ALTA MONNIT User manual

Remote Monitoring for Business
ALTA®Hydrogen Sulfide Gas Sensor
USER GUIDE

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CAUTION SYMBOL EXPLANATION
The following caution symbol appears on the product. This symbol indicates caution and a potential risk of
danger. Carefully read the warning attached with each symbol.
I. ABOUT THE ALTA WIRELESS HYDROGEN SULFIDE SENSOR 1
II. ORDER OF OPERATIONS 2
III. SENSOR SETUP 2
ADD DEVICE 2
SETUP 3
VALIDATION 3
ACTIONS 4
IV. BATTERIES AND INSTALLATION 4
INSTALLING/REPLACING BATTERIES 4
SENSOR PLACEMENT 5
MOUNTING THE SENSOR 5
ANTENNA ORIENTATION 5
CLEANING 5
V. SENSOR OVERVIEW IN iMONNIT 6
MENU SYSTEM 6
DETAILS VIEW 6
READINGS VIEW 7
ACTIONS VIEW 8
SETTINGS VIEW 8
CALIBRATION VIEW 9
SCALE VIEW 9
VI. ACTIONS OVERVIEW 10
CREATING AN ACTION 10
VII. TROUBLESHOOTING 13
VIII. MONNIT DATA SECURITY 15
IX. CERTIFICATIONS 16
X. SUPPORT 18
XI. WARRANTY 18
XII. USER SAFETY REQUIREMENTS 19

PAGE 1
I. ABOUT THE WIRELESS HYDROGEN SULFIDE SENSOR
The ALTA Wireless Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Sensor measures the levels of toxic H2S gas in the environment. The sensor
produces instantaneous and 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) H2S readings along with temperature. Every five
seconds the sensor takes a new temperature-compensated H2S measurement and checks this measurement against a
configurable threshold. If the threshold is crossed, the sensor transmits data immediately. This means the sensor can
report a critical gas level as soon as it's detected. If the threshold isn't crossed, the sensor transmits H2S data at a
configurable Heartbeat. Using configurable Actions within iMonnit Software, you can set up notifications to be sent via
text, email, and phone call as different triggering events occur? gas level, battery level, inactivity, etc. The instantaneous
reading is calculated using 40 seconds of data averaged together for improved stability and accuracy. The TWA reading is
calculated using eight hours of data.
ALTA WIRELESS FEATURES
- Wireless range of 1,200+ feet through 12+ walls1
- Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS)
- Best-in-class interference immunity
- Best-in-class power management for longer battery life2
- Encrypt-RF®Security (Diffie-Hellman Key Exchange + AES-128 CBC for sensor data messages)
- Onboard data memory stores up to 3,200 readings:
? 10-minute heartbeats = 22 days
? 2-hour heartbeats = 266 days
- Over-the-air updates (future proof)
- The iMonnit Premiere Cloud-Based Wireless Sensor Management & Monitoring Software is free for 45 days to
configure sensors, view data, and set up alerts to be sent via SMS text, email, or call. The system will automatically
default to the free iMonnit Basic version if you don't purchase an annual subscription to iMonnit Premiere.
1Actual range may vary depending on environment.
2Battery life is determined by sensor reporting frequency and other variables. Other power options are also available.
EXAMPLE APPLICATIONS
- Crude oil production
- Natural gas production
- Wastewater treatment
- Utility facilities
- Sewers
- Additional applications
- Measures H2S levels in surrounding air.
- Provides instantaneous and TWA H2S readings.
- Works within excellent range (0 to 50 ppm).
- Offers configurable thresholds.
- Responds in less than one minute.
HYDROGEN SULFIDE SENSOR FEATURES

