Ranch Systems
Ranch Systems is a fast-growing high-technology company focused on wireless solutions for field monitoring and control for agriculture and environmental applications. Ranch Systems is an established leader in the California market and is currently expanding world-wide. The patented technology is unique in terms of the breadth and modularity of the possible solutions: from a single cellular node monitoring a single temperature or tank at an unbeatable price, all the way to sophisticated farm-wide networks with real-time wireless monitoring and control of the entire growing and irrigation cycle, and add-ons like camera monitoring.
RANCH SYSTEMS LLC | Monitoring & Control Solutions for Growers
RanchMaster, designed and manufactured by Ranch Systems in Novato, California, is a modular suite of six field monitoring and control solutions residing on a versatile hardware and software “platform”. A grower has the flexibility to start with a single solution like Weather & Climate and add functionality over time. For example, soil moisture sensor data can be later combined with valve control to completely automate irrigation. Each individual solution is integrated into an easy-touse, but sophisticated software application and can be turned on at any point.
The RanchMaster software or “brains” of the system resides remotely on a secure computer in a data center in the “cloud.” Field information is accessed on-line through a browser on a computer or a mobile network via a smartphone. The software typically receives data and sends commands over the internet and a cellular or WiFi connection to a RanchMaster advanced wireless network located in the field. The wireless network consists of various wireless communication, control and sensor “building blocks” that are quickly configured to the specific requirements of a grower’s layout and operations.
RanchMaster is a proven technology solution. Since 2005, over 500 growers have successfully implemented it in their vineyards, orchards and fields.
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
RanchMaster includes a complete weather station solution that provides accurate, continuous, real-time recording of temperature, relative humidity, wind, rain, solar radiation, and leaf wetness. Its built-in analytical features include disease indices, degree days, chill portions, and wet bulb. The Weather & Climate module is typically combined with the Alerting module to immediately notify growers of dangerous weather conditions.
Soil Moisture Tracking
RanchMaster offers an effective and reliable way to measure soil moisture continuously and in real-time at multiple levels and at several points in a property. The data can be used to schedule irrigation in conjunction with Irrigation Control and/or trigger alerts on critical moisture levels. It can be viewed as time graph or color-coded soil water profile. The data can also be combined with climate and water resource information to create even more intelligent basis for irrigation and alerting.
Irrigation
RanchMaster can open and close valves to schedule while monitoring pressure and/or flow to ensure proper irrigation. This module seamlessly integrates with Soil Moisture, Climate & Weather and Tank & Pond (for total irrigation management), Alerting (for quick problem detection), and Remote Cameras (for observation of crops and field work). It can also be used to turn on or off electrical and engine-driven pumps as well as automate frost protection and cooling systems.
Tank & Pond Monitoring
RanchMaster can monitor the level of tanks, ponds, wells and many other types of liquid storage including fuel and fertilizer. Fluid level data is gathered by either submersible pressure sensors or ultra-sonic sensors located above the liquid. The software calculates volume based on tank/pond geometry Charts and graphs allow comparison over time. Alerts can be set to any number of conditions; it is even possible to have alerts that automatically activate a shutoff valve or sound an alarm horn.
Remote Cameras
RanchMaster can also remote observation capabilities. As opposed to the common “web-cams” which continuously stream video, RanchMaster Remote Cameras record still-images at intervals of 15 minutes or 1 hour and economi- cally transmit them to the online software where they can be viewed in real-time or historically. Cameras can also be activated by a sensory event like a motion detector being triggered. Also, a feed of images can be sent to a grower’s website for marketing purposes.
Alerting
The Alerting module enables early detection of problem conditions. Alert conditions and recipients are defined by growers and can be based on any type of collected data. Rules for triggering alerts can be as simple as “<38” for frost alert or complex calculated formulas. Delivery can be by email, text message or phone. Alerts can be configured to repeatedly call multiple recipients until at least one recipient acknowledges the alert.
HOW TO CONTACT
Ranch Systems LLC
37 Commerical Blvd, Suite 101 Novato CA 94949 | www.ranchsystems.com
877.399.2770 Toll Free | 415.884.2770 Phone | 415.884.2861 Fax