Monnit ALTA Wireless Food Probe User manual

ALTA Wireless
Food Probe
User Guide
The Leading Enterprise Internet of Things Solution

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE II
I. ABOUT THE WIRELESS FOOD PROBE 1
GENERAL DESCRIPTION 1
ALTA WIRELESS FOOD PROBE FEATURES 1
EXAMPLE APPLICATIONS 1
II. SENSOR SECURITY 2
SENSOR COMMUNICATION SECURITY 2
DATA SECURITY ON THE GATEWAY 2
iMONNIT SECURITY 2
III. ORDER OF OPERATIONS 3
SET-UP STEPS 3
IV. REGISTRATION 4
REGISTERING A DEVICE 4
V. SETTING UP YOUR FOOD PROBE 5
INSTALLING BATTERIES 5
SCREEN READOUT DISPLAY 5
ERROR CODES 5
USING THE FOOD PROBE 6
VI. SENSOR OVERVIEW 8
MENU SYSTEM 8
VII. ACTIONS OVERVIEW 14
SUPPORT 17
WARRANTY INFORMATION 17
CERTIFICATIONS 19
SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS 21

PAGE 1
I. ABOUT THE WIRELESS FOOD PROBE
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The ALTA® Wireless Food Probe assesses the temperature of solid or liquid foods to
ensure they are safe and ready-to-eat. Equipped with a leaded needle probe, the device
measures temperatures up to 260°C (500°F) and accurately reports the internal
temperature of cooked or refrigerated food. Temperatures are displayed on the device?s
screen and recorded in iMonnit software, creating an easy-to-read log of current and past
readings. Probe settings? including notifications, alerts, reports, and maps? are
customizable via iMonnit?s online interface. Up and running within 15 minutes, this
industry-leading food probe supports CFR21 part 11 programs.
The Food Probe utilizes an RTD temperature probe to provide long-term, highly accurate
temperature readings. The sensor features an on-unit display and two buttons. When
pressed, the Display button will provide a new temperature reading that will not be reported
to iMonnit. Momentarily pressing the Record button will record and then transmit a single
data point. When the Record button is held down, the display will activate, and the sensor
will start a continuous data recording session based on configurations in iMonnit.
ALTA WIRELESS FOOD PROBE FEATURES
- IP67 Waterproof
- Wireless range of 1,200+ feet through 12+ walls*
- Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS)
- Superior interference immunity
- Excellent power management for long battery life **
(1+ years on AAA batteries)
- Encrypt-RF®Security (Diffie-Hellman Key Exchange + AES-128 CBC for sensor
data messages)
- Datalogs 2000 to 4000 readings if gateway connection lost (non-volatile flash,
persists through power cycle):
- 10-minute heartbeats = 22 days
- 2-hour heartbeats = 266 days
* Actual range may vary depending on environment.
** Battery life is determined by sensor reporting frequency, battery type, and other variables.
EXAMPLE APPLICATIONS
- Ovens and cooking device monitoring
- Food temperature monitoring
- Food service management

PAGE 2
II. SENSOR SECURITY
The ALTA Food Temperature Probe has been designed and built to securely manage data
from sensors monitoring your environment and equipment. Monnit Corporation has taken
extreme measures to ensure your data security is handled with the utmost care and
attention to detail. The same methods utilized by financial institutions to transmit data are
also used in Monnit security infrastructure. Security features of the gateway include tamper
proof network interfaces, data encryption, and bank-grade security.
Monnit?s proprietary sensor protocol uses low transmit power and specialized radio
equipment to transmit application data. Wireless devices listening on open communication
protocols cannot eavesdrop on sensors. Packet level encryption and verification is key to
ensuring traffic isn?t altered between sensors and gateways. Paired with best-in-class range
and power consumption protocol, all data is transmitted securely from your devices.
Thereby ensuring a smooth, worry-free, experience.
SENSOR COMMUNICATION SECURITY
Monnit sensor to gateway secure wireless tunnel is generated using ECDH-256 (Elliptic
Curve Diffie-Hellman) public key exchange to generate a unique symmetric key between
each pair of devices. Sensors and gateways use this link specific key to process packet
level data with hardware accelerated 128-bit AES encryption which minimizes power
consumption to provide industry best battery life. Thanks to this combination, Monnit
proudly offers robust bank-grade security at every level.
DATA SECURITY ON THE GATEWAY
The ALTA gateways are designed to prevent prying eyes from accessing the data that is
stored on the sensors. Gateways do not run on an off the shelf multi-function OS (operating
system). Instead they run a purpose specific real-time embedded state machine that cannot
be hacked to run malicious processes. There are also no active interface listeners that can
be used to gain access to the device over the network. The fortified gateway secures your
data from attackers and secures the gateway from becoming a relay for malicious
programs.
iMONNIT SECURITY
iMonnit is the online software and central hub for configuring your device settings. All data
is secured on dedicated servers operating Microsoft SQL Server. Access is granted through
the iMonnit user interface, or an Application Programming Interface (API) safeguarded by
256-bit Transport Layer Security (TLS 1.2) encryption. TLS is blanket of protection to
encrypt all data exchanged between iMonnit and you. The same encryption is available to
you whether you are a Basic user of Premiere user of iMonnit. You can rest assured that
your data is safe with iMonnit.

