Seeed SENSECAP User manual

User Manual
© 2008-2021 Seeed Technology Co., Ltd. All rights reserved. solution.seeedstudio.com
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Sensor Hub - 4G Data Logger
User Manual
Version: V3.0

User Manual
© 2008-2021 Seeed Technology Co., Ltd. All rights reserved. solution.seeedstudio.com
Page 2 of 45
Table of Contents
1. Product Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 4
2. Quick Deployment Guide..................................................................................................................................... 6
Connect Sensor Hub to SenseCAP Cloud Platform .................................................................................. 6
Connect Sensor Hub to 3rd-party Sensors and Servers........................................................................... 7
3. Assemble the Device............................................................................................................................................ 8
Device Packing List (Sensor Hub)............................................................................................................. 8
Device Interface Introduction.................................................................................................................. 9
Install the SIM card .................................................................................................................................. 9
Install the Antenna................................................................................................................................. 10
Connect the Sensors.............................................................................................................................. 10
Configure APN........................................................................................................................................ 11
Connect the Power Cord........................................................................................................................ 11
4. Configure the Device to Connect to SenseCAP Cloud Platform......................................................................... 12
Bind the Device...................................................................................................................................... 12
4.1.1 Create an account...................................................................................................................... 12
4.1.2 Download the App..................................................................................................................... 12
Bind Devices and Sensors to your Account................................................................................................ 12
Prepare Tool........................................................................................................................................... 13
4.2.1 Sensor Hub Configuration Tool .................................................................................................. 13
4.2.2 USB-to-TTL Cable and Driver Installation................................................................................... 14
Configuration Tool Introduction............................................................................................................. 15
Universal Settings .................................................................................................................................. 16
4.4.1 Device EUI and Data Upload Interval Modifications.................................................................. 17
4.4.2 MQTT Server Configuration ....................................................................................................... 18
4.4.3 GPS configuration ...................................................................................................................... 20
4.4.4 APN Configuration ..................................................................................................................... 21
4.4.5 Read and Write button and Clear Data...................................................................................... 21
Power on the Device.............................................................................................................................. 21
View Data and Device Status on SenseCAP Cloud Platform .................................................................. 22
Instructions for SenseCAP Cloud Platform............................................................................................. 22
API Instructions...................................................................................................................................... 23
5. Add a Custom Sensor......................................................................................................................................... 24
Sensor Categorization............................................................................................................................ 25
5.1.1 Custom Sensors.......................................................................................................................... 25
5.1.2 Built-in-Support Sensors ............................................................................................................ 25
Add a Custom Sensor (Example: Soil Temperature & Moisture Sensor)................................................ 26
5.2.1 Preparation ................................................................................................................................ 26
5.2.2 Configure Sensors’ Basic Information........................................................................................ 26
5.2.3 Configure Measurement Value.................................................................................................. 28
5.2.4 Sensor Test................................................................................................................................. 31
5.2.5 Check & Confirm Data’s Upload to the Server........................................................................... 31
Add Custom Measurement Types and Sensor Type IDs to the SenseCAP Cloud Platform.................... 34

User Manual
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5.3.1 Add a Measurement Type.......................................................................................................... 34
5.3.2 Add Sensor Type ........................................................................................................................ 35
6. Troubleshooting and Log Analysis ..................................................................................................................... 37
Common Abnormality Debugging ......................................................................................................... 37
6.1.1 Abnormal Channel Status .......................................................................................................... 37
6.1.2 Error: No sensor found. Is the sensor connected ...................................................................... 37
6.1.3 Error: [ERROR] rs485 err code: XX XX ........................................................................................ 37
Log Analysis............................................................................................................................................ 38
7. Do’s & Don’ts..................................................................................................................................................... 42
Low Temperature Environment Precautions (MUST-READ for Built-in Battery Version)....................... 42
Aviation Connector Port Number (Wire Sequence)............................................................................... 42
Installation Guide – Sensor Hub Data Logger ........................................................................................ 43
Installation Guide - Solar Panels ............................................................................................................ 45

User Manual
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1. Product Introduction
SenseCAP is an industrial-grade sensing network system that enables low-power environmental data
acquisition. The system consists of reliable and easy-to-use hardware products, software and cloud services.
SenseCAP currently includes a product family of Sensor Hub 4G Data Logger & Sensors; and SenseCAP LoRaWAN
Gateways & Sensors, etc.
The Sensor Hub series consists of Sensor Hub Data Logger and Sensors. The system uses Modbus-RTU RS485
protocol for communication and can be connected directly to the RS485 sensors that Seeed provides. The Sensor
Hub can also be configured to access collect data from third party sensors that use the standard Modbus-RTU RS485
protocol. It has a maximal support for 32 sensors. The device uploads the collected data via 4G/3G/2G to user’s
private MQTT server or to SenseCAP cloud. There are two types of power supply: wall power and solar power. With
a built-in high-capacity rechargeable lithium battery, Sensor Hub can work for up to 2 weeks in rainy days or during
power outage. When communication signals are weak or disconnect, the data can be cached locally, greatly
reducing the risk of data loss. The equipment is waterproof and resistant to UV and rain, anti-aging, and can be
deployed in harsh outdoor environments.
SenseCAP also provides an easy-to-use cloud platform and services. Users can scan QR codes on the devices
with mobile apps, bind devices to corresponding accounts, and manage devices and view data on the web portal
conveniently. The platform also provides API services that allow users to obtain data from cloud platforms and
quickly integrate it for their own applications.

