Controlling outputs from SensDesk

The SensDesk portal supports a useful feature for controlling device outputs using the portal web interface. Simply flip a switch in the SensDesk.com web interface, and in a few seconds, a relay at the device flips, too. This Application Note details the advantages and limitations of the CheckPeriod function.

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HW group customers can use the SensDesk Technology online portal to remotely monitor their devices. The online portal was originally designed for remote monitoring of sensor readings (temperature, humidity, ...) and to detect device communication failures. Due to popular demand, we added the possibility to control DO (Digital Outputs) of the devices from the portal Web interface.

SensDesk can be used to control the DO of

Poseidon2 (3268, 3468, 4002)
Damocles2 (MINI, 1208, 2404)
Ares 12/14 (with an optional relay output module)
Ares 12 LTE (with an optional relay output module)
SD-2xOutput

That is, all HW group devices that feature digital outputs (DO) and are SensDesk-enabled.

Relay output reaction time

All products connected to the SensDesk portal communicate at least once every 15 minutes. This saves network traffic (and money in case of GSM communication) but means that a relay output needs 0.1 to 15 minutes to react. That's far from convenient, and so we have introduced the CheckPeriod setting (CheckPush function) that can be activated from the SensDesk portal for any product with digital outputs.

The CheckPeriod function shortens the reaction time, in which the relay output at the remote device switches, to 0.1 to 60 seconds.

What outputs can be controlled

Digital (DO) outputs of Poseidon2 or Damocles2 units can be linked to a local condition. An output can be controlled by the “Thermostat” local function (e.g. to turn on a fan when the temperature exceeds 30°C). Such a DO cannot be controlled remotely (remains read-only).

Only outputs in the “Manual” mode (with no conditions or triggers) can be controlled from the SensDesk portal.

Controlling digital (relay) outputs from SensDesk

Outputs can be controlled from SensDesk at the corresponding output page, device page or outputs overview page.:

If the switch is moved to one side or the other, SensDesk instructs the output to be set accordingly:

Depending on the device settings, this instruction is executed within the standard Push period (15 minutes), or in the shortened period (60s). Before the instruction is executed, the output state can be changed again, or the change canceled. The device page does not refresh automatically; it must be refreshed manually. After the instruction is executed, the switch returns to the final position.

If you wish to leave an output unchanged, leave the switch in the neutral position. This avoids unnecessary communication between the device and the portal.

CheckPeriod: Shortened output reaction time

In order to shorten the time it takes for the outputs of a device to react to SensDesk requests, the CheckPush function was introduced. It is activated with the CheckPeriod option that is set to 60s. This faster communication mode is configured in SensDesk individually for each device. CheckPeriod only applies to outputs. It does not shorten the update period for sensor readings or input states.