HyQuest Solutions HailSens IoT User manual

HailSens IoT
User Manual
08-2022 – 01-00-000

© 2022 HyQuest Solutions 2
Table of Contents
Glossary + Abbreviations 4II
III Scope of Delivery 5
IV Safety Instructions 6
I Disclaimer 3
V Specific Safety Instructions 7
Part I Introduction 8
Part II Installation 9
2.1 HailSens IoT: Mechanical Dimensions ........................................................................................................... 9
2.2 Pole Mounting ......................................................................................................................................................... 9
2.3 Selecting a suitable installation site ........................................................................................................... 10
2.4 Electrical Bonding (Earth) ............................................................................................................................... 10
2.5 External Cable Connection ............................................................................................................................. 10
2.5.1 Connecting the Ethernet cable ............................................................................................................... 11
2.6 For Wireless Data Communication: Insert SIM Card ............................................................................ 12
Part III Configuration 13
3.1 LTE-M Wireless Data Transmission (MOBILE COMMS) ........................................................................ 15
3.2 Ethernet Data Transmission (STATIC COMMS) ........................................................................................ 15
Part IV Operation 16
4.1 HailSens IoT: Electronics .................................................................................................................................. 16
4.2 HailSens IoT: Power Supply ............................................................................................................................ 16
4.3 RESTful API/JSON ............................................................................................................................................... 16
Part V Maintenance 17
5.1 Overall Visual Check .......................................................................................................................................... 17
5.2 General Cleaning ................................................................................................................................................. 17
5.2.1 Do’s and Don’ts ............................................................................................................................................. 17
Part VI Troubleshooting 18
Part VII Repair 19
Part VIII Technical Data 20
Part IX Obligations of the Operator and Disposal 21

HyQuest Solutions makes no warranty of any kind
with regard to this material including, but not
limited to, the implied warranties or merchantability
and fitness for a particular purpose.
HyQuest Solutions shall not be liable for any
incidental, indirect, special or consequential
damages whatsoever (including but not limited to
lost profits) arising out of or related to this
documentation, the information contained in it or
from the use of programs and source code that may
accompany it, even if HyQuest Solutions has been
advised of the possibility of such damages.
Any errors found in any HyQuest Solutions product
should be reported to HyQuest Solutions where
every effort will be made to quickly resolve the
problem.
The software programs described in this document
and the information contained in this document are
confidential and proprietary products of HyQuest
Solutions or its licensors. HyQuest Solutions waives
copyright for licensed software users to print out
parts of the documentation in hard copy for their
own use only.
This documentation may not be transferred,
disclosed, or otherwise provided to third parties. In
duplicating any part of this document, the recipient
agrees to make every reasonable effort to prevent
the unauthorized use and distribution of the
proprietary information.
No parts of this work may be reproduced in any
form or by any means - graphic, electronic, or
mechanical, including photocopying, recording,
taping, or information storage and retrieval systems
- without the written permission of the publisher.
This document is public.
3© 2022 HyQuest Solutions
I Disclaimer

II Glossary + Abbreviations
ACRONYM
Description
A
SI unit symbol of the “ampere”, a unit of current intensity
Ah
SI unit symbol of the “ampere hour”, a unit of electrical
charge (electric current multiplied by time)
ASCII
American Standard Code for Information Interchange
Comms
techno-babble for data transmission/communication
Mx
ISO metric screw thread sizes, specifying the nominal
outer diameter of the screw, where x is the diameter in
mm
mm
SI unit symbol of the unit of length “millimeter” in the
metric system
Nm
SI unit symbol of the unit of torque (or “moment”)
RS485
standard defining the electrical characteristics of drivers
and receivers for use in serial communications systems
using balanced signals over differential line; RS485 does
not define a protocol but an electrical interface
RS232
standard defining the electrical characteristics of drivers
and receivers for use in serial communications systems;
valid signals are either in the range of +3 to +15 volts or
+3 volts is not a valid RS-232 level; RS232 does not
define a protocol but an electrical interface
SI
International System of Units
USB
Universal serial Bus, industry standard defining cables,
connectors and communication protocols for serial data
transmission between computers and devices
VDC
Volts of Direct Current
W
SI unit symbol of the “watt”, a unit of power
4© 2022 HyQuest Solutions

