REFERENCE MANUAL

Contact: [email protected]
Bob Assistant - Reference Manual

Table of contents
I. Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................................4
1.1. Overview .............................................................................................................................................................. 4
1.2. Recommended fastening solutions ..................................................................................................................5
1.2.1. Magnets – default configuration ..............................................................................................................5
1.2.2. Rivet ............................................................................................................................................................. 6
1.2.3. Screw ........................................................................................................................................................... 6
1.2.4. Fixation plate ..............................................................................................................................................7
1.3. Key Features ........................................................................................................................................................8
II. Functional overview .....................................................................................................................................................9
2.1. Life cycle and Operating modes........................................................................................................................9
2.1.1. Functional preview ....................................................................................................................................9
2.1.2. Startup & initialization............................................................................................................................... 9
2.1.3. Operating modes .......................................................................................................................................9
2.2. Device Interaction ............................................................................................................................................ 14
2.2.1. Device Startup ......................................................................................................................................... 14
2.3. Device power off .............................................................................................................................................. 16
2.4. BoB ASSISTANT v1.0 (‘MPU’) and BoB ASSISTANT v1.1 (‘KX’) Product Variants ......................................... 17
2.5. Product variants payload identification ........................................................................................................ 18
2.6. Payload data content ...................................................................................................................................... 18
2.7. Manufacturing configuration ......................................................................................................................... 19
2.7.1. Device default configuration ................................................................................................................. 19
2.7.2. Labels ....................................................................................................................................................... 19
III. Uplink payloads (Device to LoRa server) ................................................................................................................ 21
3.1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................... 21
3.2. LEARNING MESSAGE........................................................................................................................................ 21
3.2.1. Payload structure ................................................................................................................................... 21
3.3. REPORT MESSAGE ............................................................................................................................................ 22
3.3.1. Payload structure ................................................................................................................................... 22
3.3.2. Report message payload data extraction example ............................................................................ 24
3.4. ALARM MESSAGE ............................................................................................................................................. 25
3.4.1. Payload structure ................................................................................................................................... 25
3.5. STATE MESSAGE payload structure ............................................................................................................... 26
IV. Downlink (LoRa to device) ........................................................................................................................................ 27
4.1. Renew learning mode or add learning .......................................................................................................... 27
4.2. Change sampling period ................................................................................................................................. 27
4.3. Enable/disable STATE MESSAGE .................................................................................................................... 27
4.4. Change ALARM MESSAGE threshold ............................................................................................................. 28
V. Charts examples ....................................................................................................................................................... 29
5.1. Breakdown of the operating time of the machine ...................................................................................... 29
5.2. Anomaly distribution ....................................................................................................................................... 29
5.3. Average unnatural vibration level in reports ................................................................................................ 30
5.4. Number of drift notifications ......................................................................................................................... 30
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5.5. Temperature .................................................................................................................................................... 30

5.6. Maximum vibration value ............................................................................................................................... 31
5.7. Peak Frequency ................................................................................................................................................ 31
5.8. Report view ....................................................................................................................................................... 32
5.9. Vibration drift Alarm view ............................................................................................................................... 33
VI. Payload examples ..................................................................................................................................................... 34
6.1. Raw payload ..................................................................................................................................................... 34
6.1.1. Payload samples for MPU version (BoB v1.0 / PN:3.x) ....................................................................... 34
6.1.2. Payload samples for KX version (BoB v1.1 / PN:4.x) ........................................................................... 35
6.2. KX version Decode examples ......................................................................................................................... 36
6.2.1. LEARNING TYPE ....................................................................................................................................... 36
6.2.2. REPORT TYPE ........................................................................................................................................... 37
6.2.3. ALARM TYPE ............................................................................................................................................ 38
6.2.4. STATE TYPE .............................................................................................................................................. 39
VII. Frequently Asked questions ................................................................................................................................ 40
7.1. Why monitor vibrations and their drift?........................................................................................................ 40
7.2. What are the main causes of vibration anomaly? ....................................................................................... 40
7.3. Which type of equipment is well suited for BoB ASSISTANT? .................................................................... 41
7.4. What is the temperature limit? ...................................................................................................................... 41
7.5. When should BoB ASSISTANT be installed on the equipment? ................................................................. 41
7.6. Can we start BoB ASSISTANT on a machine that is not running? .............................................................. 41
7.7. Can BoB ASSISTANT or the machine be moved without disrupting its operation? ................................. 42
7.8. What is the autonomy of BoB ASSISTANT sensors? .................................................................................... 42
7.9. How to evaluate LorA coverage? What is the operating limit? ................................................................... 42
7.10. First learning and complete learning, what is the difference? ................................................................... 42
7.11. Bob started his learning but does not complete it. Why? ........................................................................... 43
7.12. Why one BoB ASSISTANT is taking more time to complete its learning than another one? .................. 43
7.13. Why is BoB ASSISTANT learning several time in the first week of operation? ......................................... 43
7.14. How to make an additional learning or start BoB ASSISTANT over? ......................................................... 43
7.15. Some data are missing? .................................................................................................................................. 43
7.16. Missing data and operating time ................................................................................................................... 43
7.17. BoB ASSISTANT did not detect any anomalies, however, a failure occurred. What to do about it? ...... 44
7.18. What is the difference between alarm and notification? ............................................................................ 44
7.19. How to configure a notification trigger threshold? ...................................................................................... 44
7.20. Why does the learning progress report indicate a value outside of expected values (20%, 40%...)? .... 44
7.21. Is it possible to check the activity and proper functioning of BoB ASSISTANT on request? ................... 45
7.22. What is the range of BoB ASSISTANT (communication distance) in an industrial environment? .......... 45
7.23. Are the transmitted data secure? .................................................................................................................. 45
7.24. I started BoB ASSISTANT, but no message arrives on the livestream ....................................................... 45
7.25. How do I position BoB ASSISTANT on my machine? ................................................................................... 45
VIII. Document history ................................................................................................................................................. 46

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I. Introduction

1.1. Overview
BoB Assistant is a low power LoRaWANTM compatible vibration sensor for indoor and outdoor predictive
maintenance industrial applications, coupled with a temperature sensor for environmental conditions, a
push button and an RGB Led for User Interface.

BoB ASSISTANT will measure and analyze vibrations to detect abnormal behaviors of your industrial
machines, with artificial intelligence capable of detecting operating anomalies before a failure occurs.

BoB ASSISTANT’s casing is IP68 (dust and water proof). Edge AI makes it possible to process locally any
vibration that comes from your machine. The amount of data transmitted is then optimized and secured,
guaranteeing BoB ASSISTANT's autonomy for several years!
Very easy to install, BoB ASSISTANT does not require any configuration. Simply put BoB ASSISTANT on
your machine, start it, and after a just few hours of learning, BoB ASSISTANT takes care of your machine!

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1.2. Recommended fastening solutions

1.2.1. Magnets – default configuration

BoB ASSISTANT is delivered with a magnet kit, so you can put your device on your machine out of the
box.

