Skip to main content

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.

note

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:

  1. Choose a location at the inboard or outboard end of the unit, oriented either vertically or horizontally.
  2. 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.
  3. 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:

  1. Choose a location at the inboard or outboard end of the unit, oriented either vertically or horizontally.
  2. Surfaces should be dry — no cleaning is needed, but wipe away heavy grease, oil, or dirt.
  3. Hold the activator can 1–2 inches from the mount location and coat the surface with Loctite AA 330 Activator.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Refresh the sensor's page in Shoplogix IMS and wait 1–5 minutes for updated readings.
  3. If the surface temperature normalizes to within about 20°F of the ambient reading, the connection is fixed.
  4. 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.