Deployment Playbook: How We Install a Gateway + 200 Sensors in 2–3 Weeks

Scaling agritech means fast, reliable installs—co-ops can’t wait months for ROI economics. At KhawTech, we’ve honed a playbook: One LoRa gateway + 200 sensors across 200 rai in 2-3 weeks. From Yasothon pilots to Ubon rollouts, it’s repeatable for partners/field teams. No big crews—just local know-how, NaLog tools, and offline-first design. This guide: Planning, survey, install, test, handover. For 50-300 farmer clusters, it’s the ops backbone to 100 deployments by 2026 (scaling plan). Let’s map it out—tools, timeline, tips to avoid paddy pitfalls.

Why 2-3 Weeks? Efficient Ops for Co-Op Wins

Traditional installs? Weeks of wiring, days of calibration. Our stack: LoRa wireless, rugged sensors, edge-AI setup—cuts time 70%. Cost: 150k THB for 200-unit cluster (unit economics), 4-person team (2 locals + 2 techs).

Benefits:

• Co-Op Ready: Minimal disruption—farmers keep planting.
• Scalable: Template for 10x clusters; NaLog automates 60% post-install.
• Low Error: 98% first-time success from playbook.

Ties to services: Bundle with IoT smart farming—we train partners.

Step 1: Planning & Prep (Week 1, Days 1-3)

Don’t wing it—prep wins fields.

1. Co-Op Kickoff: Meet leaders—map rai, pumps, crops (rice/sugarcane irrigation). Get buy-in: “Savings start Day 1.”
2. Site Assessment: GPS boundaries (free app). Check power (solar for gateways), flood zones.
3. Inventory Kit: 1 gateway (15k THB), 200 sensors (1.5k each), tools (poles, probes, multimeter). NaLog pre-config: Device profiles via ChirpStack integration.
4. Team Brief: 2-day training—safety (mud boots), basics (LoRa pairing). Local hires know terrain.
5. Permits/Logistics: Tambon OK; truck for gear. Budget: 10k THB transport.

Checklist:

• Co-op map (200 rai, 50 farmers avg)
• Weather check (avoid monsoon)
• Backup batteries (10% extra)

Pro Tip: Use NaLog’s planning module—simulates coverage, flags dead zones.

Step 2: Site Survey & Gateway Install (Week 1, Days 4-7)

Gateway first—it’s the brain.

1. Optimal Spot: High ground, 5-10km line-of-sight. Test signal with handheld LoRa—aim 90% coverage.
2. Mounting: 10m pole (bamboo/metal, 2k THB), solar panel if off-grid. Secure vs. wind/buffalo.
3. Power Up: Connect Pi + LoRa module. Flash firmware (USB, 10 mins). MQTT to ChirpStack.
4. Initial Test: Ping dummy sensor—confirm uplink. NaLog registers gateway.
5. Secure: Lockbox, lightning rod (Isan storms).

Timeline: 1 day survey, 1 day install. Team: 1 tech + 2 locals.

Gotcha: Antenna orientation—south for Isan range max.

Step 3: Sensor Deployment (Week 2, Days 8-14)

Bulk of work—grid the fields.

1. Layout Grid: 1 sensor/rai avg (deeper for cane). Mark with flags/GPS.
2. Bury/Place: 10-20cm soil depth (rugged sensors). Probe in, seal IP67. Wireless—no trenches.
3. Pairing: App scan DevEUI, join network (OTAA, 30s/sensor). Batch 50/day.
4. Calibration: NaLog zeroing—dip in known moisture, auto-adjust (edge-AI helps).
5. Route Check: Drive test pings—fix weak spots (extra repeater if <80%).

Daily: 50 sensors, 4-person team (2 pairs). Locals learn for maint.

Pro Tip: Start edges—build inward. Rain delay? Sensors waterproof.

Step 4: Testing & Go-Live (Week 3, Days 15-18)

Verify before handover.

1. Full Ping Test: 24h data flow—NaLog checks 100% uptime. Simulate AWD alert.
2. Edge-AI Tune: Run models—calib to local soil (sand/clay). Test cutoffs for sugarcane.
3. Co-Op Training: 1-day session—app alerts, dashboard basics. Handheld for checks.
4. Baseline Data: Log pre-smart metrics (water use, yields) for ROI/carbon credits.
5. Go-Live: Activate subscriptions; remote monitor Week 1.

Metrics: <5% failures, 99% coverage. Fix on-site.

Step 5: Handover & Support (Week 3, Days 19-21+)

Smooth exit.

1. Docs Pack: Maps, manuals, NaLog logins. Co-op owns data.
2. Warranty Setup: 2 years; monthly NaLog reports.
3. Follow-Up: Week 4 check-in—tweak AI. Upsell carbon credits.
4. Scale Next: Lessons to playbook—e.g., “Add mesh for hills.”

Total Time: 21 days. Cost Breakdown: Labor 50k, travel 20k, misc 10k.

Ops Excellence: From Pilot to 100 Clusters

This playbook’s our secret to scaling—repeatable, partner-friendly. KhawTech’s ops turn tech into trust.

Deploy Your Cluster

Field teams/partners: [email protected] for playbook PDF/training. Streamlining installs for smarter farms.

Alberto Roura, KhawTech Founder. Ops optimizer from edge-AI to field deploys—inspiring teams to scale agritech with precision and speed.