The Science bit explained.......
How it Works
Sentry, is normally plugged into a convenient mains power socket.
The unit is activated by the user logging on to the Sentry Web Site and activating a monitoring plan.
Sentry then automatically activates and connects to the mobile phone network (GSM).
Sentry comes with a pre-installed ONE-WORLD Sim. That means you don't need a local mobile phone contract to use Sentry.
You set Sentry up via the Sentry Web site ,and set the alert parameters that interest you, namely:
- presence or absence of mains power,
- the lowest or highest temperature,
- or the humidity range.
Sentry then monitors those parameters, when any of them are exceeded, Sentry will alert you , via the Sentry Web server and send a message to you via SMS ( Text), eMail or a Twitter message.
You can also interact with Sentry using a custom Sentry App for your smartphone too.
It couldn't be simpler, no wires, no phone contracts, works in over 50 countries worldwide. including US, UK , EU ( 110Vac/230Vac)
Sentry, monitors your environment, when you can't be there.
Click diagram to see a larger image.
Sentry requires a valid GSM mobile network signal to operate. Note you can test if you have a signal where you want to put Sentry by using your own mobile phone.
The Internet of Things
The Internet started out as a basic mechanism for connecting large computers and sharing data. Its underlying architecture and its technology is designed to primarily support this aim. But the Internet, aided by more and more users being connected every day, has rapidly evolved beyond its original concepts.
Today and increasing into the future, more and more forms of communication will be carried over the Internet. Users are and will expect to connect all forms of electronic devices, often those not traditionally associated with the Internet. Smartphones, cameras, Internet connected TV, security systems, etc are all using the Internet as a means of communication, either betweens devices or to connect users with content (alarms, video, audio, messages etc.).
This “Internet of Things”, a concept of uniquely identifiable objects all connected to the Internet has been around for some time. However recently a number of key factors have led to growing Internet connectivity:
- Widespread penetration of the Internet
- Familiarly amongst the ordinary public
- Cost of technology to connect to the Internet has fallen
- Smartphones – User has 24/7 connectivity
- 3G (and now 4G) mobile Internet connectivity, WiFi, The Internet is everywhere
We have now arrived at a conjunction of user expectation and technology, the events in peoples lives are communicated to them via the Internet and in particular made available via web browsers and mobile devices. Witness the popularity of “real time” bus, train and airline information fed to the user directly.
This Internet of Things, is where Sentry is positioned. This is a simple device that allows users to monitor simple environmental parameters and have that status forwarded to them via email, text and twitter feeds.