II. ORDER OF OPERATIONS
It is important to understand the order of operations for activating your sensor. If performed out of sequence, your sensor
may have trouble communicating with iMonnit. Please perform the steps below in the order indicated to make sure you
are performing your setup correctly.
1. Create an iMonnit account (If new user).
2. Register all sensors and gateways to a network in iMonnit.
Sensors can only communicate with gateways on the same iMonnit network.
3. Connect and power on the gateway and wait until it checks into iMonnit.
4. Power on the sensor and verify it checks into iMonnit.
We recommend powering the sensor on near the gateway then moving it to the
installation location, checking signal strength along the way.
5. Configure the sensor for use. (This can be done at any point after step 2.)
6. Install the sensor in the final location.
Note: Specific ALTA Hydrogen Sulfide Sensor setup is covered in more
detail in the following sections.
Note: For information on setting up iMonnit and the gateway refer to
the iMonnit user guide and the gateway's user guide.
Desktop Mobile
III. SENSOR SETUP
If this is your first time using iMonnit, you must create a new account. If you have already created an account, start by
logging in. For instructions on how to register and set up your iMonnit account, please consult the iMonnit user guide.
STEP 1: ADD DEVICE
1. Add the sensor to iMonnit.
Add the sensor to your account by choosing Sensors in the main menu. Navigate to the Add Sensor button.
2. Find the device ID.
The Device ID (ID) and Security Code (SC) are necessary to add a sensor. These can both be located on the
barcode label on the side of your device.
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3. Adding your device.
First, select the network from the drop-down Assigning to menu to
add your device. If you have not yet created a network, please see the
iMonnit user guide for instructions about how to create a network. You
need a working gateway assigned to the selected network to use your
sensor.
Enter the Device ID and the Security Code from your sensor in the
corresponding text boxes. Use the camera on your smartphone to
scan the QR code on the sensor. If you don't have a phone camera, or
the system is not accepting the QR code, enter the Device ID and
Security Code manually.
- The Device ID is a unique number located on the barcode label of
each sensor.
- Next, enter the Security Code from the sensor. A Security Code
consists of letters and must be entered in upper case (no numbers).
It can also be found on the barcode label of the sensor.
When completed, select the Add Device button.
Select your use case.
To get up and running fast, your sensors often come with preset use
cases. They're not, however, preset use cases for the H2S Sensor. The
only option is to select Custom from the How will you use your
sensor? drop-down menu, meaning that the sensor will need to be
configured after the setup process is finished.
Once the setup process is complete you can configure your sensor.
Select Sensors from the left-hand main navigation menu in iMonnit and
select the Network of the sensor to access the Sensor Overview page.
From the Sensor Overview page, select the Settings View icon ( )
from the menu and configure the H2S Sensor as you reference the
configuration explanations on the Settings View page below.
Select the Save button when completed.
STEP 2: SETUP
STEP 3: VALIDATION
Check your signal.
The validation checklist helps you ensure your sensor is communicating
with the gateway properly and that you have a strong signal. The first
two checkpoints verify the existence of the working gateway assigned
to the same network as the sensor you are setting up.
You should only click on Checkpoint 3 when you power on the sensor
by inserting the batteries.
Checkpoint 4 will only complete when your sensor achieves a solid
connection to the gateway. Once the sensor has been powered on, the
sensor communicates with the gateway every 30 seconds for the first
few minutes to establish the connection.
Select the Continue button when completed.

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STEP 4: ACTIONS
Choose your actions.
Actions are the alerts that will be sent to your phone or email in the
event of an emergency. Low battery life and device inactivity are two
of the most common Actions to have enabled on your device. See
page 10 for how to set Actions for your sensor.
Select the Done button when completed.
IV. BATTERIES AND INSTALLATION
INSTALLING/REPLACING BATTERIES
Commercial AA Sensors
Two replaceable alkaline 1.5V AA-sized batteries (included with purchase)
power the standard or commercial version of this sensor. The typical battery life
is up to 10 years.
This sensor is also available with a line-power option. The line-powered version
has a barrel power connector, allowing it to be powered by a standard 3.0?3.6V
power supply. The line-powered version also uses two standard 1.5V AA
batteries as backup for uninterrupted operation in the event of a line-power
outage.
Power options must be selected at the time of purchase, as the internal
hardware of the sensor must be changed to support the selected power
requirements.
Installing batteries in a new sensor: Place batteries in the sensor by first
rotating the top lid open (only one lid screw will be partially inserted on new
sensors allowing lid rotation). Insert fresh AA batteries in the battery holder, then
rotate the top lid closed.
Replacing batteries: Remove top lid screws, open top lid, remove old batteries,
wait a full 30 seconds, then insert fresh AA batteries in the battery holder.
After installing batteries, verify the sensor checks into iMonnit with a full battery
level, then insert all of the top lid screws until fully seated. Only tighten until
screw is fully seated, do not overtighten.
WARNING: When replacing the batteries in AA commercial sensors and
meters, ONLY install new batteries from the same manufacturer.
WARNING: When installing the batteries be extremely careful to not touch the
sensor element face as this may damage the element or effect the accuracy.

