Installation Guide for Weather Stations - Part 1 V1

Sensor addressing, Solar Panel, Antenna and Data Logger Installation

Stage 1: Removing the Existing Data Logger – These instructions are for reference only 

Step 1.1: Power Down the Existing System 

• Ensure the current system is powered down before starting the removal process to avoid any electrical issues.  

• Unplug the data logger and any connected sensors from the power supply. 

Step 1.2: Open the Enclosure and Remove the Data Logger 

• To access the data logger, open the enclosure drawer by turning the knob on the bottom side of the enclosure. 

• Press on the tab using a screwdriver on the side of the enclosure. 
• Slide the box up and remove it carefully. 

• Unscrew the base bracket of the old data logger box to free it from its mounting position. 

Stage 2: Addressing the Sensors 

SDI-12 Sensor Addressing Procedure 

The sensors will need to be tested and configured through the following steps. This process allows each sensor to be assigned a specific address on the SDI12 weather sensor data bus, ensuring the data goes to the correct location. 

Pre-requisites 

• Hardware: 

              - SDI-12 to USB data logger (TBS03) 

 
 

           - Jack to wire adapter (if needed) 

             - Mini USB cable 
             - SDI-12 sensor to reprogram 

• Software: 

 - SDI-12 Commander Lite (Download from: SDI-12 Commander Setup)

  - Data logger driver (Download here)  

To download the data logger driver, you will need to click the link above; once downloaded click 'open file'; once opened, select 'extract all' at the top; another window will appear, click 'extract'; double click on the 'CP210xCXPInstaller' file name to open and follow the prompts. 

Example video below: 

Procedure: 

1. Prepare the Setup: 

• Do not connect the USB to your computer yet. 
• Connect the SDI-12 sensor that you are testing to the converter or audio jack. 
  

    2. Install the Software: 

• Install the SDI-12 Commander Lite software on your computer if not already done. Install driver. 

  3.  Connect the TBS03 to the Computer: 

• Connect the TBS03 device to your computer via USB. 

  4.  Identify COM Port: 

• Right-click the Windows start icon and open Device Manager. 
  
• Alternatively, you can type ‘Device Manager” in the search bar. 
• Find the "Ports (COM & LPT)" category and expand it. 
  
  
  
  
• Locate "CP210x to Uart Bridge" and note down the COM port number in brackets. This will be needed later. 

  5. Configure SDI-12 Lite Commander: 

• Open the SDI-12 Lite Commander software and go to "COM port settings." 

• Select the previously noted COM port number in the dropdown menu. 
• Click "Refresh COMs" if you don’t see the port number and then click OK. 

    6.  Connect to the Sensor: 

• Click "Connect" to establish a connection with the SDI-12 sensor. 

• To test, enter the command “?!” and press "Send" 

• The sensor’s current address will be displayed in red. 

• If no response is received, send the “?!” command again. 

 7. Change the Sensor Address: 

7.1 To change the sensor address, enter “xAy!” (where X is the current address and Y is the desired address). For example, change address from 0 to 4 by entering “0A4!”. 

 7.2 Checking the sensor addressing  

Finally, type “?!” and press send again to check if the sensor returns “4” to confirm the change.

 

Sensor addressing:   

Sensor address	Sensor	Data output
1	SQ-421SS PAR sensor (if present)	PAR (µmol/m2/s)
2	SP-421SS PYR sensor (if present)	PYR (watts/m2)
3	Atmos 14/   Decagon VP-4	Vapour Pressure (kPa)   Ambient temperature (DegC)   Relative Humidity (%)   Atmospheric Pressure (kPa)
4	Soil sensor Meter GS3	Dielectric constant (εa)   Soil temperature at probe (degC)   Electrical conductivity (µS/cm)
5	Soil sensor Meter GS3	As above
6	Soil sensor Meter GS3	As above
7	InformAg analog to SDI-12 smart board	Wind speed (km/h)   Wind gust speed (km/h)   Wind direction (deg)   Rain last 15min (mm)   If connected:   PAR   PYR   Other additional analog sensors plugged in (limit of 6 total)
8	Free

 VPD and ET0 are calculated values.  

