PickBeam - Operating Instruction

Published by
© GPS GmbH, 24 Oct 2025
This document is protected by copyright. GPS GmbH reserves all rights therein. Reproduction of the content, even in part, is only permitted within the limits of the statutory provisions of copyright law. Any changes or abridgements to the document are strictly prohibited without the express written consent of GPS GmbH.

 

GPS GmbH · Nobelstr. 15 · 70569 Stuttgart, Germany · T: +49 711 6870 31 30
info@gps-stuttgart.de

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Important information

1.1 The technical documentation is part of the product.

1. Keep the technical documentation close to the product so that it is easily accessible, and follow the instructions carefully.

2. Pass on the technical documentation to the subsequent users.

Basic safety instructions

1. Intended use

The PickBeam is an industrial-grade control and sensor unit designed for monitoring and control in industrial environments. It combines flexible LED line management, precise detection of environmental parameters and secure IIoT connectivity in a compact and robust device.

2. Improper use

GPS GmbH accepts no liability for direct or indirect losses or damage resulting from the use of the product. This disclaimer applies in particular to any use of the product that deviates from its intended purpose or is not described in this documentation.

3. Staff qualifications

• Electrical work and installations may only be carried out by qualified electricians.

• Assembly and installation may only be carried out by qualified specialists.

• This operating manual is intended for specialists with experience in handling the product and its installation.

4. Signal words in this document

Warning notices indicate potential hazards when handling the product. The signal word indicates the degree of danger.

5. Environmental and operating conditions

The PickBeam may only be operated under the following conditions:

• Temperature range from -20 °C to +60 °C.

• Maximum relative humidity 90%, non-condensing.

6. Technical condition:

Operating the product in a defective condition may compromise safety and functionality.

• The product must be operated in technically perfect condition, i.e. in its original condition.

• The maintenance schedule must be adhered to.

• If there are any changes in operating behaviour, the device must be checked immediately for faults and these must be rectified.

• If the fault cannot be rectified immediately, switch off the device and mark it as defective.

• Any unauthorised modifications and alterations are prohibited.

• Do not make any changes to the software.

7. Responsibilities of the operator with regard to country-specific regulations:

Comply with country-specific regulations on accident prevention, safety inspections and environmental protection.

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Introduction

This user manual describes the installation, configuration and use of the PickBeam IIoT device. The device is designed for industrial applications and integrates sensor technology, lighting and communication functions. It enables the control of LED lines (coloured RGB LED light strips) and integration into existing networks via Ethernet or WLAN.

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Scope of delivery

Advantages of your PickBeam

• Individual control of LEDs possible.

• Variable brightness adjustable.

• Various colours available.

• Up to 10 m length per LED line with optional accessories available.

• Integration of various sensors possible.

• Can also be used in mobile scenarios via Wi-Fi.

Setting up your PickBeam

1.1 Controls on the front panel

1. Indicator light:

The indicator light shows the status of the device.

2. Reset button​:

Pressing the reset button resets the PickBeam to its factory settings.

1.1.2 Back Side

1.2 Connections on the Lower side

1. Power supply (5V): Connecting the power supply unit

2. LAN connection: Connection to the LAN network

3. 5 LED connections: Connection sockets for the LED lines (can be equipped as required up to a length of 10 m each)

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Installation

PickBeam installation in 5 steps:

Step 1: Assemble the device

1. Check that the delivery is complete and inspect the device for visible damage.

2. For your safety, disconnect the device from the mains during installation work.

3. Always ensure that cables are routed safely and do not pose a trip hazard.

4. Install the device so that it is clearly visible to the operator.

5. The minimum distance to heat sources (e.g. heaters) is 30 cm.

6. Mount the device on a DIN rail, on the wall or on a pipe with a diameter of 28 mm. Use the supplied mounting materials to ensure secure fastening.

Step 2: Connect peripherals

1. Connect up to 5 LED strips to the corresponding outputs on the PickBeam.

2. The order of the outputs can be arbitrary.

3. Observe the maximum length of the LED strips and the number of LEDs per strip to avoid overloading.

4. The device with the supplied power supply supports up to 720 LEDs per line.

5. For longer LED lines up to 10 m, the extended power supply must be used (can be ordered separately).

Step 3: Establishing the network connection

1. Use the designated Ethernet port (see Fig. 1) to connect to the SICON.OS middleware.

2. Alternatively, you can also connect via Wi-Fi.

3. Have your SSID and Wi-Fi password ready to enable access to the middleware.

Step 4: Connect the power supply unit

1. Connect the device to the supplied power supply unit or to a high-quality, stable 5 V DC power source (max. 15 A).

2. Use a high-quality power supply unit to avoid voltage fluctuations.

3. If you want to extend LED lines from 5 m to 10 m, connect the optional extended power supply unit.

Step 5: Software setup

PickBeam can be set up with iOS, Android or Windows devices. Select one of the following three setup methods that suits your hardware (iPhone, Android smartphone or Windows PC/laptop).

