This guide shows how to install the Ambient Range Extender accessory to increase the performance of the wireless connection between a sensor and a Cloud Connector up to quadruple the range.
A PDF copy of the abbreviated installation manual in download format is available here.
What you need
To ensure a robust installation, you should have the following components:
- Ambient Range Extender
- Temperature or Humidity sensors
- Zip ties for mounting (optional)
In addition to the items listed above, 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
Before proceeding with the installation, it's essential to clarify your measurement objectives and evaluate range requirements. For more information, please visit Installation planning.
Activation
Before inserting the sensors into the Ambient Range Extender, make sure to Claim the sensors in Studio by scanning the QR code found on the sensor or the packaging. If only a few sensors are needed, they can also be claimed individually in Studio. The sensor is now available in Studio and you can give it a name, a description, a label, etc. Ensure that you also configure the Heartbeat Interval for all the sensors in Studio.
Mounting options
To guarantee a correct installation, adhere to the following steps:
- Peel the protective film from the back of the sensor.
- Make sure the dot on the sensor is aligned with the dot on the range extender.
- Optional: Apply a small amount of super glue or a thin double-sided tape to enhance the adhesion between the sensor's back and the surface of the Range Extender.
- The Range Extender is now ready for use. Choose one of the mounting methods below:
- Use the adhesive on the back to attach the range extender in the desired location.
- Use zip ties to attach the range extender to the desired location.
Installation in cold environments
Attaching a sensor using the tape on the back in cold environments can result in the sensor not sticking immediately. If this happens, we suggest the following:
- Increase the temperature of the tape and the surface for mounting
- Use a different adhesive that is specifically engineered and designed to work in cold temperatures. The VHB tape on the back from 3M has a strong bond suitable for use in temperature ranges between -40°C and +150°C.