WiFi Sensors
Q: My sensor devices are not communicating with the FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud?
A: If your access point or WiFi router is working, your device may be out of range. You can check the range of the sensors by pressing the device button three times. This will show a number between 1 and 10 if you have a signal, with 1 being a low signal and 10 a strong signal. When the sensor device shows ‘- -‘ there is no signal.
Q: How do I force a transmission from my WiFi sensor device?
A: When the sensor is displaying the main reading screen on the LCD, press the button on the front four times. The MAX, MIN and Signal Strength screens will be quickly displayed. The device will try to transmit its latest data immediately, regardless of the transmission rate setting.
Q: If I have a power cut or my WiFi network stops working, will I lose any of my data?
A: No, even if your WiFi network has failed, the device will continue logging at the sample rate that you have set. When your WiFi network is restored, the device will automatically sync data to the Cloud. No data is lost.
Q: The WiFi icon on my sensor is flashing, what does this mean?
A: This means that the sensor is not connected to the FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud. Check your network connections first and then make sure that the sensor is within range of the access point or WiFi router. To save battery power, the sensor may be in sleep mode for up to 30 minutes and will then look for a connection again. No data is lost while the sensor is temporarily not connected. Once connection is resumed all data will be synchronised with the FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud.
Q: How can I reset my sensor?
A: The sensor can be reset by holding the button for 10 seconds. Release the button when LOW is flashing in the top right hand corner of the display. The device will retain all settings but will lose any data that had not been transferred to the FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud. It will continue to be connected to the account it was set-up with and will simply start a new recording session.
If necessary, a full factory reset can also be performed by holding the button for 20 seconds until FArS appears on screen. Doing this will return the device to the factory state, deleting all settings and clearing any remaining data. The device will no longer be connected to any network or FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud account. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU ARCHIVE THE DEVICE ON YOUR FILESTHRUTHEAIR™ CLOUD DEVICES PAGE BEFORE UNDERTAKING A FACTORY RESET.
Q: What does it mean when the MAX, MIN and battery symbol are all displayed on the LCD at the same time?
A: This is displayed if the device is charging, and the temperature of the battery is above 40°C. For safety, the device will stop charging until the temperature has returned to a safe level.
Q: How do I turn the sensor off?
A: The sensor will remain on permanently unless the battery runs out.
Q: How do I know if my WiFi router is 802.11b compatible?
A: All WiFi routers are 802.11 compatible and there are currently four types in general use; a, b, g and n. To find out what type of router you have you may need to refer to your router user manual or contact your Internet Service Provider.
Q: I have connected the device to my PC using the USB cable, but the software does not see it. What should I do?
A: You can try any or all of these steps to help with this problem
1) Remove the USB cable and re-insert.
2) Restart the software.
3) Missing Drivers. If this is the case please reinstall the software.
4) Restart the device by holding the button down for 20 seconds.
Q: My device will not connect to the wireless network
A: You can try any or all of these steps to help with this problem
1) Check that the password being entered is correct.
2) Check if 802.11b is enabled on the access point or router.
3) Ensure MAC filtering is not switched on in the access point or router. If it is switched on, only known devices will be able to connect to your router.
4) Check that your network has an internet connection.
5) Check that the sensor is in range of the router.
6) Check to see if the router has the latest firmware.
7) If the access point or router has WEP Encryption ensure that the HEX key is being entered rather than the password. You can find the HEX key in the internal settings of your access point or router. Alternatively, search the web for resources to help convert your password to a HEX key.
8) Check that DHCP service is running. This allows the sensor device to be allocated an IP Address. Normally, the DHCP service runs in either your router or on a network server. Make sure that the configured DHCP IP address range allows the addition of new devices if not, then extend the range.
9) If your wireless network uses WPA Enterprise, make sure that the correct authentication type is selected from the drop-down box. Only the types listed are supported.
10) If your access point or router has a wireless mode setting, this must be set to ‘Mixed’, not ‘Greenfield’.
11) Make sure that the SSID name does not contain spaces.
Q: Will the device work with a VPN (Virtual Private Network)
A: This is technically possible, provided that the VPN can allow the sensor device internet access via TCP port 14354.
Q: If the device battery runs out, will I lose all of my data?
