Troubleshooting MachineQ Sensors

Archived in CSKM-167

If your sensor has disconnected, or you're getting an error message when trying to add your MachineQ sensors in Ops Execution, please follow the steps below:

Step 1: Attempt Button Press Recovery

A button press is the quickest recovery method and should be attempted first. 
 

Procedure

1. Hold the button on the device for 5 seconds until the LED blinks.
2. Wait 60 seconds.

LED Status Indicators

• Two green blinks – Device successfully rejoined the network.
• Other behavior – Proceed to Step 2: Battery Reset.
   

Step 2: Battery Reset

If the button press does not restore communication, perform a full battery reset. 
 

Procedure

1. Using a flat-head screwdriver, open the battery door.
2. Remove the battery.
   1. Do not discard. This is a 3.6V lithium battery (not a standard alkaline AA battery).
3. With battery removed, hold the button for 5 seconds.
4. Reinsert the battery, ensuring proper polarity.
5. Replace the battery door securely.
6. Hold the button again for 5 seconds until the LED blinks.

LED Status Indicators

• Two green blinks – Device successfully rejoined the network.
• Slow orange blinking (~2 min) – Battery depassivation (see note below); wait for two green blinks.
• No LED – See Additional Troubleshooting.
   

Battery Depassivation

Despite looking like a standard alkaline AA battery, the device uses a high-capacity, long-life, lithium thionyl chloride battery. The same property that gives the battery a long shelf life can cause issues when first used. This phenomenon is called passivation. Passivation is a thin film that develops around the anode and acts as an insulator that prevents the battery from self-discharging.
 
The device enters a two-minute depassivation cycle if high levels of passivation are detected. This is indicated by a slow orange blink pattern. The device will reboot and rejoin the network at the end of the depassivation cycle. 
 

Additional Troubleshooting Steps

If the device does not join the network after completing the above procedures: 
 

1. Verify Battery Polarity
   1. Ensure battery is inserted correctly using the polarity identifiers in the battery compartment.  
2. Check Proximity
   1. Keep at least 2 meters between device and LoRaWAN® gateway.
3. Restart Join Process
   1. Hold the button for 3 seconds to reinitiate network join. Observe the LED blink pattern.