How to Setup an Uptime Sensor

WHEN TO USE THIS

Use this guide if:

• You want to monitor machine uptime.
• You want to track machine running and stopped states.
• You need to configure a digital signal as an uptime sensor.
• You want to improve Availability calculations.

PREREQUISITES

Before starting:

• The uptime sensor has been physically connected to the Factbird device.
• The device is online.
• You have access to Administration.
• You have permission to configure sensors.
• You know whether the sensor outputs an NPN or PNP signal.

STEPS

1. Create or select the sensor
   • Open Administration.
   • Go to Devices.
   • Select the device connected to the uptime sensor.
   • Add a new sensor or select an existing one.
2. Open the sensor settings
   • Locate the sensor.
   • Open the sensor Settings page.
     
     

3. Configure the sensor type

   • Open the Basic Information tab.
   • Choose the correct wiring type
   • Set Sensor mode to uptime.
     
     
     

   This allows the sensor to detect changes in machine state rather than counting products.

    

4. Set the data multiplier

   In the same settings view, set the Data multiplier to:

   0.0016666

   This ensures uptime data is calculated correctly.
   
   

5. Verify the data view

   Go to the Data tab

   In the chart Data filter, select Uptime
   
   
    

6. Save the configuration
   • Click Update Sensor Configuration.
   • Wait for the configuration to be applied to the device.
      
7. Verify the sensor
   • Start and stop the machine.
   • Confirm the sensor changes state correctly.
   • Verify that uptime is recorded in Factbird.

EXPECTED RESULT

After completing these steps:

• The uptime sensor detects when the machine is running and stopped.
• Machine uptime is recorded correctly.
• Stop detection and availability reporting use the configured sensor.
• The sensor can be used in dashboards, reports, and analytics.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Issue: The sensor never changes state.

• Try: Verify the wiring is correct.

• Try: Confirm the correct wiring type (NPN or PNP) has been selected.
• Try: Check that the machine output changes when running and stopping.

Issue: Uptime is always shown as running.

• Try: Verify the configured event state matches the machine signal.

• Try: Check whether the signal logic needs to be inverted.

Issue: No uptime data is displayed.

• Try: Verify the device is online.

• Try: Confirm the sensor has been added to the correct device.
• Try: Save the configuration again and wait for it to update.

STILL NEED HELP?

Contact Support and include:

• The device name.
• The sensor name.
• The wiring type (NPN or PNP).
• Screenshots of the sensor configuration.
• A description of the machine signal.

RELATED ARTICLES

• Basic Sensor Settings