Sensor Mounting & Troubleshooting
An MHM Eversensor needs a stable, well-coupled mechanical connection to the machine surface — a loose or "rocking" mount produces noisy vibration data and an unreliable harvesting signal. This page covers the two supported mounting methods and the most common field issue: an erroneous surface temperature reading caused by a poorly seated cable.
It is the installer's responsibility to ensure all mounting work is performed safely, including any lockout/tagout procedures required by the site.
Magnet Mounting
Magnet mounting is the fastest method and should be used whenever the surface allows it.
Use magnet mounting when:
- The machine surface is a ferromagnetic material.
- There's a roughly 2" × 2" flat area available for the sensor base.
- The sensor sits flush against the surface without rocking.
Steps:
- Choose a location at the inboard or outboard end of the unit, oriented either vertically or horizontally.
- Place the sensor with its antenna perpendicular to the machine's axis of rotation. Gently wiggle the antenna to confirm a solid, non-rocking connection — a sensor that rocks will not produce usable data. If it rocks, reposition it until it doesn't.
- Connect and dress the TEG, PV harvester, and cables that make up the sensor's power train.
Epoxy Mounting
Use epoxy mounting when magnet mounting isn't viable — Shoplogix recommends Loctite AA 330 No-Mix Adhesive (consult the Loctite spec sheet and MSDS for handling details).
Use epoxy mounting when:
- The machine surface is uneven (e.g., cast steel) and causes the sensor to rock when magnet-mounted.
- The surface is a non-ferromagnetic material.
- The casing is finned for cooling.
Steps:
- Choose a location at the inboard or outboard end of the unit, oriented either vertically or horizontally.
- Surfaces should be dry — no cleaning is needed, but wipe away heavy grease, oil, or dirt.
- Hold the activator can 1–2 inches from the mount location and coat the surface with Loctite AA 330 Activator.
- Apply the Loctite AA 330 adhesive to the base of the sensor in two parallel beads. Place the sensor with its antenna perpendicular to the machine's axis of rotation.
- Press the sensor firmly against the surface for 60 seconds. It will reach handling strength in 1–2 minutes and full cure in 4–24 hours depending on ambient conditions — larger gaps between the sensor base and the surface increase cure time.
- Connect and dress the TEG, PV harvester, and cables that make up the sensor's power train.
Troubleshooting an Extreme Surface Temperature Reading
The MHM Eversensor reports two independent temperature points: ambient (measured inside the sensor enclosure) and surface (measured at the base of the TEG harvester, where it contacts the machine). If the surface reading is wildly implausible — for example, a large negative reading while ambient reads normally — this points to the TEG cable, not the machine itself:
- Check that the TEG cable connector is fully seated. Mate the connector flush by hand first, then use the thumbscrew only to secure it — the thumbscrew is not meant to pull the connector into place.
- Refresh the sensor's page in Shoplogix IMS and wait 1–5 minutes for updated readings.
- If the surface temperature normalizes to within about 20°F of the ambient reading, the connection is fixed.
- If it doesn't normalize, the cable itself likely needs replacing — swap in a spare if available, or contact your Shoplogix account team for a replacement.
Related
- Machine Health Monitoring Overview — sensors, measurements, and alarm system
- Hardware Reference — Eversensor specifications and energy harvesting requirements
- Gateway Pairing & Sensor Installation — associating a sensor with a machine in Shoplogix IMS