Spectrum Technologies WatchDog Retriever User manual

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“To Measure Is To Know”“To Measure Is To Know”
[e-mail] www.specmeters.com 800 - 248 - 8873
WatchDog® Retriever & Pup Wireless Network
Product Manual
Retriever Pup

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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a WatchDog Retriever & Pups Wireless Sensor Network. The WatchDog Retriever & Pups
Wireless Sensor Network is a technologically advanced soluon that provides growers the ability to capture real-me,
site-specic data in various micro-climates.
The Wireless Network consists of one Retriever and many Pups. There are four types of Pups: 3000 Pups, Sensor Pups,
Staon Pups, and Repeater Pups. Each Sensor Pup within the network is compable with a diverse number of sensors and
oers exibility by allowing the grower to monitor the sensor inputs they care about in the locaons they care about.
Staon Pups are compable with WatchDog 2000 Series Weather & Mini Staons and oer the ability to plug in and
transmit the full data set to the end receiver along with data from other Sensor Pups across the growing environment.
Repeater Pups do not have sensor inputs. They can be used to provide addional paths to extend the network.
All data acquired by the Pups is transmied back to the Retriever—the central point that collects, logs, and transmits the
data.
The communicaon opons are cellular modem, Wi-Fi, direct connecon to PC, and USB ash drive. Communicaon
opons allow for automac upload of the data to a computer or the web for further analysis.
Growers can monitor their crops on their computer or smartphone and make real-me decisions that improve yield and
quality, conserve resources, and increase prots.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Overview.................................................
External Ports.........................................................
Geng Started......................................................
Setup........................................................................
Conguraon.........................................................
Retriever/Pup Operaon.....................................
Best Placement Pracces....................................
Installaon..............................................................
Data Logging & Storage.......................................
Updang Firmware...............................................
Data Export............................................................
Accessories.............................................................
Specicaons.........................................................
Power.......................................................................
Troubleshoong Guide........................................
Regulatory Informaon/Package Contents....
This manual will familiarize you with the features and operaon of your new WatchDog Retriever & Pups Wireless Network.
Please read this manual thoroughly before launching the units.
For customer support or to place an order, call Spectrum Technologies, Inc. at 800-248-8873 or 815-436-4440, FAX at
815-436-4460, or e-mail at [email protected]om.
www.specmeters.com
Spectrum Technologies, Inc.
3600 Thayer Court
Aurora, IL 60504
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GENERAL OVERVIEW
Wireless Mesh Network
The Retriever & Pups wireless sensor network uses a mesh style of communicaon, which allows any Pup within the
network to wirelessly route data from another Pup back to the Retriever. The size of a network can vary by growing
condions, topography, and user preference. The mesh network is constrained to a maximum number of 12 Pups per
network at a distance of 2500  (about ½ mile or ¾ kilometer), or less between Pups, with no more than four hops back
to the Retriever for the most remote Pups.
Pups have the ability to send their sensor data to the Retriever within minutes of measurement. The data can be sent
directly to the Retriever, which logs the sensor data, or hopping via other Pups within the mesh network. All Retriever
and Pup units are me synchronized. Because of this, the enre wireless network can ‘go to sleep’ for periods of me to
conserve baery life. When the network ‘wakes up’, the Pups all communicate to the Retriever and share any sensor data
they have recorded while the network was sleeping.
Components
The mesh network is made up of one Retriever and a user-dened number of Pups. 868 MHz, 900 MHz, and 2.4 GHz
radios are available. Item number designaons in following table.

