Keller ADT1 User manual

www.keller-druck.com
Keller AG für Druckmesstechnik
St. Gallerstrasse 119 | CH-8404 Winterthur
[phone]
󰞟󰞠󰞡󰞢󰞣[e-mail]
KELLER Ges. für Druckmesstechnik mbH
Schwarzwaldstrasse 17 | DE-79798 Jestetten
[phone]
󰞟󰞠󰞡󰞢󰞣[e-mail]
Version 08/2020
Änderungen vorbehalten
Unternehmen zertifiziert nach ISO9001
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OPERATING MANUAL ADT1

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Contents
1ADT1..................................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Overview................................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.1.1 Box: ............................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.1.2 Tube: ............................................................................................................................................................. 4
2General Description / ADT1 Communication......................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Pre-Configuration ..................................................................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Data Transmission / Technologie.............................................................................................................................. 5
2.3 KOLIBRI Cloud ........................................................................................................................................................... 5
3Hardware.............................................................................................................................................................. 6
3.1 ADT1 Tube................................................................................................................................................................. 6
3.2 ADT1 Box................................................................................................................................................................... 6
3.3 How to open and to close the housing ..................................................................................................................... 7
3.4 Replacing batteries ................................................................................................................................................... 7
3.5 Connecting the antenna ........................................................................................................................................... 8
3.6 Cable gland / level sensor connection ...................................................................................................................... 8
3.7 Locking unit (Tube only)............................................................................................................................................ 9
3.8 Mounting Instructions .............................................................................................................................................. 9
3.9 Connection Terminal for the Sensors ..................................................................................................................... 10
3.9.1 Connection for X-Line (RS485-Interface) “low voltage” type only.............................................................. 10
3.9.2 Connection for D-Line (I2C-Interface).......................................................................................................... 10
4Operating Modes .................................................................................................................................................11
4.1 Measurement Cycle (Active Mode) ........................................................................................................................ 11
4.2 Sleep Mode............................................................................................................................................................. 11
4.3 Battery lifetime estimation..................................................................................................................................... 12
5RECORD Data Storage ..........................................................................................................................................13
5.1 Storage Capacity ..................................................................................................................................................... 13
5.2 Read the RECORD data by USB ............................................................................................................................... 13
6Configuration.......................................................................................................................................................14
6.1 Description „ADT1 Configuration“.......................................................................................................................... 14
6.1.1 Overview..................................................................................................................................................... 14
6.1.2 Settings ....................................................................................................................................................... 15
6.1.3 Measure...................................................................................................................................................... 15
6.1.4 Alarm........................................................................................................................................................... 16
6.1.4.1 Alarm type............................................................................................................................................... 16
6.1.4.1.1 ON / OFF ........................................................................................................................................... 16
6.1.4.1.2 Delta ................................................................................................................................................. 16
6.1.5 Info.............................................................................................................................................................. 17
6.1.6 Location info and Water level configuration .............................................................................................. 17
6.1.7 Error / Status & Debug................................................................................................................................ 18
6.1.8 LoRaWAN Settings ...................................................................................................................................... 19
6.1.8.1 Activation................................................................................................................................................ 20
6.1.8.1.1 Over-the-Air Activation (OTAA / default) ......................................................................................... 20
6.1.8.1.2 Activation by Personalization (ABP) ................................................................................................. 20
6.1.8.2 LoRaWAN Security .................................................................................................................................. 20
6.1.8.3 Data Rate................................................................................................................................................. 20
6.1.8.4 LoRaWAN Adaptive Data Rate ................................................................................................................ 20

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7Device Registration ..............................................................................................................................................21
7.1 Integration with the Things Network (TTN)............................................................................................................ 21
8ADT1 order information.......................................................................................................................................22
8.1 Variants and options............................................................................................................................................... 22
8.2 Accessories.............................................................................................................................................................. 22
9Version History ....................................................................................................................................................24

