Keeper v3.0 — Complete Technical User Manual | FarmKeeper.au

1. Introduction & Package Contents

Thank you for purchasing the Keeper v3.0. This device is a modern autonomous security and remote monitoring system designed to protect and control assets in off-grid or remote locations. The Keeper v3.0 provides an alarm system and remote control capabilities for sites far from central infrastructure, operating via long-range radio communication.

The system offers reliable wireless communication over at least 20 kilometres in open areas. It uses the license-free 915 MHz ISM band (Industrial, Scientific and Medical band) and LoRa technology (Long Range radio) to transmit data over long distances without the need for cellular networks or special radio licenses. In simple terms, Keeper v3.0 can monitor sensors and trigger alarms from very far away using its built-in radio link.

The Keeper v3.0 kit includes two main components:

• Control and Management Unit – The primary device that is installed at the remote site. It monitors the connected sensors and controls any external devices (such as sirens, lights, or other equipment) attached to it. This unit serves as the "field" device that gathers data (e.g. detecting intrusions or environmental changes) and sends alerts.
• Monitoring Display – A portable display unit used to receive data from the control unit, show status information and alarms, and allow the user to adjust settings on the control unit remotely. One monitoring display can track and manage up to 12 separate control units, each with its own settings. The display stores individual configurations for each of these units, making it easy to monitor multiple remote sites from one screen.

2. Control and Management Unit

Installation and Placement

When installing the control unit, choose a location protected from direct rain or snow and, if possible, in an elevated position. Mounting the unit higher off the ground can increase the radio coverage area. Typical building materials like wood or foliage do not severely block the radio signal, but metal structures or concrete can significantly reduce signal strength. Also note that the 915 MHz radio signal travels line-of-sight and cannot penetrate hills or large terrain features, so ensure there is a clear path or minimal obstructions between the control unit and the monitoring display for best results.

Tip: If the device is in a metal enclosure or building, consider external antenna options (via the SMA connector) to improve range. The system is designed for open outdoor environments, so placement is key to achieving the maximum range of 20 km.

Components and Connections Reference

ID	Component / Terminal	Function & Technical Details
1	Positive Power Input (6–30 V DC)	Connect to the positive terminal of the power source. Supports 6 V up to 30 V DC.
2	Negative Power Input (Ground)	Connect to the negative terminal (ground) of the power source. System reference ground.
3	External Device Output 1	Low-Side Switch to ground. Negative output for external sirens, lights, etc. Max 30V / 50A peak.
4	External Device Output 2	Low-Side Switch to ground. Negative output for secondary external devices. Max 30V / 50A peak.
5	Sensor Ground	Ground reference specifically for external temperature and humidity sensors.
6	Sensor Data Line	Data line input for digital sensors. Supports DHT22, AM2302, and DS18B20 models.
7	Sensor Power Output (+5 V)	Provides +5 V DC to power connected temperature and humidity sensors.
8	Door Sensor Input	Input for door-open/closed switch sensors. Registers an alert when the circuit is broken or grounded.
9	Common Sensor Ground	Common ground return for the door switch, water presence, and other dry-contact sensors.
10	Water Sensor Input	Input for water presence/flood sensors. Features a 20-second delay (inertia) to prevent false alerts.
11	Mode Toggle Button	Manual selector button on the unit. Cycles modes, triggers reports, or restores factory defaults.
12	SMA Antenna Connector	SMA connector for the provided radio antenna (tuned for 915 MHz).
13	PIR Motion Sensor (Built-in)	Passive Infrared sensor on the front panel. Detects motion up to 5 meters away.
14	Status LED Indicator	Multi-color LED providing visual diagnostics and mode indication.
15	RS232 TTL Serial Port (5 V)	4-pin terminal for diagnostics and firmware. Configured at 9600 bps, 8N1.
16	Buzzer (Audible Alarm)	Built-in buzzer for local alarms and audible mode startup beeps.
17	Supercapacitor Backup	Internal backup power storage. Keeps the unit running for a few minutes to transmit power outage alerts.

3. Startup and Indicators

The control unit automatically starts when power is connected. On startup or reset, the device emits an audible buzzer sequence: one long beep followed by a series of short beeps. The number of short beeps indicates the current operating mode number (e.g. 1 long beep + 3 short beeps = starting in Mode 3).

To prevent drawing attention to the security system, the built-in LED (13) and buzzer (16) enter a **"stealth" mode** after one hour of continuous operation with no button presses. They turn off completely, allowing the unit to operate silently in the field. Pressing the Mode Button temporarily reactivates the indicators for one hour.