© 2022 HyQuest Solutions 5
III Scope of Delivery
§ Hail Sensor IoT pre-mounted unit
§ Power connection cable M12 4-pin
§ Pole mounting bracket
§ FAT document
© 2022 HyQuest Solutions 5

§ Read the user manual including all operating instructions prior to installing, connecting and powering up the
HyQuest Solutions HailSens IoT. The manual provides information on how to operate the product. The manual is
intended to be used by qualified personnel, i.e. personnel that have been adequately trained, are sufficiently
familiar with installation, mounting, wiring, powering up and operation of the product.
§ Keep the user manual on hand for later reference!
§ If you encounter problems understanding the information in the manual (or part thereof), please consult the
manufacturer or its appointed reseller for further support.
§ HyQuest Solutions HailSens IoT is intended to be used in hydrometeorological or environmental monitoring
applications.
§ Before starting to work, you have to check the functioning and integrity of the system.
§ Check for visible defects on the HailSens IoT, this may or may not include any or all of the following mounting
facilities, connectors and connections, mechanical parts, internal or external communication devices, power
supplies or power supply lines, etc.
§ If defects are found that jeopardize the operational safety, work must be stopped. This is true for defects found
before starting to work as well as for defects found while working.
§ Do not use the HyQuest Solutions HailSens IoT in areas where there is a danger of explosion.
§ The present user manual specifies environmental/climatic operating conditions as well as mechanical and electrical
conditions. Installation, wiring, powering up and operating the HyQuest Solutions HailSens IoT must strictly comply
with these specifications.
§ Perform maintenance only when tools or machinery are not in operation.
§ If guards are removed to perform maintenance, replace them immediately after servicing.
§ Never make any electrical or mechanical diagnostics, inspections or repairs under any circumstances. Return the
product to the manufacturer’s named repair centre. You can find information on how to return items for repair in
the relevant section of the HyQuest Solutions website.
§ Disposal instructions: After taking the HyQuest Solutions HailSens IoT out of service, it must be disposed of
in compliance with local waste and environmental regulations. The HyQuest Solutions HailSens IoT is never to be
disposed in household waste!
§ Inputs and outputs of the device are protected against electric discharges and surges (so-called ESD). Do not
touch any part of the electronic components! If you need to touch any part, please discharge yourself, i.e. by
touching grounded metal parts.
IV Safety Instructions
© 2022 HyQuest Solutions 6

V Specific Safety Instructions
© 2022 HyQuest Solutions 7
§ As an electrically powered system, HailSens IoT requires to be grounded. This is required to provide a reliable
means to safely conduct the voltages imposed by lighting, line surges, or un-intentional contact with high voltage
lines or equipment to ground.
§ HailSens IoT is equipped with a bird-guard exposing metal spikes. Wear gloves while installing the sensor.

© 2022 HyQuest Solutions 8
Introduction
1Introduction
HailSens IoT is an advanced sensor system for monitoring hail events in real-time. The detection of hail impacts relies
on impact energy measurement. HailSens IoT provides accurate, reliable results both quickly and automatically.
The present document is the User’s Manual for HailSens IoT.
HailSens IoT is the perfect choice if you wish to sample individual hail events either for study purposes or to determine
the damage potential of a hail event. HailSens IoT is a modern IT-based monitoring device with local data storage and
advanced communication facilities. It is operated on 12 VDC. The sensor records individual hail impacts. It measures
the kinetic energy of each impact.
Apart from initial setup and periodic maintenance (once a year right before the hail season), HailSens IoT does not
require any particular interaction or attendance. The device will only transmit data telegrams when hail impacts are
detected. In addition, a heartbeat telegram is transmitted every 6 hours. Data telegrams contain data relevant to an
individual hail pellet impact and additional sensor status information.
In typical setups, HailSens IoT will transmit data to the (optional) KISTERS datasphere, an online data management tool
providing functionality ranging from data reception and storage to visualisation and alarming. Please contact you sales
person for details!
Figure 1 – HailSens IoT

© 2022 HyQuest Solutions 9
Installation
2Installation
1. Unpack the HailSens IoT from its transport container
2. Check completeness of the delivery
3. Mount the HailSens IoT
4. For wireless communication: insert data SIM
5. Power up the HailSens IoT
6. The sensor starts working
2.1 HailSens IoT: Mechanical Dimensions
Figure 2 – Dimensions in mm
2.2 Pole Mounting
HailSens IoT is delivered with a pole mount bracket and bolts and washers.
Figure 3 – HailSens IoT Pole Mount Bracket with Bolts and Washers
The pole mount bracket is designed for poles of a diameter between 1.5” and 4”.