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Device Descripon
Retriever: Receives data from the Pup network and communicates the data via DataScout Modem (sold separately), USB
ash drive, or PC connecon. The Retriever can use baeries, DC power supply or solar power.
Sensor Pup: Connects 4 sensor inputs. Transmits data to Retriever.
Staon Pup: Connects to a WatchDog 2000 Series full or mini weather staon.
Repeater Pup: Has no sensor inputs. Serves as a hopping node to extend range or to bypass obstacles.
ET Pup: Measures rain, temperature/RH, solar radiaon, and wind speed/direcon. No addional sensor ports.
Weather Staon Pup: Measures rain, temperature/RH, and wind speed/direcon. One addional sensor port.
Plant Disease Pup: Measures rain, temperature/RH, and leaf wetness. One addional sensor port.
Plant Growth Pup: Measures PAR light and temperature/RH with as-pirated radiaon shield. Two addional sensor ports.
3000 Pup: Measures rain, temperature/RH, solar radiaon, and wind speed/direcon. No addional sensor ports.
EXTERNAL PORTS
Retriever
The Retriever ports are idened in Figure 1
1. DC port for power cord (item 3926 or 3927) or DC adapter to connect solar panel*
2. USB port for external USB ash drive (external memory & conguraon le transfer)
3. 3.5mm stereo port for PC interface cable (item 3661U or 3927)*
4. AUX port for wireless communicaon connecon (DataScout Cellular or WiFi)
or data power cord (item 3927C75)
*To connect a solar panel or PC direct
connecon cable, the cable must pass
through the gland before inserng the
bare wires into the DC adapter terminals.
Conrm the wires are held ghtly.
RED - posive (+) BLACK - negave (-)
Sensor Pups
With the Sensor Pup, any Watch-Dog environmental sensor can
be connected to any port
3000 Pups
The 3000 Pups have pre-programmed sensors as well as ports for
WatchDog environmental sensors
Staon Pups
The Staon Pup is shipped with two cables. Each has 2 modular connectors. One end plugs into
the weather staon’s “AUX” port. The other end plugs into the Staon Pup’s “AUX2” port. The
“AUX1” port is not used.
1. The white cable only provides communicaon between the Pup and the staon. In this case,
the weather staon must have baeries installed.
2. The gray cable can also be used to supply power to the weather staon. The gray cable
should be connected to both units before powering up the Pup. Current Staon Pups are
built to allow the Pup to transmit power to the staon. If you have an older unit and want to
check if it has been updated to include this feature, install baeries in the Pup, remove the
baeries from the staon, and connect the two units with the gray cable. If the staon
powers up, the Pup is able to transmit power to the staon.
Cauon: When a gray cable is used with a Pup that can transmit power to the staon, remove the baeries from that
staon to prevent damage to the staon.
Device Temp/RH Rain Wind Light Ports
Plant Growth Pup XPAR 2
3000 Rain Staon X X 2
3000 Plant Growth Staon X PAR 1
3000 Weather Staon X X X 2
3000 ET Staon X X X Solar 1
Figure 1 - Retriever External Ports

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GETTING STARTED
Get your wireless network running in the following nine steps. Find a tutorial video online at www.specmeters.com/videos.
SETUP
Installing the Retriever & Pup Launch Ulity soware (RPLU)
The installaon program is available on the USB ash drive that shipped with the Retriever and on the Spectrum
website. Run the RPLU setup.exe le to install the launch ulity. The RPLU desktop icon (right) can then be used
to open the program.
Powering Up and Syncing the Retriever to Sensor/Staon Pups
For new systems, it is recommended that this process is done before taking devices to the eld
1. Verify that all the Retriever and Pup units are on the same channel by checking the Network
Channel Selecon switch. If not, use a screwdriver to change the channel selecon. If using
mulple wireless networks, each network should use a unique channel.
2. Aach the antenna only to the Retriever.
3. Apply power to the Retriever. The LED will light green while powering up. Following
power-up, the Retriever should be in Setup mode (ashing amber). If it isn’t, hold Retriever’s
buon for 2 seconds.
4. Put the Pups within proximity of the Retriever and power them up. The LED will ash green
several mes. They will automacally broadcast a request to join the Retriever’s network
following power up. This is indicated by several ashes (successful reply). If the Pups don’t automacally join within one
minute, hold the Pup’s buon for 8 seconds to manually join. The Retriever’s amber ash sequence will accelerate. The
Pup’s connecon status can also be seen in the RPLU soware.
5. See Conguraon (Page 6-8) for details on conguring Retrievers, Staon and Sensor Pups. Conguraon can be done
with RPLU soware. Retrievers connected to a DataScout modem can also be congured with the SpecConnect web
ulity.
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Power Up Retriever
Retriever should be in
setup mode (ashing amber)
Connect its antenna
Connect to PC
or DataScout
Use USB cable and
PC port on Retriever
Open Launch
Soware or
Power Up DataScout
RPLU program loaded on
USB ash drive or from
Spectrum website
Select Channel,
then Power Up and
Congure Pups
3000 Pups
Congure with WD
Mobile App
Pups Will Join
Retriever’s Network
Save sengs from
RPLU or SpecConnect
to Retriever
Deploy Retriever
Place in a posion to
achieve line-of-sight
communicaon
to nearest Pups
Deploy Pups
Check signal strength
Press buon 2 seconds for
Staon/Sensor Pups
or 6-9 seconds
for 3000 Pups
Change to
Acve Mode
Return to Retriever
and switch mode by
pressing buon
for 2 seconds
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QUICK OVERVIEW

