hNodes are Pointy Dog Software's automatic controllers for snowmaking hydrants.
Our hNode controllers are designed and fabricated in house. This allows us to easily add features and modify the design but just as important it allows the units to be very affordable.
hNode Automatic Hydrant Controller
The current hNode design is a simple drop in automation solution for Klik four position hydrants. Development is ongoing for a controller that will be compatible with standard air/water hydrant combinations.
hNode Automatic Mount
From the start of the hNode design process the goal has been to keep the unit costs down but still maintain all the functionality your resort requires. Each hNode controller includes its own temperature, humidity, wetbulb temperature, elevation, and barometric pressure readings. Because all these sensors are located in each controller, and with the ability to run automatically at set point temperatures, the hydrant can actually operate autonomously. In cases of lost communications the hNode control system can still be controlled locally by snowmaking personnel.
hNode Automatic Controller
Communication. Two modes of communications to the controllers are available. The Modbus TCP/IP standard using any standard Ethernet infrastructure allows any supporting software your resort may already be using to communicate and control the hNode unit. Ethernet cabling is daisy chained from one hNode unit to another and requires 120 VAC for power. Integrated in our Scolo software is a group of application drivers for communicating with all configured hNode controllers.

Wireless communications is supported as an option by the controllers using the Zigbee communication protocol. Each unit in this wireless network has the ability to forward messages so a group of hNodes on your mountain becomes a mesh network communicating and forwarding messages as needed to the data collection software. This option requires the use of our Scolo software package that includes specific drivers for communicating with our Zigbee wireless gateways.
hNode interior view
Embedded Low Power Design. All logic for hNode controllers is handled by embedded controllers running our own software. This has dramatically kept down the unit costs and additionally made the hNode controllers extremely energy efficient. There are only five (5) major components that make up a hNode controller. There are some off the shelf components in each controller such as the power supply and Ethernet switch which does allow your personal to easily maintain if it is required.
hNode control dialog in Scolo
Flexible Control Options. You have the option to control and monitor a hNode controller using our Scolo snowmaking software, a stand-alone hNode control program included in Scolo, through an optional web based portal, manually with push button controls located on the hNode enclosure or with your own software that supports Modbus TCP/IP communications.
Pricing is about $1,500 per unit dependent on the quantity of units ordered and slightly more for the addition of the wireless communications option. Please contact us directly if you have any questions about hNode Controllers, sales@pointydog.com.
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