Kitchen Self-Installation Guide
Table of Contents
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Components for Install
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Temperature Monitoring Overview
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Wireless Signal Interference
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SmartSense Sensor Installation Best Practices
- BZ Gateway Installation
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B2 Sensor Installation
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Z Sensor Installation - Walk-In Coolers & Freezers
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Pairing a Display Screen with a Z Sensor
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Installing a NIST Probe
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Verifying System Connectivity
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Troubleshooting Tips
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Completing Your Installation
Components for Install
SmartSense offers multiple configurations to provide optimum monitoring in your specific environment. The assets you have chosen to monitor will determine which components have been included in your system. Follow the instructions for your specific configuration.
Temperature Monitoring Overview
The image below shows SmartSense device install locations.
A) Z Sensors
Z Sensors are typically used in environments that require radio communication through thick metal or concrete. Z Sensors also include a wireless and detachable screen.
B) B2 Sensors
B2 Sensors leave an ultra-small footprint, are completely wireless, and are NSF-certified sensors for placement in food contact areas.
C) Handheld Probe
The wireless handheld probe is used to complete digital HACCP SOPs and other repeatable tasks. These features are covered in the HACCP user guide found here.
D) Gateways
All of our gateway products are plug-and-play. Once installed in an area with good cellular coverage, they will automatically pair with sensors and report to the dashboard.
Complexity |
Description |
Sensor Count |
Low |
An open-air asset that would typically require 2+ fans/cooling zones within an 8-12+ ft. refrigerated type unit |
1 |
Medium |
A closed cavity or open-air asset that would typically require 1-2 fans/cooling zones within a 4-12 ft. refrigerated type unit |
2 |
High |
A closed cavity or open-air asset that typically would require 1 fan/cooling zone within a 4-6 ft. refrigerated type unit |
3+ |
Wireless Signal Interference
Note: Back-of-house (BOH) kitchen layouts will vary.
The diagrams above are only a guide and are not intended to represent your exact kitchen layout. Please use the diagrams as a reference tool when choosing the best possible location to mount your gateway.
Obstruction | Obstruction Severity | Obstruction Defined |
Wood/wood paneling | Low | Inside a wall or hollow door |
Drywall | Low | Inside walls |
Half wall | Low | Partitions |
Clear glass | Low | Windows |
People | Medium | High-volume traffic areas that have considerable foot traffic |
Ceramic tile | Medium | Walls |
Concrete blocks | Medium/High | Outer/inner wall construction |
Mirrors | High | Mirror or reflective glass |
Metals | High | Hood vent system/metal doors/overhead doors |
Dead zones | High | Halls/corridors |
Electrical | High | Panel/circuit breaker boxes |
Microwaves | High | Industrial microwave ovens |
SmartSense Sensor Installation Best Practices
- Begin sensor installations using the included installation sheet.
- After each sensor is installed, record the device ID and asset name on the installation sheet.
- Download the Installation Sheet here.
- Make sure to check that devices are reporting AS THEY'RE INSTALLED for all devices.
- Please consider the following information to ensure a successful installation:
- Sensors should always be attached to a secure and permanent surface.
- This is applicable in walk-in units where you should never install it on a moveable rack or hanging above the door.
BZ Gateway Installation
- Remove the BZ Gateway from its packaging.
- Plug the power adapter into the BZ Gateway.
- Plug the BZ Gateway into a designated outlet to charge.
Note: Your BZ Gateway may need to charge for 30 minutes before moving on to step 4.
- Use the signal finder mode on the BZ Gateway to determine an install location with the best cellular signal strength. To enter signal finder mode, hold the power button for more than 2 seconds but less than 5 seconds. A white LED will flash repeatedly to indicate you are in signal finder mode.
- To achieve the best connectivity, move the BZ Gateway around the install location until the white LED begins to quickly blink (a blinking red LED indicates a poor cellular signal). Maximum signal strength is represented with a white LED flash every 200ms (the faster the white LED blinks indicates a stronger cellular signal).
- Once a good location has been found, quickly press and release the power button to exit signal finder mode.
- Reference the included LED status guide below to confirm that the BZ Gateway is communicating.
- The BZ Gateway should be installed using the mounting bracket (available as SKU: TM-GW-BZ-VZW-C upon request), and doubled up 8" zip ties.
- Instructions for the BZ Gateway mounting bracket are available below.
- Install the BZ Gateway onto a clean wall surface, 6 feet off the ground.
- Once the BZ Gateway is installed, use wire mounts and zip ties to neatly manage the wiring and prevent snagging or damage to the BZ Gateway.
Note: SmartSense does not condone the use of drills or screws for any device installation. Customers self-installing do so at their own risk.
Once you are done installing the BZ Gateway, you will need to install the BZ Gateway Mounting Bracket.
- Remove the BZ Gateway and mounting bracket from their respective packaging.
- Insert the included thumbscrews into the back of the BZ Gateway.
- Using the mounting bracket as a guide, mark and drill two holes in the wall.
