Many companies have legacy sensors throughout their facilities and operations. These sensors, also known as transmitters, are wired devices often left unconnected to a network. When companies look to gather data from these unconnected sensors, they often replace those sensors with those compatible with a wireless network. However, this isn’t required. With the right equipment, you can give your sensors new life in a connected network.
The Problem with Legacy Sensors
Many wired sensors are not easily connected to the network. Some require an expensive wired connection to the network, while others are read manually, requiring a person to go to their physical location.
Companies often face the tough choice of keeping their older systems or augmenting their network to include a wireless system such as LoRaWAN®. Normally, implementing a LoRaWAN® network means leaving behind functional sensors simply because they aren’t compatible. Fortunately, there is another option.
Add VoBos to the LoRaWAN® Network
Utilize existing equipment that still works and provides accurate data in a wireless application. With a VoBo, the fact that a sensor is wired no longer matters. The VoBo is a bridge endpoint that converts wired sensors into LoRaWAN®-compatible devices, allowing you to modernize your network without replacing valuable equipment.
Advantages of Using VoBo with Legacy Sensors
There are many advantages of using VoBos with your wired sensors. The VoBo not only transforms legacy sensors into smart, IoT-enabled devices but also provides extra features such as memory storage and, in some cases, power for the sensors.
It also eliminates the need to physically be on-site to read the sensor data, lowering the risk to personnel in hazardous areas. It removes the need to maintain the wiring of wired systems. The VoBo and LoRaWAN® make legacy sensor data collection easier and less expensive to scale.
VoBos allows you to continue using the sensors your company prefers and has approved. It is unnecessary to spend the time and expense to gain approval for a new sensor. Simply use the ones you know and trust.
Let’s look at a few of these advantages a little closer.
VoBo-Compatible Sensor Types
The VoBo has a wide range of digital and analog inputs. This allows the VoBo to connect to a wide range of legacy sensors.
VoBo inputs include:
- 3 Analog Inputs – 4-20mA, 0-5V, 0-10V
- 3 Digital Inputs – dry contact and voltage
- 1 Digital Interrupt Input – dry contact wake-up
- Serial Input – RS485 Modbus® RTU (option for multiple Modbus® RTU read/write available)
This permits the use of almost any sensor with your LoRaWAN® network.
VoBo Can Power Wired Legacy Sensors
Using a VoBo can eliminate the need for external power. The VoBo’s onboard, user-replaceable battery can supply power to the sensors and, in some cases, remove the need for an external power supply. If they’re not powering the sensor, the battery in the VoBo could last for over 10 years in some applications.
Legacy Sensors are Already Mounted
Another advantage of utilizing legacy sensors is that they’re already in place. Save the time and cost of replacing existing sensors with new ones. The only change is wiring the sensor output to the VoBo.
Future-Proof Current Inventory
Using VoBos with legacy sensors will future-proof those sensors. The VoBo makes them compatible with modern IoT systems, extending their usable life. This keeps them from becoming obsolete during your digital transformation.
This is even more important for companies that maintain backup inventory. Companies often store backup sensors in their parts departments. Using them with a VoBo ensures the sensor inventory remains usable.
It Protects Your Investment
Most industrial sensors are not cheap. They can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. Many companies have invested heavily in their industrial sensors. Some have even developed those sensors themselves. Continued use of your sensors on modern networks helps protect that investment and reduces waste.
Relieves the Stress of Vendor-Lock
Due to a heavy approval process, some companies and organizations are locked into purchasing sensors from certain vendors. They can only purchase what those vendors sell.
These companies and organizations might only have wired sensors as options. Using them with a VoBo allows companies to continue using their sensors.
Reduces Training
Engineers, maintenance departments, and workers have already been trained to use the legacy sensors. They understand installation, setup, adjustments, troubleshooting, maintenance, and routine usage. Replacing them may require training multiple departments on the new equipment. Using a VoBo keeps the legacy equipment in place, reducing the need for training.
Positive Impact on the Environment
Using VoBos to retrofit legacy sensors for LoRaWAN® positively impacts the environment and compliance. This benefits both the company and the community. Extending the life of legacy systems reduces waste. The fewer things that take up space in the landfill, the better.
Connecting a VoBo can help meet environmental regulatory or internal company compliance through automation. The data can be collected in the required manner without manual intervention, improving compliance and efficiency.
Cost Effective
Industrial sensors are expensive, making it cost-prohibitive to move away from using those already in place. Without a cost-effective way to use them, it can be difficult to move to a LoRaWAN® network. VoBo solves this problem by creating an efficient LoRaWAN® solution for legacy equipment.
The VoBo requires minimal installation and operating costs. It runs on a long-term battery that’s user-replaceable. It connects to multiple types of sensors at once and collects data from multiple input channels. This makes the VoBo a cost-effective option for utilizing your legacy sensors and giving them new life.
Conclusion
It’s unnecessary to discard your legacy sensors when installing a LoRaWAN® system. A VoBo utilizes your existing sensors for modern networks. Using a VoBo with your sensors makes sense. It saves money, time, training, and equipment.
To give your legacy sensors new life, purchase a VoBo on our website or contact us at info@volleyboast.com for a quote.