UC511 Milesight LoRaWAN Controller

Core Purpose

The UC511 is a LoRaWAN® solenoid valve controller designed to remotely manage irrigation or water valves in outdoor environments. It connects directly to DC latching solenoids and allows users to open or close valves either locally or through a network command.

The device is designed for field deployments where wired communication is impractical. By using long-range LoRaWAN communication, it allows centralised control of valves across wide areas such as farms, irrigation systems, or distributed water infrastructure.

Connectivity and Communication

The UC511 communicates using LoRaWAN®, which enables long-distance wireless connectivity while maintaining very low power consumption. This makes it suitable for remote locations where frequent battery replacement or wired infrastructure would be difficult.

In addition to standard LoRaWAN communication, the controller also supports the Milesight D2D protocol. This allows devices to communicate directly with each other without passing through a gateway, enabling very fast response when controlling valves in local automation scenarios.

For quick setup and configuration, the device includes NFC. Using a mobile application, technicians can configure parameters, activate the device, or adjust settings without opening the enclosure.

Monitoring and Control Capabilities

The UC511 is designed to manage up to two DC latching solenoid valves. Operators can trigger valve open or close commands remotely or through predefined local control rules.

The device also includes two digital GPIO inputs that can monitor external signals such as flow metres or valve status indicators. This allows operators to track whether water is flowing or confirm valve state as part of automated irrigation or water management systems.

Local rule support allows the controller to perform actions automatically even when the network connection is unavailable. For example, valves can be triggered based on predefined timing or sensor input conditions.

Power and Environmental Design

The UC511 is built for long-term outdoor operation. It includes a built-in solar panel and rechargeable batteries, enabling the device to operate for extended periods without manual maintenance.

Its enclosure is rated IP68, meaning it can withstand dust and water exposure and even survive temporary submersion. This makes it suitable for outdoor environments such as irrigation fields, water pipelines, and utility installations.

The device supports an operating temperature range from –20 °C to 60 °C and can be mounted on walls or poles depending on the installation location.

Expansion and I/O Support

Two solenoid control ports allow the UC511 to manage multiple valves from a single device. This reduces installation complexity and makes it easier to automate irrigation zones or valve networks.

Two additional digital input interfaces support monitoring functions such as pulse counting from flow metres or simple dry-contact signals from external equipment. This expands the device beyond simple valve control into basic remote monitoring capabilities.