WiFi-500 Sensor Series
Wireless Data Logging Devices and WiFi Sensor Software

User's Guide

December 2016. Rev 7© Measurement Computing Corporation

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Other product and company names mentioned herein are trademarks or trade names of their respective
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NoticeMeasurement Computing Corporation does not authorize any Measurement Computing Corporation product for
use in life support systems and/or devices without prior written consent from Measurement Computing
Corporation. Life support devices/systems are devices or systems that, a) are intended for surgical implantation
into the body, or b) support or sustain life and whose failure to perform can be reasonably expected to result ininjury. Measurement Computing Corporation products are not designed with the components required, and are
not subject to the testing required to ensure a level of reliability suitable for the treatment and diagnosis ofpeople.

SM WiFi-500-Sensor-Series

2Table of Contents
About this User's Guide ....................................................................................................................... 6
What you will learn from this user's guide ......................................................................................................... 6
Conventions in this user's guide ......................................................................................................................... 6
Where to find more information ......................................................................................................................... 6
Chapter 1

Introducing the WiFi-500 Sensor Series Wireless Devices .............................................................. 7
System requirements and recommendations ....................................................................................................... 7
Network requirements and recommendations ................................................................................................................... 7
Cloud storage requirements .............................................................................................................................................. 8

WiFi Sensor Software/Cloud features ................................................................................................................ 8
Chapter 2

Setting Up a Device ............................................................................................................................... 9Connecting the device to a network .................................................................................................................... 9
Chapter 3

Storing Data Locally on a PC ............................................................................................................. 11
Logging sessions explained .............................................................................................................................. 11
Changing device logging settings ..................................................................................................................... 11
Configuring alarms ..........................................................................................................................................................12

Positioning the device ....................................................................................................................................... 14
Viewing data on the PC .................................................................................................................................... 14
Graph viewing options...................................................................................................................................... 16
Creating and viewing data files ........................................................................................................................ 18
Saving all data to a log (.txt) file ......................................................................................................................................18
Saving a portion of data to a log (.txt) file .......................................................................................................................18
Viewing a text file of logged data ....................................................................................................................................18
Exporting data to a file.....................................................................................................................................................18

Printing a graph ................................................................................................................................................ 18
Configuring a device wirelessly from the PC ................................................................................................... 18
Changing the device arrangement ....................................................................................................................................19
Deleting device readings ..................................................................................................................................................19

Displaying device properties ............................................................................................................................ 19
Resetting a device out of an alarm state ........................................................................................................... 20
Muting the audible alarm .................................................................................................................................. 20
Deleting a device .............................................................................................................................................. 20
Changing device logging settings ..................................................................................................................... 20
Downloading data over USB ............................................................................................................................ 20
Chapter 4

Storing Data Remotely on the Cloud ................................................................................................ 22
Completing the Cloud setup ............................................................................................................................. 22
Positioning the device ....................................................................................................................................... 22
An overview of the Cloud environment ........................................................................................................... 23
Data security on the Cloud ...............................................................................................................................................23
Time-zones on the Cloud .................................................................................................................................................24

Viewing device information ............................................................................................................................. 24
Archiving, clearing, and deleting device readings ............................................................................................ 25

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Archiving data .................................................................................................................................................................25
Clearing data ....................................................................................................................................................................26
Deleting a device and data ...............................................................................................................................................26

Displaying device properties ............................................................................................................................ 26
Changing device settings .................................................................................................................................. 27
Changing the device name ...............................................................................................................................................27
Changing the temperature scale (and thermistor probe type) ...........................................................................................27
Changing the sample rate .................................................................................................................................................28
Changing the transmission rate ........................................................................................................................................28
Changing alarms and audit check ....................................................................................................................................28
Setting up email alerts (Personal and Professional Cloud accounts) ................................................................................29
Selecting a device location (Professional Cloud accounts only) ......................................................................................30
Specifying a device as permanently powered ..................................................................................................................31

Saving device settings ...................................................................................................................................... 31
Viewing graphed data ....................................................................................................................................... 31
Graph display options ......................................................................................................................................................32
Graph zoom options .........................................................................................................................................................32

Exporting a graph to PDF (Personal and Professional accounts only) ............................................................. 33
Printing a graph (Personal and Professional accounts only) ............................................................................. 34
Viewing sample values ..................................................................................................................................... 34
Exporting data to a .csv file (Personal and Professional accounts only)........................................................... 35
Viewing logging session audit information ...................................................................................................... 35
Exporting session audit information to a .pdf file (Professional accounts only) .............................................. 36
Viewing a logging session summary ................................................................................................................ 36
Viewing, emailing, and deleting event logs ...................................................................................................... 37
Chapter 5

Device Operation and Handling ......................................................................................................... 40
Device components........................................................................................................................................... 40
Restarting a device............................................................................................................................................ 42
Resetting a device to factory settings ............................................................................................................... 42
Resetting maximum and minimum values ........................................................................................................ 42
Turning a device off ......................................................................................................................................... 42
Battery and power features ............................................................................................................................... 42
Battery life .......................................................................................................................................................................42
Charging the battery.........................................................................................................................................................42
Optimizing battery performance ......................................................................................................................................43
Data security if device battery runs out............................................................................................................................43
Data security during a power outage ................................................................................................................................43
MAX, MIN and battery symbol are all displayed on the LCD at the same time ..............................................................43
Permanently powering a device .......................................................................................................................................44
Monitoring AC power to a device ....................................................................................................................................44

WiFi-502 handling and storage guidelines ....................................................................................................... 44
Avoid extreme humidity levels ........................................................................................................................................44
Avoid temperature differential between sensor and ambient environment ......................................................................44
Hysteresis .........................................................................................................................................................................45
Long-term drift ................................................................................................................................................................45
Device handling ...............................................................................................................................................................45
Chapter 6

Updating the Firmware ....................................................................................................................... 46
Checking the firmware version using the software........................................................................................... 46
Checking the firmware version using the Cloud............................................................................................... 46
Checking the firmware version on the device................................................................................................... 46
Updating the device firmware .......................................................................................................................... 46
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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Chapter 7

Troubleshooting Common Problems ................................................................................................ 48
Troubleshooting connection problems.............................................................................................................. 48
Device does not connect to PC over USB ........................................................................................................................48
Cannot sign in to Cloud account ......................................................................................................................................49
Cannot connect device to a wireless network ..................................................................................................................49
Wireless network is not listed during setup......................................................................................................................49
Cannot connect a device to a WiFi network.....................................................................................................................49
Cannot save device settings using the Set-Up Device option...........................................................................................50
Device loses connection to the PC or the Cloud. .............................................................................................................51

Miscellaneous ................................................................................................................................................... 52
Chapter 8

Tips on Using WiFi-500 Sensor Series Devices and Software .......................................................53
Checking your Cloud settings ........................................................................................................................... 53
Connecting a device to a wireless network with Enterprise Authentication ..................................................... 53
If a PC is connected to multiple networks (PC/local data storage only) ........................................................... 54
Configuring a device with a static IP address ................................................................................................... 55
Configuring a network with multiple access points with the same name (SSID) ............................................. 55
Using devices on WEP-encrypted WiFi networks............................................................................................ 56
Transferring device data to another PC ............................................................................................................ 57
Completely uninstalling the WiFi Sensor Software from a PC ........................................................................ 57
Copying local data files for use by a third-party application ............................................................................ 58

5

About this User's Guide
What you will learn from this user's guideThis user's guide describes the device setup and configuration, data file conversion and export, and device
control features included with Measurement Computing WiFi-500 Sensor Series wireless devices.

Conventions in this user's guide
For more information
Text presented in a box signifies additional information and helpful hints related to the subject matter you arereading.
Caution! Shaded caution statements present information to help you avoid injuring yourself and others,
damaging your hardware, or losing your data.
Bold text is used for the names of objects on a screen, such as buttons, text boxes, and check boxes.

Italic text is used for the names of manuals and help topic titles, and to emphasize a word or phrase.

Where to find more information
Additional information about WiFi Sensor Software is available on our website at www.mccdaq.com. You canalso contact Measurement Computing Corporation with specific questions.


Knowledgebase: kb.mccdaq.com
Tech support form: www.mccdaq.com/support/support_form.aspx
Email: techsupport@mccdaq.com
Phone: 508-946-5100 and follow the instructions for reaching Tech Support

For international customers, contact your local distributor. Refer to the International Distributors section on our
website at www.mccdaq.com/International.

6

Chapter 1

Introducing the WiFi-500 Sensor Series WirelessDevicesThis user's guide explains how to perform the following tasks:Set up a WiFi-500 Sensor Series wireless device to connect to a wireless network
Configure a device to log environmental data and transmit it wirelessly to a host PC or web-based Cloudaccount
Export logged data to a comma-delimited text file and to a Microsoft® Excel® spreadsheet
View readings and indicators on a WiFi-500 Sensor Series device

System requirements and recommendations
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WiFi-enabled PC or laptop running Windows® 10/8/7, 32/64-bit
Micro-USB cable (shipped with device)
Microsoft mouse or compatible pointing device
Adobe® Reader® required to view help file
Microsoft® Excel® or similar spreadsheet application to view and graph .csv files

WiFi Sensor Software may require NET 3.5 SP1 framework
If the software does not run on your Windows operating system, you may need to install .NET 3.5 SP1framework from http://download.microsoft.com/download/2/0/e/20e90413-712f-438c-988efdaa79a8ac3d/dotnetfx35.exe.

