Devices & Networking
Understanding Turbos, Cloud Display Devices, placement guidance, power options, and network configuration.
System Architecture
The Voodoo Robotics system consists of four layers that work together to deliver pick-to-light functionality: your application, the Voodoo server, Turbos, and Cloud Display Devices.
Your System
WMS / ERP
Voodoo Server
Big Block / www.voodoodevices.com
Gateway
Turbos
Endpoint
Cloud Display Devices
What Turbos Do
Turbos are network-connected (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) gateway devices that route messages between Cloud Display Devices and your Voodoo server (cloud or on-prem). They route data between the display devices and the Voodoo Robotics server. Multiple Turbos can be spaced throughout a warehouse to cover large areas and accelerate communication.
Placement Guidance
Optimal Spacing
Mount at optimal height: Install Turbos on walls or pillars 8–12 feet high, above shelving and racking, to maximize line-of-sight to Cloud Display Devices below. Mounting too high (e.g., 50 ft ceilings) can put devices out of radio range.
Plan for overlap: Ensure Turbo coverage areas overlap slightly so devices always have a clear communication path.
Avoid interference: Keep Turbos away from heavy metal obstructions and competing radio equipment when possible.
Use latency graphs: Big Block provides device-to-Turbo latency graphs to help evaluate and optimize placement.
Cloud Display Devices
Cloud Display Devices are the pick-to-light endpoints. They leverage the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to display messages, barcodes, QR codes, and icons. Devices are wireless and run on two regular AAA batteries. They can be mobile or permanently mounted.
Display content options include:
- Plain text (auto-scaled to fit)
- Barcodes (Code 128 B, up to 23 characters)
- QR codes (Version 3, up to 23 characters)
- Directional arrows and hazard icons
- Quantity display in a box (0–63)
Power Options
Cloud Display Devices
Devices run on two regular AAA batteries (1.5V alkaline recommended). Battery life depends on usage patterns including flash frequency, sound usage, and display time.
Battery Management
Turbos
Turbos support two power options:
- AC Adapter — Included with the device (100–240V, 50–60 Hz input, USB-C output, 5' cord length)
- Power over Ethernet (PoE) — IEEE 802.3af/t isolated 3kV. Ideal for installations where running power cables is impractical.
Network Considerations
Turbos connect to your network via Ethernet or WiFi (DHCP). They communicate with the Voodoo server (Big Block or www.voodoodevices.com) over your network.
Internet Dependency
If using www.voodoodevices.com (hosted, multi-tenant), internet access is required. If using self-hosted Big Block, the system functions independently of internet connectivity — as long as your server and internal network have power, operations continue.
Firewall & SSL
For self-hosted Big Block, use a public IP address to obtain an SSL certificate and secure all communications with HTTPS. Private IP addresses prevent SSL certificate issuance, forcing all traffic to use unencrypted HTTP.
DHCP
Turbos require DHCP to obtain an IP address. Ensure your network's DHCP server can assign addresses to Turbo devices and that they can reach the Voodoo server on your LAN.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Device not responding | Low battery voltage | Check voltage in Big Block; replace AAA batteries |
| Intermittent communication | Device out of Turbo range | Move device closer or add another Turbo |
| High latency | Network congestion or cloud routing | Consider self-hosted Big Block; check latency graphs |
| Turbo not connecting | WiFi or Ethernet issue | Verify DHCP assignment; check cable/WiFi credentials |
| Temperature alarm | Environment out of range | Check thresholds in Big Block; verify device placement |