Default configuration:
- Magnet (x2):
o Manufacturer: BRUGGER MAGNET
o Reference: A22AG-KsM4x6
- Nut (x2):
o Manufacturer: BOSSARD
o Reference: BN11207 / 3061765

Validated references:

Manufacturer Reference Pull Force Size (DxHxL / M) Comments

(kg)
BRUGGER A43AG-KsM4x6 10 43x6x12mm / M4x6 Rubber coated magnet (outdoor
use, max 60°C)
BRUGGER A22AG-KsM4x6 6 22x6x12.5mm / M4x6.5 Rubber coated magnet (outdoor
use, max 60°C)
ECLIPSE E1053/NEO 14 20x6x15.5mm/ M4x9.5 Neodymium magnet (indoor
use, max 80°C)
ECLIPSE E1054/NEO 20 25x7x16.5mm / M5x9.5 Neodymium magnet (indoor use
max 80°C)

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These magnets references have been successfully tested as compliant with ETSI 300-019 class 5.2 when
mounted on BoB ASSISTANT.
Class 5.2: all types of road vehicles used in areas with a well-developed road system, except tracked
vehicles, motorcycles, scooters and other vehicles with low mass. The equipment can be mounted on
surfaces which may be subjected to flying stones. The equipment may be mounted on passenger car
instrument panels to which high frequency vibrations from the engine, or from other parts connected to
the engine, may be transmitted. This class also applies to fork lift trucks and trains with soft suspension and
shock reducing buffers

1.2.2. Rivet

Rivet properties: Ø4mm, length 7/10.2/13.3mm

Drilling: Ø4.1mm / Ø4.2mm

Manufacturer Reference Comments

BOSSARD BN 84545 / 8031215 Ring washer
BOSSARD BN 1409 / 3206579 Rivet

1.2.3. Screw

Manufacturer Reference Comments

BENE INOX 211309 TF TORX 4x45mm wood screw
WURTH 0455000304 Cup washer

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1.2.4. Fixation plate

In order to fasten BoB ASSISTANT on a circular surface, a fixation plate has been designed. It can be
fastened using hose clamps:

Default configuration:
- Fixation plate (x1):
o Manufacturer: EOLANE
o Reference: EOM1000200
- Hex socket head cap screw M4x6 (x2)
o Manufacturer: BOSSARD
o Reference: BN 612 - 1208152
- Serrated lock washer M4 (x2):
o Manufacturer: BOSSARD
o Reference: BN 4880 - 1184040

Hose clamps references:

max value for width (a) = 15mm

Manufacturer Reference (family) Width (mm) Comments
BOSSARD BN 20568 - DIN 3017 9 European store
BOSSARD BN 20569 - DIN 3017 12 European store
BOSSARD BN 949 - DIN 3017 9 European / US store
BOSSARD BN 950 - DIN 3017 12 European / US store

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1.3. Key Features

Radio: Power supply:
Maximum transmission power 25mW in the band Battery, 2 years warranty (normal use)
868.0 to 868.6MHz
LoRa SF6-SF12 Case:
LoRa 1.0 Class A Polyamide case
LoRa Sensitivity: -137 dBm Dimensions: 76 x 79 x 23 mm
Weight: 75 grams
Temperature range: IP68 Protection
Storage: -25°C to +55°C
Use: -20°C to +55°C Tests and Certifications:
CE marking, qualified for industrial use in
RGB LED: accordance with
Network availability, EN 61000-6-2.
Learning stage, ETSI EN 300 019:
And anomaly detection. Storage Class 1.2 Part 1.1
Transport Class 2.3 Part 1.2
Sensor: Use Class 5.2 Part 1.5
3-Axis Accelerometer
Temperature measurement
Vibrations measurement 0Hz-500 Hz (MPU version)
Vibrations measurement 0Hz-11800 Hz (KX version)
Adjustable periodic sampling

Firmware:
Automatic learning process and reporting by
embedded artificial intelligence.
Possibility to add new learning or to reset learning.
AES-128 Encrypted data

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II. Functional overview

2.1. Life cycle and Operating modes

2.1.1. Functional preview

The following figure presents the different modes of operation of the device:

Startup & Learning and

initialization reporting Monitoring Power off /
~7 days EOL
~a few minutes

• Check for • Learn any new • Send Alarm messages • Get to poweroff
LoRaWANTM vibration signature whenever the drift mode
Network availability • Warn about learning threshold is crossed • If End of life =>
• Check for vibration session(s) progress (25% drift by default) device recycling
level • Send periodic report • Send periodic report
• Send "Device ON" on machine health on machine health
state message at the (drift percentage, (drift percentage,
end of the mode operating time, operating time,
anomaly prediction) anomaly prediction)
• Send machine state • Send machine state
(On/Off) (On/Off)
• Receive potential • Receive potential
Downlink commands Downlink commands

2.1.2. Startup & initialization

The first step when you install BoB ASSISTANT on a machine you want to monitor will be to start the
device, and make sure that:
o the LoRaWANTM Network is reachable
o the vibration level of the machine is high enough
See §2.2.1 Device Startup for more details.

When the Startup & initialization mode is over, BoB ASSISTANT will then have 2 operating modes :
o Learning and Reporting
o Monitoring

2.1.3. Operating modes

2.1.3.1. Learning and reporting
This mode will last for ~7days, and will allow BoB ASSISTANT to learn the machine cycle(s). BoB
ASSISTANT will start by a first learning session, and will then start reporting. Each time a new vibration
signature is detected, BoB will start another learning session, in parrallel with the reporting mode.
New Vibration New Vibration
signature signature
First
Learning Learning Monitoring
learning Reporting Reporting Reporting
session session mode
session

~7 days

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2.1.3.1.1. First learning session

Once BoB ASSISTANT is started, it will enter a first Learning session, which will last for a few hours (~1 to
4 hours for a machine with a simple vibration cycle, e.g. Air Conditionning unit).
This learning session will create a first dataset for the embedded AI algortihms and store the
“screenshots” of the corresponding vibration signatures.
For each measure, it will perform a Fast Fourrier Transform (FFT):

It will then add each new signal information to the vibration signature dataset.
For example, after a few hours of operation, the dataset could have more than 30 “screenshots” for the
vibration signature of the machine:

In the first seven days of operation, BoB ASSISTANT will continue monitoring new vibration signatures,
and add them to the dataset.
After this period of time, no new vibration signature will be added to the dataset, unless it is required
through a Downlink command (see §IV Downlink (LoRa to device)).
During a learning session, BoB ASSISTANT will wake up every 60 seconds (default value, configurable,
see §4.2 Change sampling period) to sample the signal, perform the FFT of the vibration signature and
compare and record the sampling to the dataset. BoB ASSISTANT’s dataset is able to record up to 20
different vibration signature zones.

Device processing activity during learning sessions

Learning sampling period =

60 seconds

time
Not to scale

Sleep
mode

Vibration wake-up
screenshot and
= compare
and record
sample
signal

FFT
calculation

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Please be advised:
o if the vibration level was high enough at startup, but then is going below the minimum level of
detection in the first 7 days, the device might get stuck in a Learning session. In this case, we advise
to change BoB location on the machine to put it as close as possible to the vibration source, or on
a less vibration-insulated element.
o If a new machine cycle appears after the first seven days (e.g. production rate increase), it might
be considered by BoB ASSISTANT as an anomaly. In this case, you will have to send a Downlink
command to BoB ASSISTANT in order to add this cycle to the dataset.

During the Learning session, the device will send messages to keep you posted on the learning
percentage (0 to 100%), for example:

Device communication activity during Learning sessions

0 1 2 3 4 5

time
Not to scale
Each message will send details on the progress percentage of the learning session (most of the time 5
messages from 0 to 100, with a 20% step), environmental information (temperature, vibration level, peak
frequency), and a screenshot of the FFT (see §3.2.1 Payload structure)
2.1.3.1.2. Reporting
After the first Learning session, BoB ASSISTANT will switch to the reporting mode, where it will analyze
the machine vibration every 5 minutes:

Device activity during reporting Report sampling period =

5 minutes

time
Not to scale

BoB ASSISTANT will process each sample to define whether a new learning session is needed, or to
prepare a report of the activity sent in periodic reports (every 3 hours, not configurable) concerning the
health of the machine during this period, regarding:
 the operation time of the machine,
 its vibration level,
 the vibration drift percentage,
 and prediction on potential failure distance in time, based on the vibration analysis of the last 24
hours, the last 30 days, and the last 6 months

See §3.3.1 Payload structure for more details on report messages content.

