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Sensor connectivity problems

Do you see Xs on the Growboard overview? Is a sensor not showing up on the Growboard? Are you missing data from a sensor?

This article lists the best troubleshooting practices for the most common sensor connection issues, indicated by seeing Xs on the Growboard overview. 

Link to a placement

The sensor records measurements every 5 minutes. However, for the sensor to know where to send these measurements, it needs to be connected to a placement. You can check if a placement has a sensor connected to it by navigating to the placement level and making sure you see a sensor serial number below the placement name. Below is an example of no connected sensor (left) and a connected sensor (right).

Antenna

Make sure the antenna is screwed on tightly. You don't need any tools for tightening the antenna. You can tighten the antenna by hand by turning it gently from the bottom until the antenna no longer turns without force. Do not forcefully turn the antenna after you feel resistance.

Deep sleep

When a sensor cannot connect to a gateway for an extended period of time, the sensor falls into deep sleep. This means the sensor stops repeatedly attempting to connect in order to preserve battery life.

You can bring the sensor back from deep sleep by bringing it close to a working gateway (two solid green lights visible). Take the sensor out of the substrate, cover the pins with something to protect yourself and the pins from damage, and place the sensor near the gateway. Remember to check that the antenna is tight.

The time needed for the sensor to wake up and reconnect depends on the strength of the signal to the gateway and how long the sensor has been in deep sleep. You can expect anything from 15 minutes to a few hours.

How to know the sensor is connected again

Once the sensor connects, the Xs will disappear from the Growboard and you will see the measured values again. 

Did I lose data?

The sensor can store data up to 24 hours. If it reconnects before 24 hours have passed since it disconnected, no data is lost.

Seeing zeroes, not Xs

If you see zeroes in your Growboard overview, this indicates of something else than a sensor connection issue. Most commonly, there is no WC, dry out, or EC data, while the temperature is still being measured. This indicates that the sensor is not (fully) in the substrate, as it cannot measure any water-related measures.

If you see zeroes and the sensor is in the substrate, please contact support@growficient.com.