A: The device will not take readings when there is no power but all readings it has taken prior to the loss of power will be synchronised. Once recharged, the device will reconnect to the FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud, start a new recording session, and continue recording.
If using battery power you must set suitable sample and transmission rates as these will affect your battery life. You can power the device from mains using a suitable USB power supply if fast transmission rates or long term, uninterrupted logging is needed.
Q: If I have a power outage, will I lose any data?
A: As the device is powered by battery, the device will always continue recording at the sample rate you have set. If a power outage occurs, the device will continue to attempt to connect to your network until power returns and the access point or router becomes available again. The device then synchronises all remaining data with the FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud. No data is lost.
Q: I want to integrate the WiFi sensors into my own system. Is an API (Application Programming Interface) available?
A: We are currently developing an API (Application Programming Interface). Please check our website for the latest news. It would be great to hear if you have suggestions about how we can improve our Cloud service, please let us know.
Q: What battery life can I expect from my sensor devices?
A: There are a number of factors which can significantly affect the battery life of the sensor including; transmission period, WiFi encryption method, WiFi encryption key rotation frequency (determined by the Access Point or router), signal strength between access point or router and sensor device, presence volume and type of WiFi traffic from other devices, sample rate, and operating temperature. In our tests, we regularly achieve battery life in excess of six months with a transmission rate of one hour or more.
Q: How do I charge the battery in my sensor device?
A: The sensor will arrive partly charged but ideally you should charge it for 24 hours before use for optimum performance. The battery can be recharged via a PC, a USB +5V wall adapter, or a portable USB battery pack using the USB lead provided.
Q: How long will it take to fully recharge my sensor device?
A: From a very low battery state, it can take up to eight hours to fully charge your sensor. The battery status can be seen from the Devices page on the FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud. The battery can be recharged via a PC, a USB +5V wall adapter, or a portable USB battery pack using the USB lead provided.
Q: Can I permanently power my sensor device?
A: Yes, you can permanently power the sensor using a USB wall adapter or external battery pack (both available separately). Caution: Readings may be affected on some types of sensor device, while the internal battery is being charged. However once charged, continued connection of the charger or external battery pack will have no effect.
Q: How do I update my devices?
A: The WiFi devices contain program code that runs internally, often referred to as firmware. You can update the firmware in a device by running the Firmware Updater software (installed on your PC with the WiFi Sensor Software). You’ll need to connect the device to the PC using the USB cable provided then follow the on-screen instructions to download and update the latest firmware versions. To benefit from the latest improvements we recommend using the latest firmware releases for your devices. Depending on the previous firmware version, your device may be in a factory-reset condition following a firmware update, and will need to be connected to the FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud using the WiFi Software. Any existing data for this device on the FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud will be archived for safe-keeping.
Cloud Account
Q: How many sensors can I connect to my FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud account?
A: The number of sensors you can connect will depend on which type of FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud account you have. This will be Free, Personal or Professional.
Q: What does Setup Pending mean?
A: This means that you have changed a setting on a sensor, for example the transmission rate, an alarm level or any other parameter. The sensor will receive its new settings the next time it transmits to the FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud, the set-up will be pending until that time.
Q: Does it cost to use the FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud?
A: If you have Signed-Up with FilesThruTheAir™ directly our charges will depend on which account type you have chosen and how many sensors you require connected to your account.
FREE – Up to two sensors with alarms capability – perfect for the beginner to try the system.
PERSONAL – Unlimited sensors, data storage and e-mail alerts. Data Export and Report Printing.
PROFESSIONAL – As per the PERSONAL account with the addition of multiple locations, multiple users and an administrator panel to control your system. A Device Audit trail is exportable from the Session tab in the View Data page.
If this Cloud service has been provided to you by a 3rd party or your supplier, you should contact them directly about billing enquiries.
Q: Is it possible to upgrade or downgrade my account?
A: If you have Signed-Up with FilesThruTheAir™ directly, you can upgrade your account at any point. Downgrade is also possible, depending on the number of sensor devices you have connected to your account. You cannot downgrade to a FREE account. To change your account type, click on the “Upgrade” link or follow the “Change or Close my account” link from the Home page.