Network requirements and recommendations


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802.11b-compliant router or access point using data rates of 1, 2, 5.5, 11 Mb/s running one of the following
supported security protocols:o WPA/WPA2 Pre-shared key (PSK)o WPA/WPA2 Enterprise
Refer to Connecting a device to a wireless network with Enterprise Authentication on page 53 for more
information.
o WEP 64-bit or 128-bit – Not recommended
Requires WEP passkey in hexadecimal rather than ASCII passphrase. Refer to Using devices on WEPencrypted WiFi networks on page 56 for more information.
o None (no authentication or encryption) – Not recommended
Wireless access points must be configured to allow 802.11b traffic (not g or n only modes).
By default, WiFi-500 Sensor Series devices obtain an IP address with DHCP (this is normal for most
networks).
When storing data locally on the PC or local network, the devices must be connected either physically or
wirelessly to the same network and use the same IP address range as the PC.
If the software is running on a virtual machine, it can be given a different IP address than the host PC.
However, it must to be given an IP address that is in the same range as the device.
If you have multiple network connections on the PC, the software may not be able to automatically choose
the network to which the device is connected (refer to Configuring a device with a static IP address on
page 55).
When using the Cloud service, the devices and the PC do not need to be on the same network, but both
require an internet connection during setup.
Wireless access points must have wireless isolation or guest modes disabled to enable communication
between devices.
Corporate networks may need additional configuration to allow communication between the device and thePC.

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

WiFi Sensor Software/Cloud features

Disable MAC Address filtering on the access point, or include the address of the devices in the allowed list.
The MAC Address can be found on the serial number label on the back of the unit.
, but provided that the VPN can allow the device internet access via TCP port 14354, it is technicallypossible.
Communication over a virtual private network (VPN) is technically possible provided that the VPN canallow the device to access the internet using TCP port 14354. However, due to the increased latency
introduced by establishing a connection that can cause time-out problems, MCC does not recommend it
Consult your network administrator.

Cloud storage requirements
A FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud account (www.wifisensorcloud.com) is required for Cloud-based data storage. A
link is available on the main WiFi Sensor Software screen to create an account.
Your WiFi-500 Sensor Series device may also require a firmware update in order to access the Cloud. Refer toUpdating the Firmware on page 46 for instructions.

WiFi Sensor Software/Cloud features
Using the WiFi Sensor Software, you can set up a device to store logged data locally on a PC, or remotely usinga Cloud account and any device that supports a web browser – smart phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop
computers.
If the device temporarily disconnects from the network, it continues logging data until it can communicate again
with the PC application or Cloud. When acquiring data at a 10 second sample rate, the device can continue
logging for up to 30 days without connectivity.
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

WiFi-500 Sensor Series devices used with are accessible from any location – local or remote – within rangeof the connected WiFi network or from the Cloud
Password-protected access using SSL sessions for security
Local and remote device configuration of the following settings:
o Device nameo Temperature scaleo Sample rateo Transmission periodo Alarms, including alarm hold and alarm delay settingso Record on-site checks of devices
Data export and graph printing

The Cloud makes device data universally accessible from any internet enabled device.
The Cloud interface also offers instant email alerts to as many as 100 addresses for alarms, AC power outage,
low battery charge, loss of network connection, and other device-specific problems.
Cloud accounts are web-based and can be accessed at www.wifisensorcloud.com using a browser on a phone,tablet, PC, or Mac®.
The following optional Cloud services are also available (depends on level of Cloud account being used -- Free,
Personal, or Professional).

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Audit trail export to provide a documentary record of changes
Multiple user access
Individual time zones per user
Graphical and tabular data displays with date/time references
Unlimited data storage (Personal and Professional accounts only)
Printing a graph (Personal and Professional accounts only)
Unlimited devices (Professional accounts only)

Refer to www.wifisensorcloud.com/accountdifferences.aspx to compare Free, Personal, and Professional Cloudaccount features

8

Chapter 2

Setting Up a Device
To set up a WiFi-500 Sensor Series wireless device for use on either the PC or the Cloud, make sure you havethe following items:Micro-USB cable
802.11b-compliant router or access point
WiFi-enabled computer with WiFi Sensor Software installed

The computer running the WiFi Sensor Software must be connected to the router either wirelessly or by an
Ethernet cable.
During setup, the device searches for a wireless network while it is physically connected to the PC. Once
connected, it can then be placed anywhere within range of the network. If the sensor temporarily loses
connectivity with the network, it logs readings until it is able to communicate again with the PC application or
the Cloud. When acquiring data at a 10 second sample rate, the device can continue logging for up to 30 days
without connectivity.

Connecting the device to a network
Make sure you know the network name (SSID) and password of the WiFi network.


If you are setting up the device on a home network, the SSID and the default password for the WiFi
network is usually located on the bottom of the router.
If you are setting up the device network, the SSID and the default password for the WiFi network is usually
located on the bottom of the router.

Complete the following steps to connect a WiFi-500 Sensor Series device to a WiFi network:
1.

Launch the WiFi Sensor Software (2.

Click either Set-Up Device»On This PC or Set-Up Device»On The Cloud in the main software screen.

).

Figure 1: WiFi Sensor Software Set-Up Device options

3.

Remove the rubber plug that protects the USB connector on the device and connect the device to thecomputer using the Micro-USB cable.

Figure 2: Removing rubber plug over USB connector

Allow any security access highlighted by your firewall or antivirus program if you are prompted.
A CONNECTED message indicates the WiFi Sensor Software has detected the device.
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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Connecting the device to a network

If a NOT CONNECTED message displays, disconnect and then reconnect the USB cable. The software
automatically tries to detect the device again.
If you continue to get a NOT CONNECTED message, refer to Device does not connect to PC over USB on
page 48.
4.

From the list of available WiFi networks, click on the network to connect to the device.
If your WiFi network is not listed, refer to Wireless network is not listed during setup on page 49.
If you are setting up the device On This PC, the device and PC must be connected to the same WiFi
network.
o If you need to configure additional network settings such as a static IP address, select the Enter
Advanced Network Options Next checkbox. Refer to Configuring a device with a static IP addresson page 55.
o If the network has Enterprise Authentication, refer to Connecting a device to a wireless network withEnterprise Authentication on page 53.
o If you are using a hidden network – which is a network that does not broadcast its network name
(SSID) – scroll to the bottom of the list, select Join Other Network, and enter the network name(Name (SSID)) and the Security protocol.
If a FAILED message displays, click Refresh Connections until a list of networks displays.
oo5.

Enter the network password and click CONNECT.

Problems connecting?
If a NOT CONNECTED dialog box displays, refer to Cannot connect a device to a WiFi network on page 49.
Once you successfully connect the device to the WiFi network, proceed to one of the following chapters:

If you selected Set-Up Device»On This PC, proceed to Storing Data Locally on a PC on page 11.
If you selected Set-Up Device»On The Cloud, proceed to Storing Data Remotely on the Cloud on page 22.

10Chapter 3

Storing Data Locally on a PC
When you select View Devices»On This PC and connect a device to a WiFi network, the GENERALSETTINGS dialog box displays with general device and logging settings for the a WiFi-500 Sensor Series
device.

Logging sessions explained
To manage data received from your device efficiently, the WiFi Sensor Software divides data up into sessions.
A device begins a session when it starts logging. If you make any changes to the device such as a sample rate or
alarm level change, the software closes and saves the current session, and a new session is created.
All sessions are marked with a date and time to show the period that they cover, together with an audit trail(depending on the changes which caused a new session to start).

Changing device logging settings
Complete the following steps to change device logging settings from the PC:
1.

Enter the following information in the GENERAL SETTINGS dialog box:oName Device to give it a unique identity: Enter a unique name to identify the device on the WiFio

Select temperature scale: Click °C or °F.

network.
Select sample rate: Select a sample rate between 10 Seconds and 12 Hours from the drop-down list.
This value sets how often the device takes a reading.
o Select how often the device will communicate with the PC: Select how frequently – between every
1 Minute to every 24 hours – the device transmits samples to the host computer
For example, if the sample rate is set to 10 Seconds and the transmission frequency is set to 1 Minute, thedevice transmits six samples to the computer every minute.

o

1 sample
60 seconds ÷= 6 samples
10 seconds

Figure 3: GENERAL SETTINGS dialog box

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Changing device logging settings

The more frequently data is transmitted the quicker battery power is depleted. By increasing the time
between transmissions, the battery charge lasts longer.
2.

Click Next.

Configuring alarms
In the TEMPERATURE ALARMS and HUMIDITY ALARMS dialog boxes, you can configure the following
alarm settings (refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7):
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Low/High Alarms – Enable alarms that are triggered when a device logs data that exceeds a hightemperature/humidity value, or that is below a low temperature/humidity value.
The low alarm value must be less than the high alarm value.
Alarm Delay – Filter out unwanted alarms by selecting a delay time from the dropdown box. For example,
when monitoring the temperature of a refrigerator, you might not need to know if the temperature exceeds
the alarm level briefly – when someone opens and closes the door, for instance – but you do need to know
if someone leaves the door open for more than one minute.
You can set a separate delay for temperature and humidity alarms.
Alarm Hold – Holds an alarm state even when the temperature/humidity returns to an acceptable range. For
example, if the high temperature alarm is set to 42°C and the measured temperature rises to 46°C, an alarmis triggered. If the reading then drops down to 41°C when the Alarm hold checkbox is selected, the device
retains its alarm status.
If Alarm hold is not selected, the device reverts back to normal status, and the only way to check missed
alarms is to review the logged data.
Audit Check – Record an event on the graph by pressing and holding the device button for three seconds toindicate an onsite check of the device.

Complete the following steps to configure WiFi-500 Sensor Series temperature and humidity alarm settings:
1.

