As a crucial device for modern agriculture and environmental monitoring, the LoRaWAN solar-powered soil sensor requires special attention to the maintenance of key components such as the solar power supply system, soil probes, and data transmission modules. Below is a professional maintenance guide for this type of sensor:
1、 Key points of daily maintenance
Sensor position check
- Check the depth and Angle of the sensor inserted into the soil monthly to ensure good contact with the soil
- Check whether the fixing device is firm to prevent displacement caused by wind, rain or animal activity
- Ensure that there is no large plant root system around the sensor to avoid interference with the measurement
Surface cleaning and maintenance
- Use a soft brush to regularly remove dirt and debris from the sensor surface
- For stubborn stains, use a soft cloth lightly and avoid using chemical cleaners
- Pay special attention to the surface of the cleaning sensor in contact with the soil
2、 Maintenance of solar power supply system
Solar panel maintenance
- Check the surface of the solar panels every quarter to remove dust, bird droppings and other obstructions
- Increase cleaning frequency to ensure charging efficiency before winter or rainy season
- Check whether the solar panel bracket is stable to avoid angle deviation caused by strong wind
- Check the battery health once every six months by measuring voltage and current output
- Replacement should be considered when the battery capacity is less than 70% of the initial capacity
- In extreme temperature environment, take insulation or heat dissipation measures to protect the battery
3. Professional maintenance of soil probes
Probe cleaning method
- The probe is removed from the soil every quarter and wiped clean with a soft cloth
- Increase cleaning frequency for saline-alkali land or areas where fertilizer is used frequently
- Use a special probe cleaner to treat stubborn stains and avoid using metal tools to scrape
Probe calibration check
- Probe calibration should be performed at least once a year to ensure measurement accuracy
- Use a standard solution to check the response curve of the conductivity probe
- The temperature probe should be compared with the standard thermometer regularly
Radio system inspection
- Check monthly whether the antenna connection is firm, no loosening or oxidation
- Ensure that there is no metal object around the antenna to block the signal transmission
- In areas prone to thunderstorms, check whether the lightning protection measures are perfect
Network connection testing
- Regularly check the connection quality between devices and gateways
- Record the trend of signal strength (RSSI) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) changes
- When communication abnormalities are detected, check the device ID and network settings
Special maintenance during rainy season
- Check if all seals and waterproof measures are intact
- Ensure unobstructed drainage holes to prevent water accumulation
- Check whether the equipment works normally after rainstorm
- Adding insulation layer to equipment in cold regions
- Check the performance of the battery at low temperatures
- Prevent snow from covering solar panels
- Strengthen equipment heat dissipation inspection to prevent overheating
- Increase probe cleaning frequency in high-temperature and arid areas
- Check the working condition of solar panels at high temperatures
6、 Professional maintenance tools and spare parts
Recommended maintenance toolkit
- Digital multimeter (used to detect voltage and current)
- Insulated screwdriver set
- Anti static cleaning brush
- Probe calibration toolkit
- Same model battery (recommended to keep 1-2 spare)
- Sealing ring and waterproof tape
- Backup probes (quantity determined by usage environment)
- Solar panel cleaning kit