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is simple to install a Controlant temperature monitoring system if guidelines is followed. Two types of devices must be installed, a) gateway and b) a logger. The gateway communicates with the loggers through RF (Radio Frequency) communication and uploads the measurement data to the Controlant Data Cloud through mobile cellular network every 10 minutes. The logger measures the temperature, stores the measurement data and uploads the data to the gateway.
It is important that the gateway has a good connection to the cellular network and the logger has a good RF connection to the gateway
Many things in the environment effects the cellular and the RF signal, such as:
- Metal
- Steel mesh (such as in concrete walls)
- Metal shelfs
- Metal walls
- Water
- Water rich products (such as fruits)
- Human body
- Moisture
- Distance
Based on experience and signal measurements inside warehouses, following signal attenuation can apply:
Signal Obstacle | Signal Attenuation |
Laminated metal wall | 40% |
Storage shelf with mixed goods | 10% (can be higher, depending on the goods*) |
| Refrigerator or other types of coolers made of metal | 20% to 40% |
Reinforced concrete wall – 20cm | 5%-20% (depending on the steel mesh size) |
Free air between storage shelf's (10m distance) | 20% |
Free air between storage shelf's (20m distance) | 30% |
Free air between storage shelf's (50m distance) | 40% |
Storage cage (Wire gauge) | 0% to 100%, depending on the mesh size** |
| Moving traffic (people, machinery etc) | 3% to 20% (In some cases machinery can block the RF signal) |
*Water rich products such as watermelons and lemons are challenging for RF signal ** If the mesh size in the wire gauge is the same as the RF wavelength (1/1, ½, ¾, ¼,…) then the wire gauge can block the RF signal. (RF wavelength for CE version CO 01.01 is 34,538 cm, For US version CO 11.01 the wavelength is from 32,305 to 33,126cm) | |
In a pharmacy, the following things can effect the RF signal
- Medicine refrigerator or cooler
- Metal shelfs
- Liquid
- Goods in shelfs
- Traffic of people
Installation process
- Find or make a drawing of the facility where the Controlant devices will be installed, see figure 1
- Mark on the drawing where loggers will be located, see figure 2
- Mark on the drawing the best location of the gateway where the RF and Cellular signal strength is maximized, see information above and in 1.3.4.1 Warehouse and figure 2
- The gateway should be located at high point and as close to all the loggers as possible
- If this is a large facility, it may require more than one gateway
- Install the gateway and connect it to power. If there is a risk that someone disconnects the gateway from power, place a warning label, where it is connect to power (For example, DO NOT DISCONNECT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES). Mark the gateway ID number on the facility drawing
- Install the loggers and mark the logger ID number and location name on the facility drawing
- Update your Device Installation Log
- Start using the system, see 1.3.5 First steps
Place the logger inside the cooler or refrigerator. Have the logger antenna in the same position as the RF antenna on the gateway,
Figure 1. Drawing of the facility
Figure 2. Gateway and loggers marked on a facility drawing
Figure 3.
GatewayGateway Antenna orientation
Figure 4. Gateway at high point, close to the logger
a) a gateway and b) a logger
