Watteco 50-70-539 ALT'O Water Level Altimeter EU868, LoRaWAN Class A, 61 GHz FMCW, 0.3-8 m, IP68, up to 5 yrs, no Mounting Kit

Watteco ALT'O (50-70-539), LoRaWAN Water Level Sensor with 61 GHz FMCW Radar Technology

The Watteco ALT'O is a compact LoRaWAN sensor for non-contact water level measurement in natural and urban water bodies. Using 61 GHz FMCW radar technology, it accurately measures water levels from 30 cm to 8 meters, regardless of water turbidity, salinity, or contamination. Ref. 50-70-539 includes the sensor only (mounting kit available separately as Ref. 50-70-538).

Non-Contact Radar Measurement

The ALT'O measures water levels without any physical contact using 61 GHz FMCW radar. The measurement range spans from 0.3 m to 8 m, with an accuracy of +/-10 mm on calm water (+/-20 mm on rough water such as during rain or hail). Resolution across the full range is 1 mm. The sensor also measures its own tilt angle from 0° to 180° with +/-2° accuracy and 0.8° resolution.

LoRaWAN Connectivity and Data Communication

Data is transmitted via LoRaWAN Class A in the EU868 band (863-870 MHz, +14 dBm, sensitivity -140 dBm). The sensor supports ABP and OTAA activation as well as AES128 data encryption. Measurements are transmitted periodically or immediately upon alarm trigger. Batch mode with differential coding significantly reduces the amount of data transmitted while preserving battery life. The measurement interval is configurable from 10 minutes to 24 hours.

Alarm Functions and Configurable Thresholds

Configurable alarm thresholds enable proactive flood risk management. Water level alarms can be set from 0.5 m to 8 m in 0.1 m increments. Tilt alarms are configurable from 4° to 45° in 1° increments. When a threshold is exceeded or the sensor is moved from its position, an alert is immediately transmitted via LoRaWAN without waiting for the next regular transmission interval.

Robustness and Housing

The ALT'O housing made of polyethylene (180 x 130 mm, 800 g) is designed for continuous outdoor use. The IP68 protection rating (72 hours at 1 m water depth) ensures operation even during flooding. The design minimises wind resistance and withstands UV radiation, temperatures from -15 °C to +55 °C, salt air, and vandalism. The sensor features a magnetic switch for activation, a QR code, and an NFC tag for identification. For mounting on round or square supports or on walls, the stainless steel mounting kit (Ref. 50-70-538) is available separately.

Power Supply and Battery Life

The ALT'O is powered by a replaceable LS33600 lithium battery (Saft, 3.6 V / 17 Ah). Battery life reaches up to 5 years at a 30-minute measurement interval with one batch transmission per hour, or 2 years at a 10-minute interval. The battery voltage level is transmitted regularly.

Applications

The Watteco ALT'O is suited for all applications requiring accurate, low-maintenance level monitoring at remote or hard-to-access sites:

- Flood early warning and hydraulic risk management (GEMAPI)

- Coastal and tidal water monitoring

- Level monitoring in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs

- Water resource management and hydrological modelling

- Urban drainage systems and channels

Technical Highlights

- Radar technology: 61 GHz FMCW, non-contact

- Measurement range: 0.3 m to 8 m, resolution 1 mm, accuracy +/-10 mm

- Tilt measurement: 0° to 180°, +/-2° accuracy

- LoRaWAN Class A, EU868 (863-870 MHz), AES128, OTAA/ABP

- Battery life up to 5 years, replaceable LS33600 battery

- Housing: IP68 (72h@1m), polyethylene, 180 x 130 mm, 800 g

- Operating temperature: -15 °C to +55 °C

- Configurable alarm thresholds for level and tilt

- Certifications: RED, RoHS, CE, UKCA / Made in France

- Scope of delivery: sensor only (no mounting kit)