Device communication activity during reporting

Reporting period = 3 hours

time
Not to scale

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2.1.3.1.3. End of learning mode

At the end of the learning mode (~7 days), BoB ASSISTANT will have completed its dataset.
For example, BoB ASSISTANT could have the following dataset, with two distinct vibration cycles with
their respective standard deviation from average point (radius)

2.1.3.2. Monitoring
After the learning mode, BoB ASSISTANT will switch to Monitoring mode, where it will continue its
reporting activity, and will start sending alarms if the drift in the vibration signature pass a defined threshold
(default value is 25% drift).
For each signal sampling (every 5 minutes by default), BoB ASSISTANT will process the sampled signal,
and compare it to its dataset:

For the green sample, the distance/drift of the point compared with the average point is within the
defined threshold (default drift percentage threshold is 25%). In this case, BoB will add the recorded data
to prepare the periodic report
For the red sample, the distance/drift of the point compared with the average point is beyond the
defined threshold. In this case, BoB will send an ALARM MESSAGE. The drift percentage triggering an ALARM
MESSAGE can be customized, see §4.4 Change ALARM MESSAGE threshold.
The alarm message can then trigger an e-mail/SMS alert at the platform level (cloud or on premise),
which will be sent to maintenance teams for machine inspection.

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2.1.3.3. Configurable parameters

Some parameters of BoB ASSISTANT can be tuned to adapt to the equipment operation. For more
information on how to change the parameters see §IV Downlink (LoRa to device)
2.1.3.3.1. Sampling period
BoB ASSISTANT will periodically wake up to sample the vibration signal of the machine (sampling
duration = 0.25s). By default, it will wake up every 60 seconds during the learning and reporting mode (first
7 days), and will then wake up every 5 minutes during the monitoring mode.
Some machines could need to have some different settings, e.g. machines with short operating cycles.
Mode Learning period Monitoring Period
Very Fast 10 sec 20 sec
Fast 20 sec 2 min
Default 60 sec 5 min
Slow 2 min 10 min

Please be advised: setting BoB ASSISTANT in Fast or Very Fast mode will have consequences on the
device lifespan.

2.1.3.3.2. State messages

BoB ASSISTANT will send machine status when it detects that the machine is turning ON or OFF, based
on sample results. These messages are enabled by default, they can also be disabled.
State message parameters
Enable State Message (default)
Disable State Message

Please be advised: for machines with very short cycles, it is recommended to disable the state
messages, as it could have dramatic effect on the device lifespan.

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2.2. Device Interaction

2.2.1. Device Startup
2.2.1.1. Turning BoB ASSISTANT ON
BoB ASSISTANT is OFF by default when delivered.
In order to start BoB ASSISTANT, you need to:
 Place BoB ASSISTANT on the machine you want to monitor(see §1.2 Recommended fastening
solutions)
 Turn the device ON by pushing on the button for more than 2 seconds, the LED will then blink
twice in green

You can then release the button, the device is ON

2.2.1.2. Startup and trouble shooting
2.2.1.2.1. Startup
Once switched ON, BoB ASSISTANT starts its initialization mode.
It then tries to reach the LoRaWANTM Network using OTAA (Over The Air Activation) and ensures that the
perceived vibration level is sufficient (>0.01g). During this mode, the LED is continuously blue ( ).
The initialization mode lasts for around 1 minute and 35 seconds (depending on LoRaWANTM Network
coverage)
A the end of this initialization mode, if the device has reached the LoRaWANTM Network, and the
perceived vibration level of the machine is sufficient (>0,01g), then the device will blink 5 times in green
, the LED will stay OFF and BoB ASSISTANT is ready to start its duty and enter the Learning
mode (see §2.1.3.1 Learning)
BoB ASSISTANT will then send a state message to warn that the device has started and everyting is OK
(see §3.5 STATE MESSAGE payload structure)
The following figure displays the different steps of the startup

Turn BoB ASSISTANT ON

~2s later
(2 green LED blinks)

Startup and initialization

(Continuous blue LED)
up to ~1minute and 35 seconds

End of initialization
(5 green LED blinks)

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2.2.1.2.2. Troubleshooting
Please be advised: If the LoRaWANTM Network was unreachable or if the vibration level is below the
minimum level, the device will not start its duty, but will go back to deep sleep mode. To restart the
device, follow §2.2.1.1 Turning BoB ASSISTANT ON
The following table summarizes the different sequences displayed by the LED, depending on the origin
of the problem:
Corresponding LED sequence on BoB
Origin of the problem Problem solving
ASSISTANT
- Check device declaration on the
5x LoRaWANTM Network Server (NS),
make sure that DEV_EUI, APP_EUI
and APP_Key are all correctly
LoRaWANTM Network declared on the NS.
unreachable If you did not receive the keys for
your device, please contact us.

- Check Network coverage on the

BoB ASSISTANT installation location.
If BoB ASSISTANT is out of range, you
can either add a gateway if you run
your own network, or contact your
operator to check for solutions
5x
Change BoB ASSISTANT location on
Vibration level below the machine, and try to put it as
the minimum level close as possible to the vibration
source, or on a less vibration-
insulated element.
BoB ASSISTANT perceives vibrations
of very low amplitude (minimum
0.01g), there is surely a suitable
place!

5x

Hardware problem
In this case, BoB ASSISTANT must be
replaced and we invite you to
contact our support team

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2.3. Device power off

In case you need to move BoB ASSISTANT from a machine to another and reset the vibration learning, it
is possible to turn BoB ASSISTANT off.
To do so, push the button for ~10/12s, until you see the green/yellow/red sequence on the LED. Once
the LED is red, you can release the button, the device is off.

~10s later

Turn BoB ASSISTANT OFF

(green->orange->red)

Release the button when the LED is red

BoB ASSISTANT is off

To turn BoB Assistant back on, follow the steps described in §2.2.1.1 Turning BoB ASSISTANT ON

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2.4. BoB ASSISTANT v1.0 (‘MPU’) and BoB ASSISTANT v1.1 (‘KX’) Product
Variants
BoB ASSISTANT is available in 2 major variants, depending on the accelerometer sensor reference. Those
2 variants both present different range of measurement, accuracy, and therefore monitoring capabilities.

Peak
Sensor Monitored 32 values FFT
Version P/N* Sampling rate Frequency Regions
type frequencies report
value
BoB MPU 3.x 0 - 500 Hz 1000 Hz 0- 500 Hz 32 values between EU only
v1.0 0 and 500Hz
(step=15,625 Hz)
BoB KX 4.x 0 - 12800 Hz Low Frequency 0 - 400 Hz 32 values between EU
v1.1 800Hz and High 0 and 3200 Hz US (prototype)
Frequency (step=100Hz)
25600Hz

*Refer to the rear label of the product

MPU KX

Monitored frequencies = 0- Monitored frequencies =

500Hz for: 0-400Hz (LF) & 0-12800Hz
- Learning messages (HF) for:
- Report messages - Learning messages
- Alarm messages - Report messages
- Alarm messages

FFT Report = 32 values 0-500Hz FFT Report = 32 values 0-

(step=15,625Hz) for: 3200Hz (step=100Hz) for:
- Learning messages - Learning messages
(bytes [8-39]) (bytes [8-39])
- Alarm messages (bytes - Alarm messages
[8-39]) (bytes [8-39])
Peak Frequency value = 0-
Peak Frequency value = 0-500Hz 400Hz

FFT calculation is done on the 0-12800Hz window

(on 128 steps of 100Hz each), but FFT report only
includes the 0-3200Hz window values

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2.5. Product variants payload identification

Each type of message is identified using the byte 0 of the payload (except for state message, which has
the same ID for MPU and KX versions (decimal = 83 / hex=0x53)).
ID Value is different between KX and MPU in order to know if the message is coming from a MPU or KX
device.
Example: for the ‘report message’ frame, a MPU payload is identified by the byte 0 = ‘r’ (ASCII value for
‘r’: decimal = 82 / hex=0x52), as for KX sensor, the payload is identified by the byte 0 = ‘R’ (ASCII value for
‘R’: decimal = 114 / hex=0x72). See §III Uplink payloads (Device to LoRa server) for more details.