PAGE 3
III. ORDER OF OPERATIONS
It is important to understand the order of operations for activating your device. If done out of
order, your device may have trouble communicating with iMonnit. Please consult the steps
below to make sure you are performing your setup correctly.
SET-UP STEPS
1. Register your gateway on iMonnit.
Your gateway must be registered first to verify communication between the device and
iMonnit. Any sensors you wish to add onto your network must come after
the gateway.
2. Register your ALTA Food Probe on iMonnit.
After you?ve registered your gateway, it?s time to add your Food Probe to the
iMonnit account.
3. Install batteries in your device.
After your device is added and your gateway is communicating with iMonnit, you can
install the batteries. Your Food Probe takes AAA batteries.
4. Start recording temperatures.
Check food safety guidelines at your company for the preferred interval of temperature
testing regarding cooked, reheated, or refrigerated product.
Note: Each step is covered in more detail in the following sections.

IV. REGISTRATION
PAGE 4
If this is your first time using the iMonnit online portal, you will need to create a new
account. If you have already created an account, start by logging in. For instructions on
how to register for an iMonnit account, please consult the iMonnit User Guide viewable at
https://www.monnit.com/support/documentation.
REGISTERING A DEVICE
Gateways and sensors are added using the same process. Please add your gateway
before any other device(s). You will need to enter the Device ID and the Security Code from
the label in the corresponding text boxes. Use the camera on your smartphone to scan the
QR code on your gateway and sensor(s). If you do not have a camera on your phone, or
the system is not accepting the QR code, you may enter the Device ID (ID) and Security
Code (SC) manually.
- The Device ID is a unique number located on each device label.
- Next you?ll be asked to enter the Security Code on your device. A security code
will be all letters and must be entered in upper case, no numbers. It can also be
found on the barcode label of your gateway.
When completed, select the ?Submit?button.
Figure 1

V. SETTING UP YOUR FOOD PROBE
INSTALLING BATTERIES
When you are finished adding the device to your account, the next step is to insert the 2
AAA batteries.
The standard version of this device is powered by two replaceable AAA sized batteries
(included with purchase). The typical battery life is one year.
Place batteries in the device by first removing the four screws, then remove the battery
door. Insert fresh AAA batteries in the carriage. Replace battery door and screws.
Complete the process by opening up iMonnit and selecting Sensors from the main
navigation menu. Verify that iMonnit is showing the sensor has a full battery level.
PAGE 5
SCREEN READOUT DISPLAY
Wireless signal bars:
Blinking signal bars: Sensor is NOT connected to gateway.
(Only on a single display button press.)
No signal bars: No parent or less than 12% (-110 RSSI) signal strength.
One signal bar: 12% (-110 RSSI) to 36% (-100 RSSI)
Two signal bars: 37% (-101 RSSI) to 75% (-75 RSSI)
Three signal bars: 76% (-74 RSSI) to 99% (-51 RSSI)
Four signal bars: 100% (-50 RSSI) or greater
Dashes (Mode ? Cal ? Last.):
- When Mode is lit, the sensor is in a measurement session. Otherwise it is not in
session.
- Cal is lit when the ?ice bath?calibration is occurring, otherwise off.
- Last is showing when the temperature displayed is the last measurement that was
transmitted. Otherwise, the most recent local measurement is displayed.
ERROR CODES
- ERR 1: Probe not detected
- ERR 2: Short detected (possible water in 3.5 mm jack)
- ERR 3: Measurement out of range
(probe reading above or below -50° ? 265°C / -58° ? 509°F)
- ERR 4: Failed ice bath calibration (measuring outside of +/-10C)
- ERR 5: Not connected to gateway. No record operation possible (if the sensor has
not been connected to a gateway since powering on, the "Last" function will
display 0.0°C as there is no previous data to display)
DIGITS
WIRELESS
SIGNAL BARS
LCD
?MINUS SIGN?
LOW BATTERY
INDICATOR
FAHRENHEIT
CELSIUS
MODE CAL LAST
Important: Battery door must be correctly re-installed
to ensure the device remains waterproof.
Figure 2

