Find below the most frequent questions asked about the communication module RBR.
Where can the RBR be installed?
The RBR acts as a communication bridge between the “internet” and the wireless sensors 1NTR. It can be installed anywhere where you have a:
- Internet connection to a router or switch via Ethernet cable
- Power outlet
The RBR is designed to operate in a non-condensing environment between 0 °C and +40 °C, e.g. in a laboratory, warehouse, cold room, hospital or pharmacy.
Here is how you can install your RBR.
How is the RBR powered? Does the RBR contain a battery?
The communication bridge RBR does not contain a battery. It is powered by an external power supply unit (Input: 100-240 VAC / 50-60 Hz; Output: 5.9 VDC / 1200 mA). Adapters for Europe, UK and Switzerland are included with the 868 MHz version, while the version operating at 915 MHz intended for the US market is shipped with a corresponding adapter for the United States of America.
As a second option, PoE can be used for power supply. You should ensure that an IEEE 802.3af PoE switch is available with a sufficient number of ports for the planned number of RBR (or even multiple switches).
The average power consumption is under load 1.15 W (power supply) to 1.33 W (PoE).
A maximum of 3 W can be experienced.
What happens if power is out? What happens if power comes back?
The communication bridge RBR is not a “data logger” collecting and storing values – instead it is just acting as a bridge. If the RBR loses power, no measurement values are lost – but of course communication between the wireless sensor 1NTR and the elproCLOUD is interrupted. A warning message will be triggered, depending on your sensor configuration in elproCLOUD. As soon as power is available, the connection is automatically re-established and the buffered values from the wireless sensor 1NTR are delivered to the elproCLOUD software.
If the left LED of the RBR is not turning from red/yellow to green, what could be the reason?
If the network connection of the RBR has been established (left LED yellow) but the connection to the elproCLOUD could not be established (left LED not changing from yellow to green), this means that there is either a problem with your internet connection or a technical problem with the elproCLOUD.
Problems with the internet connection could have various causes:
- There is a problem with your internet provider. -> Check with other devices in the same network if you have internet connection
- The used Ethernet cable, switch or outlet is damaged. -> Try another connection.
- Your local network settings don’t provide an IP address via DHCP. -> Define your own fixed IP address: https://web.elpro.cloud/bridge.
- Your local firewall settings block access to the internet. -> contact your IT department and read this article to check your network and firewall settings.
If all this looks ok, there might be an issue with elproCLOUD. Please file a support ticket here.
What is the radio performance (transmission range) of the RBR?
The radio performance of the ECOLOG-PRO radio modules is up to one hundred meters in open field and is reduced by obstacles like walls, doors, insulation, concrete, metal, and pallets containing liquid. Whenever possible, avoid placing the RBR (or the sensors) in cabinets, separate closed rooms, behind concrete walls or metal constructions. Check the effective radio signal strength in the elproCLOUD dashboard view.
How many wireless sensors can the RBR be connect to?
Up to 50 wireless sensors can connect to one RBR.
How is the RBR connected to the internet? What if I want to configure specific network settings?
The standard configuration of the communication bridge RBR is as a so called DHCP client, which means that it will request a valid IP address from the local network automatically. If you prefer or if DHCP is not available in your network, you can change this default setting and define your own fixed IP address via https://web.elpro.cloud/bridge.
Should I set-up a second Radio Bridge in order to have a better connection?
If a second (or more) communication module RBR is in range of the wireless sensor 1NTR, the strongest connection will be chosen and automatically handled by the system. It might make sense to add a second (or third) communication bridge RBR for various reasons:
- large installation with more than 50 sensors
- sensors are spread out to a large site with several buildings
- multi-story building with thick concrete walls & floors
- trucks circulating from one warehouse to another warehouse
If you have a low radio connection, try to re-locate the sensor or the RBR before adding an additional RBR.
What happens if the network connection is lost? What happens if the network connection is re-established?
The communication bridge RBR is connected to the elproCLOUDsoftware. There are various potential causes for an interruption:
- Ethernet cable is unplugged
- Local network settings have changed (causing a loss of internet connection)
- Problem with your local internet provider
A warning message will be triggered, depending on the sensor's configuration in elproCLOUD. As soon as the cause has been eliminated, the connection is automatically re-established and the buffered values from the wireless sensor 1NTR are delivered to the elproCLOUD software.
How much data does ECOLOG-PRO RBR send to the Cloud?
We calculate the amount of data per measuring point and per year, for a recording interval of 10 minutes with 10 MB. The number of events (alarms, warnings, system messages) can vary. On average we assume a size of 5 MB / sensor / year for the events.
Overview amount of data per year:
|
No. of measuring points / Logging interval |
1 |
50 |
500 |
|
10 minutes |
15 MB |
750 MB |
7.5 GB |
|
5 minutes |
25 MB |
1250 MB |
12.5 GB |
|
1 minute |
105 MB |
5250 MB |
52.0 GB |
Do ECOLOG-PRO (wireless or wired) have an OPC-UA software interface so that the data can be integrated into other company systems?
This is not planned. The unit data can be used by other systems via the CSV files of the WebAccess.
What is the maximum cable length for RBR power supply?
The maximum cable length is influenced by various factors, with the choice of PoE switch and cable being particularly crucial. According to the PoE specification IEEE 802.3af, literature recommends a maximum length of not more than 100 meters. This guideline serves as a rough estimate. It is advisable to consider the guidelines provided by the PoE switch manufacturer and the specifications of the chosen cable.
What settings are necessary if I use a proxy server?
No special settings are required on the RBR side to operate via a proxy server. It is important that you set the network configurations such as routing, port forwarding and firewall rules correctly in your network to ensure smooth functionality.