- Long-Term and Winter Storage for Your turfRad Sensor

If your turfRad sensor will not be used for several weeks or over the winter, a few simple steps will help make sure it is ready to go when the season starts again.

The process is straightforward:

Update → Charge → Disconnect → Store

Step 1: Update the Sensor Firmware

Before putting the sensor away, make sure it is running the latest available firmware.

Keeping the sensor updated before long-term storage ensures that the latest power-management and system improvements are already installed when you bring it back into service.

To allow the sensor to update:

1. Bring the sensor within range of its configured Wi-Fi network.
2. Connect the sensor to power.
3. Allow any pending files to upload.
4. Allow the firmware update to complete before disconnecting the sensor.

Depending on the update, this process may take several minutes.

Important: Complete the firmware update before charging and storing the sensor.

Step 2: Fully Charge the Internal Battery

Before long-term storage, charge the turfRad sensor for approximately 5 hours.

A charged battery is important when the sensor will sit unused for an extended period.

Connect the sensor to a reliable power source and leave it connected long enough for the internal battery to charge.

If you are charging from a wall socket, use the appropriate USB-to-12V adapter with a suitable 5V / 2A or higher-current USB power source.

👉 Read: Recommended Power Setup

Step 3: Disconnect Everything and Turn off the Sensor, once the sensor is updated and charged:

• Disconnect the power cable
• Disconnect the GPS antenna
• Disconnect any other accessories
• Make sure the sensor is turned off

Do not leave the sensor permanently connected to a mower, vehicle, charger, or other power source during winter storage.

If possible, store cables and accessories together with the sensor so everything is ready for setup in the spring.

Step 4: Store the Sensor Indoors, Dry and Above Freezing

Store the turfRad sensor indoors in a clean, dry location.

Avoid:

• Freezing or near-freezing storage areas
• Unheated outdoor sheds
• Damp locations
• Direct exposure to rain, snow, or condensation

The technical recommendation is to keep the sensor above approximately +5°C, with warmer indoor storage around +10°C or above preferred when possible.

In short:

Keep it dry. Keep it inside. And don't let it spend the winter freezing in the maintenance shed.

Bringing turfRad back into service:

1. Reconnect the GPS antenna and power.
2. Turn the sensor on.
3. Allow it to connect to Wi-Fi.
4. Check for any new firmware updates.
5. Confirm GPS shows VALID in the turfRad mobile app.
6. Complete a short test scan and confirm the data uploads successfully.

This gives you a quick system check before returning the sensor to normal course operation.

Winter Storage Checklist

Before putting the sensor away:

• ☐ Firmware updated
• ☐ Internal battery charged for approximately 5 hours
• ☐ Power disconnected
• ☐ GPS antenna disconnected
• ☐ Sensor turned off
• ☐ Sensor stored indoors
• ☐ Storage location is dry
• ☐ Storage temperature remains above approximately +5°C

Key Takeaway

Long-term turfRad storage does not require a complicated winterization process. Just remember:

Update it. Charge it. Disconnect it. Keep it dry and warm enough.

A few minutes at the end of the season can make getting started again in spring much easier.