Sensors for
Environmental Monitoring

A wide range of smart sensors, weather stations, water quality sensors
from Monitor Sensors

Prices are in Australian dollars, do not include GST, and may change without notice.  
(AUD$1 = US$0.92,     AUD$1 = 0.61 EUR,     AUD$1 = 0.55 GBP,   approximate,  November 2009) 

Weather Stations    - Monitor Sensors Fully automatic, solar powered, digital weather stations usually consist of sensors arranged on or near a mast, with a data logger, communications and power . Air temperature, humidity and barometric pressure      are mounted inside a sensor shelter. Wind speed, wind direction and solar radiation sensors      are mounted on a cross-arm at the top of the mast. Other sensors such as rainfall, grass temperature, soil moisture      are mounted nearby. Jump to Weather Stations (separate page) Remote Weather Stations can be accessed by radio, GSM or Ethernet An Ethernet to RS232 interface is used, an IP address is assigned to each weather station.

Each µSmart sensor incorporates a microprocessor providing
linearised and standardised outputs, 16 bit resolution (1 part in 65,000) and
output signals: analog, ASCII data output/input via serial interface, pulse, control & alarm outputs.
Each unit is provided with a multi-point calibration curve for maximum accuracy across the range.

All µSmart sensors of a given type have the same specifications and calibration.
This eliminates any need to reconfigure the system when a sensor is changed.
The on-board microprocessor ensures identical performance characteristics.
With many other systems, changeover of a sensor means either recalibration of the system or resetting of parameters in the data logger.

     For list of sensors, see below: click here             

Each sensor can now be a stand alone instrument that will monitor, log and control an operation within predetermined limits.
There is no longer any need to have ancillary equipment such as a data logger to store information or carry out control functions.

Sensors have their own embedded menu system so that various sensor parameters can be set using a computer in terminal mode,
e.g. sensor characteristics, thresholds, auto-zero, verbosity (e.g. units text on/off), and other changable parameters.

These new instruments provide cost effective monitoring solutions for markets from the agricultural and environmental sector to the process and control industry.

Features of the µSMART range of sensors

See below for list of sensors: click here

Sensor outputs can be
analog V or I out (not both),  frequency,  or  Monibus (0-5v TTL serial data, see description below).
When used in the weather stations, the Monibus output is used to connect the sensors to the data logger.
The Monibus output is easily converted to RS232
            for connection to computers or telemetry equipment (See SI8 and SI-8 below).

Sensors can be made with two control (digital) outputs.
These are called Goldline Sensors (see further down).

• 16-bit resolution (1 part in 65000)
• Sensor cable can be 3-wire or 4-wire. Two wires are for ground and power (5-28 volts), leaving 1 or 2 wires for outputs (see table below).
  Cable can extend for 4km.
• Can connect many sensors to the same digital signal output wires, daisychain style.
• Menu system in each sensor for setting many parameters. See user manual.(jumps to link further down this page.)

• Serial Data Bus capability (Monibus), with up to 250 sensors on the 3-wire Monibus cable.
• Communication over distances in excess of 4 kilometres in bus mode using a three wire system
• Sensors with Monibus output can operate directly into a PC or Laptop
  when using a Serial Interface Unit (SI8 or SI-8 See SI8 and SI-8 below).
  Sensors or sets of sensors with low power requirements can be powered directly from the host computer.
  Those applications with higher current requirements can be powered from a power supply which plugs directly into the SI8 unit.
  The RS232 port on a 486 computer can supply 1 or 2 sensors. The RS232 port on a Pentium computer can supply 8 or 10 sensors.

• Real time monitoring with a minimum base period of 1 second (in standard configuration).
• Internally, successive rapid readings are averaged for more accurate output, noise blanking filter to exclude spurious readings
• Multiple calibration points (in excess of 100 mostly).
• Sensors automatically log Max, Min and Average
• Low power requirement for solar power applications
• Software controlled on-board temperature compensation where applicable
• Economy mode - current reduces to 700µA between readings
• Average mode - averages since the previous readout

• The analog output (voltage or current loop option) is continuous.

• The digital ASCII character output updates every second.

