Yes. Please note that the sensor must always be connected directly to the measuring and control unit. Additionally, the maximum cable length of the sensor must be observed.
Yes. The analog sensors are plugged into the main unit via "plug and play" and can also be removed while the system is running. Thanks to the auto-identification function, this is immediately recognized by the monitoring hardware and displayed in the web GUI. If a sensor is removed from the monitoring hardware, you can be immediately alerted via email and/or SMS using the Didactum Disconnect Alarm.
Yes. In addition, individual elements (housing, temperature sensor, potential-free inputs and outputs) of the Didactum Monitoring System can be renamed according to your specifications.
Didactum has already equipped several research laboratories with this solution. We offer the field-proven thermocouple converter for this purpose. A suitable thermocouple sensor is connected to this IP-enabled converter unit. In your case, this would be a NiCr-CuNi thermocouple sensor with a temperature measuring range of -200 to +50° Celsius, suitable for deep freezers. Didactum offers this special thermocouple temperature sensor for research and laboratories only upon request. The thermocouple converter is connected to the 1-Wire module of an Ethernet-based measuring and control device from the 50 / 100 / 200 / 300 / 400 / 500 / 600 / 700 series. You can configure the thermocouple temperature sensor individually in the German-language web interface of the measuring and control device.
The real-time temperature values measured by the thermocouple deep freezer sensor are stored in the data logger of the Didactum measuring and control system. This measurement data can be visualized directly in the web interface. With a mouse click, this data can be exported in XML or CSV format and further processed with suitable software, such as Microsoft Excel. Since every measurement system is SNMPv1, SNMPv2c, and SNMPv3 compatible, the real-time temperature data can also be transmitted remotely to laboratory software or measurement tools via TCP/IP network.
If desired, the thermocouple temperature sensor connected to the thermocouple transducer can also be queried directly via SNMP command (Simple Network Management Protocol). Additionally, every Didactum measurement and control system can report critical temperatures in the laboratory refrigerator to the responsible staff via email and/or SMS (via LTE or GSM modem). The audiovisual alarm for critical (laboratory) refrigerator temperatures, using the siren with integrated strobe light, is also highly useful. Optionally, the critical condition can also be forwarded to the alarm system or building automation system via a relay circuit. All events are recorded in the syslog of the measuring and monitoring device - including date and time stamps.
Yes. The installation height of the single-point water detection sensor can be varied using the included mounting bracket.
The basic Didactum Monitoring System offers 8 ports for analog sensors. Additional analog sensors can be connected by installing Didactum expansion modules.
As of January 2014, a single Didactum Monitoring System 500 can monitor up to 96 different analog sensors.
As of January 2015, each model of the Didactum Monitoring Systems 400/500/500-DC/600 can monitor up to 125 sensors or dry contact alarms.
To do this, simply connect the required sensor expansion units (part no. 14029) or dry contact expansion units (part no. 14028) to the Didactum main unit. The Didactum sensors and dry/digital contacts connected to the expansion units are configured directly in the web interface of the Didactum alarm systems.
This system is EOL.
Under "System Tree," select the relevant temperature sensor. At the bottom of the sensor menu, you will find the offset function "B off (K+x+b)".
Since your temperature sensor is displaying a temperature 0.5 degrees Celsius too high, enter B=-0.5 in the field. Then save the new sensor settings. The correct server rack temperature will then be displayed.
Individual sensors, potential-free contacts, and other components can be grouped together. This eliminates the need to configure each sensor or fault signal contact individually in the IP alarm server. The group can be given a custom name in the German-language web interface. You then define which sensors or signal contacts are included in this group.
After saving the settings, the newly created group appears in the system tree of the Didactum Remote Monitoring Appliance. In the "Logical Scheme" menu, you can select the newly created group and assign the desired logic, notification, or alarm functions.
Currently, up to 15 Didactum smoke sensors can be connected in series. In this case, only 1 single analog sensor port of your Ethernet-based Didactum monitoring system is used. Note that the total length of the RJ12 patch cable must not exceed 150 meters. With daisy-chained smoke sensors, you will receive only one smoke alarm.
The table below provides information on the detection range of the smoke sensor.
Ceiling height in meters | Detection range of a single smoke sensor in m2 | Recommended distance between individual smoke sensors | Distance of a smoke sensor from the wall |
up to 3.5m | up to 85 | 9m | 4.5m |
from 3.5 to 6.0m | up to 70 | 8.5m | 4m |
from 6.0 to 10.0m | up to 65 | 8m | 4m |
from 10.0 to 12.0m | up to 55 | 7.5m | 3.5m |
Our programmers deliberately integrated this feature into the Didactum IP alarm server. After all, sensors disconnected due to cable breaks, tampering, or sabotage must be displayed and reported. The sensors connected for testing can be deleted from the web interface by restarting the IT monitoring system. To do this, simply go to "System Menu" and select "Restart System." Please clear your web browser's cache.
