DRAGINO LoRaWAN Soil Moisture & EC Sensor LSE01-EU868-8 User Manual

1. Introduction

The DRAGINO LSE01-EU868-8 is a LoRaWAN Soil Moisture & EC Sensor designed for precise monitoring of soil conditions. This device integrates advanced sensing capabilities for soil moisture, electrical conductivity (EC), and temperature, making it an essential tool for agriculture, environmental monitoring, and smart farming applications. Its LoRaWAN 1.0.3 Class A compliance ensures low power consumption and long-range data transmission, providing reliable and efficient data collection.

Key features include:

• LoRaWAN 1.0.3 Class A compatibility
• Extremely Low Energy Consumption for extended battery life
• Accurate Soil Moisture Monitoring
• Precise Soil Temperature Monitoring
• Thermal Compensation Monitoring of Soil Conductivity

2. Product Overview

The LSE01-EU868-8 sensor system consists of two main components: the LoRaWAN transmitter unit and the soil probe. These components are connected via a durable cable, allowing for flexible installation.

Figure 2.1: DRAGINO LoRaWAN Soil Moisture & EC Sensor LSE01-EU868-8. The image displays the complete sensor unit. On the left is the main LoRaWAN transmitter box, a black rectangular unit with an antenna extending upwards and a QR code label. On the right is the soil probe, a black rectangular block with three metallic prongs extending downwards, connected to the main unit by a coiled black cable. The probe has an orange label with "SOIL MOISTURE & EC. SENSOR" and specifications.

The main unit houses the LoRaWAN module and processing electronics, while the soil probe contains the electrodes for measuring moisture and EC, and a temperature sensor. The robust design ensures suitability for outdoor and agricultural environments.

3. Setup

3.1. Unpacking and Inspection

• Carefully unpack all components from the packaging.
• Verify that all parts are present and undamaged: LoRaWAN main unit, soil probe, and connecting cable.

3.2. Sensor Placement

• Select a representative location in the soil for measurement.
• Insert the soil probe vertically into the soil, ensuring the entire length of the metallic prongs is fully submerged. Avoid air gaps around the prongs.
• Position the main LoRaWAN unit in a location that allows for optimal LoRaWAN signal transmission to your gateway, while also protecting it from direct harsh weather if not rated for full exposure.

3.3. LoRaWAN Network Configuration

The LSE01-EU868-8 operates on a LoRaWAN network. Before deployment, the sensor needs to be registered with your LoRaWAN Network Server (LNS). This typically involves:

1. Device Registration: Add the sensor to your LNS using its unique Device EUI (DEV EUI), Application EUI (APP EUI), and Application Key (APP Key). The DEV EUI for this device is A84041000181CF9C (as seen on the product label). Refer to your LNS documentation for specific steps.
2. Region Configuration: Ensure the sensor's frequency plan (EU868 for this model) matches your LoRaWAN gateway and network server configuration.
3. Payload Decoder: Implement the appropriate payload decoder on your LNS to interpret the sensor's uplink data into readable measurements (moisture, EC, temperature). Dragino typically provides documentation for payload formats.

For detailed configuration steps, please refer to the official Dragino LSE01 product documentation available on the Dragino website.

4. Operating Instructions

Once properly set up and connected to a LoRaWAN network, the LSE01-EU868-8 sensor will automatically begin taking measurements and transmitting data at predefined intervals. The sensor is designed for continuous, low-power operation.

4.1. Data Transmission

• The sensor transmits uplink messages containing soil moisture, EC, and temperature data to the LoRaWAN gateway.
• The frequency of data transmission can often be configured via downlink commands from the LoRaWAN Network Server, depending on the sensor's firmware capabilities.

4.2. Interpreting Data

• Soil Moisture: Typically reported as a percentage (0-100%) or Volumetric Water Content (VWC). Higher values indicate more moisture.
• Electrical Conductivity (EC): Measured in dS/m or mS/cm. EC indicates the concentration of soluble salts in the soil, which affects nutrient availability and plant health.
• Soil Temperature: Measured in degrees Celsius (°C). Important for understanding soil biological activity and plant growth.

Refer to the Dragino payload decoder documentation for the exact format and scaling of the transmitted data.

5. Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and accuracy of your LSE01-EU868-8 sensor.

• Probe Cleaning: Periodically remove the soil probe from the ground and gently clean the metallic prongs with a soft cloth and clean water to remove any soil residue or mineral buildup. Avoid abrasive materials that could scratch the electrodes.
• Cable Inspection: Regularly inspect the connecting cable for any signs of damage, such as cuts, cracks, or fraying, which could compromise performance.
• Main Unit Protection: Ensure the main LoRaWAN unit's enclosure is securely closed to prevent water ingress. If deployed in harsh conditions, consider additional protective measures.
• Firmware Updates: Check the Dragino website periodically for firmware updates that may improve performance or add new features. Follow the provided instructions carefully for any update procedures.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your LSE01-EU868-8 sensor, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

• No Data Received:
  • Verify the sensor is powered on (if applicable, check external power source).
  • Confirm the LoRaWAN gateway is operational and within range.
  • Check the device registration and keys on your LoRaWAN Network Server. Ensure DEV EUI, APP EUI, and APP Key are correct.
  • Verify the frequency plan (EU868) matches your network.
• Inaccurate Readings:
  • Ensure the soil probe is fully inserted into the soil with good contact and no air gaps.
  • Clean the sensor probes as described in the Maintenance section.
  • Confirm the payload decoder on your LNS is correctly configured for the sensor's data format.
• Intermittent Data:
  • Check for potential sources of interference near the sensor or gateway.
  • Assess the distance and obstacles between the sensor and the LoRaWAN gateway. Consider relocating the gateway or sensor for better signal strength.

For persistent issues, consult the detailed troubleshooting guide on the Dragino official website or contact their technical support.

7. Specifications

The following table provides the technical specifications for the DRAGINO LSE01-EU868-8 sensor:

Note: Some specifications, particularly power supply and data transfer rate, are derived from general product information and may require verification with the manufacturer's detailed datasheet for precise application. The "48 Gigabits Per Second" data transfer rate is unusually high for a LoRaWAN sensor and likely refers to an internal component's bus speed rather than LoRaWAN communication speed.

8. Warranty and Support

Dragino provides support for its products. For warranty information, technical assistance, or further inquiries regarding your LSE01-EU868-8 sensor, please refer to the official Dragino website or contact their customer support directly.

When contacting support, please have your device's Model Number (LSE01-EU868-8) and DEV EUI (A84041000181CF9C) readily available, as these identifiers will help expedite the support process.