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Powering Up and Syncing the Retriever to 3000 Pups
For new systems, it is recommended that this process is done before taking devices to the eld
1. Put the Pups within proximity of the Retriever. Power them up by sliding the power switch to the ON posion. The LED
will light green to indicate start up is occuring. It will ash green/amber/red when complete.
2. Verify that all the Retriever and Pup units are on the same channel by checking the Radio Channel eld on the
Conguraon screen of the WatchDog Mobile App (see 3000 Series Manual for details). Update the Pup channel if
necessary. If using mulple wireless networks, each network should use a unique channel.
3. Aach the antenna only to the Retriever.
4. Apply power to the Retriever. The LED will ash green while powering up. Following power-up, the Retriever should be
in Setup mode (ashing amber). If it isn’t, hold Retriever’s buon for 2 seconds.
5. Conrm the connecon status by pressing the buon on the Pup for 6 to 9 seconds.
6. Once the Pup connects, the Retriever’s amber ash sequence will accelerate. The Pup’s connecon status can also be
seen in the RPLU sofware.
7. See Conguraon (Pages 6-8) for details on conguring Retrievers, Staon and Sensor Pups. Conguraon can be done
with RPLU soware. Retrievers connected to a DataScout modem can also be congured with the SpecConnect web
ulity. Refer to the 3000 Series Manual if conguring a 3000 Pup with the WatchDog Mobile App.
CONFIGURATION
A Pup can be congured by connecng the Retriever directly to a PC, a USB ash drive, or the SpecConnect web portal.
The ash drive is used when adding a Pup to a previously congured system that is already in the eld.
Conguraon via Direct Connecon to Retriever
If the Retriever is not in Setup mode (amber light ashing
connuously), hold the buon for 2 seconds
(see Retriever/Pup Operaon, Page 9). Connect the
Retriever to a Windows computer using the USB to 3.5mm
stereo plug cable (item 3661U, included). Open the RPLU
program using the desktop icon.
1. Upon start-up, RPLU will automacally recognize any COM ports on your computer. If the Retriever does not
automacally connect, select the COM port of the USB serial cable. Click the “Connect” buon to establish
communicaon to the Retriever. If the list includes more than one COM port, you can check in your computer’s
Device Manager or simply go through them one by one.
2. From the Retriever Sengs screen (Figure 2), set the Retriever parameters. The Retriever’s name is entered in the text
box. The Pup logging interval is selected from the drop down menu. Entering latude and longitude is oponal. These
can be entered in decimal or Degree/Minute/Second format.
3. A list of Pups will be visible on the Retriever Sengs screen. Verify that the Pups are communicang with the Retriever.
When a Pup becomes acve, the baery and signal icons
will change from gray to colored.
4. Clicking a Congure buon will bring up the Sengs
screen for that specic Pup (Figure 3). The Pups sengs
screens can also be brought up by clicking on the Pups tab.
Figure 2 - Retriever Sengs Screen
Figure 3 - Pup Sengs Screen

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5. Set the Pup’s parameters in the Pup Sengs screen. The Pup’s name is entered in the text box. The type is
automacally determined from the Pup’s serial number. Entering latude and longitude is oponal. These can be
entered in decimal or Degree/Minute/Second format. For Sensor Pups, select the sensor type from the drop down
menu for each port. Select up to 4 channels per port using the toggle buons (see Data Logging & Storage, page 13).
Note that most Pup staons have most sensors pre-dened. Sensors cannot be selected for staons connected to
Staon Pups. These must be set using SpecWare soware or the WatchDog Conguraon Ulity (see pages 6-8). The
staon can also be congured with the keypad on the staon.
6. To congure addional Pups, select each serial number in turn from the “Pup Serial Number” drop down menu on the
Pup seng screen. Alternately, you can select a Pup from the list on the Retriever sengs screen (see step 3).
7. Once the Retriever and all Pup units are set, click the “Save To Retriever” buon. The Retriever will wirelessly send the
sengs to the Pups.
8. Go to the Sensor Pup Current Data tab to verify the expected data parameters are coming in from each pup. If a sensor
is not connected, a dash will be displayed in the Data Value column. For Staon Pups, the current condion can only
be seen in the Pups tab.
The Retriever can now be disconnected from the computer.
Conguraon via USB Flash Drive
The Retriever conguraon can be stored to a ash drive and transferred to a Retriever in the
eld. The conguraon process is similar to the one for the direct PC connecon except the
Retriever and Pup informaon must be entered manually.
1. Insert the ash drive into the PC and bring up the RPLU soware. Open the “File” menu
(Figure 4).
2. If a conguraon for the desired Retriever is already stored on the ash drive, click the
“Open Conguraon” opon to modify that conguraon. Skip to step 5.
3. For new setups, click the “New Conguraon” opon to congure a new Retriever. This
will bring up the “Start a New Conguraon” screen. Type the serial number for the
Retriever, hit Enter, and click “OK”.
4. In the Retriever Sengs screen, click the “Manually Add New Pup” Buon. This will bring
up the “Add a Pup to Retriever Conguraon” screen. Type the serial number for the Pup,
hit Enter, and click “Add”. Repeat this process for all Pups.
5. The Pup(s) will appear in the Retriever Sengs screen and as an opon in the Pup Sengs
screen. Begin the process as in step 3 of the conguraon for a directly connected
Retriever (Page 6). When all Pups have been congured, click the “Save Conguraon As”
opon from the File menu (Figure 4). The program will bring up a browser screen. Save the
conguraon to the root directory of the ash drive. The conguraon le will have the
name setup.txt.
Eject the ash drive from computer. In the eld, put the Retriever in Setup mode by pressing
the buon for 2 seconds (LED will ash amber). Plug the ash drive into the Retriever. Iniate
the transfer of conguraon sengs with a short press of the buon (see Retriever/Pup
Operaon, Page 9).
Conguraon via the SpecConnect Web Portal
1. Log in to your account at www.SpecConnect.net.
2. Open the Retriever conguraon page by clicking the “Equipment” opon in the upper
le corner. Click on the “Congure” buon for the Retriever to bring up the Congure
WatchDog screen.
3. In the “Congure Retriever” screen (Figure 5), set the Retriever parameters. The latude,
longitude & altude (oponal) can be keyed in. Alternately, if the pindrop icon is clicked,
a map image will be displayed that allows you to locate the device. The logging interval is
how oen a Pup sends data to the Retriever. The Upload interval is how oen the
DataScout reports records to SpecConnect. In most installaons, it is recommended for
the logging interval to match the upload interval. See Data Logging & Storage (Page 13)
for details on the logging and web upload intervals. Click “Save” to store any changes.
Figure 4 - RPLU File
Figure 5 - SpecConnect Retriever Conguraon Screen

