2Dec/110

Get Optimal Range From Your Wireless Sensors Through Network Reset

Getting the best range from your sensors can require a bit of trial and error. In this Tip, we discuss resetting your sensor network to assure your system is operating on the most optimal RF frequency in your region, giving you the most range possible. Once you have completed this process, you may also want to look at the following FAQs:

Prior to Monnit shipping your wireless network, your sensors are tested in our lab. This means we form and operate the network in-house. Upon set-up, the sensors and gateway lock onto the most clear RF channel for our facility and begin communicating. The next time the sensor network is plugged in (presumably when you are installing the sensors), your network is still locked onto the same channel that was optimal in our test facilities. However, that may not be the optimal channel for YOU in YOUR location. Thus, we recommend you reset the network prior to deploying the sensors. This will help you achieve the best range for your sensor deployment.

For USB Gateways Using iMonnit Online Software

  1. Start the iMonnit gateway software
  2. Insert the USB dongle and wait for the network to go active
  3. Select "Reset Network" from the gateway software and wait until the status again says "Network Active"
  4. Begin putting the batteries in the sensors

For USB Gateways Using Monnit Express Software

  1. Start the Monnit Express software
  2. Insert the USB dongle and wait for the network to go active
  3. Go to the pull down menu titled "File" and select "Reset Network," and wait until the status again says "Network Active"
  4. Begin putting the batteries in the sensors

For Ethernet Gateways Using iMonnit Online Software

  1. 1. Install your Ethernet gateway as per the instructions from your Quick Start Guide
  2. 2. Select "My Account" from the main header

  1. From the Sensor Network list, select the edit pencil of the gateway you wish to reform the network.

  1. From the options below, select "Reform Network" and wait until the Ethernet gateway has processed the command and reset itself. You will know this is complete once all three LEDs on the Ethernet gateway are green again.

  1. Begin inserting the batteries into your sensors.

Your sensor network is now operating on the most optimal RF channel available in your area.

9Nov/110

Parking Garage Monitoring

Parking Garage Light Monitoring

Managing a parking garage requires that the lighting is adequate to maintain a safe environment for your patrons. How do you know if you have poorly lit areas within your structure?

Using Monnit WIT Wireless Light Sensors can ensure that your facility parking garage is maintained as a safe environment. Monnit wireless sensors can measure the amount of light in a set area and alert you if the lighting conditions are poor, signaling that you may need to change lightbulbs or fix lighting. The system also tracks and stores your sensor data providing a detailed report as well as spreadsheet export functionality. Ensure that your parking garage is kept safe by using Monnit wireless sensors.

Ensure safety, with Monnit wireless sensors.

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9Nov/110

Calibrating Wireless Temperature Sensors

Did you know that you can calibrate a wireless temperature sensor to make it more accurate for your application? The Monnit wireless temperature sensor is accurate to +/- 1°C (1.8°F) and calibration to the sensor's working environment provides even greater accuracy. To calibrate your sensors, open your favorite browser and login to your iMonnit account at www.imonnit.com.

    1. Once logged into the system, go to the "Sensor List" panel and click on the name of the temperature sensor you want to calibrate.
    2. From the sensor information window, click on the Calibrate tab.
    3. Make note of the last reading the sensor returned.
    4. Enter the actual temperature that the sensor should have returned.
    5. Click the "Calibrate" button.

It will take the sensor 2 heartbeats to fully calibrate. Do not attempt any further calibrations until at least 2 heartbeats have elapsed. The calibration function is a linear calibration so it is recommended that you calibrate the sensor in the environment that it will be measuring. (It is not advised to calibrate a temperature sensor to room temperature and then place the sensor in a cooler or freezer.)

Sensor List Overview Image

Sensor Calibration Screen

6Oct/110

IT and Computer Server Temperature Monitoring

IT and Computer Server Temperature Monitoring
Server rooms and data centers are full of expensive computers and networking equipment that are designed to operate within a given temperature range. Monnit wireless sensors provide a low-cost, highly reliable way to monitor these temperature critical environments.

Using Monnit WIT Wireless Temperature Sensors allows you to monitor the temperature inside of your server rooms and server racks reliably and cost effectively. With Monnit WIT wireless sensors you can be notified immediately if a cooling unit begins to fail or if a server is beginning to operate outside of its optimal temperature range. The system also tracks and stores your sensor data providing a detailed report as well as spreadsheet export functionality. Ensure the proper temperatures are maintained in your server rooms by using Monnit wireless sensors. « Learn More

Stay online, with Monnit wireless sensors.

6Oct/110

Enable or Disable Email or SMS Text Alerts from the iMonnit System.

