RES05 - Module for tracking meteorological parameters

In recent years electronic devices have developed at a rapid pace and have become increasingly compact, more powerful and better – above all when it comes to energy efficiency. New wireless technologies have also opened up new possibilities. This new device was developed due to the need to create a new platform that would be viable in the future.

The module consists of a high-performance, power-saving 32-bit microcontroller and a range of precise analogue-to-digital converters. All functions were developed with a laser focus on energy optimisation. Thanks to this energy-saving functionality and its compact structure, when the device is used as a weather station a smaller battery can be installed. Precise measurements are sent to the Elmed cloud via wireless data transmission and can thus be accessed anywhere at any time. This means that it is possible to react quickly to changes.

Communication Platform
The device has been equipped with several wireless transmission technologies. Bluetooth, BLE and WiFi can be used as both client and hotspot transmission standards for communication with devices in the immediate vicinity. For data transmission to a server, in contrast, an integrated GPRS module is used, which transmits 2G/3G/4G data via the conventional network types. Should more energy-efficient data transmission be required, then the RES-05 module can be based on the new LoRaWAN wireless technology.

Available Connections
The device has a multitude of pluggable terminal blocks, which enable the following
connections:

3 outputs for the control of pumps or irrigation valves
4 additional analogue inputs for general measurements
3 inputs for recording operating conditions such as irrigation and for logging rainfall
Connection of a sensor for measuring leaf wetness
10 inputs for the measuring of meteorological values such as temperature, wind speed and direction, humidity etc.
Serial interface for connecting a BFS40-S ground moisture sensor

Application
The RES-05 module was primarily designed for recording and monitoring a number of meteorologi-cal parameters in a particular location.
The device can also still send a reply SMS with the current data if called or by request. Furthermore, the station transmits its measurements to the Elmed cloud, where the data are displayed in a web application and smartphone app.
Irrigation pumps or valves can be activated directly by SMS/app/web command, and also automati-cally by setting threshold values.
The device can be updated – for example to integrate new functions – very easily: either by sending new firmware via the internet or reprogramming by connecting a USB stick.
Because the RES-05 module combines all of the functions of both predecessor models (RES-02 and RES-03), these can also be easily replaced with the new module in existing systems.

Technical data

Operating voltage: 9-36V DC
Power consumption: approx. 16mA ø (GPRS version)
Interfaces: RS485, USB, Bluetooth, WLAN (Optional: RS232, SDI-12)
Data transmission: integrated GPRS module or LoRa module
4 connections for Pt100 temperature sensors
2 sensor connections with 24V supply and adjustable analogue inputs:
0-10 V or 4-20 mA (e.g. wind speed or direction)
2 sensor connections with 12V supply and adjustable analogue inputs:
0-10 V or 0-1 V (e.g. moisture or global radiation)
1 leaf wetness sensor connection (BNF04)
3 digital inputs for recording switch positions (thermostat or pressure switch) or counting pulses (e.g. precipitation sensor)
4 analogue inputs (0-10V or 0÷5V), which alternatively can also be used as additional digital inputs
2 additional sensor connections (AUX1 and AUX2) which can be individually adapted to the sensor to be connected with internally exchangeable plug-in cards. (e.g. more temperature and leaf wetness sensors or other new, as yet unknown, probes and sensors)
1 connection for the BNF40-S ground moisture sensor with RS485 interface 12V supply
3 digital outputs: a relay contact (N/O contact 6A 230 V) and 2 transistor outputs (Open collector, max. 50mA can also be used as a relay driver)
Connection: pluggable screw terminal
Assembly: DIN NS32 or NS35 mounting rail
Dimensions (with antenna): 221×103×60mm (L×B×H)