The test sensors should no longer be visible in the web interface after the restart. Alternatively, you can reset the Didactum alarm system to factory settings. The "System Menu" provides the option "Reset Settings to Default Values."
Provided your leak detection tape has not come into contact with (battery) acid or oil, you can reuse it after drying. Before drying, please disconnect the water/humidity sensor tape from the corresponding sensor unit by unplugging the green connector. After drying, you can put your Didactum water detection system back into operation.
he IP-enabled smoke detector from Didactum can be tested with a suitable test spray. Never use burning paper or a lit cigarette, as the smoke can damage the optical detection unit. Furthermore, for insurance reasons, open flames are prohibited in the server room.
Please disconnect the leak detection cable from the corresponding sensor unit. If the sensor unit sends an alarm to the Didactum IT monitoring device without the connected leak detection cable, the sensor must be sent in for inspection. If no alarm is triggered, water, moisture, or even salt crystals have entered the leak detection cable.
Alternatively, the relative humidity (RH) may be too high. In this case, we recommend installing a second, parallel water leak detection cable. The connection cables of the two water leak detection cables are then crossed and connected to their respective sensor units.
The waterproof temperature sensor can of course be extended up to 100 meters. The diagram below shows the pin layout of this sensor.
Simply put, excessive humidity in the room air can cause condensation in the often cooler raised floor. This can occur if the warm, moisture-laden air is not adequately removed from the server room. The moisture from the room air is then released onto the cold concrete floor of the server room/data center as condensation. Depending on the amount of condensation released, electrical short circuits and, in the worst case, corrosion damage and mold growth can occur. Therefore, Didactum engineers designed the water leak detection system to reliably detect even very small amounts of released condensation and report them to the IP-based monitoring and alarm systems.
By continuously measuring the relative humidity (RH) and room air temperature, the dew point temperature/dew point formation can be monitored. In simple terms, the dew point is the physical state at which the room air can no longer absorb any more moisture and releases it as condensation. If the current ambient temperature in the server room is +23° Celsius and the measured relative humidity is 55%, the calculated dew point is +13.5° Celsius.
To test your leak detection cable, please use a clean sponge moistened with water and place it on any surface. After a short time, the moisture should be detected and reported by your Didactum monitoring system. Important: Please note that the leak sensor must be dried after the test and will continue to issue alarms until it is completely dry.
To test the functionality of the water sensor, please use a saucer filled with water. A damp kitchen towel or tissue can also be used if desired. Simply immerse the metal feet of the leakage sensor connected to the monitoring system in the water. The sensor will then react immediately. The event will be displayed in the web interface of your monitoring system. Afterwards, please dry the water leakage sensor.
To enable your Didactum network thermometer to automatically calculate and display the dew point, you will also need the IP-enabled relative humidity sensor. Once the temperature and humidity sensors are connected to the Didactum measurement and monitoring system, please click the "+" icon under "System Tree" in the web interface. There you will find the "Dew Point Calculator" function. Here you can define individual limit and threshold values and receive early notifications and alerts when a critical dew point is reached.
The sensor values of the IP sensors connected to the IT monitoring system can be recorded using a Linux Bash script.
f the leakage sensor for detecting water leakage is installed on conductive floors and drip trays (metal/steel/stainless steel, etc.), the mounting height must be adjusted.
As part of temperature monitoring, the temperature in the server room/data center should ideally be measured at the following points:
- Supply and exhaust air in the server room
- Supply and exhaust air in the raised floor
- Supply and exhaust air in the air conditioning system(s)
- Supply and exhaust air in the IT rack(s)
- Supply and exhaust air in the cold/hot aisle
Furthermore, the installation of humidity sensors is recommended for measuring and monitoring the critical parameter of relative humidity (RH). Airflow sensors for measuring air circulation/airflow provide additional important data regarding the climate control of the server room or data center.
Each Didactum Analog Sensor comes with a 2-meter RJ11/RJ12 connection cable and mounting hardware (mounting tape/screws). The sensors connect to the Didactum IT alarm system via plug-and-play and are automatically identified. If you wish to install the IP sensors further away, you can order suitable sensor cables in various lengths from our shop. Alternatively, you can also use standard telephone cable.
The Didactum infrastructure monitoring systems support both 4-wire (6P4C) and 6-wire (6P6C) telephone cables. Mixed cabling is also possible.
Important:
Please note that the IP-enabled DC sensors must be wired exclusively with 6-wire 6P6C telephone cable.
Every web-based measuring and monitoring device offers a disconnect alarm function. Should the sensor cable be cut or the smart sensor destroyed by sabotage, you and your colleagues will receive an immediate notification via SNMP traps, email, or SMS (via GSM or LTE modem or web-to-SMS server). Setting up this function is simple: In the German-language web interface of the monitoring device, go to the "Logical Scheme" menu and create a new notification or alarm rule. Here, select the relevant sensor and define the state as "not connected" in the next selection field. Then, simply select the desired alarm function.
