OCM Agrisystems · FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most from farmers considering a weather station, soil moisture probe or monitoring platform: installation, accuracy, connectivity, pricing and support. Can't find what you're after? Get in touch and we'll answer it directly.
What is a farm weather station and how does it work?
A farm weather station is a rugged, field-based sensor unit that continuously measures conditions like rainfall, wind speed and direction, temperature, humidity and solar radiation, then sends that data over a wireless network to a cloud dashboard you can check from your phone or computer. Instead of relying on the nearest town's forecast, you get real conditions from your own paddock, updated in real time.
How is OCM Agrisystems different from a general weather app?
Weather apps model conditions for a wide area using regional forecast data, which can be well off what's actually happening on your property, especially across larger or more varied farms. OCM's hardware sits in your field and measures your actual microclimate, soil and environmental conditions directly, so decisions on irrigation, spraying and frost protection are based on what's really happening, not an estimate.
How long does installation take?
Most single-station installs are straightforward and can be completed in a day. Larger multi-sensor networks across bigger properties take longer depending on the number of monitoring points and site access. Get in touch with your property details and we'll give you a realistic timeline.
What does an OCM weather station measure?
Core measurements include rainfall, wind speed and direction, air temperature, humidity and solar radiation, with additional environmental sensors available depending on your setup, including noise monitoring for compliance and microclimate tracking for crop-specific conditions.
How accurate is the data?
Our sensor hardware is built to agricultural-grade specifications and calibrated for field use. Exact accuracy specifications vary by sensor and model. Contact us with your intended use case (e.g. spray timing, frost alerts) and we'll confirm the right hardware and tolerances for it.
Can OCM stations help with frost monitoring?
Yes. Real-time temperature tracking lets you set frost-risk alerts so you know conditions are approaching a critical threshold before damage occurs, rather than finding out the next morning.
Do you have sensors for spray drift and Delta T conditions?
Yes. Wind speed, temperature and humidity data can be used to track Delta T and identify safe spraying windows, helping you avoid drift-prone conditions.
How does soil moisture monitoring help with irrigation?
Multi-depth soil probes show you moisture and temperature at different points in the root zone, so you can see exactly when and how much to irrigate, instead of watering on a fixed schedule. That typically means less water waste and more consistent crop conditions.
Can I monitor multiple depths with one probe?
Yes, OCM's soil moisture probes are designed to measure at multiple depths in a single install, giving you a profile of moisture through the root zone rather than a single surface reading. Talk to us about the depth configuration that suits your soil type and crop.
Are your sensors suitable for vineyards and orchards?
Yes, weather and soil monitoring is used across a range of crop types including vineyards and orchards, where microclimate conditions and irrigation timing have a direct impact on yield and quality.
How does field data reach my phone or computer?
Sensors transmit over wireless connectivity (cellular, long-range radio/LoRaWAN or satellite links depending on your property's coverage) into a secure cloud dashboard you can access from any device.
What if my paddock has poor mobile signal?
That's exactly what long-range radio (LoRaWAN) and satellite connectivity options are for. We'll assess your property's coverage and recommend the right connectivity option so remote or low-signal areas are still covered.
Can I see historical data, or only current readings?
Both. The cloud dashboard logs data continuously, so you can review current conditions in real time and look back at trends over time to support planning decisions like irrigation scheduling and seasonal comparisons.
Can I see a rainfall forecast, not just current conditions?
Yes. Every site carries a 7-day rain forecast alongside live conditions, with rainfall tracked against forecast pace so you can see at a glance whether a site is running ahead of or behind what was expected.
Can I log a planting date or field event against a site?
Yes. Logging a planting date or field event against a site sets the reference point that growing degree day and water balance figures are calculated from, so charts and since-planting numbers reflect where the crop actually is in the season.
How much does a farm weather station cost?
Pricing depends on the hardware, number of sensors and connectivity option your property needs, so we don't publish a single flat price. Get in touch with a few details about your property and we'll put together a straightforward quote.
What support is available after installation?
Our team is available to help with setup, troubleshooting and getting the most out of your dashboard. Reach out any time via the contact page.
Where is OCM Agrisystems based, and do you service my area?
We're based in Perth, Western Australia, and work with farms across Australia. Contact us with your location and we'll confirm coverage.