Note: you will need a FarmRoad account before you can set up your Folium. You should have received an email from us and confirmation with your log in details. You will need to confirm your account via email. If you have not received anything please contact your Account Manager or WayBeyond support.
Folium sends data to the FarmRoad platform through a supplied gateway, which is housed in a weatherproof plastic box.
The gateway can connect to the internet in one of two ways:
- Ethernet/LAN cable connection to your router or internet access point (recommended)
- Wi-Fi connection
Wi-Fi connections can be affected by structural barriers such as walls or buildings and are generally less stable than Ethernet. If you use Wi-Fi, you may experience an intermittent connection.
Connect the gateway using Ethernet
- Remove the screws from the box lid to access the gateway.
- Feed the power cord through the cable gland hole and plug it into the gateway to power it on.
- Feed the supplied Ethernet/LAN cable through the cable gland hole and into the gateway. Plug the other end into your router or internet access point.
- Screw the antenna onto the brass thread on the outside of the weatherproof box, then replace the lid.
- The gateway will automatically connect to the FarmRoad platform. You can confirm activity by checking that the lights next to the Ethernet connector are blinking.
Connect the gateway using Wi-Fi
To set up Wi-Fi, the gateway must first be connected to your network using Ethernet. Complete the Ethernet setup steps above before continuing.
- Make a note of the gateway’s 7-digit serial number shown on the sticker on the box lid.
- On your PC or mobile device, open a new browser window.
- Enter the following address in the address bar:
http://[gatewayserialno].local:3333
Example: http://qcil1234567.local:3333
- The gateway configuration page will open.
- Enter your Wi-Fi SSID and password, then click Connect.
- The text WiFi Status: Disconnected should change to WiFi Status: Connected.
- You can now disconnect the Ethernet cable and move the gateway to any location with Wi-Fi coverage.
For the next step, see How can I onboard a Folium device?
Install the Folium / FarmRoad sensor in your growing environment
Folium sensors are powered by 2 C-cell batteries.
Before powering, installing, and setting up your Folium sensor, make sure you have:
- A FarmRoad account
- Connected a Folium gateway device to the internet
- Onboarded your Folium device to the FarmRoad platform
Install your sensors
- Screw the antenna into each Folium sensor.
- Insert the batteries into the battery enclosure and close the lid.
- Note the serial number of each Folium sensor and the planned location for each one. You will need this information when setting up the devices in your FarmRoad account. See here for more information.
We recommend testing your units in the office first to confirm everything is working as expected before moving them into your growing environment.
Sensor placement recommendations
For the best measurements in your growing area:
- Hang Folium devices above the crop canopy and within line of sight of the gateway.
- Evenly distribute your Folium sensors through your growing area. Make sure each sensor is within range of the gateway. You’ll be able to confirm this when you log in to FarmRoad, and you may need to adjust placement at that stage.
- Do not place sensors at the perimeter or near walls.
- Do not place sensors in aisles, as airflow there may not represent typical growing conditions.
- Suspend sensors slightly above the crop canopy and immediately adjacent to the plants.
- Do not cover the top of the sensor, as this will cause inaccurate light measurements.
- Level the sensor as much as possible. The wires attached to the top should help the sensor hang close to level.
- Press the power button on the bottom of the Folium.
- The sensor will flash green for 3 seconds to show it is powered on and starting its self-test.
- The light will then show solid green for approximately 30 seconds, indicating the sensor is operating normally.