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1ADT1
The ADT1 is a maintenance-free, battery operated (three conventional, high-quality lithium AA batteries), autonomous
IoT pressure gauge with battery life of up to 5 years. The robust, waterproof housing allows outdoor use in all places
where a pressure or a level must be monitored. Typical applications: Pressure monitoring (water and gas pipes), level
measurement of surface water and ground water, tanks and liquid containers.
This device can be linked with digital level sensors and pressure transmitters with the KELLER “D” and “X” low voltage
product lines. With its wide range of water level sensors and pressure transmitters, KELLER can offer the right
solution for any measuring situation. The device records the pressure and temperature (and optionally conductivity as
well) of the connected sensor as well as the internal measured values like barometer and temperature.
The sensor data are transmitted in real-time using LoRaWAN® radio technology. LoRaWAN® enables encrypted radio
transmission over long distance while consuming very little power. The user can obtain sensor data through KOLIBRI
Cloud from KELLER, or through the user`s own infrastructure. Visit KOLIBRI Cloud for an insight about the data cloud
service.
1.1 Overview
The remote data transmission unit is offered in two different housings (Box and Tube) that accommodate differ-
ent installation requirements in the locations where it is to be used.
1.1.1 Box:
The remote data transmission unit ADT1-Box is encased in a robust, water-tight polycarbonate housing.
1.1.2 Tube:
The remote data transmission unit ADT1-Tube is encased in a robust, stainless steel housing, which is ideally suited to
installation in 2" monitoring pipes.

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2General Description / ADT1 Communication
The LoRaWAN® module, which can be configured on a country-specific basis, establishes a connection with a
LoRaWAN® Gateway and makes it possible to send the measurements to a LoRa network server. The LoRaWAN provid-
er can be selected freely. The easiest and most convenient way to access the collected data at the end of the
transmission chain is via KOLIBRI Cloud from KELLER.
2.1 Pre-Configuration
The ADT1 are preconfigured on the open-source, decentralized network called “The Things Network“. TTN is a contribu-
tor member of the LoRa Alliance and provide a set of open tools and a global, open network to connect things. This
means the ADT1 is ready to use without any configuration changes.
Nevertheless the ADT1 can be easily reconfigured through the USB interface to other network servers like Actility,
Loriot etc.
2.2 Data Transmission / Technologie
LoRaWAN®: Long Range Wide Area Network, is a protocol developed by the LoRa Alliance.
The peculiarity of this new protocol is the efficiency; because LoRaWAN®has the minimal power consumption, long
range of communication (up to 15km in rural areas) and secure data transmission (with AES-128 encryption).
The range of communication is around 2km in dense urban area, up to 15km in the rural areas and is influenced by
the position of the ADT1 and of the gateway, if the gateway is mounted in an high place the cover will be major than
if is mounted in a low place.
LoRaWAN®is part of a bigger category of technologies named LPWAN, that stands for Low Power Wide Area Net-
work, this technology was born for the necessity of sending and receiving messages from sensor that operate on
battery, using the smallest amount of energy available to preserve the battery energy.
2.3 KOLIBRI Cloud
The KOLIBRI Cloud from KELLER offers simple and convenient access to your measurement data with your own personal
login and SSL encryption. You can enjoy readily available data without the need to set up and maintain a database. The
measurements can be displayed as graphs in no time at all and the export function allows you to download your data as
Excel or CSV files. Measuring points are effortlessly and efficiently monitored with the integrated alarm system. For
instance, a warning can be triggered via e-mail if there is an increase in water level or a battery is running low. The
KOLIBRI Cloud API allows customer-specific software to call up measurements in a standardised JSON format via HTTPS.

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3Hardware
3.1 ADT1 Tube
At just 43 mm in diameter, the cylindrical design of the ADT1 can simply be placed into the top of a two-inch-wide
sounding tube standard in the groundwater measuring industry. It can be installed in a matter of seconds. The housing
is designed to withstand condensation and temporary flooding. The sealed antenna can be covered by a lockable
protective cap.
3.2 ADT1 Box
The remote data transmission unit ADT1-Box is encased in a robust, water-tight, impact- and UV-resistant polycar-
bonate enclosure.
CAUTION:
Do not touch or remove the protective vent. Keep all sharp or jagged items away from the ePTFE membrane.

