Introduction

Note: We now recommend hard wiring your edge device (whenever possible) for resilience.
This article offers step-by-step instructions for installing a MachineMetrics Cellular Edge Device on your machine. If you prefer a video walkthrough, an embedded tutorial video is available within this article if you simply scroll down. 

IMPORTANT! It is recommended that you first prepare your network before installing your Cellular Edge Device. Before your Edge Device can communicate with MachineMetrics, you need to make sure your network settings have been configured properly to allow outbound access to machinemetrics.com. For detailed instructions, please reference the following Knowledge Base article: Integrating MachineMetrics Through a Cellular Network.

If you aren't sure about your cellular signal strength, please reference our knowledge base article on how to test the strength of your cellular signal. 

Topics covered in this article

This article contains the following topics:

• Video Tutorial: Cellular Edge Installation
• The MachineMetrics Cellular Edge Kit
• Components
• Tools Needed
• Edge Device Anatomy
• Edge Device Preparation
• Cellular Device Installation
• Enabling Your Machine's Data Collection Method

Video Tutorial: Cellular Edge Installation

The below video will provide step by step instructions on installing your Cellular Edge Device and USB modem. Important!: This video includes the setup and installation of wifi antenna installed alongside the cellular modem. Some customers elect to have their wifi network available as a backup network. However, installing wifi antenna is completely optional and will have zero impact on your cellular connectivity. If you never intend for this machine to connect over your wifi network, feel free to ignore the sections of the video concerning antenna installation.

 

The MachineMetrics Cellular Edge Kit 

Upon finalizing your contract with MachineMetrics, a MachineMetrics Cellular Edge Kit will be shipped to you for each individual machine you plan to connect through a cellular network. An Edge Kit contains a MachineMetrics Edge Device along with all of the necessary components to establish a secure, wireless connection with MachineMetrics.  NOTE:  The WiFi antennas must be installed in order to establish a Bluetooth connection to configure your Edge Device.

As a first step, open your Edge Kit and ensure it contains all of the numbered items listed below.

Components

1. MachineMetrics Edge Device
2. WiFi / Bluetooth Antenna (2ea)
3. Rhino 100-240v AC to 24v DC Power Supply
4. Adhesive Velcro strips
5. Antenna Extensions (2ea) 
6. 25' Ethernet Cable
7. Pigtail Power Cable
8. Connectors
9. USB Cellular Modem
10. 10’ USB Extension Cable

Visit this article for a list of our Hardware Kit and Connection Schematics.

Tools Needed

The following tools are not provided but will be required for a successful installation: 

• Screwdriver
• Wrench
• Drill
• 1/4" Metal Cutting Drill Bit
• Wire Strippers
• Wire Crimping Tool
• Multimeter
• File 
• Set of Hex Head Wrenches
• Zip ties
• Zip tie mounts

Edge Device Anatomy

1. Power button and power indicator light. 
2. WiFi antenna connections
3. USB Connections
4. Locking Power Connection
5. Ethernet Port 1
6. Ethernet Port 2 

Cellular Edge Device Installation

IMPORTANT! Before you install the edge device in your machine, it’s important to write down or take a picture of its serial number. You will need the serial number in order to register the Edge Device, as well as to keep track of which Edge is associated with which machine. It is located on the bottom of the edge device. 

1. Apply the adhesive velcro strips to the back of the edge device and make sure they have a strong seal.

2. Take the power adapter and attach the fork connectors to the pigtail. The lead with the white strip is positive 24VDC, and the black lead is negative 24VDC.

3. Plug the power adapter into the Edge Device. The power cable has a screw lock, so that you can be certain it stays in place. 

4. Take the USB extension cable, and plug into the outermost USB port on the same side of the Edge Device as the power port. 

5. Plug the ethernet cable into the Edge Device’s outermost ethernet port. 

6. From the Machine’s Terminal Block, use a voltmeter to ensure you are getting approximately 24 volts.

7. Power off the machine

8. Run the USB extension cable to the outside of the machine. 

9. Then plug in the cellular modem into the extension cable. Secure it to the side of the machine using the last of the velcro adhesive and/or zip ties.

10. On your Edge Device, peel off the outer adhesive on your velcro, and attach your edge device inside your machine’s electrical cabinet. Choose a spot that is a nice, flat surface close to your cable trays where you can run your cables and is far away from high voltage parts. Be sure the surface is thoroughly cleaned and free of oil. Take a moment to secure any cables and keep the electrical cabinet in order.

11. Connect your edge device to a power source by running the fork terminals to 24V on the terminal block. Connect the positive pigtail to 24V on the terminal block, and connect the negative to 0V. 

12. Run the ethernet cable into the control cabinet, and plug it into the embedded ethernet port.

IMPORTANT: If the available ethernet port on your machine is already occupied with another ethernet port, you will need an Industrial Ethernet Switch; this will piece of hardware plugs into the ethernet port and makes multiple ports available. If you alerted MachineMetrics that your ethernet port was already in use, we will have quoted you the cost if a Brainbox 4-Port Ethernet Switch, which will have shipped alongside your Edge Kit.  If you anticipated your ethernet port would be free, you will need to provision an ethernet switch before you can complete your integration. 

 14. Power your machine back on, and confirm that all three lights on the Edge Device light up.

Once you have successfully installed your Edge Device, the next necessary step will depend on which Data Collection Method that was determined to be the optimal approach for your Machine.

Enabling Your Machine's Data Collection Method

Once you have successfully installed your Edge Device, the next necessary step will depend on which Data Collection Method that was determined to be the optimal approach for your Machine.

• If you are using FANUC FOCAS, your next step will be to enable FOCAS on your FANUC control.
• If you are using  MTConnect, your next step will be to enable MTConnect on your control. 
• If you are using an I/O module, your next step will be you install your I/O Module. 
• If you are connecting a Citizen-Cincom Machine click here. 
• If you are uncertain which data collection method you are meant to set up, please reach out to your Customer Success Manager, or contact support@machinemetrics.com or by phone at +1.413.341.5747x120.