Select the On option button for Low alarm to enable a low alarm, and then select a lowtemperature/humidity alarm value from the list.

2.

Select the On option button for High alarm to enable a high alarm, and then select a hightemperature/humidity alarm value from the list.

3.

Select the On option button for Alarm hold to retain the alarm status when the temperature/humidity
returns within the alarm range.

4.

Select a delay time from the Delay alarm trigger by listbox to filter out unwanted alarms.

5.

Select the Enable option button for Audit Check to record an event on the graph when a device is checked
onsite (TEMPERATURE SETTINGS dialog box only).

6.

If you are setting up a device that includes a thermistor probe, select the probe type you are using from thedrop-down listbox.

Figure 4: Probe type list

Refer to the label attached to the probe cable for the probe number. Selecting an incorrect probe type causes
inaccurate measurements.

Figure 5: Probe type label

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Changing device logging settings

Figure 6: TEMPERATURE ALARMS dialog box

Figure 7: HUMIDITY ALARMS dialog box

7.

Click Next on both the TEMPERATURE ALARMS and HUMIDITY ALARMS dialog boxes when you finish
configuring alarm settings.

8.

Click Next.

9.

Click Finish in the dialog box, disconnect the USB cable from the device and place the device in thelocation to monitor.

If you receive a Set-Up Failed message, refer to Cannot save device settings using the Set-Up Device option on
page 50.

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Positioning the device

Positioning the device
The device signal strength displays on the device LCD. The number 10 indicates a strong signal; the number 1
indicates a weak signal.


Avoid heat, radio emissions, and physical obstructions
Avoid placing a device near sources of heat and radio emission.
Avoid physical obstructions between the router and device – these can affect the range of the device.
If necessary, use WiFi extenders to improve the range of the device.

The WiFi signal indicator ( ) has three states:

Not displayed – the device has not yet been set up and configured to a WiFi network
Flashing – not communicating with WiFi Sensor Software
Solid – successful communication with WiFi Sensor Software

Viewing data on the PC
To view data for a specific logging session on the PC, complete the following steps:
1.

Click View Devices»On This PC in the main software screen.
All WiFi-500 Sensor Series devices connected to the WiFi network through the host computer are listed.

2.

Select the device you want to view, and click View Data at the bottom of the Existing devices screen.

Figure 8: Existing devices screen

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Viewing data on the PC

By default, all logging sessions for the current month are listed. You can change the date range by using thedate buttons:oo3.

Use theandwant to view.
Use the anddate sliders to specify a time period within the year containing the session(s) you
date buttons to scroll through years.

Click on the logging session you want to view.

Figure 9: Selecting a logging session

The View Data screen displays the graphed data with checkboxes to show/hide the following information:o temperature readingso relative humidity readings (if supported)o temperature alarm readingso relative humidity alarm readings (if supported)o dew point (if supported)

Figure 10: Graph of WiFi-500 data (temperature/humidity example) on View Data screen

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Graph viewing options

Graph viewing options
Graph viewing options on the View menu and the toolbar on the View Data screen are explained below. Toolbar
icons that correspond to the View menu option are given in parentheses.
View»Toolbar – Displays or hide the toolbar at the top of the graph.
View»Status Bar – Displays or hide the status bar at the bottom of the graph.
View»Zoom In ( ) – View a narrower range of graph data.

You can also click and drag the mouse to select a section of the chart to zoom in onView»Zoom Out ( ) – View a wider range of graph data.
View»Data Range ( ) – Opens the Select Your Data Range dialog box for you to enter a time/date rangeof data to view on the graph.

Figure 11: Select Your Data Range dialog box



View»Gridlines – Display or hide X-axis and Y-axis gridlines on the graph.
View»Mark Samples () – Adds a small circle to the plot line to indicate each logged

sample.

Figure 12: Samples marked on graph16

WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's GuideView»Mark Events power loss, and so on).

Graph viewing options– Adds a large circle to the plot line to indicate each event (audit,

Figure 13: Events marked on graph) – Displays information on the minimum, maximum, average, and standard
deviation of samples in a panel to the right of the graph.

View»Statistics (Figure 14: Statistics panel

View»Data View – Plots data on a graph.
View»Graph View – Presents data in a tabular format.
Click Show Alarms Only to display only alarm data.

Figure 15: Data view

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Creating and viewing data files

Creating and viewing data files
You can export logged data and graph images to different file formats, and open them for viewing and analysis.

Saving all data to a log (.txt) fileComplete the following steps to save all logged data to a text file:1.

Click Save on the toolbar.

2.

Enter a filename and browse for the location to save the file, and click Save.

Saving a portion of data to a log (.txt) fileComplete the following steps to save a portion of logged data to a text file:1.

Zoom in on the section of the graph containing the data to save (refer to Graph viewing options on page
16).

2.

Click Save on the toolbar.

3.

Enter a filename and browse for the location to save the file, and click Save.

Viewing a text file of logged data
To open a text file of logged data, click Advanced Tools and then click View Saved Data and browse for the
file using the Locate File dialog box.

Figure 16: View Saved Data option under Advanced Tools

The data in the selected file is plotted on the View Data screen (refer to Figure 10 on page 15).

Exporting data to a file
You can export data or graph images to one of following file formats:

a comma-separated values (.csv) data file for later retrieval and analysis
a .jpg image file of grapha .pdf of the data or of the graphan Excel® file (.xls) containing both the data and graph

To export data, click Export and select file format from the menu.

Printing a graph
To print an image of the graph to the default printer, click.

Configuring a device wirelessly from the PC
When you select View Devices»On This PC in the main software screen, the Existing devices screen displays
all WiFi-500 Sensor Series devices that are actively connected to or that are temporarily disconnected from the
network through the host computer.
The operations you can perform on each displayed device are explained in the following sections.

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Displaying device properties

Changing the device arrangement
To change how devices are arranged on the Existing devices screen, click the icons in the top right corner ofthe screen.
View device images only
View device images and information
View device information only
Right-click on a device to move it up, down, to the top of the list, or to the bottom of the list.
You can also arrange all devices by name or by MAC address (the unique number assigned to each device on
the network).

Deleting device readings
To delete the readings currently stored on a device and on the host computer, right-click on a device and selectDelete Readings.
All readings for the selected device are deleted from device memory and from the host computer.
The device starts logging data again based on its settings.
Data that has been saved or exported to a file is not deleted from the file(s).

Displaying device properties
To view the current logging and alarm settings for a selected device, along with the device type, firmware
version, MAC address, and the name of the connected WiFi network, click Properties in the Existing devices
screen (refer to Figure 8 on page 14).
You can also right-click the device image and select Device Properties from the context menu.

Figure 17: Device Properties popup window

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Resetting a device out of an alarm state

Resetting a device out of an alarm state
To reset a device that is currently in an alarm state, right-click the device image and select Reset Alarm.
The device returns to a normal, non-alarm state until the next alarm reading occurs.

Muting the audible alarm
The WiFi Sensor Software includes an audible alarm that sounds when a device is in an alarm state.
Clickto turn alarm muting on and off.

Deleting a device
Complete the following steps to delete a device and all of its data sessions from the software:
1.

Select a device in the Existing devices screen (refer to Figure 8 on page 14).

2.

Right-click the device image and select Delete Device(s).

3.

Click Yes in the Are you sure? dialog box.

4.

Click Yes in the Archive Data dialog box to save device data to the host PC. You are prompted to select alocation to save the archived data.

Caution! If you are deleting the device in order to update the device firmware, MCC strongly recommends
that you archive your data. All data is deleted from a device during a firmware update (refer toUpdating the Firmware on page 46)
Click No to skip saving device data and finish deleting the device.
Once you delete a device, perform the Connecting the device to a network procedure on page 9 to reconnect thedevice to the network and access it through the software.

Changing device logging settings
To change the logging settings of a device over the network, select the device and click Change Device
Settings in the Existing devices screen (refer to Figure 8 on page 14).
Follow the steps at the beginning of the section Changing device logging settings on page 11 to change thedevice logging settings over the WiFi network.

Downloading data over USB
Under normal operation, WiFi-500 Sensor Series devices regularly transmit data to either a PC or to the Cloud.
If for some reason a device can no longer transmit data, the software can retrieve unsent data over the USB port.
The retrieved data can be stored either locally on the PC or synchronized to the Cloud just as if the device had
continued to transmit.
How to perform the USB Download
To download data over USB, complete the following steps:
1.

Connect the device to the PC using the micro-USB cable supplied.

2.

Launch the WiFi Sensor Software.

3.

If you are storing data on the Cloud, then sign in to your Cloud account.

4.

Click on Advanced Tools and select USB Download.
The software connects with the device over USB, and then prompts you to enter download settings.

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

5.

Downloading data over USB

If you are signed in to the Cloud and the device was detected within your account, select whether to Sync
Data to the Cloud or Sync Data to the PC.

If you select. Sync Data to the PC, you can specify the temperature units for downloaded temperaturedata.
All readings within the device are logged against UTC (GMT+0). You can select to have the readings logged
against UTC or the local time zone as set up on your PC.

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Chapter 4

Storing Data Remotely on the Cloud
The FilesThruTheAir™ Cloud makes data universally accessible from any web-enabled device (smartphone,tablet, or computer).

Figure 18: WiFi Sensor Software Cloud Diagram

You can manage your devices and make changes to any device setting remotely, giving you the ability tomonitor hundreds of WiFi-500 Sensor Series devices in different countries from one location.
Use the Cloud to graph data online and to send you email alerts when alarms occur or if a device needs yourattention. Users can also access Event Logs which record all triggered alarm events on all WiFi-500 Sensor
Series devices a configured alarm threshold.
A Cloud account is easily created during the device set-up process using the WiFi Sensor Software.

