Frequently Asked Questions
Clear your doubts
FAQ's
Browse various questions we are asked frequently surrounding sensors data, how the sensors connect to the internet and more.
Use the buttons below to jump to specific FAQ sections.
Sensors FAQ:
- Will the sensors need manual intervention?
Once the sensors are initially deployed, no manual intervention is required. We have the ability to wirelessly change parameters and settings on the sensors. Just submit a support ticket and we’ll handle it.
- How long does the battery last and can I replace it?
Our sensors have a battery life of 3-5 years with a 30 minute data transmission interval. Various factors slightly affect battery life such as temperature, transmission interval and required transmission power.
- How do I know if the sensor is connected and working?
Included in your shipment of sensors is a short, easy to follow pamphlet that shows how to power on the sensors and connect them to the network. It typically takes less than a few minutes to get up and running.
We also offer onboarding services where a member of our onboarding team will educate you and your team on the sensor onboarding process. This usually isn’t necessary but if you need a hand let us know!
- What happens if the sensor stops working?
If a sensor were to stop working, as long as you have an active subscription (the $15/month per sensor) we will ship you a new sensor free of charge. You just need to return us the non-functional sensor.
- How accurate are the sensors?
We pride ourselves on providing our clients with exceptional price-to-accuracy. Dependent on the sensor type, accuracy varies but all sensors are typically great for all agronomic use cases.
- Can I move the sensors around to different places?
Although we do not recommend moving sensors, it is possible to move them from place to place. This often complicates things in the dashboard and we recommend keeping sensors in one place.
LoRa Network FAQ:
- What actually is LoRa/LoRaWAN Network?
LoRa is a proprietary low-power wide-area network modulation technique. The LoRaWAN® specification is a Low Power, Wide Area (LPWA) networking protocol designed to wirelessly connect battery operated ‘things’ to the internet.
- Why can't I just use my Wi-Fi in the office instead?
Our sensors use LoRa/LPWAN communication protocol which only works with LoRa gateways. In simpler terms, Wi-Fi is used for short range, high bandwidth applications (think streaming Netflix) but doesn’t work well/at all over long distances. On the other hand, LoRa excels in long range, low bandwidth applications (like sending tiny bits of data from a soil sensor) at a very low cost.
- Does Heliot own the LoRaWAN network?
Heliot does not own the LoRaWAN network, however we have partnered with Helium, a public, decentralized LoRa network to allow for extremely low cost network usage. If you are located in Helium’s coverage footprint you do not need a gateway to connect your sensors to the dashboard.
- What else can I use LoRaWAN for?
LoRaWAN has a variety of use cases, we just specialize primarily in the agriculture sector. For a list of other use cases, check out Helium’s website.
- Is my data private and secure?
In short, yes, your data is very private and secure. Each sensor is built with a serial number and a set of keys. These keys are used when establishing a primary connection between sensor and gateway – unless someone else has this information it is virtually impossible to hack. In addition, no private information is transmitted over the LoRa network (no passwords, credit card info, etc.)
Gateways/Hotspots FAQ:
- What is A Gateway? Do I need one?
We have partnered with Helium, a public, decentralized LoRa network to allow for extremely low cost network usage. If you are located in Helium’s coverage footprint you do not need a gateway to connect your sensors to the dashboard. If you’re not in the coverage footprint not to worry, we offer gateways that simply plug in to your router via ethernet and you’re set.
We manage, maintain and update the gateway remotely as well so no manual intervention needed from your side, win-win!
- How do I know if I have access to the signal?
Our data dashboard has a very handy section for each sensor, which shows when the last message was received. Additionally, we have a built in a “time-out” feature so if any of your sensors go offline for an extended period of time (typically 6 hours), we’ll send you an email letting you know so we can investigate and get you back online ASAP.
- Do I need more than one gateway?
Touching on the “do I need a gateway” FAQ again, if you are in Helium’s coverage footprint you don’t need a gateway at all. If you are not in the footprint, sometimes additional gateways may be required if the topography is very hilly or has large, thick objects blocking the signal from the gateway to the sensors. We recommend contacting our onboarding team to assist with this!
- How does the gateway stay updated and online?
We manage, maintain and update the gateway remotely via SSH so there is no manual intervention needed from your side. As long as your internet connection is working, you are good to go!
Data Insights Dashboard FAQ:
- Is my dashboard privatized and secure?
Every Heliot client is onboarded onto our dashboard with their own email and password. Only you can access the dashboard and data with these credentials.
- If I cancel my subscription, what happens?
We understand that sometimes operations change, requirements shift and things just don’t work out. If you need to cancel your subscription, we do offer a lifetime sensor data export (in the form of a spreadsheet) for a one-time fee.
- Can I use my own sensors with the Dashboard?
The Heliot dashboard and data analytics is open to bring your own device (BYOD) clients, however there is a slight increase in the monthly subscription price. Additionally, we do not warranty any 3rd party devices.
- Can I have multiple users/people log-in?
Your data dashboard includes unlimited users/members to enable complete operational transparency. We have also created a user access page where an administrator can delegate access to some, or all elements of the dashboard.
- Are custom treatments available for large operations?
We have based our pricing on the best rate available to give all clients the best chance of ROI. However, for deployments in excess of 250 sensors, we do custom have enterprise plans. Please contact us.
- How long is my data retained?
Simply put, forever. We utilize a mix of servers and backup servers to house all client’s data. In our opinion, this is imperative for making historical management decisions in addition to building machine learning insights to help benefit your operation.
- Can I export my data to other platforms/software?
We do offer the ability to export data from Heliot to various other platforms (farm management software, vineyard management, etc.). Please contact our onboarding team for support with data exporting.
- What if I have multiple locations that need separate dashboards? Does it cost more?
Your data dashboard also includes unlimited workspaces (locations) for easy and simple separation of your sensor data. Have a farm with multiple fields, or a golf club with multiple courses? No stress, the data is separated and doesn’t carry an additional cost to do so.
General Questions FAQ:
- How long has Heliot been in service?
Heliot Solutions Inc. was founded in 2021 in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Our team has deep roots in the software and hardware development space, with a focus on agriculture and AgTech.
- Do you have someone that can install the sensors?
Heliot has a dedicated onboarding team that can visit your site, assist with sensor deployment and get you up and running on the data dashboard. Although this is typically not necessary, please contact our onboarding team for further assistance.
- Do you offer franchising/white-label services?
At this time we do not offer franchising/white-label services however we’re always open to conversation on your ideas and seeing how we can help!
- What countries do you service?
Although we have a roadmap that includes expansion into Europe, Heliot currently services clients in Canada, The United States and South America.
How it works • LoRaWAN
See how our sensors connect over
the LoRaWAN Network
Sensor Sends A Packet (Data)
Your Heliot sensor transmits a data packet containing the data points for that specific sensor.
Gateway Receives the Packet
The gateway receives/hears the packet, validates the serial number and encryption keys and logs the data to the server.
Dashboard Displays The Data
Our dashboard interprets the data from the server and displays it in an easy to read format in your secure dashboard.
Still have questions?
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We understand that new technology is often confusing and difficult to figure out if it will fit into current operations. That’s what we’re here for – get in touch and we will help you decipher whether this technology is right for your operation.
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