- Be mindful of the surface you are drilling into and what might be behind it.
- These steps should be completed only after confirming power availability, cellular signal, and device reporting health for all associated sensors.
- Using a hammer, tap drywall anchors into the holes until flush with the wall.
- Install the mounting bracket to the wall using the included screws.
- Attach the BZ Gateway to the bracket by inserting it from the top and sliding it down to seat the BZ Gateway into the indent on the bracket.
- The mounting bracket may also be installed to a rack or shelf using zip ties.
LED REFERENCE GUIDE | |||
Status | White LED | Red LED | Description |
Power on | ⬭ | - | 1 long white LED flash |
Last upload successful | ◯ | - | 1 short white LED flash every 30s |
Low battery | ◯ | • | 1 short white LED flash followed by 1 short red LED flash, every 30s |
Low battery preventing communication | - | • | 1 short red LED flash, every 30s |
Low cellular signal | ◯ | •• | 1 short white LED flash followed by 2 short red LED flashes, every 30s |
No cellular signal | - | •• | 2 short red LED flashes, every 30s |
Contact SmartSense support | - | ••• | 3 short red LED flashes, every 30s |
Hardware failure | - | ••••••• | Continuous blinking red LED |
B2 Sensor Installation
Your SmartSense B2 Sensor arrives powered off.
- To turn your B2 Sensor on, hold the button for approximately 3 seconds until the green LED begins to blink and immediately release it.
- The green LED will remain on for 5 seconds to indicate that it is powered on and broadcasting.
- Under normal operation, these are the only times the LED will illuminate.
- Once your B2 Sensor is powered on, it cannot be turned off.
- Select a location that is the warmest location in your cooler, often near the top and close to the door.
- Use the included zip tie to mount the B2 Sensor. The zip tie should be threaded through the mounting loop at the top of the sensor and attached securely to a mounting point so that the sensor is hanging vertically and facing toward the door of your case. Ensure the B2 Sensor is mounted out of the way of daily operations and products.
- If a suitable mounting point does not exist, use a zip tie anchor by removing the cover of the double stick tape and adhering the anchor to your preferred location. Attach the B2 Sensor to the anchor.
B2 Sensors are used to monitor temperatures in environments like warming trays, grill drawers, and reach-in coolers.
Grill Drawer Installation
- To install in a grill drawer, open the top drawer and remove any pans.
- Using zip ties or double-sided velcro tape included in the sensor package, peel one side of the tape film off and place it on the back of the B2 Sensor.
- If using velcro, using a clean towel, clean the backside of the drawer face where you will be mounting the B2 Sensor (clean with warm water only, and dry thoroughly).
- Peel the remaining film off of the double-sided velcro square, now on the B2 Sensor, and mount the B2 Sensor on the backside of the drawer face while applying pressure for 10 seconds.
- Ensure that all devices installed are not at risk of impeding or becoming damaged due to daily operations.
Reach-In Cooler Installation
- To install the B2 Sensor in a reach-in cooler, clear a space in the middle of the cooler near the door.
- Using zip ties, attach the B2 Sensor to the wire rack so that it is hanging vertically. Trim any excess plastic from the zip tie.
- Ensure that all devices installed are not at risk of impeding or becoming damaged due to daily operations.
Note: SmartSense does not condone the use of drills or screws for any device installations. Customers self-installing do so at their own risk.
Z Sensor Installation - Walk-In Coolers & Freezers
- Install the Z Sensor in the walk-in cooler or freezer near the door on the inside of the unit, about 6 feet up. Z Sensors should be placed at least 3 feet away from the door for consistent product readings.
- The Z Sensor should be placed as close to the product as possible.
- Either attach the Z Sensor using its magnetic back or zip tie it to a permanent fixture (i.e. wire rack). Generally, magnets are the best attachment method, but zip ties can be used in cases with wire racks if necessary.
- Make sure the Z Sensors are installed in a spot where they will not impede daily operations or be at risk of becoming damaged (i.e. front of a high wire rack or underside of the shelf).
- Press the Z Sensor's power button to turn it on.
Note: SmartSense does not condone the use of drills or screws for any device installation. Customers self-installing do so at their own risk.
Pairing a Display Screen with a Z Sensor
- Your Z Sensor should have arrived from the factory pre-paired. Quickly hit the power button on the wireless screen to search for its paired sensor. If this doesn't work or if the Z Sensor and Z Screen become un-paired, follow steps 2-6.
- Press and hold the power button on the Z Screen until you hear two separate sets of beeps, then let go. You may need to hold the Z Screen to your ear to hear the beeps. If you still can't hear them, try holding the button for about 6 seconds and let go.
- The Z Screen display should show a message indicating that it has entered "Pairing Mode."
- Take the Z Sensor and quickly press and release the power button. The lights will go on and then off. The green light will start flashing, indicating that the sensor is searching for a connection.
- You'll know the Z Screen and Z Sensor are paired when the Z Screen displays the temperature. Confirm the Z Screen is paired with the correct Z Sensor by matching the 20-digit number located on the Z Screen and the barcode sticker on the side of the Z Sensor.