Completing the Cloud setup
The first time you set up a WiFi-500 Sensor Series device on the Cloud, the only setting you can change is thedevice name. All others settings are kept at their current values.
1.

Enter a device name and click Next.

2.

Disconnect the USB cable from the device and click Next in the Set-Up Complete dialog box.

3.

Place the device in the location to monitor.

Positioning the device
Avoid placing a device near sources of heat and radio emission. Also, physical obstructions between the routerand device can affect the range of the device. You can use WiFi extenders to improve the range of the device.
The device signal strength displays on the LCD. The number 10 indicates a strong signal; the number 1
indicates a weak signal.
The WiFi signal indicator ( ) has three states:

Not displayed – the device has not yet been set-up and configured to a WiFi network
Flashing – not communicating with WiFi Sensor Software
Solid – successful communication with WiFi Sensor Software

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

An overview of the Cloud environment

An overview of the Cloud environment
When you log in to your Cloud account and successfully set up a device through the cloud, you are brought to
the Cloud page on the web which has the following main options:
Depending on your current account type, opens a page with options to upgrade or
downgrade to different Free, Personal, and Professional Cloud accounts.
Refer to www.wifisensorcloud.com/accountdifferences.aspx for a summary ofaccount features.
Opens a page with links to:
Devices(Professional
accounts only)

the Devices page
the Cloud Support page
the My Settings page (where you can change date/time format for log files,
your account email address and password, and control the frequency of
Cloud emails)
the Account page (where you can view account properties and email
activity, and change personal information stored in the Cloud account)

Opens the My Devices/Devices page which lists all devices set up for the Cloudaccount. The features on this page are explained in the following sections:Displaying device properties on page 26
Archiving data on page 25
Changing device settings on page 27
Setting up email alerts on page 29

My Devices(Free and Personalaccounts)

Opens the Account page, where you can view account properties and email
activity, and change personal information stored in the Cloud account.

Provides contact information for technical support with your Cloud account.

Opens the Cloud Support page, which has links to FAQs, and firmware
downloads, video tutorials, a technical support request form.

Only the features on the Home and My Devices/Devices pages are covered in detail in this guide.
Refer to the support resources on the Cloud page for help with the features on other pages.

Data security on the Cloud
Data stored on the Cloud account is very secure. Accounts and data can only be accessed using the email
address and password that you entered when signing up to your account. If you have multiple users with accessto your account, a user with Administrator privileges can control which data individual users can access.

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Viewing device information

Data is regularly backed up using industry-standard precautions. However, MCC recommends that you back up
your data locally.

Time-zones on the Cloud
Free and Personal Cloud accounts have a single time-zone which you select when you sign up. All times anddates on the Cloud are shown for your chosen time-zone.
Because Professional accounts can accommodate multiple sites, you can select a different time-zone for eachlocation. When viewing data, event logs or device properties in a Professional account, times and dates areshown as local (at the device location).

Viewing device information
After logging in to your Cloud account, when you select View Devices»On The Cloud in the main software
screen, the My Devices page opens in a browser and displays all WiFi-500 Sensor Series devices on the Cloud.
To manage the data received from your device efficiently, the Cloud divides data into sessions. A device begins
a session when it begins logging. If changes are made to the device configuration – such as sample rate or alarmlevel change, the Cloud closes and archives the current session, and creates a new session for the device.
The number of devices you can connect to the Cloud depends on the type of Cloud account you have (Free,
Personal, or Professional). Click on the Upgrade link for more information on account types and features.

Figure 19: Devices screen

The Devices screen displays the following information about each WiFi device setup for the Cloud.


Device – Displays one of the following icons to indicate the device model:– Temperature-only device (such as a WiFi-501)– Temperature device with thermistor probe (such as a WiFi-501-TP)– Temperature/humidity device (such as a WiFi-502)
Name – Displays the name of the device.
Signal – Displays a bar graph indicating the signal strength.

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Archiving, clearing, and deleting device readings

Power – Displays one of the following icons indicating the battery strength, or, for devices permanently
powered by USB, the USB connection status (refer to Specifying a device as permanently poweredon page 31).
Battery-powered devices

Permanently-powered devices (USB)Battery OK

Power OK

Battery low

Connect power

Battery criticalBattery charging



Reading 1 – Displays the latest temperature reading.
Reading 2 – Displays the latest humidity reading (if device measures humidity).
Status – Indicates the connection status for active devices. May also indicate Setup pending if device

settings were changed. When the device receives its new settings the next time it transmits to the Cloud, theSetup Pending status is removed.
Data saved from past sessions have a status of Archived along with the archive date.

Archiving, clearing, and deleting device readings
The Archive/Delete icon provides options to archive device data, clear device data, and delete a device and datafrom the cloud.

Figure 20: Archive/Delete optionsAn archived device session remains in the device list so all collected data can be accessed, but it is nolonger active and logs no new data.
A cleared device remains in the active device list; however, any previously acquired data is deleted.
A deleted device is removed from the device list and all collected data can be deleted and cannot berecovered.

Archiving data
To archive the readings on an active device on the Cloud, complete the following steps:
1.

Log in to your Cloud account and select View Devices»On The Cloud in the main software screen.

2.

Select the active device in the Devices page and click Archive/Delete.

3.

Click Archive.

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Displaying device properties

The data from device is archived on the cloud. The archived data can be retrieved for display and analysis, but
this device session no longer acquires new data.
The device must be setup for the Cloud again in order to acquire new data. Refer to Setting Up a Device on
page 9.

Clearing data
To clear the readings on an active device on the Cloud, complete the following steps:
1.

Log in to your Cloud account and select View Devices»On The Cloud in the main software screen2.

Select the active device in the Devices page and click Archive/Delete.

3.

Click Clear.

The data is deleted from the device, and the device continues acquiring data based on its current settings.

Deleting a device and data
Complete the following steps to delete an active device and its data from the Cloud, complete the following
steps:
1.

Log in to your Cloud account and select View Devices»On The Cloud in the main software screen.

2.

Select the active device in the Devices page and click Archive/Delete.

3.

Click Delete.

The device is deleted from the Devices page. The device must be setup for the Cloud again in order to acquire
new data. Refer to Setting Up a Device on page 9.

Displaying device properties
To view the current logging and alarm settings for a selected device over the Cloud, along with the device type,firmware version, MAC address, and the name of the connected WiFi network, complete the following steps:
1.

Log in to your Cloud account and select View Devices»On The Cloud in the main software screen.

2.

Select the active device in the Devices page and click Properties.

Figure 21: Properties popup on the Cloud26

WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Changing device settings

Changing device settings
You can change data logging and other device settings by selecting one or more active devices in the Devices
page and click Change Device Settings.
If you select multiple devices, you can only change those settings that the devices have in common. This does
not include the device name.

Changing the device name
The device name can only be changed for one device at a time.
To change the name of the selected device from the Cloud, complete the following step:
1.

Click Device Name.

2.

Enter a name, and then click Save.

Figure 22: Device Name setting

Changing the temperature scale (and thermistor probe type)
To change the temperature scale (and thermistor probe type if supported) for the selected device(s) from the
Cloud, complete the following steps:
1.

Click Temperature Scale (or Temperature Scale & Probes).

2.

Select °C – Celsius or °F – Fahrenheit.

3.

If the device includes a thermistor probe, select the probe type you are using.
Refer to the label attached to the probe cable for the probe number. Selecting an incorrect probe type causes
inaccurate measurements.

4.

Click Save.

Figure 23: Temperature Scale and Probe Type settings

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Changing device settings

Changing the sample rate
To change the sample rate for the selected device(s) from the Cloud, complete the following steps:
1.

Click Sample Rate.

2.

Select a sample rate from the list and click Save.

Figure 24: Sample Rate settings

Changing the transmission rate
To change the transmission rate for the selected device(s) from the Cloud, complete the following steps:
1.

Click Transmission Period.

2.

Select a transmission period from the list, and click Save.

Figure 25: Transmission Period settings

Changing alarms and audit check
To change alarm settings and to enable/disable the audit check (Professional accounts only) for the selected
device(s) from the Cloud, complete the following steps:
1.

Click Alarm Settings & Audit Check (Alarm Settings for Free and Personal accounts).

2.

Click On to enable or Off to disable the low and high alarms.

3.

Enter alarm values for each enabled alarm. The low alarm value must be less than the high alarm value.

4.

To retain the alarm status when the temperature and/or humidity goes between the alarm range, click theOn option button for Alarm Hold.
For example, if the high alarm is set to 25 °C and the temperature rises to 26 °C, an alarm is triggered. If
the temperature then drops down to 21 °C and Alarm hold is selected, the device retains its high alarm
status.
If Alarm hold is not selected, the device reverts back to normal status, and the only way to check missed
alarms is to review the logged data.

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Changing device settings

5.

To filter out unwanted alarms by delaying the alarm trigger, select a delay time from the Alarm Delay
Alarm Trigger by listbox.

6.

Professional accounts: To record an event on the graph when a device is physically checked, click
Advanced and select the Enable Audit Check checkbox. You indicate the device being checked bypressing and holding the device button for three seconds.

Figure 26: Alarm and Audit Check settings

Setting up email alerts (Personal and Professional Cloud accounts)
You can set up email alerts to notify you and others when alarms are triggered, and also send notification for
any of the following events:AC Power – Reports a change in the state of AC power connected to your device. To monitor power,

connect your device permanently using a USB charger and enable the AC Power email alerts. The Cloud
sends an email if power fails and when power is restored.
Battery Low – Report when the battery in your device is low and needs re-charging. For uninterrupted data
recording, you can recharge at the site of the device using a USB 5V wall adapter or a portable USB battery
pack.
Loss of Connection – Reports when regular transmissions from your device are not received. The Cloud
sends an email instructing you to check your WiFi network, device position, and battery charge.
Device Problems – Reports when there is a problem with your device, such as a disconnected probe orreadings out of range.

