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Add an SDI-12 sensor

Give an SDI-12 sensor an address, add a query for it, and log its values as parameters.

Goal: the station asks your SDI-12 sensor for measurements and logs the values you want.

Before you start

  • You need the Admin role.
  • The sensor's manual: which measurement command gives which values, and in what order.
  • The sensor wired to the SDI-12 terminals. To check or change its address, connect it on its own.

Steps

  1. 1

    Check the sensor's address. Go to SDI-12. Under Sensor Operations, choose Check Sensor ID and press Execute. The Result shows the address, for example "Sensor Address: 0". Identify Sensor also shows the maker, model and version.

  2. 2

    Change the address if needed. Each sensor on a bus needs its own one-character address. Choose Change Sensor ID, fill in both Current Address and New Address, and press Execute. A blank New Address sets the sensor to 0.

  3. 3

    Add a query. Under SDI-12 Master Configuration, click + Add Query. Set Sensor ID to the sensor's address, Request Type (for example Measurement (M)), and Request Number (Default for the plain command, or 1 to 9 for an additional measurement such as M1). Leave Reset Flag at No. Click Save. A station takes up to 10 SDI-12 queries.

  4. 4

    Turn polling on. Switch Enable on at the top of the card.

  5. 5

    Create a parameter per value. On Parameters, click + Add Parameter, set Type to SDI-12, pick the Sensor ID, Request Type and Request Number, and set Data Index to the position of the value in the sensor's answer (1 to 10). Name it, pick a unit, and click Save Parameter. See Create a parameter.

Check it worked

The SDI-12 pill under Communication Protocols on the Dashboard has a tick, and the new parameters show values under Live Parameters.

If something goes wrong

What you seeWhat to do
No sensor detectedCheck wiring and power, and that only one sensor is connected.
Timeout (60s)The sensor did not answer in 60 seconds. Check wiring and the addresses you typed.
Sensor ID must be a single character (0-9, A-Z, a-z)Enter one letter or digit.
A parameter shows the wrong valueThe Data Index points at a different value in the answer. Check the order in the sensor's manual.