SMART Controller Overview - SMART System

SMART System User Guide (Latest Software Version)
Core Product
SMART System
Accessory
SMART Software Version
1.3.9

The SMART Controller is a rugged computer running Ubuntu Linux and the SMART System Software.

The SMART Controller is compact and sturdy. It features dual Wi-Fi antennae and a variety of inputs and outputs. The top surface largely consists of metal fins that dissipate heat.

The SMART Controller is the central component of a SMART System. It hosts the browser-based SMART Control Panel used for configuring the SMART System, analyzes and records the audio from any attached microphones, and communicates with a wide variety of external devices.

SMART Controller Connectivity

Figure 1. SMART Controller Connectivity: Ethernet and DisplayPort When the cooling fins are facing upwards, the ports listed below are arranged from left to right on the face opposite the Wi-Fi antennae.
  1. One Gigabit Ethernet port can be used to connect the SMART Controller to a network.
  2. Two Gigabit Ethernet ports with Power over Ethernet (PoE) can directly power two SMART MIC-1 microphones. With an external PoE switch, up to three SMART MIC-1 microphones can be used simultaneously with the base model SMART Controller.
  3. Two DisplayPort sockets allow you to view the SMART Controller's Ubuntu command line on an external display.
Figure 2. SMART Controller Connectivity: Serial, Power Input, and Wi-Fi The following connection points are arranged on one end of the SMART Controller.
  1. Two DB-9 serial ports can output bat call analysis measurements via the RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 protocols. These ports can also be used to communicate the status of the SMART Controller's alarms via Modbus.
  2. The SMART Controller's power input accepts 9-36 V DC.
  3. A grounding lug can be used to protect the SMART Controller from electrical discharges.
  4. Two Wi-Fi antennas allow you to connect the SMART Controller to an existing Wi-Fi network or to host a local Wi-Fi network.
Figure 3. SMART Controller Connectivity: Digital I/O, USB, and Power Button The ports and buttons listed below are arranged on one long face of the SMART Controller, along with several status LEDs and a headphone/microphone jack.
  1. Optically isolated Digital I/O pins are available for use by custom applications. One possibility is to signal the presence of bats to connected devices using a simple script.
  2. A CAN bus can be used for custom applications.
  3. Four USB 3.0 Type A ports allow you to connect storage devices, keyboards, and other accessories.
  4. The power button is not generally required, as the SMART Controller boots automatically. You can use it to manually reboot the SMART Controller.