The Problem with Traditional Monitoring
Many concrete monitoring systems rely on Bluetooth, WiFi gateways or specialized radio networks (like Sigfox) to move data from the job site to the cloud. Each approach has drawbacks:
- Bluetooth-based systems need someone to walk to each sensor with a phone or tablet to collect data. On large sites with dozens of pours, this is slow and impractical.
- Gateway systems need gateway hardware installed and powered on site. If the gateway loses power or is moved, data collection stops.
- Sigfox/LoRa networks depend on third-party coverage that may not exist in rural or remote locations, and can add recurring costs.
CONTEMP’s Approach: Hybrid Direct-to-Cloud
CONTEMP has no intermediary devices. The logger has a built-in cellular modem that connects directly to the mobile network, the same network your phone uses, and built-in WiFi for sites without cellular coverage.
- Cellular works out of the box, with data included and no site network.
- WiFi covers remote sites with only Starlink, tunnels and mines. When a WiFi network is set up, the logger uses it first, automatically.
One device. No gateways. No additional infrastructure. Place the CONTEMP logger on your pour, connect the sensors, and data flows directly to dashboard.contemp.live, accessible from anywhere in the world.
How It Works
- Sensor readings — CONTEMP measures temperature on 3 channels: ambient plus the two embedded sensors.
- Data buffering — Readings are stored on the logger, so a temporary loss of signal does not lose them. If the memory fills, recording pauses until the data has uploaded.
- Transmission — At the interval you set, the logger uploads its stored readings over WiFi or cellular.
- Cloud processing — The CONTEMP platform checks alarm limits, calculates maturity and strength for each pour and updates the dashboard. Pour figures refresh a few minutes after each upload.
- Notifications — When an alarm condition is met (min/max or differential temperature) or a pour reaches its target, the platform notifies the people assigned, by email and text message.
Key Advantages
- No site visits required — Monitor concrete temperature and maturity from your office, home or anywhere with internet access.
- No additional hardware costs — No gateways, repeaters or hub devices to buy and maintain.
- Works in remote locations — Cellular where there is coverage, and WiFi (including Starlink) where there is not.
- Automatic data sync — If the connection is lost, the logger keeps its readings and uploads them when the connection returns.
- IP67 ruggedized — The enclosure is dust-tight and protected against temporary immersion, built for construction sites.
Comparison with Alternatives
| Approach |
CONTEMP (Cellular + WiFi) |
Bluetooth Systems |
Gateway Systems |
| Site Visits Required |
✓ None |
Every data collection |
For gateway setup/maintenance |
| Additional Hardware |
✓ None |
Phone/tablet per reader |
Gateway per site |
| Remote Monitoring |
✓ Full — from anywhere |
Only when physically nearby |
If gateway is online |
| Rural/Remote Sites |
✓ Cellular, or WiFi / Starlink |
Requires on-site presence |
May need WiFi infrastructure |
| Data Loss Risk |
✓ Low — readings stored on the logger |
High if a visit is missed |
If gateway loses power |
| Monthly Fees |
✓ $0 |
Varies by vendor |
Subscription + gateway cost |
Built for Real-World Conditions
- Operating temperature: Tested down to −36 °C (−33 °F) with Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA batteries.
- Enclosure: IP67 rated — dust-tight and protected against temporary immersion.
- Power: 4 × AA batteries, field-replaceable without tools.
- Sensors: Two embedded digital sensors (white and black) on 1.5 m (4.9 ft) leads, extendable to 16.5 m (54 ft) per leg. Original CONTEMP sensors only.
- WiFi: 2.4 GHz; WPA2-Personal, WPA3-Personal or mixed mode; address by DHCP.