Data transfer methods. Configuration.

Station + GSM

Connection and configuration the station via GSM

Natlogger server configuration

Natlogger platform instruction/configuration

Sokol Analytics + Modbus

General instructions for the Sokol Analytics program + Modbus connection

Sokol-M1 + Ethernet

General instructions for connecting Sokol-M1 using an Ethernet converter

Connecting additional sensors/devices

Sokol-DVP, Sokol-DVP+Sokol-BMVD

Instructions for connecting the Sokol-DVP soil moisture sensor and the Sokol-BMVD wireless module

General information

The SOKOL-M1 automatic meteorological station (hereinafter referred to as SOKOL-M1, product, weather station, station) is designed for automatic measurement of meteorological parameters: air temperature, soil temperature, soil moisture, water temperature, relative air humidity, air flow velocity and direction, atmospheric pressure, amount and intensity of atmospheric precipitation.

The SOKOL-M1 weather station allows you to collect and process the results of meteorological observations, store and analyze all information in real time. Continuous monitoring of weather conditions increases the accuracy of weather forecasts.

More detailed technical specifications are provided in device's datasheet file.

User manual: Sokol-M1 user manual.

Sokol-M1 technical specifications

Parameter name	Meaning
Power supply voltage from DC network, V	From 8 to 25
input power, no more than W	10
Battery capacity, Ah	8
Minimum capacity of the black box	month at 10-minute intervals, 4096 records
Communication interfaces with Sokol-M1	USB, Bluetooth 4.0
Positioning system	GPS/ГЛОНАСС
Maximum battery life, at least … hours	2000*
Communication interfaces	GSM**, RS-485, LoRa433, Iridium, Lora WAN, Гонец
Operating conditions: Range of measurements of air temperature, ^oC Range of relative humidity measurement, % Range of measurements of atmospheric pressure, hPa Range of measurement of air flow rate, m/s	from -60 to +55 from 0 to 100 from 540 to 1100 up to 60
Average operating time before failure, hours, not less than	20000
Average service life, years, not less than	8
Maximum battery life, hours, not less than	2000
Dimensions, mm, max.	290х400х418
Weight, kg, max.	2,75
Notes 1) * With a message sending interval of at least 30 minutes, an ambient temperature of 0 to 55 °C, and compliance with the rules for installing a weather station in the field. 2) **GSM – minimum operating temperature in GSM mode is minus 40 °C.

Principle of operation of sensors and metrological characteristics of Sokol-M1

The operating principle of sensors for various measuring channels of stations is shown in Table 2.

Table 2 – Principle of operation of the SOKOL-M1 weather station sensors

Measured parameter	Principle of operation
Air temperature	Based on the change in the conductivity of the sensitive element depending on the ambient temperature
Relative air humidity	Based on the change in the conductivity of the sensitive element depending on the air humidity
Wind speed	Based on the conversion of the airflow speed into the rotational motion of the shaft with а set of cups that is detected and measured by means of the Hall sensor
Wind/Airflow direction	Based on the conversion of the wind vane's angle of rotation into an electrical signal using а magnetic rotation angle recorder (encoder)
Atmospheric pressure	Based on the piezo-resistive effect: а change in the membrane’s resistance when it deforms under atmospheric pressure is registered and recorded
Amount of precipitation	Based on the measurement of the precipitation/rainfall intensity (the total of the mm of rainfall per day
Rainfall intensity	The intensity of rainfall is measured based on the number of tilts of a tray mechanism (small container) with one tilt being equal to 0.29 mm; the counter is reset every time the Station is polled via ModBUS or transmits its data to a server via GSM.
Ultraviolet level of solar radiation	Based on the occurrence of current through the p-n transition under the influence of ultraviolet radiation on the photodiode
Level of the visible solar radiation spectrum	Based on the occurrence of current through the p-n transition under the influence of visible radiation spectrum on the photodiode

The SOKOL-M1 automatic meteorological station measures meteorological parameters in accordance with Table 1.

