Temperature Sensor troubleshooting

Natasa

May 21, 2025 07:35

While Disruptive Technology sensors are robust and accurate, external factors can cause them to go offline or have unexpected readings. This guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve common sensor issues for the Temperature Sensor (102739, 102683, 102740, 102685).

The guide assumes that you have access to Studio.

Troubleshooting

To fix the issue, please read each section thoroughly to figure out the problem with the sensor and apply the suggested corrective action.

No connection
Unstable connection
Unexpected measurements

No connection

Sensors are determined to be offline (no signal icon) if the Cloud hasn't received a periodic heartbeat within the expected period. Typically, a sensor is offline because it cannot reach an online Cloud Connector so that its measurement can get to the cloud.

Possible cause	Corrective action
No online Cloud Connector nearby The sensor can only send data to the cloud if a nearby online Cloud Connector exists.	Install Cloud Connector near the sensor. Conduct Cloud Connector (2nd Gen) troubleshooting.
Service disruption Cloud service disruptions can impact sensor connectivity.	Check our Status page and follow the instructions.
Temperature outside the operating range Sensors may stop reporting data if the temperature is outside the range of -40°C to 85°C* (-40°F to 185°F).*	Place the sensor within the operating temperature. If the sensor remains offline, it may be permanently damaged and need replacement.
Exposure to magnetism Magnetic fields can drain the battery and cause unresponsiveness for the sensor.	Remove the sensor from the magnet. If the sensor remains offline, it may be permanently damaged and need replacement.
Mechanical damage The sensor is sealed and robust, but impacts can damage it.	Inspect the sensor for visible damage. If visible damage and the sensor remains offline, it may be permanently damaged and need replacement. Install the sensors according to the installation manual.
Water penetration The sensor is waterproof (IP68), but prolonged exposure to water/condensation may shorten its lifespan, especially in high temperatures.	Dry the sensor thoroughly. If the sensor remains offline, it may be permanently damaged and need replacement Follow the guidance on sensor placement in water.
The sensor is placed on metal The sensor has a small antenna that will be affected if the sensor is placed on a metal surface.	Remount on a non-metal surface. Remount using a Mounting Bracket. Install a Cloud Connector next to the sensor.
Depleted battery The sensor needs a working battery to measure temperature and send radio messages.	Check the battery level in Studio or API and replace if 0%. Avoid High Power Boost Mode and store sensors optimally to ensure a long lifetime.
Regional product incompatibility DT devices have two versions: EU and US that use different radio frequencies.	Use EU Cloud Connectors for EU sensors and US Cloud Connectors for US Sensors.

Unstable connection

If the sensor experiences spotty connectivity, the issue may be caused by range limitation or environmental factors affecting the signal. The table below outlines possible causes and corrective actions to help restore consistent connectivity.

Possible cause

Corrective action

Cloud Connector is out of range

The sensor can only send data robustly to the cloud if a nearby online Cloud Connector exists. Otherwise, it will enter Boost mode (boost icon) or sporadically go offline.

Install Cloud Connector near the sensor according to best practices
Conduct Cloud Connector (2nd Gen) troubleshooting

Environmental challenges

The sensor's placement affects signal strength. Metal or enclosed spaces with thick walls can weaken connectivity.

Check the sensor's location and reposition it if needed for better signal.
Look for changes like moved Cloud Connectors, new walls, or other obstacles affecting radio communication.

Near end-of-life

A low sensor battery may cause it to go offline and online intermittently.

Contact Support if other causes have been ruled out.

Unexpected measurements

If the sensor is not installed correctly or without considering environmental factors, it may give unexpected readings. To avoid this, it is recommended that you follow the instructions provided in the Installation Manual for Temperature Sensors.

Possible cause

Corrective action

Wrong placement

The sensor measures the temperature where it is placed. Due to the small form factor, the measurement is also affected by the surface temperature.

Placed optimally for the data point you want to capture.
Consider using a Mounting bracket - Temperature Sensor to elevate the sensor from its mounted surface.
Ensure the sensor is not exposed to sources that could affect the measurements (ovens, sunlight, HVAC, etc.).

Compared to another sensor in an uncontrolled environment

When comparing the sensor measurement to another sensor, you can experience different temperatures for various reasons, especially if the sensors are not compared in a stable and controlled environment, such as a calibration chamber.

Check if the measurements are within the worst-case accuracy of both sensors.
Ensure that measurements are near in time.
Switch places for the sensors to see if the measurements change.

Drift over time

The temperature sensors offer excellent long-term stability, but some drift per year will lower the accuracy.

Verify that the drift is within the expected range. If it leads to accuracy outside the required range, replace the sensor.

Troubleshooting did not fix the problem?

Please get in touch with us if the above-mentioned fixes did not resolve the issue. Please include the ID of the device(s) and a description of the issue when contacting support.