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Mounting an ELA Blue Puck BLE Temperature Sensor

This guide explains how to physically mount and secure a Blue Puck BLE Temperature Sensor to an asset or inside an enclosure. It focuses solely on proper placement, orientation, and mounting hardware considerations to ensure accurate temperature measurements and extended device longevity.

Overview

The Blue Puck BLE Temperature Sensor (often referred to simply as “Blue Puck”) is a compact, battery-powered, Bluetooth Low Energy environmental sensor manufactured by ELA Innovation. It is commonly used for temperature (and optionally humidity) monitoring in cold chain, asset monitoring, refrigeration, container tracking, and environmental alerting applications.

Manufacturer documentation and technical resources for this sensor are available here:
Blue Puck Product Page – ELA Innovation


What’s in the Box

Standard Blue Puck packaging typically includes:

  • Blue Puck BLE Temperature Sensor assembly

  • Mounting accessories (varies by kit — may include clips, screws, adhesive pads)

  • Quick Reference Guide with regulatory and safety data

Note: Some kits are shipped without a mounting kit — verify contents before installation.


Tools and Materials

Before mounting, prepare:

Tools

  • Screwdriver set (flat or Phillips depending on hardware)

  • Drill (if using screws)

  • Cable ties

  • Marker/labeling tool

  • Ruler or measuring tape

Materials

  • Mounting screws (user-supplied if not included)

  • Industrial double-sided adhesive pads (optional)

  • Magnetic or bracket mounts (optional)

  • Weather seal or protection (optional for outdoor applications)


Safety and Pre-Mounting Considerations

  • The Blue Puck is not inherently waterproof unless explicitly rated for IP-levels (verify model). Avoid direct water ingress.

  • Avoid mounting near sources of extreme heat or cold that will distort measurements (e.g., engine bays, direct sunlight).

  • The sensor must remain within line-of-sight or minimal obstruction of the BLE receiver (the gateway or BLE collector).

  • Avoid mounting near large metal obstructions if Bluetooth signal is critical.


Mounting Best Practices

Before choosing a fixed location, consider the following:

  1. Measurement Accuracy
    For temperature sensors, mounting location directly affects what temperature is measured. Choose a location representative of the environment you wish to monitor (e.g., inside refrigeration space, cargo bay, or storage area).

  2. Signal Strength and BLE Connectivity
    BLE is a short-range protocol. Place the Blue Puck where it can communicate reliably with the receiving device (gateway or BLE aggregator). Avoid thick bulkheads, layered metal, or other RF shielding.

  3. Ease of Access
    Mount the sensor where it can be accessed easily for battery replacement or inspection.

  4. Vibration and Shock Isolation
    Avoid consistently vibrating locations that can loosen fixtures or damage electronics.


How to Mount the Blue Puck

1. Clean and Prepare the Mount Location

  • Wipe the surface to remove grease, dust, or moisture.

  • Select a flat surface when possible.

  • For temperature monitoring inside a compartment, position centrally away from direct airflow vents unless specifically required.

 

2. Choose Your Mounting Method

There are several recommended mounting options depending on the asset and application. Each has advantages:

A. Cable Tie Mounting

  1. Wrap a cable tie around the Blue Puck’s mounting ribs or through the built-in loops.

  2. Tighten the cable tie securely around structural ribs, bars, frames, or brackets.

  3. Trim excess cable tie material.

This method is ideal for temporary fixes or where no adhesive or screws can be used.

 

B. Double-Sided Adhesive Pads

  1. Use an industrial-grade double-sided pad capable of withstanding temperature variations.

  2. Apply the pad to the flat back of the Blue Puck enclosure.

  3. Press firmly onto the mount point for 30–60 seconds.

Best used on non-porous, clean surfaces (metal, plastic, smooth bulkheads).

Note: Adhesive mounting is not recommended where moisture or rapid temperature swings occur unless the adhesive is rated for those conditions.

 

C. Screw or Bracket Mount

  1. Mark the mounting hole locations using the Blue Puck as a template.

  2. Drill pilot holes if required (verify substrate and safety before drilling).

  3. Secure the sensor with screws into the prepared mounting points.

  4. Use rubber grommets or vibration dampeners if excessive motion is expected.

Screw mounting is most robust for long-term fixed installations where environmental exposure may occur.


3. Orientation and Positioning

For optimal performance:

  • The sensor’s front face should not be flush against the mounting surface where thermal conduction can affect readings.

  • Leave minimal clearance from the location so the sensor remains exposed to the ambient air you intend to measure.

  • Ensure that the BLE radio faces away from very dense obstacles if possible.


Verifying Mount Quality

After mounting:

  1. Visual Inspection
    Confirm the sensor is firmly in place and not loosely hanging.

  2. Physical Stability Check
    Gently push on the sensor to verify it does not shift or rattle.

 

Validation in Perspio

Validate the integrated output in Perspio:

  1. Navigate to Assets and open the target asset.

  2. Check the telemetry / sensor area for temperature data in the Snapshot and Metrics.

  3. Confirm:

    • Temperature readings are visible

    • Units (°C/°F) match your tenant standard

    • Readings align with expected environment (allow a stabilisation window after install)


Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Poor Bluetooth Connectivity

  • Reorient the sensor or select a new mount point with fewer obstructions.

  • Reduce the distance between sensor and BLE receiver.

Inaccurate Temperature Reporting

  • Avoid mounting near external heat sources (engines, vents).

  • Ensure airflow reaches the sensor housing unobstructed.

Adhesive Failure

  • Select a higher-grade adhesive rated for the temperature extremes in your environment.

  • Consider mechanical fastening methods for long-term installations.


Manufacturer Resources and Documentation

Blue Puck Product Page – ELA Innovation

These pages include datasheets, mounting recommendations, regulatory information, and sensor specifications.


Summary

Mounting a Blue Puck BLE Temperature Sensor properly ensures accurate environmental monitoring and long-lasting performance. Choose a location representative of the monitored space, avoid RF and thermal obstructions, and use secure mounting methods such as cable ties, adhesive pads, or screws based on the asset and environment. Manufacturer links provide access to official specifications and additional support documentation.