SenseCAP S2104: Advanced Long-Range Soil Moisture and Temperature Sensor
Welcome back to another exciting episode of Product of the Week! Today, we’re diving into hardware that takes the world of smart agriculture to a whole new level! The SenseCAP S2104 is a LoRa-powered soil moisture and temperature sensor designed to transform how you monitor crops.
The SenseCAP S2104 is a complete package engineered for long-range data collection, extreme durability, and hassle-free operation. With a staggering range of up to 10 kilometres (line of sight) and an impressive 10-year battery life, it stands out as a reliable choice for remote agricultural monitoring, smart greenhouses, and environmental research.
Today, we’ll explore how this cutting-edge device works, its standout features, and why it’s the perfect choice for anyone looking to gain real-time insights into soil health, even in the most remote locations. Check out the video below…
What is the Seeed Studio SenseCAP S2104?
The SenseCAP S2104 is a state-of-the-art soil moisture and temperature sensor designed to provide long-range, low-power environmental monitoring for agricultural and research applications. Powered by LoRaWAN® technology, this advanced sensor enables the wireless transmission of soil data over extended distances with minimal power consumption.
Combining both soil moisture and soil temperature measurements in a single device, the SenseCAP S2104 simplifies environmental monitoring by offering a complete solution for critical data collection. This dual-function capability makes it a perfect tool for precision agriculture, helping farmers and researchers make data-driven decisions to optimize crop health and irrigation strategies.
Packaged as a fully self-contained kit, the SenseCAP S2104 includes:
- An IP66-rated enclosure, ensuring protection against dust and powerful water jets, making it suitable for outdoor use in harsh conditions.
- A built-in battery capable of lasting up to 10 years of continuous operation without recharging.
- A high-quality sensor probe with an extended cable for flexible placement in soil.
The device leverages LoRaWAN® (Long Range Wide Area Network), a low-power, long-range communication protocol ideal for remote monitoring. With its ability to transmit data over distances up to 10 kilometers in line-of-sight conditions and 2 kilometers in urban areas, LoRaWAN is perfect for agricultural sites, greenhouses, and remote climate monitoring projects where reliable data transmission over large areas is crucial.
Why is the SenseCAP S2104 Impressive?
The SenseCAP S2104 stands out from the competition with a combination of advanced features designed for reliability, longevity, and convenience, making it a powerhouse for remote agricultural monitoring. Here's why it's so impressive:
Long Battery Life
One of the most remarkable aspects of the SenseCAP S2104 is its 10-year continuous operation without needing a recharge. This extended battery life is powered by a robust 19Ah Li-SOCl2 battery, a non-rechargeable yet easily replaceable power source that minimizes maintenance efforts in the field.
Extended Range
Equipped with LoRaWAN® technology, the SenseCAP S2104 offers exceptional long-range connectivity, making it ideal for remote data collection. The transmission range reaches up to:
- 2 kilometers in urban environments with interference.
- 10 kilometers in line-of-sight conditions, perfect for rural farmlands and remote monitoring locations.
This expansive range ensures you can monitor crops and soil conditions from great distances without the need for complex infrastructure.
Wireless & Low Maintenance
The SenseCAP S2104 is designed to be a true set-and-forget device. Its long battery life and reliable wireless communication mean you won’t need to worry about constant monitoring or battery replacements. The device continues to transmit data consistently, providing years of uninterrupted service with minimal intervention.
Durability
Built for the harshest environments, the SenseCAP S2104 features a rugged IP66-rated enclosure. This industrial-grade design ensures protection against:
- Water exposure, including powerful water jets.
- Dust and debris in outdoor conditions.
- Extreme temperatures, with an operational range of -40°C to +85°C.
Whether placed in a greenhouse, an open farm field, or a research station in extreme climates, the SenseCAP S2104 is built to last.
Key Features & Specifications of the SenseCAP S2104
The SenseCAP S2104 is engineered for precision, durability, and convenience, making it a top-tier choice for soil monitoring in both professional and experimental applications. Here's a detailed breakdown of its core features and specifications:
Hardware Overview
The SenseCAP S2104 offers a dual-sensing system capable of measuring both soil moisture and temperature with impressive accuracy:
- Soil Moisture Range: 0% to 100% Volumetric Water Content (VWC) with ±3% accuracy.
- Soil Temperature Range: -40°C to +85°C with ±0.5°C accuracy in standard conditions.
These metrics provide crucial data for agricultural optimization, from irrigation management to climate studies.
Built-in LoRaWAN® Communication
The sensor leverages LoRaWAN® technology for long-range, low-power wireless communication. Key specifications include:
- Frequency Range: 863MHz to 928MHz, ensuring global compatibility with multiple LoRaWAN® networks.
- Transmission Range: Up to 10km (line of sight) and 2km in urban areas.
- Sensitivity: -136dBm with a transmission output of 19dBm.
This makes it ideal for use in both rural farmlands and urban greenhouses where extended coverage is essential.
Bluetooth Support
For effortless setup and maintenance, the SenseCAP S2104 includes Bluetooth connectivity. Using the SenseCAP Mate app, you can:
- Configure network settings with a few taps.
- Perform over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates.
- Access real-time sensor data during setup.
Battery and Power
One of its standout features is its impressive power efficiency. The sensor is powered by a 19Ah Li-SOCl2 battery, capable of delivering:
- Up to 10 years of continuous operation without recharging.
