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Square Sound

Description

Square Sound is a very compact, advanced sensor designed for indoor environment measuring. The device is easily and discreetly mounted on a wall or any surface using screws or just the included adhesive.

Square Sound dimensions are 58 x 58 x 15 mm featuring a very durable built-in 4.0 Ah battery expected to last over 10 years using pre-defined configuration profiles.

Square Sound is a versatile sensor that measures both average and peak sound pressure levels (SPL). It features a Sound Alarm mode to detect sounds exceeding a preset threshold, sending alerts over LoRaWAN. Additionally, it monitors temperature, humidity and ambient light. This range of functionalities makes it an ideal sensor for schools, offices, retail shops, Airbnb properties, conference rooms, and many other environments.

The device offers an optional cloud-supported indoor positioning feature utilizing WIFI MAC Address scanning. This functionality is ideal to detect if the device has been moved from its designated location.

The Square Sound is equipped with NFC, facilitating easy operation through any NFC-enabled Android phone. This seamless interaction is enabled by Sensative's dedicated Android application.

Benefits & Use Cases

Square Sound is a valuable asset for property management, providing precise environmental monitoring in various building types. Its design and sensors are optimal for regulating temperature and humidity, essential for comfort and health in residential and commercial spaces.

Additionally, Square Sound's ability to measure sound levels enhances its utility in noise-sensitive environments like schools and conference rooms. Its capability to detect sudden sound spikes can be crucial for security purposes in retail and Airbnb locations. This multifunctionality makes Square Sound a versatile tool for diverse environmental monitoring needs.

Mechanics

Square Sound is a very compact room sensor, with dimensions of 58 x 58 x 15 mm, designed for very discreet mounting. It can be easily attached using adhesive or screws. The small ears intended for screw mounting are conveniently removable, either by twisting them off or using a knife. Square Sound is equipped with a built-in, non-rechargeable battery, intended for the entire lifespan of the device, emphasizing its low-maintenance and user-friendly design.

Figure 1: Square Sound mounted with screws vs adhesive

Software

Square Square's advanced software architecture includes a Virtual Sensing Machine (VSM) within its firmware. This VSM operates specialized sensor applications that align with the device's sensing capabilities and specific use scenarios. Square Sound is delivered with a general-purpose application that can be adapted to a wide range of applications by using different configuration profiles to optimize battery life according to the specific application.

Getting started

Initial Setup & Activation (OTAA)

Pre-Activation Steps:

  1. Prior to activating the device, ensure it is registered on the designated LoRaWAN server.
  2. Utilize the Dev EUI and Network Key provided with your digital delivery information for registration.

Activation:

  1. Following registration, briefly bring any NFC reader close to the device to initiate activation. Most mobile phones are equipped to serve as NFC readers. Just ensure that NFC is enabled in your phone settings.
  2. The activation process might take up to two minutes. Successful join activity will be indicated on the LoRaWAN Network Server.
  3. The device will continuously attempt the activation process until it successfully connects to the registered LoRaWAN network. Joining the network might take up to 24 hours once the LoRaWAN network becomes available.

Configuration:

  1. Tailor the device settings to fit your specific use case.
  2. Multiple configuration options are available. 3. Configuration support: https://sensative.com/resource-center/

Installation

When installing Square Sound, it's recommended to position the sensor at eye level in the room to ensure the measurements are representative of the space. The location should have good air circulation.

Square Sound can be mounted using the included adhesive for a secure and straightforward installation. If you prefer screw mounting, the device accommodates M3 screws. It's strongly recommended to use washers to prevent damaging the screw ears, which can be easily twisted off if not using screws.

The device also offers an additional mounting option using thin, 2 mm adhesive plates. These plates allow for flexible installation, enabling the device to be secured with screws either behind or adjacent to its position. The adhesive plates come attached to a foil, as depicted in the left image below, which aids in accurately marking the drill points for screws beside the device, illustrated by the arrows indicating the relevant holes in the picture below. For installations requiring screws behind the device, position the plates as illustrated in the right image below, and utilize ultra-low profile flat head screws, such as EJOT 905224, for a seamless fit.

To proceed with the installation, after marking and drilling the necessary holes, attach the plates using screws in the designated positions, ensuring the thick adhesive side is facing towards you. Next, peel off the protective films from the plate and device adhesives, verify the plates are correctly aligned, and then firmly press the device onto the plates for a secure attachment.

