VoBo endpoints provide many benefits to companies utilizing LoRaWAN® in their IoT networks. Many of those benefits are easy to see just from the list of features alone. Many other benefits aren’t immediately apparent. In this article, we’ll look at the major benefits of using VoBo endpoints to help you decide if VoBo is the right product for your applications.
Converts Wired to Wireless
The VoBo itself is the wireless transmitter, a LoRaWAN® endpoint bridge, so your devices don’t have to be wireless. This opens the possibility of connecting many wired devices that normally couldn’t be used on a LoRaWAN® network.
Sensor Agnostic
VoBos work with many sensors you may already have. This reduces the need to repurchase sensors when converting to a LoRaWAN® network. This also means you can use a wide range of sensors for your purposes, even if they’re not available in a wireless option.
Wide Range of Inputs
The VoBo accepts inputs from a variety of analog and digital devices. The number and type of devices will vary from one model to another. This wide range of analog and digital inputs enables customers to enhance their automation efforts using their favored or legacy sensors.
The VoBo GP-1™ and HL-1™ in standard configuration can accept analog, digital, and serial inputs, with up to 8 input channels. The VoBo TC™ can accept up to 12 thermocouple input channels.
Types of inputs include:
- 4-20mA Analog sensors
- 0-5V and 0-10V Analog sensors
- Discrete (digital) switches
- Modbus® RTU over RS485 serial devices
- Thermocouple sensors
- Other sensors via interfaces
Engineering Unit Reporting
Engineering unit reporting for analog channels eliminates the need for additional computations to sensor data, simplifying the process of decoding payloads.
Modbus® RTU Read/Write
The VoBo GP-1™ and HL-1™ are a Modbus® Master that can collect Modbus® register data from your Modbus® device.
Multiple Configurations
VoBos can be configured for your sensors. There are multiple methods for configuring your VoBo, giving you plenty of options to choose from. The VoBoConfig tool’s user-friendly graphic interface simplifies local VoBo configuration.
Configuration options include:
- Locally connected
- Over the air
- Pre-installed configuration
Receive Alerts
With the optional VoBoAnalytics, the VoBo endpoint can send a calculated result based on data analysis. This is great for receiving alerts or calculated values based on a customer-defined function.
Battery Powered
Since VoBos are battery-powered, no external power supply is required. This is great for remote locations where obtaining power is difficult. Furthermore, the battery lasts from 2 to 5 years. Your results will depend on how often you need it to capture and send data and the power requirement of the connected sensors. This battery is user-replaceable. The VoBo can even power your sensors. This reduces the need to run power to locations that are difficult to reach.
VoBo Endpoints Provide Data Logging
VoBos automatically logs all the data they receive and stores around 5000 sensor payloads. Data collection continues even if the network connection is lost or the VoBo is set to offline mode. Payload data is available for recovery, making them great for data logging needs. Easily retrieve logged data in CSV format with the VoBoConfig tool.
Synchronized Data Collection
The VoBoSync feature allows a group of VoBos to synchronize their measurements to collect more meaningful data within a system.
Industrial Grade for Extreme Temperatures
They have a rugged enclosure and an internal antenna, allowing them to work in just about any environment without risk of damage. VoBos are available for safe areas and are certified for use in Class 1 and Division 2 hazardous locations in the USA and Canada. The image above is from a Volley Boast customer. There are two VoBo TC™s under that ice, and they work great every time. This is what they were made for. They work in extreme cold and extreme heat, with operating temperatures of -40°C to 80°C, depending on the model.
VoBo Endpoints Work with LoRaWAN®
LoRaWan® is an established long-range, low-cost network that’s long-range, deep-penetrating, and easy to scale. This makes it an excellent choice for LoRaWAN® IoT devices. VoBo endpoints connect wired devices and sensors to wireless gateways, allowing the use of legacy and wired devices on LoRaWAN® networks.
Available on LoRaWan® Network Servers
VoBo profiles and decoders are already available on the most popular LoRaWan® network servers, including:
- Actility – Things Park
- The Things Stack
- Loriot
- Orbiwise
This means the major LoRaWan® network servers can quickly deploy VoBo endpoints.
Health Monitoring
Daily health monitoring shows the operating condition of the VoBo endpoint and its transmissions.
VoBo Endpoints are Cost-Effective
The VoBo utilizes your existing sensors and collects multiple input channels. These benefits highlight how VoBo endpoints are cost-effective options for any LoRaWAN® system.
Where to Purchase VoBo Endpoints
As you can see from this list, it’s easy to see how VoBo is the clear choice for your LoRaWAN® endpoint needs.
Purchase a VoBo endpoint on our website or contact info@volleyboast.com for a quote.