Installation Guide

Complete installation procedures for Thingsee PRESENCE sensor

Video Tutorial

Before Installation

  1. Ensure gateway is operational - Verify Wirepas gateway is installed and connected (LED blinking green)
  2. Identify the sensor - Scan QR code with Thingsee Toolbox app or QR reader
  3. Plan sensor placement - Review detection area charts for your installation height
  4. Select appropriate dome - Choose Visitor Counter or Occupancy dome if needed

Installation Steps

1. Remove Battery Tab

  • Carefully pull out the battery security tab
  • LED indicator (red) will flash once
  • If no LED flash within 2 minutes, tap sensor against palm
  • If no events within 5 minutes, re-install batteries

2. Clean Surface

  • Clean attachment surface with IPA solvent (isopropyl alcohol)
  • Ensure surface is dry before mounting

3. Attach Sensor

  • Remove tape’s paper cover from sensor backside
  • Push sensor firmly against surface for minimum 5 seconds
  • Wipe sensor with dry, clean cloth

Detection Capability

Height-Dependent Detection Area

Thingsee PRESENCE detection capability changes based on installation height. The chart below shows different detection zones at various heights.

Detection capability vs height

Key Points:

  • Detection area is cone-shaped
  • Wider coverage at greater distances
  • Adjusted sensitivity levels (white lines) shown for illustration
  • Detection area changes with sensor sensitivity level
  • Maximum 34 movements detected per minute regardless of direction or distance

Visitor Counting Installation

Ceiling Installation

  • Place sensor in middle of door opening
  • Position 5-10 cm from wall
  • Ensure no obstacles between sensor and detection area
  • Recommended height: 2.4-2.7m

Door Opening Installation

  • Install at top middle of door opening
  • Orient sensor according to movement direction
  • Ensure clear line of sight to floor
  • Avoid direct sunlight exposure

Using Visitor Counter Dome

Visitor counter dome

The Visitor Counter Dome narrows the detection beam for improved counting accuracy:

  • Dome narrows detection beam for accuracy
  • Detection area is narrowed relative to sensor’s long side
  • Can be attached with screws for secure installation
  • Attachment clips alone sufficient for most installations

Installation Tips:

  • Align dome properly before snapping on
  • Ensure dome is fully seated
  • Use screws for permanent installations
  • Clips work well for temporary or testing setups

Workspace Occupancy Installation

Under-Table Installation

  • Install sensor under table as centered as possible
  • If table legs present, place sensor on user side of leg
  • Maintain 50mm gap between sensor and objects for maintenance access
  • Decrease sensitivity to avoid detections outside workspace
  • Recommended height: 60-70cm from floor

Using Occupancy Dome

Workspace occupancy dome

The Occupancy Dome adjusts the detection beam for under-desk use:

  • Dome adjusts detection beam for under-desk use
  • Orient dome hole facing front for best accuracy
  • Can be attached with screws if needed
  • Cut off screw attachment parts if using clips only (do not damage clips)

Installation Tips:

  • Test detection area after installation
  • Adjust sensitivity to focus on workspace only
  • Verify no false triggers from nearby walkways
  • Consider desk height and user seating position

Installation Guidelines

Sensor detection capabilities

PIR Technology Considerations

Detection Principle:

  • Detects changes in heat sources (moving humans)
  • Temperature difference between person and environment affects reliability
  • Small temperature differences reduce reliability significantly

Optimal Conditions:

  • Environment temperature: 15-25°C
  • Person temperature: 36-37°C
  • Good thermal contrast required

Factors Affecting Accuracy

Visitor Counting Accuracy Factors:

  • Width of doorway (wider = more simultaneous passages)
  • People walking side-by-side
  • Standing or slowly moving lines
  • Cleaning and maintenance activities
  • Very slow-moving individuals

Environmental Factors:

  • Direct sunlight creates thermal variations
  • Heat sources (radiators, HVAC vents) cause false triggers
  • Rapid ambient temperature changes reduce sensitivity
  • Installation height affects detection area size

Things to Avoid

Installation things to avoid

❌ Avoid

  • Installation too high - Excessively large detection area
  • Direct sunlight exposure - Thermal variations reduce accuracy
  • Near heat sources - Radiators, HVAC vents cause false triggers
  • High temperature variation areas - Reduces sensor reliability
  • Frequent thermal disturbances - Unstable detection
  • Too close to traffic flow - People passing very near sensor
  • Wide open areas - Unpredictable movement patterns

