Typical Components: 1:RS210-CELL cellular node, 2:Solar panel, 3:RX300 expansion box with DVR (Digital Video Recorder), 4:IP66 rated camera, 5:Dual-element PIR motion detector. All mounted on channel strut pole.
Revision: 2011-11-06
(C) Ranch Systems LLC, 2010-2011
Suspicious person probing pick-up truck. Image captured by Ranch Systems remote camera at night (IR illuminated).
Ranch Systems products provide a unique solution for camera monitoring in remote places where regular power and Internet connectivity is simply not available. Typical applications include monitoring of: Access gates, intrusion into remote sheds, construction time lapse, crop development, high-value equipment, wildlife and livestock.
The technology consists of a cellular data node (RS210-CELL) including a solar panel, a digital video recorder (RX300-DVR), a rugged outdoor camera with infrared illumination and optionally a motion detector which can be of the beam or infrared type.
The images are captured on a fixed time interval, or based on the motion detector, and immediately uploaded to the Ranch Systems Internet application, where authorized users can see the images or short videos. It is also possible to configure alerts, such that users receive a text message or live telephone call within minutes of an event occurring.
Solutions can be further developed by adding electronic keypads for code entry, either for time tracking or gate access control. And the RX300 unit has 4 relay outputs that can be used to control gate openers or alarms. The net result is a wide array of opportunities to grow a remote monitoring and control application in modular steps.
Best of all perhaps: this is just one piece of the overall Ranch Systems solutions suite, which means that the cost of the system can be shared with all the other functionality, such as weather station, soil moisture tracking and irrigation control.
Typical Components: 1:RS210-CELL cellular node, 2:Solar panel, 3:RX300 expansion box with DVR (Digital Video Recorder), 4:IP66 rated camera, 5:Dual-element PIR motion detector. All mounted on channel strut pole.
In comparison to most similar solutions in the market, the Ranch Systems solution has the following advantages:
Example of actual image captured: Livestock
Example of actual image captured: Wildlife
Example of actual image captured: Access Control
Example of image/video view in the Ranch System online application
In its idle state the system is sleeping to conserve power. This changes when something causes a trigger. See the next section for an overview of the many different options for triggering the camera.
Once triggered the system wakes up and within 5 seconds an image is captured or video recording is started. In the case of video recording this may continue up to 30 seconds, or even longer, taking 1 image per second. Longer recording times are not recommended, since it will extend the time the system is busy uploading, and therefore when the next picture/video can be captured.
Next, the system connects to the cellular network and starts uploading the image or video. As soon as this upload starts, typically within 1 minute from trigger, the server can send alerts to users by email, SMS or voice call, if so configured. The upload time will depend highly on the size of the image or video recorded, as well as the quality of the cellular connection. Times may range from 1-2 minutes to 10-15 minutes for large videos.
Once the upload is complete, the system goes back to idle state, conserving power and waiting for the next trigger event.
As soon as image or video is uploaded it is accessible in the calendar view in the Internet application which is accessed via the Ranch Systems web site (www.ranchsystems.com). The image to the right show and example of the view.
There are multiple options for triggering the camera, and choosing the optional for your application is essential to getting the maximum benefit from your system. The main types are:
Time trigger is the simplest form of triggering since it does not require any external equipment or sensor. Time trigger is configured in the RX300 unit as a number of minutes between each capture, typically ranging from every 15 minutes to every 4 hours. Typically capture is single images, not videos. The result is effectively a time-lapse set of images and the online software allows you to create a video out of the images after a longer period of time, such as a 5 minutes video covering 1 year of images.
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Passive Infrared or PIR sensing is well known from indoor security systems. It observes the energy emitted by any object proportionally to its temperature. More specifically, the sensor develops a pattern of current emissions and reacts to any changes in these patterns. In outdoor applications many events can cause erratic detection and filtering for these can in turn lead to failure of detection. Most sensors have a sensitivity setting to allow the user to make this sometimes difficult trade-off. Ranch Systems offers an intelligent PIR sensor which we have tested to work well - even outdoors - while having a power consumption compatible with both the RM210 and RS210-CELL units. Sensor is easy to install since it can mount to the same pole as camera pointing out into the general area of interest.
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These detectors consist of a transmitter and a receiver placed on each side of a drive, entrance or other area to be protected. It is even possible to use mirrors to make the beam go around corners - this way a rectangular "fence" can literally be created, for example around a building. The installation is more involved that PIR sensors and higher power requirements mean that the larger RM210 unit is required.
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Although not re-sold by Ranch Systems, there are motion sensors available that can be buried next to a drive-way and will detect moving vehicles. These are compatible with the RX300 inputs, but typically have a slightly higher power requirement - similar to photoelectric beams.
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In some cases the application provide for a simple switch to directly trigger the camera. For example, pressure switches can easily be added to pumps and engines and wired to the RX300, providing for image capture when the equipment is started.
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The following Ranch Systems products are relevant for remote camera applications:
| Part Number | Description |
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| RM210-G/C/H | Ranch Systems cellular telemetry base station (GSM/GRPS/CDMA/1XRTT/NextG/HSPA models available). The RM210 is used over the RS210-CELL units where more power is required, such as photoelectric motion detector, frequent video capture, frequent night-time capture, power-hungry equipment add-ons (sirens, gate openers, etc), or limited sunlight locations. A separate solar panel is ordered or provided by customer in size ranging from 20W to 75W depending on nature of operations. |
| RS210-CELL-G/C/H | Ranch Systems cellular telemetry node (GSM/GRPS/CDMA/1XRTT/NextG/HSPA models available). The lower cost RS210-CELL option is used where power requirements are modest to normal and amble sunlight available. |
| RX300 & RX300-UPG-DVR | The RX300 is a general purpose expansion controller enabling RM210 or RS210 units to take input from motion detectors and control equipment via relays. The RX300-UPG-DVR is the Digital Video Recorder that fits inside the RX300 and is purchased as an upgrade to the RX300 unit. When ordered together this bundle is often referred to as RX300-DVR. Connects to the RS232 port of any RM210 or RS210-CELL unit. |
| CAM-SC-IP66 | Outdoor Camera. 600TVL 1/3" SONY Color CCD. IR lamps for nightvision, 100m range. Rated IP66. All-metal construction. 16mm lens. Including Mounting bracket. Connects to the matching power/video pigtail provided with theRX300-DVR. |
| MD-CR-DD | Outdoor-rated dual-element PIR motion detector. Wires into the RX300 unit. Includes mounting bracket with ball-swivel and connector cable. |
| MD-RS-AX70T | Outdoor rated photo-electric beam motion detector. Consists of two units, a transmitter and receiver, placed on each side of the passage to be monitored. Underground power wiring is required between RM210/RX300 and both these units. Power requirements mean that an RM210 unit is required. |
For more information please contact an authorized Ranch Systems reseller in your local area:
| Current list of resellers available here: | www.ranchsystems.com/resellers.html |
Or contact Ranch Systems directly:
| Address | Ranch Systems LLC 37 Commercial Blvd Novato, CA 94949 USA |
| Phone | TOLL FREE (US only): (877) 399 2770 +1 415 884 2770 |
| sales@ranchsystems.com | |
| Web | www.ranchsystems.com |