Touch Sensor troubleshooting

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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 Tactile Touch Sensor (101594, 101643).

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

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.

Service disruption

Cloud service disruptions can impact sensor connectivity.

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) or if condensation is present. The sensor is not designed to operate in condensing environments, and condensation at any RH level is outside the supported operating range.

  • 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.

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Environmental challenges

The sensor's placement affects signal strength. Metal or glass doors, as well as enclosed spaces with thick walls can weaken connectivity.

  • Check the sensor's location and reposition it if needed for better signal. Try repositioning the Cloud Connector closer to the sensors, ensuring a stronger and more stable connection.
  • Look for changes like moved Cloud Connectors, new walls, or other obstacles affecting radio communication.

Electromagnetic interference

Strong electromagnetic interference may inhibit radio reception in the sensor or the Cloud Connector, causing intermittent communication loss even with a strong connectivity indication.

  • Move the Cloud Connector and/or the sensor away from the source of electromagnetic interference. Typical sources of electrical interference are: RFID access systems, other equipment containing radio transmitters, or faulty electronic equipment.

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 Tactile Touch Sensors.

Possible cause Corrective action

The sensor is exposed to water or condensation

Small water droplets reaching the inside of the sensor housing may trigger the touch sensor and cause false touch events or prevent touch events from being detected.

  • Remove the sensor from the suspected wet or humid spot and let it dry thoroughly before testing it again.
  • If the sensor is still not operational or not working as expected, reach out to DT Support for further help.

Mechanical damage or obstruction

If the button surface is stuck or damaged, it may prevent touch events from being correctly detected.

  • Gently clean the sensor surface and around the edges to avoid damage. Cleaning along the edges (between the button and the rims) may help release the sensor if it is stuck. Instructions for cleaning the sensor can be found here: How do I clean the sensors?
  • If the sensor still doesn't respond as it should, it might be a sign of damage and needs replacing. Reach out to Support for confirmation.

Impact of electrical equipment

If the sensor reports false or inconsistent detections, it may be affected by electromagnetic interference (EMI). This can happen when the sensor is installed too close to devices like fluorescent lights, motors, or large electrical machinery, which can disrupt its capacitive sensing.

  • Reposition the sensor. Make sure to mount the sensor away from any possible electromagnetic interference.

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.