WatchDog Retrievers
The WatchDog Retriever wirelessly collects sensor data from in-field Pups, which can be custom configured with multiple sensors: weather, soil moisture, or both, to meet site-specific requirements.
The following items are required for the product to function properly. They are sold separately.
The following items are optional.
WatchDog Retriever and Pup Weather Stations
Wireless sensor network that allows growers and researchers the ability to…
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Monitor crop and soil microclimates for:
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Soil moisture/irrigation scheduling
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Insect and disease pressures
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Frost/temperature alerts
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Plant growth
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Additional sensor inputs
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Transmit data in rolling/complex topography
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Collect site specific data with one system
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Mesh networks are "self-healing," since the network automatically finds the fastest and most reliable paths to send data, even if nodes (Pups) are blocked or lose their signal
Applications for Plant Management
• Monitor frost temperatures for real-time decisions to protect crops
• Track soil moisture and EC in numerous locations for better irrigation practices
• Record temperature and humidity for decisions regarding disease and insect pressure
Network Components
WatchDog Retriever
Retriever logs sensor data from its network of Pups (max 12 Pups per network).
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Single button operation: switch modes, download data, upload configuration, and check battery status
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Tri-colored LEDs indicate mode, battery level, data communication status, and configuration status
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Non-volatile memory preserves your logged data, even when the batteries are removed
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Transfer data or configuration information via flash drive or direct PC connection
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Internal flash memory on the Retriever will hold approximately 6 months of data for an example, a 10 Pup network using 15 minute logging intervals
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Spectrum-supplied USB flash drive will hold several years of data at the Retriever for a 10 Pup network using 15 minute logging intervals
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3.5mm stereo port for computer connection USB cable (included)
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AUX port for wireless (DataScout Cellular or WiFi modem) communication connection
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Includes six non-rechargeable AA batteries (8 months typical life)
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DC port for optional AC/DC power adapter (Max 17VDC)
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Optional solar package includes rechargeable battery pack (2200 mAh, 7.2V NiMH), and 5W solar panel
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Retrievers are available in both 900 MHz (US customers) and 2.4 GHz bands (international customers)
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Retriever & Pups Launch Utility software included on USB flash drive
WatchDog Pups
Each Sensor Pup within the network is compatible with a diverse number of sensors and offers flexibility by allowing the grower to monitor the sensor inputs they require.
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Pups are available in 3 types: Sensor Pup, Station Pup, and Repeater Pup
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Single button operation: check battery status, signal strength, and join sensor network
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Tri-colored LEDs indicate battery level, signal strength, and data communication status
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Includes six non-rechargeable AA batteries (8 months typical life)
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Communication range of 2,500 ft (about 1/2 mile), line-of-sight installation recommended between Pups or Retriever
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Pups are available in both 900 MHz (US customers) and 2.4 GHz bands (international customers)
WatchDog Sensor Pups
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Connect up to 4 external sensors via 2.5mm stereo-plug
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Can monitor high, low, current, and average values for each sensor during each logging period
WatchDog Station Pups
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Connects to your existing WatchDog 2000 Series Full and Mini Weather Stations
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Sends all Weather Station sensor data to your Retriever network
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No external sensors, can only be connected to another device
WatchDog Repeater Pups
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Provide added range to WatchDog Retriever networks
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Serves as a “hopping node” around buildings or obstacles, or over high sections of your fields
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No external sensors can be connected
Detailed Product Information
External Sensors
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Customize each WatchDog Pup to monitor only the parameters you need
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Most Spectrum sensors are Pup-compatible, including :
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Soil Moisture Sensors (WaterScout SM 300, WaterScout SMEC 300, and Watermark sensors)
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LightScout Light Sensors (Solar Radiation, UV, and Quantum light)
