station and associated Sensor suite.
  • Internet Access.

NETWORK BASE STATION Installation
The CHB5000BGSM Base Station with GSM RF Cell Radio is the component that simultaneously communicates with the Internet via an established cell network and collects data from the attached sensors.  See Figure 2 for images of the various hardware components that comprise the CHB5000BGSM system.

Installation of the Base Station requires physical connection of the Base Station and Solar Panel to the USER SUPPLIED standard(or pole).  Hardware mounting brackets are supplied by Cermetek.

node Internals

Figure 3:  Image of internal circuitry of the CHB5000BGSM Base Station.  Critical sub-systems and various electrical connection points are identified but exact locations may vary with the specific CHB5000Xxx system covariant.

The following components require electrical connection to the Base Station:

  • Quick Response Soil Moisture Sensors (3 total).
  • Solar Panel.
  • Battery.

Internet Registration is automatic once power is provided to the Base Station.  No external connection is required.

SAFETY NOTE
The CHB5000BGSM Base Station is supplied with the Battery and Charging Circuitry pre-wired to all internal connections EXCLUDING CONNECTION OF THE BATTERY AND THE SOLAR PANEL.  YOUR SYSTEM SHIPPED FROM THE FACTORY WITH THE BATTERY DISCONNECTED FOR YOUR SAFETY.

HARDWARE Installation PROCEDURE
Follow the step-by-step procedure outlined below to attach the Base Station, the Solar Panel and the Soil Moisture Sensors.

Step 1:  Install the USER SUPPLIED standard (pole) to which the Base Station and the Solar Panel are to be attached per the instructions provided by the standard (pole) manufacturer.  Ensure that the standard is securely anchored in the ground.  A minimum depth of 2 feet is recommended.  See Figures 5A-5L for images of typical installations.

INSTALLATION NOTE
It is STRONGLY recommended that the standard (pole) be anchored in cement to insure proper wind/weather stability.

Step 2:  Attach the Base Station enclosure to the standard (pole) approximately 3 to 5 feet off the ground using the hardware provided.  See Figure 4A.

enclosure

Figure 4A. Base Station enclosure


enclosure

Figure 4B. Solar Panel with cable.

Figure 4A and 4B: Images of CHB5000BGSM Base Station and Solar Panel with mounting hardware visible.

Step 3:  Mount the Solar Panel to the standard (pole) approximately 4 to 8 feet above the Base Station enclosure using the attached hardware.  Actual position will vary depending on standard (pole) dimensions and location.  See Figure 4B.

  • Face the Solar Panel towards the South.  Tie strap the cable to the standard (pole).
  • Adjust the elevation of the Solar Panel to match the latitude.

INSTALLATION NOTE
Ensure that the Solar Panel placement allows the panel to receive a minimum of 8 hours of direct sunlight each day.

The sensors are connected to the Base Station using separate terminals and dedicated connectors located inside the Base Station enclosure.  See Figure 3 and Figure 6.  All sensors are supplied by Cermetek.

SOLAR PANEL ANGLE ADJUSTENT EXAMPLE
The Fresno, CA Central Valley area is located at latitude 37 Degrees.  Therefore, a Solar Panel installed in the Fresno, CA Central Valley area would have a Solar Panel elevation angle of approximately 37 Degrees.

enclosure

Figure 5A.  Pumping Installation

enclosure

Figure 5B.  Almond Installation                           

enclosure

Figure 5C.  Citrus Installation

enclosure

Figure 5D.  Citrus Installation

enclosure

Figure 5E.  Citrus Installation 

enclosure

Figure 5F.  Citrus Installation

enclosure

Figure 5G.  Almond Installation

enclosure

Figure 5H.  Home Installation

enclosure

Figure 5I.  Almond Installation

enclosure

Figure 5J.  Almond Installation

enclosure

Figure 5K.  Almond Installation

enclosure

Figure 5L.  Almond Installation.

Figures 5A-5L.  Images of field installation sites.  Note that installations vary to accommodate unique requirements present at each location.

WARNING
DO NOT connect the Battery to the Base Station until all the Sensors have been connected to the appropriate Sensor I/O Terminal Blocks.  Failure to follow this precaution may cause damage to the Sensor I/O Board and/or may damage the Mother Board.

