The powersupply should output 5VDC and should be able to supply at least 0,4A. The powersupply needs to be low noise (<200mVp-p ripple and noise). The following powersuplies should be suitable for many applications: Recom RACM18-05SER/W – IP68, compact Meanwell GS05E-USB – Wallwart, USB A output connector Meanwell IRM-30-5ST – Enclosed/insulated industrial PSU Note: Flip […]
For indoor or testing any USB A male to USB B male cable can be used, make sure the cable length is below 2 meters. For outdoor applications sealed USB cables/connectors are needed. The USB connector used in our sensor is the Conxall DCP-USBBT-USBA, this connector facilitates sealed connections.The corresponding sealed off the shelf cable […]
Please note that the battery charge state cannot be calculated very accurately based on the voltage alone. However, you can use it to estimate the state of charge or the battery health. This is because the voltage vs. charge curve is not linear, and because the battery is being charged during the day. The latter […]
Sand particulates shouldn’t be a problem, sand will wash off of the panel by rain.
Yes, the ‘’sweet spot’’ for best performance is around 20 degrees Celsius, but the battery has been oversized to account for temperature variations. Battery capacity is reduced at colder temperatures, but there should be enough headroom (extra capacity) for normal operation at temperatures to around -10 °C. At higher temperatures, aging rate is increased. Even […]
Most of our sound sensors are installed in countries with a lower average temperature, like Norway and Finland. In warmer countries like Italy, including the summer period, we haven’t experienced any problems with heat.
We use a lead acid battery (Yuasa NP12-6), because these batteries perform better in cold weather than lithium-ion. Our battery must be able to charge and discharge at very low and high temperatures, including below zero.
Water should not be able to get in, all components are IP67 or higher. If water does seep in, the housing might be damaged or the housing cover was mounted incorrectly. The 3 vents let in air, but block moisture.
Set the power switch on the PCB to “USB” and use a regular phone charger to power the Ranos dB. In this switch position (“USB”), the battery is switched off.
No, this is not possible. It is, however, possible to power (and run) the Ranos dB by USB. To do this, the power switch on the PCB must be set to “USB”.
The energy consumption is largely determined by payload size and the transmission frequency. If the battery voltage drops too far during operation, please change the settings by using a downlink or the Android app.
If the battery has run empty, you can place the Ranos dB outside to allow the solar panel to charge it. once is has charged enough, the battery will power the PCB again and automatically resumes operation. Note: To protect the lead battery, the charge regulator on the PCB will switch off the power automatically […]
No. However, we haven’t experienced any problems yet, as the snow will easily slide off of the panel due to its angled position. Plus, the dark color of the solar panel helps to attract heat to melt the snow.
This depends on the sound source(s) of interest and the situation. Sound level decreases by 6 dB for each doubling of distance. For example, if a sound source measures 110 dB at 1 meter, then at 2 meters you will measure 104 db, at 4 meters 98 dB etc. In a completely quiet environment, you […]
The internal clock is not accurate enough to be set just once. After some time, it needs to be synchronized again using GPS time. Time sync works even when GPS is set to “off” or “once”. We do not use the LoRa timestamp in the message received through the gateway, because this is not the […]
1. Check if the top cable glands are tightened (microphone and solar panel). Hold the base of the gland with an adjustable spanner or pliers to prevent the nut on the inside from coming loose. Tighten the top compression nut.2. Check if the vents are tightened (these look like hexagonal bolts). Tighten these vents as […]
There is an easy-to-use online tool for checking the performance of the solar panel of the Ranos dB in your region. Below, you will find the link to this tool. There you can read the necessary steps to make the calculations of solar power production in your own city or region. Please follow the next […]
No, we are using an Atmel microcontroller with a certified LoRa module.
The GPIO pins are not made available to be programmed by the user. We can program these upon request.
No, not yet (Android only). We are working on it.
Yes, body and microphone are 100% waterproof and weatherproof.
The LoRa network is not suitable for sending large data packages such as WAV. That is why we only send the sound pressure/level in decibels. We have, however, developed a technical blueprint allowing us to send audio fragments via LTE-M. Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date.
We do not buffer measurement data locally on the sound sensor. Due to the maximum duty cycle, we can only transmit once every minute. Every message sent contains the maximum amount of data. As a consequence, there wouldn’t be enough bandwidth left to send buffered data once the connection is restored.
Yes, both are one single sample of the measurement interval.
Yes, the calculation is completely separate.
Yes, the diameter of the microphone is 1/2″ and suitable for a normal portable sound calibrator.
Leq(A) Leq(C) dB(A) fast dB(A) slow dB(C) fast dB(C) slow On Wikipedia you will find more information about the meaning of different sound measurements and weighting.
Yes. The Ranos dB is calibrated before shipping and comes with a factory calibration. Regular sound level calibrations can be done with a Calibrator. In Dashboard+, measurement deviations can be corrected. The Ranos dB frequency response is calibrated at the factory to be within +/- 2 db, at the moment this can only be done […]
Nothing, you just need the (Android) app and under ‘Support’ you will find all the information about the payload description, cloud dashboard endpoint and how to connect the sound sensor to any LoRa network.
We have developed a technical blueprint in which we send audio fragments via LTE-M. You will find more information about this product under Ranos Tag.
