Installation
Video Tutorial
Before Installation
Prerequisites
- Ensure Thingsee Gateway is installed and operational (LED blinking green)
- Verify power outlet available near installation location
- Plan sensor locations to maintain mesh network coverage (< 20m between nodes)
- Identify doorways or passages to monitor (max 1000mm width, 2100mm height)
- Download Thingsee Toolbox app (iOS/Android) for configuration
Planning Sensor Placement
Key Considerations:
- Maximum passageway width: 1000mm (1 meter)
- Maximum passageway height: 2100mm
- Recommended installation height: 230cm from floor
- Power requirement: USB power outlet within reach of USB cable
- Direction configuration: Determined during setup (which side is “entry”)
Passageway Suitability
Ideal passageways:
- Office doorways (meeting rooms, private offices)
- Retail entrances (stores, shops)
- Building corridors (hallways with defined passage points)
- Moderate width (< 1000mm for single device coverage)
Unsuitable locations:
- Passageways > 1000mm width (requires multiple sensors or alternative technology)
- Areas with bright sunlight (direct exposure affects accuracy)
- Locations with incandescent/fluorescent/halogen lamps (prolonged light exposure)
- No power outlet available (use battery-powered sensors like Haltian ENTRYWAY instead)
Network Coverage Planning
- Maximum distance: 20m between sensors or to gateway
- Use intermediate sensors as routers for distances > 20m
- Wirepas mesh network automatically routes data
- Plan for reliable power at each sensor location (continuous operation required)
Installation Overview
Thingsee COUNT installation consists of several steps:
- Cable threading: Run USB cable through cradle holder
- Sensor attachment: Install sensor unit to cradle
- Cable management: Secure cable with cradle clamp
- Mounting: Attach cradle to ceiling/wall (tape or screw)
- Power connection: Connect USB power supply
- Configuration: Scan QR code with Thingsee Toolbox app, set direction
Step 1: USB Cable Installation Through Cradle
Threading the Cable
- Take USB cable (included in package)
- Run cable through cradle’s holder: Insert cable through the hole at the back of the cradle
- Route cable to front: Pull cable through so connector end emerges at front where sensor will attach
Connecting Cable to Sensor Unit
- Locate USB connector on sensor unit (back side)
- Orient connector springs upwards (critical for proper connection)
- Insert USB cable connector into sensor unit port
- Push firmly until you hear a small snap sound (confirms full insertion)
Ensure USB cable connector springs are facing upwards when connecting to sensor unit. Incorrect orientation may damage connector or prevent proper connection.
Cleaning Sensor “Eyeball”
Before proceeding:
- Inspect ToF sensor “eyeball” (front of device - circular lens)
- Remove any fingerprints or dirt with dry, clean, lint-free cloth
- Do not use liquids or cleaners (may damage sensor optics)
- Ensure lens clear for optimal detection accuracy
Step 2: Installing Sensor Unit to Cradle
Attaching Sensor to Cradle
- Hold sensor unit with USB cable attached
- Align sensor with cradle claws (two claws on cradle sides)
- Push sensor into cradle until it clicks into place
- Listen for subtle snap sound (confirms sensor firmly seated between claws)
Cable Routing
After sensor attached:
- Route USB cable upwards or downwards at end of cradle
- Choose direction that avoids cable being squeezed between cradle and installation surface
- Ensure cable not strained (straight path, no sharp bends)
Step 3: Installing Cradle Clamp (Cable Management)
Securing the Cable
- Put USB cable into clamp groove (on cradle)
- Ensure cable straight (not strained, but without excess slack)
- Take cradle clamp (separate piece included in package)
- Snap clamp into place so it holds cable firmly
- Verify cable secure (cannot pull out easily)
Purpose of clamp:
- Prevents cable from straining or pulling off sensor
