Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ’s and Details
The units can be painted using an exterior oil based paint. Before painting, please cover with masking tape, the opening of the grey conical sensor and antenna at the bottom of the unit. Also mask the solar panel located in the cap of the unit.
Although you can use a 4” or larger inner diameter pipe to channel the beam pattern of the ultrasonic sensor, some factors may impact the effectiveness of such a configuration. These include moisture in the pipe, the non-uniform temperature inside the pipe, and resonance at 42KHz beam. See https://www.maxbotix.com/tutorials5/ultrasonic-sensor-inside-pipe.htm
Yes, the device can work in stilling wells with smooth walls. The limitation of stilling well are the same as a PVC pipe above.
ToltHawk devices are self-contained units that doesn’t need wiring. A solar panel and an antenna are built into the unit. The cylindrical body of the unit is the same size as a 2” schedule-40 pipe and can be mounted using common straps available in most hardware stores.
Our device contains proprietary features that lowers the chances of theft and vandalism. We also offer a device replacement insurance. Please contact customer service for details.
Our antennas that are shipped with the units have high gain and perform better than most cell phones. So even when a signal seems to be unavailable via cellphone, our device often times work. We also offer a higher gain yagi, directional antenna that can be field tested before purchase. In very remote places, you can use LoRaWAN technology to send data. See LoRa vs Cell…
LoRaWAN vs Cellular
A common question is which radio transmission technology you should use: LoRaWAN or cellular?
For most installations we recommend using our standard unit which transmits data via cellular service. A LoRaWAN is recommended in extremely remote locations where cellular service is not available.
Cellular | LoRa | |
Best Use | Anywhere where cellular service is available | Remote areas, where cellular is unavailable |
Battery Life* | 5-10 years | 5-10 years |
Network Carriers | AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile | Self (requires your own LoRaWAN gateway) |
Requires own gateway & network knowledge? | No | Yes, in most cases you must setup your own LoRa gateway |
Range | Everywhere cell service is available | 2 miles rural, ½ mile or less urban |
Secure | Extremely | Very Secure |
Susceptible to noise | Little | Yes |
Can send bridge vibration data | Yes | No (due to limited payload size) |
Can send multiple sensory data | Yes | Maybe (limited payload size) |
Works in very remote areas? | No (cellular coverage required) | Yes |
*depends on environment of use. High temperature may shorten battery life