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4. Return to the equipment list and open the rst Pup conguraon page.
5. In the “Congure Sensor Pup” screen (Figure 6), set the Pup parameters. The latude, longitude & altude (oponal)
can be keyed in. Alternately, if the pindrop icon is clicked, a map image will be displayed that allows you to locate the
device. See Data Logging & Storage (Page 13) for details on seng the data channels. Clicking the screwdriver/wrench
icon brings up a screen for entering calibraon osets. Click “Save” to store any changes. Repeat for all Pups.
6. The conguraon will be sent to the DataScout modem which communicates the sengs to the Retriever.
Conguring Weather Staon Connected to a Staon Pup
WatchDog 2000-series staons used with a Staon Pup must be congured* with SpecWare Pro soware or with the
WatchDog Conguraon Ulity.
• Requires SpecWare Pro v9.6 or later, update online at www.specmeters.com/updates/
• Minimum rmware requirements:
Weather staon (except model 2800) v 7.6
2800 Weather Staon v 3.5
Mini Staon v 4.1
Congure the WatchDog mini or full weather staon using Spec9 Pro
1. Connect the WatchDog mini or weather staon to a PC.
2. In Specware 9 Pro, open the WatchDog Properes using the WatchDog Manager or the “Launch/Set Properes for
1000 or 2000 Series” buon. In the WatchDog Conguraon Ulity, click the “Congure” buon.
3. Enter the name, logging interval, and sensor conguraon.
4. Set Repeat-Transmit Interval to Send Log Data at Log Interval.
5. For mini staons set Format to 4 Text (RP/SC).
6. For full weather staons set Format to 5 Text (RP/SC).
7. Save the sengs by clicking “OK”. * No conguraon is necessary if only the internal sensors are used.
8. Connect the 2000-series staon to the Staon Pup using the provided cable.
9. The 2000 Series staon will send its logged data to the Staon Pup at the selected interval and the Saon Pup will send
this log to the Retriever as part of the wireless network. This can be conrmed by connecng the Retriever to the
Retriever and Pup Launch Ulity. The latest data record will appear in the Pups tab under the Staon Pup’s serial
number. These values are updated every me the staon logs a new data record.
Figure 6 - SpecConnect Pup Conguraon Screen

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RETRIEVER/PUP OPERATION
The LED on the Retriever or Pup is used to convey informaon about the status and funconing of each device. The small
red buon can be used to request most of this informaon. For Retrievers, the buon can also be used to prompt the
device to perform certain acons. A label summarizing these features is axed to the inside door of the device. These are
explained in greater detail below.
Retriever
The Retriever operates in one of two modes: Setup and Acve. In Setup mode, the Retriever interacts every 20 seconds
with the Pups. Therefore, informaon will be sent to, and received from, the Pups more quickly. This mode is used when
conguring the system or when troubleshoong. This mode is indicated by a ashing amber LED. While in Acve mode,
the Retriever and Pups communicate every 5 minutes. This longer communicaon interval is used to conserve baery life.
To switch between Acve mode and Setup mode, press and hold the buon for two seconds. The LED will inially blink
slowly but transion to rapid amber ashing when the unit is in the new mode.
Retriever conguraon and data transfer can be done with the Retriever & Pup Launch Ulity (Page 6-7), the SpecConnect
Web Portal (Page 7), or a USB ash drive (Page 7). If the Retriever is in Setup mode, a short buon press will instruct the
Retriever to read a USB ash drive for new conguraon sengs. If the Retriever is in Acve mode, a short buon press
will iniate two acons; 1.) The LED will briey indicate the baery strength and 2.) Any new data will be ooaded to the
ash drive (see Data Export - USB Flash Drive, Page 14).
The Retriever will periodically ash green when it communicates with the network of Pups. These green ashes will
occasionally overlap with other LED indicaons. The explanaon of the dierent LED colors is shown in Figure 7.
Sensor/Staon Pups
The red buon on the Pup is used for in-eld diagnoscs. A short press requests the baery strength. Pressing and holding
for 2 seconds, unl the LED turns on, prompts the Pup to indicate if it has opmal communicaon with network. If the Pup
does not have desirable signal strength, nd another locaon to deploy the Pup or follow the recommendaons in
Installaon (Page 11). The requested status is indicated by the LED. The explanaon of the dierent LED colors is shown in
Figure 8. Addionally, the LED on the Pup will ash green when it is receiving data from the Retriever and amber when it is
transming data to the Retriever. These green ashes will occasionally overlap with other LED indicaons.
3000 Series Pups
Refer to the 3000 Series Manual for details on operaon of the 3000 Pup.
Factory Reset
To issue a factory reset to either the Retriever or Pup units, disconnect power and power-up the unit while holding the
buon for 8 seconds, unl the LED ashes red and green. Pups must rejoin the network aer disconnecng power. If a
Retriever is factory reset, the conguraon of the unit must be re-sent using the RPLU or SpecConnect (see Setup, Page
5-6).
Figure 7 - Retriever buon
and LED informaon labels
Figure 8 - Pup buon
and LED informaon label

