Where there's an actuator, there's a sensor.

And where there is sensor, there you might need a low power/wide area-network (in our case LoRa). Because thanks to its modern wireless technology, LoRa can transmit smaller amounts of data over longer ranges, and this in a very efficent, power-saving manner. Speaking about savings: In order to be independent of external third-party providers and their pricing policies, HOOC has directly built its own LoRa network. So that the customer will benefit at all levels.

In one line: A modern radio transmission with a deep in-door coverage that reaches into basements, electrical rooms and (almost) to the moon and back.

1. HOW TO INTEGRATE SENSORS FROM THE HOOC PORTFOLIO

Sensors and actuators from the HOOC portfolio can be seamlessly integrated into the HOOC system using HOOC LoRa and a HOOC gateway. These I/Os are delivered preconfigured, requiring only the entry of the serial number for activation. Once integrated, data such as temperature, humidity, or other sensor values are transmitted via the HOOC gateway to the HOOC Cloud. From there, they can be accessed easily through the HOOC ManagementPortal or the HOOC app.

2. HOW TO INTEGRATE WIRED SENSORS

One of the sensors of the HOOC portfolio; the ELT2 sensor, can be integrated into the HOOC system not only in its pre-configured version but also in a generic version. Individual parameterization is done directly via the Elsys app using NFC technology. Since the ELT2 hardware has always supported various input types, the new parameterization flexibility now allows for the connection of external wired sensors — such as temperature sensors like the PT1000 or devices that use 0–10 V or 4–20 mA signals. This significantly expands the range of applications and enables the integration of a wide variety of wired sensors.

3. HOW TO INTEGRATE SENSORS VIA TTN

In addition to wired sensors, HOOC also enables the integration of a wide range of third-party devices via The Things Network (TTN). TTN is a global, open-source IoT network based on the LoRaWAN protocol. It offers broad compatibility with LoRa sensors for all kinds of IoT applications. For HOOC customers, this means that any LoRa sensor can transmit data to the TTN network either a) via a HOOC gateway or b) via a community-operated TTN gateway. From there, the data is transferred into the HOOC system via the MQTT protocol, where it can be further processed if needed (see next point).

DATA POINT MAPPING & PROTOCOL CONVERSION – EXTENDED USE

The data from the connected sensors – whether via cable, LoRa, or gateways – is not only read into the HOOC system but can also be further processed there. This happens through data point mapping or protocol conversion. For example, sensor values transmitted to the HOOC Cloud and captured in Remote Control can be forwarded via Modbus to a PLC, which in turn controls a specific system or machine.

All sensors from the HOOC portfolio can be transmitted into the HOOC system via LoRa by using a serial number. Their data can then be processed in the other HOOC services such as alarming, monitoring or reporting.

All actuators from the HOOC portfolio can be transmitted into the HOOC system via LoRa by using a serial number. Their data can then be processed in the other HOOC services such as alarming, monitoring or reporting.

All remote I/O's from the HOOC portfolio can be transmitted into the HOOC system via LoRa by using a serial number. Their data can then be processed in the other HOOC services such as alarming, monitoring or reporting.

Any LoRa sensor can send data to the TTN network via either a HOOC or community-operated TTN gateway. From there, it is transferred to the HOOC system via MQTT.