Installing Tactile Touch sensors

This guide gives instructions on how to install Tactile Touch sensors so that they can report readings to the cloud. 

Quick access

1. What you need
2. Planning the installation
3. Activation
4. Mounting options
5. Configuration
6. Settling Period
7. Check the signal strength

What you need

The number of sensors in a package can vary, ranging from as few as 1 to as many as 25. In standard cases, the sensors are packed as follows:

• A single Tactile Touch sensor is usually sealed within a compact, transparent zip-lock bag.
• A bundle comprising 25 sensors will be shipped in a box.
• Should the specified quantities not be met, each sensor will be individually packaged in small transparent zip-lock bags.

Besides the Tactile Touch sensor itself, it is advisable to have the following on hand:

• a laptop or a smartphone running the DT Studio web application studio.d21s.com. If your company does not have a DT Studio organization, get started at d21s.com/start
• we also recommend having one or more online Cloud Connectors (gateways) close by to enable forwarding sensor data to the DT Cloud and to check the connectivity of the sensor once it is installed. Please refer to our guide for detailed instructions on how to properly install our Cloud Connectors.

Planning the installation

The Wireless Tactile Touch Sensor is designed to register when pressed, providing users with both audible and tactile feedback. Give thought to potential applications, like smart environments or service-oriented systems, such as in feedback panels, to ensure users can fully experience the sensor's effectiveness.

Lastly, plan for adequate Cloud Connector coverage and consult the Safety & Use Manual before sensor installation for comprehensive guidance.

Activation

Tactile Touch sensors do not have printed QR Device IDs. Claim the sensor in Studio by scanning the QR code found on the sensor packaging:

• A package with a single Tactile Touch sensor, typically enclosed in a small transparent zip-lock bag, will display a QR code on the bag.
• A package containing 25 sensors will be delivered in a box, featuring a QR code on the box itself for efficient bulk claiming, simplifying the process of claiming multiple sensors at once.
• To claim the individual sensors from the box of 25 sensors, kindly reach out to support for assistance and guidance, as the sensors lack individual IDs.

The sensor is now available in Studio and you can give it a name, a description, a label, etc and is easily identifiable by using the Identify Sensor by touch feature in Studio.

As part of the activation process and before placing the sensors, set how often the sensor will transmit the readings by configuring the Heartbeat Interval for all Tactile Touch sensors in Studio.

Mounting options

Secure sensors using their adhesive backing on clean, dry surfaces by removing the protective film and pressing firmly. If the surface is uneven or not entirely clean, consider using a stronger adhesive. Avoid placing sensors on metal surfaces to prevent potential connectivity issues. 

Configuration

The Wireless Tactile Touch Sensor uses Heartbeat Interval (HBI) to transmit a message notifying the system that it is present and operational, which can be set to 15 min, 30 min, 45 min, or 60 min. 

Settling Period

After the installation, the sensor is ready to immediately start sending the readings to the Studio. 

Check the signal strength

Tap the sensor to see its live response in Studio. The signal strength should show two bars (no signal icon) or more for a robust installation.