MoWi Wi-Fi Sensor FAQs
Q: What Wi-Fi bands do MoWi sensors support?
A: MoWi Wi-Fi sensor networks operate on IEEE 802.11 b/g.
Q: What types of security protocols do Monnit Wi-Fi sensors support?
A: MoWi Wi-Fi sensors currently support Open networks, WEP, WPA and WPA2 security protocols. Some Wi-Fi routers allow for faster connections and farther range which can increase battery life.
Q: What is the average life span of the batteries in a Wi-Fi sensor?
A: MoWi Wi-Fi sensors are optimized for best power use. We estimate that a typical MoWi sensor should last up to 5 years. (During battery tests, all of our MoWi sensors surpassed 90,000 sensor readings before the batteries were depleted. This testing was done using the highest level of Wi-Fi security in average Wi-Fi conditions.)
The life span of the batteries can be affected by a number of factors:
• How frequently the sensors are taking readings
• What type of sensor you are using
• What type of security your Wi-Fi network is using (Open/WEP/WPA/WPA2)
• Power output of the Wi-Fi router
• Distance from sensor to the wi-fi router
• Quality of the batteries being used
Q: My WiFi sensor was set up, checked in, but now flashes red/green and no data or heartbeats.
Why is this happening?
A: This happens when the MoWi sensor cannot connect to the WiFi network.
Possible reasons include:
• Sensor is out of range from WiFi network
• WiFi network is down/off or internet connection is down
• The sensor's WiFi credentials were changed in iMonnit, saved, and no longer work for the previous
WiFi network
• Sensor was moved to a different location with a different WiFi router which has different credentials
To resolve this, take out the sensor's batteries. Open the MoWi setup application on your PC (this can not be done in iMonnit). If you no longer have the application, it can be downloaded at www.mowisensors.com. Insert the batteries back into the sensor and connect the sensor to your computer with the MoWi programming USB cable. Use the MoWi programming application to enter the correct WIFI credentials.
Q: What should I do with my wireless sensor when the batteries die?
A: When the batteries in your MoWi sensor eventually die, simply slide the battery compartment door open to access and change the batteries. All configuration information will remain in the sensors memory, so nothing else needs to be done. We encourage you to recycle all old batteries.
Q: How do I set static IP and DNS configurations on my Wi-Fi Sensors?
A: By default, DHCP is enabled on your Wi-Fi sensors. If you need to use a static IP or custom DNS settings, uncheck the box next to "Use DHCP" when configuring your sensors through the MoWi Setup Utility and enter the appropriate information. If you already have sensors on your Wi-Fi network and want to set up static IP and DNS settings remotely, log into your account at www.imonnit.com and click the edit icon next to the sensor you want to change. From the Wi-Fi configuration area, slide the selector to "Static" and enter the appropriate information, then click "Save" at the bottom of the page. This information will be sent to the sensor the next time it checks in. From that point forward, the sensor will communicate with the new IP and DNS settings.
Q: What do I need to have in my possession to run a MoWi Wi-Fi sensor network?
A: To deploy a MoWi Wi-Fi sensor network, you will need a Wi-Fi enabled internet router with an active internet connection.
Q: What happens to my wireless sensor data if there is an Internet outage?
A: If you experience an Internet outage, your MoWi Wi-Fi sensors will log the data in their internal memory and pass all of the data to the online system, when the Internet connection is restored.
Q: How many readings can be logged in a MoWi sensor's memory if there is an internet outage?
A: If you are using iMonnit basic (free) online monitoring your MoWi sensor will store the first 50 sensor reading and transmit them when internet connectivity is restored.
If you are using iMonnit Premiere your MoWi sensor can record up to 50,000 readings in local memory and transmit them when internet connectivity is restored.
Q: Is my wireless sensor data secure when it is sent to iMonnit online software?
A: MoWi sensor data is secured via AES 128-bit encryption when being transferred to the iMonnit™ online monitoring software.
Q: Does Monnit offer any other types of wireless products besides Wi-Fi sensors?
A: Monnit currently offers a wide variety of wireless sensors in 900, 868 and 433 MHz frequencies that communicate wirelessly with Monnit USB, Ethernet and Cellular Gateways. To view the full offering of Monnit wireless sensing products visit Monnit's website.
Q: Will a MoWi sensor notify me when I need to change the battery?
A: Each time a MoWi sensor transmits data to the iMonnit™ online monitoring software, the sensor reports the batteries life as a percentage of the life left. It is not an exact reading, but will provide you with enough information to know when the battery is about to expire. You can also setup notifications via SMS text or email to alert you when any sensor's battery reaches a set percentage.
iMonnit Software
Q: Why can't I edit my sensor settings?
Because MoWi sensors are battery powered the radio is inactive between transmissions (heartbeats) to conserve power. When you make a change to a sensor's hardware settings the information is queued to download to the sensor the next time it checks in. Until a sensor successfully receives the configuration changes, you will not be able to make any additional changes to that same setting.
If you want to force the configuration changes to the sensor without waiting for the next scheduled heartbeat, you can power cycle the sensor by removing the sensors batteries, waiting 30 seconds, then re-inserting them.
