Bluetooth App

Sentinel Bluetooth App

Overview

When using the latest version of the alpha Sentinel firmware, users can utilize an Android / iOS app to connect to their Sentinels over Bluetooth. This app does not require service to function and can allow users to verify that their Sentinel is functional during setup.

Availability

The app is available on the Google Play store and iOS App store. The links below are for reference.

• Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cxl.sentinel.sentinelbluetoothapp&hl=en_US

• iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sentinel-bluetooth/id6753730602?platform=iphone

Functionality

• Retrieve basic device state information.

• Run a basic diagnostic check to confirm high level functionality is working.

  • Confirms Spypoint cable functions.

  • Confirms SD card functions.

  • Confirms model runs on device.

• Run the main program.

• Check if the Sentinel has connection over Cellular or Satellite.

  • Get an approximated bar count for the connection strength.

• Get real-time metrics of the files present on the Spypoint cable.

  • This can be used to confirm the camera is adding images correctly to the Spypoint cable.

  • Metrics can take up to 5 seconds to appear on the app. It is recommended that you trigger the camera trap and then wait a few seconds before trying again.

• For more information, there is an instructions tab in the app.

Suggested Setup Steps

• Update the Sentinel to the latest version of the Sentinel firmware over a WiFi connection. To setup a device update via the dashboard, follow the instructions here.

• Download the Sentinel Bluetooth app before heading to the field.

• Setup the Sentinel as outlined in the Deploying a Camera Trap - Best Practices.

• Confirm that the Sentinel is plugged into the camera trap via the Spypoint cable.

• Turn off the Sentinel.

• Open the Sentinel Bluetooth app on your phone. Follow the instructions to enable Bluetooth permissions.

• Turn on the Sentinel. Wait for the Sentinel's name to appear on the Bluetooth app's main screen. This can take a few minutes. During this time, the Sentinel's casing can be closed.

• Once the Sentinel's name appears, click on the name to establish a connection. If using iOS, you will also need to pair the Sentinel. This will show up as a popup after clicking on the name.

  • Once a Bluetooth connection has been established, the Sentinel will remain on until the Bluetooth connection is disconnected.

• Go to the Device State tab and refresh the state until the Main Program Status is Complete.

• Once the main program is complete, go to the Commands tab.

  • Click Run Diagnostics to confirm the Spypoint is functioning correctly. If there are no error statuses, the diagnostic has passed.

  • Click Check Connection. Confirm that a connection can be established and that the signal strength is above 1 bar. The Sentinel can function at 1 bar, but it may not have a consistent connection.

  • (Optional) Confirm that the Sentinel sends back insights. Trigger the camera a few times and then click Run Main. This will run the entire main flow and should send the insights to the dashboard within a few minutes.

• Go to the Connect tab and disconnect from the Sentinel. If you are using iOS, you will need to go to your device's Bluetooth settings and "forget" the Sentinel. iOS instructions:

  1. Open the Settings app.

  2. Tap on Bluetooth.

  3. Find the device you want to forget in the "My Devices" list.

  4. Tap the blue "i" information icon next to its name.

  5. Select Forget This Device.

  6. Confirm by tapping Forget Device again.

• Open the Sentinel casing and turn the Sentinel off and then on again. This is to make sure the Sentinel starts in a good state.

• All done! Feel free to move on to other Sentinels.

Video of App

Better quality video TBD