Why did we develop new monitoring hardware?
Our current BLUE product line has been in the market for a decade now. Technology continues to evolve in its capabilities and functionality. To ensure we are on the cutting edge of these technological advancements and meeting the market demands for a leading grain monitoring solution developing a new product was needed.
Does the new EPIQ system still use a Gateway?
There will no longer be a Gateway used with EPIQ. The EPIQ hardware consists of Primary and Secondary Cable Nodes along with Cable Node Expanders when the application requires them.
What are the tools needed to install EPIQ Cable Nodes?
The goal was to keep the installation as simple as possible. On that front if an EPIQ Cable Node is being installed that uses the magnetic foot mounts to mount to the bin roof then there are only two tools necessary.
- Small flat edged screwdriver
- 7/16” wrench
What certifications do the EPIQ Cable Nodes have?
All Primary and Secondary Cable Nodes have the following certifications to ensure compliance with all regulations
|
Certification |
Details |
|
Federal Communications Commission |
Meets US electromagnetic radiation standards |
|
European Standard |
It signifies that a product meets European health, safety, and environmental protection requirements. |
|
Industry Canada
|
Essential for sales in Canada, providing quality assurance and increasing consumer trust |
What are the options for connecting my Primary Cable Node to the Cloud?
All EPIQ systems require at least one Primary Cable Node. A Primary Node has a cellular modem with an LTE-M network connection. Depending on the size (of bins) on a site or a specific site configuration, it may be possible that more than one Primary Cable Node is required on a site.
What is the difference between a Primary and Secondary Cable Node?
Primary Cable Nodes have three functional purposes.
- LTE-M cellular connection to the Cloud so sensor data can be displayed in MG.com
- Communication through a Wi-Fi network with Secondary Cable Nodes
- Hardware terminations for the various sensors on a bin
Fig. 1 – Primary Cable Node
Secondary Cable Nodes have two functional purposes.
- Communication through a Wi-Fi network with a Primary Cable Node
- Hardware terminations for the various sensors on a bin
Fig. 2 – Secondary Cable Node
What is a Cable Node Expander, when is it needed and what are its limitations?
Cable Node Expanders are needed when a bin/silo has greater than 8 cables installed. In a standard application this is on a bin/silo that is greater than 60-foot diameter (18.3m) or Flatstore/Warehouse facility.
Up to a maximum of 3 Cable Node Expanders can be daisy chained and hardwired to a single Primary or Secondary Cable Node. This means that a Cable Node (8 cables), plus 3 Cable Node Expanders (8 cables + 8 cables + 8 cables) can accommodate up to 32 cables in total.
Fig, 3 – Cable Node Expander
What are the new EPIQ product SKUs I should be aware of?
|
SKU |
Description |
|
EPIQ-CN-PR |
EPIQ Cable Node Primary |
|
EPIQ-CN-SC |
EPIQ Cable Node Secondary |
|
EPIQ-CN-EX |
EPIQ Cable Node Expander |
|
EPIQ-CN-PS |
EPIQ-Cable Node Power Supply |
Why is an 8 channel Cable Node the only option I have?
To streamline manufacturing, simplify inventory management, and reduce costs across the supply chain, we made a strategic product decision to offer a single, standardized 8-channel Cable Node at a competitive price. This approach eliminates the complexity of supporting multiple SKUs while still meeting the needs of the broadest range of customer applications. By standardizing on one versatile model, we’re able to deliver a more reliable and scalable product while maintaining efficiency in production and support.
How many Secondary Cable Nodes can be paired to a Primary Node?
Currently the ratio is ten (10) Secondaries to one (1) Primary. As we conduct further limit testing and drive firmware enhancements we could see the number of Secondaries per Primary increase. As these changes occur, they will be communicated and the supporting quoting tool for channel partners will be updated.
What can be connected to an EPIQ Cable Node?
Current Sensors
- Temperature cables
- Moisture cables
- Headspace Grain Quality Sensors (CO2)
- Weather Station
Possible Future Connections
- Modbus
- Analog
- I2C
What is “best practice” for installing a Headspace Grain Quality Sensor?