SENSOR PLACEMENT
Place each ALTA®Sensor within 1,200 feet of the gateway. The sensor should be placed to avoid transmissions through
metal, or concrete, and should be further re-positioned to avoid such obstacles if radio communication is spotty. We
recommend placing Monnit devices at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from other Monnit devices for best performance.
Except for ALTA-ISX®Sensors under the specific conditions for which they are approved, ALTA Sensors should NOT be
placed where they can be exposed to volatile or flammable gas. An ALTA Sensor should be deployed where it will be
protected from environmental conditions outside those disclosed in the sensor's data sheet.
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MOUNTING THE SENSOR
We recommend mounting the sensor vertically on a wall or
bulkhead with the antenna pointing up and the bottom vent
holes facing down. Mounting it this way will reduce the
likelihood that the internal sensing element will become
contaminated by dust or foreign objects and improve
measurement stability over the life of the sensor.
The sensor's feature mounting flanges can be attached to
most surfaces using the included mounting screws or
double-sided tape. For a wooden surface, a metallic surface,
or dry-wall, the included double-sided tape (one piece of tape
for coin-cell, two pieces otherwise) or the two included
screws may be used. For masonry, use the included
double-sided tape. If the included screws aren't available, use
two #7, 7/16?(0.4375?) screws. If the included double-sided
tape is not available, use one or more pre-cut, double-sided
foam squares of dimensions 1/32?x 3/4" x 3/4" available from
ULINE as model number S-11695, or the like.
ANTENNA ORIENTATION
Get the best performance out of ALTA Wireless Sensors by
properly positioning antennas. Point sensor and gateway
antennas in the same direction, vertically from the device. If
the sensor is mounted flat on a horizontal surface, bend the
antenna as close to the sensor housing as possible, with
most of the antenna pointing vertically. Make the antenna
wire as straight as possible, avoiding any kinks and curving
of the wire.
CLEANING
When needed, clean the sensor with a damp, but not
dripping-wet, cloth where the sensor is installed. Do not use
any cleaners or chemicals on or in very close proximity to
this sensor.
More Signal
Less Signal
INITIAL SETUP
ADVISORY: We recommend zeroing the sensor when it is first deployed and approximately every three
months for best performance.

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Details View
The Details View will be the first page you see upon selecting which
sensor you would like to modify or review.
A. The Sensor Overview section will be above every page. This will
consistently display the present reading, signal strength, battery
level, and status.
B. The Recent Readings section below the chart shows the most
recent data received from the sensor.
C. The Readings Chart shows how the sensor's readings fluctuate
throughout a set date range. To change the date range displayed in
the graph, navigate up to the top of the Readings Chart section on
the right-hand corner to change the From date and To date.
V. SENSOR OVERVIEW IN iMONNIT
A. Details - Displays a graph of recent sensor data
B. Readings - List of all past Heartbeats and readings
C. Actions - List of all Actions attached to the sensor
D. Settings - Configurable levels for a sensor
E. Calibrate - Sets the sensor to read more accurately
F. Scale - Changes the units for the sensor readings
Select Sensors from the main navigation menu in iMonnit to access the Sensor Overview page and begin to configure
the settings of the ALTA Hydrogen Sulfide Sensor.
MENU SYSTEM
A B C D E F
Directly under the top horizontal tabbed menu bar is an overview of the sensor. You can see the signal strength and the
battery level of the selected sensor. A colored dot in the left corner of the sensor icon denotes its status.
- Green indicates the sensor is checking in and is within user-defined safe parameters.
- Red indicates the sensor has met or exceeded a user-defined threshold or triggered event.
- Gray indicates that no sensor readings are being recorded, rendering the sensor inactive.
- Yellow indicates that the sensor reading is outdated, due to perhaps a missed Heartbeat check-in.
A
B
C