If this Cloud service has been provided to you by a 3rd party or your supplier, you should contact them directly about changing your account.
Q: How can I cancel my FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud account?
A: If you have Signed-Up with FilesThruTheAir™ directly, you can cancel your account by clicking on the “Account” link and selecting CLOSE ACCOUNT at any time. Your sensor devices will no longer work on the FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud but can still be used in PC only applications.
If this Cloud service has been provided to you by a 3rd party or your supplier, you should contact them directly about cancelling your account.
Q: Can I purchase a FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud account in my country’s currency?
A: If you have Signed-Up with FilesThruTheAir™ directly, you can pay in GBP or in USD. If you are not in a country using GBP, we would recommend using USD as your payment method.
If this Cloud service has been provided to you by a 3rd party or your supplier, you should contact them directly about paying for your account.
Q: How can I access the FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud?
A: You can access your FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud account using any internet enabled device through a web browser. This could be your PC at home/office, your iPad/tablet or your mobile phone, etc. The FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud supports IE7 and above, and the latest Chrome, Firefox and Safari browsers. Data charges may apply if viewing data from your FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud account on your mobile phone.
Q: Where can I find the terms and conditions of the FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud?
A: You can find links to all our terms and conditions documents on the Home page.
Q: How secure is my data on the FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud?
A: Your data on our FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud account is very secure. The only way to access your account and data is to use the email address and password that you specified when signing up to your account. If you have a Professional account with multiple users, a user with Administrator privileges can control which data individuals can access.
We regularly back up all data and take all industry standard precautions. However, we always recommend that you also back up any data locally.
Q: What is the difference between the sample rate and the transmission rate?
A: The sample rate sets how often the WiFi device records a reading. The transmission rate sets how often the WiFi device transmits this information to the FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud. Choosing the right sample and transmission rate for your specific needs is vital to ensure that you maximize battery life. Every application is different so we have made the system as flexible as possible.
Q: Why have I lost all my data?
A: The only way sensor data is lost is if you delete a sensor device. The FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud asks if you definitely want to delete the sensor so you will not be able to do this by mistake.If you have a Free account, the FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud stores only the most recent 45 days of data. Data older than this is automatically deleted.
Q: How do I archive or delete a device?
A: Select the device(s) and click on “Archive/Delete”. From the options list you may:
1) Archive - keep the data but remove the device(s) from use
2) Clear - keep the device(s) active but delete all of the data
3) Delete – delete the data and take the device(s) out of use.
Q: Is there an app for the FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud?
A: The FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud is web based and can be accessed using a browser on a phone, tablet, PC or MAC. This keeps the system very flexible. We have plans to develop mobile apps. Please check our website for the latest news.
Q: How often does the sensor device send data to the FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud?
A: When you first connect the sensor to your FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud account the default transmission period is pre-set to five minutes. You can change the transmission rate by clicking on the sensor you want to change and then clicking on Change Device Settings. The transmission rate setting does not affect delivery of alarm conditions which are transmitted immediately.
Q: Can I try the FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud service before committing myself to paying for an account?
A: Our Free account is perfect for people wanting to trial the FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud with up to two devices. Reporting functionality is limited to paid-for accounts but the Free account will allow you to try the system. If you have Signed-Up with FilesThruTheAir™ directly, you can upgrade to a Personal or Professional account at any time. Click the “Upgrade” link for to help you decide which account type is right for you.
If this Cloud service has been provided to you by a 3rd party or your supplier, you should contact them directly about changing your account.
Q: Is the FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud guaranteed to be “up” 24 hours a day, 365 days a year?
A: The FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud will have to be taken offline on rare occasions if the servers are upgraded or if any system maintenance is needed. This will be infrequent.
Q: Why does my LCD on the sensor device show a different value to the reading on the FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud?
A: The LCD is updated every two seconds giving near-instantaneous readings at the sensor whereas the FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud receives readings recorded at the sample rate and transmitted to the FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud at the transmission rate. In the case of the WiFi-TH and WiFi-TH+ sensors, the LCD will indicate measurements at 0.5°C and 1%RH resolution, but the FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud will always show a greater resolution. The FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud is where your raw data should be viewed for the highest resolution.
