Monnit sensor self-installation guide
Using our wireless sensor network can provide near real-time visibility on the status of your assets and gives you the ability to make proactive decisions based on the data your network will provide you with.
This resource will guide you on how to set up your sensor network and provide you with various resources on how to manage features and any issues that may arise.
Before you begin
Make sure you have the iMonnit app downloaded. If you need help with this, please see our resource: How to download and log into the iMonnit mobile app
If you follow each step below you should have your network up and running in 10 – 15min. If you encounter any issues, please refer to the frequently asked troubleshooting items at the bottom.
1. Add Gateway
If you’ve already added a gateway for your sensors, skip to the “Add a sensor” section.
Mobile app
1. Launch the iMonnit mobile app.
2. Click the drop-down menu in the upper right and select Gateways
3. Select the + sign at the bottom right
4. Click “add one device”
5. You can either scan the QR / Barcode or enter the Gateway information manually.
6. To enter manually, you will need to enter the Device ID and the Security Code from your Gateway in the corresponding text boxes. Both the ID and the Security Code can be found below the QR code box.
7. Next, screw the antenna into the gateway and connect it to a power source and switch it on.
8. After the three LED lights switch to green, your gateway is ready to use.
9. It may take several minutes to add the gateway to the iMonnit app.
10. Once the gateway has been successfully added, click the drop-down menu on the top right and select Sensors to add a sensor.
11. If you want to edit the settings of a gateway, please search for our guide ‘Gateway Settings’
2. Gateway Positioning
After you’ve set up the Gateway on your network, you will need to place it in a location that is ideally central to the location of your sensors.
1. We recommend using 3M brand double sided tape the following items in order to mount the gateway:
2. To mount the gateway, clean the surface area thoroughly and ensure that it is dry.
3. Remove the protective layer from the tape on the back of the gateway and firmly place the gateway against the surface and hold for thirty seconds.
3. Add a sensor
1. Launch the iMonnit mobile app.
2. Click the drop-down menu in the upper right and select Sensors
3. Select the + sign at the bottom right
4. Click “add one device”
5. You can either scan the QR / Barcode or enter the Gateway information manually.
6. To enter manually, you will need to enter the Device ID and the Security Code from your Sensor in the corresponding text boxes. Both the ID and the Security Code can be found below the QR code box.
7. Make sure that your sensor is powered either by placing batteries in the sensor or powering it using the switch on the side (if available).
8. It may take several minutes to add the sensor to the iMonnit app.
9. We recommend you then select the gear icon and rename your sensor to correspond with the location in which you have placed it. You can also set the heartbeat (rate at which the sensor will send data to the Gateway) from the same location.
10. You can also click the rocket icon to create an Action for this sensor. To learn more about Actions, please visit our guide on Sensor Settings.
11. Once you have successfully completely installed the sensor, you can click on the + sign at the bottom right to add more sensors.
4. Sensor Positioning
As there are more than 70 different types of sensors, each one will require different installation techniques in order to get the most out of your sensor. However, a few universal guidelines for all sensors are:
1. Place your sensor in an area that has as few obstructions between it and the gateway as possible. Although the sensors have a +300m range, various obstructions may reduce the range.
2. The higher the sensor can be placed, the stronger the RF link is between the sensor and the gateway.
3. Avoid placing your sensors on the floor as this will obstruct the range.
4. Conducting a site survey before you place your sensors is always a great way to plan for optimal range.
5. We recommend 3M double sided tape. To mount the gateway, clean the surface area thoroughly and ensure that it is dry.
6. Remove the protective layer from the tape on the back of the gateway and firmly place the gateway against the surface and hold for thirty seconds.
Common Troubleshooting Issues
Where can I find my sensor’s ID number or Security code (SC)?
The ID number and Security code (SC) should be on the sticker placed on the front of the sensor body. If the sticker is not visible or illegible due to damage or other reasons, please contact our customer support team for assistance.
I received the “ID or Security code not found” message.
Ensure you’ve entered the ID number and Security code (SC) of your sensor, not your gateway. Then double-check the letters and numbers.
I received the “Sensor unable to connect” message.
Try turning the sensor off, wait for thirty seconds before turning it back on, and then try adding the sensor again.
If you continue to receive this message, please check the following and try adding the sensor again:
1. Make sure the sensor switch located on the side of the sensor body is in the ON position.
2. Make sure the sensor is within 50m/160ft of the gateway. Obstructions between the gateway and the sensor may impact the distance. Try moving the sensor and gateway closer together to see if they’re able to connect.
What do sensors come with?
Each sensor comes with two cable ties and one double-sided tape for installation.
Do I need Wi-Fi for sensors to work?
No, gateways and sensors connect via your Ethernet network, 3G, and 4G connections.
Where can I access sensors in iMonnit?
- Open the iMonnit mobile app.
- Click on the top-left corner drop down menu
- Select Sensors from the list of options.
How many sensors can I have per gateway?
One gateway can support multiple sensors. We recommend that no more than 10-15 sensors are connected to a single gateway to ensure reliable data transmission.
How will I know when a sensor’s batteries need to be replaced?
You can set up sensor alerts to notify you when a sensor’s batteries need to be replaced in the Action menu. You can also click the rocket icon to create an Action for this sensor. To learn more about Actions, please visit our guide on Sensor Settings. AA battery powered sensors may last up to 10 years with Coin Cell battery powered sensors lasting upto 2 years. However depending on various environmental conditions these ranges may vary. You will receive an alert 2 months before a sensor battery is fully discharged.
Will I lose data if my sensors or gateway are offline?
No, your sensors will continue to capture readings and transmit them to iMonnit app once they’re back online. We recommend that you reconnect your sensors and gateway within three days to prevent data loss.
If there is a power outage at my site, will my gateway or sensor be affected?
No, your sensors will continue to capture readings and transmit them to iMonnit once they’re back online.
Can I export my sensor data?
Yes, you can. Learn how to export sensor data to CSV from both the web app and the mobile app.