Senquip Cloud API V2
Senquip is pleased to announce the availability of an updated self-service API.
The Senquip Cloud API allows you to seamlessly integrate with the Senquip platform, providing real-time access to asset data and to streamline the management of multiple devices from a central platform. Whether you need to track performance, manage diagnostics, or leverage advanced analytics, this RESTful API offers a straightforward way to interact with our cloud services.
Key features include:
Real-Time Data
Get up-to-date information on asset status and location.
Device Management
Modify device settings, network configurations, and other parameters directly via the API.
Provisioning
Add new devices to your account or perform bulk updates.
Third party portals can retrieve data from Senquip devices directly or through the Senquip API. Using the Senquip API has the additional benefit that Senquip oversees data security including device certificate management.
For more information on the API, see the Senquip documentation page.
Bar Charts Added to Chart Builder
The Custom Chart Builder has been enhanced to allow the creation of bar charts.
The example below shows a vibration profile over 0 to 1300Hz. The blue graph is the actual vibration, and the red is the goal. There is clearly a problem with this machine.
In this example, the number different faults on a machine is presented.
Transfer Historic Data
In the event that a device needs to be replaced, you can now transfer historic data from that device to the replacement. The new Transfer Data function can be found in the Delete tab in the device settings.
- Data is copied to the new device and deleted from the previous device.
- The transfer will take up to 24 hours to complete.
You must have ADMIN access to the destination device.
Trigger Groups
You can now group triggers in separate widgets on the device summary page. Trigger Groups allows for logical separation of triggers based on function.
A new menu item Trigger Groups has been added below the Trigger Parameters option in the script editor page. The new menu option allows for Trigger Groups to be created and named. Triggers can then be added to each created group. The default Triggers group remains and is used for all triggers that are not added to a group.
Incremental Senquip Portal Updates
Display Type for serial
A Display Type option has been added for Custom parameters that are displayed in widgets on the Senquip Portal. Custom Parameters can now be viewed as raw text, escaped text, hex, and more.
The addition will be most useful when debugging hex data, such as is often returned by serial devices. Hex data can now simply de dispatched to the Portal and immediately displayed as hex. The Display Type option can be access by pressing the eye button at the bottom right of the widget.
MAC Address
A MAC address is a unique 48-bit identifier assigned to a device’s network interface, used for communication within a local network.
You might need the MAC address to identify and troubleshoot devices on a network, configure network access control, or for assigning static IP addresses to specific devices. It can also be used in security settings like filtering to restrict network access to authorised devices only.
Customers have been asking to be able to identify MAC addresses for Senquip devices and so this information has now been added to the Diagnostic page.
Bar Charts for Display Summary Page
A simple bar chart feature is now available on the device summary page.
This will be useful for sensors, such as the KPV200 vibration sensor that returns 128 vibration measurements over a range of frequencies.
For instance, to display a bar chart of the vibration data from the KPV200:
- read all 128 registers from the KPV200 in a script.
- parse the registers into a 128-element structure:
vibration = [3, 6, 12, 2……]; - dispatch as a JSON structure:
SQ.dispatch(1, JSON.stringify(vibrationData));
A bar chart will appear on the device summary page. For more complex bar charts, use the new bar chart features in the Custom Chart Builder.
Improved Import / Export
Importing and exporting device configurations has been improved!
The export process now allows you to include network settings (Wi-Fi and LTE) and it’s possible to export a locked script. The script will remain locked to the same account when imported on a new device.
You also no longer need to ‘Request Device Settings’ before exporting. Device settings that have changed are stored on the server and can be viewed using the JSON tab.
LPWAN is Evolving
This month started with yet more insolvencies in the Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) space.
NNNCo, Australia’s LoRaWAN network operator entered voluntary liquidation on 15th November, and SimpleCell, the Sigfox operator in the Czech Republic shut down. This follows dozens of other LoraWAN and Sigfox closures over the past 24 months.
Interestingly, AT&T followed NT Docomo in announcing the end of support for NB-IoT.
This is hardly surprising; to survive as an operator selling minute amounts of data at very low cost, requires millions of subscribers. There just aren’t that many golden opportunities.