• Power: 6-28 volts unregulated DC. Current Draw: 0.6mA normal, (4mA for Wind Direction, 7 mA for Water level, PH, conductivity), 13mA when communicating with computer. For I loop output, min power voltage is 12VDC
• Temperature compensation is carried out by software correction to an accuracy of +/-0.1 deg C.
• Linearity of better than .02% converting Voltage, Current, Frequency or Resistance to RS232 ASCII format.
• Real Time Clock (not battery backed)
• Suitable for use with other data loggers when using V or I output
• Weight of typical stainless steel sensor & housing with short cable: 250gm (not packed)

• Master/Slave setup where one sensor can control all the other sensors to minimise current draw in low power requirement applications.
• Sensors can be programmed to carry out other simple mathematical functions such as convert liquid height to Volume or Flow units
• Daisychain Mode: The Monibus outputs of many sensors may be connected to the same cable wires, daisychain mode. The computer polls the first sensor, and it returns its reading via the serial Monibus. The first sensor then polls the next sensor, it returns its reading, then that sensor polls the next sensor, and so on. This avoids collisions on the serial bus, and simplifies programming.
• Various options for data collection including operator initiation via a keyboard, time interval reading set in the sensor, or event initiated reading, e.g. temperature, reaches a preset level. In Windows Terminal, hitting a number key will return a reading from one sensor
• Can connect any two µSmart Sensors to the WA1 Alarm Unit, which has 240VAC, 10A relay output contacts.
• Quality Assurance: third party accredited ISO9002.
• Calibration certificate traceable to NATA is provided with each sensor
• Low temperature ability of the weather stations & sensors, the general specification from the datasheets is -30°C to +70°C. (Both operational and storage). The wind sensors specification (without heaters) quotes figures above freezing, in practice, in Tasmania, there has been no problems with these instruments. Heaters can be fitted if required.

Gold Line Sensors also have...

• Two Control outputs (digital I/O) and a Timer output. The outputs can be active high or active low
• The Control outputs activate when the signal crosses preset thresholds, hysteresis if required.
  They can operate solid state relays and can be used for stop/start control or alarm signals.
  The output will drive a 3.5 volt solid state relay directly
  or you can use the small 'donkey' relays provided (12V 0.5A) to switch a larger relay to drive a pump, etc., on 240 volts.
  The solid state relays or the contact type are fine for AC voltage but you must use a contactor type relay for switching DC voltage.
• In Combined Mode, one or both control output is active when the signal is between the thresholds, the other acts normally
• Control/Alarm set points can be either set in software, or hardware for wind dir & speed, special order. Hysteresis if required.
  
  
• Timer output can be active from 0.25 sec to 4.75 hours.
• Timer output is triggered from internal clock every 24 hours, or every 4.75 hours, or can be triggered from a signal crossing a threshold.
  Timer output can be terminated by a threshold crossing
• Master/Slave setup where one sensor can control all the other sensors to minimize current draw in low power applications
• Standard Deviation available on a second channel on Goldline sensors (3 wire)
• Host facility for "Event" sensors such as rain gauges
  

• On-board data logging optional     Many other functions possible

The µSmart sensors have mostly stainless steel tube construction,
    designed for permanent or semi-permanent fixing. 

   For hand held instruments (Testo): click here (opens new tab or window)

SI8 Converter:  Converts Monibus sensor output  to  RS232

SI8  Serial Interface Unit, used for interfacing sensors to computer (i.e. no data logger),
           with power supply to run the sensors: More data: see further down this page

SI-8  Serial Interface Unit: as above, without power supply (powered from the computer's RS232 port).
                More data: see further down this page

For information common to all the sensors, see the description near the top of this page   

  Monibus Sensor Installation & Operation Manual Information for Standard Sensors (.pdf file, 14 pages)

  Sensor User Manual: click here (.doc file 124KB) explains the menu system in each µSmart sensor

    Monibus Protocol details

Wiring:   Red or brown: +ve power,   White or green: Ground,    Yellow or orange: Serial Monibus,   Blue or black: analog out

Quality Assurance: third party accredited ISO9002.  
The µSmart sensors may also be used with Datataker data loggers by using the voltage output option.

Sensors with Monibus output can be daisy chained together and can connect
either to a Monitor Sensors Data Logger,
or directly into a PC or Notebook computer via a Serial Interface Unit: SI8 or SI-8.

Virtual Sensors: values are calculated by the data logger from readings of other sensors

Evaporation or Evapotranspiration Virtual Sensor: Evapotranspiration may be calculated by the data logger.
Choose between Priestly-Taylor formula or the Penman/Monteith formula for evaporation calculation.
Requires: Temperature and  Solar Radiation sensors,  also desirable: Humidity and Wind speed (4 channels into data logger).

Other Virtual Sensors to come:
Humidity    from Wet & Dry bulb
Dew Point  from Wet & Dry bulb, or from Humidity & Temperature.

