An on-site survey helps you verify radio coverage and identify the best mounting locations for sensors and Cloud Connectors before a permanent installation. The goal is to ensure every sensor will reliably report data to the cloud for years to come.
Who is this article for?
Anyone planning a DT sensor installation who wants to verify coverage and mounting locations before committing to a permanent install.
What do you need?
- A Studio project with the sensors and Cloud Connectors you plan to install (they should be already claimed)
- A smartphone, tablet, or laptop with access to Studio
- A floor plan of the site, or a rough sketch
Preparation
Step 1 – Understand the goal of the installation
Determine which data points the end user needs. This defines where sensors must be placed and what sensor types are required.
Step 2 – Get the floor plan
Obtain a site map with a scale to estimate distances. If no floor plan is available, sketch a rough outline of the space.
On the floor plan, mark:
- Radio obstacles — staircases, elevators, concrete walls, metal doors, and any structures likely to block or weaken radio signals
- Sensor locations — where sensors must be placed to collect the required data
- Estimated Cloud Connector locations - positioned centrally relative to each group of sensors
The diagram above shows how far a sensor can be from a Cloud Connector and still be reachable in a typical office environment. The sensor type, environment, and inclusion of the Mounting Brackets significantly affect the expected range. Plan for all sensors to be well within the expected range.
🔴Area that could be challenging for wireless signals
🔵Cloud Connector location
🟢Sensor locations
For more guidance on planning, see Installation planning.
Step 3 – Prepare equipment
Before going on-site, set each sensor in Studio to its fastest Heartbeat Interval so signal strength is reported as frequently as possible. Reset all intervals to your preferred frequency after the survey.
Minimum heartbeat intervals
Most sensors have a minimum interval of 15 minutes. Temperature sensors can be configured as low as 5 minutes, and CO2 sensors as low as 2.5 minutes.
Useful equipment to bring:
- Printed floor plan and a pen
- Double-sided tape or Blu-Tack for temporarily attaching sensors
- Zip ties for temporarily mounting Cloud Connectors
- Distance meter to verify ceiling heights and map scale
- Mounting Brackets for 19mm sensors
- Power bank with 5V output for powering the Cloud Connector without a fixed socket
- Installation manuals
Onsite
Step 1 – Evaluate the infrastructure
Walk through the site to verify the floor plan and identify building elements that could affect radio propagation. Note potential mounting locations for Cloud Connectors, such as above ceiling tiles or on pillars.
Step 2 – Install Cloud Connectors temporarily
Mount Cloud Connectors at planned locations using temporary fixings - do not use screws or permanent adhesive yet. Power the gateway and confirm it is connected to the DT Cloud by checking for a stable white light on the front.
If the Cloud Connector does not connect, follow the Cloud Connector troubleshooting steps.
Step 3 – Install sensors temporarily
Once your Cloud Connectors are online, place sensors at their intended permanent locations using temporary adhesive or blu-tack.
- Avoid permanent mounting during the survey.
- Mirror normal operating conditions — if sensors will be installed inside rooms or cabinets, close the doors to test under realistic conditions.
Step 4 – Review and adjust coverage
Open Sensors & Cloud Connectors in Studio and verify signal strength for all devices.
Good signal indicators:
- ✅ All sensors show signal strength of at least 25%
- ✅ No sensors are operating in High Power Boost Mode
- ✅ Cloud Connectors show a Good Connection or are connected via Ethernet
If sensors are offline or in Boost Mode, follow the sensor troubleshooting steps to adjust placement.
Environments that change over time
If the site environment varies significantly at different times (for example, an empty office versus a full one), consider leaving the survey equipment in place for a period to observe how coverage changes.
No Cloud Connector available?
Check cellular signal strength on your phone. Good phone coverage in a location generally indicates that a Cloud Connector will also have good coverage there.
Step 5 – Document results
Once you are confident about coverage and mounting locations, record your findings on the site plan:
- ✅ Where and how each Cloud Connector will be installed
- ✅ Where and how each sensor will be installed
Note any special mounting requirements (specific adhesives, Mounting Brackets, or additional power sockets and Ethernet ports that must be installed beforehand). This information is essential for the installation team.
Finally, reset all sensor heartbeat intervals to your preferred reporting frequency.