Wednesday, 05 February 2014 14:41

Wireless monitor keeps an eye on water supply

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MAINTAINING A reliable supply of stock drinking water will be easier for farmers using a new wireless water monitoring system, according to its manufacturer Gallagher’s. 

 

The innovative product, which is available now, accurately measures water levels in tanks or ponds and wirelessly transmits this information to a touchscreen display unit mounted in a convenient location – such as at a house, farm dairy or implement shed.   

Easy to operate and install, the system helps farmers keep track of water storage and provides peace of mind by highlighting potential water issues before they become a major problem.

“It’s a crisis averter,” says Gallagher Group marketing manager Mark Harris. “As well as constantly measuring water levels in storage tanks and ponds around the farm, it can also alert farmers to abnormal water loss caused by problems like broken water pipes or overflowing troughs. If the level in one or more tanks begins to decrease quickly then farmers know they have a problem.”  

The system uses a high quality sensor to measure water pressure in the tank. Information from this sensor is transmitted via a solar-powered wireless communication unit, mounted on top of the tank, to a wall-mounted or desktop touchscreen display unit located up to 4km away. 

“Water is a crucial resource on any farm and the wireless water monitoring system is a great tool for helping farmers catch water problems before they seriously impact on the well-being of livestock,” Harris says. 

“It’s also a big time saver because you don’t have to physically visit the tank or pond.” 

Up to nine tanks can be monitored by one display unit. The display features a 2.8inch colour touchscreen and can store water level information to give the user a clear picture of historical tank levels over a 30-day period.  

Optional equipment for the system includes a wireless pump controller that allows the remote control of a pump to ensure water levels are maintained as required. A Directional Long Range Antenna is also available to increase the range of the signal up to 10km.

Harris says the system’s ability to monitor the level of any fluid means it can also be used for monitoring effluent ponds. 

Dairy farmers can keep track of effluent pond levels remotely, and take action to prevent ponds running over.  

The Wireless Water Monitoring System is available through Gallagher resellers nationwide.

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