- Non-rechargeable but easily replaceable battery design.
This ultra-low power consumption makes the SenseCAP S2104 perfect for long-term agricultural and environmental monitoring.
Environmental Protection
The SenseCAP S2104 is built to endure tough environmental conditions, ensuring long-term durability and reliability:
- IP66 Waterproof Rating: Dust-tight and resistant to powerful water jets.
- Extreme Climate Tolerance: Operational from -40°C to +85°C.
- UV-Resistant Enclosure: Designed for outdoor use without degradation.
Whether you're monitoring a remote crop field, a research station, or a commercial greenhouse, the SenseCAP S2104 is designed to perform reliably in virtually any environment.
Use Cases and Project Ideas
The SenseCAP S2104 is a versatile tool capable of transforming how you monitor environmental conditions across various applications. Its long-range capabilities, extended battery life, and precise measurements make it ideal for a range of projects and professional use cases.
Smart Agriculture and Farming
Optimize crop health and irrigation management with real-time soil data. The SenseCAP S2104 provides reliable soil moisture and temperature readings that help farmers:
- Monitor soil conditions to prevent overwatering or drought stress.
- Enhance yield optimization by providing critical data for precision farming strategies.
- Leverage its long-range transmission (up to 10km) for monitoring large farms and remote agricultural fields.
Smart Greenhouses and Vertical Farming
Take indoor farming to the next level with advanced climate monitoring. The SenseCAP S2104 is ideal for:
- Indoor climate monitoring for controlled growing environments.
- Automating irrigation systems by delivering accurate soil moisture data to control units.
- Extending the lifespan of the sensor with its IP66-rated enclosure, perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
Environmental Monitoring
Designed for use in remote areas, the SenseCAP S2104 is a reliable choice for environmental research and conservation projects. Use it for:
- Climate research to track temperature and moisture trends over time.
- Soil condition studies for research institutions and ecological monitoring.
- Data collection in remote locations without the need for extensive infrastructure.
Remote IoT Projects
The long-range LoRaWAN® capabilities and battery efficiency of the SenseCAP S2104 make it perfect for rural and industrial IoT deployments. Applications include:
- Rural IoT monitoring for remote soil analysis and land management.
- Data streaming to third-party cloud services for real-time dashboards and analytics.
- Seamless integration with platforms like The Things Network and Helium.
Whether you're working in agriculture, research, or IoT development, the SenseCAP S2104 delivers the reliability and precision needed for accurate environmental monitoring.
Why Choose the SenseCAP S2104?
The SenseCAP S2104 stands out as a superior choice for soil monitoring applications due to its advanced design, durability, and ease of use. Here's why this sensor is the ideal solution for both professionals and hobbyists:
Unmatched Combination of Long Battery Life, Extended Range, and Rugged Design
The SenseCAP S2104 offers a rare blend of power efficiency, long-range communication, and tough construction. Its 10-year battery life and up to 10km LoRaWAN® transmission range ensure reliable data collection from remote environments without the need for frequent maintenance or connectivity concerns.
Versatile for Small-Scale and Large Agricultural Setups
Whether you need soil data for a small greenhouse or a large commercial farm, the SenseCAP S2104 adapts to various scales effortlessly. Its long-range capabilities make it suitable for vast agricultural fields, while its accuracy and Bluetooth-enabled configuration simplify use in controlled indoor environments like smart greenhouses and vertical farms.
Minimal Maintenance with 10-Year Battery Life
Forget the hassle of frequent battery changes. The 19Ah lithium battery provides up to 10 years of continuous operation. This ultra-low-power design makes it a true set-and-forget solution for long-term agricultural monitoring, research projects, and remote installations.
Seamless Setup Process with Bluetooth App Support
Setting up the SenseCAP S2104 is a breeze thanks to its built-in Bluetooth functionality. Using the SenseCAP Mate app, users can:
- Configure LoRaWAN® frequency and network settings.
- Perform over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates.
- Access real-time sensor data during installation.
This intuitive setup ensures the device can be deployed quickly, even by users with minimal technical experience.
With its unique combination of efficiency, durability, and simplicity, the SenseCAP S2104 is a top-tier choice for agricultural professionals, researchers, and IoT developers alike.
Final Verdict: A Game-Changer for Remote Soil Monitoring
The SenseCAP S2104 sets a new standard in remote soil monitoring, combining long-range connectivity, a rugged design, and exceptional battery life. Its ability to transmit data over vast distances while requiring minimal maintenance makes it a standout solution for both agricultural and environmental monitoring.
Whether you're managing a large farm, operating a smart greenhouse, or conducting environmental research in remote locations, the SenseCAP S2104 offers the precision, durability, and ease of use you need. Its IP66-rated enclosure ensures it can handle tough outdoor conditions, while the 10-year battery life guarantees long-term reliability without constant attention.
Ready to elevate your soil monitoring capabilities? Get your hands on the SenseCAP S2104 today at the Electromaker Store and discover how effortless long-range data collection can be!
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Residing on the south coast of England, Rich has spent the last few years building Electomaker.io from the ground up. He is usually found behind a laptop coordinating the rest of the EM team and occasionally finding time to contribute articles to the blog. When not tapping away at a laptop, he can be found either paddleboarding, at the beach, playing golf (badly), or camping with his family.
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