To set up email alert recipients over the Cloud, complete the following steps:
1.

Click Email Alerts.

2.

Enter a Name and Email Address and click

3.

Select the checkbox for each type alert to send to the recipient.

.

Optional: Select the Text Format checkbox send email messages in text-only format (recommended forsending SMS (text) messages to a mobile device.
4.

Repeat steps 1 through 3 for each email recipient you want to add.

5.

Click Advanced to enter a custom text message for alarm notifications.

6.

Click Apply to save all recipients and settings.

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Changing device settings

Customizing email alerts
When you set up email alerts, only select those events that you want to generate emails. If you are onlyinterested in the measured alarm levels, deselect some other options you don’t need.
When you set-up an alarm level, you can delay the onset of the alarm by a selectable period of time. For
example, when monitoring the temperature of a chiller, you might not need to know if the temperature exceeds
the alarm level briefly (when someone opens and closes the door, for instance), but you do need to know if
someone leaves the door open. When using dual channel devices such as the WiFi-502, the alarm delay issoftware-selectable for each channel.
Have you set an alarm level that is too low or high? Every time a device goes into or out of alarm, an email issent. If your device is constantly chattering around the alarm level, you receive more emails.
To reduce email traffic further, you can choose to reduce the number of alerts, by periodically summarizingthem into a single email. You can enable this option, and specify how often the summary emails are sent.

Figure 27: Email Alert settings

Selecting a device location (Professional Cloud accounts only)
When you first set up a WiFi-500 Sensor Series device on a Professional Cloud account, the device is added to
the NEW DEVICES location.
Complete the following steps to move a device to another location on the Cloud:1.

Click Device Location.

2.

Select the location where you want to move the device and click Save.

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Saving device settings

Figure 28: Device Location options

Specifying a device as permanently powered
If you are powering a device from a USB port or USB charger, click the Permanently Powered checkbox. By
doing this, the Power status indicators on the Devices screen change to indicate the USB connection status(refer to Viewing device information on page 24).

Figure 29: Permanently Powered checkbox

Saving device settings
When you have finished changing and saving the device settings, click Apply on the Change Device Settings
screen to send the new settings to the device(s).

Figure 30: Apply button on the Change Device Settings screen

Viewing graphed data
Complete the following steps to view graphed data for a specific logging session on the Cloud:1.

Log in to your Cloud account and select View Devices»On The Cloud in the main software screen.

2.

Select the active device in the Devices page and click View Data.

3.

Click on the Graph tab

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Viewing graphed data

Figure 31: Data plotted on Sensor Session Data – Graph tab

The Graph tab on the Sensor Session Data page displays the following information:o Temperature readings
o Relative humidity and dew point readings (if supported)o High/low alarm levels (if configured)

Graph display options
Click Display Options to view or hide temperature readings, humidity readings, dew point readings, alarmlevels, audit checks, and marked samples.

Figure 32: Display Options for Cloud graph

Graph zoom options
Depending on the time range of the data acquired in the session, you can use the following Zoom options toview graphed data:

Select a time period (from 6 hours of samples to all samples) to zoom in and out on data.

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Exporting a graph to PDF (Personal and Professional accounts only)

Figure 33: Time period Zoom options for Cloud graphSelect a start date/time and end date/time to zoom in or out on all of the graphed data from the session.

Figure 34: Select date/time range zoom controls

Click and drag to select an area on the graph to zoom in or out on the displayed data.

Figure 35: Select area to Zoom on Cloud graphClick-and-drag the time range controls to zoom in or out on the visible graphed data based on the times the
samples were collected.

Figure 36: Sample time range zoom controls

Exporting a graph to PDF (Personal and Professional accounts only)
Personal and Professional Cloud account users can export an image of the graph to a .pdf by clicking
with the Graph tab displayed.

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Printing a graph (Personal and Professional accounts only)

Printing a graph (Personal and Professional accounts only)
Personal and Professional Cloud account users can print an image of the graph to the default printer by clicking.

Figure 37: Example of graph printed from CloudViewing sample values
To view the value of each sample from a logging session on the Sensor Session Data page, complete thefollowing steps:
1.

Log in to your Cloud account and select View Devices»On The Cloud in the main software screen2.

Select the active device in the Devices page and click View Data.

3.

Click on the Data tab.
Each sample is listed on the Data tab. Use the green navigation links below the listing to browse throughdata in the session.

4.

Click on the Comments arrow () to add and view comments for a sample.

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Exporting data to a .csv file (Personal and Professional accounts only)

Figure 38: Data listed on Sensor Session Data – Data tab

Exporting data to a .csv file (Personal and Professional accounts
only)
Personal and Professional Cloud account users can export a logged data to a .csv file by clicking
the Data tab displayedwithViewing logging session audit information
To view and export audit information on the Sensor Session Data page for any logging session for the selected
device, complete the following steps:
1.

Click the Other Sessions tab.

2.

Click on the session you want to display.

Figure 39: Selecting a session on the Other Sessions tab

3.

Use the scrollbar in the Session Audit frame to view additional session audit information.

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Exporting session audit information to a .pdf file (Professional accounts only)

Exporting session audit information to a .pdf file (Professional
accounts only)
Professional Cloud account users can export session audit information to a .pdf file by clicking
with the session information displayed.

Figure 40: Session audit export to .pdf

Viewing a logging session summary
To view a summary of a logging session on the Sensor Session Data page, complete the following steps:
1.

Log in to your Cloud account and select View Devices»On The Cloud in the main software screen.

2.

Select the device session in the Devices page and click View Data.

3.

Click the Summary tab.

Figure 41: Session summary information on Sensor Session Data – Summary tab

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Viewing, emailing, and deleting event logs

The Summary tab displays device information, device settings, and data statistics (minimum/maximum,
average, and standard deviation). Professional Cloud accounts also calculate and display the mean kinetic
temperature*.
4.

The following event log options are available:oSelect a time period (from 6 hours of samples to all samples) to zoom in and out on data.

Figure 42: Time period Zoom options for Cloud graphoSelect a start date/time and end date/time to zoom in or out on all of the graphed data from the session.

Figure 43: Select date/time range zoom controls

Viewing, emailing, and deleting event logs
Cloud accounts display the following event logs:Power events – An event is logged to indicate a change in the state of power connected to your device.
Battery-powered devices log charging events.
Battery event – An events is logged when the battery in your device is low and critical and should be
recharged as soon as possible.
Loss of connection – An event is logged when the device stops receiving regular transmissions. Check your
WiFi network, device position and battery health.
Device problems – Events are logged to indicate a device problem, such as a disconnected measurement
probe, readings out of range, and so on.

To view a log of device alarm, communication, power and other events, complete the following steps:
1.

Log in to your Cloud account and select View Devices»On The Cloud in the main software screen.

2.

Select the device session in the Devices page and click Event Logs.

* Mean kinetic temperature (MKT) is defined as the single calculated temperature at which the total amount of degradation
over a particular period is equal to the sum of the individual degradations that would occur at various temperatures.
– Source: www.ispe.org/glossary?term=Mean+Kinetic+Temperature37

WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Viewing, emailing, and deleting event logs

Figure 44: Event Logs page3.

The following event log options are available:ooo) to add and view comments for an event.
Click on the Comments arrow (Select the Closed checkbox to mark an event as closed.
Select a time period (from 6 hours of events to all events) to filter events by time range.

Figure 45: Time period filter options for eventsoSelect a start date/time and end date/time to filter events by date range.

Figure 46: Select date/time range for eventsoClick Display Options to view or hide alarms, audit events, power events, battery events, device
problems, loss of connection.

Figure 47: Display Options for eventsooClick Clear Log to clear all events from the log.
Click Export to export the event log to a .csv file (Professional accounts only).

oClick Send This Log to send an email to a recipient with the event log attached as a .csv file. You canenter an email address or, if you have a Professional account, the name of a registered Cloud account
user.

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Viewing, emailing, and deleting event logs

Figure 48: Send This Log options

39

Chapter 5

Device Operation and Handling
Device components
The different readings and indicators on a typical WiFi-500 Sensor Series device are identified in
Figure 49.

Figure 49: WiFi-500 device components
12
34

Temperature reading
Humidity reading(if supported by device)
Screen cycle button
Temperature unit

40

5
6

Battery charge indicator
Min/Max value indicator

7
8

Alarm indicator
Signal strength indicatorWiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Device components

Press the screen cycle button to cycle through the different device displays:

Figure 50: WiFi-500 device display cycle (WiFi-502 example)

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Restarting a device

Restarting a device
Restarting a WiFi-500 Sensor Series device restarts the firmware, retaining all configuration and network
settings. The device disconnects from the wireless network, and immediately enters a low-power sleep mode.
After restarting, the device normally synchronizes within 15 minutes; however, it can take up to 30 minutes
after restarting for the device to reconnect and synchronize.
Once communication is reestablished, the device returns to its normal transmission rate. A restart causes a newlogging session to be started.
Press the device button to cycle through LCD screens until the Home screen displays.
To restart a WiFi-501or WiFi-501-TP, press and hold the button for 10 seconds, and release the button
whenshows on the LCD
To restart a WiFi-502, press and hold the button for 10 seconds, and release it when
flashes in the top
right hand corner of the LCD. The device retains all settings but loses any data that has not been transferredto the computer.