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Leaf Wetness Sensors
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Temperature and Humidity Sensors
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Barometric Pressure Sensors
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CO2 Sensors
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Rainfall and Wind Speed/Direction Sensors (available late-2015)
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We also offer Pre-Packaged Pups - these include a custom mounting bracket and sensors
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See our full list of Sensors here
Enclosure
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Reliable, waterproof IP65 enclosure
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Weatherproof glands for sensor cables
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Lockable front door with the use of a padlock (not included)
Mounting
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Mounting bracket allows vertical or horizontal orientation
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Mounting hardware included - 1-¼ inch U-bolt
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Antenna connection can be extended for higher placement for additional range between Pups & Retriever (antenna extension sold separately)
Communication Options
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USB flash drive (included with all Retrievers)
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Cellular network (See DataScout™ Modems below)
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Wi-Fi (see DataScout Modems below)
DataScout Modem (optional)
Communicates data to the web via Cellular or Wi-Fi options (more information on SpecConnect Web Portal can be found here)
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Model 110 CMDA Cellular Modem (US customers) with Solar Power (includes Modem, Solar Panel, and Rechargeable Battery Pack)
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Model 120 GSM/GPRS Cellular Modem (International customers) with Solar Power (includes Modem, Solar Panel, and Rechargeable Battery Pack)
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Model 130 HSPA+ Cellular Modem (Canada customers) with Solar Power (includes Modem, Solar Panel, and Rechargeable Battery Pack)
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Model 140 Wi-Fi Modem with Solar Power (includes Modem, Solar Panel, and Rechargeable Battery Pack)
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Model 140 Wi-Fi Modem with AC/DC Power (includes Modem and AC/DC Power Cord)
Configuration
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PC-based Retriever & Pups Launch Utility
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Configuration Parameters
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Logging and upload intervals
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Pup names
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Sensor choices
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Calculated sensor parameters (high / low / average)
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Data transfer and configurations may be done by
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USB memory stick
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Computer cable
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SpecConnect web portal (subscription purchased separately)
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Pup configuration completed at Retriever and sent wirelessly to Pup network - Pups do not have a computer interface
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Spec 9 Pro or Basic Software not required, unless transferring data files/history to your PC
Capacity
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Measurement intervals: 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, or 60 minutes
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Non-volatile internal memory helps preserve data
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Pups - When communication is interrupted, internal memory buffers sensor data until reconnection to the Retriever is achieved
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Retriever - Will hold approximately 6 months of data. For example, a 10 Pup network using 15 minute logging intervals
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Spectrum-supplied USB memory stick - 4GB
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Will hold several years of data at the Retriever. For example, a 10 Pup network using 15 minute logging intervals
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Can use other customer-supplied USB drives
Accessories
Optional accessories include:
Examples of WatchDog Retriever and Pup In-field Networks
With four external sensor ports, each network Pup (node) is compatible with a diverse number of sensors and offers flexibility by allowing the grower to monitor the sensor inputs they care about in the locations they care about. All data acquired by the Pups is communicated back to the Retriever, which collects the data and sends the information wirelessly via cellular or Wi-Fi modem to the new SpecConnect web portal for easy access and analysis.
Monitor soil moisture and soil EC in different soil textures for better irrigation decisions. Connect existing WatchDog Weather Stations to the network using a Station Pup.
Capture site-specific conditions for insect and disease pressures, soil moisture monitoring, and the risk of frost conditions.
Measure light duration and intensity for better, more consistent plant quality across greenhouse and high-tunnel structures. For outdoor growing, monitor soil moisture, temperature, and EC for more efficient irrigation practices.
Track temperature and moisture for decisions regarding disease and insect pressure across your entire course. Connect existing WatchDog Weather Stations to monitor evapotranspiration for more efficient irrigation scheduling.
2023 Spectrum General Product Catalog - CLICK HERE
2023 Spectrum Turf Product Catalog - CLICK HERE
Product Manual - WatchDog Retriever & Pups - CLICK HERE
View Product Videos HERE