- Maintains clean cable routing
- Provides strain relief for long-term reliability
Installation Method 1: Tape Mounting
Recommended for:
- Smooth surfaces (painted walls, ceilings)
- Temporary installations
- Locations where drilling not permitted
Requirements
- Smooth installation surface (better adherence)
- Attachment plate accessory (included)
- IPA solvent (isopropyl alcohol) for surface cleaning
Step-by-Step Tape Installation
1. Attach Attachment Plate to Cradle
- Take attachment plate accessory
- Orient plate correctly (check alignment with cradle base)
- Snap plate into place at end of cradle
- Ensure plate fully attached (no gaps, flush with cradle)
2. Select Installation Location
- Choose spot directly above and in middle of passageway
- Verify height: 230cm from floor (recommended)
- Check angle: Cradle will point straight downwards at 90° angle
- Confirm power outlet accessible with USB cable length
3. Clean Installation Surface
- Use IPA solvent (isopropyl alcohol)
- Wipe installation surface thoroughly
- Let dry completely (alcohol evaporates quickly)
- Ensure dust-free, clean surface for maximum adhesion
4. Apply Tape and Mount
- Remove tape’s paper backing (on attachment plate)
- Align cradle with marked position (centered, 90° downward)
- Press cradle firmly against surface
- Hold pressure for minimum 5 seconds
- Maintain pressure (can press for 30 seconds for better bond)
- Wait 24 hours for tape to fully cure before expecting maximum holding strength
- Tape works best on smooth, clean surfaces (painted drywall, ceiling tiles, smooth wood)
- May not adhere well to textured surfaces (stucco, rough concrete)
Installation Method 2: Screw Mounting
Recommended for:
- Permanent installations
- Textured or uneven surfaces
- High-traffic areas (more secure than tape)
Requirements
- Long Torx model screwdriver (specific to included screws)
- Screw(s) (included with cradle)
- Optional: Drill and wall anchors (for concrete/brick)
Step-by-Step Screw Installation
1. Select Installation Location
- Choose spot directly above and in middle of passageway
- Verify height: 230cm from floor (recommended)
- Check angle: Cradle will point straight downwards at 90° angle
- Confirm no obstructions beneath installation surface (wires, pipes)
Before drilling or screwing, check for electrical wires, water pipes, or other cables beneath installation surface. If in doubt, consult facility manager or use electronic stud finder/wire detector.
2. Mark Screw Position
- Hold cradle at installation spot
- Mark screw hole location with pencil (through cradle mounting hole)
- Verify alignment (centered on passageway, 90° downward angle)
3. Prepare Surface (if needed)
For drywall/wood:
- Pilot hole optional (screw can go directly into wood or drywall)
- Use pilot hole for hardwood to prevent splitting
For concrete/brick:
- Drill pilot hole at marked location (appropriate drill bit size)
- Insert wall anchor (plastic or metal, appropriate for screw size)
- Tap anchor flush with surface
4. Install Cradle with Screw
- Align cradle mounting hole with pilot hole or anchor
- Insert screw through cradle into wall/ceiling
- Use long Torx screwdriver (included screw typically Torx head)
- Tighten securely (cradle should not rotate or move)
- Do not over-tighten (plastic cradle may crack)
Step 4: Power Connection
Connecting USB Power
- Route USB cable from cradle to power outlet
- Connect USB cable to power supply (included adapter)
- Plug power supply into power outlet
- Verify sensor powered (LED indicator should light - refer to sensor manual for LED patterns)
Important: Choose power outlet that is:
- Not on a switchable circuit (sensor needs continuous power)
- Reliable (if power lost, counter resets to zero)
- Accessible (for troubleshooting or future maintenance)
Consider UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) for critical counting applications to prevent data loss during power outages.