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BEST PLACEMENT PRACTICES
Take me to plan your network. Draw out a map or use internet imagery to idenfy desired locaons for your devices
(Figure 9). Try to idenfy obstrucons and think about how growing crops or trees may change line of sight throughout the
growing season. The mesh network will be more reliable if each Pup has more than one path back to the Retriever.
Although systems will work “point-to-point”, a system where each Pup can see more than one other device will be more
reliable.
Mounng the Retriever antenna high on a roof top or tower with a good view of all devices will improve reliability of the
mesh network and allow devices at further distances to be reached. When mounng devices on buildings or other
structures, try to mount the device as high as possible and avoid mounng under roof eaves (Figure 10), especially on metal
buildings. Mounng antennas very close to metal buildings or structures may cause communicaon issues. Best pracce is
to ensure no metal is within 3 feet of the radio antenna (Figure 11). Large metal surfaces can also reect radio signals. Try to
keep devices clear of large metal surfaces if possible (Figure 12).
Figure 9 - Map of device locaons
R-Retriever, M-Modem,
StP-Staon Pup connected to a weather staon
P - Sensor Pup or 3000 Series Pup
Solid lines are radios that have line of sight
Dashed line indicates impeded view
Figure 10 - Good (upper) and poor
(lower) antenna placement on a roof
Figure 11 - Good
(lower) and poor
(upper) antenna
placement on a
tower
Figure 12 - Interference of metal
building in close proximity to antenna

11
Always make an eort to mount Pup radio antennas as high as possible (Figure 13). It is recommended that a minimum of
3 (1 m) above the crop be maintained throughout the growing season. Higher antenna locaons generally mean longer
allowable distances between devices.
When transming under tree canopies, allowable distances will be greatly reduced, so keep this in mind when planning
out your network. Adding repeater Pups (Figure 14) to the network in between devices can help alleviate communicaon
problems under tree canopies.
The Retriever and Pups will funcon opmally when the units are placed in a condion that allows direct line-of-sight. The
opmum signal will occur when the football-shaped Fresnel Zone is clear of obstrucons such as hilly terrain, foliage, and
structures.
To achieve line-of-sight communicaon when obstrucons are present, we recommend using:
• Repeater Pups (item 3902/3907/3932, see Components, Page 3) to Route communicaon around obstrucons
• Antenna extensions (Item 3925 see Accessories, page 15) to Route communicaon above obstrucons and allow unit
to be lower to ground, giving beer access to sensor ports and baeries.
The maximum range between Pups is 2500  (about ½ mile or ¾ kilometer) for 900MHz, 400m for 868MHz, and 300m for
2.4GHz. The most remote Pup should not exceed 4 hops back to the Retriever.
The Retriever and Pups should be congured before deployment. Conguraon should be done while communicang in
Setup mode (see Conguraon, Page 6-8).
Easier to
replace
baeries
Figure 14 - Placement of a
Repeater Pup (R) to extend
the range of Sensor Pups (S)
Figure 13 - Improper (le) and
proper (right) placement of
Sensor Pups in a crop

