Decagon's new Em50G Solar, with rechargeable batteries and integrated solar panel.
Like the standard Em50 and Em50G, these self-contained data-loggers are built to power, read, and log data from five Decagon soil moisture or Decagon environmental sensors. Our solar loggers use rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries and a built in solar panel for extended deployments. Pull the battery tab to power on the logger and the NiMH batteries will charge automatically. The logger case is rated NEMA 4, IP55 for long-term outdoor use. All Decagon sensors work with the Em50 Solar and Em50G Solar without programming.
Like their counterparts, the Em50 Solar and Em50G Solar have 5 sensor ports and one communication port. They are configured by plugging a laptop into the comm port. The included ECH2O Utility software provides setup windows to name the logger, set the logger clock, select the type of sensor on each port, and specify how often you want the sensors to read.
The Em50G Solar lets you check in on your data logger from virtually anywhere in the world. Data are transmitted from the logger’s internal GSM cellular module to Decagon’s secure server via cellular communication. The password-protected data are available for you to access, monitor, and download at any time. Transmitted data is backed up in the data-logger’s memory to give you an extra layer of data protection. A “confirm data transfer” protocol makes sure data transmission is correct and complete.
See signal strength and connection quality in real time as you pick the best spot for your data logger. This feature lets you test connectivity at your measurement site before you install the logger. If you have any questions about coverage for your deployment site, call us, contact us or request a quote. We are happy to help you determine if this is the right data-logger for your application site.
The Em50G Solar has a built in solar panel, increasing the operating life of the batteries to 2-3 years; a standard Em50G will only last ~6 months.
The longer operating life means less downtime.
You always want to know what’s going on at your research site. But figuring out how to communicate with your data logger is typically complicated and expensive. The Em50G lets you check in on your data logger from virtually anywhere in the world. The Em50G Solar is a self-contained data logger built to power, read, and log data from five sensors. Logged data are transmitted from the logger to Decagon’s server via internal cellular/mobile communication. All Decagon sensors work with the Em50G and Em50G Solar; no programming is necessary.
The standard Em50G Solar uses an internal cell modem to automatically send data to an internet server four to six times a day (contact Decagon for more frequent data delivery options). The stored data are available for you to access, monitor, and download at any time.
Decagon has over 120 cellular/mobile GSM partners all over the world. To check and see if your site is covered, contact Decagon or your local representative with your site’s latitude and longitude. If you’re still not sure, you can demo an Em50G from Decagon and take it to your site to double check.
The Em50G generally takes about 20 minutes to set up. It comes complete with a data plan, and is both self-enclosed and self-powered. The logger case is rated NEMA 4X, IP45 for long-term outdoor use, and the logger will run (and power its sensors and the cell modem) for about two or three years on 5 AA batteries.
The Em50G has 5 sensor ports and one communication (download) port. Rather than having a screen and a keyboard, the Em50G is configured by plugging a laptop or handheld into its com port. ECH2O Utility software (included) provides setup windows which name the logger, set the logger clock, select the type of sensor on each port, and specify how often you want the sensors read.
See signal strength and connection quality in real time as you pick the best spot for your data logger. This feature lets you test connectivity at your measurement site BEFORE you install the logger.
Transmitted data is backed up in the data logger memory to give you an extra layer of data protection. A “confirm data transfer” protocol makes sure data transmission is correct and complete.
The Em50G stores over 36,000 data scans. A scan includes the date, time, and measurements from each of the five ports.
Input Ports | 5 channels, each supporting 12-bit analogue, 32-bit digital, or pulse, compatible with any Decagon Devices sensor |
Port Type | 3.5 mm “stereo jack” connector |
Data Storage | 1 MB (36,000 scans of all 5 ports) |
Memory Type | Non-Volatile Flash |
Logging Interval | 5 minutes to 24 hours, logged data is 1-minute average of user-specified interval |
Data Transmission Frequency | Up to six times/day. Contact Decagon for options for more frequent data delivery. |
Operating Environment | -30 to 60°C, up to 100% RH |
Battery Capacity | 5 AA nickel-metal hydride batteries |
Battery Service Life | 2 to 3 years |
External Power Needs | Orientation towards optimal sunlight |
Enclosure | Weatherproof, impact and UV-resistant polymer |
Enclosure Dimensions | 12.7 cm x 20.3 cm x 5.1 cm (5 in x 8 in x 2 in) |
Enclosure Rating | IP55, NEMA 3R |
Enclosure Access | Hinged door with eyelet for securing with user-supplied padlock |
Mounting | 3.8 cm (1.5 inch) mast or wall mount |
Local Communication | Dedicated serial port 3.5 mm stereo jack for use with the Decagon Serial Cable Adapter (SCA) or Decagon USB Cable Adaptor (UCA) |
Decagon Data Service (Included with every Em50G) |
Data Plan: Annual, provided by Decagon Devices with 120 global partners, GSM service |
Server Location: | Decagon Devices; Pullman, Washington |
Data Security: | SSL/TLS encrypted data transfer; a unique Device ID and password (provided with each logger) are necessary for accessing data from the server. |
Cellular Frequencies | Quad-band (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) GSM/GPRS for use worldwide. |