✅ Optimal Conditions

  • Controlled temperature environment - Stable ambient temperature
  • Clear detection zone - No obstructions
  • Predictable traffic patterns - Consistent movement flows
  • Appropriate installation height - Matched to use case
  • Good thermal contrast - Clear difference between people and environment
  • Protected from sunlight - No direct sun exposure
  • Away from heat sources - No radiators or vents nearby

Installation Scenarios

Doorway Visitor Counting

Setup:

  • Use Visitor Counter Dome
  • Mount at ceiling above doorway center
  • Height: 2.4-2.7m
  • Position: 5-10cm from wall

Configuration:

  • Threshold: 150 (default sensitivity)
  • Mode: 0 (Movement count reporting)
  • Report interval: 60 seconds

Expected Accuracy: ~85-95% in single-file traffic

Under-Desk Workspace Occupancy

Setup:

  • Use Occupancy Dome
  • Mount under desk center
  • Height: 60-70cm from floor
  • Clearance: 50mm from table legs

Configuration:

  • Threshold: 800 (reduced sensitivity)
  • Mode: 1 (Occupancy reporting)
  • Report interval: 300 seconds

Expected Accuracy: ~95% for typical desk usage

Meeting Room Occupancy

Setup:

  • No dome required (standard detection)
  • Mount on ceiling or wall
  • Height: 2.4-3.0m
  • Position: Central location with clear view

Configuration:

  • Threshold: 150 (default sensitivity)
  • Mode: 1 (Occupancy reporting)
  • Report interval: 300 seconds

Expected Accuracy: ~90% for typical meeting usage

High-Traffic Corridor Monitoring

Setup:

  • Consider Visitor Counter Dome for focus
  • Mount on ceiling
  • Height: 2.5-3.0m
  • Position: Center of corridor width

Configuration:

  • Threshold: 100 (increased sensitivity)
  • Mode: 2 (Event-based movement count)
  • Report interval: 120 seconds
  • Passive interval: 7200 seconds

Accuracy: Variable based on corridor width and traffic density

Installation Verification

Testing Procedure

  1. Enable LED - Configure LED indication for visual feedback
  2. Set short intervals - Use 10-second report interval for testing
  3. Walk through detection area - Test coverage systematically
  4. Observe LED flashes - Verify detection on movement
  5. Review cloud data - Check messages arriving correctly
  6. Adjust if needed - Reposition or adjust sensitivity
  7. Set production config - Disable LED, set normal intervals

Verification Checklist

  • LED flashes on battery installation
  • Sensor reporting to cloud within 5 minutes
  • Movement detected consistently in target area
  • No false triggers from adjacent areas
  • Detection area matches expectations
  • Gateway showing strong signal (RSSI > -70 dBm)
  • Configuration applied successfully

Installation Accessories

Visitor Counter Dome

Purpose: Doorways and corridors visitor counting

Features:

  • Physically narrows detection beam
  • Creates more accurate counting zone
  • Reduces false triggers from adjacent areas
  • Most effective for doorway widths 0.8-1.2m

Installation:

  • Snap onto sensor (clips)
  • Optional screw attachment for permanent installations
  • Orient according to traffic direction

Occupancy Dome

Purpose: Under-desk workspace occupancy detection

Features:

  • Reduces detection area for focused monitoring
  • Prevents triggers from nearby walkways
  • Essential for under-desk installations
  • Allows lower sensitivity settings

Installation:

  • Snap onto sensor (clips)
  • Orient hole facing front
  • Optional screw attachment
  • Can cut off screw parts if using clips only

Mounting Considerations

Adhesive Tape:

  • Included with sensor
  • Sufficient for most installations
  • Clean surface with IPA before application
  • Press firmly for 5+ seconds

Screw Mounting (Domes):

  • Use correct screw type for surface
  • Don’t over-tighten (risk damaging dome)
  • Provides more secure attachment
  • Recommended for high-ceiling installations

Post-Installation

Initial Monitoring

Monitor sensor performance for 24-48 hours after installation:

  1. Check message frequency - Verify expected reporting intervals
  2. Review detection counts - Validate accuracy against known traffic
  3. Monitor battery level - Ensure normal power consumption
  4. Verify network connectivity - Check RSSI and hop count
  5. Adjust if needed - Fine-tune sensitivity or position

Documentation

Record installation details:

  • Installation date and technician
  • Sensor serial number and location
  • Configuration settings applied
  • Dome type (if used)
  • Expected traffic patterns
  • Any special considerations