12
INSTALLATION
Tools recommended for installaon
• 7/16" (11mm) wrench
• Phillips screwdriver for ghtening the mounng bracket screws on back of units
• Antenna stabilizer (included) prevents antenna from bending when mounted vercally but can be removed to allow a
bent antenna for horizontal mounng (see Figure 15).
Deploy the Retriever
1. It is important that the Retriever antenna be placed as high and clear of obstrucons
as possible, since all Pup data is routed to the Retriever.
2. Mount using provided hardware (bracket, u-bolt, nuts, screws).
3. Mount solar panel (if being used). Connect to Retriever with DC adapter (see Page 12).
Deploy the Pups
1. It is recommended to start with the Pup that will be nearest to the Retriever and
move outwards to create the mesh network.
2. Upon arrival at each desired locaon, aach an antenna to the Pup.
3. Check the signal strength of the Pup at the locaon by holding the Pup’s buon:
• Sensor/Staon Pup - for 2 seconds unl the LED turns on (see Retriever/Pup
Operaon, Page 9)
• 6 to 9 seconds unl the LED changes to amber
4. If signal strength is poor, move closer to either the Retriever or nearest Pup, use an
antenna extension, or add a Repeater.
5. Mount using provided hardware and ghten screws using a Phillips screwdriver
(see Figure 16). Although the antenna should be vercal, the housing can be oriented
horizontally or vercally.
6. Aach sensors - make sure the cable glands are ghtened around the sensor cables.
Final Steps
1. Aer the last Pup is deployed, return to the Retriever and hold the buon for 2 seconds to enter Acve mode (the
LED’s will stop ashing amber) which saves baery life. Otherwise, the Retriever will automacally transion to Acve
mode aer 4 hours.
2. Aer at least one logging interval, check that all the Pups are communicang with the Retriever.
• If using SpecConnect, check for current data on the web portal.
• If using a direct connecon from the Retriever to a PC, use the RPLU to check for current data.
• If using the USB ash drive for data transfer, check it in a PC to conrm Pup data les are being logged on the ash
drive (see Data Export, Pages 14-15). Re-insert ash drive in the Retriever.
Adding Pups to an Established Network
Be sure the Retriever is in Setup mode (ashing amber). If it isn’t, press the buon for 2 seconds. It may take up to 5
minutes for the Retriever to transion to Setup mode.
Sensor/Staon Pups
• Install baeries in the new Pup. The Pup will ash amber while it tries to join. When successful, it will ash green 3
mes. If it doesn’t join, hold the red buon on the Pup for 8-10 seconds. This will re-start the meshing sequence. The
Pup may or may not ash amber but will ash green 3 mes when it has meshed.
• Once meshed, the Pup will periodically ash green and amber to indicate communicaon to the Retriever.
3000 Pups
• Turn on the 3000 Pup with its power switch.
• Press and release the 3000 Pup’s Select buon to turn on Bluetooth.
• Refer to the 3000 Staon Manual for details on conguring the channel with the WatchDog Mobile App so it matches
that of the Retriever.
• Use the app’s Bluetooth current condions mode to monitor the connecon status using the signal strength value.
Once the 3000 Pup connects to the Retriever, the signal strength will change from 99 to a value between 40 and 99.
• Once meshed, the 3000 Pup will periodically ash green as records are transferred to the Retriever.
Figure 16 - Aaching the mounng bracket
Figure 15 - Retriever and
DataScout setup
with solar panel

13
DATA LOGGING & STORAGE
Data Logging
• The Retriever logs sensor data from its network of Pups (maximum of 12 Pups per network).
• The Pup logging intervals are: 5, 10, 15, 30, or 60 minutes.
• Pups read the sensors every 20 seconds. So, for example, the logged value for a Pup on a 5 minute interval will be
composed of 15 measurements.
• A single logging interval is selected in the Retriever Sengs screen because all Pups have the same interval.
• If communicaon to a Pup is lost for a period of me, all other Pups will connue funconing normally. When
non-communicang Pups are reconnected, they will send all their missing data to the Retriever.
• Shorter intervals allow for more frequent updates to SpecConnect, but also consume more modem baery power.
• For installaons with many Pups (10 or more), it may be benecial to set the upload interval to be shorter than the
logging interval.
Sensor Pup Data Channels
• Up to four data types, can be recorded for each Sensor Pup. These data channels are dened as follows:
Average: The average of all measurements taken during the logging interval
Current: The most recent measurement
High & Low: The maximum and minimum values measured during the logging interval
• Each Sensor Pup can log a maximum of 16 data channels.
• When using mul-sensors, a dierent conguraon of data channels can be chosen for each parameter.
• Rain and wind sensors have pre-selected data channels.
Data Storage
• The ash memory on the Retriever will hold approximately 6 months of data for a 10 Pup network using 15 minute
logging intervals. When the logging capacity is reached, older data on the Retriever will be overwrien.
• If communicaon to the Retriever is interrupted, the internal memory on the Pups buers sensor data for at least 3
months unl a connecon to the Retriever is re-established.
• Non-volale memory on the Retriever and Pups preserves the logged data, even when power is lost.
UPDATING FIRMWARE
A summary of the rmware update procedures are given below. Firmware for the WatchDog Retriever and Pups is
available at: www.specmeters.com/soware.
Retriever
• Load the latest version of the Retriever rmware (RFxxxxxx.bin) onto the ash drive.
• Remove all power from the Retriever and insert ash drive.
• Re-aach the baery.
• Update is complete when LED begins to ash green.
Retriever will return to Setup mode (ashing amber)
Pup
• Load the latest version of the Pup rmware (sPupFw.bin for the Sensor Pups, wsPupFw.bin for the Staon and
Repeater Pups and csPupFw.bin for 3000 Series Pups) onto the ash drive.
• Pups must be paired with Retriever and the Retriever must be in Setup mode (ashing amber).
• Plug USB ash drive with rmware le into USB port on the Retriever.
• Press and quickly release buon on Retriever to iniate le transfer to the Pup. Retriever LED will ash red/green.
• When the Pup’s rmware is updated, its LED will briey ash red/green then return to normal operaon.
Delete the Pup rmware from the ash drive

