Sokol-M1 + Sokol-DVP (Sokol-BMVD)

Sokol-BMVD (on the right), Sokol-DVP (on the left)

Definition and Purpose of Sokol-DVP and Sokol-BMVD

Sokol-DVP

The Sokol-DVP soil moisture and temperature sensor (hereinafter referred to as “Sokol-DVP”, “the device”, “DVP”, or “the DVP sensor”) is designed to determine the mass fraction of soil moisture (hereinafter referred to as soil humidity) and soil temperature.

The Sokol-DVP sensor is a fiberglass (FR4) plate in the shape of an elongated trapezoid with a pointed end for easy installation in the ground.

The measuring part of the sensor contains capacitive sensing elements, insulated by two layers of fiberglass. The electronic board is located inside a rectangular casing.

The operating principle for temperature measurement is based on the change in resistance depending on soil temperature.

More detailed technical characteristics are presented in the technical data sheet of the device

Sokol-BMVD

The Sokol-BMVD wireless external sensor modules (hereinafter referred to as “BMVD” or “the device”) are designed for automatic reading of soil temperature, soil moisture, and detection of the presence or absence of moisture on plant leaves or other surfaces (leaf moisture).

The module receives readings from four independent inputs connected to up to four external sensors and transmits all collected data to the Sokol-M1 weather station via a LoRa 433 MHz wireless channel during the next communication session.

Up to eight BMVD modules can be connected to one station.

Each BMVD can connect up to four soil moisture/temperature sensors (Sokol-DVP) and/or one leaf moisture sensor (Sokol-DVL), depending on the supplied model.

The communication range between the station and a BMVD module can reach up to 5 km under direct line-of-sight conditions without interference. For best performance, there should be no obstacles between the antennas of the station and the BMVD. The BMVD module should be mounted at a certain height above the ground.

(Note: Production of the Sokol-DVL leaf moisture sensor has been stopped.)

More detailed technical specifications are provided in the documentation (under review).

Device construction

Sokol-BMVD

Currently, Sokol-BMVD has several design versions:

1) Version powered by three AA batteries

• Supports up to three Sokol-DVP sensors and one Sokol-DVL sensor. (The Sokol-DVL sensor is no longer produced.)

(Example: Energizer ULTIMATE LITHIUM 1.5V)

Device elements:

1. Channel selector
2. SET button
3. RESET button
4. Green LED indicator
5. Red LED indicator
6. Seal area
7. Inputs for Sokol-DVP sensors
8. Input for Sokol-DVL sensor (in newer versions, this input is used for an additional Sokol-DVP sensor)

2) Solar-powered version

• Supports up to four Sokol-DVP sensors.
• Equipped with a solar photovoltaic panel and rechargeable battery.

(Example: LTO18650, 2.4V)

Sokol-DVP

Currently, Sokol-DVP also has several design versions:

1.Old-type housing: early rectangular design.

2.New-type housing: updated design with improved sealing and connector layout.

Connection Methods Between Sokol-DVP and Sokol-M1

The Sokol-DVP sensor can be connected either directly to the input of the Sokol-M1 station or via the Sokol-BMVD wireless module. In this case, the Sokol-M1 weather station receives data from the Sokol-DVP sensors through a LoRa 433 MHz wireless channel.

Sokol-DVP via Sokol-BMVD

1. The Sokol-DVP soil moisture and temperature sensors can be connected to the inputs of the Sokol-BMVD device (inputs #1, #2, and #3 for the old version). Input #4 of the Sokol-BMVD operates in analog signal measurement mode and is used to connect the Sokol-DVL leaf moisture sensor. The Sokol-DVL leaf moisture sensor is currently not in production.
2. The Sokol-DVP soil moisture and temperature sensor can be connected to the inputs of the Sokol-BMVD device in the new version (to all four inputs; connection of the Sokol-DVL sensor is not supported in this version).

Below are the connection diagrams for Sokol-DVP sensors with different versions of the Sokol-BMVD module:

Connection diagram for the new model Sokol-DVP + Sokol-BMVD

Connection diagram for the new model Sokol-DVP/DVL + Sokol-BMVD

Sokol-DVP + Sokol-BMVD - Configuration via PC

To configure the Sokol-DVP + Sokol-BMVD setup, connect the Sokol-M1 station to a PC using a USB cable and the SokolCFG configurator.

