Commonly asked questions we get about MarCELL PRO.  Feel free to contact us if you have additional questions!
info@marcellpro.com       Call or Text Sales:  415.669.4PRO           Service or Technical Support: (866) 568-2770

How does MarCELL PRO work? 

MarCell PRO is basically a temperature and humidity logger, power monitor and cell phone all rolled into one small package. You just plug the device into an outlet in an area you want to monitor. It constantly measures temperature and humidity against a safe range that you specify. If temperature or humidity go outside the safe range, power is lost to the outlet, or flooding is sensed with the remote sensor -  MarCELL PRO immediately makes a cellular connection to our server to report the issue.  The server then "dispatches" the alert(s) you have set up (phone call, email or text message)

You can also go online to view and download historical information, set up safe ranges and alarms.  

Why Use a CELLULAR Connection vs Wifi or Phone Line?

By using a reliable AT&T or Verizon network, MarCELL PRO is able to send alerts when you need it the most.  Advantages of using cellular technology include:

• Works During Power Outages.  Unlike wifi or landline internet, MarCELL PRO is still able to communicate and alert you if power is lost to the building.  (this is when you need it the most!!)
• More Secure.  By not "piggybacking" on an existing wifi network, you eliminate any risk of hackers using a monitoring device to get into your network and accessing sensitive information.  MarCELL is completely self contained and does not have any ability to "control"!
• ​More Reliable.  Lets face it, getting kicked off of wifi is a common occurrence.  MarCELL PRO comes already internet enabled.  No need to figure out how to connect to wifi or existing internet.
• Increased Flexibility.  Unlike wifi or phone line connection, MarCELL PRO can easily be moved to other buildings or even be completely on the road.  Works great in places where internet is not practical; remote buildings, storage, etc! 

Do I need to set up cellular service?

No!  MarCell PRO comes fully activated and ready to go with either Verizon or AT&T as service providers and is included in the yearly service plan.  We handle all the data usage contracts and working with the cellular companies - no need to add this device to your plan or contact a provider!

Can I move MarCell PRO to other areas or buildings?

Yes!  MarCELL PRO is not tied to any one location.  You can move the unit to other locations and even rename it if you like online.  

​How often does MarCell PRO report in with data?

MarCELL PRO comes with 20 instant updates per month included in the yearly hosting fee

Although MarCELL PRO continuously monitors if the alarm condition is being met and will immediately send out alerts, historical data is sent to the online portal 6 times per day.  MarCELL PRO records historical data every 30 minutes or documents any time an alarm condition is newly met.  

For example:  If an alert threshold is set at 80 degrees, MarCELL PRO unit is checking its temperature around every 10 seconds to verify the temperature has not exceeded this threshold.  If at any point the temperature does exceed this threshold, MarCELL PRO connects online, dispatches your alert and logs the event and historical information.  However, if MarCELL PRO does not sense a threshold has been exceeded, it simply collects data at 30 minute intervals and uploads this data online 6 times per day.  This is done to reduce the amount of data connections and keep monthly service low.  

Operation	What does MarCELL PRO do?
Normal operation - monitoring	MarCELL PRO unit continuously (roughly every 10 seconds)  ​  compares its environmental readings vs. alarm thresholds.
If an alarm condition is sensed	Unit instantly connects online and dispatches the alert set up by the user.  It also uploads and logs the most up-to-date history.
If no alarm conditions are sensed	Unit captures and logs conditions every 30 minutes and reports back historical trend data 3 times per day - or until an online user requests an "update now".

​How much is the monthly cost?

Monthly costs are $14.95, billed annually or $24.95 month-to-month .  This includes all notifications, unlimited historical data storage and cellular connection data fees.  No need for phone lines, wifi or to contact your cellular provider.

Re-enable anytime.  Use at least 4 months per year to avoid a re-connection fee ($29)

How do the water sensors or SPucks work?

Water sensors (SPucks) are able to connect to the MarCELL PRO unit and report back if they sense water.  You can connect up to 16 SPucks to any MarCELL PRO device and, depending on the make up of the building, can be up to 200 feet away.  

Each sensor can be set up with an additional 2 notifications (email, phone or text)

SPucks are self contained units with a coin battery designed to last 3+ years.  Your MarCELL PRO unit also monitors the "paired" SPucks battery level so you can view it online at anytime. 

How does MarCell PRO communicate a power outage?

MarCELL PRO contains battery backup which is able to establish a cellular connection and dispatch an alert even when the power is out.  

This also makes it very attractive since it is able to communicate even when internet or wifi based systems are not!  (no power = no internet!)

Why is MarCell PRO more secure than other products in the market?

Since MarCell PRO comes fully provisioned on a separate cellular network, it eliminates any risks associated with tying into an existing network.  No need for IT installation, firewalls, establishing a static IP or worry about security.  

MarCell PRO also does not have ability to "control" any assets (such as HVAC units, lighting, etc).  This also adds to its security and inability to be used as a portal to "hack" into any systems, unlike other products in the market. ​

​Why not install a full monitoring and control system?

As neat as full building monitoring systems are, they cost thousands of dollars to install and even thousands of dollars every year to maintain.   

At the end of the day - the most value comes from quickly knowing an issue has happened and being able to send someone out to take a look!

How do notifications or alerts work and get set up?

Alerts can be set up for humidity, power, temperature and (if SPucks are installed) water.

First step - is to set up safe ranges within both humidity and temperature. 

Second - you can set up 9 custom alerts for any of the items monitored.  Customize the message to whatever fits your needs!  (can even customize voice calls!)

What if I'm unhappy with MarCELL PRO or don't get service where i need it?

MarCELL PRO comes with a 30 day satisfaction guarantee.  If you don't get service or aren't satisfied with your purchase, pleas get in touch with us for a return.

Can SPucks be used to monitor anything other than water or flooding?

Yes!  Water Sensor SPucks come with a 2 wire adapter to convert the sensor from a water sensor to a "normally open" dry contact.  Not many users will need this feature but it can be used to monitor items such as a common alarm point within a HVAC or electrical piece of equipment.  

Essentially when the device signals an alarm and closes the connection, the SPuck senses a failure (like it would if water would close the contact as well).  

Keep in mind that SPucks should only be used for use such as an alarming point since once tripped in alarm mode - they would keep tripped for approximately a day or until physically being reset.  (They wouldn't work to monitor something like entry into a room unless entry was very rare).

Feel free to contact info@marcellpro.com for more infomation