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3.3 How to open and to close the housing
To open the ADT1 Tube housing, push at the marked positions against the bottom of the housing/piston (see
illustration below). The ADT1 Box can be easily opened with a Screwdriver PZ1, unscrew the four screws and carfully
open the lid.
To close the unit, push with two fingers against the top of the housing/piston until it stops. Be sure that that the piston
is completely inserted. Keep dry before opening and closing. To close the ADT1 Box you just squeeze the screws to-
gether and make a quarter turn.
A bag containing silicate desiccant is used to protect the sensitive electronics from humidity. Put this bag into the box
or tube.
CAUTION:
Do not touch the electronic components and the ePTFE membrane
CAUTION:
Keep dry before opening and closing. To maintain the watertight seal, all O-Rings must be kept free of dirt and debris.
We recommend the use of silica-gel moisture absorbing packets which are reusable after drying out in an oven.
3.4 Replacing batteries
The cable twists allow the batteries to be easily removed from the holder (no tools required). Just turn the cable twist
upwards and pull on the two balls to take the batterie out (see illustration below). They can then be clipped back on to
the new batteries.
Insert 3 high-quality lithium AA batteries (Energizer Ultimate Lithium / L91) into the battery holders. Always replace all
three batteries simultaneously with identical and new ones. Makes sure you insert the batteries the right way as shown
in the picture. The device operates until the voltage drops to 3.5V
NOTE:
When the battery is changed, the time keeping function is working for about 4min, which has the advantage that the
time does not need to be readjusted.

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3.5 Connecting the antenna
Screw the stub antenna into the corresponding SMA plug located at the top of the ADT1 and tighten by hand only.
Make sure it is tight enough.
CAUTION:
Please only use the original accessories to prevent injuries and health risks. The Monopole antenna may have an ampli-
fication of maximum 1.04dBi in the relevant frequency range.
NOTE:
The antenna is provided with a seal. If you use other antennas or connectors, make sure that they are also equipped
with a seal.
3.6 Cable gland / level sensor connection
The cable gland is required to connect a level sensor. Feed the sensor cable through the cable gland and connect the
cable ends to the corresponding terminal strip. The ADT1 tube has a nut with the wrench width 15 to provide a counter
torque.
CAUTION:
After opening the ADT1 case, always make sure that the ADT1 case is still tight.
CAUTION:
The entire weight of the level sensor must be carried by the adapter socket. Make sure you tighten it well.
NOTE:
If a level sensor with a reference tube is used, the reference tube is simply inserted into the housing as shown in the
figure.

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3.7 Locking unit (Tube only)
The locking unit for the ADT1 Tube with antenna cover is available in size from 2 up to 6 inches. The sealed antenna can
be covered by a lockable protective cap made of robust plastic. This protects the data logger against theft and damage
by people or wild animals when level measurements are being taken in the open countryside.
3.8 Mounting Instructions
Prefer a mounting location which is protected against rain and direct sun radiation.
For best radio performance, install the device upwards with the cable towards ground. Ideally, in such a way that the
antenna faces roughly in the direction of the next gateway. Also, the higher above ground, the better. Avoid metallic
object close to the device.

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3.9 Connection Terminal for the Sensors
The ADT1 offers the possibility to connect a low cost I2C, or a more precise RS485 Sensor of KELLER. The pin assignment
of the ADT1 is shown as follow:
3.9.1 Connection for X-Line (RS485-Interface) “low voltage” type only
Connect the black wire to the +3.5V supply voltage and
the white wire to the GND pin.
The blue wire is the RS485A (Pin 5) and the yellow the
RS485B (Pin 6) with is the communication interface to the
sensor.
The RS485 Interface is with an a 10kΩ resistor terminat-
ed.
NOTE:
The communication address is 250, if only one
transmitter is connected. For configuration with up to 5
transmitters, the communication address is 1 …5.
However, the communication address must be assigned
in advance.
3.9.2 Connection for D-Line (I2C-Interface)
Connect the black wire to the +3.5V supply voltage and
the white wire to the GND pin.
The yellow wire must be connected to the clock pin (Pin
3) and the blue wire to the data pin (Pin 4). The red wire
(EOC) is not required.
CAUTION: The I2C is interface is very sensitive to external
interferences. Therefore, we recommend connecting the
CASE of the Sensor to the SHIELD pin of the ADT1.
NOTE:
The communication address is 0x40, if only one
transmitter is connected. For configuration with up to 5
transmitters, the communication address is 0x40, 0x41,
0x43, 0x47 and 0x4F. However, the communication
address must be assigned in advance