Q: I noticed that you have a wide range of sensors. Can I add all the different device types to my FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud account?
A: Yes. The system will offer you specific features depending on the device you have selected.
Q: How many devices can I add to my FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud account?
A: You could feasibly have an unlimited number of sensors on your account, depending on your account type. Please contact FilesThruTheAir™ directly, or your supplier to find out more about high capacity Cloud accounts.
Q: What if I forget my account password?
A: All passwords are held in an encrypted format online. If you forget a password, please use the “forgotten password” link on the Sign In screen. This will ask for your email address and will send you a link to reset your password.
Q: Is there a way to reduce the number of email alerts I receive?
A: You can tailor the emails you receive in a few ways:
1) When setting up email alerts in the Change Device Settings page, you can freely select which events cause emails to be sent. Perhaps you are only interested in the measured alarm levels and can un-tick some other options you don’t need.
2) When you set-up an alarm level, you can delay the onset of the alarm by a selectable period of time. For example, when monitoring the temperature of a chiller, you might not need to know if the temperature exceeds the alarm level briefly (when someone opens and closes the door, for instance), but you do need to know if someone leaves the door open. When using dual channel sensor devices, alarm delay is independently settable for each channel.
3) Have you set an alarm level that is too low or high? Every time a device goes into or out of alarm, an email is sent. If your device is constantly “chattering” around the alarm level, you will receive more emails.
4) To reduce email traffic further, you can choose to reduce the number of alerts, by periodically summarising them into a single email. You can enable this option, and specify how often the summary emails are sent, in My Settings.
Q: Why is a sensor alarm reset when I change an alarm setting?
A: Changing any alarm setting in Change Device Settings, will cause the sensor to be refreshed with all alarm settings. This may cause an existing alarm condition to be reset.
Q: Can I use sensor devices to monitor AC power?
A: Yes, you can receive email alerts when AC power fails or is restored. Simply connect the sensor device to a mains-derived power source (e.g. a USB +5V power supply), and enable email alerts for AC power in Change Device Settings. Caution: Readings may be affected on some types of sensor device while the internal battery is being charged. However, once charged, continued connection of the charger or external battery pack will have no effect.
NEVER CONNECT THE SENSOR DEVICE DIRECTLY TO THE MAINS.
Q: How does the FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud work with time-zones?
A: Free or Personal FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud accounts have a single time-zone which is specified at the time you Sign Up. All times and dates on the FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud will be shown for your chosen time-zone. In a Professional account, which accommodates multiple sites, you can specify a different time-zone for each location. When viewing data, event logs or device properties in a Professional account, times and dates are shown as local (i.e. at the sensor location).
Q: What is a recording session?
A: In order to manage data received from your sensor device efficiently, the FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud divides data up into what we call ‘sessions’. Your sensor device will begin a session when it first begins logging. If you make any changes to the device such as a sample rate or alarm level change, the FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud closes and saves the current session and a new session is started. A complete list of all sessions is shown in the Sessions tab on the View Data page. All sessions are marked with a date and time to show the period that they cover, together with a device audit trail showing the changes which caused a new session to start. In a Professional account you can also export this device audit trail as a pdf.
Q: Is there a limit to the maximum size of a session?
A: Sessions have been limited to a maximum of 300,000 readings to avoid problems associated with graphing very large data sets. This limit is equivalent to just over 1 month at the fastest sample rate (10 seconds). One year of logging can be achieved with sample rates of 2 minutes and above.
Q: I have just gone into 'Adjust Device Settings' and there are some parameters highlighted red but the sensor does not show 'Setup Pending' on the devices screen. Why is this?
A: This is normally caused if you have exited the 'Adjust Device Settings' screen using the back button or closing the browser window. Go back into 'Adjust Device Settings' and either click Apply to keep the changes or Cancel to lose them.
Q: What is an Audit Check?
A: In some applications it is necessary for a sensing device to be visited periodically and physically checked by the user. When enabled, the Audit Check function records these checks, which are displayed on the graph, and in tabular data. Change your Audit Check settings in the Change Device Settings page.
To record an Audit Check, the user simply presses and holds the device button for three seconds. On the LCD, both MIN and MAX flash together to acknowledge that the Audit Check has been recorded.