Project Number: 6209-13000-013-13
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Sep 01, 2007
End Date: Aug 31, 2010

Objective:
Develop advanced node hardware and software for real-time monitoring of crop canopy temperatures in an agricultural field using a wireless mesh network of infrared thermocouple sensors. Determine methods of improving data transmission that are compatible with the operation of a moving sprinkler irrigation system. The specific objectives are: 1) enable data collection at a minimum rate of 1 node per second; 2) advance the reliability of data collection; provide information on wireless mesh network (WMN) characteristics; and 3) reduce power consumption of the WMN.

Approach:
Node hardware and software will be designed and tested in a laboratory setting at SIU to accept analog inputs and transmit data to a base computer through off-the-shelf RF modules. Testing will involve use of mesh networking firmware and 12-bit ADCs to handle analog input. ARS will refine developed circuitry that interfaces between the field sensors and the node hardware. Laboratory testing of the two devices will be accomplished as an intermediate step. Final testing will be accomplished by deploying sensor nodes devices in the field at Bushland, Texas and confirming their operation.