HOBOnet Wireless Multi-Depth Soil Moisture Sensor
Features
- 900 MHz wireless mesh self-healing technology
- 450 to 600 meter (1,500 to 2,000 feet) wireless range and up to five hops
- Up to 50 wireless sensors or 336 data channels per HOBO RX station
- Free ground shipping
- Expedited repair and warranty service
- Lifetime technical support
- More
Overview
The Onset HOBOnet Multi-Depth Soil Moisture Sensor is a wireless sensor that works with the HOBOnet system to measure soil moisture and soil temperature at multiple depths with a single probe. This durable sensor is available in three probe lengths, for measurements up to 90 cm (35 in) deep.
Mechanics
Featuring GroPoint's TDT5 technology with patented antenna design, this sensor measures soil moisture along the entire length of each probe segment, resulting in the largest volume of influence per measurement section. A high frequency of pulses per measurement provides precise and consistent soil moisture data.
Applications
The optional pilot rod and slide hammer are recommended for quick and easy installation: the PILOT-ROD4 (28") for use with the 3-segment and 4-segment sensors (RXW-GP3A and RXW-GP4A) and the PILOT-ROD6 (40) for use with the 6-segment sensor (RXW-GP6A).
The HOBOnet system is a cost-effective and scalable wireless sensor network for web-enabled monitoring of field conditions for applications such as crop management, research, and greenhouse operations. Because it's wireless, users can deploy a network of sensors to easily monitor multiple points with a single system, while avoiding the risk of long cables that can interfere with field operations. Sensors are easily linked to the network, and data can be accessed through HOBOlink, Onset's innovative cloud software platform.
| Soil Moisture: Volumetric Water Content (VWC) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Measurement Range | In soil: 0 to 0.550 m³/m³ (volumetric water content) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accuracy | ±0.02 m³/m³ (±2%) in most soils typical from 0° to 50°C (32° to 122°F)* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Resolution | 0.001 m³/m³ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Temperature | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Measurement Range | -20° to 70°C (-4° to 158°F) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accuracy | ±0.5°C (0.9°F) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Resolution | 0.1°C (0.18°F) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depths Measured (see below) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| RXW-GP3A-xxx | 45 cm (18 inches) total; three soil moisture zones, six temperature depths | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| RXW-GP4A-xxx | 60 cm (24 inches) total; four soil moisture zones, six temperature depths | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| RXW-GP6A-xxx | 90 cm (35 inches) total; six soil moisture zones, nine temperature depths | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wireless Mote | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Temperature Range | Sensor: -20° to 70°C (-4° to 158°F) Mote: -25° to 60°C (-13° to 140°F) with rechargeable batteries -40° to 70°C (-40° to 158°F) with lithium batteries |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Radio Power | 12.6 mW (+11 dBm) non-adjustable | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transmission Range | Reliable connection to 457.2 m (1,500 ft) line of sight at 1.8 m (6 ft) high Reliable connection to 609.6 m (2,000 ft) line of sight at 3 m (10 ft) high |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wireless Data Standard | IEEE 802.15.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Radio Operating Frequencies | RXW-GPxA-900: 904–924 MHz RXW-GPxA-868: 866.5 MHz RXW-GPxA-921: 921 MHz RXW-GPxA-922: 916–924 MHz |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Modulation Employed | OQPSK (Offset Quadrature Phase Shift Keying) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Data Rate | Up to 250 kbps, non-adjustable | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Duty Cycle | <1% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Maximum Number of Motes | Up to 50 wireless sensors or 336 data channels per one HOBO RX station | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Logging Rate | Maximum logging interval: 18 hours Recommended minimum logging interval: 5 minutes year round when using solar power with rechargeable batteries, 10 minutes when using non-rechargeable lithium batteries |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of Data Channels | RXW-GP3A-xxx: 10 RXW-GP4A-xxx: 11 RXW-GP6A-xxx: 16 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Battery Type/ Power Source |
Two AA 1.2V rechargeable NiMH batteries, powered by built-in solar panel or two AA 1.5 V non-rechargeable lithium batteries for operating conditions of -40 to 70°C (-40 to 158°F) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Battery Life | With NiMH batteries: Typical 3–5 years when operated in the temperature range -20° to 40°C (-4°F to 104°F) and positioned toward the sun (see Mounting and Positioning the Mote), operation outside this range will reduce the battery service life With non-rechargeable lithium batteries: 1 year with a 10-minute logging interval |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Memory | 16 MB | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dimensions | RXW-GP3A-xxx sensor length: 53.2 cm (20.9 inches) RXW-GP4A-xxx sensor length: 68.2 cm (26.9 inches) RXW-GP6A-xxx sensor length: 98.2 cm (38.7 inches) Sensor diameter: 3 cm (1.2 inches) Cable length: 3.5 m (11 ft 6 in) Mote: 16.2 x 8.59 x 4.14 cm (6.38 x 3.38 x 1.63 inches) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | RXW-GP3A-xxx sensor: 351 g (12.4 oz) RXW-GP4A-xxx sensor: 408 g (14.4 oz) RXW-GP6A-xxx sensor: 526 g (18.6 oz) Cable: 180 g (6.5 oz) Mote: 226 g (7.97 oz) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Materials | Sensor: Polycarbonate housing encasing epoxy sealed circuit board Cable: Polyurethane Mote: PCPBT, silicone rubber seal |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Environmental Rating | Mote: IP67, NEMA 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
- HOBOnet Multi-Depth Soil Moisture Sensor
- Two AA 1.2V rechargeable NiMH batteries
- Cable ties
- Screws
Select Options
In The News
Wildfire Prevention in the Sierra Nevada Region with the Yuba Watershed Institute
Though recent wildfires have sparked new conversations about wildfire management and response, groups like the Yuba Watershed Institute have been monitoring the forests and water resources of the Sierra Nevada region for decades, managing approximately 5,000 acres of land with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and about 7,000 acres in private land partnerships. The goal of the Institute is to work with local communities and land agencies to improve watershed and forestry management through informed practices and public outreach. The goals of the Yuba Watershed Institute are three-fold: Improve the ability of fire suppression agencies like the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection ( CAL FIRE ) and the US Forest Service.
Read More
Wave Sensors Integration with NexSens Buoys: A Cutting-Edge Solution for Wave Measurment
Real-time wave data supports accurate weather prediction, safe and efficient maritime operations, and provides valuable safety and operating condition information for recreation and commercial fishing. Understanding wave dynamics also helps with the design of protective coastal structures like seawalls, breakwaters, and jetties. It also supports better prediction of their impact on sediment transport and coastal geomorphology. Wave data is a key factor in qualifying and designing offshore wind farms and harnessing kinetic energy for electrical generation. It helps with the understanding of ocean-atmosphere interactions and contributes to studies of sea-level rise and climate change impacts.
Read More
Spring 2025 Environmental Monitor Available Now
In the Spring 2025 edition of the Environmental Monitor, we highlight partnerships across the world and the importance of collaboration between government agencies, universities, environmental groups, local communities, and other stakeholders. From great white shark research in Cape Cod to monitoring fisheries in Lake Erie, this latest edition underscores partnerships that connect stakeholders in a watershed through environmental data. With an emphasis on data sharing, a combination of real-time and discrete sampling keeps the public and partners informed of environmental conditions. Our writers also sought out science professionals dedicated to working with peers within and outside of the environmental sector.
Read More