5.1. iOS setup with iPhone:

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.

2. Search for the PickBeam app and install it.

3. Launch the app and connect to the PickBeam device via Bluetooth.

4. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the configuration, including setting up the network and LED lines.

5.2. Android setup with Android smartphone or tablet:

1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.

2. Search for the PickBeam app and install it.

3. Launch the app and connect via Bluetooth.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure the device, including network connection and LED lines.

5.3. Windows setup with PC/laptop (EXE installer)

1. Download the Windows installer.

2. Run the file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

3. This method is ideal for company laptops running Windows and offers the same configuration options as the mobile apps.

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Configuration

Initial configuration

1. Connect the 5V power supply to the designated output (see Fig. 1). The device will then boot automatically and confirm that the LED lines are connected correctly with the following light sequence:
   The first 8 LEDs of each strip light up for 10 seconds in the following colour sequence (the corresponding hexadecimal colour definition for each colour is shown in brackets; without configuration, the LEDs light up CONTINUOUSLY; the white boxes symbolise white LEDs, the grey boxes are unlit LEDs):

   • LED line 1: Red (#FF0000)

   • LED line 2: Green (#00FF00)

   • LED line 3: Blue (#0000FF)

   • LED line 4: Yellow (#FFFF00)

   • LED line 5: Magenta (#FF00FF)

2. This check can be repeated at any time by pressing the reset button (see Figure 4) for 2–8 seconds until the LED strips are correctly assigned.

3. After the initial boot process, the device status light flashes blue (see Figure 1), indicating that the PickBeam device is in setup mode.

4. Configure the device for your network and system using the ToolboxApp (available for free download from the respective stores for your Android or iOS device). Go to the section "Configuration with the ToolboxApp".

5. Once the lengths have been configured correctly (see point 6), the lighting sequence changes: the first 8 LEDs and the last 8 LEDs of each LED line light up for 10 seconds in the respective line colour (see Figure 5) (the white boxes symbolise white LEDs, the grey boxes are unlit LEDs). Carefully check the length and number of LEDs against your configuration – incorrect configuration can lead to malfunctions later on.

Configuration with the ToolboxApp

• Download the ToolboxApp free of charge onto your mobile device, e.g. smartphone (from the App Store for iOS devices and Google Play Store for Android devices).

• Connect to the PickBeam in setup mode.

• Enter your network details (Ethernet or Wi-Fi SSID and password).

• Complete the configuration to integrate the device into your system.

Check firmware

• Check for the latest firmware version.

• If necessary, download the latest firmware and install it on your device to ensure optimal performance and security.

Calibration of the sensors

• Calibrate the integrated or external sensors according to the instructions in SICON.OS DeviceManager.

LED control

• Enter the correct length of each light strip in the configuration of the SICON.OS Device Manager.

• Use the following buttons in SICON.OS DeviceManager to check:

  • LED Complete Test: Plays the start sequence for all light strips.

  • LED Max Test: Illuminates all light strips from the centre to the end.

  • LED Stripe X Test: Plays the start sequence for the respective light strip X and then illuminates all LEDs from the centre.

Adjusting the control for the LEDs

• Select the desired programming interface for controlling the light strips:

  • MQTT-API

  • REST-API

• Optional: Enable push notifications (webhooks) that send the current IP address to a defined remote station each time the system boots.

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Operation

• Normal Operation:

  • The device monitors environmental data and sends it to the SICON.OS middleware via MQTT. The environmental data is stored at 1-minute intervals and can be exported or output as a report in a CSV file.

  • The light strips can be used for signalling applications (e.g. red for alarm).

• Web-Interface :

  • Access via browser: http://[Middleware].

  • Dashboards for sensor values, LED control and logs.

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Maintenance and safety

• Regularly inspect the housing and cables for damage.

• Clean only with a dry, lint-free cloth – do not use liquids or solvents.

• Firmware updates may only be carried out via the SICON.OS platform.

• Repairs may only be carried out by the supplier.

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CE conformity and disposal of old equipment

The manufacturer GPS Stuttgart GmbH confirms that the PickBeam product described in this operating manual complies with the following relevant EC directives:

The following harmonised standards were applied:

EN 61000-4-2: 2009   Electromagnetic compatibility - Discharge of static electricity

EN 61000-4-3: 2006   Electromagnetic compatibility - High-frequency electromagnetic fields

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Contact and Support

• Manufacturer:
  GPS Gesellschaft für Produktionssysteme GmbH

  Nobelstr. 15, 70569 Stuttgart
  support@gps-gmbh.de

• Version of the Operating instructions: 1.0 (September 2025)