RXW TEROS-11 Soil Moisture Temp Sensor Quick Start

Adding a Sensor Node to the HOBOnet® Wireless Sensor Network

Important: Keep the sensor node near the station while completing these steps.

If setting up a new station, follow instructions in the station quick start guide. Refer to www.onsetcomp.com/support/manuals/24380-man-rx2105-rx2106-qsg for RX2105/RX2106 stations or www.onsetcomp.com/support/manuals/18254-MAN-QSG-RX3000 for RX3000 stations.

Step 1: Press the Select button on the station to switch to the manager module (module 2 on RX2105 or RX2106 stations).

Diagram Description: Station interface showing the SELECT button and MODULE 1 highlighted.

Step 2: Press the Search button. The magnifying glass icon [search-icon] blinks while the station is in search mode waiting for sensor nodes to join the network.

Diagram Description: Station interface showing the SEARCH button pressed, with a blinking magnifying glass icon [search-icon].

Step 3: Open the sensor node door and install the rechargeable batteries. Press the button on the sensor node for 3 seconds.

Diagram Description: Image showing the sensor node with its door open, revealing battery compartment.

Watch the sensor node LCD while it joins the network:

• a. Signal Strength Icon: Blinks while searching for a network.
• b. Network Found: Once a network is found, the icon stops blinking and the bars cycle from left to right.
• c. Network Connection 'X' Icon: Blinks while the sensor node completes registration (may take up to five minutes).
• d. Registration Complete: The 'X' icon disappears, and the channel count on the station LCD increases by three (two for soil moisture and temperature, one for the sensor node battery).

Diagram Description: Sequence of four LCD displays showing signal strength icon blinking, then solid with bars, then a network connection 'X' icon blinking, and finally the 'X' icon gone with channel count increased.

Step 5: Press the Search button on the station again to stop the search for sensor nodes.

Diagram Description: Station interface showing the SEARCH button pressed again.

Step 6: Go to www.hobolink.com to monitor sensor node status and health. See the HOBOlink Help for details.

Diagram Description: HOBOlink logo.

Installing the Bracket and Sensor Node

Step 1: Orient the bracket so the text TOP is facing upwards.

Diagram Description: Mounting bracket shown with the text 'TOP' clearly visible and oriented upwards.

Step 2: To install the bracket onto a wall, use the two long screws included in the package. Screw the bracket to a wall using the two holes on the mid-section of the bracket.

Diagram Description: Bracket being attached to a wall using two screws through the middle holes.

Step 3: To install the bracket onto a pole, slip a cable tie through each of the channels on the bracket and fasten the tie around the pole.

Diagram Description: Bracket being secured to a pole using cable ties threaded through the bracket's channels.

Step 4: Insert the bottom of the sensor node into the retaining clips on the bottom of the bracket, then press the top of the sensor node into the clips at the top of the bracket.

Diagram Description: Sensor node being attached to the bracket, first at the bottom clips, then at the top clips.

Step 5: Use the short screw included in the package to fasten the sensor node to the bracket.

Diagram Description: A short screw being used to secure the sensor node to the bracket.

Step 6: Close the sensor node and use a padlock [padlock-icon] to keep it secure. Note: Ensure that the node seal is clean from foreign debris.

Diagram Description: Sensor node closed and secured with a padlock.

Mounting and Positioning the Sensor Node

Mounting Guidelines

• Position the sensor node towards the sun, ensuring the solar panel receives optimal sunlight throughout each season. Periodic adjustment may be necessary due to changing sunlight paths or altered by tree/leaf growth.
• Mount the sensor node a minimum of 1.8 m (6 feet) from the ground or vegetation to maximize distance and signal strength.
• Consider using plastic poles (e.g., PVC) for mounting, as metal may decrease signal strength.
• Place the sensor node with full line of sight to the next sensor node. Use a repeater if an obstruction exists.
• Limit sensor nodes to five in any direction from a repeater or manager. Data hops across the network and may not reach the station if a node is more than five hops away.

Sensor Mounting Guidelines

• Choose a borehole or trench installation method. Refer to the product manual for details at www.onsetcomp.com/support/manuals/24849-rxw-t11-manual or scan the QR code.
• When creating installation holes, avoid interfering objects. Large metal objects can affect sensor function and readings. Roots or rocks could bend needles.
• The sensor can be positioned in any direction. A vertical sensor body position offers less restriction to water flow and integrates more soil depth into measurements. A horizontal position provides measurements at a more discreet depth.
• Avoid metal between the sensor and the ferrite core, as it can interfere with VWC measurements.
• In rocky soils, use care to avoid bending sensor needles.
• Minimize air gaps around the sensor. Air gaps lead to low soil moisture readings.
• When backfilling, be careful not to snag the ferrite core on the sensor cable.
• Secure the sensor cable to the mounting pole or tripod with cable ties.
• Use conduit to protect the cable from animals, lawn mowers, or chemicals.

Sensor Installation Instructions

1. Auger or dig a hole to the desired sensor depth.
2. Carefully insert the sensor into the hole, pushing it so needles are in undisturbed soil. Ensure it is firmly seated.
3. Secure the cable to the mounting pole or tripod and install flexible conduit before backfilling.
4. Carefully return soil to the hole, packing it to native bulk density. Avoid hitting the ferrite core, which could pull the sensor out.

For complete installation details in a borehole or trench, refer to the product manual at www.onsetcomp.com/support/manuals/24849-rxw-t11-manual. Scan the code at left or go to the URL.

For specifications, mounting guidelines, and other details, refer to the full product manual at www.onsetcomp.com/support/manuals/24849-rxw-t11-manual.