SI8 Converter: Monibus to RS232  Serial Interface Unit: for interface to computer,
with power supply to run sensors.    Data: click here     See notes about command timing below.
It operates at 1200bps only.
It consists of a small box 72x43x27mm with 3 cables coming out, 2 at one end, the 3rd at the other end.. The cables are 0.65m long.
The 3 cables:  RS232 with DB9F connector;    Power (+ & –,  6-28 volts unregulated DC);   
                         Monibus triple cable (+,  –,  & serial data)
The SI8 provides power to the sensors attached to it.                  Large picture of SI8
The SI8 gets this power either from
    1) the host computer's RS232 port or
    2) a supplied mains adaptor, or
    3) 6 - 24V DC unregulated. This could be an external battery.
The SI8 itself uses about 7mA. Add to this the current drawn by the attached sensors.
The RS232 port on a 486 computer can supply 3 or 4 mA. (1 or 2 sensors)
The RS232 port on a Pentium computer can supply 8 to 10mA. (8 or 10 sensors)
Sensor cable length can be up to 4000m.

SI-8 Converter: as above, except is powered from the computer's RS232 port:
A pair of wires are provided for connection of external power supply should the serial port's supply be insufficient. (5V to 20VDC max)
    The RS232 port on a 486 computer can supply 3 or 4mA (1 or 2 sensors)
    The RS232 port on a Pentium computer can supply 8 to 10mA. (8 or 10 sensors).
A pair of wires comes out of the unit which can be connected to a power source (6 to 24VDC) if required.
Sensor cable length can be up to 250m.
DB9F (25-pin female).  SI-8: 

Sensor Power Requirements
    Water level 7mA, pH 5mA, Turbidity 10 to 16V DC at 15mA (45mA for Model 195 when wiping)
    Soil moisture 4mA, Barometric Pressure up to 5mA
    Wind Direction 2 mA,
    Other sensors use up to 2 mA.

Notes about timing of commands:
1) There is no dead time on the Monibus as such. The SI8 itself has no intelligence or storage facility. It passes the messages with negligible delay (a few microseconds). The sensors do have a delay in responding and this is necessary in order to make sure they have received the full command. There is no "end of command" character.
The end of command is indicated by a pause in transmission of approx two bytes duration. At 1200 baud this corresponds to a time of 16 to 20 milli seconds. After this time the sensor decodes the command and sends a reply if necessary.

2) In practice this reply will begin between 22 and 27 milliseconds after the last byte of the command has been sent.

3) The way to make sure that the sensors are ready to receive a new command is to wait for the Monibus to be idle for at least 30 milliseconds. This includes waiting for any responding sensor to finish its message and then wait the additional 30 milliseconds.
NOTE: The sensors do not know the origin of any command on the Monibus.
They will respond to a command from another sensor as well as from the PC or a logger. This is what happens when the sensors are put in daisy chain mode. For example, you could put the TA1 and HU1 in daisy mode. Then you would only need to send the address of the TA1 and both sensors would reply in sequence. You can even pre-determine if this reply is to be on the same line or on three lines.
To use daisy chain mode in its simplest form you will need to have the sensors on sequencial addresses e.g. 2,3,4.
You can turn on daisy chain mode through the sensors' setup menus BUT as soon as power is broken, daisy chain mode will be switched off.   If you want PERMANENT daisy chain mode you need to send a special command (ask for details).

4) The sensors can not store commands. They can only handle one command at a time. A string of commands will normally be ignored by all sensors. A gap in transmission of 30 milliseconds will cause the sensors to start to look for a new valid command.

Current Loop Outputs:
4-20mA current loop output can be fitted for additional cost.  
Power voltage required for this is 13.6VDC to 28VDC.   
Output cable required is 3-core:    Power (13.6VDC to 28VDC),    4-20mA current output,   and Ground.

Interfacing other sensors to Monibus for use with Monitor Sensors data loggers

The following voltage and pulse converters, V01, V02, etc, are similar to µSmart Sensors, as described near the top of this document, giving the µSmart outputs (Monibus, voltage , frequency). They can make many kinds of instruments and sensors compatible with the Monibus sensors and with Monitor Sensors data loggers.

Voltage - Current - Frequency - Digital I/O   µSmart Sensors, can convert the output of instruments or sensors to give µSmart outputs, including Monibus output.
Ranges 0.1mV up to 1000V
Common mode ranges up to ±10V, optionally ±100V
CMR 80 to 90dB. 2m cable standard      Outputs: Monibus, frequency or Voltage to 4V.

