Skip to main content

Guide

Wireless Sensor Network Setup

Last UPDATED: 

12/23/2025

List of Content

Introduction

Take back control of your farm, greenhouse, or garden data.


The promise of smart agriculture brought visions of connected fields and effortless monitoring. But for many, that promise turned into a complex web of expensive subscriptions, locked-down hardware, and lost ownership of your own data.


At EnviTronics Lab, we believe in a different approach. We focus on the basics: privacy, ownership, and simplicity. Our goal is to help you build a truly private, subscription-free monitoring system with hardware you can understand, repair, and own outright.


In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to assemble and configure your own long-range wireless sensor network using our open, modular components. You’ll create a robust “star topology” network for your home garden, grow room, greenhouse, or orchard, where you control every byte of data.

1. What You're Building

You will create a private wireless network where:


  • Sensor Nodes (placed in the field) collect data from your plants.
  • A Central Gateway reliably receives that data from up to 2 km away.
  • Your Computer (via our free software) logs, visualizes, and stores the data—no cloud required unless you choose it.


The beauty of the system is its plug-and-play core. Once the hardware is configured, you simply place the nodes in the field and turn them on. The network builds itself.

2. What You'll Need

You can start small and expand. At a minimum, you need:


  1. ISHKUR Gateway (Model G-WF for local use, or G-IT for optional remote access)
  2. At least one Wireless Sensor Node: ISHTAR 1P-LR (Single-Channel Node) for one sensor or 
    3. SHINAK 4P-LRD (4-Channel Node) for up to four sensors in one location.
  3. EnviTronics Lab Sensors (e.g., APAS T1 for soil moisture, HITA E0 for EC).
  4. SHUSHAN CVI-Wireless Software (Free download for Windows).


💡 Pro Tip: Start with one node and a few sensors. The system is designed for easy expansion—the gateway automatically detects new nodes as you add them.

3. Before You Start: Key Concepts & Configuration

A few minutes of setup ensures a smooth, reliable network. All configuration is done using the free SHUSHAN CVI-Wireless software. We strongly recommend downloading and skimming its manual first.


The Two Key Numbers:

  • Device Number: A unique ID (0-255) for each sensor node.
  • Gateway Number: A shared network ID (0-255) that all nodes and your gateway must use to communicate. (Default is 255).


The Goal: Assign a unique Device Number to each node, and ensure every device shares the same Gateway Number.

4. Step-by-Step Configuration

Part A: Configure the ISHKUR Gateway

1. Connect the Antenna: CRUCIAL. Always connect the external antenna before powering on the gateway to prevent damage.

2. Power & Connect: Use the provided micro-USB cable with a powered USB hub (connecting directly to a computer port is not recommended). Open SHUSHAN CVI and connect to the gateway via USB.

3. Set Network Mode: In the software (Tools > Device Configuration Utility > Wireless tab), set the gateway's working mode.

    • For a standard local network, choose "Connected to WiFi".
    • For the ISHKUR G-IT model with remote access, choose "IoT-enabled".
    • Assign WiFi credentials if needed.

4. Set the Gateway Number: In the General Device Settings tab, note the gateway's device number. In the Wireless tab, confirm its Gateway Number (default: 255). All your sensor nodes must be configured with this same number.

6. Finalize Connection: Disconnect USB, power the gateway normally, and connect to it via WiFi from the SHUSHAN CVI software using its IP address.


Part B: Configure Each Wireless Sensor Node

1. Fully Charge the Node: A 4-channel node can take 24+ hours; a single-channel node about 5 hours.

2. Connect & Configure: Turn the node on, connect it to your computer via USB, and connect in SHUSHAN CVI.

    • General Device Settings Tab: Assign a unique Device Number (e.g., 1, 2, 3).
    • Wireless Tab: Set the Gateway Number to match your gateway (default: 255).
    • Set Logging Interval: In General Device Settings. Default is 15 minutes. For most applications (moisture/EC), 60 minutes is ideal and greatly extends battery life.

3. Apply & Restart: Disconnect the node from the computer and power cycle it (turn off and on) to ensure it saves settings and enters its low-power operating mode.

5. Deployment & Installation

1. Install Sensors: Correct sensor installation is 90% of success. Follow the guides for your specific sensor (e.g., APAS T1 Installation).

2. Place Nodes & Gateway:

    • Install nodes where sensors are located. For 4-channel nodes, all sensors should be within cable reach (1.8m - 4.5m).
    • Maximize Range: Install the gateway as high as possible, preferably above all sensor nodes and with a clear line of sight. Nodes should also be installed high, above plant canopy.
    • The gateway in WiFi mode can be ~100m from your computer, depending on obstacles.

6. Going Live & Using Your Network

  1. Initial Data Delay: Nodes transmit data at the logging interval you set (e.g., every 60 min). After connecting the gateway in SHUSHAN CVI, allow at least one full interval to pass before expecting data to appear in the software.
  2. Set Alerts (Optional): For moisture monitoring, you can set dry/wet thresholds in SHUSHAN CVI (Tools > Settings > Notifications) to enable email alerts.
  3. Remote Access (Optional - G-IT Model Only): The IoT-enabled ISHKUR G-IT gateway stores data in a secure cloud. Use SHUSHAN CVI or the provided REST API for remote access.

7. Important Considerations & Troubleshooting

  1. Power: 4-channel nodes are expected to last up to 12 months on a charge; single-channel nodes 3-4 months. Extend battery life by increasing the logging interval or adding a solar charger/USB power bank.
  2. Network Health: If data stops, check gateway WiFi connection and node battery levels first. The software will attempt to reconnect automatically.
  3. Software Alternative: Our system uses a transparent, open protocol. Advanced users can interface directly with the gateway using tools like Node-RED instead of SHUSHAN CVI (see our Node-RED integration blog post).

You Are in Control

You’ve now built a monitoring system that is yours. There are no monthly fees, no data locks, and no proprietary barriers to repair. This is sustainable, practical technology designed to empower your decisions.


Need help? Communication is key. Please reach out with any questions during your setup.



Ready to see it in action? Explore the core components of this system:

Copyright 2026 EnviTronics Lab