Overview

The Geosense Smartmux multiplexer device is designed to be used in high-density sensing applications. The Smartmux connects to a Thread. The Smartmux supports VW, mV and 4-20mA (current loop) sensors. The Smartmux has multiple options from 4-16 channels for a single device. These devices can also be linked together to support up to 256 sensors. This article will cover the setup of a single 4-16 channel device. For assistance in setting up a linked (daisy-chained) Smartmux installation, please reach out to support.

Wiring the Device

The Geosense Smartmux is designed to communicate with the Thread via a connect cable wired into the RS485 communications port. The below tables and images will provide a guide for wiring the connect cable properly. Please reach out to support for wiring directions if your connect cable wire coloring is different.

Remove the green connection block from the RS485 port. With the set screws facing upward, the above wiring diagram can be used to connect the wires from left to right. An example of the wired connection block is attached below.

Plug the newly wired connect cable into the RS485 port. After plugging the connection block into the Smartmux, the user can confirm the proper wiring of the connection cable. An example of the plugged in wiring can be seen below.

Configuring the Device

The dipswitch configuration needs to be confirmed prior to adding the Device to the platform. The two sets of dipswitches with each red box should be configured in the manner illustrated below. The 8 dipswitches in the middle will come preset from the factory, and will be explained in further detail later in the article.

Adding the Device

Ensure that the THREAD is turned on and that the Smartmux device is connected to the Thread via one of the Thread Device ports.

1.  Navigate to the Connectivity Module.

2.  Press the  button directly on a THREAD to add a Device to it. If your THREAD does not appear here, you may still need to Add Your THREAD as a Connection.

3.  You may also add a device from the    button in the Devices & Sensors Section.

4.  Begin by typing in "Geosense" and select the Geosense Smartmux name once it autocompletes dropdown options in the search box.

5.  Type in the Connect Code of the THREAD that the Device will be connected to. It will already be pre-filled if the button on the THREAD was used in step 2. 

6.  Select the THREAD communication port that the device is plugged into, Device 1, 2, or 3.

7.  Click the Next button in order to save settings.

Edit Device Configuration

The Smartmux Device will need additional configuration in order to function properly and communicate with the Thread.  After step 7 above, the Edit Configuration Page below will be displayed. In order for the Smartmux to communicate properly and data to be recorded, the configuration must be completed.

1. Add Multiplexer- Clicking the "Add Multiplexer" button will open up a configuration page for the Mux device. The page and configuration options are illustrated and will be discussed below.

2. SmartID- The SmartID is a number representing the ID of the network. The 8 switch dip-switch panel in the middle-right of the clear window is the pre-configured ID. The  ID is 2^N, where N=the number of the dipswitch as numbered on the board (in the image below, the ID is 3. If there is no paperwork with your device indicating the ID number, you can determine the ID number via a phone app like DMX Dip. This ID number should be input into the SmartID field.

3. Channels- Select the number of channels that your device has from the dropdown.

4. Edit Channels- "Edit channels" allows the user to configure the currently-wired sensors. The Window below will open, where the user will have to choose input type, sensor category, and then the sensor.

5. Sampling Interval. The user can change the sampling interval for the sensor with dropdown options between 60 seconds-60 minutes.

6. Device Name- The user can change the Device's name which will become the name displayed across the application.

7. Location- The user can input the sensor's location and elevation. This location information will allow the sensor to be displayed within the Spatial mapping feature.

8. Notes- Notes can be added here.

9. Apply- After changes have been made on this page, click the apply button to save the Sensor Configuration changes. You will then be directed back to the "Connectivity" page where a RuggedTroll sensor will be populated below the device in the "Devices & Sensors" window.