Sensors
How do the MachineMax sensors work?
The self-powered, wireless, magnetic sensor is placed on an asset to track its location and utilization. We monitor the vibration data, it is then transmitted to our cloud using LoRa, where we use machine learning to understand the unique 'signature' of each machine.
What information can I get from a MachineMax sensor?
Utilisation (on, off, idle)
Location
Temperature
Humidity
Movement
Where should I place the sensor?
Place it on the outside of the equipment. Placing it vertically and as close to the motor / engine, the more detailed the analysis.
For machine specific placement please download our guideCan I re-use a sensor?
Yes, as the sensors are magnetic one can remove and re-apply to another machine at anytime. See
this guide on how to re-allocate a sensor to a new machine in the platform.
Does it require installation?
Can MachineMax sensors be installed on all equipment?
Yes.
Do the MachineMax sensors work on older equipment?
Yes, they work on all equipment.
Can it be used on rented equipment?
Yes, as there is no invasive installation it can easily be placed on rental equipment.
Can it be used on rented equipment?
Yes.
What if I have a mixed fleet?
The sensors are OEM & manufacturer agnostic.
Can I use a sensor on electrically powered equipment?
Yes.
How do I activate the MachineMax sensor?
Simply turn it on and place it on the equipment. You can see how to set it up in this
videoHow big is the sensor?
About as big as a pack of cards. 11.5 x 8 x 3.5cm
How long does the battery last for?
18 months.
What do I do when the battery runs outs?
We will get an alert when the battery is nearing end of life and at that point we will send you a new sensor and specify which equipment you need to replace.
What kind of environment can the MachineMax sensors withstand?
-40°C to +60°C temperature. IP67 rated.
Are you CE certified?
Yes.
How strong are the magnets?
They can withstand a g-force of up to 10g.
Gateways
Do I need a gateway?
Some areas have a vast LoRa network coverage and the sensors communicate directly on this network, negating the need for a gateway. E.g., Netherlands & Belgium have country wide coverage.
How many gateways will I need?
Depends on the size of the site, typically the gateway has the range of more than 1KM.
What is the gateway range?
A minimum radius of 1KM.
How do the gateways connect to the network?
The gateways have a built-in SIM card which communicates via cellular network. All you need to do, is turn on a gateway and the sensors will immediately start communicating with it. Chat to us if you don’t have cellular connectivity, we have alternative options.
Where should I place the gateway?
Somewhere with a good line of site to the equipment. If you are tracking surface equipment, then the higher the better.
What are the gateway specifications?
Do the gateways need power?
Yes, they need a power source but can also run off solar panels.
What if the equipment is out of the gateway's range?
The sensors can store data for up to a month and if there is a break in transmission the gateway will instruct the sensor to resend the data when back in range.
How do I set up my gateway's?
Gateways are relatively easy to setup and can be done so in around 5 minutes, you can see how to set them up
hereData
What kind of actionable insights do I get from the data?
This can be tailored to suit your needs - users can get automated daily / weekly / monthly alerts.
How long does it take for the machine learning to understand the equipment's data?
Results are seen almost immediately, and the model takes about a day to get to 100%
What if some of my equipment already have telematics?
We can import that data so that the MachineMax dashboard have all your equipment data in one spot.
How do I access the data from the sensors?
There are a few options:
Log into
www.machinemax.com
Use our API's to publish the data to your digital ecosystem
Download CSV data
Can I integrate the MachineMax data with other systems?
Yes, we have a standard set of API's and you can download the data in CSV format. See our current integrations and their requirements
hereConnectivity
Do I need connectivity?
Connectivity is required however intermittent connectivity is OK too - chat to us for more information.
What is LoRa?
LoRa is a low powered, long range bi-directional communication protocol, specifically designed to connect battery operated 'things' to the internet. For more information check out
https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/docs/lorawan/What frequency does Lora transmit on?
This depends on the country
Europe: EU863-870 & EU433
USA: US902-928
China: CN470-510 & CN779-787
AUS: AU915-928
For more countries please go to
https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/docs/lorawan/frequencies-by-country.htmlSetup
Can I set it up myself?
Absolutely, we can send you the relevant number of sensors & gateways with instructions on where best to place the gateway. See how to setup our gateways
here. And our sensors
hereWhat is involved with setup?
Place the sensors on the equipment and let us know which sensor is on which equipment - that's it. You can see how to set up the sensor in this
videoI am unsure, can I do a pilot?
Yes of course, we offer a 2-week free trial with no obligations. We will send you a gateway with 5 sensors for you to pilot for two weeks.
Is there any training required?
No, place the sensors on the equipment and let us know which sensor is on which equipment. You will immediately start to see the data on the dashboards which are intuitive to use and self-explanatory.
Commercial Model
What is the commercial model?
It is a month subscription model with no upfront hardware of installation costsThe contract can be cancelled at anytime.
No, there is no invasive installation, simply turn on the sensor and place it on the equipment. You can see how to set it up in this
video