© 2022 HyQuest Solutions 10
Installation
Figure 4 – Pole-Mount
Bracket mounted on a Pole
2.3 Selecting a suitable installation site
When the Hail Sensor is installed, the following should be considered:
§ Avoid obstruction to sensor plate (i.e. clear areas are required no trees, close high-rise, etc.)
§ Avoid nearby power line & communication towers (i.e. anything that could attract lighting & surges)
§ Avoid high wind areas
Recommendations:
§ Pole mounting: recommended mounting height is roughly 1 m above the ground.
§ In hilly terrain or in mountainous areas, the sensor plate should be at 2 m above the ground. This is to avoid
cluttering in snow during the winter period.
2.4 Electrical Bonding (Earth)
The electronics box is equipped with an M6 earth stud. The position of the Earth stud is shown in the following figure.
The Sensor is designed for 12 VDC operation. Electrical bonding provides protection from potentially dangerous
potential differences in the metallic parts. In addition, influence on the transducers are minimized, as potential
electrostatic charges will be diverted to earth. Caution: lighting strikes may still result in irreversible damage to the
electronics components.
Figure 5 – Electrical Bonding (Earth): position of the Earth Stud on the Electronic Box
2.5 External Cable Connection
Connectors are provided to connect external cables.
§ M12 4-pin: power supply
§ SMA: antenna
§ Cat6 plug: Ethernet cable connection

© 2022 HyQuest Solutions 11
Installation
The position of the connectors is illustrated in the following figure:
Figure 6 – Connectors on top and right side of the Electronics Box
Figure 7 – Connectors at the bottom of the Electronics Box
2.5.1 Connecting the Ethernet cable
HailSens IoT is equipped with a specific RJ45 connector. To ensure waterproof protection, the outer RJ45 connector
must be sealed with the supplied cap or a connected cable with a waterproof cable gland. Two caps are delivered:
The round closing cap is used as along as no cable is fitted. Waterproof and weatherproof CAT6 RJ45 jack with RJ45
jack at the back (RJ45 pass through).
The conical cap is used with a cable. Threaded coupling for waterproof and
dustproof mounting on CAT6 RJ45 jack. Please use CAT6 cable with 7-9 mm OD for
dustproof and waterproof connection.
Simply slide this conical cap onto the open end(s) of the CAT6 cable. Crimp an RJ45
connector to the open cable end. Connect the RJ45 plug into the waterproof CAT6
RJ45 jack and screw this waterproof protector to the waterproof CAT6 RJ45 jack.

© 2022 HyQuest Solutions 12
Installation
2.6 For Wireless Data Communication: Insert SIM Card
A SIM card must be inserted into the SIM Card Slot of the integrated data logger/data modem unit.
Unscrew the lid (4 screws) and remove it. Insert the SIM.
Make sure data services are activated for the SIM Card.

© 2022 HyQuest Solutions 13
Configuration
3Configuration
The HailSens IoT can be user-configured. Start the browser and enter the following URL:
http://192.168.2.2
The configuration dialogue opens in your browser.
Figure 8 – HailSens IoT Configuration Dialogue
The Network settings only apply to the Ethernet port and do not affect the USB-based network connection.
The parameters that can be edited by the user are listed and briefly explained in the following table.
After applying changes in the NETWORK section, a reboot of the device is required to activate the settings. To perform
the reboot, please disconnect the device from the power-source for at least 5 seconds.

© 2022 HyQuest Solutions 14
Configuration
Section
Parameter
Comment
GENERAL/REST
SensorIdent
Sensor UUID
Service URL
http://tsoupload.kisters.de/Ha
ilsensUpload/rest
User
Username (authentication)
Pass
Password (authentication)
HailSens Calibration
Calparam 1 - 3
calibration settings; individual setting for
each sensor
Calibration Mode
Check to enter Calibration Mode
MOBILE COMMS
SIM-Pin
Pin of the inserted SIM card
APN
APN for inserted SIM
APNuser
APN User (if required)
APNpass
APN Pass (if required)
Authentication
Authentication Method
Connection Retries
Connection Retries
Connection Error Timeout
Connection Error Timeout
STATIC COMMS
IP-Adress
Fixed IP-Adress or address obtained by DHCP
NetMask
Netmask for IP-Adress
Network
IP-Mode (DHCP/STATIC)
Default Gateway
Default Gateway
Static Network Interface Mode
Check if cable-bound, uncheck for mobile
comms
Table 1 – HailSens IoT Configuration: Settings List
The network-mode (mobile or Ethernet) can by switched by checking the according box “Static net-work interface
active” in the “Static Comms” section.
The currently selected mode can be indicated by the red background of the according section (example in the figure
above: Static comms is active).

