BRTSys IoT Portal User Guide

1. Introduction ℹ️

1.1 About IoTPortal User Guides

The following user guides provide necessary information for hardware setup, configuration, and operation of IoTPortal components:

1.2 About This Guide

This guide provides an overview of the IoTPortal ecosystem, its features, hardware/software prerequisites, and setup instructions.

1.3 Intended Audience

System Integrators, Technical/Administrative users involved in installation, and those who need to understand the product's capabilities and benefits.

2. Product Overview

IoTPortal is a cloud-based mobile internet platform by BRTSys, utilizing proprietary LDSBus Devices (Sensors/Actuators) to offer a turnkey sensor-to-cloud solution. It is application-agnostic and suitable for diverse fields like smart buildings, agriculture, aquaculture, data centers, and industrial environments. It enables rapid IoT implementation without programming expertise, enhancing productivity, efficiency, and safety while reducing maintenance costs.

The IoTPortal Mobile app (available on Play Store/App Store) provides global real-time monitoring, alerts, and cloud-based control automation. The system can send SMS, email, or push notifications for excursions and control external devices via LDSBus actuators.

The IoTPortal offers a data dashboard for viewing historical data charts and sensor comparisons. The IoTPortal ecosystem, with the IoTPortal Gateway as the central component, connects LDSBus devices to the cloud.

IoTPortal gateways connect to the cloud via Ethernet or Wi-Fi and are powered by Power over Ethernet (PoE) or an external DC adapter. The gateway facilitates direct communication between LDSBus devices and BRTSys IoTPortal Cloud services without needing a PC. It features three LDSBus RJ45 ports for data communication and power to the 24V LDSBus network. Each port can support numerous sensors/actuators via LDSBus Quad T-Junctions using RJ45 cables (Cat5e). A maximum of 100 LDSBus Devices are supported per gateway, and each device can manage multiple sensors/actuators. In case of local network loss, the gateway stores data locally and uploads it once connectivity is restored.

3. Features ✨

• Turnkey sensor-to-cloud solution for integrating the Internet of Things into any application without programming or technical expertise.
• IoTPortal mobile app allows users to create/manage organizations, user groups, configure gateways/sensors, create events, and manage subscriptions.
• Sensor-to-gateway architecture eliminates battery issues common in wireless sensor solutions, offering inherent privacy and security benefits.
• IoTPortal Gateway supports up to 80 LDSBus devices with a reach of 200 meters (approximately 12 soccer fields or 12.6 hectares).
• The product family includes BRTSys LDSBus Devices (Sensors/Actuators) for sensing and controlling a wide range of parameters. For more information, visit https://brtsys.com/ldsbus/ ?.
• LDSBus Quad T-Junctions allow sensors/actuators to be mixed and matched for diverse application needs.
• Automate control events based on sensor triggers.
• A dashboard for viewing and comparing historical data charts for multiple sensors, accessible via web browser.

4. What's New in IoTPortal 2.0.0?

• Subscription: Bonus tokens and recurring add-ons are now available (Portal Web Application).
• Dashboard: Sensor data can be downloaded directly from charts; chart arrangement is persistent (Portal Web Application / Android Mobile App / iOS Mobile App).
• Gateway: Individual LDSBus port power and scan control (Portal Web Application / Android Mobile App / iOS Mobile App).
• 3rd Party Data and Control API (Portal Web Application / Android Mobile App / iOS Mobile App).
• Several GUI enhancements (Portal Web Application / Android Mobile App / iOS Mobile App).

5. Known Issues and Limitations ⚠️

• Event condition with LDSU reachability status works only for LDSUs reporting at a 5-second rate.
• Event conditions supporting level modes and recurrence events require a mandatory delay to limit token depletion.

6. Hardware / Software Pre-requisites ?

To implement IoTPortal, ensure the following system pre-requisites are met:

6.1 Hardware Pre-requisites

• IoTPortal Gateway (PoE / non-PoE): A PoE device requires an RJ45 network cable. Non-PoE devices require a power adapter (included).
• Router/Switch: Connected to the internet. If using PoE for the gateway, it must be PoE-enabled (IEEE802.3af/at). A network cable is required if not using Wi-Fi.
• A package including LDSBus devices with cables.
• LDSBus Quad T-Junction(s) for connecting LDSBus Devices and the gateway.
• Several RJ45 (Cat5e) cables are required to connect T-Junctions to the gateway and to form daisy chains.
• For initial pre-configuration of LDSBus Devices (Sensors/Actuators):
  • A Windows-based PC to download the configuration utility tool. For more information, visit https://brtsys.com/resources/ ?.
  • LDSBus USB Adapter.
  • USB C to USB A cable.

6.2 Software Pre-requisites

• IoTPortal Mobile app (for Android / iOS) available from the Play Store or App Store.
• LDSBus Configuration Utility Tool, downloadable from https://brtsys.com/resources/ ?.

7. Hardware Setup Instructions ⚙️

7.1 Configuring LDSBus Devices (Sensors / Actuators)

LDSBus devices must be configured before use. Download the LDSBus Configuration Utility from https://brtsys.com/resources/ ?.

1. Connect the LDSBus Device to the Windows PC using a USB-C to USB-A cable.
2. Ensure the LDSBus Device is connected to its cable at one end.
3. Attach the other end of the cable to the LDSBus USB Adapter as shown in Figure 2.
4. For detailed configuration instructions, refer to the LDSBus Configuration Utility guide at https://brtsys.com/resources/ ?.

Repeat steps 1 through 4 for all LDSBus devices.

7.2 Connecting LDSBus Devices to IoTPortal Gateway

After configuring LDSBus Devices, connect them to the IoTPortal Gateway to make them accessible via the cloud.

1. Connect the first LDSBus connector to the IoTPortal Gateway via the LDSBus Port.
2. Connect the configured LDSBus device(s) to the LDSBus Quad T-Junction. Ensure the termination is set to "ON" on the last device.

3. Chain the LDSBus Quad T-Junctions together if more than one is used.
4. If using PoE gateways, connect the gateway to the PoE router/switch via Ethernet cable. Skip to the next step if connecting via Wi-Fi.
5. Power the gateway using either PoE or DC input. The power LED indicates the input type: red for PoE-af, orange for PoE-at or DC input.
6. Refer to BRTSYS_AN_034 IoT Portal Gateway User Guide - 3. Android Mobile App or BRTSYS_AN_035 IoT Portal Gateway User Guide - 4. iOS Mobile App for further instructions.

8. Appendix ?

8.1 Glossary of Terms, Acronyms & Abbreviations ?

8.2 List of Figures ?️

• Figure 1 - IoTPortal Ecosystem: 4
• Figure 2 - LDSBus Device Configuration - Connection Diagram: 10
• Figure 3 - LDSBus Devices – IoTPortal Gateway Connection: 11

8.3 List of Tables ?

NA

Revision History ?

Document Title: BRTSYS_AN_032 IoTPortal User Guide - Introduction

Document Reference No.: BRTSYS_000102

Clearance No.: BRTSYS#082

Product Page: https://brtsys.com/iotportal/ ?

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