¶ Overview
The following reference guides cover the setup and configuration of the neatMon Automated Monitoring Node (AMN) products.
The AMN is a hardware device designed to automatically monitor sensor inputs and send the calculated value to a remote server where the data can be aggregated and displayed to users, or used for edge computing purposes. Interested in sending the data to your own server? See the neatMon Open Source API in the Software Support section to learn more about the data model.
For a product comparison matrix see the information on the bottom of this page. Need help setting up a device, see the Firmware Reference below.
¶ Useful Help Articles
We are always adding to the help articles. If you have an idea or would like specific information that you are unable to find, please contact support
¶ USB Driver Download
The automated monitoring node requires a USB driver to connect to Windows-based computers. You can download the driver from the link here.
¶ Opening Serial Terminal
Use a serial terminal program to communicate with the AMN to set port configurations, test and debug sensors or communications issues
¶ Updating Firmware by USB
When new features are needed a firmware update can be used to add functionality. Newer firmware may be updated using the Over-The-Air function in the online software, or in some cases by cable as this guide describes.
¶ Firmware Reference
All models operate using the same firmware base, meaning that the commands, and functions are the same. However, to save space in the device memory, each communication option such as Wi-Fi, Cellular, or Satellite, has different firmware that will be loaded. Firmware and configuration references can be found below
¶ Firmware Command Reference
Command reference to setup, test and debug using the nM AMN firmware.
¶ Debugging Cellular Connectivity
Reference to enable debugging of cellular connections.
¶ Product Support Links
| Model | Description | Photo |
| AMN-MINI |
Port connectivity: SDI-12, I2C, GPIO/Analog enabled. See the specification sheet for more details. |
|
| AMN-PLUS |
|
¶ Product Configuration Reference
Configuration options for the AMN allow for a wide variety of communication and sensor port options.
The AMN-PLUS features considerably more sensor connection options. It is recommended for installations requiring retrofitting, and or connecting user-provided sensors, as well as when many sensors are required at a single monitoring location.
¶ Communication and WAN Modem Options
Each AMN consists of a circuit board with a USB port for connecting directly to the node to set up, test, or debug.
For Wide Area Network/Cloud communications, each AMN is capable of communication via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (BLE). The Automated Monitoring Nodes can be ordered from the factory or upgraded in-field with a replaceable modem to communicate with a cellular or satellite network.
Additionally, the AMN can communicate with Bluetooth sensors up to several hundred feet from the node.
The following is a matrix of modem options and frequencies used for each band. For more information on LTE bands and their corresponding frequencies and country list see this wiki article
| Modem Option | Carriers, Bands, Options |
|
W |
Chipset GPS Wi-Fi Bands/Frequencies Data Rates/Options |
|
C |
Chipset Carriers GPS CAT-M1/NB-IoT (4G/LTE) GSM, EDGE, GPRS (2G) |
|
CT |
Chipset Carriers GPS CAT-M1/NB-IoT (4G/LTE) GSM, EDGE, GPRS (2G) |
|
H |
Chipset Carriers GPS CAT-1 (4G/LTE) DC-HSPA+ (3G) GSM, EDGE, GPRS (2G) |
|
S |
Carriers GPS Frequency |
¶ Backup Filesystem
Each node has 16 MB of internal memory, allowing a wide variety of configurations, and can be used as a backup filesystem in the event of communication failure.
¶ GPIO Port Options
All models feature GPIO, or general-purpose input/output sensor ports to maximize sensor compatibility. When configured as an analog input, an optional 4-20mA jumper can be enabled to connect sensors without external resistors and loop power supplies.
¶ Discrete Counter Options
The AMN-PLUS model features a discrete counter port. An optional jumper provides a pull-up or pull-down selector for configuring the port for open collector or reed switch inputs respectively.
¶ QWIIC Connector
The QWIIC connector is an industry-standard connector that allows for expansion boards, and sensors, to be connected directly to the internal nM I2C port without using any of the GPIO ports.
¶ RS485 Communication Port
The AMN-PLUS features a discrete RS485 half-duplex communication port for RTU Modbus and ASCII communication with third-party devices.
¶ Model Configuration Matrix
| Model |
GPIO Sensor Ports |
Discrete Counter Sensor Ports |
Discrete HD Analog Sensor Ports |
QWIIC Port Dedicated I2C Sensor Port |
RS485 Half-Duplex Communication Port |
Communication Options |
| AMN-MINI-CT | 2 GPIO | - | - | Yes | - | Wi-Fi, BLE, LTE CAT-M1 |
| AMN-MINI-H | 2 GPIO | - | - | Yes | - | Wi-Fi, BLE, LTE CAT1 +HSPA |
| AMN-MINI-W | 2 GPIO | - | - | Yes | - | Wi-Fi, BLE |
| AMN-PLUS-CT | 4 GPIO | 1 DIG | 2 ADC (12-BIT) | Yes | Yes | Wi-Fi, BLE, LTE CAT-M1 |
| AMN-PLUS-H | 4 GPIO | 1 DIG | 2 ADC (12-BIT) | Yes | Yes | Wi-Fi, BLE, LTE CAT1 +HSPA |
| AMN-PLUS-W | 4 GPIO | 1 DIG | 2 ADC (12-BIT) | Yes | Yes | Wi-Fi, BLE |
| AMN-PRO-C | 2 GPIO | - | - | Yes | - | Wi-Fi, BLE, LTE CAT-M1 |
| AMN-PRO-H | 2 GPIO | - | - | Yes | - | Wi-Fi, BLE, LTE CAT1 +HSPA |
| AMN-PRO-W | 2 GPIO | - | - | Yes | - | Wi-Fi, BLE Only |