4. Power Supply and Backup

The Keeper v3.0 is designed to run on standard 12–24 V DC power systems, but accepts anything between 6 V and 30 V DC (making it highly compatible with vehicle batteries, off-grid solar kits, or mains power adapters). At 12 V, the device draws just 7 mA in standby (idle) and up to 40 mA during active radio transmission, making it exceptionally power-efficient.

In the event of a power outage, the built-in maintenance-free supercapacitor (17) keeps the unit powered for a few minutes. This is sufficient time to transmit a final critical radio alert ("Power Lost") before shutting down safely, without the fire hazards or lifetime degradation associated with lithium backup batteries.

5. Sensor Inputs & Configurations

• Temperature / Humidity: Wiring is positive power to terminal 7, data to terminal 6, and ground to terminal 5. The device auto-detects the sensor at startup. If you change a sensor, tap the Mode Button (<1 s) to trigger a refresh.
• Door / Gate Switch: Connect a magnetic reed switch between terminals 8 and 9. The system triggers immediately upon open/close events.
• Water presence / Leak: Connect a water leak cable or float sensor between terminals 10 and 9. It has a built-in 20-second delay so that momentary splashes do not set off the alarm.

6. Operating Modes and Configuration Grid

The control unit supports 8 operating profiles depending on which sensors you want to arm. Cycle through modes manually by holding the Mode Button for 3 seconds until the beeps confirm the new mode index. Holding the button for 12 seconds resets all configuration settings back to factory defaults.

Mode	Door Sensor	Water Sensor	PIR Motion Sensor	Typical Use Case
Mode 1	✓ Active (NC)	✓ Active (NC)	✓ Active	Maximum Security (all sensors armed)
Mode 2	✓ Active (NC)	✓ Active (NC)	✕ Disabled	Shed/Dwelling with active pets (ignores motion, monitors doors/leaks)
Mode 3	✓ Active (NC)	✕ Disabled	✓ Active	Gate and perimeter security (no water sensors connected)
Mode 4	✓ Active (NC)	✕ Disabled	✕ Disabled	Door / Gate monitoring only
Mode 5	✕ Disabled	✓ Active (NC)	✓ Active	Water pump house / basement monitoring (intrusion & leakage)
Mode 6	✕ Disabled	✓ Active (NC)	✕ Disabled	Water tank / trough level monitoring only (no security)
Mode 7	✕ Disabled	✕ Disabled	✓ Active	Perimeter motion monitoring only
Mode 8	✕ Disabled	✕ Disabled	✕ Disabled	Stealth / Maintenance state (periodical telemetry only, no alarms)

7. Monitoring Display Unit

The Monitoring Display acts as the user interface receiver. It can manage data from up to 12 separate Control Units, displaying live telemetry on a backlit LCD screen. It includes non-volatile memory to preserve your device configurations across power resets.

Front Panel Controls

• 1. Date/Time & Mode Button: Switches between date/time display and parameter settings.
• 2. Siren On/Off Button: Toggles the display's internal audible siren alarm or navigates to next values.
• 3. Backlight & Menu Button: A short press toggles the LCD backlight. Press and hold (3 seconds) to enter Settings Mode to configure thresholds.
• 4. Units / Increase Button: Toggles temperature between °C and °F or increases parameters.
• 5. 12/24h / Decrease Button: Toggles display clock format or decreases parameters.
• 6. USB Power Connector: 5V power input. Also establishes connection as a CH340 serial device.
• 7. LCD Screen: Shows live telemetry, signal strength, battery level, and ID tags.
• 8. Telescopic Antenna: Pull-out antenna for receiving radio alerts. Must be fully extended in field operations.

Rear Panel & Connections

The display is powered via the 5 V USB cable or backed up by 3× AAA batteries (for mobile site testing). It includes a wall-mounting bracket and a fold-out stand for desktop placement. Connecting the unit to a PC opens a serial COM link: opening a terminal at 9600 bps, 8N1 and typing AT+HELP? will list diagnostic serial commands.

8. Troubleshooting Guide

Observed Issue	Likely Technical Cause	Recommended Remediation Steps
No data displayed on receiver	Control unit is powered off, or antenna is disconnected.	Check 6–30V DC power terminals, and tighten SMA antenna connectors on both units.
Intermittent or dropped telemetry	Terrain obstacles, metal sheds, or extreme distance.	Mount the SMA antenna higher, minimize metal barrier obstructions, or install high-gain antennas.
Inaccurate temperature readings	Sensor wire length signal drop or incorrect sensor type.	Verify wiring to terminals 5, 6, and 7. Verify sensor is a supported DHT22 or DS18B20 model.
Control unit unresponsive	Corrupted configuration profile or locked state.	Press and hold the Mode Button for 12 seconds to perform a factory reset back to Mode 1.