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4Operating Modes
The device has three operating modes:
Operating modes
LED1
LED2
Reset:
System (re-)start
Sleep Mode:
no measurements and data transmissions; no USB connected
5 sec
Active Mode:
no measurements and data transmissions; USB connected
1 sec
Active Mode:
During periodic measurements (read sensor)
and while data transmission
1 sec
1 sec
if transmission failed
1 or 5 sec
CAUTION: During USB connection the power consumption of the ADT1 is much higher. USB does not supply or charge
the ADT1
4.1 Measurement Cycle (Active Mode)
During the active mode, the device periodically reads the values of the connected KELLER sensor with sampling period
TSX = 30 minutes (default, configurable) and stores the data in the internal EEPROM (RECORD). Therefore, the ADT1
supplies the pressure transmitter and reads the user-selected channels, when the values have been read out the power
supply is switched off again. The device tries automatically to read the values on the I2C Interface, if that fails on the
RS485 Interface (maximum 3 attempts per Interface/sensor), so the user does not have to care about the connected
sensor. Beside these values it is also possible to read out the internal barometer with its pressure and temperature
value with will be saves also in the non-volatile memory. A periodically measurement triggers automatically a transmis-
sion.
After a random delay of 0 … 6 seconds, the ADT1 sends the measurements. If the device has not joined the LoRaWAN®
network yet, it will try to join until it succeeds (maximum 3 attempts per transmission). Afterwards, it will transmit the
data. In each transmission, two receive slots are opened (RX1 and RX2). During these time slots, the device is ready to
receive data from the network (downlink message).
For each measurement, internal values such as barometer, temperature, humidity, battery voltage and capacity are
also recorded and transmitted as required (see Info message)
NOTE: The lowest sampling period should not be lower than 10min, if you do so it can be, that some packets get lost,
due the airtime limitation of the LoRaWAN® technology (depends on the spreading factor (SF)).
4.2 Sleep Mode
The unit is in a sleep mode; only the real-time clock is active. In this mode the microprocessor wakes up every second
to adjust the time and check if there is an event to react (LED1 is flashing in a 5 second interval).
When the USB interface is connected, the device will automatically switch to active mode (LED flashes every second).
NOTE: The power consumption with connected USB interface is very high and discharge the batterie rapidly.

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4.3 Battery lifetime estimation
The value displayed in the “ADT1 Configuration” and the “KOLIBRI Cloud“ is the battery capacity calculated by the ADT1
as a percentage of remaining capacity. It is recommendable to change the battery if the value is less than 20%. Once
the battery has been changed the value is once again shown as 99%.
NOTE:
Please note that a battery change or disconnection of the battery always results in resetting the capacity indication to
99%! For this reason, the battery should be disconnected for battery replacement only.
The calculated lifetime in the table below indicates how long the battery can last in different conditions.
Device
measure- and sending interval
Spreading Factor
lifetime estimation
ADT1
10 min
SF12
> 1.7 year
ADT1
10 min
SF7
> 5 year
ADT1
60 min
SF12
> 7 year
ADT1
60 min
SF7
> 14 year
NOTE:
The calculated lifetime values in the table are merely calculations. External conditions (like temperature and storage
time) have an influence on the battery capacity and its lifetime.

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5RECORD Data Storage
The record data storage offers the advantage that the measuring data doesn’t get lost if the data transfer (connection
to the gateway) is temporarily out of function, the data can also be read out on site. All measured values are stored in
the ADT1’s EEPROM. The memory is organized as a circular memory. This means that always the latest data is available
whilst the oldest data is overwritten.
5.1 Storage Capacity
The table below shows you how much data can be stored in the ADT1 memory.
Storage interval
Number of channels
Number of measured values per channel
Recording time
10 min
4
24552
85 days
10 min
14
8184
28 days
1 h
4
24552
510 days
1 h
14
8184
170 days
5.2 Read the RECORD data by USB
Connect the ADT1 with the USB interface and start the "KOLIBRI Desktop" software. The device should be displayed
under “Generic Ports”.
The connection to ADT1 is now established automatically and all available RECORDs appear. Select the desired RECORD
and click on the button “Start reading selected record from device”.