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Key Features:
⚫Support collection of various environmental data simultaneously (up to 32 sensors with four RS485 interfaces
and splitters)
⚫Support using with standard Modbus-RTU RS485 sensors
⚫Strong compatibility, supporting both 5V and 12V to power the sensors
⚫The device supports offline data caching at least 10000 measurements. When the communication signal is poor
or disconnected, the data is cached locally until the communication resumes and then uploads the cached data
to the server
⚫Support GPS function to real-time fixed-point monitoring
⚫Two types of power supply available: DC wall power, solar power
⚫Ultra-low power consumption: with the built-in 6Ah lithium battery, when the solar power is insufficient or
power outage, the equipment can work for more than two weeks (when measuring 7 parameters)
⚫Easy to install and deploy, without requirements of engineering background
⚫Easy to maintain, supporting OTA for remote updates
⚫Industrial-grade Environmental Tolerance: working temperature supporting -20℃ ~ +60℃
⚫IP66 rated, resistant to UV and rain erosion, suitable for outdoor applications
System Architecture:

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2. Quick Deployment Guide
For quick deployment, here we are listing the main steps. Please refer to the following chapters for more details.
Connect Sensor Hub to SenseCAP Cloud Platform
1. Unpack, refer to the packing list and check whether there are missing parts.
2. Bind the device using the SenseCAP APP by scan the QR code on Sensor Hub.
3. Install the SIM card: Use the Allen Hex Key to open the cover of the device and insert the SIM card.
4. Install the antenna.
5. Connect the USB Serial Tool via port B6. Download SenseCAP Sensor Hub Configuration Tool.
6. Set the APN with SenseCAP Sensor Hub Configuration Tool.
7. Install the sensor (channel port 1 to 4).
8. Connect the power supply and plug in to the power port (B6).
9. Turn on the switch(B5): LED on represents normal start. The device initialization takes about 5 minutes.
10. View device status and sensor data on SenseCAP cloud platform.
11. Deploy the device.
1) Check and confirm the location for installing the device.
2) Install poles, brackets, and sensors, etc.

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Connect Sensor Hub to 3rd-party Sensors and Servers
1. Unpack, refer to the packing list and check whether there are missing parts.
2. Install the SIM card: Use the Allen Hex Key to open the cover of the device and insert the SIM card.
3. Install the antenna.
4. Download Sensor Hub Configuration Tool, connect the device (via port B6) to computer with a USB-to-TTL cable.
5. Install the driver, access the above-download tool, and power on the device by pressing the switch (B5). Then
configure the followings in the software:
1) Sensor information.
2) APN information.
6. Turn off the switch (B5) for 10 seconds and start it again.
7. Check the sensor data on the server.
8. Deploy the device.
1) Check and confirm the location for installing the device.
2) Install poles, brackets, and sensors, etc.

User Manual
© 2008-2021 Seeed Technology Co., Ltd. All rights reserved. solution.seeedstudio.com
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3. Assemble the Device
This chapter mainly describes the basic assembly process. Before installing the device, please check the packing list
and make sure there are no missing parts.
Device Packing List (Sensor Hub).
Number
Parts
Number
1
Sensor Hub
1
2
Antenna
1
3
Power Adapter
1
4
USB Serial Tool
1
5
Allen Hex Key and M5 Self-drilling Screw
1 / 8
6
Mounts
4
7
Ferrules
2
8
Aluminum Mounts
2

User Manual
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Device Interface Introduction
A4: Antenna connector.
1 to 4: RS-485 channel ports for sensor (Channel Number: 1, 2, 3, 4 from left to right, up to down).
B5: Power switch and status indicator.
B6: two functions in one: (1) power supply port, (2) serial port.
Install the SIM card
⚫Remove the six screws from the top cover with the Allen Hex Key (included in the package) and open the lid.
⚫Swipe downward to open the SIM card socket, insert the Micro SIM card and swipe upward to lock the SIM
card socket. Make sure it is installed correctly and close the lid with the screws.

User Manual
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Note: When installing the cover screws, be sure to lock the screws tight, or it may affect the water resistance of
the device!
Install the Antenna
Remove the plastic cap from the antenna connector and screw the antenna clockwise.
Note: Do NOT connect the power supply when installing the antenna, as this may cause damage to the antenna
circuit!
Connect the Sensors
Unscrew the protective cover of the connector and plug the sensor into the RS-485 connector.
Note:
1. It is recommended that you connect the sensors before connecting to the power supply. Or it the device
might not recognize the sensors and requires a restart.
2. When using a splitter, each RS-485 interface cannot connect to sensors with the same Modbus address.
3. Each interface must be connected to sensors of the same voltage. For example, you can connect four 5V
sensors to B1 port, while connecting four 12V sensors to B2 port, but do NOT connect both 5V and 12V
sensors to the same port.