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Configuration
3.1 LTE-M Wireless Data Transmission (MOBILE COMMS)
To use the integrated LTE-M modem for data transmission, a data SIM must be installed.
Initial settings must be made in order to use the HailSens IoT with the data SIM card installed. Use a SIM card that is
either exclusively for data communication or where data communication tariffs have been activated. Phone calls using
data communication require an exclusive app.
APN setup is required to connect to the Internet. APN is an access point for connecting to the Inter-net. It should be
configured according to the contract plan you have with your network operator. If APN setup has not yet been
performed on the communication device, be sure to perform APN registration.
For details see figure in topic Configuration , section: MOBILE COMMS.
Note: In some regions and depending on availability of data modems, the sensor can be equipped with a standard 4G LT
Cat1 modem. Contact your provider to make sure to obtain a compatible SIM card.
3.2 Ethernet Data Transmission (STATIC COMMS)
The factory setting is set to DHCP which allows to access the unit after connecting to the network providing an
according DHCP-Server. In case that this is not available, please install the supplied USB-Driver-Package to your
computer and connect it to the Mini-USB port of the integrated data logger/modem.
13 13

© 2022 HyQuest Solutions 16
Operation
4Operation
HailSens devices are delivered pre-wired. For external cable connection see the chapter with the same name.
HailSens IoT is designed for unattended use. Once properly installed, powered-up and configured, the sensor unit
operates on its own and does not require any specific user-interaction.
4.1 HailSens IoT: Electronics
The HailSens Series II electronics are contained in a greyish box mounted on the support arm right beneath the
transducer plate. The box contains all electronics parts required for the operation of the sensor. In normal
circumstances, the box does not need to be opened: all signals are accessible via connectors on the outside of the box.
4.2 HailSens IoT: Power Supply
Nominal supply voltage is 12 VDC. For the entire voltage range see the Data Sheet.
The sensor is delivered without a power supply. Potential power supplies are:
§ 12V/ 1 Amp DC power supplies,
§ solar power unit with battery and battery charger.
The sensor is powered via the 4-pin connector on the electronic box.
PIN
Colour
Assignment
1
Brown
+12VDC
2
White
N/A
3
Black
GND
4
Blue
N/A
Table 1 – PIN-Out M12 4-Pin Power Connector
4.3 RESTful API/JSON
The HailSens IoT is programmed to transmit datagrams in JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) containers to a RESTful API
server. JSON is a minimal, readable format for structuring data.
§ Datasphere users: API and data formats are of no particular interest for users whose HailSens device(s) is (are)
reporting directly to KISTERS datasphere (optional Cloud-based data management).
§ For users who wish to develop their own IP endpoint, a separate document of technical information for
programmers is available on request.
10

© 2022 HyQuest Solutions 17
Maintenance
5Maintenance
The entire design of the HailSens IoT has been with an eye on limiting maintenance efforts.
§ The transducer plate is tilted by 10°. This ensures that rain washes debris from the plate.
§ The powder-coated sensor body is weather resistant.
§ Inlets and outlets are through standard connectors. If properly used, no room is left for insects to intrude into the
sensor body.
§ The unit does not need any consumables and has no moving mechanical parts.
5.1 Overall Visual Check
During site visits check the sensor for mechanical damage.
Check whether all cables are properly connected and that no mechanical strain is exerted on cables, leads or wires.
The sensor electronics box is equipped with an earth stud. Check whether the stud is properly connected to an earth
pike or to an electrically conductive part of the mounting pole.
Visually inspect the transducer plate for visible cracks or rifts. Visible cracks or rifts – even if they are clearly inside the
plate – will impact the measurement. The transducer unit must be replaced. Spare parts can be ordered separately:
§ HailSens Transducer - Spare Part. Article Number: MON11_SMATRSCHSTRDCR
5.2 General Cleaning
Cleaning is only required when systems are either installed in polluted or dusty environments. Cleanse the system
when clear marks of dirt are seen.
Thoroughly pre-rinse with warm water to loosen and wash away surface material, grit and grime.
Using a moist non-abrasive sponge, gently wash with a mild diluted soap or detergent.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm clean water. To prevent water spots, thoroughly dry the glazing with a dry soft cloth.
5.2.1 Do’s and Don’ts
§ Do not use abrasive cleaners.
§ Do not use high alkaline cleaners (high pH or ammoniated).
§ Do not leave cleaners sitting on polycarbonate (transducer plate) for periods of time; wash off immediately.
§ Do not apply cleaners under direct sunlight or at elevated temperatures.
§ Do not clean the polycarbonate transducer plate with any unapproved cleaners. When in doubt, seek guidance.
§ Using scrapers, squeegees, razors or other sharp instruments may permanently scratch the polycarbonate
transducer plate.

