Seeed SENSECAP User manual
User Guide (Tech Document)
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents ......................................................................................................................................... 2
1Product Introduction.............................................................................................................................. 4
2Quick Start ............................................................................................................................................8
3Device Installation.................................................................................................................................9
Part List .................................................................................................................................... 10
3.1.1 Gateway Part List..........................................................................................................10
3.1.2 Sensor Node Part List....................................................................................................11
3.1.3 Other Accessories & Tool List ........................................................................................11
Gateway Installation................................................................................................................. 12
3.2.1 Gateway Installation Methods.......................................................................................12
3.2.2 Installation Environment Considerations ......................................................................13
3.2.3 Install SIM Card.............................................................................................................14
3.2.4 Connecting to Ethernet Cable.......................................................................................15
3.2.5 Installing 4G Antenna....................................................................................................15
3.2.6 Installing LoRa Antenna ................................................................................................ 16
3.2.7 Installing Ground Cable ................................................................................................17
3.2.8 Connecting to Power Cable ..........................................................................................18
Installing Sensor Node.............................................................................................................19
3.3.1 Power On ...................................................................................................................... 19
3.3.2 Installing the Sensor Node Bracket ..............................................................................20
3.3.3 Installing Sensor Nodes ................................................................................................ 21
3.3.4 Dos and Don’ts in Installing Sensor Probes .................................................................22
4Network Configuration ........................................................................................................................24
Gateway Network Configuration .............................................................................................. 25
4.1.1 Connecting to Ethernet .................................................................................................25
4.1.2 Connecting to 4G ..........................................................................................................26
Device Status Check, Dos & Don’ts ........................................................................................ 27
4.2.1 Checking Gateway Connection Status .........................................................................27
4.2.2 Sensor Node Working Status........................................................................................ 27
4.2.3 Booting and Rebooting Sensor Nodes ......................................................................... 28
4.2.4 Checking Sensor Node Data Connection to the Cloud ................................................28
5SenseCAP Portal ................................................................................................................................30
Explanation of Terms and Tags................................................................................................31
Account and Login ................................................................................................................... 32
Dashboard................................................................................................................................ 34
5.3.1 Configure Scene ........................................................................................................... 34
5.3.2 Configure Charts ........................................................................................................... 35
Device Management ................................................................................................................37
5.4.1 Gateway ........................................................................................................................37
5.4.2 Node Group Management ............................................................................................ 37
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5.4.3 Sensor Node Management ........................................................................................... 38
Data Management....................................................................................................................40
Security ....................................................................................................................................42
5.6.1 Check Account Info .......................................................................................................42
5.6.2 Access Key Management ............................................................................................. 42
6SenseCAP App Instructions................................................................................................................43
Download SenseCAP App .......................................................................................................44
Bind Devices ............................................................................................................................ 45
6.2.1 Group Management ...................................................................................................... 46
6.2.2 Check Groups ............................................................................................................... 46
6.2.3 Create New Groups ......................................................................................................46
Device Management ................................................................................................................48
6.3.1 Check Device ................................................................................................................ 48
6.3.2 Device Details ............................................................................................................... 48
User Profile ..............................................................................................................................50
6.4.1 Check Current Account .................................................................................................50
6.4.2 Settings .........................................................................................................................50
6.4.3 Sign Out ........................................................................................................................50
7API Instruction.....................................................................................................................................51
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1 Product Introduction
SenseCAP is an industrial wireless sensor network that integrates easy-to-deploy hardware and data API
services, enabling low-power, long-distance environmental data collection. SenseCAP includes several
versions, such as LoRaWAN, NB-IoT, etc.
SenseCAP LoRaWAN version products include LoRaWAN Gateways and Sensor Nodes. Based on the
LoRaWAN protocol, it can realize one-to-many, long-distance networking and bilateral communication.
The LoRaWAN Gateway supports Ethernet and 4G. The Sensor Node is powered by a high-capacity
battery that lasts up to 3 years (if uploading data once every hour). It also supports hot-swap, making it
easy for maintenance and upgrading.
SenseCAP provides an easy-to-use cloud platform. Users can scan the QR code with the SenseCAP App
to bind the device with its respective account to manage the devices, and check Sensor Node data on the
SenseCAP Portal. SenseCAP Portal provides API for users to further develop based on the data on the
Portal.
Main Features:
⚫Gateway: High-performance Cortex A8 1GHz processor
⚫Sensors support LoRaWAN protocol, ultra-low-power consumption, battery lasts for 3 years (if upload
data once every hour)
⚫Gateway uses multiple methods to connect to the network: 4G and Ethernet to support different
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scenarios
⚫Super long-distance communication: 10km in line-of-sight scenario, 2km in urban scenario
⚫Easy-to-use cloud platform and API
⚫Industrial protection rating IP66-rated enclosure, suitable for outdoor environment at -40℃~70℃
⚫Easy-to-deploy, enabling people without engineering background to install the devices quickly
⚫Modular design for the Sensor Nodes, including a Sensor Node Controller and a Sensor Probe, with
a specially-designed bracket for easy installation on poles or walls.