14
DATA EXPORT
Gathering Data from a Retriever on a USB Flash Drive
The USB ash drive can be temporarily inserted to ooad data stored in the Retriever’s memory.
To ooad data to a newly inserted ash drive, the Retriever must be in Acve mode (no regular LED ashing) before
iniang the download. If the Retriever is in Setup mode (LED ashing amber), press and hold the buon for two seconds to
put it into Acve mode. While in Acve mode, iniate the download by quickly pressing and releasing the buon. The LED
will show the baery state, then glow amber unl the data transfer is complete.
The Retriever creates a single le with all the historical data on the Retriever. The name for this le will be the serial
number of the Retriever. This is the only le available for a ash drive inserted at the me of data collecon.
It is recommended that data be cleared from the USB sck once it is transferred to a safe locaon.
Imporng Data with SpecWare Pro Soware
Sensor and Staon Pups require v. 9.6 or greater. Networks with 3000 Pups require v 10.0 or greater.
Pup data can be imported into SpecWare Pro. From the main SpecWare screen, click the Retriever & Pups icon from the
toolbar. This will bring up the Retriever & Pups screen (Figure 17).
• Click the Retriever buon (Figure 17) to download the data received from the Pups. The Erase records from
Retriever opon is recommended to speed up download mes.
2. Transferring data from USB ash drive
• Click the Log Files buon (Figure 17) to browse for the data les saved to a ash drive (see Page 7). You must browse
to the directory the data is being pulled from because the default is the SpecWare directory, not the ash drive.
• Note: A lile care may be required when processing data imported via one of the two preceding methods. If you are
using SpecWare to process data from one or more WatchDog Weather Staons connected to Staon Pups, SpecWare
must know how the staon is congured. To record the conguraon, the staon must be launched by the PC
running SpecWare.
• Subsequent downloads to the staon will then be processed smoothly.
3. SpecConnect Exports
• In SpecWare, click File - Import Files - Import SpecConnect Data Files to import a SpecConnect export le (Figure 19).
See SpecConnect Web Portal (below) for informaon on exporng data from the web portal.
Figure 17 - SpecWare Retriever & Pups
Figure 18 - SpecWare port selecon screen
There are 3 Possible Data Sources:
1. PC connected directly to Retriever
• Connect the PC direct-connecon cable to the “PC” port
on the Retriever. The COM port is selected in the
File - Preferences - Communicaon tab - Direct
Connecon eld (Figure 18).
Figure 19 - Import SpecConnect Data Files Buon

15
Exporng Reports From the SpecConnect Web Portal
Data exports from SpecConnect are done from the Reports feature. Select the desired report type from the Reports screen
(Figure 20). Select the Pup date range and any other necessary parameters (equipment, sensors, ...) for the exported data
le (Figure 21). Use the export buon to download the data. The data is stored in comma-delimited (.csv) format.
ACCESSORIES
Oponal Accessories
• Tripod, item 3396TP
• Antenna extension 10- cable and mounng hardware (item 3925)
• AC-DC power supply (item 3926)
• Solar Power Module (item 3999)
• PC Direct-connecon 50' cable kit (item 3297)
• USB ash drive (item 3388USB)
• 75' Powered Direct Connect
• 75' Retriever Extension Cable Kit (3927C75)
• DataScout Cellular or WiFi modem (mulple item numbers)
Figure 20 - Reports Screen Figure 21 - Sample Report Opons Screen
AC/DC Power Supply (Item 3926) 10 Foot Antenna Extension Cable
and Mounng Kit (Item 3925)