It is necessary to connect all sensors to the Base Station unit PRIOR to connecting power to the Base Station.  Follow Steps 5-10 to perform the required electrical connections.

Base Station SOLAR PANEL ELECTRICAL Installation PROCEDURE
Step 5:  Connect the Solar Panel to the Base Station by guiding the Solar Panel cable thru the 1st (i.e., Left most) gland.  See Figure 7A.  Connect the Solar Panel cable to Connector J2 (Labeled SOLAR INPUT) located on the Mother Board.  See Figure 3, Figure 6 and Figure 7B.


Figure 6. Image of internal electrical connections available on CHB5000BGSM unit.

WARNING
Ensure that the POSITIVE (+) Terminal of the Solar Panel is connected to the POSITIVE (+) position on the Mother Board and that the NEGATIVE (-) Terminal of the Solar Panel is connected to the NEGATIVE (-) position on the Mother Board.  Failure to do this may damage the Mother Board and void the warranty.

OPTIONAL SENSOR ELECTRICAL Installation PROCEDURE
Figure 8 contains an image of the CHB5000BGSM Sensor Interface board.  As well as providing connections for the 3 Quick response Soil Moisture Sensors, the Sensor Interface board also contains connections for FUTURE additions of optional sensors including: sensors for Temperature, Humidity, Pressure and Switch Closures.  An optional weather station is also available.  The sensors and weather station are available from Cermetek as upgrades to the CHB5000BGSM product and may be obtained from Cermetek Customer Service/Sales.

SAFETY WARNING
Install the Soil Moisture Sensor in the ground - at the depth of interest - PRIOR to connecting the Moisture Sensor Cable to the Base Station Mother Board.  Failure to follow this precaution may cause damage to the Sensor Interface Board, may damage the Base Station Mother Board and/or may cause injury to personnel performing this installation.

DSC04438

Figure 7A. Solar Panel cable in Gland 1

DSC04438

Figure 7B. Solar Panel cable electrical connection.

Figure 7A and 7B. Images of electrical connection of Solar Panel to CHB5000BGSM Mother Board.

Sensor board
Figure 8. Image of CHB5000BGSM Sensor Interface Board and Connector J1

SOIL MOISTURE SENSOR PHYSICAL Installation PROCEDURE
Step 6:  Determine the appropriate Moisture Sensor orientation and depth for the application at hand PRIOR to attempting physical installation.

INSTALLATION TIP
Moisture Sensor orientation depends primarily on the root structure of the plant/tree being monitored:

  • If the root structure is within 6 to 8 inches of the ground surface, then it is recommended that the Soil Moisture Sensor be placed in the ground HORIZONTAL to the ground surface.
  • If the root structure is greater than 6 to 8 inches from the ground surface, then it is recommended that the Soil Moisture Sensor be placed in the ground VERTICAL to the ground surface.

INSTALLATION NOTE
The Moisture Sensor is designed for complete sub-surface burial.  However, if desired, the sensor may be installed partially buried with that portion of the electronic cable connection to the Moisture Sensor above the ground surface.

Step 7:  Install the Moisture Sensor at the depth of interest and with orientation best suited for the intended application.

SOIL MOISTURE SENSOR ELECTRICAL Installation PROCEDURE
Step 8:  Before connecting the Moisture Sensors to the Base Station, guide the cables thru the 3rd (i.e., Right most) gland.  Figure 7A for gland orientation.
Step 9:  Connect Soil Moisture Sensor 1 (SMS1), 2 (SMS2) and 3 (SMS3) to the applicable connections on the Interface Board Connector J1.  Note that the Soil Moisture cables supplied with the CHB5000BGSM unit are NOT labeled as they are interchangeable (but are labeled in Figure 9 for ease of discussion). Connect wires as indicated below.  See Figure 9.

  • SMS1 (cable labeled 6) connect at RS2
  • + = RED Wire

    S = WHITE Wire

    G = BLACK Wire

  • SMS2 (cable labeled 12) connect at TEMP1

    + = RED Wire S = WHITE Wire

    G = BLACK Wire

  • SMS3 (cable labeled 18) connect at TEMP1    
  • + = RED Wire

    S = WHITE Wire

    G = BLACK Wire

Sensor board
Figure 9.  Image of electrical connections for Soil Moisture Sensors SMS1, SMS2 and SMS3.

