All Disruptive Technologies sensors periodically send data to the cloud as part of a Heartbeat cycle. This article explains how the Heartbeat Interval (HBI) works, what affects it, and how you can adjust it.
Who is this article for?
Anyone using DT sensors who wants to understand how frequently their sensors transmit data, or who wants to adjust that frequency.
What do you need?
- Access to Disruptive Technologies sensors
- Access to DT Studio if you want to change the Heartbeat Interval
How the Heartbeat Interval works
Every sensor sends data to the cloud at a regular interval called the Heartbeat Interval (HBI). Depending on the sensor type, data is sent anywhere from every 60 minutes down to every 2.5 minutes.
Within each heartbeat cycle, a sensor can collect multiple samples and send them all at once. The number of samples depends on the sensor type and can be adjusted in Studio for some sensor types.
What can affect the heartbeat timing?
Due to temperature fluctuation or other environmental variables, the actual heartbeat timing can vary slightly between sensors, even if they have the same HBI setting. For example, a sensor in a cold environment typically has a slightly slower heartbeat compared to one in a warm environment.
Event-triggered data (outside the heartbeat)
In addition to the regular heartbeat, sensors and Cloud Connectors can send events immediately when their state changes. This could be anything from touching a sensor to removing an Ethernet cable from a Cloud Connector.
Heartbeat Interval Configuration in Studio
You can modify the Heartbeat Interval directly from Studio for all sensor types. The minimum configurable interval is 15 minutes for most sensors, with these exceptions:
- Temperature sensors can be set as low as 5 minutes
- CO2 sensors can be set as low as 2.5 minutes
Troubleshooting / FAQ
Q: Why is my sensor sending data less frequently than expected?
A: Environmental conditions like cold temperatures can cause the heartbeat interval to be slightly slower than the configured setting. This is normal behavior and does not indicate a problem with the sensor.
Q: Can I make my sensor send data more often than the minimum heartbeat interval?
A: The minimum heartbeat interval depends on your sensor type. Most sensors can go as low as 15 minutes. Temperature sensors can be configured down to 5 minutes, and CO2 sensors down to 2.5 minutes. You cannot set a shorter interval than these minimums.
Q: Do sensors only send data during the heartbeat?
A: No. Sensors and Cloud Connectors can also send event-triggered data immediately when something changes, for example, when a sensor is touched or a Cloud Connector loses its network connection. These events are sent outside the regular heartbeat cycle.