Developer Reference
Integration Guide
Connect your hardware to HydroNode using the Arduino library over WiFi, or any LoRaWAN device via a direct HTTPS webhook (TTN, ChirpStack, Helium).
00Prerequisites
What you need before starting
Hardware
ESP32 microcontroller (any variant) for the WiFi path, or any LoRaWAN-capable device for the LoRaWAN path.
HydroNode Account
Sign up at
hydronode.texhfexlabs.de and log in to access the dashboard. Sensor created in dashboard
Create a sensor for free. For WiFi/HMAC, copy its Sensor ID and Secret Key from Credentials. For LoRaWAN, keep the device's DevEUI ready.
HydroNode will not accept data until the sensor exists. Store the Secret Key securely; as the owner you can view it again in the sensor details.
01Integration paths
Choose your integration method
Select a path based on your hardware and connectivity requirements.
Path A
Arduino Library
HTTP / WiFi
An ESP32 sends data directly via WiFi using HMAC-signed HTTP POST. Best for prototyping and short-range deployments.
View guide
Path B
LoRaWAN Webhook
LoRaWAN / Long-range
LoRaWAN device sends uplinks through TTN, ChirpStack, or Helium to a single HTTPS webhook. Auto-detected, no AWS needed. Best for outdoor and battery-powered deployments.
View guide
02Optional station interface
A sensor is not automatically a public station
Every integration starts as a private sensor that receives and stores measurements. A Station Interface is an optional layer for a physical outdoor installation—such as a garden, rooftop, or personal weather station—that you may want to place on the map and share with other HydroNode users.
Outdoor required
Mark the sensor as Outdoor under General settings and save it before creating a Station Interface. Indoor sensors cannot become stations.
Both connection types
HMAC webhook sensors can create the interface manually. Saving a LoRaWAN binding creates it automatically because LoRaWAN deployments are treated as outdoor stations.
You control visibility
Add GPS coordinates in Station Settings, then choose whether to publish the station. Removing GPS makes it private again.
You can remove the Station Interface later in Station Settings. This removes its location, public listing, and station-level access, but keeps the sensor and all measurements.