H2O Innovation smartrek User manual

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Table of content
...................................................................................................................................................................... 1
1. Typical Deployment (MESH Network)............................................................................................. 3
2. Preparing the System........................................................................................................................ 4
2.1 Unboxing ............................................................................................................................................ 6
2.2 Enabling the Gateway...................................................................................................................... 7
2.3 Hop Counts (Gateway)..................................................................................................................... 9
2.4 Radio channel.................................................................................................................................10
2.4.1 How to Change the Gateway’s Radio Channel ....................................................................10
2.4.2 How to Change a Node’s Radio Channel ............................................................................. 11
3. Installing Nodes in the Field...........................................................................................................12
3.1 Checking the Node Communication with the Network............................................................. 13
3.2 Adding a New Node to the Network............................................................................................ 14
3.3 Vacuum Node Installation.............................................................................................................16
3.4 Calibration of the Tank-level Node ............................................................................................. 17
3.5 Sugarheld App: Downloading the Map........................................................................................20
3.6 Remote Access by Webapp 3.0....................................................................................................20
3.7 Access the Smartrek YouTube Channel .....................................................................................21

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1. Typical Deployment (MESH Network)
Cloud

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2. Preparing the System
Each Smartrek monitoring system includes a starter kit along with the sensors.
In the starter kit, you will find:
1. A long-range gateway;
2. An Android tablet with the Sugarheld app already installed and programmed.
The long-range gateway is the basis of your system. It is creating the communication for the
entire network. When it is not operational, the other devices in the network go into ‘’search’’
mode and attempt to connect to the gateway. It is important that the gateway is installed in a
reliable location and that it is turning on during the entire season. If it happens to be unplugged
or if you have a power failure, all the devices will go into search mode. When the gateway
reboots, all devices will reconnect on their own, without you taking any action.
** A device in search mode consumes more batteries than when it is synchronized to a
gateway. It is very important to never unplug the gateway during the sugaring season. **
The distance and direction of your first vacuum sensor in your sugarbush can help you
determine the ideal location to install your gateway. Since it is often installed inside a building,
the range of its communication will be slightly less than the range between two vacuum
sensors installed outside in the woods (the radio signal will have to pass through walls, sheet
metal and obstacles). If necessary, you can purchase an antenna extension (#ERAPRMAP-FIL-
ANT) to allow you to install the antenna outside, while keeping the main module inside the
building.
Tips on installing the long-range gateway:
-The gateway is transmitting its data to the tablet by Bluetooth connection (30 feet
max, depending on the obstructions and walls to be crossed)
Long-range Gateway
Electronic tablet

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-If possible, install the gateway on the closest wall to your first sensor in the woods
(white circle), and not on the opposite direction (red circle).
-It is better to install the gateway on the edge of a window, the radio signal travels more
easily through a window than a wall. If it is not possible to install it near a window, it is
possible to test the communication to determine if the position of the gateway is good
(see section 3.1)
-Set the antenna straight (90 degrees from the floor)
Figure 1: Installation of the long-range gateway
Figure 2 :
Antenna incorrectly positioned
Figure 3 :
90 degree antenna, well positioned

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Gateway
Skip
-At any time, it is possible to check if the communication signal is good by looking at the
blinking of the sensors (see section 3.1). Tests can help you determine the ideal location
to install your gateway.
2.1 Unboxing
Step 1
Find the ideal location for the long-range gateway (see section 2). Connect the gateway to
a power outlet and turn it on by pressing on the ON/OFF button. Look at the LED flashing.
The gateway is ready once it starts blinking at a regular pace. The Smartrek system is
sending/receiving data when the LED blinks.
Step 3
After the main splash screen, you will enter the app with an installation wizard. It can help
you configure your preferences. However, it requires an Internet connection. You can go
through this wizard or skip it for a quicker start.
Figure 4 : Installation wizard

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2.2 Enabling the Gateway
Here are the steps to follow if you skip the installation wizard. You are now in the
Sugarheld app. You are ready to add the gateway to your network. To add a new device,
here are the steps to follow:
1. You must open the options by pressing the 3 dots at the top of the screen on the right.
The menu will appear at the bottom of the screen
2. Tap on ‘’New node’’;
3. You must now scan the device by pressing the QR code symbol. The camera on your
tablet will open automatically. You must scan the node by pointing the camera at the
bar code. The tablet will scan and recognize the node automatically. If your sound is on,
listen for the shutter sound when it takes the picture
4. Name the node;
Figure 5 : Add new node
Figure 6 : Add new node
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5

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Your gateway is now registered in your system. The last step before installing the other
nodes is to activate the gateway.
1. Hold your finger for 3 seconds on the name of the gateway to open the options
2. Tap ‘’Activate node’’. The Sugarheld app will automatically reboot to save the changes
Now, it is suggested to put your system on the fastest mode to install your sensors. This
speed will allow you to have a faster connection and it will be easier to determine the
communication quality in the woods.
3. Tap the device name to reach the configuration page
4. Press the ‘’Economy’’ mode to access the other modes. Use the faster mode (at the
bottom) to install your nodes.
This way, you can change the speed of your system at any time by changing the mode.
During the sugaring season, it is advisable to use ‘’Economy’’ mode to maximize your
battery lifetime.
Figure 7 : Activate the gateway
Figure 8 : Speed adjustment
#1
Hold
3 seconds
#2
#3
Tap
#4

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To make sure the gateway is activated, you should have *** on each side of your gateway
name.
*** Name of the gateway ***
Your gateway is now activated, and you are now ready to install your nodes in the
sugarbush.
2.3 Hop Counts (Gateway)
Another important setting of the gateway is the number of hops. Data travels by hops from the
gateway to the end of the network. To reach the most distant node, the gateway transmits to its
immediate neighbors to get there (transmits to all nodes that are within communication
range). These nodes will then repeat the signals to their own neighbors, and so on, until the
entire network is filled with information. The number of repetitions required to get to the end of
the network is called “hop counts”.
The easiest way to determine the “correct” number of hops is to go by trial and error. It is
therefore suggested to increase the number of hops to 20 before starting the installation. This
way, regardless of the size of your network, you will probably have more “hops” than you
officially need. When the installation is complete, you can decrease the number of hops to
check the stability of the system. The higher number of hops, the lower is the refresh rate. The
ideal setting is to have as few hops as possible while maintaining a stable network (all nodes
stay connected and don’t go “dead node” intermittently). A stable network will also allow you to
have a low rate of battery consumption.
**A high hop count slows data refreshment, so consumes slightly less battery. **
Figure 9 : Gateway enabled

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2.4 Radio channel
Before installing your nodes in the sugarbush, it is very important to check the radio channel.
All H2O-Smartrek nodes are factory-made on the radio channel #1. Be careful when choosing
the radio channel because two nodes on the same channel can communicate with each other
up to 4 miles (in direct line of sight). Check with your H2O Innovation representative to know
which radio channels are available in your area. To communicate with each other, the nodes
must be on the same radio channel as the long-range gateway.
2.4.1 How to Change the Gateway’s Radio Channel
1. In the Sugarheld app, tap CFG at the top right (configuration)
2. Go to the “Device configuration” section to choose “RF channel”
3. Press “1” to display the channel choice list
4. Press the chosen channel and click on “OK” to accept.
**The gateway must be in communication with the tablet to change the channel (online in
the tablet). You will see the gateway go through a restart sequence (see the blinking on the
ON/OFF of the gateway) **
Figure 10 : Gateway radio channel
Figure 10.1 : Gateway radio channel