When configuring a wireless sensor network, operators must address different parameters for remote radio nodes in addition to the basic wireless settings for communication. Reporting frequency, node name, sensor scaling, Modbus address, and more must be individually configured. Even if installers do their best to accurately specify the wireless device for an application, requirements change and mistakes happen.

Unfortunately, many wireless nodes require that an operator physically visits the device to change settings at the endpoint by plugging into a laptop or by local push buttons. In addition to being time-consuming, this task may be outright impossible for units installed in hazardous locations.

Once a SignalFire Remote Sensing System is configured for service, operators can remotely change settings or configuration without physically visiting devices in two ways:

• When the Gateway works with an Ethernet Interface Module , configuration changes can be made from anywhere that a user can access the IP address. Operators make changes using a PC application called the SignalFire ToolKit from the comfort of the office.
• A USB-powered wireless device called the NodeChecker allows operators to monitor status and change parameters in the field without a wired connection to the node or Gateway.

Say, that you want to change the check-in interval for a node to increase the reporting interval for a variable. Remote configuration starts by selecting a Sentinel node connected to a sensor. If in sleep mode (battery operated), the device awakes for configuration at its next scheduled check-in message. If the check-in interval is long, radio nodes send a “beacon” every two minutes to check for a configuration session request. Once the device is in configuration mode, all settings for the node can be changed using the SignalFire ToolKit PC software.

HART Sensor Configuration

In addition to configuring node settings, HART instruments within the SignalFire wireless sensors network architecture are configurable through the mesh network using PACTware or Radar Master software. For example, if a SignalFire Sentinel-HART node is connected to a Vega guided wave radar unit, an operator can run a PACTware session and remotely configure the Vega unit just as if they were physically at the tank. In addition to saving time and money, an expert can remotely configure the radar sensor instead of an installer.

Along with using wireless PACTware and Radar Master software, the SignalFire ToolKit has a “HART Quick configuration” feature that allows for basic settings to be changed for commonly-used HART instruments such as the VegaFlex 81 and the Rosemount 5300 guided wave radars. Simple configuration changes can be made quickly without having to run a full PACTware or Radar Master session, saving time and effort.

 The remote configuration capabilities of the SignalFire Remote Sensing System are an often overlooked powerful tool and competitive advantage in wireless asset monitoring, especially in challenging and hard-to-reach locations. The ability to wirelessly configure both SignalFire nodes and remote HART instruments is an important consideration when selecting a wireless sensor network.

To learn more about SignalFire Wireless Remote Asset Monitoring and Control Systems, download our brochure at: Product Capabilities Brochure.