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There are several different technologies available for remote monitoring. In this section we’ll review the principal monitoring options for water tanks in agricultural enviroments and explain why farmIT’s mesh network is the superior choice.
1. Satellite
Satellite-based tank monitoring systems measure the water level in your tank and transmit that information to your phone via satellite. There are two basic types of satellite networks avaible each with their own pros and cons.
Geostationary Satellite Systems
This is a network of typically 4-5 satellites that are in fixed locations about 36,000km above the earth and cover a huge area – including all of Australia. Because the network is high above the earth they require high power transmission and so typically require a solar panel and battery. The positive aspect of this type of system is that it can provide near real time data – this is important if there is an alert that needs to be sent to you. The negative is that there are often higher initial capital costs and ongoing subscription fees.
Because satellite data is expensive, most suppliers limit uploads to just 2-5 per day. So, you will get virtually real time data but you will only receive it 5 times/day. However, if there is an alert you will get it virtually immediately.
The key considerations are initial capital outlay, ongoing subscription fees and the data upload frequency.
IoT Satellite Systems
These systems utilise a large number of satellites in a low earth orbit. This means that they do not require solar panels to transmit data to the satellites. The positive aspect of this system is that it is generally lower cost than geostationary based systems. The negative is that these systems do not provide real time data as they can only transmit data when a satellite comes within range. This means you may have to wait some time before receiving an alert. This delay is called latency and its duration can vary, depending on the satellite network, from seconds up to hours.
Some suppliers of these systems offer plans that can take a large number of readings/day While this may be technically true, it can also be misleading as there is an important difference between readings – when the sensor measures the tank level and uploads – when that information is actually transmitted and made visible on your phone. Because satellite data is expensive, suppliers limit uploads to just 1–2 per day. This means that even if the sensor takes multiple readings per day, you will typically only see 1-2 updates on your phone each day. The rest of the readings are simply stored in the device until the next scheduled upload.
Alerts can also behave very differently to what many people expect. If the tank level crosses a limit you have set, the alert is stored in the device and then transmitted only when a satellite passes overhead and the next upload occurs. This can result in a delay between when the event actually happens and when you are notified.
In addition, some lower-cost plans include only a limited number of alerts per month, after which extra charges may apply for each alert sent.
If you are considering these systems be sure to ask for the estimated lifetime cost i.e. the cost over 10 years also ask about the latency for your specific location, the upload frequency and all fees including alert fees.
2. Mobile Phone/Cellular
These systems operate similarly to satellite-based setups but rely on mobile network coverage. You’ll still need to pay a subscription fee and you’ll be limited to just a few readings/day but the cost of the units and the subscription fee is less than satelite systems. If you have multiple tanks to monitor and the tanks are within 10km of each other then other technologies will be lower cost and provide more detailed information (see below).
If you are considering these systems be sure to ask for the estimated lifetime cost i.e. the cost over 10 years also ask about the upload frequency and all fees including alert fees.
3. LoRaWAN
LoRaWAN systems transmit data from each sensor to a central gateway, which then uploads the information via satellite or mobile networks. The gateway must be installed at the highest point on your property and must have a clear line of sight to each tank sensor. If the gateway isn’t at your house, you will need to pay a separate subscription for the gateway. The advantage of this system is there is only one subscription fee and you’re not limited to 2 to 3 readings/day. However, if you have tanks that can’t “see” the gateway, then other technologies would be better suited (see below).
If you are considering these systems be sure to ask for the estimated lifetime cost i.e. the cost over 10 years also ask about the upload frequency and all fees including alert fees.
5. farmIT Mesh Network
Mesh networks are the most advanced monitoring technology. They work similarly to LoRaWAN but with two key differences. The gateway (also called a CloudLink) can be located inside your house, it doesn’t need to be at the highest point on your farm on a pole. If your home has internet access, the gateway can connect to your network so there are no subscription fees. Secondly, tank sensors can relay data through one another in a daisy-chain fashion. This means that you can monitor tanks no matter where they are on your property. In addition, the mesh network allows you to take as many readings per day as you want. Finally, farmIT has no subscription fees – ever.
Our Commitment to Ethical Manufacturing
At farmIT, our dedication extends beyond just technology, ethical manufacturing isn’t just a policy—it’s a core value that influences every decision we make. We are proud to offer products that are not only high-quality and reliable but also ethically sourced and responsibly made.
- Truly Australian-Made: Unlike many many suppliers our design, manufacturing, assembly, sales and backend software development is based in Sydney, Australia. Front end software development is based in New Zealand.
- Ethical Considerations: Given the human rights issues associated with the Chinese regime, we do not source components from China. Instead, we choose components from countries with strong ethical track records, such as Europe, the USA, Japan, and Taiwan, known for their commitment to fair labour practices, environmental sustainability, and human rights.
Our Guarantee
Our sensors are built to perform exceptionally well in tough agricultural environments. They come with a 1-year warranty, ensuring you can trust our technology to provide accurate and timely data for your farm. Click to see farmIT in action.
