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Q & A Page

Q: How do I create my account online and setup text notifications, temperature settings, etc?
A: No worries...our short video tutorials will walk you through the process. If you need any assistance, our Support Team will be there to get you up and going!

Q: Can I add additional sensors to the wireless sensor network at a later time?
A: Yes. You may expand your network as needed, up to 100 sensors per wireless gateway.

Q: Can I change my plan from Basic to Advance at anytime?
A: Yes, if you feel that you wanted more users on the account for notifications, unlimited data history stored, or wanted more features and settings, please contact us to upgrade.

Q: Will I be charged for text message notifications from TopJet Alert?
A: No, you will not be charged by TopJet Alert for text messages issued by the Sensor Network. The text messages you receive from us are routed through your cellular provider. Thus, any text message notifications you set-up to receive from TopJet Alert’s notification service are covered under your text message plan through ATTTM, SprintTM, VerizonTM, T-MobileTM, etc. If you do not subscribe to a text plan through your cellular carrier, you will be charged their standard rate for receiving a text message.

Q: How do I mount the wireless sensors for my particular application?
A: TopJet Alert has provided a number of mounting options and suggestions for the sensor technology. In the deployment kits we have included screws and double-sided tape. These options should allow you to mount the hardware to most any type of material.

Q: How far away can you have a sensor from the gateway (Monitoring System)?
A: Should you achieve line-of-sight (LOS) between the gateway and sensors, you should expect up to 800 ft communication distance. Physical obstructions limit the range the sensors can successfully communicate to the gateway. Simple obstructions such as doors, office machinery and furniture to complex structures inside of a building such as walls of various materials (wood, drywall, concrete, steel), ventilation duct work and building wiring can all reduce the range the sensors can be deployed from the gateway.

Q: How can I extend the range of my wireless sensor network?
A: The range between wireless sensors and wireless gateways can be extended by using a TopJet Alert wireless range extender. A TopJet Alert Range Extender can double the range between the sensors and gateway. Multiple range extenders can be used together to give even further range

Q: Should I expect interference from other wireless networks (Wi-Fi, walkie talkies, cordless phones, cellular phones, radios, etc.) operating in the vicinity of my wireless sensor network (WSN)?
A: No. TopJet Alert's wireless sensors currently operate in the 900Mhz ISM band. Most wireless sensors today operate in the crowded, 2.4Ghz space where cell phone, WiFi networks, wireless telephones, and many wireless accessories for networks and PCs operate. We use the 900Mhz frequency for its performance characteristics (much better range through obstacles than 2.4Ghz) and "openness" of the frequency. Operating at 900Mhz limits the ability to deploy sensors to a specific region (North America only).

Q: What are some things that could affect getting good signals from sensors?
A: Different types of walls can obstruct getting good signals from sensors. If a cinder block, cement, sheet metal etc. wall is between the gateway and the sensor, you might have to purchase a TopJet Alert Range Extender and put in such a way that travels around or over the wall or obstruction. Wireless sensors transmit their data using wireless radios, and as such are subject to the same environmental limitations found in all wireless communications. Elements that effect radio transmission are severe inclement weather, trees, heavily constructed walls (cement, cinder block), sheet metal, wall board, wood, tile, buildings, vehicles, etc. Unless you have direct line of sight, every obstruction impedes wireless transmissions.

Q: What is the average life span of the battery in the wireless sensors?
A: The life span of the battery is dependent on a number of factors: how frequently the sensor transmits data (heartbeat), how far the sensor is from the wireless gateway and obstructions that could cause difficulty in sending data (farther distance and obstructions require that the radio to operate at longer intervals to send and receive data).

Q: Will a wireless sensor notify me when I need to change the battery?
A: Each time the sensor transmits data to the TopJet Alert online sensor monitoring system it reports the battery power as well. Notifications can be set to alert you by email or text message, when a sensor's battery is about to expire. Sensors will still operate under very low battery life.

Q: Will I need to buy or replace the batteries for my wireless sensors?
A: Yes, a battery is included with the purchase of every wireless sensor that ships from TopJet Alert. You will need to replace your particular battery type.

Q: How to Orient Your Antennas for Optimal Range
A: For best results always mount the antennas in the upright position. Try to put sensors at the same height as gateway (not mandatory but could achieve better signal). Keep the sensors at least 3 feet apart when installing.

Q: How secure are the communications on the wireless network?
A: TopJet Alert uses the same encryption methods used by websites to transmit financial data. Secure socket layer (SSL) protocol is employed with 256-bit data encryption making data hosted on your network secure.

Q: How does the wireless sensor network send notifications?
A: The wireless monitoring system notifies the designated contacts(s) via SMS (text message) or e-mail. During the set-up process through your TopJet Alert online portal, the administrator can program in cell phone numbers and e-mails of the individuals requiring notification, establishing the contact criteria for each of the above methods of communication.

Q: What happens to the data from my wireless sensor network if the power to my Wireless Gateway is off or disrupted?
A: While the gateway is off, no data is being collected and no notifications can be transmitted by the sensor. In short, the data is being discarded by the sensor. If the wireless gateway is unable to connect to the Internet, a limited amount of sensor data is stored on the gateway, and transmitted when Internet communications is reestablished. (battery backup is available on some gateways)

Q: What frequencies do the wireless sensors communicate on?
A: TopJet Alert’s wireless sensor networks currently operate on the ISM 900MHz (902-928MHz) band as well as 868MHz and 433Mhz bands.

Q: Why is there a delay in my sensor notifications?
A: Having a delay in notifications is not typical however there are some things that can cause this. Both Email notifications and SMS notifications are sent over SMTP. Our SMTP relay server is configured to ensure timely delivery of your notifications. If the receiving server (your mobile phone company in the case or your SMS (text) notifications) is too busy or down for maintenance, etc. The SMTP Relay will try to re-send the message again, several times within the first hour. Then it will attempt to deliver every 4 hours until the receiving server is ready to receive for up to 2 days. After two days it is assumed the notification must have a bad address and it is discarded. Due to many factors, TopJet Alert will not be responsible for any notifications that have not been transmitted.

Q: What is your return policy?
A: In order to return your product for an exchange or refund, you must first contact your TopJet Alert sales representative and request a return merchandise authorization (RMA) number. You can reach your sales representative at 800-913-0192. No packages will be accepted without the RMA number clearly marked on the outside of the package. After inspecting and testing, we will return your product, or its replacement using the same shipping method used to ship the product to TopJet Alert within 30 days.