• Please confirm that each sensor has successfully been set to its new address by following the instructions from section 7.2. 
  
  

Stage 3: Installing the Data Logger, Solar Panel, and Antenna 

Now that the sensors are addressed and prepared, you can proceed with installing the core components of the system. 

Packing list 

• SDI-12 Data logger  

• Junction cable  

• Solar panel with bracket  

• Pole screw clamps  

• LTE wideband antenna  

• Screw pack  

• Tube clamp (included in the pack) 

Required tools 

• Drill and 3 mm drill bit for metal  

• 8mm socket with ratchet 

• 7mm socket  

• 16 mm spanner 

• 3 mm Allen key 

• Small Phillips screwdriver 

• Permanent marker  

 

Step 3.1: Install the Solar Panel 

1. Choose the Installation Location: 

• Install the solar panels facing north in a location that receives maximum sunlight throughout the day without shade or obstructions. 

  2.   Mount the Solar Panel: 
Hold the panel against the pole and mark the spots where you will pre-drill the holes to secure the bracket. Make sure the panel is securely fastened and will not be easily dislodged by wind or weather. 

 

Step 3.2: Install the Data Logger 

1. Position the Data Logger: 

 
Open the side lids of the box and insert one of the screws. Secure one side of the bracket first and then work on the other side.  

With the box upside down, feed one of the screws through and hold it in place with an Allen key. Add the bracket on the backside of the box and secure it loosely with a washer and a nylock nut.  

Then feed in the second screw, hold it in place, and secure it with a washer and a nylock nut. Centre the bracket and hand-tighten the screws with an allen key and a spanner.  

Make sure the bracket is centred before tightening the screws into place. Do not over-tighten the screws, because it could damage the enclosure.  

Thread the tube clamp through the metal bar and secure the box to the pole 

 

Step 3.3: Install the Antenna 

1. Position the Antenna: 

• Install the antenna in an elevated position to maximize signal reception.  

  2.   Mount the Antenna: 

• Use the mounting hardware provided to fasten the antenna securely. Remove the plastic cover and install the mounting bracket to raise the antenna to a high position on the post with 2x self-drilling screws. Sometimes it is advisable to pre-drill the post to avoid slipping and injury during installation. Mark one screw hole on the post, pre-drill, and install the bracket with a self-drilling screw, then pre-drill the second hole and install the second screw.  

   

Feed the cable and connector through the bracket and remove the slotted nut from the antenna. Feed the cable through the slotted nut and secure the antenna to the bracket with the slotted nut. Do not over-tighten the nut, because it could damage the antenna.  

  3. Connect the Antenna:  

•  Connect the antenna cable to the data logger, ensuring a secure connection. Tighten the connectors but avoid over-tightening to prevent damage.
• If you have excess antenna cable, wind it up in a figure-eight motion and secure it to the post with a cable tie. Ideally behind the solar panel to protect it from direct sunlight.  

Step 3.4: Connections 

Remove the front lid of the data logger to access the cables. 

Power up the Data Logger: 

•  Connect the solar panel cable to the entry at the bottom of the box. Secure tightly to ensure waterproofing.  
• Connect the cables making sure the black cable goes to the left and the red cable connects to the right.  
  
• Remove the yellow protective cap from the battery and connect the black cable with red connector to the negative pole of the battery.
  
  
• 
• Turn the power switch on. Check there are red and green lights flashing on the panel. 

• You should see a red LED light on the central controller and another red LED light on the communication module 
  

If, for any reason, the red lights do not come on, please contact our support team at: 

+61 7 3184 8165 or support@growdata.com.au 

If everything looks as in the above photo, close the lid of the enclosure and tighten the screws hand-tight in a crosswise fashion. Start with the top left corner and tighten the screw until you feel some resistance. Do not overtighten the lid screws. Then move to the bottom right screw, followed by the top right screw, and finally the bottom left screw. Repeat the process until the lid is securely tightened.  

Once you have completed the installation, send our support team an email or give us a call and we will check that the unit is communicating properly.