Step 5: Configuration with Thingsee Toolbox
Setting Up Direction (Entry vs. Exit)
Configuration determines which side is “entry” and which is “exit”:
- Open Thingsee Toolbox app on mobile device (iOS or Android)
- Scan QR code on front of Thingsee COUNT sensor
- Select location: IN or OUT
- IN: Install sensor inside room (e.g., inside meeting room door)
- OUT: Install sensor outside room (e.g., outside meeting room door, in corridor)
- App configures direction based on selection
- Verify configuration (app should confirm setup complete)
Direction logic:
- Selection determines which side sensor considers “entering” the space
- Other side automatically considered “exiting”
- Test with walkthrough after installation to verify correct direction
Post-Installation Verification
Network Connection
Wait for network join:
- Sensor automatically joins Wirepas mesh network
- Typical join time: 1-10 minutes
- Gateway must be operational (LED blinking green)
Verify in Haltian IoT Studio:
- Log into IoT Studio portal
- Navigate to device list
- Confirm sensor appears with correct ID
- Check “Last Seen” timestamp (should be recent)
Detection Testing
Baseline Test (Empty)
- Ensure passageway empty (no people in detection zone)
- Observe sensor for 5 minutes (should report no entries/exits)
- Verify LED indicator behavior (refer to sensor documentation)
Entry Test
- Walk through passageway in entry direction:
- If configured IN: Walk from outside corridor into room
- If configured OUT: Walk from room toward corridor
- Complete full passage (walk through entire passageway beneath sensor)
- Check IoT Studio for “entries” count increment (may take 30-60 seconds to report)
Exit Test
- Walk through passageway in exit direction:
- If configured IN: Walk from room toward outside corridor
- If configured OUT: Walk from corridor into room
- Complete full passage
- Check IoT Studio for “exits” count increment
Directional Verification
- Entry direction test:
- Walk through in entry direction
- Verify “entries” increments, “exits” does not
- Exit direction test:
- Walk through in exit direction
- Verify “exits” increments, “entries” does not
- If incorrect:
- Reconfigure using Thingsee Toolbox app
- Scan QR code again, select opposite location (IN ↔ OUT)
Simultaneous Passage Test (if applicable)
- Two people walk through simultaneously (side-by-side)
- Verify both counted (ToF sensor should detect both)
- If counts incorrect, verify passageway width < 1000mm and sensor centered
Signal Strength Check
Review RSSI values in IoT Studio:
- Good signal: > -70 dBm
- Acceptable: -70 to -85 dBm
- Poor: < -85 dBm
If signal poor:
- Add intermediate sensor as router
- Relocate gateway closer
- Check for RF obstructions (metal structures)
Installation Checklist
- Gateway operational and network ready (LED blinking green)
- Passageway width ≤ 1000mm
- Passageway height ≤ 2100mm
- Installation location selected (above doorway, centered, 230cm height)
- No bright sunlight or incandescent/fluorescent/halogen lamps
- Power outlet available and reliable (not on switchable circuit)
- USB cable threaded through cradle holder
- USB cable connected to sensor unit (connector springs upwards, snap sound heard)
- Sensor “eyeball” cleaned (lint-free cloth)
- Sensor unit installed in cradle (snap sound heard)
- USB cable routed to avoid squeezing
- Cradle clamp installed (cable secured)
- Attachment plate attached (if tape installation)
- Installation surface cleaned (IPA solvent, if tape installation)
- Cradle mounted securely (tape or screw method)
- USB power connected
- Sensor powered (LED indicator confirms)
- Direction configured (Thingsee Toolbox app, QR code scanned, IN/OUT selected)
- Device appears in IoT Studio
- Empty state verified (no false detections)
- Entry direction verified (walking through increments “entries”)
- Exit direction verified (walking through increments “exits”)
- Signal strength acceptable (RSSI > -85 dBm)
- Simultaneous passage tested (if expected traffic pattern)
- Documentation updated (location, sensor ID, configuration)
Common Installation Mistakes
Mistake 1: USB Connector Springs Not Upwards
Problem: Cable connector inserted with springs downward (incorrect orientation)
Impact: Poor connection, sensor may not power on, or connector damage
Solution: Remove cable, reorient with springs upwards, reinsert until snap sound
Mistake 2: Passageway Too Wide
Problem: Passageway > 1000mm width
Impact: Detection coverage incomplete, missed counts at edges
Solution: Install multiple sensors (side-by-side coverage), or use alternative sensor with wider range
Mistake 3: Installation in Bright Light
Problem: Sensor installed in area with bright sunlight or incandescent/fluorescent/halogen lamps
Impact: Accuracy reduced (light interferes with ToF laser)
Solution: Relocate to area with moderate lighting, or use window shades to reduce sunlight exposure
Mistake 4: Power on Switchable Circuit
Problem: Power outlet controlled by light switch or timer
Impact: Sensor powers off when switch turned off, counter resets to zero
Solution: Use dedicated outlet (not on switch), or move power connection to always-on circuit
Mistake 5: Cable Squeezed or Strained
Problem: USB cable pinched between cradle and ceiling, or cable pulled tight
Impact: Cable damage over time, connection failure
Solution: Route cable upwards or downwards at cradle end, ensure no tight bends or pressure points
Mistake 6: Incorrect Direction Configuration
Problem: IN/OUT configured opposite to actual installation location
Impact: Entries counted as exits and vice versa
Solution: Reconfigure using Thingsee Toolbox app, scan QR code again, select correct location
Support
For installation assistance:
- Email: support@haltian.com
- Thingsee Toolbox app: Configuration help
- User Guide PDF: Download
- Mesh network planning: Contact for large deployments