Quickstart¶
This guide provides the fastest way to connect your uThing::MNL and visualize its data in real-time.
Step 1: Connect the Dongle¶
Plug the uThing::MNL dongle into a USB port on your computer.
Linux Users
On some Linux distributions, you may need to grant your user account permission to access the serial port. For instructions, please see the Fixing Linux Permissions guide.
Step 2: Open the Web Dashboard¶
The easiest way to see live data is with our web-based dashboard. It uses the WebSerial API to connect directly to the dongle from your browser.
How to Connect:
- Click the "Connect" button on the dashboard.
- A browser pop-up will appear. Select the uThing device from the list.
Browser Compatibility
The Web Serial API is a modern feature supported by Chromium-based browsers. Please use one of the following:
- Google Chrome (v89+)
- Microsoft Edge (v89+)
- Opera (v75+)
The dashboard is not compatible with Firefox or Safari.
Step 3: What's Next?¶
Now that you've confirmed your device is working, you can decide how to integrate it:
- For easy data logging, database integration (InfluxDB), MQTT or HTTP, we highly recommend using our uBridge Server.
- For custom applications, you can communicate with the device directly. Learn how in our guide to Manual Integration.
You can also explore the following sections to learn more about the device:
- Sensors & Lenses: Learn about the individual sensors and how to change the Fresnel lens.
- Outputs & Data Formats: See examples of the JSON, CSV, and Human-readable data formats.
- Configuration: Learn how to change settings like the reporting period.
- Specifications: Get detailed hardware and performance specs.