Table 1 – Metrological characteristics of SOKOL-M1:

Name of characteristic	Measurement range/measurement tolerance limits	Characteristic value
Atmospheric pressure	Range of measurements of atmospheric pressure, hPa	from 540 to 1100
Atmospheric pressure	Absolute permissible error limits of atmospheric pressure measurement, hPa	±0,5
Air temperature	Range of measurements of air temperature, ^oC	from -60 to +55
Air temperature	Limits of allowed absolute measurement error of air temperature, °C: - range: -30…55 inclusive - range: -60…-30 inclusive	±0,4 ±0,5
Relative air humidity	Range of relative humidity measurement, %	from 1 to 100
Relative air humidity	Absolute permissible error limits of air humidity measurements, %	±5
Soil temperature (if additional equipment is used)	Range of measurements of soil temperature, ° C:	from -60 to +70
Soil temperature (if additional equipment is used)	Limits of allowed absolute error of soil temperature measurements, °C: - range: -30…50 inclusive - range: -60…-30 and 50…70 inclusive	±0,2 ±0,4
Water temperature (if additional equipment is used)	Range of measurements of water temperature, ° C:	from -10 to +65
Water temperature (if additional equipment is used)	Limits of allowed absolute error of measurement of water temperature, °C	±0,2
Rainfall volume	Precipitation measurement range, mm	from 0,2
Rainfall volume	Limits of permissible relative error of atmospheric precipitation measurements, %	±(0,2 + 0,05∙Х*)
Rainfall intensity	Rainfall intensity measurement range, mm/h	from 0 to 120
Rainfall intensity	Limits of permissible absolute error of atmospheric precipitation intensity measurements, mm	±(0,2+0,05∙I*)
Wind speed	Range of measurement of air flow rate, m/s	from 1 to 60
Wind speed	Limits of permissible relative wind speed measurement error, m/s - range: 1 … 5 m / s inclusive; - range: 5 … 60 m / s	±0,5 ±(0,5 + 0,05∙V*)
Wind direction	Measurement range of airflow direction	from 0˚ to 360˚
Wind direction	Absolute permissible error limits of wind direction	±3˚
Notes 1) X* – measured value of atmospheric precipitation, mm. 2) I* – measured value of atmospheric precipitation intensity, mm/min. 3) V* – measured air flow velocity, m/s.

Design and set of components of the Sokol-M1 station

Sokol-M1 design

The SOKOL-M1 automatic meteorological station is designed as a monoblock, the housing of which contains: a unit for recording and processing measurement data, sensors for measuring temperature and relative humidity, precipitation amount and intensity, atmospheric pressure, a rechargeable battery, and auxiliary communication equipment. An anemometer and a weather vane are located on the outside of the SOKOL-M1 station housing. Additionally, at the customer's request, it is possible to supplement the weather station with a solar radiation indicator in the UV range, a visible spectrum solar radiation level indicator, a JC029F-Y01 digital video camera, and a tripod for the Sokol-M1 weather station. If necessary, the anemometer and weather vane can be installed remotely.

The appearance of the Sokol-M1 weather station is shown in Figure 2:

Sokol-M1 set of components

The scope of delivery of the SOKOL-M1 weather station is shown in Table 4: ATTENTION! THE MANUFACTURER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE DESIGN AND CONTENTS OF THE PRODUCT WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE TO THE CONSUMER.

ATTENTION! THE MANUFACTURER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE DESIGN AND CONTENTS OF THE PRODUCT WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE TO THE CONSUMER.

