VoBo-GP-1-915 Support & Frequently Asked Questions

[1] Does VoBo come with sensors?

[2] What is LoRa/LoRaWAN?

[3] How is LoRa/LoRaWAN different from cellular?

[4] What type of batteries does a VoBo use?

[5] How long do VoBo batteries last?

[6] Can VoBos run off of solar?

[7] Can I use a VoBo to track or locate equipment?

[8] I am used to working with SCADA systems. Why should I consider LoRaWAN and/or VolleyBoast's Monitoring Service?

[9] How is the VoBo different from other products in market?

[10] Do I have to own my own gateway?

[11] Is the VoBo certified for use in the hazardous areas per API, NFPA, and IEC guidelines?

[12] Can I customize a VoBo/change its settings?

[13] Can I install (or deploy) them myself?

[1] Does VoBo come with sensors?

No. The VoBo endpoint is designed to power a variety of sensors, process their signals, and communicate them to the gateway. Contact BiPOM Electronics for sensor selection.

[2] What is LoRa/LoRaWAN?

LoRa (short for "Long Range") is the RF technology, and LoRaWAN is the protocol. Standards for LoRa/LoRaWAN are maintained by the LoRa Alliance.

[3] How is LoRa/LoRaWAN different from cellular?

LoRaWAN is part of a family called LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network). LoRaWANs can be managed as either public or private networks. Public LoRaWANs are operated by service providers (such as Actility, Helium, Orbiwise, and Senet) and allow customers to deploy LoRa enabled devices without having to worry about the gateways and all of the other network management issues. Private LoRaWANs are generally used by larger customers with the technological skills in house necessary to manage a network; such as Multitech's LENS. Alternatively VolleyBoast can set up and manage private LoRaWANs through its Monitoring Service.

[4] What type of batteries does a VoBo use?

VoBos use 3.6 V Primary lithium-thionyl chloride batteries. The required number of batteries are provided with the VoBo, replacements may be purchased by the customer.

[5] How long do VoBo batteries last?

Battery life depends on a variety of factors such as types of sensors used, how long the sensors need to be powered to take an accurate reading, how often readings are taken, and a few other less determinant factors. Under most use cases, a single 13 Ahr battery will last 2 or even 5 years depending on the combination of these factors.

[6] Can VoBos run off of solar?

Yes, this requires a special configuration and is, therefore, more expensive. VolleyBoast does not offer this configuration "off the shelf" so please contact us if this is something you are interested in better understanding.

[7] Can I use a VoBo to track or locate equipment?

It is not recommended as there are better alternatives for accomplishing this. VoBos can be deployed on equipment that is mobile as long as it remains in range of a gateway when it is operating.

[8] I am used to working with SCADA systems. Why should I consider LoRaWAN and/or VolleyBoast's Monitoring Service?

SCADA ("Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition") systems generally require constant power and are well-suited for large, complex industrial operations requiring real-time, continuous two-way communication. LoRaWANs, alternatively, are best used in situations requiring intermittent communication with measurement endpoints and when information can be adequately conveyed in small data packets. Both SCADA and LoRa have their respective places in the industrial world and really function best when working together. With LoRa we can make data available directly to the customers business systems or data lake.

[9] How is the VoBo different from other products in market?

To date, there has been significant uptake for LoRa devices in the consumer, retail, and commercial sectors. Solutions for industrial applications provided by other vendors typically integrate LoRa functionality into the sensor. This restricts the sensor choices available to the customer.

[10] Do I have to own my own gateway?

No. VoBos can be used with any LoRa Alliance certified networks. There are several public networks in operation that may have coverage in the area of interest.

[11] Is the VoBo certified for use in the hazardous areas per API, NFPA, and IEC guidelines?

Design modifications are being implemented for certification for location in Class I/Division 2 hazardous areas in the US and to be able to connect with most Intrinsically Safe sensors.

[12] Can I customize a VoBo/change its settings?

Yes. VoBos come with default settings. Customers can change these settings remotely over the cloud through our customer portal or locally with a custom RS-232 cable.

[13] Can I install (or deploy) them myself?

Absolutely. As long as you comply with laws, code, and your particular industrial regulations, you can easily install VoBos on your own equipment. LoRa radios operate in the unlicensed radio spectrum, which means an FCC license is not required to operate a LoRa network.