Phytech 300 User manual

New Generation 300 sensor
User Manual
Version 1.01

1. General description
The Phytech 300 plant sensor is part of an advanced AG IoT platform for
optimized Irrigation management. It is an upgraded version of the
previous, 102 plant sensor and performs as part of Phytech’s New
Generation. The Phytech plant sensor (300 sensor) measures and
transmits data to the hub. The hub organizes the data and then sends it
to a Phytech datalogger. Finally, the data is sent to the Phytech cloud for
analysis and processing. The outcome is a simple color scheme that aids
the grower to decide online when and how much to irrigate.
2. Installation and operation
2.1 Hub Installation
2.1.1 Up to 20 hubs can connect to a single logger.
2.1.2 The maximum distance between the hub and the logger is 300
meters.
2.1.3 After the logger is set up, set the hub near the middle tree of the
project in between the trees in the row.
2.1.4 Mound the hub on a tree or in soil (Figure B).
2.1.5 Turn the hub switch ON to activate.

2.2 Sensor installation
Up to 40 type 300 sensors can connect to a single Hub. The
maximum distance between the sensors and the Hub is 80
m.Sensor must be installed after the hub was successfully installed
and while in sensor acquiring mode.
The 300 sensor is a versatile sensor that can be installed as a
dendrometer or a fruit sensor.
For a dendrometer - a “triangle” and attaching screw (with
butterfly screw) need to be attached to the sensor.
For a fruit sensor - plastic “hooks” or “claws” need to be attached
to the sensor.

2.2.1 Dendrometer (Figure C1)
2.3.1.1 Choose a smooth area above of the grafting on the scion of
the tree, preferably before any branching of the trunk. If there is
no space before branching, choose the main tree branch. The
chosen area should preferably have a clear line of sight to the
Hub.
2.3.1.2 On some tree species scraping off the bark is needed with a
knife - a flat surface is ideal.
2.3.1.3 Use a drill to drill a 2 mm x 20 mm deep hole at a 90
degree angle into the tree trunk.
2.3.1.4 Screw the attaching screw through the dendrometer
designated hole. Note that the butterfly screw is completely free.
2.3.1.5 Screw the attaching screw to the new hole in the tree until
the thread is completely embedded and the screw feels secure.
2.3.1.6 Push the calibration spacer device to set the right distance
between the dendrometer piston tip and the tree trunk. Once the
tip has been pushed the sensor LED will stark blinking, searching
for a Hub.
2.3.1.7 Wait for the blinking to stop and the LED to become
steady, an indication that the sensor has connected to the Hub.
2.3.1.8 Tighten the butterfly screw into place.
2.3.1.9 Push the calibration device back and take your hands off
the sensor.

2.3.1.10 In case the light turns off while in the blinking stage
(meaning the sensor could not connect to the Hub) open the
butterfly screw to completely release the dendrometer from the
tree and redo steps ‘6’ to ‘10’.
2.3.1.11 If the dendrometer still doesn’t connect - replace the
dendrometer.
2.3.1.12 Repeat for all dendrometers in the project.
2.3.1.13 Sensors that their butterfly screw open, meaning the
piston isn’t closed at all should send “I am dead message”.
2.2.2 Dendrometer recalibration
2.3.2.1 Release the butterfly screw and distance the dendrometer
from the tree until the piston is free.
2.3.2.2 Push the dendrometer calibration spacer towards the tree
until the spacer reaches the trunk.
2.3.2.3 Tighten the screw into place.
2.3.2.3 Take your hands off the sensor.
2.2.3 Fruit sensor (Figure C2)
2.3.3.1 Select 3 fruits on the chosen tree that look healthy at a
regular size and are reachable by hand.

2.3.3.1.1 The selected fruits should be representative of all fruits
on the tree/plot.
2.3.3.1.2 Try to avoid choosing fruits that are exposed to the sun
or located in a very high/low position.
2.3.3.2 For installing the sensor, open the sensor's “hooks” or
“claws” and place them on the desired fruit.
2.3.3.2 The LED on the sensor will immediately start blinking
when opening the fruit sensor.
2.3.3.2 Make sure the sensor LED becomes stable, meaning the
installation is successful.
2.3.3.2 After installing, shake the branches gently and make sure
the sensor is staying in its place.
2.3.3.2 Come and visit the fruit installation 1-2 weeks after
installing to make sure the fruits you chose are indeed
representative to the plot (replace them if needed).
2.3.3.2 Sensors that fall on soil should send “I am dead message”.

3. Received data
The data received from the sensors reaches the server where it is
analyzed. The analyzed data provides users plant status and irrigation
recommendations via web and mobile apps (Figure D).
D

4. Product features
4.2 Hub
●40 sensors per hub.
●Easy installation.
4.3 300 Sensor
●Easy mount.
●High resolution trunk/fruit measurements.
●Event triggered radio transmission.
5. Interfaces
5.2 Hub
●ON/OFF switch.
●1 indication LED.
5.3 300 Sensor
●Indication LED.
6. Radio
●UHF 433.9 MHz.
●FM modulation.
●2.4 kbps.
●Custom antenna
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference.
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
This device complies with FCC Rules Part 15 and with Industry Canada licence- exempt RSS
standard(s). Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful

interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference that may be received or that
may cause undesired operation.
Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance (Phytech Ltd.) could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Professional installation is required due to the intended application of the system is
exclusively for the commercial/industry use.
WARNING:
It is the responsibility of the installer to ensure that when using the outdoor antenna kits in
the United States (or where FCC rules apply), only those antennas certified with the product
are used. The use of any antenna other than those certified with the product is expressly
forbidden in accordance with FCC rules CFR47 part 15.204."
7. Electrical
7.1 Hub
●input voltage: 2.7-3.2 Volts (2X type C alkaline battery).
7.2 300 Sensor
●input voltage: 2.7-3.2 Volts (2X AAA alkaline battery).