These are frequently asked questions...

Can I connect several io-keys with each other?

You can register and operate any number of io-keys in your personal cloud space (Tenant). A direct connection (e.g. to generate a radio signal mesh) is not possible.

How do I set an alarm or switch function on the cloud?

You can easily set all the functions of your io-key in your cloud. When you define each function, a window opens where you can enter all the necessary parameters. You can also manually switch the saved function on and off here.

Can I parameterize my sensors with the io-key?

Currently, IO-Link parameterization via the io-key is not possible. (Status: January 2020)

What happens if the connection is lost?

If the yellow LED on your io-key is deactivated, there is currently no wireless connection. Move the io-key to a location where there should be a wireless connection (e.g. outdoors) and restart the device. If you still cannot establish a wireless connection, please contact your io-key partner’s support hotline.

Can I connect more than two sensors to the io-key?

Two sensors can be connected directly to the io-key. It is also possible to transmit up to 20 binary inputs on one IO-port of the io-key via an IO-Link input module. If you want to connect more than two sensors directly, you can display multiple io-keys in your personal cloud.

How secure is my data?

Your partner’s io-key cloud encrypts your process data using SSL certificates. Furthermore, only you have access to your personal Cloud Dashboard. In case our support team needs to intervene on your dashboard, you can grant our service technician temporary access. Following this procedure, a password reset by your administrator is necessary for security reasons.

The transmission of data from the device takes place via a Virtual Private Network (VPN) of the mobile phone provider.

Can switching and alarm functions be combined?

Yes, for an optimal monitoring of your machine or plant the combination of both functions is useful. In this way you can, for example, trigger an acoustic alarm on the machine and an alarm on the cloud at the same time if your fill level drops rapidly (e.g. due to a leak).

Can I operate or switch actuators with the io-key?

The io-key has four switching outputs (24V DC), which can be controlled individually. You can easily set the logic for the control in your cloud without any programming effort. You can also implement complex circuits based on your sensor values directly on the device. No PLC or relay is necessary. Just select the option “Switching function”.

Can alarm functions also be triggered directly on the device?

Do you need an alarm function in real time, or independent of your transmission interval? With the “alarm function” option, your sensor data are continuously checked for exceeding a limit value. In case of an exceedance, an alarm is generated on the device, which is then transmitted to your cloud. You can then process this alarm as you wish.

What do I do if I have a problem with my io-key?

If you can’t find a solution to your problem based on our instructions in the io-key and Cloud Help Center, your io-key partner’s technical support will be happy to help you. If you agree, your device can also be serviced from anywhere. All you need is a power connection.

How do I keep the software on my device up-to-date?

In order to ensure trouble-free operation of your io-key and to make new features available to you, free firmware updates are provided at regular intervals by your io-key partner. You simply install these yourself, just like on your computer – whenever and wherever you want.

Can I use the io-key with normal sensors that do not have IO-Link?

Yes, sensors with an analog signal output (4 – 20mA or 0 – 10V) become IO-Link-capable through an analog – IO-Link converter. However, the sensor value here must be manually scaled in the cloud using the “adaptive readings” widget to allow perfect monitoring.

How often is the data sent to the cloud from the io-key?

There are different models with different transmission intervals. Each io-key partner offers individual solutions. Please contact your partner for specific advice.

The fastest transmission interval is currently 1x every 10 seconds.

Do I need a SIM card?

The io-key has a SIM card onboard. The data transfer is a flat rate and is billed together with the cloud service in the io-key partner’s monthly billing model. The SIM card works in almost all European countries.

Can I also pay my bill annually?

Not in the mood for a monthly bill? No problem. Contact your io-key partner via the Services Hotline and we will invoice you annually.

How is the monthly billing done?

The monthly flat rate is always invoiced on the 1st calendar day of a month.

Do I have to use io-Link sensors?

The io-key is a gateway optimized for IO-Link technology. IO-Link sensors function via plug & play and transfer your process values directly to the cloud; without complex configuration. Currently, the io-key works exclusively with IO-Link sensors. You also have the option of transferring process values from sensors with an analog output to the cloud via an IO-Link converter.

What accessories do I need for the io-key?

You need connecting cables to connect the sensors or actuators to the two IO-Link ports 1 & 2. You also need a power supply (DC 24 V).

In which countries can the io-key be used?

The io-key can be used in the following countries at launch time (April 2019): Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom

What are the advantages of narrowband IoT?

Deep building penetration & high network coverage: +20 dB transmission power allows sparking down to the basement. Low data consumption: much less data is consumed due to optimized transmission protocols. Only the really relevant sensor data is sent.
Up to 100 times as many terminals per radio cell: A radio cell has a maximum number of devices. NB-IoT allows significantly more devices to enter the cell and thus guarantees data transmission.
Low power consumption: NB-IoT radio modules are optimized for low power consumption.
Secure data transmission: An end-to-end transmission in the own VPN network protects the data particularly efficiently.

Do I always have reception? What is the current network coverage with Narrowband IoT?

Currently (status April 2019) the Narrowband IoT network is being expanded throughout Europe. Deutsche Telekom plans to complete the network expansion in Germany by the end of 2019. If NB-IoT is not available, the io-key will radio into the existing and well developed 2G network and can therefore be operated in Europe without problems.

io-key Support via Chat, E-Mail oder Hotline

Wir konnten Ihnen Ihre Frage nicht beantworten? Dann kontaktieren Sie uns!

Jetzt Formular ausfüllen!  

Nur eine kleine Frage? Nutzen Sie unseren Chat!

Kleine Fragen beantworten wir Ihnen direkt hier...

Chat anzeigen...