- You can switch from a Fahrenheit display to Celsius by holding the Z Screen power button for 3 seconds, or until you hear two sets of beeps, and let go.
Installing a NIST Probe
- To install or replace a NIST, Humidity, or Glycol probe, unscrew the protective cap or existing probe in a counterclockwise direction and discard it.
- To connect a new NIST probe, line up the arrow on the NIST probe with the arrow on the same port from which you just removed the old probe. There are five pins on the Z Sensor and five holes on the NIST probe that correspond.
- Gently screw the NIST probe into the same port in a clockwise direction. Do not use excessive force, as this can damage the pins.
Note: NIST probes should be installed on Port 1 unless the Port 1 pins have been bent, at which point the NIST probe can be installed on Port 2.
BZ Gateway Installation
- Remove the BZ Gateway from its packaging.
- Plug the power adapter into the BZ Gateway.
- Plug the BZ Gateway into a designated outlet to charge.
Note: Your BZ Gateway may need to charge for 30 minutes before moving on to step 4.
- Use the signal finder mode on the BZ Gateway to determine an install location with the best cellular signal strength. To enter signal finder mode, hold the power button for more than 2 seconds but less than 5 seconds. A white LED will flash repeatedly to indicate you are in signal finder mode.
- To achieve the best connectivity, move the BZ Gateway around the install location until the white LED begins to quickly blink (a blinking red LED indicates a poor cellular signal). Maximum signal strength is represented with a white LED flash every 200ms (the faster the white LED blinks indicates a stronger cellular signal).
- Once a good location has been found, quickly press and release the power button to exit signal finder mode.
- Reference the included LED status guide below to confirm that the BZ Gateway is communicating.
- The BZ Gateway should be installed using the mounting bracket (available as SKU: TM-GW-BZ-VZW-C upon request), and doubled up 8" zip ties.
- Instructions for the BZ Gateway mounting bracket are available below.
- Install the BZ Gateway onto a clean wall surface, 6 feet off the ground.
- Once the BZ Gateway is installed, use wire mounts and zip ties to neatly manage the wiring and prevent snagging or damage to the BZ Gateway.
Note: SmartSense does not condone the use of drills or screws for any device installation. Customers self-installing do so at their own risk.
Once you are done installing the BZ Gateway, you will need to install the BZ Gateway Mounting Bracket.
- Remove the BZ Gateway and mounting bracket from their respective packaging.
- Insert the included thumbscrews into the back of the BZ Gateway.
- Using the mounting bracket as a guide, mark and drill two holes in the wall.
- Be mindful of the surface you are drilling into and what might be behind it.
- These steps should be completed only after confirming power availability, cellular signal, and device reporting health for all associated sensors.
- Using a hammer, tap drywall anchors into the holes until flush with the wall.
- Install the mounting bracket to the wall using the included screws.
- Attach the BZ Gateway to the bracket by inserting it from the top and sliding it down to seat the BZ Gateway into the indent on the bracket.
- The mounting bracket may also be installed to a rack or shelf using zip ties.
Verifying System Connectivity
- Locate your dashboard instructions for detailed login directions and how to view sensor temperature data.
- All sensors should be reading like the image below.
- If a question mark appears next to a sensor, it is not communicating with the gateway.
- The gateway position should be adjusted.
- Remember the gateway needs to be centrally located between the cook-line and walk-in/reach-in cooler door.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your SmartSense Gateway is not reporting, please confirm the following:
- Confirm the proper LED light sequence based on gateway type.
- The gateway's power cable is not cut or damaged (if so, you will need to purchase a replacement).
- The gateway's power cable is plugged in and the power source has not been compromised.
- The gateway is mounted securely and high up on the wall in an upright position. If the gateway is located behind connectivity-blocking objects (metal walls or other units), this can affect connectivity.
If your SmartSense Sensors are not reporting properly, please confirm the following:
- All gateways are powered on and reporting properly. Please ensure this first before troubleshooting sensors.
- Confirm the sensor type (you can learn more about sensor types here).
- If you are troubleshooting B2 Sensors, confirm that the sensor is located in a clear line of sight to a gateway - ensure the gateway is not installed behind commonly closed doors, walls, piping, etc. B2 Sensor will report at all times and does not have an on/off switch. You can remove the B2 Sensor from the unit and place it near the gateway to confirm it is still reporting properly. If the B2 Sensor still does not report, please contact the SmartSense Support team.
- If you are troubleshooting Z Sensors, confirm that the Z Sensor is powered on by pressing the power button on the front face of the sensor.
Completing Your Install
Before you finish:
- Record all device names/locations with their respective sensor serial numbers on the installation sheet (download here).
- Are all sensors securely and properly installed?
- Are all gateways installed central to the sensors, high on the wall, unobstructed, and out of the way of daily operations?
- Are all sensors currently reporting (have they reported in the last ten minutes) AS THEY'RE INSTALLED?
- Ensure you have left your workspace clean and free of packaging materials.