Did you know that you can enable or disable email and text alerts for wireless sensors on your network. iMonnit has a global feature that allows you to stop email and text message notifications from being sent from the iMonnit system. To turn this feature on and off, open your favorite browser and login to your iMonnit account at www.imonnit.com.

  1. Once logged in, from the top pull-down menu, find and select "My Account"
  2. On the left hand side, find "Sensor Networks" and select the edit pencil next to the network for which you would like to the notifications turned off
  3. The second feature down is titled "Send notifications for this Network"
  4. If notifications are being sent, deselect the check box. If notifications are NOT being sent, select the check box.
  5. Click "Save"

 

8Sep/110

Configuring Multiple Wireless Sensors Simultaneously through the iMonnit System

Did you know that you can make setting up your Monnit WIT wireless sensors easier by configuring multiple sensors at the same time? The iMonnit system allows you to configure any sensors of the same type simultaneously. To get started, open your favorite browser and login to your iMonnit account on www.imonnit.com.

  1. Start by clicking on "Configure Multiple Sensors" at the bottom of the sensor's list window.
  2. Next select the type of sensor's you want to configure.
  3. Select all the sensors that you want to have the same settings.
  4. Configure the settings that you want to apply to all of the selected sensors.
  5. Click "Save All" at the bottom of the page.

« Read Other Tech Tips from the WiSe Guys

8Sep/110

Commercial Food Service Temperature Monitoring

Commercial Food Service Temperature Monitoring

Maintaining an optimal temperature in your food storage coolers allows you to keep your food fresh. If the temperature falls above or below the optimal range costly spoilage or potential for food poisoning can occur. Monnit can help you maintain the proper temperature in your food storage coolers.

Using Monnit WIT Wireless Temperature Sensors with a 3 foot probe allows you to monitor the temperature inside commercial food refrigerators and freezers. With Monnit WIT wireless sensors you can be notified immediately if a cooling unit begins to fail or a door is left open causing temperatures to rise. The system also tracks and stores your sensor data providing a detailed report as well as spreadsheet export functionality. Ensure the proper storage conditions of the food you serve by using Monnit wireless sensors.

Keep it fresh, with Monnit wireless sensors.

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8Aug/110

Monitoring the Temperature of Kennels and K9 Units

Using Monnit wireless sensors to monitor K9 Unit Temperature

Your K9 units work hard, and are regarded as part of your team. Its a fact that we are seeing some of the hottest temperatures in history. With these heat waves, wouldn't it be nice to know that your K9 Unit and Kennel are at an acceptable temperature?

Monnit provides a solution for monitoring the temperature inside the vehicle kennel as well as on the dogs collar or harness. With Monnit WIT Wireless Temperature Sensors you can be notified immediately if the cooling unit in the kennel fails for any reason or if the temperature around the dog is too hot. The system also provides a detailed report as well as spreadsheet export functionality. Make sure that your Best Friend and Team Member is kept safe by using Monnit wireless sensors.

Beat the Heat, with Monnit wireless sensors.

8Aug/110

Proper Orientation of Wireless Antennas

In order to get the best performance out of your Monnit WIT Wireless Sensors, it is important to note proper antenna orientation and sensor positioning. Antennas should all be oriented in the same direction, pointing vertically out of the sensor. If the sensor is mounted flat on it's back on a horizontal surface, you should bend the antenna as close to the sensor housing as possible giving you the most amount of antenna pointing vertical. You should make the antenna wire as straight as possible, avoiding any kinks and curving of the wire.

For optimum signal strength determine the height at which the majority of your sensors will be mounted at and position the wireless gateway at the same height. The sensor signal strength will reduce if the sensors are positioned higher than the wireless gateway. Also sensors should be at least 3 feet away from each other and the wireless gateway to function properly.

Correct Antenna Orientation

Antennas should all be pointing vertically and devices should be at least 3 feet apart.

5Jul/110

Using wireless sensors to monitor boat or watercraft bilge pumps.

Using Monnit wireless sensors to monitor boat or watercraft bilge pumps

Bilge pump failure can be catastrophic when it comes to your boat or watercraft staying afloat. When an issue arises, you want to know immediately so you can take care of the problem before damage occurs or your boat submerges. However, pump motors can burn out and pump triggers can stick. How do you know if there is an issue with your pump before it's too late?

With Monnit WIT Wireless Water Sensors you can have 24/7 monitoring of your boat or watercraft and avoid water damage and possible submersion by receiving real time alerts via SMS text or email if water levels reach a certain point and the bilge pump has not turned on. You can also track bilge pump activity to know how often the pump activates. The system provides a detailed report as well as spreadsheet export functionality. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes from using Monnit wireless sensors to help maintain your boat or watercraft.

Stay Afloat, with Monnit wireless sensors.

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