Setting up a RTR500BM Data Logger with Azure IoT Hub

Question

For reference, here's the product I am talking about!
https://tandd.com/product/rtr500bm/

Hi all,

I am looking to set up an Azure-based solution to logging a voltage captured by the above device.

I have successfully got it to connect to the company's own cloud, which I assume is done by HTTP(S) protocol under the hood, so there aren't connection issues. However, I am an IoT newbie and need advice on how to set things up in Azure IoT.

I have:

• my own Azure account and sub where I have full admin rights
• IoT Hub resource
• Set up my RTR500BM device + have the keys and such

In the device itself, the HTTP(S) settings are as follows. Previously this was set to be the company's own cloud:

I don't seem to be able to establish a connection to the IopT Hub. I assume this is because I haven't been able to provide the key to authenticate the device. I am reasonably sure my host/server name and destination path is correct but confirmation would be appreciated. Any thoughts?

Cheers!

Answer 1

Hello @Laura Martin,

welcome to this moderated Azure community forum.

The short answer is to skip the IoT Hub as cloud gateway for this device and go for an HTTP triggered Azure function.

Make sure you enable HTTPS for increased security.

The long answer is that there are several reasons why the IoT hub is not the first choice for this specific device.

First, I checked the specs and this device is limited in the protocols compared what an IoT Hub offers:

The Azure IoT Hub is optimized for two-way communication using protocols like MQTT and AMQP. This can even be routed over websockets so only port 443 is needed.

Yes, it also support HTTPS but this is done in a very specific way. See this old blog post for details.

The IoT Hub offers a great way to connect devices, each with their own identity and extra features like the device twin and internal routing.

The device you propose just sends files over the 4G/LTE network. Why should you make it more complicated?

You mention Azure IoT Central. This is a great SaaS solution with basic dashboarding and alerting.

If this is your way to visualize the IoT data, take a look at this bridge. It show how an Azure Function can forward data to an Azure IoT Central app solution. You need to transform your incoming data as seen in the example but technically it's doable.

Personally, I would go for the combination of an Azure Function and forward all messages to an Eventhub so you can ingest the data with a free Azure Data Explorer so you learn about your requirements.

I hope this gives you a starting point to add value and insights based on the real-time data.

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