Q: How do I turn OFF/ON email and text notifications for my sensor network?
A: iMonnit has a global feature so you can stop notifications from sending emails and text messages to your devices. To turn this feature on and off, do the following:
1. Login to your account
2. Once logged in, from the top pull-down menu, find and select "My Account"
3. 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
4. The second feature down is titled "Send notifications for this Network"
5. If notifications are being sent, deselect the check box. If notifications are NOT being sent, select the
check box.
6. Click "Save"
Q: How do I get my sensors to stop sending alerts to my email or phone when they are inactive?
A: Logged in as the administrator, you can halt the alerts by doing the following:
1. Select the sensor you wish to edit (it could be named "Temperature 1" or you may have renamed it to
something else).
2. Click on the edit box next to the sensor name (looks like a pencil).
3. You will see the "Basic Sensor Configuration. Below it is an underlined "Advanced Configuration" link. Select it.
4. You are now in the Advanced Sensor Configuration Screen. Select the field titled "Inactivity Alert (Minutes)."
5. Insert a "0" (zero) into the field.
6. Click "Save."
7. Your sensor will now stop sending you notifications that the sensor is inactive.
You can also do a mass configuration of the network of this feature by doing the following:
1. At the bottom of your sensor list is a link titled "Configure Multiple Sensors."
2. Click on the link.
3. Check all of the sensors you wish to include in the configuration.
4. In the "Inactivity Alert (Minutes)" field, insert a "0" (zero) into the field.
5. Click "Save."
If you have additional questions regarding this feature, please email us at support@monnit.com.
Q: Can I export sensor data from your database to my own application?
A: Yes you can! An API exists which allows you to make calls from our DB by your application. You can access the API at https://www.imonnit.com/api.
In addition to the API, you can have Monnit push the sensor readings from iMonnit to your database with our external configuration tool. This tool allows you to pass data from your wireless sensor network devices to another service in real time. This is done by coding the data into a URL query, then sending the data via HTTP get request at the time data is received. There is an extensive list of parameters that can be passed, allowing you to send detailed information about both the data and the sensor. For information on iMonnit's Push API click here.
Q: How does the wireless sensor network notify the user there is an incident that requires an action?
A: The iMonnit™ online wireless sensor monitoring system notifies the designated contacts(s) via SMS (text message) or e-mail.
During the set-up process through your iMonnit online portal, the administrator can program in cell phone numbers and e-mails of the individuals requiring notification, establishing the contact criteria for each of the above methods of communication.
Q: How much will I be charged for text message notifications?
A: You will not be charged by Monnit for text messages issued by the Monnit Sensor Network. The text messages you receive from Monnit are routed through your cellular provider. Thus, any text message notifications you set-up to receive from Monnit's notification service are covered under your text message plan through ATT™, Sprint™, Verizon™, T-Mobile™, et al. If you do not subscribe to a text plan through your cellular carrier, you will be charged their standard rate for receiving a text message.
Q: Why is there a delay in my sensor notifications?
A: Having a delay in notifications is not typical however there are some things that can cause this. Both Email notifications and SMS notifications are sent over SMTP. Our SMTP relay server is configured to ensure timely delivery of your notifications.
If the receiving server (your mobile phone company in the case or your SMS (text) notifications) is too busy or down for maintenance, etc. The SMTP Relay will try to re-send the message again, several times within the first hour. Then it will attempt to deliver every 4 hours until the receiving server is ready to receive for up to 2 days. After two days it is assumed the notification must have a bad address and it is discarded.
Q: Is it possible to control a remote device using Monnit wireless sensors?
A: Monnit Wireless Sensors do not currently support control. This may be included in future products.
General Questions
Q: Environmental Attributes That May Affect RF Range of Sensors
A: Wireless sensors transmit their data using wireless radios, and as such are subject to the same environmental limitations found in all wireless communications. Elements that effect radio transmission are severe inclement weather, trees, heavily constructed walls (cement, cinder block), sheet metal, wall board, wood, tile, buildings, vehicles, etc. Unless you have direct line of sight, every obstruction impedes wireless transmissions, even the human body.
In short, there are four factors to keep in mind for the health of your wireless sensor network and maintaining its peak performance:
• Distance from sensor to the Wi-Fi router
• Power output of the Wi-Fi router
• Obstructions in the signal path between the sensor and Wi-Fi router
Q: How To Orient Your Antennas for Optimal Range
A: View this article from our Wise Guys support area to learn how to orient antennas for optimal range and performance. « View Article
Q: How can I pay for my products?
A: Monnit has a variety of ways you can pay for your products. Orders can be placed via credit card using our online store or you can contact a Monnit sales representative for personal assistance.
Q: What is your return policy?
A: In order to return your product for an exchange or refund, you must first contact a Monnit sales representative and request a return merchandise authorization (RMA) number. You can reach your sales representative at 801-561-5555.
No packages will be accepted without the RMA number clearly marked on the outside of the package. After inspecting and testing, we will return your product, or its replacement using the same shipping method used to ship the product to Monnit within 30 days. In your package, please include a daytime telephone number and a brief explanation of the problem.
