Milesight UC50x Multi-Interface LoRaWAN® IoT Controller
The Milesight UC50x series consists of robust IoT controllers designed to connect a wide range of sensors, meters and installations to a LoRaWAN® network. The controllers provide multiple industrial interfaces, including GPIO, 4–20 mA, 0–10 V, RS232, RS485, Modbus RTU and SDI-12.
This allows both analogue and digital sensors to be connected and their measurement data to be transmitted wirelessly to a central monitoring platform. The IP68 enclosure, flexible power options and integrated data storage make the UC501 and UC502 particularly suitable for remote measurement locations and demanding outdoor environments. Milesight UC50x
Key benefits
- Connects analogue and digital sensors to LoRaWAN®
- Two configurable GPIO connections
- Two analogue inputs for 4–20 mA or 0–10 V
- RS232 or RS485 interface
- Supports Modbus RTU
- SDI-12 interface for environmental and agricultural sensors
- Configurable power outputs for external sensors
- Local storage for up to 600 measurement records
- Data retrieval and automatic retransmission
- Threshold and change alarms
- Easy configuration via NFC
- Battery, solar or external DC power
- Robust IP68-rated enclosure
- Suitable for wall and pole mounting
- Internal or optional external LoRaWAN® antenna
One controller for multiple sensor types
The UC50x series can read multiple types of field sensors simultaneously. This eliminates the need to install a separate data logger or transmitter for every type of output signal.
The available interfaces include:
- 4–20 mA: for analogue industrial sensors
- 0–10 V: for analogue measurement and control signals
- GPIO: for digital input, digital output or pulse counting
- RS232/RS485: for serial digital communication
- Modbus RTU: for reading registers from digital instruments
- SDI-12: for weather, soil, water and environmental sensors
Wireless acquisition of analogue signals
The UC50x provides two 12-bit analogue inputs. Each input can be configured for either a 4–20 mA or 0–10 V signal.
This allows existing pressure, level, temperature, humidity and other industrial transmitters to be integrated into a wireless monitoring system without replacing the sensors.
Digital communication via RS232, RS485 and Modbus RTU
The serial interface can be configured by software as either RS232 or RS485. When configured for RS485, the controller also supports Modbus RTU.
The UC50x can therefore collect digital measurements, status information and alarm data from compatible devices and transmit them through LoRaWAN®.
SDI-12 for environmental measurements
SDI-12 is a digital communication protocol commonly used by low-power environmental and agricultural sensors. The interface can connect weather stations, soil sensors, water-quality sensors and hydrological instruments.
The UC50x supports SDI-12 version 1.4 and transparent data transmission.
Configurable GPIO connections
The two GPIO ports can each be configured as:
- Digital input
- Digital output
- Pulse counter
This makes it possible to monitor or control contact signals, alarm relays, pulse-output meters, water meters and other digital devices.
Power supply for external sensors
The controller provides 3.3 V outputs and configurable 5, 9 or 12 V outputs. The UC50x can therefore supply power directly to connected sensors.
The warm-up time before data acquisition can be configured. Sensors only need to be powered when a measurement is required, reducing energy consumption and extending battery life.
Reliable data storage
The LoRaWAN® version can store up to 600 measurement records locally. Collected data therefore remains available during a temporary network interruption.
When connectivity is restored, missing records can be retrieved and retransmitted. This helps prevent data loss and improves monitoring reliability.
Measurement-based alarms and reporting
Threshold and change alarms can be configured. When a measurement moves outside a predefined range or changes significantly, the controller automatically transmits a notification.
This enables a rapid response to situations such as:
- Abnormal water levels
- Low soil moisture
- Pressure deviations
- Equipment faults
- Open contacts or doors
- Unexpected pulse or consumption values
Robust outdoor enclosure
The UC50x features an IP68-rated enclosure and a robust M12 connector. Milesight specifies an IP68 test condition of immersion at a depth of one metre for seven days.
This protects the controller against water, dust, corrosion and vibration and makes it suitable for long-term use in demanding environments.
Difference between the UC501 and UC502
| Model | Power supply | Operating temperature | LoRaWAN® class | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UC501 | Two rechargeable 2,550mAh batteries, integrated solar input or 5–24 V DC | -20 to 60 °C | Class A and Class C | Installations with solar or external power |
| UC502 | Three replaceable 9,000mAh Li-SOCl₂ batteries or 5–24 V DC | -30 to 70 °C | Class A | Long-term autonomous, low-power monitoring |
The UC501 is particularly suitable when frequent communication, local control or solar power is required. The UC502 is designed for long-term battery-powered monitoring at locations without a permanent power supply.
Easy NFC configuration
The Milesight ToolBox app enables the UC50x to be configured through NFC. This makes it possible to adjust the controller without fully opening the enclosure or connecting it to a computer.
Settings can also be changed through USB-C or a LoRaWAN® downlink, simplifying installation, remote management and maintenance.
Applications
The Milesight UC50x series is suitable for:
- Smart agriculture and horticulture
- Soil and irrigation monitoring
- Weather stations
- Water quality and hydrology
- Level and pressure monitoring
- Water and energy meters
- Industrial process monitoring
- Machine building
- HVAC installations
- Building management
- Remote pumping installations
- Environmental research
- Infrastructure and smart-city applications
Cellular versions with NB-IoT/Cat M connectivity and support for TCP, UDP, MQTT and AWS are also available. Versions and availability may vary by region.
Request advice or a quotation
Would you like to connect analogue, Modbus or SDI-12 sensors to a wireless monitoring system? Pedak can help you select the right UC50x model, sensors, LoRaWAN® gateway and software platform.
Contact us for technical advice or a non-binding quotation.
Technical specifications
Technical specifications
Property Specification
Models UC501 and UC502
Wireless communication LoRaWAN®
European frequency EU868
Antenna Internal or optional external antenna
External antenna connector 50 Ω SMA female
GPIO 2 × digital input, digital output or pulse counter
Recommended pulse frequency Up to 4,000 Hz
Analogue inputs 2 × 4–20 mA or 0–10 V
Analogue resolution 12 bit
Serial interface 1 × RS232 or RS485
Baud rate 1,200–115,200 bps
Protocols Modbus RTU and transparent RS232/RS485 transmission
SDI-12 1 × SDI-12, version 1.4
Sensor power outputs 2 × 3.3 V and 2 × 5/9/12 V
Interface connector M12 A-coded male
Configuration NFC app, USB-C or LoRaWAN® downlink
Alarm functions Threshold and change alarms
LoRaWAN® data storage Up to 600 records
UC501 power supply Rechargeable batteries, solar power or 5–24 V DC
UC502 power supply Replaceable Li-SOCl₂ batteries or 5–24 V DC
Ingress protection IP68
IP68 test condition One metre underwater for seven days
UC501 operating temperature -20 to 60 °C
UC502 operating temperature -30 to 70 °C
Relative humidity 0–95%, non-condensing
Dimensions 116 × 116 × 45.5 mm, excluding connector
Installation Wall or pole mounting
Certifications CE, FCC, ISED and RoHS