The Thingstream data flow deployed by default when you redeem your XPLR-IOT-1 device publishes data to an MQTT topic which can be used in our example Node-RED dashboard to help you quickly visualise your data.
If you have your own dashboard, you can edit the data flow to publish data there instead. Take a look at our guide to flows for more information.
Install Node-RED
Before you can deploy the example dashboard you'll need to install Node-RED locally by following the instructions on the Node-Red site.
Install the Node-RED dashboard
Once you have Node-RED installed you'll need to install the Node-RED dashboard by executing the following command:
npm install node-red-dashboardCheck the Node-RED docs for more information.
Install the world maps
You can now install the world maps for Node-RED by executing the following command:
npm install node-red-contrib-web-worldmapCheck the Node-RED docs for more information.
Import the example flow
Now that you have everything set up, you need to download the JSON flow template from GitHub and import it to Node-RED using the import menu
You can either cut and paste the contents of the supplied .json file or just upload the file from your PC.
Open the "XPLR-IOT MQTT In" node to configure the connection to the Thingstream MQTT broker and edit the server settings adding the credentials of your XPLR_IOT Dashboard IP Thing from the Thingstream portal. You'll need to set the server, port, client ID, username and password values.
Finally, you can edit the Base map setting in the Location node to select the map of choice e.g. OpenStreetMap
Deploy the Dashboard:
After editing the flow the 'Deploy' button should be highlighted to suggest there are changes that need to be deployed. Either Click on Deploy directly or click on the Drop Down next to and choose a deployment type. If this is the only flow in your node red then a Full deploy is worthwhile. After a Deploy the button should return to it's original gray colour.
View the Dashboard:
After a succesful Deploy, select the down arrow on the far right of the Node-RED window and select "dashboard" and then on the top right of the pane is an arrow out - click that and a new browser tab is opened with the dashboard in it.
Still need help?
If you need more help or have any questions, please send an email to services-support@u-blox.com.