Table 4 – Scope of delivery of the SOKOL-M1 weather station:

№	Product Designation	Product Name	Qua ntity	Serial number	Note
1	ТЕМГ.416311.010	SOKOL-M1 automatic meteorological station	1
2	МС1.41631.002 ПС	SOKOL-M1 automatic meteorological stations. Passport	1
3	МС1.41631.002 РЭ	SOKOL-M1 automatic meteorological stations. Operating manual)*(1	1
4	ТЕМГ.402161.002	Vane	1
5	ТЕМГ.402131.002	Anemometer:	1
6		Screw M3x20	1
7	ТЕМГ.714474.002	Anemometer Skirt	1
8	ТЕМГ.711141.006	Anemometer Cover	1
9	ТЕМГ.744131.001	Anemometer Cup	3
*(1) The operating manual is supplied separately under the supply contract.
10	ТЕМГ.416931.013	Mounting parts kit:
11	МС8.685631.001	DC12V power cable	1
12	ТЕМГ.685611.003	Modbus cable assembly	1
13	ТЕМГ.685611.004	RS-485 adapter	1
14	МС8.713211.001	2 mm pin	8
15	МС1.70.10.02	Pipe clamp	2
16		11/2” M8 DIN 3570 U-bolt	2
17		M8 DIN 985 nut	4
18		8 DIN 125 washer	4
19		8 DIN 6798 washer	4
20	SN-321	HF adapter*(1)	1
21	2G/3G/4G 800-2700 (N-male)	OMNI 5dBi1 circular antenna*(1)	1
22	BY-433-03 SMA-M BEYOND	ANT 433 MHz antenna* (1)	1
23		Power switch*(1)	2
24		USB Type A-B cable *(1)	1
25	ТЕМГ.416935.009	Packaging	1
*(1) The appearance of the product/part may differ from that shown in the illustration.

Sokol-M1 station installation kit for pole mounting

To install the SOKOL-M1 automatic weather station equipment on a pole, you must additionally purchase a pole mounting kit. ТЕМГ.416931.003.

Table 4a – Composition of the pole mounting kit ТЕМГ.416931.003

№	Product designation	Product/part name	Quantity	Serial number
1	МС1.70.10.01	Wall bracket 75 cm	1
2	МС8.4321.001	Bandage clamp	2
3		M6x16 DIN 933 bolt	4
4		M6 DIN 934 nut	4
5		Washer 6 DIN 9021	8
Note: The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes to the design and completeness of the product without prior notice to the consumer.

Sokol-M1 station installation kit for mast mounting

To install the SOKOL-M1 automatic weather station equipment on a mast, you must additionally purchase a mast mounting kit. ТЕМГ.416931.004.

Table 4б – Composition of the pole mounting kit ТЕМГ.416931.004

№	Product designation	Product/part name	Quantity	Serial number
1	МС1.70.10.01	Wall bracket 75 cm	1
2	МС1.70.10.02	Bandage clamp	2
3		U-bolt 11/2” M8 DIN 3570	2
4		Washer 8 DIN 125	4
5		M8 nut DIN 934	4
Note: The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes to the design and completeness of the product without prior notice to the consumer.

Installation and preparation for operation

Preparing the operating site

The product should be placed in an open area with free access to the equipment. There should be no significant obstacles (large buildings, groups of trees) within a minimum distance of 10 m around the site where the station is located.

It is not recommended to install the product near surfaces that heat up significantly, such as roofs covered with roofing felt. It is not recommended to install the station near a motorway, as the vibration caused by the movement of heavy vehicles may affect the measurement results.

Avoid sites on slopes or steep slopes descending in one direction (especially if this direction coincides with the prevailing wind direction) so that the selected site does not significantly distort the wind speed and direction.

The installation site should be selected in an area that is typical of the surrounding terrain and does not differ from the surrounding area in terms of heat and moisture exchange characteristics. There should be a natural surface (grass, soil) near the location of the remote sensors.

For the correct operation of the precipitation, temperature, atmospheric pressure, and relative humidity sensors built into the weather station, the product should be installed at a height of 2±0.05 m above the ground.

It is recommended to place the external weather vane and anemometer at a height of 10 m above the ground. Wind sensors can be placed on the roof of a house. In this case, they should be placed at a height of at least 2-3 m above the upper edge of the roof.