16
POWER
Staon and Sensor Pups
Although the 3999 solar panel is highly recommended, Staon and Sensor Pups can be powered by 6 Li baeries. The
baery status can be checked by quickly pressing and releasing the buon. Any me the baeries are changed on a Pup, it
must rejoin the network. This is done when the unit powers on or by holding the buon for 8 seconds. The LED will rapidly
ash green 3 mes when it has joined.
Warning: Operang a Pup with low baery levels for a long period of me might negavely aect the Pup’s rmware.
3000 Pups
3000 Pups have a built in solar panel and baery. Flip the switch to ON to power up the Pup.
Retrievers
Although the 3999 solar panel is highly recommended, Retrievers can be powered by 6 AA baeries. A solar retriever
uses a 6V SLA baery pack. When connected to a DataScout, the units will share power. If using an AC-DC adapter or PC
direct-connecon cable to power the Retriever, it is recommended that the 6 AA baeries be removed aer the DataScout
(or other constant power source) is connected. The solar panel or AC-DC adapter will keep the aached unit powered
without need of addional baeries. While no immediate damage will occur if the AA baeries are le in, unused AA
baeries tend to corrode over me and can damage the device. A solar Retriever (3910S) can also be connected to an
AC-DC adapter or PC direct-connecon cable. However, the rechargeable baery pack must remain connected at all mes.
Changing baeries in a Pup in the Field
The procedure is the same as for adding a new Pup (Page 12).
Changing baeries in Retriever or restarng a system if Retriever Powers O
Simply replace the baeries in the Retriever. The Retriever will start up in Setup mode (ashing amber) and begin looking
for all the Pups it has previously communicated with. If a new Pup is being added to the system, it is recommended that
the new Pup be powered up aer powering up the Retriever so it meshes faster. Otherwise, the Pup can be put into setup
mode by pressing the buon for 8-10 seconds. In that case, it may take up to 5 minutes for the Retriever to transion to
Setup mode.
SPECIFICATIONS

17
TROUBLESHOOTING
1. The RPLU will not communicate with the Retriever:
• Check your PC’s Device Manager to see if the computer recognizes the USB cable. The driver should automacally
download if the PC is connected to the internet. Also available at www.specmeters.com/updates.
• Only one program can communicate with the USB cable at a me (SpecWare and RPLU can interfere with each
other). In this case, close both programs then reopen the one to be used.
2. The LED doesn’t ash at all:
• Check that the snap connector is securely connected to the baery holder and that all the AA baeries are inserted in
the correct orientaon.
• If using the 3999 solar power module, check that it is plugged in correctly.
3. Single Pup not updang in SpecConnect:
• Conrm that the Pup is on the same channel as the rest of the network.
• The baeries may be dead. Check last reported value for baery strength in SpecConnect and/or visit the site and
perform a quick buon press.
• Check to see if the Pup is knocked to the ground or damaged. This includes water damage or corrosion inside the
housing.
• Check the signal strength of the Pup at locaon.
• See Setup (Page 5-6) for instrucons on how to sync the Pup with the Retriever. Aer successfully meshing the Pup,
perform a 2-second press on the Retriever buon to return it to Acve mode (ashing amber).
4. Single Pup is updang intermiently in SpecConnect:
• Check that the antenna is rmly aached in an upright orientaon, is not blocked by foliage, and is suciently above
the crop canopy.
5. No Pups are updang in SpecConnect:
• This is most likely the result of a problem with the modem or the Retriever.
• Check for damage or water in the Retriever and modem enclosures.
• Check that the Retriever is geng power (baeries or solar panel).
• Check that the modem has power (quick push of buon) and good signal strength (2-second buon push).
• Check that the modem and Retriever antennas are rmly aached in an upright orientaon.
6. Not seeing data from an individual Pup sensor:
• Check that sensors are fully seated in port connectors.
• Check sensor wires for damage.
• Swap sensors (and recongure through SpecConnect or RPLU) to check for potenal port failure.
7. Solid or blinks once on second green LED on Sensor/Staon Pup:
• Loss of rmware caused by operang Pups with dead baeries.
REGULATORY INFORMATION
PACKAGE CONTENTS
Your WatchDog Retriever & Pups package should contain the following components:
• Product Manual
• Retriever and Pup units (labeled on enclosure & inside)
• USB ash drive, preloaded with Retriever and Pup Launch Ulity soware
• USB to 3.5mm Stereo Plug Cable (item 3661U)
Each Retriever or Pup unit should also be accompanied by a parts box containing the following:
• Antenna & antenna stabilizer sleeve
• 6 AA baeries
• Mounng bracket
• U-bolt, clamp, and nuts
• Screws (2) for back of unit
• Staon connecon cable (Staon Pup only)
900MHz
USA: FCC ID – MCQ-XB900HP
Canada: IC – 1846A-XB900HP
Australia: C-Tick approval
868 MHz
Europe: CE, ETSI approval, UKCA
2.4GHz
Europe: CE, ETSI approval
Japan: Telec R201WWog215111

18
WARRANTY
This product is warranted to be free from defects in material or workmanship for one year from the date of purchase.
During the warranty period Spectrum will, at its opon, either repair or replace products that prove to be defecve. This
warranty does not cover damage due to improper installaon or use, lightning, negligence, accident, or unauthorized
modicaons, or to incidental or consequenal damages beyond the Spectrum product. Before returning a failed unit, you
must obtain a Returned Materials Authorizaon (RMA) from Spectrum. Spectrum is not responsible for any package that is
returned without a valid RMA number or for the loss of the package by any shipping company.
Form 107 (22-113)
Rev. A 03/2023
Spectrum and WatchDog are registered trademarks of Spectrum Technologies, Inc.
3600 Thayer Court
Aurora, IL 60504
800.248.8873
www.specmeters.com