MultiTech LoRaWAN Dry Contact Bridge Sensors Help Increase Innovation
Many long-range, affordable wireless sensors are available today that empower users to establish highly efficient Internet of Things (IoT) networks. Leveraging these devices allows organizations to harness cutting-edge wireless technology and automate the seamless exchange of information among independent, internet-enabled devices across industries such as next-generation cities, building security, medical device monitoring, industrial manufacturing, and more.
However, one of the biggest challenges many organizations face is deploying these sensors to optimize Return on Investment (ROI) while curbing expenses. Choosing the appropriate wireless standard for your business and selecting the most suitable sensors for your specific requirements entail numerous strategic considerations.
What Are Contact Sensors?
In simple terms, contact sensors emit signals when they detect a connection between two wires. The term "dry" in the context of contact sensors signifies that no current flows between these contacts.
When wires are shorted, a dry contact sensor will produce a minimal amount of current. Consequently, the device may not function correctly if the contact already carries an active electrical current. Fortunately, this behavior is typical among most sensors with contact outputs.
Initially designed for security systems and smart home applications, contact sensors have evolved and found diverse uses. Modern low-power contact sensors boast impressive longevity, lasting for years on a single battery charge. This longevity translates into significant time and cost savings for organizations by minimizing the need for ongoing maintenance.
These sensors prove valuable in various settings, both indoors and outdoors. Some models are robust enough to withstand challenging conditions such as extreme temperatures or hazardous weather.
Dry Contact Sensor Applications In LoRaWAN Networks
Wireless sensors serve many purposes for operators, facility managers, and manufacturers. By establishing IoT networks with these devices, operators gain the ability to automate information flow from numerous sensors to cloud-based processors.
For instance, PIR motion sensors utilizing dry contact outputs can aid security leads in monitoring vast facilities or industrial buildings. The dry contact device detects wire shorting (indicating movement). It transmits alerts across LoRaWAN, allowing security leads to redirect personnel to more intricate tasks, relying on the sensors to handle PIR dry contact outputs.
MultiTech's dry contact sensor seamlessly integrates with gas leak detectors featuring dry contact relay outputs. Facility managers can link third-party propane or carbon monoxide alarms to LoRaWAN through dry contact bridges, facilitating smart building networks across diverse geographies.
Smoke detectors with dry contact relay capabilities transform into LoRaWAN sensors when paired with MultiTech's wireless bridge. Emergency response teams can strategically install these devices to monitor fire or smoke risks. Industrial plant managers benefit from continuous, automated monitoring of extreme heat processes.
Wireless inclinometers, utilizing dry contact relays, signal slope, or tilt changes in monitored objects. These devices find application in closely monitoring equipment or machinery, serving safety purposes in aircraft or boat manufacturing sectors. Threshold exceedances trigger alerts via LoRaWAN messaging.
Wireless tilt sensors on bay doors transmit "open" and "close" messages over LoRaWAN in warehouse operations. Surveillance teams cross-reference these inputs with expected imports or exports, ensuring deliveries align with schedules.
A dry contact sensor facilitates the easy connection of differential pressure sensors to LoRaWAN. These sensors monitor fluid flow or weight on commercial elevators, enhancing safety and efficiency in factory environments.
Pneumatic pressure sensors with dry contact outputs connect directly to LoRaWAN, enabling operators to track pressurized gas flow in propulsion systems or other applications in smart manufacturing.
Off-the-shelf level sensors are seamlessly linked to LoRaWAN through MultiTech's dry contact device. This automation helps facility managers receive notifications about minimum or excess volumes of liquid, powder, or other materials in industrial tanks.
Organizations leveraging MultiTech's cost-effective dry contact bridges alongside sensors save substantial time and capital on network development. The return on investment is evident, particularly for those avoiding the purchase of expensive LPWAN-specific contact sensors while ensuring automated protection for people and assets in various applications.
Connect Third-Party Sensors with MultiTech LoRaWAN Sensors
Readily available contact sensors typically provide binary signals, indicating detection or non-detection rather than precise measurements. MultiTech contact sensors follow the same binary approach, detecting signals and transmitting outputs directly to LoRaWAN receivers for further processing.
This solution allows operators to integrate off-the-shelf sensors with contact outputs into their IoT networks without needing expensive, LPWAN-specific devices. Designed and manufactured for various sectors, MultiTech sensors offer flexible integration with existing architectures to build robust, seamless, and efficient sensor-to-cloud solutions.
Sensors that can be connected through a dry-contact bridge include:
- Wireless powder level sensor
- Wireless bulk-level sensor
- Wireless pneumatic pressure sensor
- Wireless smoke detector
- Wireless tilt sensor
- Wireless window sensor
- Wireless differential pressure sensor
- Wireless door sensor
- Wireless inclinometer
- Wireless gas leak detector
- Wireless PIR motion sensor
- Wireless liquid level sensor
About MCA and Our CNS Team
MCA is one of the largest and most trusted integrators in the United States, offering world-class voice, data, and security solutions that enhance the quality, safety, and productivity of customers, operations, and lives. More than 65,000 customers trust MCA to provide carefully researched solutions for a safe, secure, and more efficient workplace.
Our Cellular Networking Solutions (CNS) team (formerly known as USAT) is made up of certified experts in designing and deploying fixed and mobile wireless data connectivity solutions for public and private enterprises nationwide - complete with implementation, training, proof of concept (POC), system auditing, and on-site RF surveying services with optional engineering maintenance contracts.
Our extensive catalog of world-class routers, gateways, and software designed for remote monitoring and management in even the harshest environments allows us to deliver a full suite of reliable technologies capped with a service-first approach.
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