Version 5 of Keep Connect brings exciting updates that enhance the device’s functionality without the need for the Keep Connect Cloud Service App. These updates focus on improving the device’s performance, usability, and versatility, ensuring that Keep Connect operates seamlessly in various environments.
Invert Relay Direction (NEW) - Flexible Control for Unique Applications #
The Invert Relay Direction feature is designed for more specialized use cases, offering an alternative to the typical power cycle sequence. Normally, Keep Connect will cut power (OFF) and then restore power (ON) after a designated interval to reboot a device. However, with this feature enabled, the sequence is reversed: the relay turns the device ON first, then turns it back OFF after a set period of time.
This setting is found under the Keep Connect Advanced Settings>Miscellaneous Settings which is obviously disabled by default
Possible Use Case: #
This feature can be useful in applications where a device needs to be powered on for a specific action and then turned off again to maintain its operational state. For example:
- Irrigation systems: A system may require power to activate the watering process but should be turned off immediately after the job is done to conserve energy or water.
- Security devices or alarms: Some alarms or security systems may only need to be briefly triggered to send a signal or perform a specific action. In this case, the system needs to turn on momentarily and then shut off afterward to prevent continuous triggering.
- Powering sensors: Certain sensors or monitoring devices only need to be turned on periodically to gather data and then switched off to avoid overuse or overheating. The Invert Relay Direction would allow Keep Connect to briefly power them on and automatically turn them off once the data is collected.
Guest Mode – Improved Connection Performance on Guest WiFi Networks #
In previous versions, Keep Connect treated all networks the same, whether it was a guest network or a main network, without making distinctions in how it managed its connection. This often led to issues when Keep Connect was connected to a guest network, as many guest networks are set up to automatically disconnect devices that send pings to the gateway IP—a process that was part of Keep Connect’s normal operation to ensure it was connected to the network.
With Guest Mode enabled in Version 5, Keep Connect is optimized for guest networks. In this mode, it no longer attempts to ping the gateway IP, which helps avoid being disconnected from guest networks. However, Keep Connect continues using other reliable methods to ensure it stays connected to the router network, such as scanning the saved SSID (WiFi network name) and monitoring internet health using standard connection checks.
Key Benefits of Guest Mode:
- Prevents disconnection from guest networks, which typically kick off devices that ping the gateway IP.
- Ensures continuous operation without relying on gateway pings, focusing on other essential measures to stay connected.
- Maintains connection health monitoring by scanning the saved SSID and monitoring the internet to ensure Keep Connect is functioning as expected.
This feature is especially useful for environments where guest networks are more restrictive, providing a more stable connection for Keep Connect and ensuring that it can still monitor and maintain network uptime effectively.
With the V5 update, you can now add additional recipients to email notifications for Keep Connect-triggered events. This is especially useful for ensuring that key stakeholders are informed about important events, such as network reboots or system status changes. Whether you’re managing a business network or home setup, having multiple recipients ensures timely awareness and action, keeping your network operations seamless.
Dual Notifications: Get Alerts via Both Email and SMS! #
In the V5 update, you now have the flexibility to receive notifications through both email and SMS simultaneously. Previously, users had to choose one method or the other, but now this enhancement ensures you stay informed through multiple channels, whether it’s for network reboots, system alerts, or other Keep Connect-triggered events. This dual notification system offers added convenience and ensures you never miss an important update.