LoRaWAN Gateway:
At the bottom of the gateway are Ethernet port and power connector, all of which meet the waterproof
requirements. LED indicator light indicates the networking status. The top of the gateway is the connector
for installing 4G/LoRa antenna, and the other connectors are reserved.
LoRaWAN Sensor Node:
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Snap to open the device and you will see two parts. The Sensor Node Controller’s circuit shows a power
switch, a RESET button, and an indicator LED as well as a mode button and serial ports, which will be
used for firmware upgrading. The two parts connect and communicate via two spring connectors.
Each Sensor Node comes with a bracket for easy installation on a pole or wall.
SenseCAP Portal：
SenseCAP Portal provides multiple services, including web-based management portal and API for calling
data. Users can further develop system integration with the API, without worrying about embedded
hardware technologies, hence shorten the development cycle.
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2 Quick Start
The main steps are listed for quick use. Please refer to the following section for more details.
1. Check list.
Unpack the package, check the list of devices, and check whether there are any omissions.
2. Assemble the gateway.
1) Install LoRa and 4G antennas.
2) Connect to Internet (use Ethernet or install 4G card).
3) Connect the power supply.
3. Power on the gateway.
1) The LED indicator light will turn off after 2 seconds and the gateway will start normally.
2) Wait for about 1 minute, LED indicator light starts flashing, indicating that the device is trying to
connect to the Internet.
3) The LED indicator light is always on, indicating that the gateway is connected to Internet
successfully.
4. Creating Groups and binding devices.
1) Register SenseCAP Portal accounts and create Node Groups: station-1, station-2, station-3…
2) Bind the Gateway and Sensor Node by scanning QR code or manually entering EUI through
SenseCAP App, and bind the nodes to specific Node Groups.
3) Switch ON the Sensor Node, turn on the sensor probe, turn on the power switch to the "ON", and
the LED light will flicker once, indicating that power on successfully. Wait for about 10s, and the
LED light flashes quickly for 2s, indicating that the device is connected to the network successfully.
4) Repeat steps 2) ~ 3) put all sensors into the network.
5) Check the data on the SenseCAP Portal, confirm that all sensors are online and upload the data
normally.
5. Install devices.
1) Determine the actual installation location of devices.
2) Install poles, brackets and other accessories.
3) Install the gateway and sensor to the corresponding monitoring station.
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3 Device Installation
In this chapter, we will introduce the gateway and sensor nodes, their respective installation processes, as
well as the dos and don’ts. Before installing, please check the part list to ensure nothing is missing.
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Part List
3.1.1 Gateway Part List
The LoRa Gateway comes with a standard antenna. If you need ultra-long-distance communication, you
will need to purchase a high-gain fiberglass antenna.
Item
Name
Quantity
1
LoRa Gateway
1
2
LoRa Antenna
1
3
4G Antenna
1
4
Power Adapter
1
5
Power Extension Cable (5M)
1
6
Zip Ties
2
7
Mounts
4
8
M5 Self-drilling Screw
8
9
Allen Hex Key
1
10
Antenna Lightning Protector (*Optional)
1
11
LoRa Fiberglass Omni Antenna (*Optional)
1
12
LoRa Antenna Brackets (*Optional)
1
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3.1.2 Sensor Node Part List
The accessories for different sensors may vary. The common parts are as follows:
Item
Name
Quantity
1
Sensor
1
2
Bracket
1
3
M4 Self-drilling Screw
4
4
M3 Self-drilling Screw
2
3.1.3 Other Accessories & Tool List
For installing in different scenarios, you might need to purchase extra accessories or tools.
Item
Name
Quantity
1
GND Copper Wire (2.5mm2)
2
2
Pliers
1
3
M4x12 Grounding Screw
1
4
Waterproof Self-adhesive Tape (to protect antenna connection part)
1
5
M6 Self-drilling Screw (to install the gateway on the wall)
4
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Gateway Installation
3.2.1 Gateway Installation Methods
⚫Installing on a pole (recommended)
Firstly, use M5 self-drilling screws (included in the package) to fasten the 4 brackets onto the gateway. And
then use cable ties to fasten the gateway onto the pole. Recommended pole diameter is 70mm.
Put cable ties through the holes of the bracket and pull to fasten onto the pole. To get better
communication range, it is recommended to mount the gateway 3 meters above the ground. If there are
tall buildings around, the gateway should be kept away from the building or mounted on top of the tall
building.