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6Configuration
The user can configure a rich set of device parameters, such as measuring interval, LoRaWAN® band, data rate, ADR
Settings, power level and many more. The parameter will be stored permanently in the internal non-volatile memory.
The user can configure the device via two interfaces:
•Command line interface: via a Micro USB (Type B) cable connected to a computer
•Downlink command interface: over the air using LoRaWAN® downlink messages
For a full description of the command line interface and the downlink command interface, please find the specific
documents on www.keller-druck.ch.
6.1 Description „ADT1 Configuration“
6.1.1 Overview
Number
Description
Explanation / Function
1
Language Selector
Select the preferred language
2
Serial Communication Port
Select the appropriate port number
3
Read Configuration Button
Press button to read configuration from connected device
4
Write Configuration Button
Press button to write configuration to connected device
5
Open Configuration File
Press button to open an existing (previously saved) configuration file
6
Save Configuration
Press button to save all settings to a configuration file
7
Checkbox “Set ADT1 time to PC time at
write configuration”
Enable checkbox -> The ADT1 clock will automatically be synchronized with PC clock if you
press the “Write Configuration Button” -> see number 4
8
Date and Time Selector and Edit Field
You may manually set a date and time by selection or editing the fields
9
“Now” Button
Press button to set the ADT1 time field to PC time.
10
“Write” Button
Press button to write time and date to the device. Please notice the button may be disabled
according to the state of checkbox number #7
11
“Read“ Button
Press button to read time and date from the device

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6.1.2 Settings
Number
Description
Explanation / Function
1
Enabled Functions
Activates the indicated function
(i.e. “Measure” -> the radio module sends data messages according to the set interval)
2
Measuring Channels
Activates the desired channels to be measured and saved.
P1-P Baro Pressure difference between pressure gauge P1 in media and ambient
pressure measured by on board barometer
P1 Level sensor [pressure / bar]
P2 Second pressure sensor [pressure / bar]
(e.g. for AA devices as barometric sensor)
TTemp. of PT100/P1000 thermocouple [temperature / °C]
(availability depends on design of pressure transmitter)
TOB1 Temp. sensor of level sensor P1 [temperature / °C]
(temperature over bridge pressure gauge 1)
TOB2 Temp. sensor of pressure sensor 2 [temperature / °C]
P Baro Barometric pressure (ADT1) [pressure / bar]
T Baro Air temperature (ADT1)[temperature / °C]
P1 (X) Pressure (or Level) sensor with BUS Address (X)
3
Hardware Settings
Select connected sensor types.
Activate/Deactivate supply for the connected devices.
6.1.3 Measure
Number
Description
Explanation / Function
1
Next Measurement
Shows the date and time when the measurement and sending task takes place
2
Interval
Shows the measuring and sending interval

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6.1.4 Alarm
Number
Description
Explanation / Function
1
Next Action
Shows the date and time when the measurement task takes place and the alarm condition will
be checked
2
Interval
Enter the time interval of the measuring and checking of the alarm condition
3
Alarm-Channel
Defines the channel which must be monitored
4
Alarm-Type
ON/OFF hysteresis, value change(delta/time)
5
Send Alarm X times
Determines how often a message is sent, when the alarm condition is true (only with ON/OFF
alarm type)
6
Alarm ON value
Defines the alarm ON threshold
7
Alarm OFF value
Defines the alarm OFF threshold
8
Alarm value (change per interval)
The minimum value by which a parameter must have changed since the last alarm
measurement to trigger the alarm. The parameter must be specified as a positive value. This
value then applies both, to positive and negative changes by this amount.
6.1.4.1 Alarm type
The alarm condition is check and activated as soon as the set date and time is reached. After that the condition will be
checked in the desired interval.
6.1.4.1.1 ON / OFF
If Alarm ON value ≥ Alarm OFF value, then the alarm will be sent above a certain level
Alarm message is triggered if the measured value of the selected channel is greater
than the Alarm ON value. During this period the alarm will be send X times (Number
5), if the measured value is still greater than the Alarm OFF value (Hysteresis = Alarm
ON –Alarm OFF value).
If Alarm ON value < Alarm OFF value, then the alarm will be sent below a certain level
Alarm message is triggered if the measured value of the selected channel is less than
the Alarm ON value. During this period the alarm will be send X times (Number 5), if
the measured value is still lower than the Alarm OFF value (Hysteresis = Alarm OFF –
Alarm ON value).
NOTE: If the alarm condition is active and X alarm messages are sent no more alarm message will be sent. The alarm is
only re-armed when the Alarm OFF condition is fulfilled.
6.1.4.1.2 Delta
An alarm will be sent when the last measurement is a least that amount (Number 8) higher or lower than the actual
value.