When installing the Sokol-DR 800 distance sensor, the expected snowfall height in the area should be taken into account, and it should be installed no closer than 15 cm to the expected snowline.

The order of installation and connection of the weather station's optional elements depends on their list and installation locations (mast, pole, tripod). The installation of optional elements should be carried out from top to bottom, starting with the highest sensor (device).

Note – The results of measurements of basic meteorological parameters at stations make it possible to interpolate measured values at any point within a homogeneous territory with a radius of 50 to 60 km (for precipitation and atmospheric phenomena – within a radius of approximately 15 to 20 km).

Installation at the place of operation

The product should be installed on a support mast on a flat surface free from obstacles that could affect the product's readings.

The maximum angle between the point where the weather station is attached to the support and the top of any obstructing objects should be 45° to the horizontal surface.

To minimize the effect of precipitation splash, it is recommended to avoid areas with hard surfaces such as metal, asphalt, or concrete. Instead, it is recommended to install the product on low grass, gravel, pebbles, or soft soil. Avoid sites on slopes or steep slopes descending in one direction (especially if this direction coincides with the prevailing wind direction) so that the selected site does not significantly distort wind speed and direction. It is not recommended to install the product on building roofs, as this may distort the measurement results.

Before installing the SOKOL-M1, it is necessary to prepare a mounting support for the product. Metal pipes or poles with an outer diameter of 40 to 48 mm should be used as supports.

The product is installed in the following order:

− unpack the product;

− check the componentss of the product in accordance with this operating manual. If the product is found to be incomplete, notify the supplier or the organization providing comprehensive centralized service, and consider the SOKOL-M1 station not ready for use;

− Check the components of the product for damage. To do this, you must sequentially inspect all components of the product to check the condition of the power cables and interface cables for external mechanical damage. If external mechanical damage to the product components is found, the supplier or the organization providing comprehensive centralized service must be notified, and the weather station must be considered not ready for use;

− assemble the cup anemometer;

− install the cups (4) on the skirt (3);

− Install the skirt (3) on the shaft (2).

− Secure the cover (5) with the screw (6) as shown in Figure 6.

- Install the anemometer and wind vane on the wing of the weather station and secure them with fastening nuts (7) as shown in Figure 7.

- Connect the interface cables of the anemometer and wind vane to connectors 7 and 11 as shown in Figure 7. Optionally, wind sensors can be installed at a distance of up to 10 meters from the ground. The possible location of wind sensors relative to the SOKOL-M1 weather station is shown in Figure 5;

− Install the antennas in connectors 5 and 8 as shown in Figure 7 according to the markings on the product body;

− Insert the SIM card into connector 4 and turn on the weather station by turning the key (12) twice. After turning on, LED indicator 1 will start flashing at a frequency of 3 times per second (the weather station is in time capture mode) or 1 time every 5 seconds (the time is set in the weather station).

− Connect the weather station to a PC using the USB cable included in the kit to connect the weather station to a PC as shown in Figure 7, connector 3.

− Install the standalone software.

− Establish a connection between the SokolCFG software and the weather station by opening the corresponding COM port. The readings from the weather station sensors should appear in the program window;

− Install the base of the product on the mounting bracket. Use a 13 mm wrench to evenly tighten the mounting screws;

− Disconnect the product from the PC;

− After completing the above steps, the product is ready for operation.

ATTENTION! IN THIS CASE, THE SOLAR PANEL OF THE PRODUCT MUST BE ORIENTED WITH ITS FRONT SIDE STRICTLY TOWARDS THE EQUATOR (SOUTH IN THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE OR NORTH IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE) TO SET THE WEATHER VANE TO ZERO* AND TO OBTAIN THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF SOLAR ENERGY, AS WELL AS TO ENSURE THE CORRECT OPERATION OF THE HUMIDITY AND TEMPERATURE SENSOR. IT IS NECESSARY THAT THERE ARE NO FASTENING ELEMENTS (BRACKETS) UNDER THE RADIATION SHIELD.

