SenseStack Sauna Base Unit Installation Guide

Overview

The objective of this installation is to mount the SenseStack Base Unit, install the temperature probe and door sensor, connect power, commission the device, and verify cloud connectivity.

Tools Required

• Drill
• Long drill bit (suitable for sauna wall)
• Screwdriver
• Screws
• Double-sided tape
• Silicone sealant
• Pull wire (if required)
• Cable sleeve
• Cable ties
• Mobile phone
• Customer Wi-Fi credentials

Step 1 — Site Assessment

Enter the sauna and inspect the installation area.

• Measure the sauna dimensions.
• Calculate the internal air volume.
• Identify the heater location.
• Select a probe position at head height for a seated guest on the top bench, away from direct heater radiation.
• Mark the position for an 8 mm drilled hole through the sauna wall.

Step 2 — Select Base Unit Location

Move outside the sauna and choose a mounting position — normally top left of the door, or top right depending on door opening direction.

• Base unit within approximately 20 cm of the door reed sensor.
• Protected from direct rain where possible.
• Easy cable routing.
• Close to available power.

Step 3 — Verify Installation Constraints

Before drilling, confirm all of the following:

• Power outlet is available.
• Power cable reaches neatly.
• Reed sensor and magnet will align correctly.
• Temperature probe hole is achievable.
• Wi-Fi signal is acceptable.

Step 4 — Verify Wi-Fi

Power the unit temporarily and confirm customer Wi-Fi is available with acceptable signal strength. If Wi-Fi is unavailable, discuss this with the customer before continuing.

Step 5 — Mount Base Unit

• Mark the fixing holes.
• Secure the base unit using the supplied mounting screws.
• Ensure the unit is level.
• Ensure the lid can be removed for servicing.
• Ensure cable exits face downward where appropriate.

Step 6 — Connect Power

• Route the power cable neatly.
• Keep cables concealed where possible.
• Connect power and confirm the device starts correctly.

Step 7 — Install Door Reed Sensor

• Mount the reed sensor on the edge of the door frame, with the magnet on the matching edge of the door.
• Position temporarily with double-sided tape and check alignment when the door is closed.
• Verify Door Open and Door Closed events.
• Only permanently secure to the door frame after successful testing.
• Fix the sensor to the door frame with silicone, adding screws where the frame allows.
• Seal around the sensor and cable entry with silicone for a clean, weather-resistant finish.

Step 8 — Install Temperature Probe

• Have the customer drill an 8 mm hole at head height for a seated guest on the top bench, so the probe reads the temperature guests actually experience.
• Insert the temperature probe through the 8 mm drilled hole — use a pull wire for the cable if necessary.
• Inside the sauna, install the probe holder and ensure it is level.
• Cover the metal probe tip correctly.
• Secure using screws and seal the hole externally with silicone.

Step 9 — Cable Management

• Complete cable routing.
• Install protective sleeve where required.
• Secure all cables.
• Keep cables away from heat sources.
• Leave a professional finish.

Step 10 — Commission the Device

• Connect your phone to the SenseStack Wi-Fi.
• Open the local firmware interface.
• Open the Serial Console.
• Verify door events appear.
• Verify temperature probe reading.
• Verify internal PCB temperature reading.
• Confirm both temperatures are understood before proceeding.

Step 11 — Configure Customer Wi-Fi

• Enter Wi-Fi SSID.
• Enter Wi-Fi password.
• Save configuration.
• Allow the device to reboot.

Step 12 — Verify Cloud Connection

Open the staging dashboard and confirm the device is online with live telemetry, temperature updating, and door events updating.

• Add the Device ID to the production device list in n8n.
• Confirm production telemetry is working.

Step 13 — Customer Handover

• Demonstrate live dashboard.
• Explain temperature probe.
• Explain door sensor.
• Confirm Wi-Fi connection.
• Answer customer questions.
• Photograph the completed installation.

Final Installation Checklist

• Site measured
• Air volume calculated
• Heater clearance confirmed
• Mounting location approved
• Wi-Fi verified
• Base unit mounted
• Power connected
• Door reed sensor mounted to door frame (silicone, screws if needed) and tested
• 8 mm probe hole drilled at head height and temperature probe installed
• Silicone applied
• Serial console verified
• Customer Wi-Fi configured
• Cloud telemetry confirmed
• Device added to production
• Customer handover completed
• Installation photos uploaded

Future Enhancements

Support this article with:

• Step-by-step photos
• Installation videos
• Wiring diagrams
• 3D device illustrations
• Interactive checklists
• QR codes linking to related guides
• Version history and revision log