The Scout is a small, durable, wireless buried device. The Scout transmits small packets of data several feet below ground on either an hourly or every 20 minutes basis (by default), to an above ground Receiving Antenna. The HYDRA Scout measures temperature, salinity and moisture content, but we can integrate other sensors, including 3rd Party, combinations via FLEX Scout for custom projects.
Receiving Antenna
Receiving Antenna
Receives the Scout transmission, and passes to the Base Station.The antenna choice (typically Yagi or Omni) depends on the specific needs of the installation.
Base Station
The Base Station receiver unpacks the compressed Scout packets, and passes them to a GSM/WCDMA Modem, which transmits the data to Cloud & Analytics. Each receiver can handle 1000+ Scouts.
Typically pole or building mounted, it can be located up to 1km / 1000 yards away, depending on site-specific characteristics. Alternatively it can be pole-mounted on in-field irrigation equipment such as pivots or lateral move systems.
The Base Station requires cellular coverage, and suitable data-enabled SIM card (not provided). Note that we currently do not support CDMA (Verizon).
ECHO Repeater
ECHO Repeater
In situations where the Scout signals may be too far from the Base Station Receiving Antenna, or there are topographical or other barriers to line of sight transmission, one or more solar-powered ECHO Repeaters can be used to pass the signal along. Range up to 10km (6 miles), depending on Antenna type.
By default, the ECHO comes with a stub antenna, but alternative antenna's, such as Omni or Yagi, can be used instead.
Cloud & Analytics
Cloud & Analytics
The Scout data is uploaded in real-time to the Soil Scout Analytics platform. Viewing is via a standard computer or mobile device web browser.
The data can be visualised and analysed in multiple ways, including via a Map Overlay. The Analytics platform incorporates notification and alarm functionalities, and an optional API capability.
See Analytics in the next section for more information.
More about Wireless Underground Agriculture Monitoring Device
Applications
Soil Scout was initially developed with Agriculture in mind, and our current HYDRA100 Scout has integrated moisture, temperature and salinity sensors.
Beyond Agriculture, multiple industry sectors are enjoying the benefits that the HYDRA100 Scout can deliver.
Specific features and benefits vary depending upon application, but can include:
Save up to 50% or more irrigation water and power through continual insight
Reduced loss of expensive fertilisers caused by over-watering
Reduced risk of lost fertiliser leaking into the water table
Lower maintenance costs due to Scout battery life of up to 20 years
Receive regular and on-going insight, regardless of weather or time
Leverage Analytics with 3rd party systems via our REST API
Ability to add additional Scouts and Repeaters at any time, with minimal or no reconfiguration of other solution elements
Alternatively, we have the ability to integrate a variety of 3rd Party sensors as a custom project, assuming that they are able to operate under ground for extended periods.
Solution Features and Benefits
The specific features and benefits vary depending upon application, but can include:
Ability to receive critical data through soil, sand, concrete from up to 4 metres below ground: remains undisturbed regardless of above-ground animals or vehicles
Save up to 50% or more irrigation water and power
Reduced loss of expensive fertilizers caused by over-watering
Reduced risk of lost fertilizer leaking into the water table
Lower maintenance costs due to Scout battery life of up to 20 years
Receive regular and on-going insight, regardless of weather or time
Leverage Analytics with 3rd party systems via our REST API
Ability to add additional Scouts and Repeaters at any time, with minimal or no reconfiguration of other solution elements
Industry Segments
Soil Scout offers tangible benefits for multiple sectors, including:
Farming and Food Agriculture
Irrigation System Providers
Golf Courses and other Sports venues using real turf