When installing a Headspace Grain Quality Sensor on a bin the sensor should be terminated in the 3-wire GQS termination on the EPIQ Cable Node.
If there are more than 8 cables in a bin and there is an EPIQ Cable Node plus a Cable Node Expander the Headspace Grain Quality Sensor must be installed in the GQS termination on the last daisy chained Cable Node Expander for that particular bin.
Fig. 4 – Grain Quality Sensor Termination
What do the front status LEDs indicate?
The front status LEDs provide useful information for customers and installers based on key pieces of data from Cable Node and how it is performing.
Fig. 5 – Front Cable Node LED Status Panel
|
LED |
Comments |
LED Status |
|
Cloud Connectivity |
Provides a status based on the cellular RRSI signal strength |
Green = Good Yellow = Fair Red = Poor/Not Functioning |
|
Wi-Fi Connectivity |
Provides a status based on the Wi-Fi RRSI signal strength |
Green = Good Yellow = Fair Red = Poor/Not Functioning |
|
Power |
This LED is only used when a Cable Node is being line powered |
Green – Line Powered N/A – Line Power Not Used |
|
Battery Voltage |
Provides the current battery voltage |
Green = Good Yellow = Fair Red = Poor/Not Functioning |
|
Solar Charging |
Indicates if the battery is charging or not |
Green = Good Yellow = Fair Red = Poor/Not Functioning |
What is the purpose of the Halo LEDs down the side of the Cable Node?
The Halo LEDs down each side of the Cable Node provide process status information for the Cable Nodes.
|
LED Details |
LED Status |
|
Continual flashing once the Cable Node has been woken up from shipping mode |
Blue - Blinking |
|
Continual flashing when the Cable Node is in process of being paired |
Yellow - Blinking |
|
Cable Node Pairing is Successful |
Green – Solid (15-seconds) |
|
Cable Node Pairing has timed out |
Yellow – Solid (30-seconds) |
|
Cable Node System Issue |
Red – Solid (Remains on until issue resolved or minimum battery threshold is reached) |
|
Failed to enter shipping mode |
Red – Blinking |
Fig. 6 – Cable Node Halo LED
Do I have the option of a solar/battery/line power configuration option for the EPIQ Cable Nodes?
When an EPIQ Cable Node is ordered by default it comes in a battery/solar configuration. However, for larger diameter bins with more cables and sensors installed it is imperative that the Cable Nodes are line powered to ensure reliable operation.
A power supply enclosure is added to each bin when necessary to ensure the Cable Node is line powered. The power supply enclosure is added at the point of quote when the system is being configured.
How many cables/sensors can be connected to an EPIQ Cable Node before it requires line power?
Determining the maximum sensor count is important to ensure a system is configured appropriately with either battery/solar or line power for reliable operation. Currently the ratio is one hundred sensors (100) to one (1) solar powered Cable node. As we conduct further limit testing and drive other enhancements we could see the number of sensors per Cable Node increase. As these changes occur, they will be communicated and the supporting quoting tool for channel partners will be updated.
What is the anticipated battery life of the EPIQ Cable Node?
EPIQ uses a 5000 mAH Lithium-ion battery. The anticipated lifespan of the battery is 5 years. Battery power will be supplied to the EPIQ Cable Node operating in a temperature range of -30°C to +60°C. (-22°F to 140°F) However, to maintain optimal battery performance the battery will only charge between -10°C to +60°C (14°F to 140°F) This should maintain the battery at peak efficiency between 15% - 95% of capacity.
Will the EPIQ Cable Node work with the OMNI cable when it is released?
When the OMNI cable is released, it will work seamlessly with the EPIQ Cable Node to provide hourly inventory readings.
What is the EPIQ product Warranty?
The EPIQ grain monitoring system is warranted by OPIsystems Inc. against any defects, workmanship issues or failure for a period of two years from the original date of purchase, provided all recommended installation procedures and system use have been followed.