How to do an onsite survey?

Before an installation, we recommend going on-site to check for radio coverage and inspect the infrastructure to determine where sensors and Cloud Connectors can be mounted.

Wireless range prediction is complex since radio waves are weakened by some objects and reflected on others. Surveys help determine problematic areas and obstacles and decide where to place Cloud Connectors for optimal coverage.

The aim is to ensure a successful installation in which sensors robustly provide the required data points for years.

When the survey is completed, you should have a good plan on where and how Cloud Connectors and sensors should be installed.

Preparation

  1. Understand the goal of the installation
  2. Get the floor plan
  3. Prepare equipment

Onsite

  1. Evaluate the infrastructure
  2. Install Cloud Connectors temporarily
  3. Install sensors temporarily
  4. Review and adjust coverage
  5. Document results

Preparation

Step 1 - Understand the goal of the installation

First, determine what data points you want to collect with the sensors. The data points should be based on the information required by the end user for analytics and actions.

Step 2 - Get the floor plan

Obtain a site map with a scale so you can easily estimate distances. If a floor plan isn’t available, sketch a rough outline of the space. The map will help you plan your visit and document the final placements of Cloud Connectors once the survey is completed.

Mark Radio obstacles
Mark locations on the floor plan that are expected to block or reduce radio signals. Typical examples are staircases, elevators, technical rooms, concrete walls, metal doors, etc.

Set Sensor locations
Mark the areas on the floor plan where sensors must be installed to obtain the required data points, considering the installation's goal. Also indicate the type of sensors and if range extenders will be used.

Estimated Cloud Connector locations
Once you know where the sensors must be located and have identified challenging areas in the site, mark where Cloud Connectors are likely to cover them. Cloud Connectors listen to sensors in all directions and are typically placed centrally to a group of sensors.

The diagram above shows how far a sensor can be from a Cloud Connector and still be reachable in a typical office environment. The sensor type, environment, and inclusion of range extenders significantly affect the expected range. Plan for all sensors to be well within the expected range.

You should now have a plan indicating how the installation should look, which can be checked during the visit.

🔴Area that could be challenging for wireless signals
🔵Cloud Connector location
🟢Sensor locations

For more tips on how to plan your installation, please look at our Installation planning guidance.

Step 3 - Prepare equipment

Bring a smartphone, tablet, or laptop with access to the Studio project where the sensors and Cloud Connectors are claimed. This is needed to see the signal and cellular strength during the survey.

Sensor configuration

Before you go onsite, use Studio to set each sensor you bring to its fastest Heartbeat Interval. This will ensure that the sensors report their signal strength as often as possible.

Heartbeat Interval Configuration in Studio

Users can modify the Heartbeat Interval configuration directly from Studio for all sensor types. Please be aware that the minimum configuration interval is 15 minutes for most sensors. However, there is an exception for Temperature sensors, which can be configured to be as low as 5 minutes, and CO2 sensors, which can be configured to be as low as 2.5 minutes.

Once the survey is completed, set the sensors back to your preferred reporting frequency.

Equipment

In addition to a device with Studio, the following can be helpful during a survey.

  • Paper version of the floor plan and a pen
  • Double-sided tape, blue-tack, or similar for temporarily attaching sensors to surfaces
  • Zip-ties for temporarily mounting Cloud Connector
  • Distance meter to check ceiling height for Motion Sensors and to verify the map scale
  • Range Extenders for 19mm sensors
  • Power bank with 5v output/barrel jack. A battery bank for the Cloud Connector can speed up the survey since you can quickly check the cellular connection for multiple spots without being restricted by existing power sockets.
  • Installation manuals

Onsite

Step 1 - Evaluate the infrastructure

Walk through the site before installing any equipment to verify the accuracy of the site map and to check for building elements or items that can affect the propagation of radio signals. Also, note possible locations for mounting the Cloud Connectors, such as above ceiling tiles or pillars.

Step 2 - Install Cloud Connectors temporarily

Once familiar with the building, install Cloud Connector(s) on planned locations. Mount it near the planned locations without using screws or the back adhesive.  Power the gateway and confirm that it has connected to the DT Cloud by seeing the stable white lite on the front.

If the Cloud Connector fails to connect, conduct troubleshooting.

Step 2 - Install sensors temporarily

Once your Cloud Connector(s) are online, place sensors where they will be mounted during the permanent installation.

  • Avoid permanent mounting. Instead, temporary solutions can be provided or the sensor placed close to the intended installation site to assess wireless signal quality.
  • Mirror the installation environment. Place sensors where they will permanently installed later on.  If the sensors are installed within a room or cabinet, close the doors to reflect normal operation. This allows you to check that they will get the required data points and the signal strength will be representative.

Step 3 - Review and adjust coverage/data points

Open Sensors & Cloud Connectors in Studio and check that all installed devices have good signal strength. 

When Cloud Connectors are connected through cellular, ensure they have a Good Connection, as shown below.

CCON cellular online.jpg

Good signal strength

✅ Sensors have signal strength of at least 25%
✅ Sensors are not operating in boost mode
✅ Cloud Connectors have a Good Connection or connected to Ethernet

If sensors are offline (no signal icon) or reporting in High Power Boost Mode (boost icon), conduct sensor troubleshooting steps to improve the installation.

If the connection isn't good, conduct Cloud Connector troubleshooting steps to improve the installation. 

Changing environment

If the environment changes significantly during a period, consider letting the survey equipment be installed for some time to analyze how the coverage changes. For example, you might get better radio signals in an empty office building or retail store compared to when it is packed with people (and devices). 

No Cloud Connector available?

If you do not have a Cloud Connector, check the signal strength on your phone. If your phone has good coverage, the Cloud Connector will usually also have good coverage.

Step 6 - Document results

Once you have done enough tests to be confident about the coverage and mounting location, document your findings on the site plan.

✅ Where and how the Cloud Connectors will be installed
✅ Where and how the sensors will be installed

Note special mounting requirements for the sensors and Cloud Connectors. For example, if special screws or adhesives are needed or where Range Extenders will be used for 19mm sensors. Also, note whether additional power sockets or Ethernet ports must be installed before the installation.

This information will be beneficial for the installation team.

Finally, set the Heartbeat Interval back to your preferred reporting interval.