Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Q.	What wireless system does Cypress Envirosystems products use?
A.	See our detailed Wireless FAQ below.
Q.	Does Cypress Envirosystems monitor battery life and product health?
A.	Yes, all battery powered devices regularly transmit battery status and also a communications link status to the Green Box Controller, which can be viewed and programmed for alarm notification. In addition, the Wireless Gauge Reader has an LCD display which includes a battery life indicator.
Q.	What kinds of products is Cypress Envirosystems planning for the future?
A.	Our vision is to capture data from legacy plants cost effectively, with minimal disruption. We work closely with our customers to prioritize our future roadmaps, which include devices to wirelessly read flow indicators, vibration monitors, valve positions, electrical current etc. Please contact us if you are willing to participate in our customer advisory program.
Q.	What kinds of customers have used this before?
A.	Our products were first introduced in September 2007, and since that time, hundreds of customer sites have installed our technology, growing in number every month. These include hospitals, nuclear power plants, universities, semiconductor fabs, universities, biopharmaceutical plants, municipal waste water treatment plants, etc.
Q.	Can I see visit a real installation to see how it works?
A.	Customer visits are possible when potential customers are serious about large projects. Please inquire with us.
Q.	What is the warranty period?
A.	One year, repair or replacement parts included.
Q.	Does Cypress System install and maintain the equipment?
A.	Yes, we install and commission the equipment. We only turn over the system to our customers when they sign a formal acceptance form confirming that the system works as specified. We also have options for integrators to install projects or for customers to install themselves.
Q.	What response time do you provide for your services?
A.	For support, email support@cypressenvirosystems.com and we will coordinate with you to ensure proper support in a timely manner.
Q.	Can I install and maintain the equipment myself?
A.	Yes, it is possible to install and maintain your equipment. We can pre-configure the equipment so it will plug and play. Contact us to learn more about our options.

Wireless Communication Question

Q.	Which wireless technology does Cypress Envirosystems use in its products?
A.	We use the LoRaWAN standard protocol, which has been accepted by dozens of nuclear power plants, federal government facilities, hospitals, universities, and many industrial facilities. To learn more, please visit the LoRa Alliance or reference our Wireless Architecture and Cybersecurity presentation (Industrial or Commercial Buildings).