Please use aerosol spray.
Analog sensors can only be connected to the analog sensor ports of the monitoring system. Direct connection of an analog sensor to the CAN bus port is not possible. If all analog sensor ports are already occupied, you will need to obtain a CAN expansion box with 8 additional sensor ports.
Testing an SNMP-compatible smoke detector using a paperclip is very easy.
By default, the measurement data from connected smart sensors is recorded every second. To change the recording interval, please go to "System Settings" => "Logging" => "Sensors" in the web interface.
There you can select the desired smart sensors and choose the desired sampling/recording rate (1 second / 5 seconds / 15 seconds / 20 seconds / 30 seconds / 60 seconds).
Analog sensors are connected exclusively to the analog sensor ports of the main unit or the sensor expansion unit. Digital CAN sensors are connected exclusively to the digital CAN sensor port. SNMP-compatible 1-Wire sensors are connected to the 1-Wire port of the LAN-based measurement and monitoring system (optional equipment). Connecting the smart sensors to a switch or hub is not possible.
tending the analog SNMP sensors using an RJ11 or RJ12 female connector is possible. However, for operational reliability, you should ideally use a 1:1 RJ11/RJ12 sensor cable without a connector. Suitable extension cables in various lengths are available in our online store.
Yes. Please always pay attention to the maximum permissible cable length of the respective sensors.
To measure and monitor the dew point in the server room/data center, a temperature and a humidity sensor must be connected to your Didactum monitoring system. Otherwise, the monitoring system cannot calculate the dew point. Simply connect the humidity sensor for this purpose. The digital combined temperature and humidity sensor can also be connected to the current monitoring systems in the 100 to 700 series. This combined sensor integrates both important environmental sensors into a single housing.
The SNMP-compatible measurement and monitoring systems support third-party sensors. In your case, please select a suitable (air) oxygen transmitter with a 4 to 20 mA 2-wire signal output. This sensor for measuring the oxygen concentration is then connected to the Didactum 4-20 mA converter (part no. 14022). You can then customize the 4-20 mA converter in the German-language web interface of the measurement and monitoring device. Afterwards, you can configure the necessary notifications and alarms, such as email, SMS (via LTE/GSM modem), and/or SNMP traps, in the monitoring system when the oxygen concentration falls below or exceeds a certain threshold. Additionally, door contact sensors, alarm sirens, and a surveillance camera can be mounted on the monitoring system.
The "Analog Power" function in the web interface of your Rack Monitoring System (RMS) supplies power to the connected analog sensors. For example, analog smoke detectors are reset using the "Analog Power" function. Important note from the technical writer: Deactivating the "Analog Power" function will deactivate the power supply to all analog sensors.
For connecting the DC sensor, use only a 6-pin RJ12 Western cable (6P6C). This cable must be shielded and must not exceed a total length of 50 meters. Didactum offers a suitable (Western) sensor cable in a custom length upon request.
To connect the analog IP sensors to an RJ45 patch panel, you need a suitable (modular) cable with RJ11 Western plug (6P4C) to RJ45 Western plug (8P4C).
The capacity of the internal data logger depends on the total number of monitoring sensors and the sampling interval (real-time measurement / measurement every minute). This can be configured in the web interface. You can back up the measurement data manually with a mouse click (CSV / XML) or at intervals, e.g., daily via email or FTP upload. By simply connecting a suitable USB flash drive (USB adapter cable included), the data logger's storage capacity can be increased to up to 64 GB. If you purchase a 400 or 500 II monitoring system, the measurement data can also be saved to an SD card (SD card must be purchased separately).
You can back up the measurement data manually with a mouse click (CSV / XML) or at scheduled intervals, e.g., daily via email or FTP upload. Remote transmission of real-time recorded sensor readings to measurement utilities, SNMP tools, and network management software (Nagios, Icinga2, check_MK, openITCOCKPIT, Observium, PRTG, WhatsUp Gold, Zabbix, etc.) is supported by every Didactum Ethernet-based measurement and control device. SNMP MIB files and plugins for Nagios and Zabbix are available free of charge.
The following analog sensors can be daisy-chained (as of May 2020):
- Smoke sensor
- Magnetic/door contact sensor
- Vibration/shock sensor
Please note that only analog sensors of the same type can be connected in series. Each chain can consist of up to 10 sensors of the same type. Unlike digital CAN sensors, daisy-chained analog sensors have only a single address/SNMP OID.
(Kopie 1)
For security reasons (protection against manipulation/sabotage, etc.), a sensor disconnected from the measurement and alarm system is displayed with a corresponding warning message in the system tree. To permanently remove an analog or digital sensor from the IP measurement system, you must restart the system. To do this, go to the "System Menu" entry in the German web interface and click on "Restart System".