V01: Precision Voltage input, single, 2m cable
V02: Precision Voltage input, differential non-isolated, 2m cable
V03: Precision Voltage input, unipolar, isolated to 1.5kV, 2m cable
V04: Precision Voltage input, bipolar, isolated to 1.5kV, 2m cable

C01: Precision current to µSmart series Converter, single, 2mtr cable
C02: Precision current to µSmart series Converter, differential-non isolated, 2mtr cable
C03: Isolated current to µSmart series Converter, Unipolar isolated to 1.5Kv
C04: Isolated current to µSmart series Converter, Bipolar

F01: Precision Frequency to µSmart series Converter, single, 2mtr cable
F02: Precision Frequency to µSmart series Converter, differential-non isolated, 2mtr cable
F03: Isolated Frequency to µSmart series Converter, Unipolar isolated to 1.5Kv
F04: Isolated Frequency to µSmart series Converter, Bipolar

SI8: Converter, Monibus to RS232 Interface with 500mA Power Supply for Sensors, see above  
SI-8: Converter, as above, without power supply, see above   
4-20ma: 4-20 ma option
VF1: Dual voltage free contact board

Digital I/O Smart Sensor, 8 channels (channels must be factory set as input or output, specify when ordering)

Analog signal to RS232 Converters:
Interface modules that can take any resistive, voltage, frequency or current input, and convert it to a serial data output in ASCII format.

Current µSmart Sensors CIE:    4 to 20mA input µSmart Sensor

WA1  Alarm Control Unit with LCD display

WA1  Alarm Control Unit with LCD display (backlit) and push button menu system.
Connect any two sensors, such as wind speed and wind direction - useful on building sites, or temperature & humidity.
If over/under (or both) the preset points it gives either
     an audible alarm (beep-beep-beep)  or  bright Xenon lampflashes (factory setting, specify when ordering).
     There is an additional cost if both audible AND visible alarms are required.
Can set time delay before alarm proceeds.
The two channel LCD readout shows an asterisk next to the channel in an alarm condition.
Mount where personnel can see it.    Includes mains adaptor. 9-28VDC.  
Optionally, Can use solar panel and internal battery.
  Picture: click here     Right side      Left side
These pictures show a unit which has audible alarm (no Xenon lamp), and current loop output terminals for the two sensors (not shown).
Dimensions: Case width 117mm, overall width 140mm, height 216mm including mounting flanges,
depth of case 57mm (allow extra for items mounted on the front).
   Data sheet onWind Alarm Control Unit (.pdf)

    WA1  Alarm Control Unit with LCD display

Options:
WR1 Relay Output unit, internal, with 240VAC 10A contacts, 2 relays possible,
      one relay could be associated with both inputs, or
      two relays could each be associated with a particular input. For each relay, add $POA  (factory option)

AL1  Alarm Light, 12V rotating beacon for outdoor use
AL2  Alarm Light & Siren, Xenon flashing beacon, and multitone siren  
AL3  Alarm Light, high intensity Xenon flashing light for indoor use in large space

Hand Held Reader   or   Reader/Logger

MR1: LCD display (3½ digits), 1 ch reader
MR2: LCD display, auto-seeking, up to 4 ch, can use any µSmart Sensors
MR3: LCD display & Data logger, hand held, auto or demand logging (stores 120K readings), can use any µSmart Sensor.

Monitor Data Loggers: click here

   The µSmart sensors may also be used with Datataker data loggers

DM4 Docking Memory Module, holds up to 500K readings, plugs into front of Monitor Data Logger   

DS1  Docking Station to download data from DM1 above, to PC

Hand Held Readers   or   Reader/Logger

MR1: LCD display, 1 ch reader         Large picture of Hand Held Reader
MR2: LCD display, auto-seeking, up to 4 ch, can use any µSmart Sensors
MR3: LCD display & Data logger, hand held, auto or demand logging (stores 120K readings), can use any µSmart Sensor.

MR1 Single Channel Hand Held Reader   battery powered

MR2 Multi -Channel Hand Held Reader   battery powered

MR1 & MR2 were originally designed for the soil moisture sensors, however they may be use with any sensor.
The MR1 and the MR2 portable readers offers an option for measuring and monitoring soil moisture at a large number of points across a farm.
The sensors are permanently inserted in the ground and the hand held reader is used to access the information at regular intervals.
The LCD display on the reader is used to manually record the soil moisture readings at the different points.

MR3 is a reader logger and provides both LCD display and automatic logging of the data that can be downloaded from the reader on return from the field. The logger can record and store up to 120,000 reading.