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6.1.5 Info
Number
Description
Explanation / Function
1
Next Action
Shows the date and time when the next info message will be sent
2
Interval
Shows the info message interval
6.1.6 Location info and Water level configuration
Number
Description
Explanation / Function
1
Position
Assigns the coordinates (longitude, latitude, altitude) to a measuring location.
2
Enable Water Level Configuration
Enables the water level configuration. The graphical user interface will appear.
3
Water Level Configuration
These settings are required to calculate the water level (i.e. by the KOLIBRI Cloud).

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6.1.7 Error / Status & Debug
Number
Description
Explanation / Function
1
Modul Status
Shows the status of the LoRa radio device.
2
Battery Capacity / Voltage
The calculated battery capacity and the measured battery voltage will be shown
3
Send Info LoRa
By pressing this button, the info message (contains battery voltage, capacity, humidity etc.) is
transmitted via LoRaWAN.
4
Send Configuration LoRa
By pressing this button, all settings of the device are transmitted one after the other in
different individual messages via LoRaWAN.
Attention: due to the limitations of the transmission (frequency band usage regulations) the
transmission may take some time (minutes to hours).
5
Send Measure Data LoRa
A measurement is triggered and the measured values are transmitted via LoRaWAN. If
necessary, a JOIN is carried out before the measurement data transfer.
6
Measure
Pressing the “Measure” button triggers a measurement (without transmission). The measured
values are displayed below the button.
7
Earth Symbol
with a double click on the earth symbol the Debug window can be opened
8
Modem Action
Here is displayed which action the device is working on
9
LoRa Status
The current parameters of the LoRa radio module are displayed here
10
Modul State
In this tab the current status of the LoRa radio module can be seen. Possible errors during
transmission are displayed.
11
Actual Values
Pressing the “Measure” button triggers a measurement (without transmission). The measured
values are displayed below the button.
12
Scan and Debug
when you do the cross on scan and debug, the communication between the Lora module and
the microcontroller is recorded. This is very us full for debugging purposes only.
13
Status and Debug information
The log of the Scan and Debug will be displayed

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6.1.8 LoRaWAN Settings
The parameters required for transmission can be changed in the LoRa settings.
Number
Description
Explanation / Function
1
Activation Method
LoRaWAN offers two methods of device activation: OTAA (Over The Air) and ABP (Activation
by Personalization). OTAA is the preferred method to join any LoRaWAN network. Depending
on the activation method selected, the input fields are activated.
2
Device EUI
64-bit end-device identifier, EUI-64 (unique). The devices EUI (Unique Device Identification)
cannot be changed. The EUI is registered at the network server.
3
Application EUI
64-bit application identifier, EUI-64 (unique)
4
App Key
64-bit device address
The application key is only known by the device and by the application. Dynamically activated
devices (OTAA) use the Application Key to derive the two session keys during the activation
procedure
5
Device Address
32-bit device address (non-unique)
The Network Server assigns device addresses to devices (based on configuration). For ABP
devices you have to request an address from the Network Server. For OTAA devices, the
Network Server will assign an address when the device joins.
6
Network Session Key
These two session keys are unique per device, per session. If you dynamically activate your
device (OTAA), these keys are re-generated on every activation. If you statically activate your
device (ABP), these keys stay the same until you change them.
7
App Session Key
8
Uplink Mode
The data can be sent with confirmation (confirmed) or without confirmation (unconfirmed) of
the network server. Recommended setting: unconfirmed
9
Transmit mode
If ADR= ON (recommended) is selected, the transmission power (SF) of the device is adapted
to the ambient conditions by the network server. An optimal ratio between range and power
is set. If ADR=OFF, the automatic power adjustment is deactivated, and the device transmits
with the power set in the “Data Rate” field.
10
Data Rate
Here the transmission power can be set, whereby the setting 0 SF12/125kHz achieves the
highest power and consequently the highest range (and the highest energy consumption).
With the setting 5 SF7/125kHz the smallest range is reached with the lowest energy
consumption.
11
Power Index
With the Power Index setting the transmission power can be adjusted to the antenna. If an
antenna with amplification is used, the transmission power can be reduced so that the
transmission power corresponds to the permissible standard. Standard setting /
Recommended setting = 1 14dbm.
12
Radio Band
Select the radio band according the specified country regulation (Default: EU 868 MHz)
NOTE: Changes to the configuration are only transferred to the device if the Write Configuration button is pressed.
The device will measure at the set time/interval and transfer the measured values. Before the first transfer of the
measured values or if required, the device will perform a JOIN, in which the device registers with the network server
and exchanges the keys.

