If this is the first time you are using the equipment please read the following guides:
a. How to assemble and activate your gateway
b. How to activate and discover your sensors and your repeaters, and,
c. How to discover your devices on the platform.**
If you have installed and discovered your sensors already but lost recent data from one or more sensors read the following troubleshooting steps:
A) Check your gateway status:
Log on the Centaur Internet-of-Crops™ Platform and check if your gateway's status is online. You can check that by clicking on the Devices Tab at the left sidebar of the platform. If your gateway is online you should be able to see a flashing green circle in the status section next to the gateway name.
If the gateway appears offline (no green dot flashing), look for one of the following common failure cases:
No cellular coverage is available.
Solution: Using a smartphone check if cellular signal is available in the location where the gateway has been installed. Note! Centaurs Gateways are meant to operate with specific cellular operators, additional operators can be added upon request.
An issue with the power supply:
Solution: For the Solar-powered gateways read our guide "Solar-Charging Gateways troubleshooting". For the mains-powered Gateways try to activate the gateway by using any standard USB power supply/charger (5Volt, 2Amp) like the ones that come with most smartphones and tablets. It is suggested to contact Centaur Customer Support to report a power supply issue and ask for a replacement
No power to the power plug - "The gateway does not turn on when connecting it over USB to the charger, I have tried an alternative USB power supply, and I have tried charging my smartphone too without luck".
Solution: Locate and open the electrical panel corresponding to the power plug in question, make sure the breaker is in the "ON" position, and check for any blown fuses. Ask for technical support from a person who is in charge of the installation if needed. **When working with high voltage, always make sure that all the appropriate safety measures are taken.**
Gateway stuck - "The gateway is on, the red LED light (generic failure) is on and I can see 1-4 green LEDs on (cellular signal quality)"
Solution: Try disconnecting your gateway from the power source and connecting it again after 2 minutes.
If you cannot get your gateway online, please Contact Centaur Customer Support.
B) Check your sensors' network status:
If your gateway is online but you are missing one or more sensors look for one of the following failure cases:
The sensor is marked "RED" or "BROWN" (not "GREEN")
Solution 1: Check the physical location of the asset in which the sensor is installed. Consider adding a repeater. If there is no spare repeater available, consult Centaur Technical Team to see if it is possible to share one of the existing repeaters among several assets.
Solution 2: Add one hanging sensor from the top manhole of the silo using Centaur hanging mounts. Consult Centaur Technical Team for instructions on how to install the sensor safely.
The repeater is marked "RED" or "BROWN" (not "GREEN")
There are 3 types of Centaur repeaters. Based on the repeater type see the possible solution:
Solution for Always-on repeater: Check the USB power supply and the cable for any signs of damage. Check if there is power to the plug (same as the gateway, see above).
Solution for battery repeater: Consider replacing the batteries. Recharge if rechargeable batteries are used.
Solution for solar repeater: Inspect for any signs of damage. Make sure the solar panel is clean from dust (or mud) and that the device is not heavily shadowed.
Getting the repeater(s) back online will probably restore connectivity with the disconnected sensors.
Notes on proper repeater placement
If you have one or more Centaur Repeaters available, you can use them to restore connectivity with sensors with communication issues. Like with the sensors, repeaters should be turned on close to the gateway. The most challenging part is to get the signal out of the storage facility and/or from inside the grain. The repeater should be placed right outside the facility, as close to the sensors as possible and not halfway between the asset and the gateway (a common mistake). See here for more info.