2.6. Payload data content

MPU and KX are sending the same message. However, the peak frequency value is calculated using the
following Low Frequency data rate.

o MPU:
o FREQ_SAMPLING_ACC_LF = FREQ_SAMPLING_ACC_HF =1000 Hz
o KX:
o The KX version will make 2 samplings, with 2 distinct sampling rates
 FREQ_SAMPLING_ACC_LF = 800Hz
 FREQ_SAMPLING_ACC_HF = 25600Hz

For the KX version, the FREQ_SAMPLING_ACC_LF sampling is done to observe potential drift in low
frequencies with a relatively high precision, whereas the FREQ_SAMPLING_ACC_HF allows the sampling of
a large frequency window, with less precision.

For MPU version, the peak frequency is calculated in the [0; 500Hz] window, and for KX version, it is
calculated in the [0; 400Hz] window, with an index value in the [0; 127] range.
MPU version peak frequency step is 7.81Hz, and for KX version, the step is 6.25Hz.

Note: Due to frame size limitation implied by the LoRaWANTM protocol, a compromise has been made
for the FFT values sent for KX version: 32 values are sent between 0 and 3200Hz, with a 100Hz step. Sending
the full frequency window in the FFT values (0 to 12800Hz) would make the step too wide (400Hz) and not
relevant.

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2.7. Manufacturing configuration

2.7.1. Device default configuration

When delivered, the device will be OFF. To switch the device ON, please see §2.2.1 Turn the device ON.
The default LoRaWANTM configuration is OTAA (Over The Air Activation, with DevEUI, and AppEUI
contained in the QR code of the product sticker, see QR code). AppKey is transmitted along with DevEUI and
AppEUI through Excel sheet via e-mail at the moment.

2.7.2. Labels
2.7.2.1. Front Label

Label Label content

32 digits Datamatrix content:
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
with
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA = Device APP_EUI (first 16 digits)
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD = Device DEV_EUI (last 16 digits)
Legacy e.g. 70B3D531C000002070B3D531C0001140
label
Cleartext content:
“SN:123456789” = Device Serial Number,
e.g. “SN:000007241”

16 digits Datamatrix content:

DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
with
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD = Device DEV_EUI (last 16 digits)
e.g. 70B3D531C0002C13
Current
label Cleartext content:
“70B3D531C0002C13” = Device DEV_EUI
“SN:000012990” = Device Serial Number

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2.7.2.2. Rear Label

Label Label content

45 digits Datamatrix content:
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDYYMM123456789
with
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA = Device APP_EUI (first 16 digits)
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD = Device DEV_EUI (16 digits)
YYMM = Device manufacturing year YY (2 digits) and week WW (2
Legacy
digits)
label
123456789 = Device Serial Number (last 9 digits)
e.g. 70B3D531C000002070B3D531C00011401823000007241

Cleartext content:
“PN : X.Y” = Device Part Number, e.g. “PN : 3.A”
“SN:123456789” = Device Serial Number, e.g. “SN:000007241”
45 digits Datamatrix content:
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDYYMM123456789
with
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA = Device APP_EUI (first 16 digits)
DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD = Device DEV_EUI (16 digits)
YYMM = Device manufacturing year YY (2 digits) and week WW (2
digits)
Current
123456789 = Device Serial Number (last 9 digits)
label
e.g. 70B3D531C000002070B3D531C00011401823000007241

Cleartext content:
“Bob Assistant By Eolane” = Device name
“PN : X.Y” = Device Part Number, e.g. “PN : 4.1”
“Ref: EOS600011040-EUN” = Device Reference
“SN:123456789” = Device Serial Number, e.g. “SN:000007241”

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III. Uplink payloads (Device to LoRa server)

3.1. Introduction
BoB ASSISTANT sends 4 types of messages: LEARNING, REPORT, ALARM and STATE. The payload for
each message has a different structure, and each message type is identified with the byte 0 of the payload
(header).
 LEARNING occurs only during the Learning mode (up to 7 days);
 REPORT is sent each 3 hours (default configuration);
 ALARM message is sent when anomaly level reaches XX% (25% default).
 STATE is sent when the measured equipment changes its state from ON to OFF or OFF to ON
(start/stop), or when sensor is on.
STATE message is the first applicative payload sent by the device after power-on.

3.2. LEARNING MESSAGE

3.2.1. Payload structure
Value Real_Value
Byte Definition Unit Range Type Comments
(dec) (dec)
0 Header MPU = 76 const N/A Sensor type :
Or MPU = “L” (hex=0x4C) => Learning header
KX = 108 or
KX = "l" (hex=0x6C) => learning header
1 Learning 0~100 Value % [0,100] integer 0-100: Percentage of the learning process
percentage
2 Vibration level 0~127 Value
(vl_1) Vibration level measured for the last sample of the current
3 Vibration level 0~127 Value learning stage
g [0,127] float
(vl_2) vl=(vl_1*128+vl_2+vl_3/100)/10/121.45;
4 Vibration level 0~127 Value the threshold of vibration level is 0.01g
(vl_3)
5 Peak frequency 0~127 Value+1 Hz [0,127] Frequency index value with the highest vibration level measured for
index the last sample of the current learning stage
integer Frequency_index=Value+1;

It is possible to retrieve the corresponding peak frequency value

based on the Frequency_index value:
float Frequency_value=(Value+1)*FREQ_SAMPLING_ACC_LF/256
6 Temperature 0~127 Value-30 °C [-30,97] integer Temperature measured during the last sample of the current
learning stage
The Value is constrained to be with a range [-30,97]
7 Learning type 0~1 Value boolean Learning from 0 or additional learning :
1: Learning from 0;
0: Additional learning
8~39 FFT signal 0~127 g; Hz FFT signal measured for the last sample of the current learning
stage
float Value_g=Value*vl/127; (see bytes 2-3-4 for vl value calculation)

MPU (peak frequency step = 7.81Hz):

float Frequency_hz=4*(i+1)*FREQ_SAMPLING_ACC_HF/256 (i is the index
of FFT array, begins from 0, ends by 31)

KX (peak frequency step =6.25Hz):

float Frequency_hz=(i+1)*FREQ_SAMPLING_ACC_HF/256 (i is the index of
FFT array, begins from 0, ends by 31)

