Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Real Hey I farm monitoring
How much does farm equipment monitoring cost?
It depends on your setup — a single WiFi-based RealStream sensor costs a lot less than a full long-range motor failure prediction system, and multi-site farms are quoted differently again. Rather than publish a price list that might not match your farm, we assess your setup first and give you a straight number. All plans include professional installation, 24/7 monitoring, comprehensive training, and warranty coverage — and the system typically pays for itself by preventing just one equipment disaster.
How far can the IoT sensors transmit?
Real Hey I IoT long range sensors have a wireless range of over 3km without requiring WiFi or cellular towers. This makes them perfect for monitoring remote farm equipment across vast South African landscapes. The long-range LoRaWAN technology works even in areas with no cell coverage, making it ideal for farms in Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Free State provinces. Our short range sensors rely on WIFI coverage to the devices to operate. Real Hey I can install WIFI coverage for clients who require it.
What farm equipment can be monitored?
Real Hey I can monitor virtually any critical farm equipment including:
• Pumps (irrigation, borehole, water transfer)
• Water tanks and boreholes
• Irrigation systems
• Generators and power supplies
• Refrigeration units
• Climate control systems (temperature, humidity, CO2, etc)
• Livestock feeding and watering systems
How long does installation take?
Most Real Hey I systems are professionally installed and operational within two to three day. Our agricultural installation specialists handle all setup, sensor placement, gateway configuration, and app setup. We also provide comprehensive training to ensure you and your team can effectively use the monitoring system from day one. More complex installations for large farms may take 4-5 days.
Do I need internet connection for farm monitoring?
No internet is required to monitor long range devices at the monitored equipment location. Real Hey I's long-range sensors use IoT technology (LoRaWAN) that works independently of WiFi and cell towers. You'll receive alerts and can access the monitoring app from anywhere on your farm that has WIFI access . Our short range sensors do however require an internet connection to operate effectively. Real Hey I can assist clients with this installation process. If you wish to monitor away from your farm hub, you will also require an internet connection.
Which provinces does Real Hey I serve?
Real Hey I provides IoT farm equipment monitoring services throughout South Africa. We have installation capacity and primary coverage in Gauteng, and NW provice. We subcontract installations in other provices.
What happens if the power goes out?
Real Hey I long-range sensors are equipped with long-life batteries (3-5 years) and continue monitoring even during power outages. You'll receive an immediate alert when power fails, allowing you to take action before equipment damage occurs. Our gateway devices also have battery backup to ensure continued communication during power disruptions. No all of our short-range sensors have battery backup.
Can I control equipment remotely?
Yes! With our close-range monitoring solution, you can remotely start pumps, switch equipment on/off, and control operations from your mobile device. This feature is particularly useful for equipment located near your headquarters or operation center.
With certain of our long-range equipment, control is possible.
Contact us to discuss remote control capabilities for your specific setup.
How accurate are the sensors?
Real Hey I uses industrial-grade sensors designed for harsh farm conditions. Our current monitoring is accurate to 0.1 amps, which is precise enough to detect subtle equipment degradation before visible or audible signs appear. Water level sensors are accurate to within 1cm, and temperature sensors are accurate to 0.5°C. This precision is what allowed us to prevent the R45,000+ disaster at the Gauteng fish farm.
What kind of warranty and support do you offer?
All Real Hey I systems come with a comprehensive warranty:
• RealStream: 2-year warranty
• Long-Range Monitoring: 3-year warranty
• Multi-Site / Enterprise systems: 3-year warranty
Every system includes 12 months of standard support, plus access to our live help desk. Optional Basic, Priority, and Premium support packages are available after year one for faster response times and dedicated cover — get assessed for the details. Our support team speaks English, Afrikaans, and some German.
Can the system integrate with my existing farm management software?
Yes, our multi-site and enterprise systems include integration capabilities with existing farm management systems, SCADA platforms, and other agricultural software. We can provide API access and custom integrations to fit your specific needs. Talk to us about integration requirements for your operation.
What if I need to add more sensors later?
Real Hey I systems are fully expandable. You can easily add more sensors to monitor additional equipment as your needs grow. Simply contact our support team, and we'll arrange installation of additional sensors. All sensors connect to your existing gateway, so there's no need to replace infrastructure.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is here to help. Get in touch and we'll answer any questions about protecting your farm.