Aranet Teros-12
Argus has partnered with Aranet to offer an alternative wireless substrate sensing solution, which is particularly well-suited for rockwool slabs into which the probe can be inserted from the side to monitor moisture content, EC and temperature. Each Aranet Teros-12 sensor is wired to a transmitter that sends the signal wirelessly to a base station that can connect directly to the TITAN control system.
Aranet Teros-12 is ideal for side-mounted positions in rockwool
Other Sensors
Argus can work with most if not all third party sensors for your greenhouse / indoor growing operation. However, there are many sensors that Argus generally works with most frequently. Below is an overview of
three types of sensor categories, what sensor Argus works with most often with and what they measure. The three types of sensor categories are climate sensors, soil sensors and outdoor sensors.
Climate Sensors
Climate sensors are sensors designed to measure the ambient air temperature and light intensity along with other key climate parameters (see chart below). Normally the sensor hangs above the canopy area in a central location. In some cases one sensor may be adequate but for larger growing operations multiple climate sensors are often desirable to get a more complete set of readings of the conditions in the growth area. In some cases the sensor focuses on just one parameter such as listed below for several light only sensors:
Soil Sensors
Also known as substrate or growing media sensors, soil sensors measure soil temperature, VWC (volumetric water content), and EC (electrical conductivity as affected by the salinity level).
Outdoor Sensors
Outdoor sensors are commonly referred to as outdoor weather sensors or weather stations. They are used for measuring outdoor influences on the growing environment, particularly greenhouses where outdoor conditions have a significant impact on climate inside greenhouses. For example if one wants to change indoor humidity levels, measuring outdoor humidity can help the climate controller determine the best strategy such as heating indoor air and venting or bringing outdoor air in:
Another high priority reason for their use is for damage protection for greenhouses. Wind speed and direction sensors as well as rain detection sensors are often used in Argus Control system’s override programs to automatically position vents, curtains, etc. into safe positions to prevent damage to the greenhouse and/or the crop inside.
Outdoor weather sensors are also sometimes used to send data to precisely controlled growing rooms to replicate outdoor conditions in real time as pictured below.
The above charts addressing climate, soil and outdoor sensors are the most commonly used sensors by Argus clients but only a sampling of the myriad sensors that companies like Meter Group, Aranet and Aroya manufacture. The Argus TITAN system is capable of interfacing with most third party sensors.
As a grower, there are many different sensors on the market to choose from. However before you buy consider that once you install the sensor, should there be issue in the future, how easy will it be to troubleshoot with your control system and whether or not you are prepared to address those challenges yourself. Choosing a sensor that Argus has worked with in the past can give you the added peace of mind knowing that Argus has extensive experience that we can share with you to help you reduce the risk of downtime or sub-optimal growing conditions.