Resetting a device to factory settings
To reset a device to its factory settings, hold the button for 20 seconds until

displays.

Resetting to the factory state deletes all settings and previously recorded data.

Resetting maximum and minimum values
To reset the maximum and minimum values on a device, cycle through to the maximum or minimum reading
display and hold the button for three seconds.
The new minimum or maximum value is the temperature and humidity value read at the time of reset.

Turning a device off
The device remains on permanently unless the battery runs out.

Battery and power features
Battery life
WiFi-500 Sensor Series devices are powered by rechargeable lithium polymer batteries. The life of the batteries
depends on how the device is used. Since transmitting data uses a lot of battery power, you can increase the lifeof the batteries between recharges by increasing the time between transmissions.
Transmission Period

Typical Battery Life

1 minute
15 minutes
1 hour and greater

1 month
3 months
More than 6 months

The device arrives partially charged and you should charge it for 24 hours before use for optimum performance.
The battery can be recharged using a PC, a USB wall adapter, or a portable USB battery pack using the USB
lead provided.
A device can also be permanently powered by a USB wall adapter or USB battery pack. Internal heat generated
while charging the battery typically causes a +2.5°C offset in temperature measurements and a decrease in RH
measurements.. However, once fully charged, continued connection to the charger or battery pack has no effect.

Charging the battery
From a very low battery state, it can take up to eight hours to fully charge a device. The battery status can beseen from the Devices page on the Cloud.

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Battery and power features

The battery charge indicator displays the battery charge status.
Battery Charge Indicator(no symbol) or

Battery charged(solid with bars)(flashes LOW) or(solid) or

Battery Charge Status

Battery charge low – recharge by connecting device to acomputer using the Micro-USB cable provided(one bar flashes)

Battery recharging(bars cycling)

If you have a critical process or do not wish to recharge devices, you can keep the USB charger plugged incontinuously.

Optimizing battery performance
To optimize your system and avoid excessive recharging cycles, WiFi-500 Sensor Series devices go into sleep
mode when the WiFi Sensor Software is not running, so exit the software when it is not needed. No data is lost
because it is stored on the device onboard memory. Alarm conditions are still recorded.
When you restart the software, the device tries to reconnect within 15 minutes. Once a device reconnects, allstored data is transmitted to the computer.
The following factors significantly affect the battery life of the device:The transmission period
The WiFi encryption method
WiFi encryption key rotation frequency (determined by the access point or router)
Signal strength between access point/router and device volume, and type of WiFi traffic from other devices,
sample rate, and operating temperature.

Follow these guidelines to get the most out of your device batteries.






Do not exceed the acceptable operating temperature range of –20 °C to 60 °C. Lower temperatures
significantly reduce battery capacity.
Choose the longest transmission rate most suitable for your application. Alarm notifications are transmitted
immediately, regardless of the configured transmission rate.
Avoid deep discharging the batteries. Develop a schedule to recharge the batteries while they still havesome charge left.
Store devices in a place that does not exceed the acceptable storage temperature range of –20 °C to 30° C
and maintain a 40% to 50% charge.
If possible, maintain a permanent wireless connection to the host (PC or Cloud).

Data security if device battery runs out
The device takes no further readings when there is no power, but all readings taken prior to power loss are
stored on the device. Once the device is recharged, it reconnects to the software and starts a new logging
session.
When using battery power, set suitable sample and transmission periods as these affect your battery life. If fasttransmission periods and/or long term, uninterrupted logging is needed, power the device with AC power using
a suitable USB power supply.

Data security during a power outage
The device continues recording at the sample rate you have set using battery power, and no data is lost. If a
power outage occurs, the device continues to try to connect to your network until power returns and the accesspoint or router becomes available again. The device then transmits all remaining data with the Cloud.

MAX, MIN and battery symbol are all displayed on the LCD at the same time
When these symbols display together, the device is charging, and the temperature of the battery is above 40°C.
For safety, the device stops charging until the temperature has returned to a safe level.

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

WiFi-502 handling and storage guidelines

Permanently powering a device
To permanently power a device, use a USB wall adapter or external battery pack.

Monitoring AC power to a device
You can set up email alerts to notify you when AC power fails or is restored. Connect the device to an AC
power source (a USB +5 V power supply), and enable email alerts for AC power in Change Device Settings
page (refer to Setting up email alerts on page 29).
Caution! Never connect a device directly to an AC power source – always use the USB cable provided.
Caution! Internal heat generated while charging the battery typically causes a +2.5°C offset in temperature
measurements and a decrease in RH measurements.. However, once fully charged, continued
connection to the charger or battery pack has no effect.

WiFi-502 handling and storage guidelines
Avoid extreme humidity levels
Exposing a WiFi-502 to humidity levels above 80%RH can temporarily offset RH measurements (±3%RH after
60 hours). Once returned to less extreme conditions, the device slowly returns to calibration state.

Avoid temperature differential between sensor and ambient environment
If a temperature differential exists between the sensor body and its ambient environment, an offset intemperature and RH measurement occurs. Moving a device from one set of ambient conditions to anotherrequires a short period for the to equalize to the temperature of the new location.
Also, internal heat generated while charging the battery typically causes a +2.5°C offset in temperature
measurements and a decrease in RH measurements. The chart below gives an indication of the relationshipbetween temperature differential and RH measurement offset at an ambient temperature of 25°C.

Figure 51: WiFi-502 temperature differentia/RH measurement offset relationship(ambient temperature = 25°C)

44

WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

WiFi-502 handling and storage guidelines

A device that is permanently powered by USB is normally in a fully-charged state. In this power scenario, selfheating should have little effect. The battery is kept fully charged with short bursts of power from the charger,
producing negligible heat.

Hysteresis
In addition to the effects explained previously, you can expect up to ±1% RH hysteresis in results.

Long-term drift
Under normal conditions: the maximum drift in temperature measurements forWiFi-502 is 0.04 °C per year,
and the maximum drift in humidity measurements is 0.5%RH per year.

Device handling
The humidity measuring element in the WiFi can be contaminated through exposure to a variety of chemicals.






Keep devices away from volatile chemicals such as solvents and other organic compounds. Ketenes,
acetone, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, toluene, and other compounds can cause measurement offset (often
irreversible). These chemicals are an integral part of epoxies, glues, adhesives, and so on.
Chemicals such as these are also added as plasticisers into plastics used for packaging materials, and canrelease gas for extended periods.
Do not expose devices to acids and bases such as hydrogen chloride, sulphuric acid, nitric acid, ammonia
and so on.
Do not expose devices to ozone in high concentration, or to hydrogen peroxide.
Store and ship devices in MCC-standard packaging or card-based packaging when possible. Do not store orship these products in polystyrene or bubble wrap.

The chemical listed above do not represent a complete list of all harmful substances. In general, if a material orcompound emits a strong odor, keep the device away from it.

45

Chapter 6

Updating the Firmware
Follow the procedures in this chapter to check the version of firmware installed on a WiFi-500 Sensor Series
device, and to update the firmware if needed.

Checking the firmware version using the software
To check the firmware version using the WiFi Sensor Software, refer to Connecting the device to a network on
page 9. When you get to step 5 in that section, the full firmware version is displayed at the bottom of the
network selection screen.

Figure 52: Firmware version on network selection screen

Checking the firmware version using the Cloud
To check the firmware version using the Cloud, complete the following steps:
1.

Sign in to you Cloud account.

2.

Select the device on the Device page.

3.

Click on Properties to see full version on the Device Properties popup window.

Figure 53: Firmware version on Cloud Properties popup window

Checking the firmware version on the device
To check the firmware version using the WiFi-500 Sensor Series device, press and hold the button for 10
seconds. When the button is released, the firmware version displays briefly on the LCD screen.

Updating the device firmware
Complete the following steps to update the firmware on a WiFi-500 Sensor Series device:1.

On the main screen, click on the Advanced Tools icon and then on the Firmware Updater icon and follow
the onscreen instructions.

Figure 54: Selecting the Firmware Updater icon

2.

Connect the device to the host PC.

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Updating the device firmware

3.

If your device has logged data that has not been saved to the PC or to the Cloud, press the device button to
immediately transmit the data.

4.

Go to download.filesthrutheair.com/ to download the firmware update file for your device.

5.

Click Browse to select the firmware file from the download location on your PC.

If the device cannot connect to the network, data can be recovered using the USB Download feature.

Figure 55: WiFi Sensor Software Firmware Updater dialog box

6.

Click Update Now to update the firmware on the connected WiFi-500 Sensor Series device.
If possible, the device network settings and configuration are saved. If these settings cannot be saved, youare prompted that a factory reset will be performed.
The device automatically restarts with the updated firmware.

7.

Click OK to exit the Firmware Updater

To benefit from the latest improvements, MCC recommends using the latest firmware releases for your devices.
After a firmware update your device is in a factory-reset condition, and needs to be connected to the Cloud
using the WiFi Sensor Software. Any existing data for this device on the Cloud is archived for future use.

47

Chapter 7

Troubleshooting Common Problems
Troubleshooting connection problems
If you are having problems connecting a device to a PC or to a WiFi network

Device does not connect to PC over USB
If the WiFi Sensor Software does not detect a device when it is connected by USB to the PC, complete thefollowing steps to try to resolve the problem:
1.

Make sure that the PC is WiFi-enabled.

2.

Disconnect and then reconnect the USB cable.

3.

Try connecting the device to another USB port.

4.

If possible, try connecting the device using another USB cable.

5.

Unplug any unnecessary USB devices.

6.

Restart the device by holding the button down for 10 seconds.

7.

Restart the PC and launch the software.