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Note: If the pole is made of metal, the antenna should be pulled higher than the metallic part of the
pole, or the communication signal will be interfered.
⚫Installing on the Wall
Firstly, use M5 self-drilling screws (included) to fasten the 4 brackets onto the enclosure of the gateway
(refer to the image below for directions). And then fasten the gateway onto the wall with screws.
Note: The screws (that fasten gateway onto the wall) are not included in the package. Please prepare
screws according to the wall materials (recommended screw diameter: 6mm).
3.2.2 Installation Precautions
1) In mountainous or thunderstorm-stricken areas, please take lightening protection measures. For
fiberglass LoRa antenna, you will need to install a lightening arrester and make sure it is connected
to the ground. In addition, the gateway should be mounted lower than the lightening rod.
2) When installing the gateway in outdoor environment, the connected part should be protected with
waterproof tape, to enhance waterproof performance and lengthen device lifespan. As shown below,
use self-adhesive tape to protect the connection. Take a rubber tape at the length of 10cm ~ 15cm,
pull it to twice of that length
wind the tape clockwise to the connected part of the antenna.
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If the sensor has wires, install threaded tubes:
3.2.3 Install SIM Card
⚫Use the hex key (included in the package) to unscrew the 6 screws and open the lid.
Note: The tape must be wound clockwise, because the antenna is fastened clockwise. Otherwise, the
antenna may loosen.
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⚫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.
3.2.4 Connecting to Ethernet Cable
Unscrew to open the protection cap, plug the Ethernet cable through the cap and then into the Ethernet
port. Screw to fasten this part.
3.2.5 Installing 4G Antenna
Unscrew to remove the copper cap on the 4G antenna port, and screw clockwise to install the 4G antenna
onto the gateway.
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Note: When installing the antenna, do not connect the power supply, otherwise it will cause damage to
the antenna circuit!
3.2.6 Installing LoRa Antenna
There are two kinds of LoRa antennas: the normal LoRa antenna (included in the package), and the
fiberglass LoRa antenna (to be purchased separately). The installation method for normal LoRa antenna
is the same as that of 4G antenna. Here we will introduce how to install the fiberglass LoRa antenna.
1) Unscrew to remove the copper cap on the LoRa antenna port, and fasten the lightening arrester onto
the antenna port.
2) As shown in the image below, please fasten the fiberglass antenna onto the base part, and then fasten
the whole part onto the vertical cylinder (maximum cylinder diameter: 50mm).
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3) Use a 1-meter antenna feed line to connect the lightening arrester with the fiberglass antenna.
3.2.7 Installing Ground Cable
Here we will connect the lightening arrester to the GND screw port on the gateway with a ground cable,
and then connect the whole device to the ground. The image below shows the location of the GND port at
the backside of the gateway.
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1) Prepare two copper cables, a shorter one (approx. 30cm) for connecting the lightening arrester with
the GND screw port (on the gateway), and a longer one for connecting the device to the ground.
2) Fasten the lightening arrester to the short copper cable with screws, and then connect the two copper
cables to the GND screw port. Use screw to connect and fasten them.
3) Once the two cables are connected, connect the other end of the long cable to the ground. Depending
on your actual installation environment, you can connect it to the ground directly or connect it to the
copper ground bars.
3.2.8 Connecting to Power Cable
Unscrew to take off the power cap, plug in the extension cord and screw to fasten it onto the gateway. The
other end of the extension cord is connected to the power adapter.
Gateway's ground
screw port
1
2
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Installing Sensor Node
3.3.1 Power On
The power switch is hidden inside the device. Open the device and turn on the power before installing the
sensors. Here is the step-by-step instruction:
1) Loosen the Sensor Probe by turning the cap counterclockwise. Use the white cap opener to make this
process easier. The image below uses TH Sensor as an example and applies to all other SenseCAP
sensors.
2) After opening the device, turn the switch to “ON”, and the LED on the lower right corner will flash,
indicating that the power is on. Wait for about 10 seconds, then the LED will flash quickly for 2 seconds,
indicating that the device is connected to the network.
3) After the device is connected to the network, connect the Sensor Probe back with the Sensor Node
Controller by turning it clockwise. Please note that the labels on both parts should be aligned as show
in the image below, otherwise the two parts will not be attached to function properly and data will not
be uploaded.
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3.3.2 Installing the Sensor Node Bracket
Specially designed for installing SenseCAP Sensor Nodes, the bracket consist of a bracket and a sliding
cap. With designated screw-holes, the bracket helps fasten the Sensor Node firmly onto a pole or a wall.
1) To install on a pole, you can use zip ties to fasten the bracket (recommended pole dimension is 50-
70mm in diameter). Please refer to the following image for bracket directions.
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