Frequently Asked Questions

System Requirements:

The SMT BiG software can be installed on a computer with the following minimum system requirements:

1. Microsoft Windows XP/Vista/7
2. 512 MB of RAM
3. 50 MB of free disk space

Network Requirements:

The SMT BiG software can synchronize data with SMT's Building Analytics network interface with the following network requirements:

1. HTTP Internet Access on Port 80
2. Accept ICMP Echo Requests (allow ping)
3. If email notifications are used, specify the SMTP port used under the Settings -> Mail tab Example: If SSL is used, Port 587 or 465
4. If RDP is used for remote administration enable port forwarding for port 3389
5. If VNC is used for remote administration enable port forwarding for port: 5900

Note: BiG must be commissioned to an Analytics Project in order for it to Synchronize its schema and data. Refer to the BiG User Manual for instructions on how to commission your gateway with Analytics.

To conifgure a WiDAQ follow the steps below.  Note: SMT-A2 conifguration does not use this method.

Step 1. Access diagnostic mode of the WiDAQ

Put the WiDAQ into Diagnostics mode.

WiDAQs operating over CAN do not need to be put into diagnostics mode.

Two methods:

1. Press the button on the WiDAQ 5 times.  Both green and red light should be ON.
2. Right click on the WiDAQ selection you wish to modify and select "Mailbox Message" and then "Enter Diagnostics Mode".  The next time the WiDAQ checks in, it will process this command.  It could take up to 5 minutes for the WiDAQ to check in.

Right click on the WiDAQ you wish to configure and select Configure. The WiDAQ must be in diagnostics mode or operating over a CAN bus.

Step 2. Configure WiDAQ

Using this screen inputs can be enabled/disabled. The channel and PAN can be set. The channel mask can be defined. The Timer or reporting frequency can be selected

Datalogging Capacity

The short Answer:  Yes

SMT Research System have be installed by many General Contractors, Communication Contractors, AV, IT companies.  The sensors, and hardware systems are delivered configured and ready to install into your building.  In certain projects, an SMT representative will commission the entire system, and certify that all is in working order piror to sign off. 

SMT Research can provide Turn-Key monitoring solutions – from design and specifications though final commissioning and long term monitoring.

Please contact SMT Research with your project details for a free quotation.

The short answer: No

The wireless system is based on 802.15.4 IEEE Network protocols, and is out of range of any licensed or unlicensed bands of transmission.

The short Answer:  Yes - but they don’t have to.

The wireless system can be operated on standard 110/220 volt AC electrical services, with the advantage of wireless then is that there is no communication cable required to routed back a central location. 

Various deployments of the wireless system use single use 5 to 15 year battery packs; others utilize rechargeable batteries for short term INTENSE sampling research.  SMT Research also deploys solar powered sensors to the outside of the building environment for long term 30 plus year power supply life. 

Selection of the power supply is based on specific projects, sampling rate, measurement sensors, etc. 

Contact our engineers with your project details  so we can assist to supply your monitoring requirements.

The short answer:  BOTH wired and wireless  

The SMT Research WiDAQ can be configured to be a wired data acquisition device or a wireless data acquisition device.  Your project requirements drive the configuration and the specific deployment of the WiDAQ.  

The short answer:  Absolutely.

The SMT Research equipment and monitoring system was specifically designed taking into account application to existing buildings.

The system can be installed to the outside of a building enclosure wall or roof system while performing routine inspection or maintenance - without interruption to the building occupants.

Alarms are water and moisture leaks that require IMMEDIATE attention.  The SMT system independently send text pages and emails as alarms, additionally the Building Intelligence Gateway can be connected to the general alarm system, the security system alert.

Events are moisture accumulation that occurs in areas that not critical for immediate notification and action.  There is a possibility that many moisture events will occur during an especially heavy rain and wind storms.  The moisture that is detected may dry out over time, and the event will not require special maintenance attention.

The short answer:  No

We can detect the conditions that lead to mold growth - the temperature and moisture content levels of your building wall or roof systems. 

Moisture Detection is when SMT Research equipment monitors for moisture accumulation in the building enclosure - the walls, roof and foundation of the building, and there is a slow gradual build up of moisture in which over time may cause damage to the building.

Leak Detection is when SMT Research equipment monitors for water  intrusion into a space, which could be the building enclosure and roof & envelope, but also could wider spread from leaks from plumbing fixtures, mechanical equipment.  In most water leak cases the water leak over a very short period of time and the monitoring and reporting occurs in minutes.

SMT Research Ltd. is currently looking for an Electronic Technologist in the Vancouver, BC area.  Please send resumes to info@smtresearch.ca

Our clients have requested confidentially, and we respect that. Please contact us if you want references from the professionals and owners that we have worked with. We'll ask our clients for permission for you to give them a call - and give you full contact information.