If none of the above actions resolves the problem, try these actions:
1.

Restart the device by holding the button for 10 seconds and waiting until
LOW (USB-502) shows on the LCD.

2.

Factory reset the WiFi device by holding the button in for 20 seconds until

3.

Unplug any unnecessary USB devices.

(USB-501, USB-501-TP) or
shows on the LCD.

If the software still does not detect the device, try the following options.
1.

Make sure that the device is listed in Device Manager when connected by USB. You should see a COM
Port labelled STMicroelectronics. Check that is it is not disabled and showing as working normally.

2.

If the device is listed but not working, reinstall the software to make sure all drivers were installed.

Figure 56: WiFi-500 Device listed in Device Manager

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

3.

Troubleshooting connection problems

Change the COM port number by double-clicking on the COM port connected to the device, clicking on
the Port Settings tab, clicking Advanced, and selecting a COM port from the COM Port Number list thatis not in use.

Figure 57: Advanced Settings for COMx dialog box (COM7 example)

If you have tried all of the above but the device is still not detected, contact technical support.

Cannot sign in to Cloud accountIf you cannot sign in to your Cloud account, check these options to try to resolve the problem:

Make sure that your PC has an active internet connection and you can open the www.wifisensorcloud.com
page in your browser.
Make sure you have activated your Cloud account by following the link in the Sign-Up email
Make sure you are using the correct email address and password

Cannot connect device to a wireless network
If you cannot connect your device to a wireless network from the Select a wireless network for your device
screen, try to resolve the problem based on the following troubleshooting options.

Wireless network is not listed during setup
If the WiFi network you want to connect to is not listed, complete the following steps to resolve the problem.
You may need to contact you network administrator about making changes to network settings.
1.

Click Refresh connections

2.

Make sure that the device is in range of the access point or router – move the device closer if necessary.

3.

The network name (SSID) for your wireless network may be hidden – select Join Other Network and enter
the network SSID, Security protocol, and Password.

4.

Restart the access point or router.

5.

The wireless network may not support the required 802.11b data rates – 1 Mb/s, 2 Mb/s, 5.5 Mb/s, or
11 Mb/s. Check the configuration of the access point or router.

6.

Rarely, the SSID may contain invalid characters which can stop it from being displayed. WiFi-500 Sensor
Series devices do not support certain characters in the SSID, such as spaces or commas. You may need tochange the SSID of the network, and this also applies to passwords.

to refresh the network list.

If you try all of the above but the wireless network still is not listed, contact your network administrator.

Cannot connect a device to a WiFi network
If the WiFi network displays on the screen but the device cannot connect to it, if you know which network
adaptor you want to connect the device to, complete the following steps to resolve the problem:49

WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Troubleshooting connection problems

1.

On the Select a wireless network for your device screen, click on the green WiFi symbol to display adropdown box on the bottom left.

2.

Select the network adaptor that corresponds to the network and proceed with the setup (refer to If a PC isconnected to multiple networks (PC/local data storage only) on page 54 for more information).

If the WiFi-500 Sensor Series is still not connecting to the WiFi network, try the following actions to resolve
the problem:















Make sure you selected the correct WiFi network.
Make sure you entered the correct the password (don't forget it is case-sensitive) and click Refresh
Connections .
Make sure that the network has an internet connection.
Make sure that the device is in range of the access point or router – move the device closer if necessary.
Make sure that 802.11b is enabled on the access point or router.
Make sure MAC filtering is not switched on in the access point or router. If it is switched on, only known
devices can connect to your router.
If there are multiple networks with the same name (SSID), check the MAC address of your access point orrouter against that shown in the list of networks.
Make sure that the router has the latest firmware.
If the access point or router has WEP Encryption, make sure that the HEX key is being entered rather thanthe password. You can find the HEX key in the internal settings of your access point or router.
You can also search the web for resources to help convert your password to a HEX key.
Make sure that the DHCP service is running. This allows the device to be allocated an IP Address.
Normally, the DHCP service runs in either your router or on a network server. Make sure that theconfigured DHCP IP address range allows the addition of new devices – if not, extend the range.
If your wireless network uses WPA Enterprise, make sure that the correct authentication type is selectedfrom the drop-down box. Only the types listed are supported.
If your access point or router has a wireless mode setting, make sure it is set to Mixed and not Greenfield.
Make sure that the SSID name does not contain spaces.

If the above actions still have not resolved the problem, try the following advanced options:








If the PC has two network connections, you may need to manually select the network which will be used tocommunicate with the device. Refer to If a PC is connected to multiple networks (PC/local data storageonly) on page 54.
If there are multiple access points with the same SSID, you may need to manually select the individual
access point. Refer to Configuring a network with multiple access points with the same name (SSID) on
page 55.
Make sure 802.11b is enabled on the wireless access point or router. Configure the access points or routerto allow 802.11b traffic – not g-only or n-only modes – using data rates of 1 Mb/s, 2 Mb/s, 5.5 Mb/s, or
11 Mb/s. Contact your network administrator for more information.
Make sure MAC address filtering on the access point or router is either disabled or the device is in theallowed list. Contact your network administrator for more information.
If a DHCP server is allocating IP addresses on the network (normally the case), make sure that the server
has not reached the limit on the number of IP addresses. Contact your network administrator for more
information.
If the software is running on a virtual machine, it must be allocated an IP address in the same range as thephysical PC.
If the network requires you to log in to a web page after association, the device cannot communicate overthe network. Contact your network administrator for more information.

Cannot save device settings using the Set-Up Device option
If the device successfully connects to a WiFi network but it cannot save its setting to the PC or to the Cloud,complete the following steps to try to resolve the problem:
Make sure the WiFi Sensor Software is listed in the allowed programs in your firewall software, and makesure it is allowed on both public and private networks if these options are available. Failure to provide fullaccess prevents the devices from communicating. You may need to exit and restart the software for the
firewall changes to take effect.

50

WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Troubleshooting connection problems

Wireless access points must have wireless isolation mode or guest mode disabled to enable communication
between devices. MAC address filtering must be disabled on the access point or the address of the devices
must be included in the allowed list. The MAC address is usually found on the serial number label on theback of the unit.

Troubleshooting for PC/local network storage
If you cannot save device settings to the PC/local network, complete the following steps to try to resolve theproblem:

If the PC has multiple network connections, this can prevent communication with the WiFi-500 device. If
possible, disconnect any networks other than the one to which the WiFi Device is connected. Refer to If a
PC is connected to multiple networks (PC/local data storage only) on page 54 for more information.
WiFi-500 Sensor Series devices with firmware version 3.xx and later installed primarily use TCP port
10080 to communicate with the PC Software. They also use UDP broadcast packets on UDP ports 1024
and 8010 for alarm notifications and discovery of a PC once TCP connection has been lost. Any firewalls
running on the PC need these TCP and UDP ports open for correct operation.

Troubleshooting for Cloud storage
If you cannot save device settings to the Cloud, complete the following steps to try to resolve the problem:In order to set up devices on the Cloud, both the WiFi Sensor Software and the devices require an internet
connection. The software connects to the Cloud using a HTTPS in order to set up the device, and is only
required during initial configuration.
Check Cloud connectivity by connecting the PC or another device to the wireless network and opening thepage at www.wifisensorcloud.com.
The devices communicate with the Cloud using TCP port 14354. Most domestic routers do not haverestrictions on outbound TCP connections, but corporate networks may require an exception in therouter/firewall.
WiFi-500 devices use UDP packets on ports 1024 and 8010, so these ports need to be open to allow
communication.

Device loses connection to the PC or the Cloud.
If a device loses connection to either the PC or Cloud, complete the following steps to try to resolve theproblem:
1.

Check the signal strength of the wireless network by pressing the device button three times to view signal
strength. Consider moving the device or access point/router

2.

Restart the wireless access point or router3.

If your wireless network consists of multiple access points with the same SSID, the device may not be
connecting to the access point with the strongest signal. Refer to Configuring a network with multiple
access points with the same name (SSID) on page 55.

4.

If you are not using the latest firmware version, update the device firmware. Refer to Configuring a
network with multiple access points with the same name (SSID) on page 55.

If a device loses connection to the Cloud only, complete the following steps to try to resolve the problem:
1.

If possible, check your internet connection by testing if other wireless devices can connect to the internet.

2.

Contact your network administrator to check if there is network authentication or corporate firewall rules
which are preventing the device from communicating.

If a device loses connection to the PC only, complete the following steps to try to resolve the problem:
1.

The device attempts to reconnect to the PC software using UDP broadcast packets. Some wireless networks
are configured to block UDP broadcast. Either check the configuration of the access point, or configure
your PC and devices with static IP addresses (refer to Configuring a device with a static IP address on page
55).

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

2.

Miscellaneous

Resource limitations on the PC running the software can cause the processing of messages from the device
to take an excessive amount of time, causing the device to lose connection. Try closing some programs orrestarting your PC. Some Firewall and Anti-Virus/Security software may also cause issues here.

Miscellaneous
If you are using the PC software and the Next button is missing on the Alarms page ensure your font scaling is
set to 100%

52

Chapter 8

Tips on Using WiFi-500 Sensor Series Devices andSoftwareChecking your Cloud settings
To make sure the WiFi Sensor Software is configured correctly to connect to the Cloud, complete the following
steps:
1.

Launch the WiFi Sensor Software on your PC.

2.

From the main screen, press the <Ctrl-Alt-S>.

Running the software on a HP or Compaq PC?
If you are running the software on a HP or Compaq PC, and a Support Information window displays when youpress <Ctrl-Alt-S>, search the MCC knowledgebase at kb.mccdaq.com for an article on how to resolve thisissue.
3.

