This article explains the best way to store your DT sensors so they stay in good condition and preserve as much battery life as possible.
Who is this article for?
Anyone who has sensors that are not currently deployed, whether they are new and unclaimed or temporarily removed from use, and wants to store them properly.
What do you need?
- Access to a dry storage location at normal room temperature
- At least one online Cloud Connector nearby (recommended)
- Access to DT Studio if you want to adjust the heartbeat interval for claimed sensors
How to store sensors properly
To store your sensors properly and maximize battery life, follow these steps:
- Place all sensors in a dry location with normal room temperature.
- Store sensors near an online Cloud Connector. Sensors use more energy when they are offline or in Boost mode, so keeping them connected helps preserve battery life. This applies to both claimed and unclaimed sensors, unless the battery is physically disconnected (for sensors with replaceable batteries).
- For claimed sensors, set the heartbeat interval to 60 minutes in DT Studio. This reduces the number of radio transmissions during storage and further extends battery life.
Troubleshooting / FAQ
Q: What happens if I store sensors without a Cloud Connector nearby?
A: Sensors that cannot connect to a Cloud Connector will continue trying to communicate, which uses more battery power. Storing them near an online Cloud Connector keeps them in a low-energy connected state and preserves battery life.
Q: Do I need to worry about storage for sensors with replaceable batteries?
A: If you disconnect the battery from a sensor with a replaceable battery, it won't consume any power during storage. If the battery remains connected, the same storage recommendations apply: keep them near an online Cloud Connector in a dry, room-temperature location.
Q: Why should I set the heartbeat to 60 minutes?
A: A longer heartbeat interval means the sensor transmits less frequently. Since the sensor isn't actively monitoring anything during storage, reducing transmissions to once every 60 minutes saves battery without any downside.