Growing Degree Day Monitor
User Manual
ECE 445 – Senior Design
Anthony De Roo – John Habegger – Jay Zhaoyu Yao
TA: Michelle Ansai
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Table of Contents
About This Manual ................................................................................................................... 3
1.0 In the Package ..................................................................................................................... 3
2.0 Features ............................................................................................................................... 4
3.0 User’s Instructions .............................................................................................................. 5
4.0 System Requirements for the MSP430 Java HID Demo App ............................................ 6
5.0 Safety & Handling .............................................................................................................. 6
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About This Manual
This manual describes the features and functionality of the Growing Degree Day Monitor
(GDDM). It should be consulted prior to operation of the GDDM and referenced by the user
should any additional questions arise.
1.0 In the Package
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The Growing Degree Day Monitor (4AAA NiMH not Included)
Metal Stand Rod
Probe Tip
USB Cable
CD containing GDDM software
The Growing Degree Day Monitor
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2.0 Features
1. Seven-segment displays and push button to indicate the current cumulative total of
growing degree days for the season
2. Solar and battery powered to last an entire season
3. Temperature sensors to log temperature information
4. Storage capable of preserving recorded and calculated information
5. Communication to and from a host computer for GDDM setup and download of
temperature data through a USB port
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3.0 User’s Instructions
Replacing the Batteries
1. Remove the GDDM from the metal stand rod
2. Ensure that the USB cable is not currently attached to the unit
3. Unscrew the four housing screws located on the button of the GDDM using a Phillips
screw driver and gently pull the housing case apart
4. Replace the 4 NiMH batteries, ensuring that the polarities are in the correct position
5. Secure the top and bottom pieces of the housing case, ensuring that the USB part is
correctly aligned with the case
6. Retighten the four case screws
7. Remount unit to the metal stand rod
Before the Growing Season
1. Attach the GDDM device to the metal stand rod by inserting the wire into the rod and
tightening the screws
2. Plant the GDDM into the ground with the sharp tip of the rod pointing directly to the
ground
3. Make sure at that the probe tip is firmly in the ground and that enough of the metal stand
rod is in the ground that the device is properly supported
4. Attach the included USB cable to the device and your computer
5. Launching the software included with the GDDM, reset the GDDM, and tell the GDDM
to start data accumulation
6. GDDM will initiate degree day calculation when the soil reaches crop germination
temperature
During the Growing Season
1. Check that the LED is lighting every 15 seconds to ensure the GDDM is operating
normally
2. Click the push button on the GDDM to display the current cumulative total of growing
degree days for the season
After the Growing Season
1. Detach the GDDM device from the metal rod by unscrewing the screws
2. Connect the GDDM device to the computer using the USB cable
3. Open the HidDemo.jar application on the computer
4. Enter one of the following USB commands in the upper bar of the Hid Demo program:
a. “SET_RTC” to set the real-time clock by entering the month, date, hour, and
minute in order
b. “RTC_READ” to retrieve the current month, data, hour, and minute values
c. “READ-DATA” to retrieve the growing degree day data for the season
d. “RESET-GDDM” to clear all of the flash memory, which resets the growing
degree days to 0
e. “TEST-SS” to test if the 7-segment displays are working
5. Repeat all the procedures before the start of the new season
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4.0 System Requirements for the MSP430 Java HID Demo App
To run the app:


OS
o Windows 7 64-bit Java JDK 1.6+
Java 1.6+ must be available on the host machine and the default association for
executable Jar files
o This may be set by My Computer -> Tools -> Folder Options -> File Types.
Make sure the default javaw.exe or java.exe is JDK1.6+ and the correct
architecture (64/32 bit)
5.0 Safety & Handling
Important safety information
Use the GDDM device with caution. The parts are made of metal and plastic. The device has
sensitive electronic components inside. The metal rod can cause injury if not properly used
because it has a sharp tip on the side that plants into the ground. GDDM can be damaged if
dropped or hit. Do not use a damaged GDDM, such as one with a cracked case, because it may
cause injury.
Important handling information
Do not force the USB cable into a port or use excessive pressure on the Push button because this
may cause damage. The connector and port probably do not match if they do not connect. Check
that you have positioned the connector correctly in relation to the port.
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