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3.3. REPORT MESSAGE

3.3.1. Payload structure
Value Real_Value
Byte Definition Unit Range Type Comments
(dec) (dec)
0 Header MPU=82 const N/ASensor type :
Or MPU = “R” (hex=0x52) => Report header
KX=114 or
KX = "r" (hex=0x72) => report header
1 Anomaly 0~127 Value*100/127 % [0,100] integer Vibration drift percentage between the measured vibration
level (in %) signature and the vibration signature learned by BoB
ASSISTANT
2 Operating 0~127 Value*report_period/127 Minute [0, integer Operating time of the monitored equipment over the report
time report_period] period (report period=byte 6)
3 [0%-10%] 0~127 Value*operating Minute [0, integer Time, in minutes, spent in the [0%-10%] anomaly level range
anomaly time/127 report_period] over the report period
level time
4 Alarm 0~127 Value [0,127] integer Number of alarms during this report period
Number
5 Temperature 0~127 Value-30 °C [-30,97] integer
6 Report 0~127 Value Minute integer If R_V<=59, report_period = R_V
period (R_V) If R_V>59, report_period = (R_V-59)*60
7 Report ID 0~9 Value [0, 9] integer Used to identify the message (increased with each
transmission)
8 Vibration 0~127 Value
level (vl_1)
9 Vibration 0~127 Value Max amplitude value (on 3 bytes)
g [0,127]
level (vl_2) float vl=(vl_1*128+vl_2+vl_3/100)/10/121.45
10 Vibration 0~127 Value
level (vl_3)
11 Peak 0~127 Value+1 Frequency index value with the highest vibration level
frequency recorded
index integer Freq_index=Value+1;

It is possible to retrieve the peak frequency value based on the

Frequency_index value:
float Frequency_value=(Value+1)*FREQ_SAMPLING_ACC_LF/256
12 [10%-20%] 0~127 (Operating time - [0%- Minute [0, integer Time, in minutes, spent in the [10%-20%] anomaly level range
anomaly 10%] anomaly level report_period] over the report period
level time time)*Value/127
13 [20%-40%] 0~127 (Operating time - [0%- Minute [0, integer Time, in minutes, spent in the [20%-40%] anomaly level range
anomaly 10%] anomaly level report_period] over the report period
level time time)*Value/127
14 [40%-60%] 0~127 (Operating time - [0%- Minute [0, integer Time, in minutes, spent in the [40%-60%] anomaly level range
anomaly 10%] anomaly level report_period] over the report period
level time time)*Value/127
15 [60%-80%] 0~127 (Operating time - [0%- Minute [0, integer Time, in minutes, spent in the [60%-80%] anomaly level range
anomaly 10%] anomaly level report_period] over the report period
level time time)*Value/127
16 [80%-100%] 0~127 (Operating time - [0%- Minute [0, integer Time, in minutes, spent in the [80%-100%] anomaly level
anomaly 10%] anomaly level report_period] range over the report period
level time time)*Value/127
17 Battery 0~127 Value*100/127 % [0,100] integer Remaining battery level
percentage
18 24h 20% 0~255 Value hour [0,255] integer Time, in hour, when anomaly level is expected to reach 20%
Anomaly (Prediction based on the data of last 24 hour)
level 255=infinite time
prediction
19 24h 50% 0~255 Value hour [0,255] integer Time, in hour, when anomaly level is expected to reach 50%
Anomaly (Prediction based on the data of last 24 hour)
level 255=infinite time
prediction
20 24h 80% 0~255 Value hour [0,255] integer Time, in hour, when anomaly level is expected to reach 80%
Anomaly (Prediction based on the data of last 24 hour)
level 255=infinite time
prediction

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Value Real_Value
Byte Definition Unit Range Type Comments
(dec) (dec)
21 30days 20% 0~255 Value day [0,255] integer Time, in days, when anomaly level is expected to reach 20%
Anomaly (Prediction based on the data of last 30 days)
level 255=infinite time
prediction

22 30days 50% 0~255 Value day [0,255] integer Time, in days, when anomaly level is expected to reach 50%
Anomaly (Prediction based on the data of last 30 days)
level 255=infinite time
prediction
23 30days 80% 0~255 Value day [0,255] integer Time, in days, when anomaly level is expected to reach 80%
Anomaly (Prediction based on the data of last 30 days)
level 255=infinite time
prediction
24 6months 0~255 Value month [0,255] Time, in months, when anomaly level is expected to reach 20%
20% (Prediction based on the data of last 6 months)
Anomaly 255=infinite time
level
prediction
25 6months 0~255 Value month [0,255] Time, in months, when anomaly level is expected to reach 50%
50% (Prediction based on the data of last 6 months)
Anomaly 255=infinite time
level
prediction
26 6months 0~255 Value month [0,255] Time, in months, when anomaly level is expected to reach 80%
80% (Prediction based on the data of last 6 months)
Anomaly 255=infinite time
level
prediction

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3.3.2. Report message payload data extraction example

Report payload:0x52087f5a00353e090019260c552a00007c77ffffffffffffffff
byte 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 - - - - - - - 26
52 08 7f 5a 00 35 3e 09 00 19 26 0c 55 2a 00 00 00 7c 77 ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff

Byte Definition hex dec Value Unit Comments

0 Header 52 82 Sensor type=82=ASCII “R” - Report header ID for MPU version

=>Report for MPU version

1 Anomaly level (in 08 8 8*100/127=6.3 % Calculated over « machine on » time

%)
2 Operating time 7f 127 127*180/127=180 min Report length=180 minutes
Operating rate in percentage:
[decimal Value]*100/127
3 [0%-10%] anomaly 5a 90 90*180/127=128 min To get the value in percentage:
level time [value in min]/[Report period]*100
4 Alarm Number 00 0 0 - No alarms during this report period
5 Temperature 35 53 53-30=23 °C Hardware offset
6 Report period (R_V) 3e 62 62>59 min If value < 59 = value
=> Report period = (value – 59) * If value > 59 = (value – 59) * 60
60=(62-59)*60=3*60 =180
7 Report ID 09 9 9 - 9th report (next report ID will reset to 0)
8 Maximum vibration 00 0 vl=(vl_1*128+vl_2+vl_3/100)/10/121. g vl=0.0209g
amplitude (3 bytes) 45
Vibration level 1 => vl=(0*128+25+38/100)/10/121.45
9 (vl_1) 19 25
vl=0.0209
Vibration level 2
(vl_2)
10 26 38
Vibration level 3
(vl_3)
11 Peak frequency 0c 12 Freq_index=Value+1=13 - Freq_index=13
index (frequency Freq_value=(Value+1)*FREQ_SAMPLI Hz Freq_value=50,78Hz
with the highest NG_ACC_LF/256=13*1000/256=50,78 (reminder:
vibration level MPU: FREQ_SAMPLING_ACC_LF=1000
recorded) KX: FREQ_SAMPLING_ACC_LF=800)
12 [10%-20%] 55 85 (180–128)*85/127=35 min Raw data of time in anomaly in the payload are
anomaly level time given on the « bad vibration » period :
operating time–[0-10%] time
To have the value in percentage:
[value in minutes]/[Report period]*100
13 [20%-40%] 2a 42 (180–128)*42/127=17 min Raw data of time in anomaly in the payload are
anomaly level time given on the « bad vibration » period :
operating time–[20-40%] time
To have the value in percentage:
[value in minutes]/[Report period]*100
14 [40%-60%] 00 0 (180–128)*0/127=0 min Raw data of time in anomaly in the payload are
anomaly level time given on the « bad vibration » period :
operating time–[40-60%] time
To have the value in percentage:
[value in minutes]/[Report period]*100
15 [60%-80%] 00 0 (180–128)*0/127=0 min Raw data of time in anomaly in the payload are
anomaly level time given on the « bad vibration » period :
operating time–[60-80%] time
To have the value in percentage:
[value in minutes]/[Report period]*100
16 [80%-100%] 00 0 (180–128)*0/127=0 min Raw data of time in anomaly in the payload are
anomaly level time given on the « bad vibration » period :
operating time–[80-100%] time
To have the value in percentage:
[value in minutes]/[Report period]*100
17 Battery percentage 7c 124 124 x 100 / 127 = 97,6 % Estimated, based on current consumption and
time spent in each mode (data acquisition, IA
processing, Lora transmission, sleep mode)
18-26 Anomaly forecasts Forecasts are calculated with a linear
24h:20%-50%-80% 77 ff ff 119 255 255 119/ / / hours regression, using data of the previous 24h,
30d:20%-50%-80% ff ff ff 255 255 255 / / / days respectively 30 days, and 6 months.
6m:20%-50%-80% ff ff ff 255 255255 / / / months If value = 255, it means infinite time, we
suggest not to display any value

