Sap Spy is now offering an electronically controlled, self resetting valve. This device can prevent the moisture trap or releaser from tripping in the morning thaw when the sap flood gates open. This saves you time and further protects your vacuum pump investment.
The solenoid valve can be installed on the vacuum line just prior to your releaser. When the releaser is not keeping up and continues to fill with sap, the valve actuates cutting off vacuum and preventing any sap from entering the vacuum line of the releaser. Once the releaser pump catches up and the probes clear, after a programmable 1-10 second delay, the valve opens again restoring vacuum to the releaser.
Stainless probes are 1/4" NPT. A 1/4" NPT tap and 7/16" drill bit is required for installation. (Not included)
Solenoid valve is 2" NPT and is Normally Open. 2 valves with 1 control relay option can be used in larger sugaring operations. In this case, both valves will actuate together and can be plumbed in parallel for 2X the flow.
Can be operated in 1 probe (common, max) or 2 probe mode (common, max, min.). The relay module can be configured for either mode. We recommend using the 1 probe mode with a 10 second off delay for most scenarios.
Operates on 110VAC. Custom configurations are also available upon request.
Click here to view detailed installation instructions
This video is curtesy of Dan Bolton from Crestview Maple Farm.
Includes everything you need to begin monitoring your sugarbush today including: 6' USB Cable, USB power adapter, Vacuum hook-up connection to releasers, Submersible tank level sensor with 10 ft cable.
Device includes SIM Card and ships pre-activated ready to connect. Requires $50/season subscription fee paid to SapSpy. The first season is included with your purchase. Future seasons will be invoiced in January.
Measure: Tank Level (0-100%) Vacuum Level (0-29.9 inHg) Temperature (degrees F)
Alert: Send text alert based on alert settings you configure. Sends alerts up to 3 people.
Plot history: Plot the history of the vacuum level, tank level and temperature for durations between 1 hr and 14 days. Known how cold it was last night as well as how the sap is running during the day. Ensure your vacuum is always at peak performance.
No power in the woods? No Problem: Device can last 2-4 weeks on a single charge. Available Options include: Solar Panel or alligator clips for 6-12 Volt battery.
No WiFi in the woods? No Problem: Device connects over the cellular network with near full Cellular coverage throughout US and most of Canada
Includes everything you need to begin monitoring your sugarbush today including: 6' USB Cable, USB power adapter, Vacuum hook-up connection to releasers, submersible tank level sensor with 10 ft cable + 10' extension cable.
Requires $50/season subscription fee paid to Sap Spy. The first season is included with your purchase. Future seasons will be invoiced in January.
Measure: Tank Level (0-100%) Vacuum Level (0-29.9 inHg) Temperature (degrees F)
Alert: Send text alert based on alert settings you configure. Sends alerts up to 3 people.
Plot history: Plot the history of the vacuum level, tank level and temperature for durations between 1 hr and 14 days. Known how cold it was last night as well as how the sap is running during the day. Ensure your vacuum is always at peak performance.
Limited Cell Service or Already have WiFi? No Problem: The WiFi sensor hub connects over your existing WiFi network for connectivity.
Sensor nodes are in stock for the 2025 season. Most orders ship in 1-3 days.
A SapSpy Sensor Node communicates to the SapSpy Sensor Hub (Sold Separately) allowing you to measure vacuum at different locations in your sugarbush.
A sensor node can be one of the following configurations:
1) Single Vacuum Sensor with temperature sensor
2) Dual vacuum sensor with temperature sensor
3) Single Vacuum Sensor with Ultrasonic Tank level sensor and temperature sensor (used for a tank and releaser)
4) Single Ultrasonic tank level sensor and temperature sensor (Typically used where an electric releaser pumps to a remote tank where vacuum monitoring is not needed).
In order for SapSpy Sensor Nodes to communicated to the SapSpy Sensor Hub, the Sensor Hub must include an add-on radio option for +$100.
Sap Spy nodes are now capable of Spy Mesh. Spy Mesh allows nodes to repeat a signal in order to significantly increase the distance between end of line vacuum sensors and the sensor hub (Cellular Gateway). Videos and additional instructional content will be updated in Q4 of 2022 discussing this new and exciting functionality.
A single sensor hub can service many sensor nodes (currently up to 40). The recommended maximum number of hops between a sensor hub and sensor node is 4. The expected distance between two sensors nodes is estimated at ~1500' - 2500' through a typical sugarbush. Line of sight, sensor nodes can reach 3 miles+ between two nodes. It is recommended to use a dedicated Sensor Hub per sugarbush location and use that particular Sensor Hub to service all sensor nodes in the local sugarbush.
Control Node
Regular price
Sale price
$475.00
A SapSpy Control Node communicates to the SapSpy Sensor Hub (Sold Separately) allowing you to control a relay module, measure vacuum, tank level and temperature in different areas of your sugarbush. A control node is typically used at a secondary collection station or another location in the sugarbush where you need to turn a motor on/off, open/close a solenoid valve, or any number of applications.
Control nodes will require 5V power via a USB cable. This keeps them "awake" 24/7 always listening for commands. For the 2025 season, control nodes should be within direct communication of a sensor hub.
Control Nodes will be a limited release for the 2025 season. Customers who purchase a limited release version will have an opportunity for a free upgrade if hardware changes are required.
In order for SapSpy Sensor Nodes to communicated to the SapSpy Sensor Hub, the Sensor Hub must include an add-on radio option for +$100.
Sap Spy nodes are now capable of Spy Mesh. Spy Mesh allows nodes to repeat a signal in order to significantly increase the distance between end of line vacuum sensors and the sensor hub (Cellular Gateway). Videos and additional instructional content will be updated in Q4 of 2022 discussing this new and exciting functionality.
A single sensor hub can service many sensor nodes. The recommended maximum number of hops between a sensor hub and sensor node is 4. The expected distance between two sensors nodes is estimated at ~1500' - 2500' through a typical sugarbush. Line of sight, sensor nodes can reach 3 miles+ between two nodes. It is recommended to use a dedicated Sensor Hub per sugarbush location and use that particular Sensor Hub to service all sensor nodes in the local sugarbush.
Metering Node (Pulse Counter)
Regular price
Sale price
$400.00
A SapSpy Metering Node keeps track of the total sap collected in a sugarbush at each electric releaser. The metering node tracks the total gallons or liters pumped at every 5 minute interval. Within the Sap Spy web app, we then calculate and visualize the following:
Total gallons for the season
Total gallons/tap for the season
Gallons/reading
Gallons/Hour
Gallons/Day
Gallons/Tap/Day
This data helps you track your total production for the season helping you optimize your operation. Data is maintained year over year for ongoing seasonal comparisons.
Metering nodes will be a limited release for the 2025 season. Customers who purchase a limited release version will have an opportunity for a free upgrade if hardware changes are required.
A Sap Spy metering node is simply a pulse counter. It is universal and operates with any water meter that produces a pulse output. If you already have a water meter with pulse output capability, there is no need to replace it. Simply use this node directly.
If you don't already have a metering node, one can be purchased separately.
Pulse counting can also be used to count the total number of dump cycles from a mechanical releaser allowing you to track total volume of sap processed and average time taken between dump cycles. This requires a magnetic reed switch also sold separately.
