LoRaWAN Microwave Radar Distance Sensor

MRD-Series: Precision Distance Measurement for Any Environment

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The MRD-Series Microwave Radar Distance Sensor uses 80 GHz FMCW radar technology to deliver non-contact distance measurement with ±20 mm accuracy across three range options. Engineered for LoRaWAN connectivity with optional NB-IoT and LTE variants, the sensor operates reliably in environments that defeat ultrasonic and optical technologies.

Seamless Deployment in 4 Steps

1. Unbox and Mount: Secure the MRD-Series sensor above your measurement target using the included mounting hardware. Point the radar module downward toward the surface you want to monitor.
2. Connect to Your Network: Power on the sensor. Pre-provisioned LoRaWAN credentials automatically connect to your nearest ioX-Connect gateway — no manual network configuration required.
3. Configure Your Parameters: Use the BLE mobile app or ioX-Connect dashboard to set measurement intervals, alert thresholds, and reporting schedules tailored to your application.
4. Monitor Distance in Real Time: View live distance and level data on your ioX-Connect dashboard. Set up automated alerts, historical trend analysis, and integration with downstream systems like SCADA or BMS.

It’s Not Just a Sensor, It’s a System

A standalone distance sensor gives you a number. The ioX-Connect MRD-Series gives you actionable intelligence. Every reading flow through the ioX-Connect platform where it is stored, analyzed, and transformed into alerts, trends, and operational insights that drive better decisions across your entire facility.

Because the MRD-Series is pre-provisioned in the ioX-Connect ecosystem, it works seamlessly with your existing LoRaWAN gateways, dashboard configurations, and alert rules. Add a distance sensor to a water treatment plant today, and it immediately inherits your existing notification workflows, user permissions, and reporting templates, no integration project required.

Comparison: Generic vs. ioX-Connect Integrated

Water Level Monitoring in Tanks and Reservoirs

Municipal water utilities and industrial facilities use the MRD-Series to monitor water levels in storage tanks, reservoirs, and clearwells without contact probes that corrode or foul over time. The 80 GHz radar reads accurately through condensation and humidity that forms above warm water surfaces, delivering reliable level data in conditions that defeat ultrasonic sensors.

• Eliminate manual dipstick checks across distributed tank infrastructure
• Receive automated alerts when levels drop below refill thresholds or approach overflow
• Track historical fill patterns to optimize pumping schedules and reduce energy costs
• Monitor sewer flow levels in real time to detect blockages and overflow risks before they become emergencies
• Deploy across stormwater retention basins with solar-powered models for maintenance-free operation
• Integrate level alerts with municipal SCADA systems for automated pump control

Sewer and Stormwater Management

Sewer systems present some of the most challenging conditions for distance sensors: high humidity, condensation, corrosive gases, and unpredictable flow surges. The MRD-12 and MRD-25 models measure water distance in manholes, wet wells, and stormwater basins where ultrasonic sensors produce erratic readings due to moisture interference.

Smart Agriculture and Irrigation Management

Precision agriculture demands reliable water management data. The MRD-Series monitors irrigation reservoir levels, water tank fill status, and canal water heights across sprawling farm operations. Paired with ioX-Connect soil moisture sensors, facilities managers gain a complete picture of water supply and demand.

• Monitor irrigation reservoir levels remotely across thousands of acres
• Automate tank refill triggers when water drops below irrigation thresholds
• Combine distance data with soil moisture readings for precision water allocation
• Provide real-time parking availability data to drivers, reducing circling time and congestion
• Monitor loading dock occupancy to optimize delivery scheduling and throughput
• Track fleet vehicle presence in yards to verify dispatch status and asset utilization
• Optimize collection routes by servicing only bins that have reached fill thresholds, reducing fuel costs by up to 30%
• Prevent overflow and associated fines by triggering alerts when compactors approach capacity
• Track fill-rate patterns to right-size containers and adjust collection frequency by season

Parking and Vehicle Detection

The MRD-03 short-range model detects vehicle presence in parking structures, loading docks, and fleet yards. The narrow 7.6° beam angle ensures each sensor monitors a single parking space without cross-talk from adjacent spots, enabling accurate occupancy counts in covered and outdoor facilities.

Waste Management and Fill-Level Sensing

Waste haulers and facility managers deploy the MRD-Series inside dumpsters, compactors, and waste bins to monitor fill levels remotely. The radar penetrates dust and debris that block optical sensors, delivering accurate fill percentages that enable route optimization and prevent overflows.