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3.4. ALARM MESSAGE

3.4.1. Payload structure
Value Real_Value
Byte Definition Unit Range Type Description
(dec) (dec)
0 Header MPU=65 const N/A Sensor type :
Or MPU = “A” (hex=0x41) => Alarm header
KX=97 or
KX = "a" (hex=0x61) => alarm header
1 Anomaly level 0~127 Value*100/127 % [0,100] float Anomaly level recorded for the alarm
2 Temperature 0~127 Value-30 °C [-30,97] integer Temperature measured for the sample, which trigged the alarm
event (default anomaly level for the alarm trigger is 25%, can
be changed through a Downlink command, see corresponding
chapter)
3 NA NA NA NA Reserved for future use
4 Vibration level 0~127 Value Vibration level measured for the sample, which trigged the
(vl_1) alarm event
vl=(vl_1*128+vl_2+vl_3/100)/10/121.45
5 Vibration level 0~127 Value g [0,127] float
(vl_2)
6 Vibration level 0~127 Value
(vl_3)
7 NA NA NA NA NA NA
8~39 FFT signal 0~127 g; Hz FFT signal measured for the sample, which trigged the alarm
(needed to be event
calculated with Value_g=Value*vl/127; (see bytes 2-3-4 for vl value
vibration level) calculation)

MPU (peak frequency step = 7.81Hz):

Frequency_hz=4*(i+1)*FREQ_SAMPLING_ACC_HF/256 (i is the
index of FFT array, begins from 0, ends by 31)

KX (peak frequency step =6.25Hz):

Frequency_hz=(i+1)*FREQ_SAMPLING_ACC_HF/256 (i is the
index of FFT array, begins from 0, ends by 31)

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3.5. STATE MESSAGE payload structure

(STATE message is the first applicative payload sent by the device after power-on)

Byte Definition Value (dec) Real_Value (dec) Unit Range Type Comments
0 Header MPU/KX = 83 N/A Sensor type :
MPU /KX = “S” (hex=0x53) => State header (same
value for any type of Inertial Motion Unit)
1 sensor & 100~101;125~126 (Value) N/A 100: Sensor start;
machine states 101: Sensor stop;
125: Machine stop;
126: Machine start
2 Battery 0~127 Value*100/127 % [0,100] integer Remaining battery level
percentage

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IV. Downlink (LoRa to device)

Note : Downlink commands have to be sent one by one.

4.1. Renew learning mode or add learning

Definition Byte to send (hex) Downlink Port

Restart learning from 0 0x50 1
Additional Learning 0x51 1

Restart learning will erase the previous vibration points map and learn up to 50 new vibration signatures
Additional Learning will learn new vibration signatures (adding the new vibration signatures to the one
previously recorded, up to 50 in total)

4.2. Change sampling period

Learning Monitoring
Definition Downlink value (hex) Downlink Port
period period
Very Fast Mode 10 sec 20 sec 0x52 1
Fast Mode 20 sec 2 min 0X53 1
Default Mode 60 sec 5 min 0x54 1
Slow Mode 2 min 10 min 0x55 1

4.3. Enable/disable STATE MESSAGE

Definition Downlink value (hex) Downlink Port

Enable State Message 0x56 1
Disable State Message 0x57 1

The Downlink message “Enable State Message” activates the start/stop machine notification (default
configuration)
The Downlink message “Disable State Message” deactivates the start/stop machine notification (used
mostly to spare sensor energy in case of frequent state transitions)

Note:
2 years warranty is guaranteed for nominal operation which implies:
o 5 min period measurement
o 8 start/stop messages per day

Note: Start/stop messages and battery life

We recommend to automatically disable start/stop messages if the total number of message received
during the first month of operation is more than 500.

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4.4. Change ALARM MESSAGE threshold

Definition Downlink value (hex) Downlink Port

Alarm Threshold when anomaly > 10% 0x58 1
Alarm Threshold when anomaly > 15% 0x59 1
Alarm Threshold when anomaly > 20% 0x5A 1
Alarm Threshold when anomaly > 25% 0x5B 1

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V. Charts examples

5.1. Breakdown of the operating time of the machine

Time of operation, expressed in minutes, over a 3 hours period of analysis.

5.2. Anomaly distribution

Displays the level of abnormal vibration, related to a percentage of time spent in each zone, from very
good (green) to very bad (red). Each bar shows a 3hour period of time. Gray zone exhibits the time the
machine is off

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5.3. Average unnatural vibration level in reports

Vibration drift ratio average value, calculated over a 3 hours period, and compared to the reference
vibration signature(s). Custom notifications can be set on this value

5.4. Number of drift notifications

Number of alarms that BoB has sent, when anomaly level exceeds 25%

5.5. Temperature
Average temperature reported every 3h. Please note that this temperature is not the surface
temperature of your machine, but an ambient average value measured inside the sensor casing.

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5.6. Maximum vibration value

Maximum vibration amplitude in [g].

5.7. Peak Frequency

Frequency related to the maximal amplitude reported

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5.8. Report view

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5.9. Vibration drift Alarm view

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VI. Payload examples

6.1. Raw payload

6.1.1. Payload samples for MPU version (BoB v1.0 / PN:3.x)

frame
Type Payload cleartext (hex) Comment
number

UPLINK 417f3800010c2e156551377f3b7d63425a4e231b1711101a100c0b0a0a0707050605060505050506 10 Anomaly

UPLINK 52017f7f003802000108460c00000000007fffffffffffffffffff 9 Report

UPLINK 537e7f 8 machine on

UPLINK 537d7f 7 machine off

UPLINK 4c640109140c38010303087f07041303010201010101010101010101010100000000010000000000 6 Learning complete

UPLINK 4c500108090c38010304097f07041402020301010101010101010101010101000100000000000000 5 Learning 80%

UPLINK 4c3c0109580c38010303087f07031303020301010101010101010101010101000000000000000000 4 Learning 60%

UPLINK 4c28010a5a0c38010303087f07031302020301010101010101010101010101010100010000000000 3 Learning 40%

UPLINK 4c14010b3e0c38010203097f07031302020302010101010101010101010100010100000000000000 2 Learning 20%

UPLINK 4c00010e2e0c38010204097f05031102020301010101010101010101010101010000000000000000 1 Learning process start

UPLINK 53647f Sensor start

JOIN

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6.1.2. Payload samples for KX version (BoB v1.1 / PN:4.x)

frame
Type Payload cleartext (hex) Comment
number

UPLINK 6137320003105C0E201F45462A171F18483E454C285D7F37241610181C10180D0E0E070C110C0A0 10 Anomaly

C

UPLINK 72097f5f00313e0700284c537f000000007cffffffffffffffffff 9 Report

UPLINK 537e7d 8 machine on

UPLINK 537d7d 7 machine off

UPLINK 6c64002d190133014c7f4731542f383531263326292c403046433d472c181e252e34232c38202531 6 Learning complete

UPLINK 6c5000333f013301407f3d25572f3228333b251c231b2e3831492d26241812181f1d182d2029383a 5 Learning 80%

