Topics included in this article:
- Overview
- Compatible Devices
- Setup and Registration
- Bluetooth
- Hardware Installation
- Unregistering
- Troubleshooting
- Helpful Links
- Contact Support or Sales
Overview
The Rhombus E15 proactively detects changes in temperature and humidity. With its long-lasting battery, the E15 broadcasts to all nearby BLE-enabled Rhombus devices and can monitor fluctuations in temperature and humidity in climate-controlled areas to protect valuable assets.
Compatible Devices
Before registering a Rhombus sensor, you will need a Rhombus device that supports the Rhombus Sensor Network. You can confirm by visiting the device specs web page on the Rhombus Systems corporate site and looking for the following icon:
Below is a list of compatible BLE gateway devices:
- R120
- R2
- R170
- R200
- R230
- R600
- A100
- DR40
- E50
Setup and Registration
Battery Requirements
The E15 uses 2x Lithium AAA batteries (series). Each battery should measure 1.5v nominal. Alkaline batteries can be used instead; however, it should be noted that this will reduce the device's battery life.
Battery Life
Expected battery life: 5 years with typical medium-heavy use when using Lithium AAA batteries.
Battery Installation
1. Remove the back cover from the E15 by lifting up the portion of the cover that says "open."
2. Insert the included 2x 1.5V AAA Lithium Batteries, ensuring the positive (+) terminal and negative (-) terminal match with the markings on the E15. Once inserted, close the back cover.
Registration
1. To register, the E15 needs to be awakened from sleep mode. This can be done by pressing the Rhombus logo on the E15 or by re-inserting the batteries into the device. The LED will pulse green, indicating it is ready to register, and will stay in this mode for 2 minutes before returning to sleep.
2. Once the LED is pulsing green, open the Rhombus mobile app and tap "Register Devices" at the bottom of the page.
3. Select the E15(s) you want to register.
Note: You can confirm the correct device by comparing the serial number displayed on the app to the one on the back of the E15.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard used for exchanging data between devices over short distances.
BLE Range
Under ideal circumstances, all Rhombus sensors can communicate via Bluetooth up to 300ft with a compatible Rhombus BLE enabled device.
BLE range can be affected by different factors, including but not limited to:
- Obstacles: Physical obstacles such as walls, furniture, and other obstructions can weaken Bluetooth signals and reduce range.
- Environmental Conditions: Environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, and electromagnetic interference can affect the performance of the device.
- Interference: Bluetooth operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, which is also used by many other wireless technologies, such as Wi-Fi, cordless phones, and microwaves. Interference from these devices can degrade Bluetooth signals and reduce range.
BLE Signal Strength
BLE signal strength is referenced as RSSI, Received Signal Strength Indicator. A higher RSSI value, like -10 (closer to 0), generally indicates a stronger signal, while a lower RSSI value, such as -85 (further from 0), indicates a weaker signal.
Signal strength can vary depending on factors such as distance, obstacles, interference, and the transmitting power of the Bluetooth devices involved. When evaluating BLE signal strength, it's important to consider these factors and ensure that the signal strength is sufficient for the intended application.
The signal strength in both the web and mobile app tells you how well the communication is between the sensor and paired Rhombus device.
| Web Console | Mobile App |
| Located in the second column of the devices tab sensor view. (Hover over this icon to display the RSSI value) | Located on the right side of the list view. |
Hardware Installation
1. Adhere the E15 to the desired surface using the included mounting adhesives. For optimal performance, we recommend installing the E15 in direct line-of-sight with a compatible BLE-enabled Rhombus device.
Installation Best Practices
To reduce the likelihood of E15 reading errors or connectivity issues, follow the recommendations below.
- Have a BLE-enabled Rhombus device in direct line of sight with the E15 to increase signal strength.
- Avoid RF-blocking obstacles: This includes mounting the E15 in a freezer, fridge, behind a metal door, etc.
- Avoid mounting the E15 near a source of heat (e.g., on the output vent of an AC/HVAC system, near an exhaust vent, etc.)
- Ensure the sensor intake panel is not covered or blocked by surrounding objects
Unregistering
You can unregister sensors from the phone app. You must be logged into the organization of the sensor(s) you want to unregister.
Please Note: In order to unregister the sensors, a BLE-compatible device must be connected to the network and within range of the sensor. Sensors must be unregistered before the Rhombus gateway device is unregistered.
1. Navigate to the Rhombus App "Devices" page.
2. Scroll to the bottom and click "Utilities."
3. Click on "Unregister Sensors."
4. Select the sensor(s) you want to unregister and complete the process.
Troubleshooting
LED Indicators
| Pulsing Green | E15 waiting to be registered. |
| LED off | E15 is registered and operating normally or is not receiving power. If E15 shows as offline in the console, press the Rhombus logo button to verify functionality. If the LED does not turn on, the device may need new batteries. |
| Pulsing Red | A hard reset is required (remove and re-install batteries). |
| Solid Red | Hardware Error (contact Support). |
Troubleshooting Steps
| Problem | Troubleshooting Steps |
| Sensor value (temperature or humidity) differs between another temperature sensor. |
The temperature between 2 locations in the same room may vary by a significant amount due to:
Our sensors report once every 3-4 minutes, and data displayed on the console is an average, not an instantaneous reading. |
| Temperature sensor values are abnormal for the expected environment. |
Ensure the sensor is not placed near a source of heat. Examine spike timing history for time correlations with events in the end user’s environment. Example: Spikes observed around 8 am M-F. This is likely when an HVAC unit is set to turn on for the day. Ensure the sensors are not placed in exceptionally harsh environments (e.g., blast furnaces, cryogenic chambers, etc.). Ensure the firmware is up to date. |
| Sensor placed in freezer shows offline in Rhombus console. |
Some freezers block RF data transmissions. Confirm that the sensor transmits OK outside of the freezer. Please note: cold temperatures reduce battery life. |
| When trying to register a BLE sensor via the mobile app, the sensor is not present in the list of found sensors. |
First, confirm that the sensor is powered on and in the registration mode, typically indicated by a slow-blinking LED. If the sensor is powered and awaiting registration but doesn't appear in the list, try closing the mobile app entirely. This process may vary depending on the phone model. Once the app is closed, relaunch it and check if the sensor is now detected. If the issue persists, you may need to uninstall and reinstall the mobile app to ensure proper functionality. |
| The sensor’s reported battery life percentage in the console drops suddenly. |
The reported battery life of a sensor may dip significantly for a short amount of time immediately post-bootup (when the batteries are installed). This is normal, and the reported battery life should return to normal within an hour or two. |
For any additional assistance, don't hesitate to contact Support.
Helpful Links
Contact Support or Sales
Have more questions? Contact Rhombus Support at +1 (877) 746-6797 option 2 or support@rhombus.com.
Interested in learning more? Contact Rhombus Sales at +1 (877) 746-6797 option 1 or sales@rhombus.com.
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