After connecting the station, you must enter the password to gain access to modify the station’s settings.

Change the BMVD request period (from 5 to 60 minutes).

Set the channel number (2) - it may be useful to change this value if the connection between the station and the BMVD is unstable. Click Set (3) to save the settings.

The station can operate on only one of four channels at a time. Therefore, each connected BMVD must have the same channel number as the station.

In addition to the channel, you must enter the MAC address of the BMVD module you want to connect to this station.

You can find this address on the BMVD’s cover.

Enter the MAC address (1) and click Set (2).

After clicking Read (3) in the right-hand window and successfully synchronizing (described below), you will be able to see the latest data received from the BMVD.

Sokol-DVP + Sokol-BMVD - Configuration via Sokol Mobile App

In the application, you will be guided through a step-by-step setup process for connecting the BMVD.

Connect to the weather station and open the Configurator section.

Enter the service password - the default value is 222.

If it doesn’t work, please contact our sales department manager to restore the password.

Select the desired data exchange interval with the BMVD and choose the channel number.

It may be useful to change the channel number if the connection between the station and the BMVD is unstable. Save the changes.

Next, go to the Additional Devices section and select the wireless module.

Make sure the switch positions match the selected communication channel.

Enter the MAC address of the BMVD.

Note that colons should not be used. The number 0 and the letter O are different characters - ensure correct input.

Click Next. After this, the station connection setup is complete - proceed to the next step.

(Further in the app, images with descriptions and step-by-step synchronization instructions will be provided. A more detailed explanation of synchronization is presented below.)

Sokol-DVP + Sokol-BMVD - Synchronization with Sokol-M1 Station

The next step is to synchronize the operation of the station and the BMVD.

After being powered on, the weather station transmits a sync packet every 15 seconds for a period of three hours.

For the BMVD to successfully synchronize with the station, the following conditions must be met:

• The weather station must have a GPS or GSM connection to set the correct time.
• The weather station must be transmitting sync packets so that the BMVD can detect it.

There is also an option to activate the “BEACON” mode directly on the station to start transmitting sync packets for synchronization with the BMVD.

Once activated, this mode operates for 6 hours, after which it turns off automatically.

To properly connect the BMVD, follow these steps:

- Install the batteries in the BMVD (or connect the battery connector if you are using the new BMVD version). The green LED will light up.

- Place the weather station outdoors and reboot it by turning the key to the OFF position for 2 minutes, then turning it back to ON.

- When the red LED on the BMVD starts blinking (1), press and hold the SET button (2). The green LED (3) will turn off. After this, the synchronization process can be considered successful.

Note that the red LED on the BMVD blinks depending on the signal strength.

If the LED blinks three times or fewer, you should move the BMVD closer to the station or raise it higher to improve the connection.

Viewing Data from Sokol-DVP + Sokol-BMVD

After successful synchronization, data packets from the BMVD will appear together with other parameters transmitted by the station (e.g., via GSM) in the following format:

Example of parameters for Sokol-DVP + Sokol-BMVD

Example of Sokol-DVP + Sokol-BMVD Parameters:

- Ex0T0 BMVD1 DVP1 temperature

- Ex0H1 BMVD1 DVP1 humidity

- Ex0T2 BMVD1 DVP2 temperature

- Ex0H3 BMVD1 DVP2 humidity

- Ex0T4 BMVD1 DVP3 temperature

- Ex0H5 BMVD1 DVP3 humidity

- Ex0l<next number>, Ex0U BMVD1 battery voltage

- Ex0R BMVD1 signal strength

 

There may also be Ex0, Ex1, Ex2, etc. for other BMVD modules connected to the same station.

If one DVP sensor (e.g., DVP2) is disconnected, the next one (DVP3) will shift to Ex0T2 / Ex0H3. To identify which DVP was disconnected, test each sensor physically by unplugging them one by one and observing changes in the readings.

Useful links

• Video tutorial on connecting the station via GSM to a PC (RUS)
• Video tutorial on setting up the station on the Sokolmeteo server (RUS)
• Video tutorial on setting up the station via a PC (RUS)
• Video tutorial on connecting the BMVD to the station via a PC (RUS)