UPLINK 6c3c00384b013301347f4f2a512830343a2221152d1c273242492d331e171618262413221b2d3841 4 Learning 60%

UPLINK 6c2800394e013301417f432b4f2f36232d23261c242731233a452d341714171a261f1c2324333738 3 Learning 40%

UPLINK 6c140031150134013c7f3c284b2a393f29321f1e223248294754492b191616202720212a2d28383b 2 Learning 20%

UPLINK 6c00001f3f013601407f5b4467393c303176301c332b61345b7e303e2318373f333f2231444a4245 1 Learning process start

UPLINK 53647f Sensor start

JOIN

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6.2. KX version Decode examples

6.2.1. LEARNING TYPE
Payload: [6c6401015c0a3b0104067f0b060f6706051f130f4117071407071428081325070403030202020202]

{
"type": "learning",
"sensor": "KX",
"msg": {
"temperature": 29,
"learningfromscratch": 1,
"learningpercentage": 100,
"vibrationlevel": 0.107,
"peakfrequencyindex":11,
"peakfrequency":34.38,

"fft": [
0.0034,
0.0051,
0.107,
0.0093,
0.0051,
0.0126,
0.0868,
0.0051,
0.0042,
0.0261,
0.016,
0.0126,
0.0548,
0.0194,
0.0059,
0.0168,
0.0059,
0.0059,
0.0168,
0.0337,
0.0067,
0.016,
0.0312,
0.0059,
0.0034,
0.0025,
0.0025,
0.0017,
0.0017,
0.0017,
0.0017,
0.0017
]
}
}

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6.2.2. REPORT TYPE

Payload: [720D7F27013B0206001B011A7F000000007FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF]
{
"type": "report",
"sensor": "KX",
"msg": {
"batterypercentage": 100,
"anomalylevel": 10.2,
"anomalylevelto20last6mo": 255,
"nbalarmreport": 1,
"operatingtime": 2,
"totalunknown6080": 0,
"totalunknown4060": 0,
"totalunknown2040": 0,
"anomalylevelto80last30d": 255,
"vibrationlevel": 0.0222,
"totalunknown1020": 1,
"anomalylevelto80last6mo": 255,
"anomalylevelto50last24h": 255,
"anomalylevelto20last24h": 255,
"anomalylevelto50last30d": 255,
"temperature": 29,
"reportlength": 2,
"anomalylevelto20last30d": 255,
"peakfrequencyindex": 27,
"totalunknown80100": 0,
"totaloperatingtimeknown": 1,
"anomalylevelto50last6mo": 255,
"anomalylevelto80last24h": 255
}
}

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6.2.3. ALARM TYPE

Payload: [611C3B010044351C7F121D1D101D2F302B291E15110C090908080707060504030303020201020102]
{
"type": "alarm",
"sensor": "KX",
"msg": {
"temperature": 29,
"vibrationlevel": 0.0564,
"anomalylevel": 22,
"fft": [
0.0564,
0.008,
0.0129,
0.0129,
0.0071,
0.0129,
0.0209,
0.0213,
0.0191,
0.0182,
0.0133,
0.0093,
0.0076,
0.0053,
0.004,
0.004,
0.0036,
0.0036,
0.0031,
0.0031,
0.0027,
0.0022,
0.0018,
0.0013,
0.0013,
0.0013,
0.0009,
0.0009,
0.0004,
0.0009,
0.0004,
0.0009
]
}
}

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6.2.4. STATE TYPE

Payload: [53647F]
{
"type": "state",
"sensor": "KX",
"msg": {
"state": 0,
"batterypercentage": 100
}
}

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VII. Frequently Asked questions

7.1. Why monitor vibrations and their drift?

When the state of a rotating machine changes, vibration drift is the first measurable symptom:

However, a distinction must be made between breakdowns due to wear or tear (slow drift) and breakage
(fast drift). The increase in the level of the anomaly can therefore sometimes occur only a few days before
the failure. The maintenance team will always be the most able to analyse and intervene on the equipment
when BoB ASSISTANT reports an anomaly.

7.2. What are the main causes of vibration anomaly?

Possible cause Corresponding frequency

Off balance Rotation frequency

Misalignment 2 x rotation frequency

Bearing fault 3 to 10 x rotation frequency [2kHz - 60KHz]

Instability Natural frequency of the equipment

Belt fault Rotation frequency + harmonics

Fan fault Number of blades x natural frequency

Electrical fault Line frequency (50Hz) + harmonics

Gear Natural frequency x number of gears

Natural frequency Natural frequency

resonance

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7.3. Which type of equipment is well suited for BoB ASSISTANT?

BoB ASSISTANT measures the vibrations of a machine and analyses its evolution over time. Vibration
signature deviations are detected in real time and an alert is sent if the deviation exceeds a 25% threshold.
In addition, the projections predict the level of anomaly in the coming weeks/months.

Also, BoB ASSISTANT will work very well on equipment with one or several stationary vibration regimes

On the other hand, equipment in motion or exhibiting random or time-varying vibration regimes will not
be eligible for the BoB ASSISTANT offer:

7.4. What is the temperature limit?

The surface temperature of your equipment must not exceed 55°C.

7.5. When should BoB ASSISTANT be installed on the equipment?

BoB ASSISTANT performs a vibration signature training during the first 7 days after it is turned ON. During
this period, it is crucial that the vibration signature is as close as possible to normal/representative machine
operation. It is therefore strongly recommended to start BoB ASSISTANT on new equipment or most
commonly, shortly after a maintenance operation.

7.6. Can we start BoB ASSISTANT on a machine that is not running?

If your machine is stopped during installation, you can still position BoB ASSISTANT and start it. The
learning procedure will start when the equipment is back on. You must still make sure that the vibration is
sufficient at this position. In case of doubt, it is preferable to install BoB ASSISTANT on a machine in
operation.

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7.7. Can BoB ASSISTANT or the machine be moved without disrupting its
operation?
No. The learning of the vibration signature is closely linked to the positioning of the sensor on the
machine, its orientation and its environment. Changing these conditions requires a relearning which can be
done by turning the product OFF and then back ON.
The addition of a vibrating machine near the monitored equipment can also disrupt the operation of BoB
ASSISTANT and cause additional alerts.

7.8. What is the autonomy of BoB ASSISTANT sensors?

In its standard use, BoB ASSISTANT's autonomy is a minimum of 2 years.
The autonomy of Bob is estimated by counting the number of messages sent, in addition to embedded
calculus. It is therefore not nominal because, depending on its use, a greater or lesser number of alerts may
be sent.
If your machine has many stop and start cycles during the course of a day, the start/stop messages will
be numerous and will have a strong impact on BoB ASSISTANT's autonomy. Beyond 8 start/stop per day, it
is recommanded to disable these messages. The time and operating rate will always be available in the
reports sent every 3 hours.
In its normal operation, BoB ASSISTANT's autonomy is a minimum of 2 years.

7.9. How to evaluate LorA coverage? What is the operating limit?

Depending on the environment of the sensor, it is sometimes hard to define if a Public Network will cover
BoB location. The best way to know the strength of the real signal is to measure it with a dedicated sensor
(example here)

RSSI : Strength of the radio signal sent by Bob at the Gateway level (risk of message loss/missing data)

7.10. First learning and complete learning, what is the difference?

As BoB ASSISTANT starts, it initiates a first learning phase. This phase can be more or less long depending
on the type of equipment, the complexity of its vibration signature and the number of operating speeds. It
can last between 1 hour for the simplest systems and a few days for complex equipment.
You can track the progress of the learning on your dashboard, with a report sent every 20%.
After the first learning session, BoB ASSISTANT starts sending machine status data. A report is sent every
3 hours. However, BoB ASSISTANT stays tuned for 7 days and continues to learn. It analyses the new
perceived vibrations, compares them to those already learned, and records them if they are relevant. It is
therefore normal to see the level of abnormality gradually reduce during the first week. There will be no
alerts sent during this 7 days.
After 7 days, BoB ASSISTANT has completed its training and is watching over your machine.

