Senquip Connect App
The Senquip Connect App is a mobile application that allows users to connect to nearby Senquip devices using Bluetooth to configure networks and for data viewing.
The app is available for both Android and iOS devices running recent firmware. See the Senquip Device Firmware Changelist for more information on compatible firmware versions.
Additional LED Status Indication
An additional mode has been added to the status LEDs. Now, a flashing orange LED indicates that a device is searching for a network. A solid orange light indicates that a network has been found and that the device has been allocated an ip address.
We have found that in some instances, having an ip address still does not allow a device to make contact with the Senquip Portal. This may be due to firewall restrictions or network quality.
An additional orange LED flash has now need added. When searching for a network, the orange LED will flash as normal. Once an ip address has been allocated, the orange LED will flash on, with a quick off every two seconds. When contact is established with the Senquip Portal, the orange LED will go solid as normal.
We hope this additional diagnostics will assist with debugging complex network issues.
A Note on SIM Adapters
Senquip strongly discourages the use of SIM adapters that convert Nano SIMs to Micro SIMs.
Nano SIMs are slightly thinner (0.67mm vs 0.76mm) than Micro SIMs, and the edge between the adapter and Nano SIM can get caught on the SIM holder. Furthermore, the SIM holder is designed for use with the slightly thicker Micro SIM and the SIM could lose connection in high vibration environments.
See you at IMARC 2024
Senquip will be exhibiting at IMARC 2024, Australia’s largest mining and resources expo.
Looking forward to seeing you in person at stand Q44.
Powering Senquip Devices with Solar
Senquip ORB and QUAD devices can be powered with DC from 10V to 75V, using AA batteries (Senquip ORB only), or using solar.
In more and more applications, we are seeing solar used as the primary power source for Senquip devices. To facilitate the use of solar without the need for an external regulator or battery, Senquip has released an Application Note to offer advice.
Reading OBD Data
On-board diagnostics (OBD) is a term referring to a vehicle’s self-diagnostic and reporting capability.
Modern OBD implementations typically use a standardised CAN Bus communications port to provide real-time data and diagnostic trouble codes which allow malfunctions within the vehicle to be rapidly identified.
Senquip has released an Application Note that describes how to retrieve standard OBD information from a light vehicle that complies with the OBD-II standard.
Genius of 4-20mA
The 4–20 mA convention was born in the 1950s out of the earlier highly successful 3–15 psi pneumatic control signal standard which had the same features of being able to power some remote devices and have a “live” zero. With the advent of faster, networkable protocols, why has a 1950s protocol persisted?
🔌 In so called “loop powered” devices, the loop can power the remote device, with power supplied by the controller, removing need for power cabling.
🔬 Measurement of absolute zero is difficult and expensive as it requires circuits that can measure to their negative rail accurately. Until the recent release of rail to rail amplifiers, this has been especially difficult.
⚠ It is self-monitoring with currents less than 3.8 mA, or more than 20.5 mA taken to indicate a fault.
📐 The accuracy of the signal is not affected by voltage drop in the interconnecting wiring.
🎺 It has high noise immunity, as it is low-impedance circuit, usually through twisted-pair conductors.
📡 It can be carried over long cables up to the limit of the resistance for the voltage used.
📺 Inline displays can be inserted and powered by the loop, if total allowable loop resistance is not exceeded.
⚡It is easy to convert to a voltage using a resistor.
RS485 Termination
RS485 is one of the most used protocols, especially with Modbus devices. The question is: do you always need to terminate your RS485 network, even in small setups?
❓ Why Termination Matters: RS485 networks use differential signals, which can reflect off the ends of the cable if they’re not properly terminated. These reflections can distort signals, leading to communication errors, data loss, and frustrating troubleshooting.
By placing a termination resistor (typically 120 ohms) at each end of the bus, you absorb these reflections, ensuring smooth, error-free data transmission. This is especially important in long cables or high-speed communication, where signal degradation is more likely.
🤔 What About Small Networks? If your network is small with short cables and low communication speeds, you might not always need termination. Short distances mean signals don’t have enough time to reflect and cause significant problems. However, termination is still recommended in some cases:
⏩ Higher Speeds: As baud rates increase (above 115.2 kbps), even small networks benefit from termination to reduce the risk of signal distortion.
📢 Noisy Environments: In electrically noisy environments, reflections combine with external noise, making termination crucial even for short distances.
⛓ Multiple Devices: More devices on the bus can mean more potential for interference. Terminating the bus ensures stability, even in smaller networks.
While termination might seem optional in smaller setups, all Senquip devices have programmable termination resistors, and it is recommended that you use them.
😎 In Short: Proper RS485 termination ensures your network runs reliably and smoothly, even in small setups with short cables. It’s a small investment that saves you troubleshooting headaches later.
Connect to Wi-Fi Sensors
Wi-Fi sensors can now connect directly to Senquip devices.
Senquip ORB and QUAD devices can enable their access point from within a script, allowing remote Wi-Fi sensors to connect via UDP or TCP.
ORB Enclosure Updates
When we spot a flaw, we like to fix it right, once.
We recently had feedback that a customer had broken a hinge. We have updated the device tooling to add additional strength to prevent that ever happening again.
We have also updated plastics to improve SIM insertion. By adding small clips to the internal plastics, we can ensure alignment with the plastics and the SIM holder, making it easier to insert an extract the SIM card.
Firmware Update
Senquip is pleased to have released a major new firmware update for ORB and QUAD devices. The new firmware adds a host of new features which include:
• W-IFI AP: Wi-Fi AP mode can be enabled outside of Setup Mode to allow connections to Wifi sensors.
• PULSE: pulse count values are now non-volatile. The value is retained across reboots/sleep.
• PULSE: add pulse_deltaX keys to script data handler to report pulse count changes since last cycle. Note: these value are not reported to the Portal.
• HOURMETER: add 10 custom hourmeters that can be updated from the script to track custom usage. See scripting guide for more info.
• SCRIPT: allow up to 2000 characters in a script dispatch parameter. This feature is designed to aid development and a fair use policy applies – excessive data use is monitored.
• LED: add a new LED mode to indicate when the device has a network connection and an IP address, but cannot establish a connection to the Senquip Portal. The orange LED will be on, with a quick off every two seconds.
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
University of Newcastle Careers Expo
Automation Group at Water New Zealand
Macquarrie Corporation at QME 2024
IPU Group at the Environmental Services & Solutions Expo, UK
Hydrotechnik UK at Hillhead
Tier 4, Stage 5 Remote Monitoring and Control
We loved this video from Macquarrie Corporation showing a telemetry package retrofitted onto an existing pump. The client now has the following capabilities, allowing them to get the most out of their asset:
Advanced Tier 4, Stage V Engine Monitoring and Diagnostics
• Remote Monitoring of all critical Engine Parameters
• Remote Monitoring of AdBlue Level including SMS and Email Alerts for critically low level
• Remote Monitoring of Tier 4 specific fault codes, including Regeneration Status
Remote Start and Stop
• Start and Stop of the Diesel Engine from anywhere in the world.
• Preventative Maintenance Features
• Remote Monitoring of Machine Hours and Service scheduling
• SMS and Email Alerts for Service Reminders
Anti-Theft Tracking
• Geofencing with SMS and Email Alerts
• Live GPS Tracking
Monitoring of Auxiliary Sensors
• Remote Fuel Level Monitoring with SMS and Email Alerts
For more information on the monitoring and control of remote diesel machines, contact Macquarrie Corporation or your in country Senquip distributor.