ATTENTION! ACHIEVE A HORIZONTAL POSITION OF THE PRODUCT BASE USING THE INDICATIONS IN THE “SOKOLCFG” PROGRAM IN THE ‘POSITION’ WINDOW (THE “STATUS” TAB). THE VALUES OF THE LONGITUDINAL AND TRANSVERSAL ANGLE OF INCLINATION MUST BE WITHIN THE RANGE OF ±2 DEGREES.

Note – *The zero position of the wind vane is set when it points in the opposite direction from the front of the solar panel, so when the solar panel faces south, the zero position of the wind vane coincides with north!

Location and pinout of station connectors

1 – LED indicator

2 – External power supply socket

3 – USB connector

4 – SIM card slot

5 – GSM-antenna connector

6 – RS-485 Open Wire socket for additional external sensors

7 – Vane socket,

8 – LoRa 433 MHz antenna connector

9 – RS-485 MODBUS ‘Mbs’ socket

10 – ‘Iridium’modem or camera 6-pin socke

11 – Anemometer socket

12 – Battery circuit on/off switch

13 – Vane attachment point

14 – Anemometer attachment point

Table 5 – Power input cable

Nr.	Wire designation	Color
1	+12	Brown
2	GND	Blue

Table 6 – RS485 ModBUS RTU output cable

Nr.	Wire designation	Color
1	A	Yellow and green
2	B	Brown
3	GND	Blue

Table 7 – RS-485 Open Wire socket

Nr.	Wire designation
1	5 B
2	А
3	В
4	GND
5	12 В

Mounting on a tripod, mast, bracket, and pole

The SOKOL-M1 weather station is installed on a tripod, mast, pole, or bracket as shown in Figure 8.

The tripod for the SOKOL-M1 weather station is not included in the delivery set and must be purchased separately.

To mount the weather station on a tripod, you need to:

1) Set up the tripod at the measurement site. The unevenness of the upper head of the tripod should not exceed 0.3 mm. Secure each leg of the tripod.

ATTENTION! ENSURE THAT THE TRIPOD IS STABLE.

2) Secure two MS1.70.10.02 pipe clamps (3) to the top of the tripod using U-bolts (4), washers (5), and nuts (6).

3) Tighten the fastening nuts. Do not allow the weather station to rotate on the central pole. Secure the SOKOL-M1 weather station installed on the central pole of the tripod (mast, bracket, pole) to the pole or mast.

Charging the battery, external power supply

Before starting to use the weather station, and also when the battery is low, it must be fully charged. The battery installed in the weather station is charged from three power sources:

− solar battery;

The station’s internal battery is not charged by the solar panel on the station housing at temperatures below 0°C!

− via a USB connector from an external power source;

− via an 8-25 VDC connector on the weather station from an external power source.

The solar panel is an alternative power source that allows the weather station to operate in stand-alone mode. The USB and 12 V external power connectors are designed to efficiently charge the weather station's built-in rechargeable battery. To do this, it must be connected to a PC USB port or a 12 V DC power source.

It takes up to 12 hours to fully charge the rechargeable batteries from a DC power source. When the battery is completely discharged, the charging mode can take more than 20 hours. When charging the station via USB, charging is very slow (from 12 hours), and when the battery is deeply discharged, the charging period can take about a day. Therefore, the best way to charge is from an external power source.

The battery charge level can be checked either in the SokolCFG configurator in the Status tab, in the Sokol mobile app, or on the Natlogger server (Upow field). The battery is considered fully charged when its voltage is approximately 4.15±0.05 V. The battery is considered discharged when its voltage is less than 3.5 V.

Please note: if the station is connected to an external power source but the key is not turned to the ON position (i.e., the device's internal battery is not turned on), the station will not be charged.

To restart or turn off the station, do the following:

1) Disconnect external power sources.

2) Turn the key to the OFF position (if restarting is not necessary, skip step 3).

3) Turn the key from the OFF position to the ON position, then back to the OFF position, and then to the ON position again.