Button functions:
Display Temperature Reading: Press and release the display button. When the
display first comes up it will display the current temperature. Pressing the display
button again toggle the display between current and last reported temperature
readings.
Record Single Temperature Reading: Press and release the record button.
Start Record Session: Hold down the record button for 3+ seconds. Session will end
when a user configured amount of time has lapsed, a user configured temperature
threshold has been met, or record button is held for three seconds while a record
session is active.
Stop Observation Mode: Hold down the record button for 3+ seconds while in an
active observation.
Turn Display Off: Hold the display button down for 3+ seconds to turn the display off.
Change Units (C/F): Hold the display button then press/release the record button.
Each time Record is pressed units will toggle.
Calibrate (Ice Bath): Hold Display and Record buttons for 5 seconds then release. If
the sensor is reading between -10°C (-14°F) and +10°C (50°F), the Food Probe will
calibrate to 0°C/32F°. Otherwise an error will appear.
Reset Sensor: Hold Display and Record buttons for 10+ seconds.
USING THE FOOD PROBE
Before using the Food Probe, make sure the probe has been properly sanitized after
every use. The probe uses RTD-based hardware so that it does not need to be
re-calibrated after every use.
PAGE 6
Note: The sensor should be re-calibrated if the temp probe is changed.
Taking the Food Probe, insert the stem of the needle-probe
into the thickest part of the food sample, or in the center of
the product if the item is even in thickness. Stews, soup,
etc. should be stirred beforehand to evenly distribute heat
prior to testing temperature.
The front of your Food Probe has two buttons and a display
screen. With the probe inserted into the product, press the
record button. The current temperature reading will appear
on the display screen. This will also automatically record a
data point in iMonnit, regardless of the heartbeat setting.
This reading will be wirelessly transmitted to your gateway,
which will then transmit that data to iMonnit on the next
gateway heartbeat. Clean the probe using sanitizer and
a dry rag so it is ready for the next use. Figure 3

PAGE 7
Food Probe Specialty Feature Overview: Intelligent Measurement Session
Your Food Probe features an ?Intelligent Measurement Session?(Record Session) function
that utilizes the device?s data reporting capabilities to help perfect and standardize recipes.
Intelligent Measurement Sessions track crucial kitchen variables such as temperature-rise
events or cool-down sequences and alert users.
The data generated from these food preparation events helps identify the correct ?resting?
temperature for items like roasted or smoked meats before carving and serving.
Food probe users can initiate and cancel an Intelligent Measurement Session on their
device. Sessions will automatically end when the configurable timeout or temperature
threshold is reached. Ideal for large commercial kitchens, users may choose to be alerted
when the food reaches a certain temperature.

PAGE 8
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 your most
recent data received by the sensor.
C. This graph charts how the sensor
fluctuates 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 and/or to date.
VI. SENSOR OVERVIEW
Select Sensors from the main navigation menu on iMonnit to access the sensor overview
page and begin adjusting your PoE Sensors.
MENU SYSTEM
Details - Displays a graph of recent sensor data
History - List of past sensor readings
Actions - List of all actions attached to this sensor
Settings - Editable configurations and features for your sensor
Calibrate - Used to calibrate your sensor
Scale - Change the scale of readings for your sensor
Directly under the tab bar is an overview of your sensor. This allows you to see the signal
strength 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 out of date, possibly due to a missed
heartbeat check-in.
Details View
The Details View will be the first page you see upon selecting which sensor
you would like to modify. See Figure 4.
A
B
C
Figure 4