Weather station and data collection specialist Sencrop introduced a new 4G compatible system, which it says will improve connectivity in remote areas. Having previously used the Sigfox signal, Sencrop stations will now take advantage of 96% network coverage. Where the signal does dip, the system can be set to work on the 2G network.
With more than 40,000 stations operating across Europe, the company can offer hyper-localised weather data for growers, who can subscribe to see weather data even if they do not have a station on their ground.
The new units have an updated design. It’s powered by a battery that can reportedly last for up to 80 days without charging. To keep the battery topped up, there is an integrated solar panel, which extends the life of the battery from a maximum of three years to eight years.
When the station is kept under cover, for greenhouses for example, it can be charged via a USB sensor. The health and lifecycle of the station can be monitored remotely via a smartphone app.
It has a modular build, meaning that up to three sensors can now be mounted, with simple repairs and replacement where necessary. These include wind speed measuring, rainfall and sunlight for systems placed outside, as well as a soil probe to monitor temperature and moisture below the ground. Specialist modules for leaf moisture and humidity are also available.