Wireless Pneumatic Thermostat Questions

Q.	How does WPT control the existing pneumatic dampers and actuators?
A.	The existing pneumatic dampers and actuators are controlled in the same way as using a conventional pneumatic thermostat. The WPT does not change the existing pneumatic control mechanism. Each WPT has an in-built Pneumatic Thermostat that connects the WPT to the existing pneumatic air pipes. The pressure on the branch pipe changes depending on the difference between the setpoint and zone temperature. The WPT enables the user to remotely monitor and control the setpoint changes.
Q.	Do I need to change anything in the existing pneumatic system to make it work with WPT?
A.	No changes are required in the existing pneumatic system to make it work with the WPT. You just need to replace the existing pneumatic thermostat with a WPT. The WPT is provided with a universal adaptor plate which can be fitted to the existing location. As with any pneumatic control system, you should verify that you have a clean, dry compressed air system, free of oil and contaminants.
Q.	What are the pneumatic thermostats that the WPT is compatible with?
A.	The WPT is compatible with most of the single pipe and dual pipe, Direct and Reverse acting and summer-winter thermostats. The universal adaptor plate provides easy retrofit provision for all major brands in the market such as Honeywell TM, Johnson Control TM, Siemens TM , Powers TM, and TAC TM. Presently, the WPT is not compatible with the dead-band control thermostats.
Q.	What is the wireless technology used in the WPT?
A.	The WPT uses the LoRaWAN wireless protocol.
Q.	What are the advantages of using LoRaWAN wireless technology in WPT?
A.	LoRaWAN is a widely accepted, secure protocol that has been safely used in highly secure environments.
Q.	What is the RF transmit output power of LoRa radios?
A.	The radio output power with the antenna produce an RF signal up to +24dBm.
Q.	What is the frequency band used by WPT?
A.	900 MHz
Q.	Does the WPT radio cause interference with other existing wireless devices?
A.	No. Extensive testing has shown that our wireless solution has no effect on the data throughput of other common wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. which operate on a different wireless spectrum.
Q.	What is the operating range of WPT?
A.	The operating range of the WPT is mainly dependent on the installation site and its RF environment. The typical range on a single floor is 100-150ft. The actual range will vary from site to site and time to time depending on many variable elements such as RF interference and RF obstacles.
Q.	What is the battery life for WPT?
A.	The WPT battery life depends on number of setpoint changes made on the stat. For a typical use of two setpoint changes per day, estimated battery life is more than three years.
Q.	What are the key components of WPT System?
A.	The WPT system consists of the following key components: WPTs of Single/Dual pipe with Direct/Reverse acting configurations LoRa Gateway to receive the wireless signals Green Box Controller that hosts the web applications and configuration tools. The Green Box  provides BACnet/IP interface to integrate the WPTs with an existing Building Automation System.
Q.	What is the topology used by WPT Wireless network?
A.	The LoRa wireless enables home-run communications to the LoRa Gateway. One LoRa Gateway can support up to 100 thermostats and generally provides wireless coverage for one floor up and one floor down.
Q.	What is the update rate for the WPT?
A.	The WPT sends the current reading and receives setpoint change commands every five minutes.
Q.	What does the WPT BACnet Server do?
A.	WPT BACnet Server, part of the Green Box Controller, contains the BACnet/IP stack and the BACnet Gateway application for the WPTs. WPT BACnet server is required to integrate the WPTs with the existing Building Automation System.
Q.	How to integrate the WPT with an existing building automation system?
A.	The WPT can be integrated with the existing building automation system via BACnet/IP using WPT BACnet Server. The BACNet device objects are “discovered” from the building automation BACNet system and used as data points for system programming and control. Each of the WPTs is represented as BACnet device objects on the BACnet network. The building automation system can access the WPT BACnet device objects using BACnet/IP protocol. The WPT BACnet Server allows the building automation system to read and write the present values of the BACnet Objects.
Q.	What is involved as far as replacing an existing pneumatic wall thermostat with a WPT?
A.	Replacing an existing pneumatic thermostat with a WPT is quick and easy. Simply remove the existing thermostat (careful to mark main and branch lines). Install the WPT universal adapter plate, re-connect pneumatic lines to the WPT, install the WPT batteries and the WPT cover.
Q.	Once I have installed the WPT on the wall, what is needed to establish communications with the Green Box / Gateway?
A.	The WPT must be configured with the Green Box and LoRa Gateway by uploading a CSV file and binding the thermostat to the gateway.
Q.	.Does the WPT require calibration?
A.	Yes, as with a conventional pneumatic thermostat, it is always good practice to check the thermostat for proper calibration after it is installed. Calibration requires a few simple steps using the WPT keypad and takes only minutes. No tools or test gauges required.
Q.	Is the WPT universal for both direct acting and reverse acting thermostat replacement?
A.	No, you must indicate what control action is required when ordering. The WPT is available in either DA or RA action and can be ordered as 2-pipe or one pipe thermostats.
Q.	What advantages does the WPT provide for me other than remote monitoring?
A.	The WPT provides numerous advantages over a conventional pneumatic thermostat, including: Remote setpoint control (including night-setback) TOD scheduling Occupancy override Demand response strategies Trending & reports BACNet interface to compatible BMS systems
Q.	I prefer that my tenants do not have access to the WPT keypad, what are my options?/td>
A.	The WPT can be ordered with a concealed cover. Alternatively, the WPT keypad can be programmed to lock out any local adjustments that are normally made from the keypad (such as setpoint adjust, etc.).