MR series include internal 6V Gel Cell battery and charger 240VAC

LCD Displays

A service tool for testing sensors.

Each channel has its own 16 character LCD display, (height of characters: 6.5mm).
Any number of these can be mounted in a suitable sized case.
Uses the Monibus output (ASCII text) from sensors.
Note: the Data logger case is normally fitted with one LCD panel. The various channels can be observed by scrolling.

LCD1: Single channel LCD real time display, c/w power supply or battery .  
LCD2: Dual channel LCD real time display, c/w power supply or battery
LCD3: Three channel LCD real time display, c/w power supply or battery
LCD4: Four channel LCD real time display, c/w power supply or battery
LCD5 /6 /7 /8 five ot 8 or more channels

The above displays may be connected to a modem
     using the SI8 Converter (see above) which includes 500mA power supply for sensors.
An extra connector can be fitted to the LCD Display case for this purpose, at no extra charge.
Power: internal battery: 9V PP (small rectangular) or can run from 9VDC power supply (not included).

Software for PC

  Download SmartLogger.exe  Software for downloading the data from
The SmartLogger software is a basic program to help with downloading data from Monitor SmartLoggers,
graphing it, or saving it to an Excel file.
It also works through a GSM or dial-up modem connection.

Using a Terminal program
The µSmart data loggers, and the sensors (without a data logger), can be downloaded and controlled using a terminal program
(e.g. Windows HyperTerminal included with Windows 95, 98, XP, etc),
for setting up, unloading data in readable text format and storing to disk.
The user can access a sensor using the Windows HyperTerminal program. Screen shot: click here

  Download our terminal program for Windows PC:  Mterm.exe

SmartLog - new Windows Software searches for and finds sensors automatically,
     either when connected to a Monitor Sensors data logger, or when connected to the serial port via SI8 (Monibus to RS232 Converter).
It logs data from sensors to disk in CSV text format which can be readily imported into spreadsheets or
data can be linked by DDE directly into applications such as a spreadsheet.
Trend plotting, etc, can then be done in the spreadsheet.
It also displays the most recent readings on-screen, including "dial" and "meter" readouts.
Can generate an SMS message on an alarm condition. (E-mail could be added).
Many other useful features.
SmartLog Software:
PCL for when a logger is present        or    
PCS for when there are only sensors and no logger

Data on SmartLog software: click here

Download the User Manual: click here ( .doc file 535KB)

Screen shots of SmartLog:   One    Two    Three

Ethernet Interface Software

Monitor Sensors can supply Ethernet interfaces for the Monitor SmartLoggers,
and server software that can automatically retrieve the current readings and historical data from the logger.
The retrieved data can be optionally merged into a user supplied web page template
and automatically uploaded to a web server by ftp.
Two templates are provided - a current readings table and a web graph page.

The program includes a terminal interface that allows the logger to be customised and the data stored by the logger to be retrieved.

A running log of the program operation is saved regularly to help the user resolve any upload problems.

    Data on Ethernet Interface Software (.pdf file 750KB, opens new window)

GPRS interface to our sensors and loggers

We also have been working on a GPRS interface to our sensors and loggers.
This allows a group of sensors or logger to connect to server software over the internet using a GSM/GPRS modem.
This allows realtime data at a cost of about 10c a packet.

Software for the older Monitor Sensors loggers:

SDV01  DATAVIEW Software: Time series line & bar graphs for Monitor data.MS-DOS

SWR01  WINDROSE Software: Displays and prints windroses from wind data.MS-DOS
AVMS: AusVit Vinyard Management System:
AVSR: AusVit Vineyard Spray Records
AVCDB: AusVit Vineyard Chemical Database
AVB1: Vineyard block licence:
SDP01: Datapoll software
SEP-01: EPROMs for old loggers:
SCF-01: Configuration files, per hour:

For upgrading old loggers, LOGGER Utilities upgrade, Windows 95 or 3.1 is available:

Electronic Pluviometer

Electronic Pluviometer combines a Rain gauge with a battery powered data logger
with 512K RAM (120K readings), giving storage for years.
Serial port for interface to computer, printer or modem.
Includes 6v rechargeable GelCell sealed battery, lasts for about 6 months without recharge.
Battery voltage monitoring is provided.
   Data on the Pluviometer Data Logger (.pdf file, opens in new window)

   Data on Electronic Pluviometer         (.pdf file, opens in new window)

   Data on the Tipping Bucket Raingauge   (.pdf file, opens in new window)

Other sensors - please enquire