SAFETY WARNING
Connect the Battery Cable to Connector J1 on the Mother Board PRIOR to connecting the Battery Cable to the Terminals of the Battery.  Failure to follow this precaution may cause damage to the Sensor I/O Board, may damage the Base Station Mother Board and/or may cause injury to personnel performing this installation.

BATTERY ELECTRICAL Installation PROCEDURE
Step 10: Connect the battery cable to Connector J1 (labeled TIP+) on the Mother Board BEFORE connecting the battery cable to the battery.  See figure 10A below.  Note that the Battery Cable has POSITIVE TIP voltage.

Soil_Moisture_Monitor

Figure 10A. Battery Cable Connection on Mother Board

Battery power

Figure 10B. Battery Cable connections to Battery.

Figure 10A and 10B. Images of Battery Cable connections.

Step 11:  Connect Battery Cable to Battery as indicated below.  See Figure 10B.

  • Positive Terminal = RED Wire
  • Negative Terminal = BLACK Wire

Step 12:  Mount Battery on Velcro tape located on inside bottom of Base Station Enclosure.
Step 13:   Close and secure the Base Station enclosure cover.

RSVP Software Installation
The Remote Sensor Viewing Platform (RSVP) Software is used to access Cermetek's Web Based device control, sensor monitoring and data display and archival network.  The RSVP software is a web based application.  It is accessed from any PC or MAC hardware platform running a commercially supplied web browser.  No installation is required.  However, a subscription to Cermetek's Web Based Data Hosting Services is required for access.  Cermetek will provide the user with an initial Login USERNAME and PASSWORD.  The user may change the PASSWORD at any time once the user has successfully logged onto the RSVP web site.

Follow the step-by-step procedure below to access the RSVP Web site.

Step 14:  Login to the Internet using User supplied Internet provider (ISP).
Step 15:  Access any commercially available web browser.
Step 16:  Type the following in the Web browser URL window:  http//: www.aquamon.net
Step 17:  Type the Cermetek supplied USERNAME and PASSWORD in the Web Site LOGIN screen (see Figure 10), when displayed.

Refer to Cermetek document 607-1100, RSVP Software User's Introduction Guide, for a Power Point™ tutorial containing instructions and examples for use of the RSVP software.

using the Display Software
Refer to Cermetek document 607-1100, RSVP Software User's Introduction Guide, for an MS Power Point™ tutorial and examples for use of the software.

RSVP

Figure 11: Image of the RSVP Web Site USERNAME and PASSWORD Login page.

ADDITIONAL Software TUTORIALS
Cermetek document 607-1101, Weather Station Demonstration, contains an MS Power Point™ tutorial highlighting the data available from the weather station and provides examples for display of the collected weather data using Cermetek's RSVP web site.

Cermetek document 607-1102, Moisture Sensor Demonstration, contains an MS Power Point™tutorial highlighting the data available from connected moisture sensors and provides examples for display of the collected moisture sensor data using Cermetek's RSVP web site.


INDEMNIFICATION Clause

The purchaser/installer/user of the CHB5000BGSM System Installation Guide: Wireless Monitoring Network containing a GSM RF Cell Radio, 3 Quick Response Soil Moisture Sensors, Solar Panel and Primary Sealed Battery product and the RSVP Web Site agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Cermetek Microelectronics, INC, its affiliate and their respective owners, investors, contractors, officers, directors, members, managers, partners, shareholders, licensors, suppliers, customers, employees, agents, third-party advertisers, technology providers and service providers from and against any loss, damage, cost, or liability (including reasonable attorneys' fees) resulting from or relating in any way to a third-party claim, demand, action or proceeding that arises out of the installation or use of CHB5000BGSM product, including but not limited to in relation to your use, non-use or misuse of, or connection to the CHB5000BGSM product, the RSVP Software Services and any Content (including without limitation your Content and any third party Content) forming part of the RSVP site.