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6.1.8.1 Activation
LoRaWAN devices have a 64-bit unique identifier “Device EUI” that is assigned to the device by the chip manufacturer.
However, all communication is done with a dynamic 32-bit device address “Device Address” a procedure called Activa-
tion.
6.1.8.1.1 Over-the-Air Activation (OTAA / default)
Over-the-Air Activation (OTAA) is the preferred and most secure way to connect with the LoRa network. Devices per-
form a join-procedure with the network, during which a dynamic Device Address is assigned, and security keys are
negotiated with the device.
6.1.8.1.2 Activation by Personalization (ABP)
In some cases, you might need to hardcode the Device as well as the security keys in the device. This means activating a
device by personalization (ABP). This strategy might seem simpler, because you skip the join procedure, but it has some
downsides related to security.
6.1.8.2 LoRaWAN Security
When a device joins the network (this is called a join or activation), an application session key and a network session
key are generated. The network session key is shared with the network, while the application session key is kept pri-
vate. These session keys will be used for the duration of the session.
The Network Session Key is used for interaction between the Node and the Network Server. This key is used to validate
the integrity of each message by its Message Integrity Code (MIC check). This MIC is similar to a checksum, except that
it prevents intentional tampering with a message. For this, LoRaWAN uses AES-CMAC. In the backend of The Things
Network this validation is also used to map a non-unique device address to a unique Device EUI and Application EUI.
The Application Session Key is used for encryption and decryption of the payload. The payload is fully encrypted be-
tween the Node and the Handler/Application Server component of The Things Network (which you will be able to run
on your own server). This means that nobody except you is able to read the contents of messages you send or receive.
These two session keys (network and application session keys) are unique per device, per session. If you dynamically
activate your device (OTAA), these keys are re-generated on every activation. If you statically activate your device
(ABP), these keys stay the same until you change them.
The Application key is only known by the device and by the application. Dynamically activated devices (OTAA) use the
Application Key to derive the two session keys during the activation procedure.
6.1.8.3 Data Rate
There are some knobs you can turn: transmission power and spreading factor. If you lower the transmission power,
you’ll save battery, but the range of the signal will obviously be shorter. The other knob is the data rate. This deter-
mines how fast bytes are transmitted. If you increase the data rate you can transmit those bytes in a shorter time. For
those, the calculation is approximately as follows: Making the spreading factor 1 step lower (from SF10 to SF9) allows
you to send 2x more bytes in the same time. Lowering the spreading factor makes it more difficult for the gateway to
receive a transmission, as it will be more sensitive to noise.
6.1.8.4 LoRaWAN Adaptive Data Rate
Adaptive Data Rate (ADR) is a mechanism for optimizing data rates, airtime and energy consumption in the network.
ADR should be enabled for static devices, like the ADT1.
To determine the optimal data rate, the network needs some measurements (uplink messages). The network calculate
the so-called “margin”, which is used to determine how much the network can increase the data rate or lower the
transmit power, which means more airtime- and energy efficient. The network could even lower the transmit power to
save more energy and cause less interference.