DATRAN Australia has a range of solar powered solutions available. This article provides an overview of the solutions and some example applications to help you understand when and where to use them.
We have two versions of a highly customisable solar power solution, the RSS01 and RSS02. Details are available here. We also have dedicated solid set irrigation controllers and a water tank level monitor with integral solar supplies.
4G SMS Lite – Cellular Controller
The 4G SMS Lite provides monitoring and control options via text message. It is a very popular option to be solar powered as it has a low current draw. The SMS Lite is ideally suited to our RSS01 solution which is shown below:
WP2P – Wireless Point to Point & Wireless Repeater
The popular WP2P digital I/O modules are all very low current which makes them ideal for use in solar powered solutions. The wireless repeater is used to provide a comms path between WP2P modules. Repeaters are frequently installed on hills. Inevitably, the hill site is remote and does not have a power supply. For WP2P and Repeater applications, our RSS01 solution is needed. The RSS01 includes the solar panel, back up battery, charge controller, antenna, mounting hardware in a robust environmentally protected enclosure. We can also install and prewire the WP2P Repeater in the RSS01 before dispatch. Speak to sales now for more info.
MPC – Multi Point Controller & Q48-P2P
The MPC is the central controller for radio networks of up to 8 sites. The solar supply required for this system is the RSS02. The RSS02 is a larger version than the RSS01 and is best suited for the larger current draw of the MPC and Q48-P2P systems. The MPC module and any optional latching relay modules can be installed and prewired before dispatch.
This post outlines an orchard irrigation project that includes two MPCs and four RSS01.
SMS Controller
The powerful SMS Controller is a 4G monitoring and control device. The solar supply required for this system is the RSS02. This is the larger version than the RSS01 and is best suited for the larger size and current draw of these systems.
Irrigation – Fixed Grid & Solid Set Controller
The Water-Insight IPC is our solar powered irrigation controller which operates a DC latching solenoid. The solar panel and rechargeable LiPo battery are integral to the enclosure, together with a proven BMS charging circuit. The 1500mA battery is easily replaceable and mains powered battery chargers are also available for service providers. The unique case design orientates the solar panel towards the sun for maximum charging potential without additional mounting hardware etc. Thousands of IPCs control farm irrigation throughout NZ and Tasmania and they can be scheduled and operated from your phone.
Click here for further details on our Water-Insight products.
There is also a solar powered repeater for IPC systems. The solar repeater helps ensure that all IPCs on the farm can communicate back to the central hub, the IMS gateway.
Water Tank Level Monitoring
The Water-Insight TLM is a solar powered IoT device for water tank level monitoring. The TLM shows the water level and water usage on your phone but also sends alerts when things change. The TLM does not use the cellular network and does not need a SIM card. The TLM communicates via low power LoRa radio to a gateway which plugs into your modem. The TLM uses the same solar power technology and mounting hardware as the IPC repeater.
Click here for further details on our Water-Insight products.
For further information on any of our solar powered solutions please contact the sales team.
The QTech YouTube channel has informative short videos.
Videos include getting started guides, troubleshooting tips, selecting power supplies and selecting antennas.
