Ranch Systems

During the past few years, a number of field monitoring stations have become available that use cell phone technology to transmit field acquired data to an Internet web site. Among the brand names are Adcon, PureSense, Pessl, Western Weather and Ranch Systems.

After a close look at the available platforms, AgQuest has found that the best equipped and most versatile is the Ranch Systems product. Based on our conclusion, we have become dealers for this product.

Configuration

A Ranch Systems network is set up with a Base station (with a cell phone) plus Node stations. The Node stations use radio telemetry to communicate with the Base station to transmit and receive data. One Base station can handle several Nodes (up to 35) and the nodes can be located up to 3 miles from the Base. Data from the Base and Node stations is recorded and uploaded to an Internet site every 15 minutes so data is always current. The Internet web site can be accessed from any computer with an Internet connection or from a smart phone (Blackberry, iPhone, Droid, etc.).

Ranch Systems has recently introduced a "Cell Node" product which is a very economical alternative for specific applications such as frost alerts.

Uses and Applications

The Base & Node stations can be equipped to perform a number of functions.
These include:

•	Full weather stations - temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind speed and wind direction.
•	Frost alert capability - with alerts sent by a voice call, email and/or text message.
•	Irrigation system monitoring - recording pump flow rates, pressures (before & after filters) or simply the fact that the drip system is on or off.
•	Operating pumps & valves - you can set up a schedule and remotely turn on and off pumps and valves.
•	Soil moisture levels - you can record soil moisture data from virtually any type of sensor (tensiometers, WaterMarks, AquaSpy probes, Echo sensors, etc.).
•	Plant available moisture - we can convert soil moisture from several types of sensors to plant available moisture, which you may be familiar with from our neutron probe service reporting.
•	Irrigation system running - by placing a pressure transducer in the drip or micro-sprinkler line you can tell exactly when the system is on and off.
•	Calculations - the Ranch System Internet site can calculate powdery mildew index, degree-days, and almost anything else for which you have a sensor to collect the base data.

Costs

For each of the systems there is an initial capital cost plus a monthly cost for the cell phone and Internet site use. An advantage with a Ranch Systems network is that you have only one monthly cell phone bill as compared to most of the other manufactures that do not have the Node radio telemetry capability resulting in a grower receiving multiple cell phone bills each month.

For more information or a quotation, click below or call us at 559-275-8095

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California AgQuest Consulting, Inc., 4545 N. Brawley Avenue, Fresno, CA 93722
Ph. (559) 275-8095 * FAX (559) 275-5301, e-mail: webmaster@calagquest.com

Last Update:		5/14/2012
Next Update:		5/21/2012

Last Update:		5/14/2012
Next Update:		5/21/2012

Last Update:		5/14/2012
Next Update:		5/21/2012

Last Update:		5/14/2012
Next Update:		5/21/2012

Last Update:		5/14/2012
Next Update:		5/21/2012