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Bin-Sense Solo

For Bin-Sense Solo User Manual, please click here.

Overview

The Solo unit is used to automatically read up to four sensing cables once daily and send grain condition
information to the Bin-Sense Mobile app using a cellular connection. Each bin to be monitored requires the
installation of one Solo unit.

Two different versions of Solo are available depending on the cellular service available in the area.

Solo LTE-M

The Solo LTE-M uses new LTE-M technology optimized for Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications, recommended for use across North America, excluding Saskatchewan.

Solo 4G/3G (SK)

The Solo 4G/3G (SK) version uses a conventional 4G cellular connection with 3G backup (where still available) — not recommended for use outside Saskatchewan.

Installation Tips

  • Solo units can be installed on the top or bottom of the bin.
    • On new installations, installing the Solo unit on the roof of the bin near the sensing cable(s) is recommended to minimize the link cables required.
    • When retrofitting Solo onto a bin previously monitored with Bin-Sense Direct, it is recommended to install the Solo unit at the bottom of the bin connected to the existing ground-level Direct link cable connection. This eliminates the need to climb the bin during installation.
  • When positioning the Solo unit, remember to consider things like bin lid movement and the path the auger will take and avoid placing components where they will interfere.
  • Whenever possible, secure link cables so that they run downward, away from the enclosure and cable grip.
    • This will prevent water from running along the cable and towards the Solo unit enclosure.
  • Prevent moisture (e.g. rain, snow) from entering the enclosure when opening the enclosure lid during installation.
  • When finished with the installation, make sure the enclosure lid is closed and latched securely and there are no wires, tags, or other objects caught between the lid and the enclosure which could cause water ingress.

Setting Up the Mobile App

  1. Create an account or log in on the Bin-Sense mobile app.
  2. Navigate to the site where you want to add the Solo uni If required, create a new site (i.e. bin yard) by tapping the + button in the top right corner and then selecting “Create Site”.
  3. Once on the correct site, tap the + button in the top right corner and then tap “Add Solo Unit”.
  4. Follow the step-by-step instructions to finish adding the device to a bin on the app.

Solo Unit Installation

  1. Carry the Solo unit and any tools and accessories to the top of the bin in a manner that allows both hands free to safely climb the bin.
  2. Place the Solo unit on the bin with the antenna fin end of the enclosure closest to the ground.
    1. The sensor link cable should point towards the ground to prevent water from running towards the enclosure. The magnetic feet will hold the unit in place on the bin.
  3. Connect the sensor link cable to the sensing cable(s) installed in the bin. A terminal box or splitter is required to connect more than one sensing cable to the sensor link cable.
    1. Note: Solo units can read a maximum of four cables with up to 12 sensors each.
  4. Open the four latch clips and remove the lid from the Solo unit.
  5. Remove the “Remove before use” tab(s) from the battery clip(s). Solo LTE-M has one battery tab, Solo 4G/3G (SK) has two battery tabs.
  6. Watch the status LED and verify it has turned solid green to confirm the Solo unit is connected to a cell tower and Bin-Sense servers.
    1. See the LED diagnostics section for more details.
  7. Use the mobile app to verify that the Solo unit is properly sending data to the Bin-Sense App and that all the connected cables are detected properly.

Replace Solo Unit Batteries

Solo units are designed to run for five years on one set of batteries.

Use only Lithium AA batteries in Solo units (Lithium/Iron Disulfide). Other battery types may prevent Solo units from operating normally. When replacing batteries in a Solo unit, completely remove all depleted batteries before installing any new batteries.

LED Diagnostics

The diagnostic LED on the Solo units give information about any attached sensor cables as well as cellular connection status.

Startup Status

LED Pattern Solo Unit Status
Flashing Orange Starting up
Solid Orange Connecting to cell tower
Flashing Green Connected to cell tower, connecting to Bin-Sense servers
Solid Green Successfully connected to Bin-Sense servers
Flashing Red Could not connect to Bin-Sense servers
Solid Red Could not connect to cell tower

 

Sensor Cable Diagnostics

Number of Red Flashes Information to Convey
1 Number of temperature/moisture cables read
2 Total number of sensors temperature/moisture read
3 Total number of moisture sensors read

 

Flash Colour Value
Orange 10
Green 1

 

The status LED will only flash a specific number of red flashes if the corresponding number is not zero. For example, if there are no moisture cables connected to the Solo unit, the LED will not flash three red flashes. If nothing is detected on the sensor cable interface, the LED will flash once.

 

Additional Information

Sensing Cables

  • Solo units can read a maximum of four cables. Cables can be either temperature or moisture
  • Cables can have a maximum of 12 sensors each
  • Excess cables or sensors beyond these limits will be ignored
  • Solo units are compatible with all versions of Bin-Sense temperature and moisture cables
  • Solo units are compatible with most OPI digital sensing cables including 2021 moisture cables with new sensors

Cable Read & Call-In Times

  • Solo units read cables once daily at 4:00 PM
  • Each Solo unit is randomly assigned a daily call-in time between 4:15 PM and 6:00 AM
  • This prevents all units from calling in at the same time and overwhelming the Bin-Sense servers. Once scheduled, units call in at the same time every day
  • Each morning, users will have a full set of readings from the previous day at 4:00 PM
  • One week of past data is visible on the Bin-Sense mobile app and website

Solo Features on Mobile App & Web Dashboard

  • Bins monitored with Solo have similar functionality to Bin-Sense Direct on the Bin-Sense Mobile app and website
  • Thresholds can be set (temperature or CGC guidelines) to quickly indicate grain conditions on the mobile app bin list and heatmap
  • Graphs show the last week of temperature readings for the bin
  • Users can manually set sensors as covered or exposed to estimate grain volumes and mute readings from exposed sensors. Automatic level detection is not available with Solo because daily cable readings do not provide enough data to estimate grain levels
  • Threshold, CGC alert notifications, and access to unlimited past sensor readings are planned to be made available in the future as an upgrade

Smart Tech

  • Smart Tech (aka Daisy Chain) is not officially supported by Bin-Sense Solo devices, and as such, you cannot manually create or assign cable IDs in the Bin-Sense website or app
  • Smart Tech can be “simulated” by programming cable IDs with unique IDs and then just assuming they are in each of their correct bins in the Bin-Sense UI (aka cable ID 1 would be in Bin 1, if this is how it is setup in real life)

Cellular Booster Antenna

  • Cellular booster antennas are not compatible with Bin-Sense Solo devices
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