Readings View
Select the Readings Tab within the tab bar to view the devices
data history as time stamped data.
- On the far right of the Sensor History Data is a cloud
icon( ). Selecting this icon will export a .csv file
containing sensor data.
Exported Data
The exported .csv file will have the following columns of data:
MessageID: Unique identifier of the message in our database.
Sensor ID: If multiple sensors are exported, you can distinguish between them using this number, even if the names are
the same.
Sensor Name: The name you gave the sensor.
Date: The date the message was transmitted from the sensor.
Value: Primary data value presented with transformations applied, but without labels.
Formatted Value: Data transformed and presented as shown in iMonnit.
Battery: Estimated life remaining of the battery, reported as a percentage.
Raw Data: Raw data as it is stored from the sensor.
Sensor State: Binary field represented as an integer containing information about the state of the sensor when the
message was transmitted. (See Sensor State explained below.)
Gateway ID: ID of the gateway that connects the sensor to the Internet
Alert Sent: Boolean indicating if this reading triggered a notification to be sent from iMonnit.
Signal Strength: Strength of communication signal between the sensor and the gateway, shown as percentage value.
Voltage: Actual voltage measured at the sensor battery used to calculate battery percentage, similar to Received Signal
you can use one or the other or both if they help you.
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Note: Make sure you have the date range for
the data you need input in the From and To
text boxes. This will be the previous day by
default. Only the first 2,500 entries in the
selected date range can be exported.
Sensor State
The value presented here is generated from a single byte of stored data.
A byte consists of eight bits of data that we read as Boolean (True (1) / False (0)) fields.
When broken into individual bits, the State byte contains the following information: aaaabcde
STS: This value is specific to the sensor profile and is often used to indicate error states and other sensor conditions.
UNUSED: This sensor does not use these bits.
AWARE: Sensors become aware when critical sensor specific conditions are met. Going aware can cause the sensor to
trigger and report before the Heartbeat, causing the gateway to forward the data to the server immediately or nearly
immediately.
TEST: This bit is active when the sensor is first powered on or reset and remains active for the first nine messages when
using default configurations.
STS Specific Codes:
0 = No problems sensor is functioning normally, 5 = Calibration failed due to unstable readings, 6 = Duplicate calibration
command was sent multiple times by the system and was rejected, 7 = Calibration failed, 8 = Calibration passed,
12 = Reading exceeded 50 ppm limit, 13 = Temperature range exceeded, 14 = Hardware error, 15 = Sensor initializing
because it was just powered on or reset.

Actions View
In this view, you can pause triggering notifications and add/remove the sensor as a
trigger for existing Actions. For information on creating/editing Actions go to the Actions
Overview section of this user guide.
A. Sensor Name is a unique name you give the
sensor to easily identify it in a list and in any
notifications.
B. The Heartbeat Interval is how often, in minutes,
the sensor communicates with the gateway if the
sensor is not in an Aware State.
C. Aware State Heartbeat is how often, in minutes,
the sensor communicates with the gateway while in
an Aware State.
D. Above is the maximum reading the sensor
should record before entering an Aware State.
E. The Aware State Buffer prevents the sensor
from bouncing between Standard Operation and
Aware State when the assessments are very close
to the Above threshold. For example, when the
Aware State Buffer is 5 ppm and the Above
threshold is 50 ppm, once the sensor takes an
assessment of 50 ppm it will remain in an Aware
State until taking an assessment below 45 ppm.
F. Synchronize causes the sensors in a network to
synchronize their communications. The default
setting "off" allows the sensors to randomize their
communications, thereby maximizing
communication robustness.
G. Failed Transmissions Before Link Mode is the number of transmissions the sensor sends without a response from a
gateway before it goes to battery saving link mode. In link mode, the sensor will scan for a new gateway, and if not found
will enter battery-saving sleep mode for up to 60 minutes before trying to scan again. A lower number will make the
sensor enter link mode more quickly upon transmission failure. Higher numbers will better enable the sensor to remain
with its current gateway in a noisy RF environment. Zero will cause the sensor to never join another gateway. To find a
new gateway, the battery will have to be cycled out of the sensor.
H. Once all configuration changes have been accepted by the sensor, to restore the settings to their default values, press
the Default button in the lower right-hand side of the screen
D
E
F
G
H
Settings View
To edit the operational settings for the sensor, choose the Sensor option in the main navigation menu, then select the
Settings tab to access the configuration page.
A
B
C
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