Related Manuals for Spectrum Technologies WatchDog Retriever
Summary of Contents for Spectrum Technologies WatchDog Retriever
- Page 1 WatchDog® Retriever & Pup Wireless Network Product Manual Retriever “To Measure Is To Know” “To Measure Is To Know” info@specmeters.com www.specmeters.com 800 - 248 - 8873...
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
Troubleshooting Guide........Regulatory Information/Package Contents..This manual will familiarize you with the features and operation of your new WatchDog Retriever & Pups Wireless Network. Please read this manual thoroughly before launching the units. For customer support or to place an order, call Spectrum Technologies, Inc. at 800-248-8873 or 815-436-4440, FAX at 815-436-4460, or e-mail at info@specmeters.com. -
Page 3: General Overview
GENERAL OVERVIEW Wireless Mesh Network The Retriever & Pups wireless sensor network uses a mesh style of communication, which allows any Pup within the network to wirelessly route data from another Pup back to the Retriever. The size of a network can vary by growing conditions, topography, and user preference. -
Page 4: External Ports
Device Description Retriever: Receives data from the Pup network and communicates the data via DataScout Modem (sold separately), USB flash drive, or PC connection. The Retriever can use batteries, DC power supply or solar power. Sensor Pup: Connects 4 sensor inputs. Transmits data to Retriever. Station Pup: Connects to a WatchDog 2000 Series full or mini weather station. -
Page 5: Getting Started
GETTING STARTED Get your wireless network running in the following nine steps. Find a tutorial video online at www.specmeters.com/videos. QUICK OVERVIEW Power Up Retriever Connect to PC Open Launch Select Channel, or DataScout Software or then Power Up and Retriever should be in Power Up DataScout Configure Pups setup mode (flashing amber) -
Page 6: Configuration
Powering Up and Syncing the Retriever to 3000 Pups For new systems, it is recommended that this process is done before taking devices to the field Put the Pups within proximity of the Retriever. Power them up by sliding the power switch to the ON position. The LED will light green to indicate start up is occuring. - Page 7 5. Set the Pup’s parameters in the Pup Settings screen. The Pup’s name is entered in the text box. The type is automatically determined from the Pup’s serial number. Entering latitude and longitude is optional. These can be entered in decimal or Degree/Minute/Second format. For Sensor Pups, select the sensor type from the drop down menu for each port.
- Page 8 Return to the equipment list and open the first Pup configuration page. In the “Configure Sensor Pup” screen (Figure 6), set the Pup parameters. The latitude, longitude & altitude (optional) can be keyed in. Alternately, if the pindrop icon is clicked, a map image will be displayed that allows you to locate the device.
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Page 9: Retriever/Pup Operation
RETRIEVER/PUP OPERATION The LED on the Retriever or Pup is used to convey information about the status and functioning of each device. The small red button can be used to request most of this information. For Retrievers, the button can also be used to prompt the device to perform certain actions. -
Page 10: Best Placement Practices
BEST PLACEMENT PRACTICES Take time to plan your network. Draw out a map or use internet imagery to identify desired locations for your devices (Figure 9). Try to identify obstructions and think about how growing crops or trees may change line of sight throughout the growing season. - Page 11 Always make an effort to mount Pup radio antennas as high as possible (Figure 13). It is recommended that a minimum of 3ft (1 m) above the crop be maintained throughout the growing season. Higher antenna locations generally mean longer allowable distances between devices.
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Page 12: Installation
INSTALLATION Tools recommended for installation • 7/16" (11mm) wrench • Phillips screwdriver for tightening the mounting bracket screws on back of units • Antenna stabilizer (included) prevents antenna from bending when mounted vertically but can be removed to allow a bent antenna for horizontal mounting (see Figure 15). -
Page 13: Data Logging & Storage
Non-volatile memory on the Retriever and Pups preserves the logged data, even when power is lost. UPDATING FIRMWARE A summary of the firmware update procedures are given below. Firmware for the WatchDog Retriever and Pups is available at: www.specmeters.com/software. Retriever •... -
Page 14: Data Export
DATA EXPORT Gathering Data from a Retriever on a USB Flash Drive The USB flash drive can be temporarily inserted to offload data stored in the Retriever’s memory. To offload data to a newly inserted flash drive, the Retriever must be in Active mode (no regular LED flashing) before initiating the download. -
Page 15: Accessories
Exporting Reports From the SpecConnect Web Portal Data exports from SpecConnect are done from the Reports feature. Select the desired report type from the Reports screen (Figure 20). Select the Pup date range and any other necessary parameters (equipment, sensors, ...) for the exported data file (Figure 21). -
Page 16: Specifications
SPECIFICATIONS POWER Station and Sensor Pups Although the 3999 solar panel is highly recommended, Station and Sensor Pups can be powered by 6 Li batteries. The battery status can be checked by quickly pressing and releasing the button. Any time the batteries are changed on a Pup, it must rejoin the network. -
Page 17: Regulatory Information/Package Contents
868 MHz Europe: CE, ETSI approval, UKCA PACKAGE CONTENTS Your WatchDog Retriever & Pups package should contain the following components: • Product Manual • Retriever and Pup units (labeled on enclosure & inside) • USB flash drive, preloaded with Retriever and Pup Launch Utility software •... - Page 18 RMA number or for the loss of the package by any shipping company. 3600 Thayer Court Aurora, IL 60504 Form 107 (22-113) 800.248.8873 Spectrum and WatchDog are registered trademarks of Spectrum Technologies, Inc. Rev. A 03/2023 www.specmeters.com...
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