Figure 2: Adhesive plates for mounting with screws. Use the holes pointed out for adjacent or hidden screw installation

For removal of a device mounted with adhesive, dental floss is the best tool. Simply slide the floss behind the sensor and use a sawing motion to gently cut through the adhesive, detaching the device without causing damage.

Operations

The Square Sound sensor operates efficiently, with an expected battery life of 10 years or more pending the configuration and network coverage. The available configuration profiles support at least 10 years battery life in a good LoRaWAN network (SF7-9).

More information

Technical information

SpecificationDescription
FeaturesCloud supported WIFI MAC address scanning and geo-positioning for in-door geo-positioning.
Accurate temperature, humidity, ambient light, air pressure and sound pressure sensors
Built-in data memory
LoRaWAN connectivity
NFC (Near field communication)
Optional NFC app for Android phones
Sensor dataTemperature/Humidity sensor (Sensirion SHT40)
Temperature accuracy: +/- 0.2 ° C (typ)
Humidity accuracy: 1.8 % rH (typ)
Ambient light sensor (Broadcom APDS-9306-065)
Ambient light sensor range: 1 – 65 000 Lux
Sound (SPL) sensor
Alarm threshold range: 45-91.5 dB SPL
Frequency range: 0.1-10 kHz
LoRaWAN specificationsRegions:
     * EU868 (863-870 MHz)
     * US915 (902-928 MHz)
     * AS923-1 (920-923 MHz)
     * AS923-2 (923-925 MHz)
     * KR (923-925 MHz)
     * AU (915-928 MHz)
     * IN (865-867 MHz)
Up to +14 dBm output power
Up to 10 km range LoRaWAN v1.0.4
OTAA (Over The Air Activation & Configuration)
A-OTA (Application Upgrade Over The Air)
Multiple LoRaWAN network keys for sensor-initiated roaming
Geo-positioning specificationsThe device supports the following geo-positioning services.
     - 2.4 GHz WIFI (b/g/n) MAC address scanning
     - LoRa TDoA (Time Difference on Arrival)
A geo-solving cloud service is required for geo-positioning.
Dimensions58 * 58 * 15 mm
Weight: 55 g incl 4 Ah battery
Operating conditions-30 to + 65° C IP64
(Sheltered outdoors)
Recommended storage conditions+10 to + 30° C
Power supplyBuilt-in 4.0 Ah Li-MnO2 battery. 3.0 V
Battery lifeExpected more than 10 years battery life using any of Sensative pre-defined configuration profiles in good LoRaWAN network coverage (SF7-8).
Battery life is affected by configuration and LoRa network quality
NFC13.56 MHz
Range: approx 2 cm. Position your NFC enabled phone directly in front of Square Comfort’s lower left corner. See figure 1.
Optional Android app for local configuration and data monitoring (password protected)
Other* Reporting is configurable for periodic reporting, periodic average reporting, delta reporting, and threshold-based alarm reporting and more.
* Supports battery reporting.
* Data memory for off-line storage of time-stamped data

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

  • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
  • Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
  • Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
  • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help

FCC NOTICE (for USA):

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Radiation Exposure Statement: This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. In order to avoid the possibility of exceeding the FCC radio frequency exposure limits, human proximity to the antenna shall not be less than 20cm (8 inches) during normal operation. The antenna(s) used for this transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. No changes shall be made to the equipment without the Company’s permission as this may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

INDUSTRY CANADA STATEMENTS:

This device complies with Industry Canada licence exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. This equipment complies with the safety requirements for RF exposure in accordance with RSS-102 §2.5.2. This equipment must be installed and operated in accordance with the provided instructions and a minimum 20 cm spacing must be provided between the antenna and any person’s body during wireless modes of operation.

INDUSTRY CANADA STATEMENTS:

Cet appareil est conforme avec Industrie Canada exempt de licence Rss standard(s). Son fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) cet appareil ne peut causer d’interférences, et (2) cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence, y compris des interférences qui peuvent provoquer un fonctionnement indésirable du périphérique. Ce dispositife est conforme à la norme de sécurité en matière d’exposition RF conformé-ment à la RSS-102 §2.5.2. Ce dispositif doit être installé et utilisé conformément aux instructions fournies et à 20 cm espacement minimal doit être prévu entre l’antenne et le corps de toute personne pendant les modes sans fil de fonctionnement.

INDUSTRY CANADA NOTICE

“This device complies with ISED’s licence-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause interference; and (2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device”