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7.11. Bob started his learning but does not complete it. Why?
- Discontinuous operation: The machine operates very discontinuously and the learning process is
paused when it is stopped. It resumes when the machine is restarted, but the complete learning session will
take longer. If the 20% progress is not reached after 24 hours, see the following explanation.
- Unsufficient vibration: BoB ASSISTANT does not pick up enough vibration. Typically, if the vibration
intensity is below 0.01g, BoB ASSISTANT will not be able to learn correctly. The vibration amplitude
information is given by the learning report (see §3.2 LEARNING MESSAGE) . In this case, we recommend
moving the sensor closer to the machine's vibration source (motor, compressor, etc.)

7.12. Why one BoB ASSISTANT is taking more time to complete its learning
than another one?
The complete learning mode lasts 7 days. The first learning session lasts between 1 hour and a few days
depending on the complexity of the vibration signature (number of vibration sources…).
An intermittent device, for example, will take longer to analyze because the learning is stopped if the
machine is switched off. It will resume when the machine restarts.

7.13. Why is BoB ASSISTANT learning several time in the first week of
operation?
After his first learning session, BoB ASSISTANT improves and continues to analyze the vibratory
phenomena of the machine for 7 days. You are informed of a new learning phase by a Learning message. It
is also normal for BoB ASSISTANT to refine its reports on the behaviour of your machine during the first
week.
BoB ASSISTANT can learn up to 20 different vibration regimes.
At the end of the 7 days, the analysis is stabilized and BoB ASSISTANT only alerts you when actual drifts
are observed.

7.14. How to make an additional learning or start BoB ASSISTANT over?

To reset BoB ASSISTANT, simply press and hold (10 seconds) the device button. By restarting BoB
ASSISTANT, it then restarts its learning mode as it did when it was first powered up.
To trigger a complete relearning, or a complementary learning, use the Downlink commands described
in § 4.1 Renew learning mode or add learning

7.15. Some data are missing?

The main reason for data loss is a bad/low LoRa network coverage. You can check the signal strength
using the RSSI indicator provided by your LoRa Network Server:
• from 0 to -90dBm: good coverage, no risk of data loss
• from -90dB to -110dBm: medium coverage, low risk of data loss
• -110dBm and lower: low coverage, proven risk of data loss
The metallic environment can also cause message loss (Faraday cage effect)

7.16. Missing data and operating time

If LoRa network coverage is low, Report messages may exceptionally not be received and will not appear
in your stream. Frames not received should be excluded from the operating rate: the corresponding 3 hours
should not be taken into account.
On the other hand, if you notice many missing Report messages, we recommend adding a LoRa gateway
to improve LoRa network performance.
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7.17. BoB ASSISTANT did not detect any anomalies, however, a failure
occurred. What to do about it?
Check that BoB ASSISTANT has been positioned as close as possible to the vibration source. If your
machine has several sources of vibration, it may be interesting to place several BoB ASSISTANTs on the
equipment, especially on complex and bulky machines.
A wear or breakdown are almost always preceded or accompanied by a change in the vibration signature.

7.18. What is the difference between alarm and notification?

An alarm is sent by BoB ASSISTANT when it detects an anomaly greater than 25%. This generic value was
determined after hundreds of thousands of hours of experimentation with the solution and corresponds to
the most common case: when the anomaly level reaches 25%, you should check your equipment.
However, each piece of equipment has its own vibration regime and notifications allow you to customize
the alert thresholds according to your expectations and the criticality of your requirements. For more
information on custom notifications, see the following paragraph.

7.19. How to configure a notification trigger threshold?

At the end of the learning mode the average abnormal vibration level is generally low (<10%). It is
advisable to wait 3 weeks to observe this average level, and to establish a notification threshold accordingly.
It is therefore recommended that the platform manages a notification system based on the average
unnatural vibration level in reports.
Example :

In this case, the average abnormal vibration level is 5%. The variations observed may correspond to the
different phases of the machine (start-up, variations related to climatic conditions). A relevant alert
threshold for notifications on abnormal vibration level is 10%. In case of an alert, this does not mean that
your machine is in immediate danger but that vigilance is required.
You can also set up several notifications:
- 10% vigilance threshold
- 20% alert threshold (recommended physical intervention)

As a general rule, if a large number of notifications are received shortly after installation, the trigger
threshold is probably too low and should be raised.

7.20. Why does the learning progress report indicate a value outside of
expected values (20%, 40%...)?
If the machine is stopped during the learning process, BoB ASSISTANT detects it and pauses the learning.
It will resume when the machine restarts.
However, if the machine stop exceeds a certain time, an activity report is sent (every 3 hours), indicating
the progress, which can be blocked between 2 standard values.

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7.21. Is it possible to check the activity and proper functioning of BoB

ASSISTANT on request?
No. In its nominal operation, BoB ASSISTANT sends a report every 3 hours, and real-time alerts in case
of unexpected events (vibration alarm, machine off...)

7.22. What is the range of BoB ASSISTANT (communication distance) in an

industrial environment?
The LoRa modulation is dedicated to the transmission of short messages, at low transmission frequencies
and over long distances. In free space (no obstacles) this range can reach several kilometers (up to 14km).
On the other hand, in an industrial environment, various metal equipment and structures are obstacles
that create electromagnetic interference and reflections that can reduce BoB ASSISTANT's radio
performance and range to a few hundred meters.
When a gateway is installed, the range in an industrial environment can go down between 50m to 500m

7.23. Are the transmitted data secure?

The data is encrypted using 2 layers of AES-128 encryption. This encryption is natively supported by the
LoRaWAN protocol, as the payload is encrypted using a first key (AppSKey = Application Session Key) and
the LoRaWAN header plus the encrypted payload are encrypted using a second key (NwkSKey = Network
Session Key).
The session keys are derived from a symetric private key during the join session.

7.24. I started BoB ASSISTANT, but no message arrives on the livestream

Check that the network coverage is sufficient, and refer to the user manual to learn more about the LED
sequences displayed by the sensor during startup.

7.25. How do I position BoB ASSISTANT on my machine?

It is recommended to position BoB ASSISTANT on a flat and clean surface, as close as possible to the
vibration source:
- On "simple" equipment (motor, pump, compressor): place BoB ASSISTANT directly on the equipment.
- On "complex" equipment: place BoB ASSISTANT on the chassis.

You can put your hand on the surface to feel the vibration. FIRST MAKE SURE THAT THE SURFACE
TEMPERATURE OF THE EQUIPMENT DOES NOT PRESENT A DANGER

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VIII. Document history

V1 - 2020/06/18: Document renamed as Reference Manual, product variants table update and frequency
monitoring clarification, update of the frequency calculation of the FFT for Learning and Alarm messages,
adding details on product fastening solutions, product functional overview, and FAQ section
V1.1 - 2020/10/23: Updated §3.3.1 Payload structure table raws:
 From 2 to 3 :
update “Range” ([0,100] to [0, report_period]) and “Unit” (% to Minute) values
 From 12 to 16:
update “Range” value ([0,100] to [0, report_period]) ;
update “Real_Value (dec)” from ([0%-10%] anomaly level time)*Value/127 to (Operating time -
[0%-10%] anomaly level time)*Value/127

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