With the cost of 4G and 5G LTE modems continuing to fall, and satellite direct to cell services launching from SpaceX and others in 2025, why would you continue to fund a proprietary terrestrial network.
Through good fortune or foresight, Senquip has invested in 4G, 5G and satellite direct to cell technologies. This places us well to provide telemetry devices that support global coverage, even where there is no terrestrial infrastructure.
Coolest Install Award Goes to Macquarrie
We loved this awesome install by Macquarrie Corporation. Oz Jet Boating speedboats are now equipped with Senquip QUADs and Enovation Controls displays. Ripping through Sydney Harbour with advanced monitoring and control!
Real-Time Insights
Monitor key parameters like GPS location, speed, pitch & roll, vibration, and engine diagnostics – all displayed seamlessly on the rugged Enovation display.
Enhanced Control
The Senquip QUAD enables remote engine control (not used in this specific application), real-time adjustments, and tracking of key metrics like fuel levels, engine hours, and maintenance – ensuring seamless and efficient operations.
Proactive Maintenance
Instant alerts for engine status and fault codes mean you’re always one step ahead, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
Data Integration
Senquip’s endpoint-agnostic feature sends data directly to your SCADA system or fleet management software, centralising your operational insights.
Enovation displays and Senquip telemetry together provide a powerful solution for maximising equipment efficiency, enhancing control, and minimising downtime.
How do Boost Converters Work?
Senquip devices can power external sensors even when input power is disconnected. The QUAD can generate an output voltage from 5V to 25V, and the ORB 12V; both from the internal 3.7V backup battery. We are often asked how this is possible.
Senquip uses a boost converter, also called a step-up converter, that converts a low DC voltage to a higher DC voltage. Think of it as a DC transformer. By storing energy in an inductor during a “switch-on” phase and then releasing that energy through a diode to a capacitor during the “switch-off” phase, we can boost the voltage by adding the inductor voltage to the input voltage.
If you would like to know more about boost converters, Wikipedia has a great introduction.
Continuous Improvement
We had noticed a few customers had managed to press the SIM lock down too far, resulting in plastic decolouration and failure of the lock function. To address this, we have added a post under the lock to prevent it being pushed down too far.
Firmware Updates
The following firmware changes have been made:
- CAN: disable CANFD mode by default to improve compatibility with some CAN devices.
- SCRIPT: Add new function SQ.portal_connected() to check if the device is connected to the Senquip Portal.
- SCRIPT: Increase exception max length from 80 to 120 characters.
- SCRIPT: Add new built-in function ‘isdef’ that returns false if a variable is null or undefined.
Firmware can be updated from the Senquip Portal at no cost to users. For more details, see the Device Firmware Change List.
Senquip Out and About
Senquip at IMARC 2024 in Sydney
Automation Group at the WA Mining Conference and Exhibition in Perth
Norman Presenting at the Hunter Innovation Festival
Starlink Direct to Mobile Update
Direct access from existing Senquip devices to satellite networks is truly a game changer. As a beta customer of SpaceX, Senquip is watching this space very carefully. Here is the latest.
According to a recent post from Elon Musk, “the first Starlink satellite direct to cell phone constellation is now complete. This will enable unmodified cellphones to have Internet connectivity in remote areas. Bandwidth per beam is only ~10Mb, but future constellations will be much more capable.“
SpaceX now has 320 direct to mobile satellites in place. Lead customer T-Mobile is expected to begin offering satellite SMS services shortly. OPTUS (Australia), ROGERS (Canada), ONE NZ (New Zealand), KDDI (Japan), SALT (Switzerland), ENTEL (Chile), ENTEL (Peru), and other provides will follow soon after.
Senquip is ready to support direct to mobile as the service releases.
Connecting an RFID Card Reader
Check out the latest application note that details how to connect an RFID reader to a Senquip device.
RFID readers offer enhanced security, asset tracking, and operational efficiency by identifying operators and assets in real time. They support access control, ensuring only authorised personnel use specific
machines and enter restricted zones. RFID also aids in tracking asset movements, optimising routes, and monitoring operator compliance, making it valuable in fleet management, logistics, and high-security areas.
