How to Set Up Your databaum Weather Station

Dr. Saurabh Pandey -

Receiving a new weather station is an important step toward collecting reliable field data and making better farming decisions. This guide explains, step by step, how to install your databaum weather station correctly in the field.

Proper installation is essential. The position of each sensor affects the quality of the data you receive. In this guide, we show you how to mount the station, where to place each sensor, and what to check after installation.

What comes with the databaum weather station?

A databaum weather station includes:

  • 1 master box
  • 1 rain sensor
  • 1 air sensor
  • 1 leaf moisture sensor
  • 1 soil sensor

For vineyard disease management, air, leaf, and rain data are especially critical. For other crops, different sensor combinations may be used depending on the farm’s needs.

Before you begin

Every databaum weather station is tested before shipment. We activate the station and monitor it for at least two days to make sure all sensor data is being transmitted properly.

This means that when your weather station arrives, it is already active and ready to be installed directly in the field.

Important installation principles

Before mounting the station, keep these important points in mind.

1. Choose the right location

Install the weather station in a representative area of your field or vineyard. Choose a location that reflects the general conditions of the plot.

2. Mount the unit high enough for good signal

Our weather station uses LoRa communication. In general, the higher the master box is mounted, the better the signal quality is likely to be.

You can check the signal strength on the databaum dashboard. If the signal looks weak, try moving the station to another location or placing it higher, for example on a hill or on a taller post.

3. Protect the master box from moisture

The master box contains a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. A single battery usually lasts for more than two years. If the battery level falls below 30%, remove it, recharge it, and use it again.

To protect the electronics inside the master box:

  • Always mount the master box upright
  • Keep the connectors facing downward
  • Make sure the cables hang down from the bottom

This helps prevent moisture from entering and damaging the PCB over time.

The new master boxes are cylindrical in shape. We are working on a new version with watermark soil sensors, and once it is ready will inform all our users.

4. Use a stable pole or stake

The weather station can be mounted on a wooden or metal pole. Make sure the pole is stable and firmly fixed in place.

We recommend mounting the weather station in the following way:

  • Rain sensor: Mounted horizontally at the top of the pole. It measures precipitation.
  • Air sensor: Installed directly below the rain sensor, at approximately 2 meters height. It measures air temperature and air humidity.
  • Leaf moisture sensor: Placed horizontally in the middle of the leaf wall or crop canopy. As shown in the picture, position the side with the black lines facing upward, like the veins of a leaf.
  • Soil sensor: Installed vertically in the root zone, typically 10 to 20 cm below the surface. It should ideally be placed in undisturbed soil. Make sure the wire is secured properly, as rodents and machinery can damage exposed cables.
  • Master box: Mounted securely in the middle section of the pole, below the rain sensor so it does not interfere with rain data collection, with connectors facing downward.

Step-by-step installation

Step 1: Mount the master box

Start by attaching the master box securely to the pole.

Make sure:

  • it is upright
  • it is tightly fixed
  • the cables point downward
  • it is mounted in the middle section of the pole
  • the connectors face downward to reduce moisture risk

Step 2: Install the rain sensor

Mount the rain sensor at the very top of the pole.

The rain sensor must be installed horizontally and as level as possible. This is very important for accurate rainfall measurement, regardless of wind direction.

If the sensor is tilted, rain readings may be incorrect.

Step 3: Install the air sensor

Install the air sensor directly below the rain sensor using the supplied rail or bracket.

The recommended height is approximately 2 meters above the ground.

This position helps the sensor collect reliable air temperature and humidity data.

Step 4: Install the leaf moisture sensor

Place the leaf moisture sensor horizontally in the middle of the leaf wall or canopy.

Make sure the side with the black lines is facing upward, as shown in the product image.

This is the best position to capture realistic moisture conditions around the plant, especially for vineyard disease monitoring.

Step 5: Install the soil sensor

Before installing the soil sensor, remove its protective film.

Place the sensor vertically in the main root zone of the crop. In many cases, this means installing it 10 to 20 cm below the soil surface.

Be careful with the cable during installation. Exposed cables can be damaged by:

  • lawnmowers
  • string trimmers
  • animals
  • field activity

After placing the sensor, refill the hole carefully using the same soil. Make sure the sensor has good contact with the soil and that there are no air pockets around it.

Final check after installation

After installation, confirm the following:

  • The master box is upright
  • The connectors face downward
  • The rain sensor is level
  • The air sensor is installed at about 2 meters height
  • The leaf sensor is in the middle of the canopy
  • The side with black lines on the leaf sensor is facing upward
  • The soil sensor is installed vertically at the correct depth
  • Cables are protected from damage
  • The signal strength on the databaum dashboard is acceptable
  • Data is being received correctly

Need help?

If you have any questions or face any problems during installation, please contact us. We are happy to help.

You can also send us a photo after installation on WhatsApp or directly through the databaum app. We can review the setup, give you a thumbs-up, or suggest practical improvements if needed.

If something does not look right on your dashboard, let us know as soon as possible so we can support you.

VIneyard with hailnets