If the settings are exactly as shown in Figure 58, the settings are correct – click Cancel.
Otherwise, change the settings to match those in Figure 58 and click Save.

Caution! Do not change the Listener Port unless instructed to do so by MCC technical support.

Figure 58: Cloud Settings dialog box

These settings are persistent and are remembered when you close the software, or install a software upgrade.

Connecting a device to a wireless network with Enterprise
Authentication
Enterprise Authentication is supported on WiFi-500 Sensor Series devices with firmware v. 2.3.12 and above
installed. Devices support the following authentication methods:PEAP/MSCHAPv2
FAST
TTLS

When you select an Enterprise network, you are prompted to enter a Username and Password, and select the
Authentication type form the list. Contact your IT Administrator if you are unsure of enterprise network type.

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

If a PC is connected to multiple networks (PC/local data storage only)

Figure 59: Selecting a wireless network with Enterprise Authentication

WiFi-500 Sensor Series devices do not support the following authentication types which require a clientcertificate to be installed:




TLS
GTC
LEAP

If a PC is connected to multiple networks (PC/local data storage only)
When using a WiFi-500 Sensor Series device to store data on the PC or local network, both the PC and device
must be on the same network in order to communicate. If the PC is connected to multiple networks (wired andwireless), the WiFi Sensor Software may not be able to automatically select the correct network connection.
To select the correct network connect, complete the following steps:
1.

On the Wireless Network selection screen, click on the green antenna symbol on the top left of thewindow.
A dropdown list to displays on the bottom left.

2.

Select the network adaptor which corresponds to the network connected to the device, and click Next.

Figure 60: Clicking the WiFi symbol to display the Adaptor drop-down list

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Configuring a device with a static IP address

Configuring a device with a static IP address
By default, devices obtain an IP address using DHCP, which is standard for most networks. If you do not have a
DHCP server on your network or want to manually assign an IP address, select the Enter Advanced Network
Options Next checkbox and enter the IP address on the Advanced Network Options screen.

Figure 61: Enter Advanced Network Options checkbox

Figure 62: Advanced Network Options screen with static IP address entered

Configuring a network with multiple access points with the same
name (SSID)
Device with firmware version 2.3.12 or later installed can select the strongest access point using the configured
SSID. When moving a device between the coverage of two access points, it can lose connection temporarily
with the PC software or the Cloud while it finds the new access point.
Devices with firmware versions earlier than version 2.3.12 choose the access point with the lowest channel
number. If multiple access points have the same SSID, and a device shows a low signal strength despite being
close to the access point, it may be trying to connect to one further away.
To work around this issue, you can lock a device to the MAC address of an access point by selecting the Enter
Advanced Network Options Next checkbox and enter the IP address on the Advanced Network Options
screen.

Figure 63: Enter Advanced Network Options checkbox

55

WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Using devices on WEP-encrypted WiFi networks

Figure 64: Advanced Network Options screen

Using devices on WEP-encrypted WiFi networks
WiFi-500 Sensor Series devices fully support WEP encryption. When using the PC software to connect yourdevice to a network with WEP encryption, select the network from the list and enter the Passkey in the box
provided.

Figure 65: Selecting a WEP-encrypted network

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Transferring device data to another PC

Entering a password for a WEP encrypted networks generally takes one of two forms:

A password (sometimes called a passphrase) is a normal text string in the form FROG123, myPA55word,
13AcaciaAvenue, and so on.
A passkey (sometimes called a WEP key) is a hexadecimal number string in the form 1A648C9FE2,
7d64622e47, 7b7d5855325c76654c484c2667, and so on

The WiFi Sensor Software only supports only a hexadecimal passkey. If you only have a password, you caneasily find online resources to convert your password to a passkey (search WEP key generator).
WEP encryption is applied to data being transmitted over networks to ensure that it is secure and private. The
latest methods for doing this are very advanced and offer exceptionally high levels of security. WEP is a legacy
encryption method that does not offer high levels of protection is easily cracked using commonly-available
tools, and is widely accepted to be insecure. MCC does not recommend the use of WEP if it can be avoided.

Transferring device data to another PC
If you need to use another PC to store your data, you can transfer data to the new PC by copying folders andfiles. The new PC must be on the same network as the devices, and in the same sub-net.
You cannot have more than one PC on the same network running the WiFi Sensor Software and listening for
device transmissions.
To transfer data to another PC, complete the following steps:
1.

Exit the WiFi Sensor Software if it is running.

2.

Copy the following folders from your old PC to your new PC, including any sub-folders and their contents,and overwrite all existing files.
oo\Program Files\Measurement Computing/WiFi Sensor Software\ (or \Program Files (x86)\
Measurement Computing/WiFi Sensor Software\ on some PCs)
\My Documents\WiFi Sensor Software\ (or \Documents\WiFi Sensor Software\ on some PCs

3.

Copy the following file from your old PC to your new PC:

4.

\My Documents\config.wft (or \Documents\config.wft on some PCs)

5.

Download and install the latest WiFi Sensor Software from www.mccdaq.com/software.aspx on the new
PC. This may perform a repair or update of the version copied from your old PC. Existing data is notoverwritten.

6.

Once you’re sure that all your data has been copied across, launch it on your new PC.

7.

Completely uninstall the WiFi Sensor Software from your old PC (refer to Completely uninstalling the
WiFi Sensor Software from a PC below.

Completely uninstalling the WiFi Sensor Software from a PC
To completely remove the WiFi Sensor Software from a PC, complete the following steps:
1.

The first step depends on the version of Windows installed on the PC.
ooo

If you are running Windows 10, select Start»Settings»System»Apps & Features.
If you are running Windows 8/8.1, right-click in the bottom left corner of the screen andStart»Programs»Uninstall a Program.
If you are running Window 7, select Control Panel»Programs and Features.

2.

Click on WiFi Sensor Software in the list and Uninstall.

3.

Delete the folder Program Files\ Measurement Computing/ WiFi Sensor Software (or Program Files (x86)\
Measurement Computing/ WiFi Sensor Software on some PCs).

4.

Delete My Documents\WiFi Sensor Software (or Documents\WiFi Sensor Software on some PCs).

5.

Delete the file My Documents\config.wft (or Documents\config.wft on some PCs.

The software and related data is completely removed.

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Copying local data files for use by a third-party application

Copying local data files for use by a third-party application
If you are logging data to a PC or local network, you can set up the WiFi Sensor Software to create duplicate
data files that can be opened, modified, and deleted by a third-party application running on the same or adifferent PC. Files can be duplicated for each WiFi-500 Sensor Series device connected to the PC.
The duplicate files are updated when new data is received, and copied to a user-specified folder on the PC or on
a local network drive.
This feature does not apply to data files saved to the Cloud.

Figure 66: Chart depicting the data file copying process

Complete the following steps to enable file duplication with the WiFi Sensor Software:
1.

From the main WiFi Sensor Software screen, press < Ctrl-Alt-F>.

2.

Enter the path where the duplicate data files will be copied and Enable File Copy.

Each time the software receives a data packet – whether as a result of a normal (timed) transmission, or a single
packet transmission during device syncing – the software duplicates the file in the specified folder. The filecontains the device configuration followed by data received.
The format of a copied data file is shown in Figure 67.

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WiFi-500 Sensor Series User's Guide

Copying local data files for use by a third-party application

Figure 67: Example of a copied data file

Based on the copied data file in Figure 67, the device is configured to take readings every 10 seconds, andtransmit them when it has accumulated 6 readings.
The content and characteristics of the copied data file are listed below.













If configuration fields are not relevant to the sensor type, they are not included in the file. If an alarm is notenabled, it is also not included.
All configuration fields contain the field description – for example, <Sensor Name> – followed by theparameter in plain text.
<Temp Scale> is a single character F or C.
<Sensor Type> is T (temperature sensor – USB-501), TP (temperature sensor with probe – USB-501TP), or TH (temperature/humidity sensor– USB-502).
Temp alarm levels are listed in <Temp High Alarm> and <Temp Low Alarm>.
Humidity alarm levels are in %RH<Battery Status> is 0-10 (battery charge; 10 is fully charged), 11 (power connected and charging), or
12 (power connected and fully charged).
<Signal Strength> is 0-10 (10 is the best signal).
<Sample Rate> and <Transmit Frequency> are in seconds.
The name of the copied file is unique and in the following format: <computer name>_instrumentN_x.wdf,
where:o <computer name> is name of the source computer, allowing for multiple PCs to use a central
repository.
o N is a unique device number (allocated during first attachment to the PC)
o x is samplestart, which is the data sequence start number (from the data within the file).
The samplestart number is unique to each received data packet. In Figure 67, samplestart=7. If the wdf files
normally contain six data readings, the next samplestart sequence 13, 19, 25, and so on. If the device is
syncing, the wdf file contains considerably more data readings. The samplestart number is reset to zero
when the device starts a new logging session. The third-party application must accommodate this when
chaining copy files together.
The \<Copy To>\<computer name>_instrumentN_x.wdf file is written with an exclusive write attribute, so
attempts to read the file during this time results in an error, which needs to be trapped and handled by thereading process. When the software finishes writing, the file becomes accessible for reading.

After processing the data in the copied file, the third-party application must delete the file.

59

Measurement Computing Corporation
10 Commerce Way
Norton, Massachusetts 02766(508) 946-5100
Fax: (508) 946-9500
E-mail: info@mccdaq.com
www.mccdaq.com

NI Hungary Kft
H-4031 Debrecen, Hátar út 1/A, Hungary
Phone: +36 (52) 515400
Fax: +36 (52) 515414
http://hungary.ni.com/debrecen