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Version information

Document code/Version Date Description
Product Code Product Name Brief description
MP406
DBV60
DPV40
SMT100a
Therm-EP
PRP-02

Documentation conventions

Warning

Dangerous certain consequences of an action.

Caution


Negative potential consequences of an action.

Important


Essential information required for user success.

Note


Information the user should notice even if skimming.

Tip


Optional information to help a user be more successful.

Product overview

The AD-Node is a LoRaWAN node, supplied with either EU868 (Europe), AU915 (Australia), US915 (United States), or AS923 (Asia) frequency plans depending on customer requirements.

The AD-Node is an Internet of Things (IoT) node that is used for the measurement of up to:

  • 2x single ended voltage inputs
  • 1x 4-20mA input
  • 2x Thermistor Input
  • 4x Digital Input

With LoRaWAN connectivity, the AD-Node is ideal for a low-power IoT node is needed for analogue sensors.

Powered by internal batteries (3x AA), the AD-Node does not require external solar power.

Functional description

The AD-Node measures voltage, current, and counter inputs using a 24-bit ADC.

Inputs: Sensor

  • Voltage (0-3.0 volts)
  • Current (4-20mA)
  • Digital counter
  • Thermistor value

Outputs: Data

The data is output as a single hexadecimal payload, containing all the input variables.

The hexadecimal data requires a decoder at the LoRaWAN Server.

Specific decoders can be found on the ICT International GitHub library.

Components (what's in the box)

Included with the AD-Node are:

  • 3x AA batteries
  • antenna to suit

Optional features

Options include:

  • Node mounting bracket, suitable for poles up to 60 mm in diameter
  • Additional sensors

USB cables

To access the node for configuration, a USB 2.0 Type B cable is required (not included).

Config Tool

The AD-Node is shipped pre-configured, ready to go.

Certain LoRaWAN parameters can be changed using Over-The-Air configuration.

Unpacking

The node will be shipped with the sensors connected directly to the node. If the node mounting bracket has been optioned, the node will be attached to the bracket.

Caution
  • ESD protection
  • Only power the node on once the antenna is attached
  • Once sensors are connected, confirm polarity before turning the power on.

The node board is protected with a conformal coating, which reduces the risk of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD).

Preparing the AD-Node for use

Caution
  • Do not change any of the LoRaWAN key settings unless you are changing the gateway connection of the device.
  • Changes made to LoRaWAN keys will require reprogramming at the LoRaWAN Server
Important

Site Selection:
When choosing the site for the device installation, consideration must be given to:

  • Gateway location
  • Node positioning
  • Antenna orientation
  • Obstructions between the node and gateway

Installation location

The installation location of the AD-Node is determined by:

  • Signal strength
  • Sensor positions
  • Cable lengths

Positioning of the AD-Node

Position the AD-Node towards the LoRaWAN gateway to optimise the signal.

Ensure that there are no obstructions within the following distances:

LoRaWAN Frequency Whole wavelength in centimetres Minimum distance to obstruction
EU868 (Europe) 34.5 17 cm
AU915 (Australia) 32.7 16 cm
US915 (United States) 32.7 16 cm
AS923 (Asia) 32.4 16 cm

Mounting the AD-Node

Included with the AD-Node are 4 brackets that can be screwed to the rear of the node enclosure, 

using the moulded holes in the corners. These can be used to mount the node enclosure to a suitable
wall or post.

Powering the device

The AD-Node is a self-powered device with 3x AA batteries. It is recommended to use 1.5-volt lithium batteries when replacements are needed. The supplied AA batteries are L91 Energizer single use batteries, mAh, 1.5 volt.

To power the device on, move the switch to the On position.

The unit will start to transmit at the logging interval from the moment it is powered on. This is confirmed by the LED light sequence:

Red, blue sparkles

Connecting sensors

The AD-Node is supplied with sensors connected. If the sensors need to be disconnected (e.g. for running cables through conduit) then the following needs to be followed.

Each connector in the enclosure is almost tool-less for installation, with a push to fit connector.

To release the cable, a jeweller's flat head screwdriver is required.

Configuration Changes

Communication Settings

Any changes that are needed to be made, such as measurement frequency, can be made using the node terminal function.

Node Terminal is downloadable from:

Checking the settings

Settings can be checked using Node Terminal

Caution
  • Do not change any of the LoRaWAN key settings unless you are changing the gateway connection of the device.
  • Changes made to LoRaWAN keys will require reprogramming at the LoRaWAN Server

Setting LoRaWAN fields

The settings fields that can be changed are:

  • LoRaWAN Keys
  • Sensor/Measurement Settings

Changing the LoRa settings

To retrieve or reprogram LoRaWAN keys (OTAA), enter the following:

To Retrieve: To Reprogram:
lora eui dev lora eui dev 0011223344556677
lora eui app lora eui app 0011223344556677
lora key app lora key app 00112233445566778899887766554433
To Retrieve: To Reprogram:
lora eui dev lora eui dev 0011223344556677
lora eui app lora eui app 0011223344556677
lora key app lora key app 00112233445566778899887766554433

Sensor Settings

Changing the measurement frequency

The upload schedule can be changed using the command report period. By default the system will be shipped at a 10-minute logging interval (600).

e.g. changing to a 15-minute interval would use the following code:

report period 900

Analogue Configuration

Analogue measurements can be post-processed in the cloud

Maintenance

Maintenance is at the sensor level, rather than the device level.

The batteries are replaceable. To replace follow the steps below:

  • Open the enclosure
  • Turn the power off by moving the switch to the 1 position
  • Release the battery retaining strap
  • Remove the batteries
  • Check the polarity of the new batteries
  • Insert the batteries
  • Replace the retaining strap
  • Turn the device switch to the On position
  • Clean the rubber seal and opposite surface
  • Close the enclosure, and ensure that both latches are fully closed

Calibration

There is no calibration of the device available.

Calibration is undertaken on a sensor-by-sensor basis.

Troubleshooting

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Error messaging

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Missing readings and error indication

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Technical specifications

All technical specifications are subject to change as the products undergo continuous improvement

Specifications

Detail
Analogue Analogue inputs with selectable voltage

0 - 12v Input Range

4x Single Ended or 2x Differential
Digital Digital inputs with pulse counting

Up to 1kHz input frequency
Operating Environment -20°C to 60°C
Enclosure Dimensions: IP65 Clam-Shell 140 ×120 ×80 mm, 500 g
Certifications: AS/NZS 60950.1:2011

AS/NZS 4268:2012

RoHS compliant (lead-free)

Options and accessories

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Compatible sensors

Product Code Product Name Maximum possible number*
MP406
DBV60
DPV40
SMT100a
Therm-EP
PRP-02

* this is the maximum number of that sensor that can on an individual node. Combinations will be different.