Enable the iMonnit Express BACnet Plugin

The iMonnit Express BACnet Plugin

The plugin enables communication of compatible ALTA Sensor data in iMonnit Express to a BACnet controller connected to a building automation system (BMS). The BACnet Plugin is ideal for facility managers and staff using a BMS to monitor and control heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and other systems. Using the sensor data, a BACnet controller can seamlessly interface with a BMS to help facility and property managers take action with valuable sensor and building system data.

About BACnet

BACnet™ (Building Automation Control Network) is the common data communication protocol for building automation and control networks. It was developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and adopted by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and 30 other countries.

BACnet standardizes communications with a common language between building automation devices like Monnit Wireless Sensors and a BMS. This allows data to be shared across devices and facility equipment to work together seamlessly.

How the BACnet Plugin Works

The built-in iMonnit Express BACnet Plugin enables Monnit Sensor data to be sent from iMonnit Express to a BACnet controller. With a BACnet controller connected to a BMS, facility or property managers can use the data to control building components, systems, and smart devices. The following Monnit Sensor types are compatible with the BACnet Plugin:

Using the BACnet Plugin, iMonnit Express feeds sensor data to a BACnet controller as a BACnet device. A BACnet controller receives and organizes date-stamped sensor data from iMonnit Express into four main data points per sensor ID:

Reading—temperature, humidity, etc.
Battery level—in voltage
Signal strength—as a percent
State—active, disabled, or error (For more about sensor state, see this article: Sensor State vs. STS Explained (monnit.com)

The BACnet controller then assimilates the sensor data into a BMS to control and automate facility systems.

How to Enable the BACnet Plugin in iMonnit Express

How to Enable Plugins

Click on the Settings cog next to The OVERVIEW header in the side navigation bar.

Find the Plugins slider and toggle it to “Enable.”

When you click “Save,” you should see a new PLUGINS header in the side navigation bar.

How to Enable the BACnet Plugin

Click on the Settings cog next to the PLUGINS header in the side navigation bar.

Find the BACnet Plugin slider and toggle it to “Enable.”

When you click “Save,” you should see a new BACnet Plugin option in the side navigation bar.

Configure the BACnet Plugin.

Click the BACnet Plugin option from the side navigation bar.

Device Name: This is the name iMonnit Express will display on the BACnet controller. (Default: Express)
Port: This is the port iMonnit Express uses to talk to BACnet. (Default: 47808)
Node ID: You can enter a preferred ID. (Default: 1200)
Include Battery Level: Toggle if you want this value sent to the BACnet controller.
Include Signal Strength: Toggle if you want this value sent to the BACnet controller.
Include State: Toggle if you want this value sent to the BACnet controller.

This article should help you easily use your sensor data in iMonnit Express to automate and control building systems. If you need additional guidance, please get in touch with support@monnit.com.