ECOWITT WH51 - User Manual

Need help?

Do you have a question about the ECOWITT WH51 and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

WH51 Getting Started

WH51 Parts List

Lists the components included with the soil moisture sensor.

WH51 Sensor Overview

WH51 Sensor Features

Details the key functionalities and capabilities of the soil moisture sensor.

WH51 Setup Guide

Install WH51 Batteries

Step-by-step instructions for inserting batteries into the sensor.

WH51 Wi-Fi Configuration

Pair WH51 with Gateway

Guide for pairing the WH51 sensor with the GW1000 Wi-Fi Gateway.

Gateway Wi-Fi Connection

Instructions on establishing Wi-Fi connectivity for the gateway device.

Summary

WH51 Getting Started

WH51 Parts List

Lists the components included with the soil moisture sensor.

WH51 Sensor Overview

WH51 Sensor Features

Details the key functionalities and capabilities of the soil moisture sensor.

WH51 Setup Guide

Install WH51 Batteries

Step-by-step instructions for inserting batteries into the sensor.

WH51 Wi-Fi Configuration

Pair WH51 with Gateway

Guide for pairing the WH51 sensor with the GW1000 Wi-Fi Gateway.

Gateway Wi-Fi Connection

Instructions on establishing Wi-Fi connectivity for the gateway device.

The WH51 Wireless Soil Moisture Sensor is a device designed to measure soil moisture content, providing data that can be streamed and viewed through a mobile application or a receiver console. This sensor offers features for both general use and advanced calibration to ensure accurate readings across various soil types.

Function Description:

The primary function of the WH51 is to measure soil moisture content. It transmits this data wirelessly to a GW1000 Wi-Fi Gateway (sold separately) or a compatible Weather Station Console (HP2551/HP3500/HP3501). Once connected to a gateway, the data can be monitored in real-time on the WS View mobile application. For remote monitoring and historical data, the sensor data can be uploaded to the Ecowitt Weather Server, allowing users to view current and historical records, graphs, and receive email alerts. The sensor updates its moisture readings every 70 seconds.

Important Technical Specifications:

Moisture Range: 0% to 100%
Resolution: 1%
0%AD Setting Range: 0 to 200 (default to factory calibration)
100%AD Setting Range: 0%AD+10 to 1000 (default to factory calibration)
Frequency: 433/915/868 MHz (optional)
Sensor Reporting Interval: 70 seconds
Transmission Distance: Up to 100 meters (300 feet) in open field
Waterproof Rating: IP66
Power Consumption: 1xAA Alkaline battery (not included)
Battery Life: Minimum 12 months
Channels Supported: Up to 8 channels. The WH51 and WN51 sensors share these eight channels, with the total quantity of both not exceeding eight.

Usage Features:

Easy Setup: The sensor requires one AA battery. After insertion, an LED indicator lights for 4 seconds and then flashes once every 70 seconds, indicating data transmission.
Gateway Pairing: If a GW1000 gateway is already in operation, the sensor will automatically be picked up by the gateway upon power-up. New sensors are recognized as new channels based on the power-on sequence, allowing users to label them for distinction.
Sensor Replacement: If replacing an old WH51 sensor, users can power off the old sensor, power on the new one, and then use the "Re-register" function on the WS View app's Sensor ID page to learn the new sensor and erase the old one.
Mobile App Integration (WS View):
- Monitor live sensor data on the "Live Data" page.
- Edit channel names.
- Access custom mode for calibration.
Weather Station Console Integration (HP2551/HP3500/HP3501):
- View soil moisture data in real-time on the console display.
- Edit channel names (for HP2551 only).
Ecowitt Weather Server Integration:
- View current soil moisture data, history records, and graphs online.
- Set and receive email alerts.
- Remote monitoring via smart phone, laptop, or computer.
Custom Mode Calibration: This advanced feature allows users to manually calibrate the low/high moisture values (0%AD and 100%AD) to achieve more accurate results for different soil types. This mode is activated through the WS View app in live data display mode.
- 0%AD Adjustment: Used to adjust for dry condition reading inconsistency. Increasing the 0%AD value can lower the displayed moisture readings if they are too high at dry soil conditions.
- 100%AD Adjustment: Used to adapt for wet condition reading inconsistency. Decreasing the 100%AD value can fix readings that are too low at extremely wet soil conditions.
- The custom mode transforms the fixed slope rate linear system into a variable slope rate linear system, making the calibration flexible to match specific soil types.

Maintenance Features:

Battery Installation: Simple installation of one AA battery by opening the battery cap.
Sensor Testing: Before permanent installation, it is recommended to test the sensor in air (should read 0% moisture) and then in a cup of water (should read 90% or above). The sensor transmits every 10 seconds upon detecting a significant data change during testing.
Proper Installation: Insert the sensor totally into the soil at the desired location, avoiding excessive force to prevent damage.
Calibration Record: Users are advised to record the 0%AD and 100%AD values for future use, especially if the Wi-Fi network changes.
Factory Calibration: The device is generally calibrated in the factory, so user-side calibration is typically not required unless specific soil types demand it.