© 2022 HyQuest Solutions 18
Troubleshooting
6Troubleshooting
In case the sensor does not work as expected, please contact the distributor or the manufacturer.

© 2022 HyQuest Solutions 19
Repair
7Repair
HyQuest Solutions precision instruments and data loggers are produced in quality-controlled processes. All HyQuest
Solutions production and assembly sites in Australia, New Zealand and Europe are ISO 90001 certified. All equipment
is factory tested and/or factory calibrated before it is shipped to the client. This ensures that HyQuest Solutions
products perform to their fullest capacity when delivered.
Despite HyQuest Solutions most rigorous quality assurance (QA), malfunction may occur within or outside of the
warranty period. In rare cases, a product may not be delivered in accordance with your order.
In such cases HyQuest Solutions’ return and repair policy applies. For you as a customer, this means the following:
1. Contact HyQuest Solutions using the Repair Request Form made available online:
https://www.hyquestsolutions.com.au/fileadmin/Form/RepairRequestForm.pdf
In response you will receive a reference number that must be referenced on all further correspondence and on the
freight documents accompanying your return shipment.
2. Please provide as much information and/or clear instructions within the return paperwork. This will assist our test
engineers with their diagnosis.
3. Please do not ship the goods prior to obtaining the reference number. HyQuest Solutions will not reject any
equipment that arrives without reference number; however, it may take us longer to process.
Custom requirements for items sent to HyQuest Solutions for warranty or non-warranty repairs: Check with your
national customs/tax authorities for details, processes and paperwork regarding tax exempt return of products.
Typically, special custom tariff codes are available (such as HS Code = 9802.00) that verify the item is being returned
for repair and has no commercial value. Please note that the customs invoice / dispatch documents should also clearly
state: “Goods being returned to manufacturer for repair – No Commercial value”. It is mandatory to have any returned
goods accompanied by a commercial invoice on headed paper. HyQuest Solutions reserves the right to charge the
customer for time spent rectifying incorrect customs documents.
Note: Please ensure that your goods are packed carefully and securely. Damage that occurs during transit is not
covered by our warranty and may be chargeable.

© 2022 HyQuest Solutions 20
Technical Data
8Technical Data
Measured
Parameter(s)
kinetic energy [J]
Derived pellet equivalent diameter [mm]
Range
0,005 J … 28 J
Accuracy
kinetic energy and pellet equivalent diameter:
±10 % (according specific mass density on ice and spherical model)
Data Transmission
Physical output:
§ wireless IP data modem, SMA connector, antenna
§ wired: Ethernet RJ45 connector
JSON datagrams via LTE-M (4G) or Ethernet to defined RESTful web service
JSON: timestamp, pellet kinetic energy, pellet equivalent diameter, calibration factor
Heartbeat: user-configurable, default: every 6h
Measurement data: 1 data package per impact
Local Communication
Micro-USB
Housing
Aluminium die-cast, IP66
Supply Power
nominal: 12 VDC - Range: 10…18 VDC
Power Consumption
60 mA at 12 VDC (~0.7 W), wireless comms engaged max 120 mA at 12 V (1.4 W)
Operating
Temperature
Deployment operating and storage temperature: -40 °C to +70 °C
Calibrated measurement range: 0 to +70 °C
Humidity: 0 - 100 % RH
Ingress Protection
IP66
Dimensions
§ Transducer plate (round): Ø 500 mm (19.685“)
§ Mounting: 2” to 4” pole on a heavy concrete ground plate: (500 x 500 x 50) mm (L x B x
H)
Height: 300 mm
Weight
6 kg net