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General Questions

OWL DMS (Device Management System) is a web-based platform for managing Duck mesh networks. It provides real-time monitoring, web-based firmware flashing, GPS visualization, and data export capabilities for ClusterDuck Protocol devices.Key features:
  • Web-based firmware flashing via USB
  • Real-time message monitoring with WebSocket updates
  • Interactive map visualization with GPS tracking
  • CSV data export for analysis
  • Multi-user support with device assignments
Duck devices are based on the ClusterDuck Protocol, our open-source LoRa mesh network library (made and maintained by OWL). There are three types:
  • PapaDuck (Gateway): Connects to WiFi and sends data to the cloud
  • MamaDuck (Node): Battery-powered sensor devices
  • DetectorDuck: Network testing and optimization tool
No! OWL DMS runs entirely in your web browser. You only need:
  • Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge (for firmware flashing)
  • A modern web browser for monitoring and management
  • No command-line tools or external software required

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Device Setup

  1. Navigate to the “Add Device” page
  2. Connect your device via USB
  3. Follow the 4-step wizard:
    • Connect Device
    • Select Device Type (Papa/Mama/Detector)
    • Configure Firmware (WiFi, sensors, intervals)
    • Review & Flash
See the Flash Firmware guide for detailed instructions.
Supported:
  • Google Chrome (version 89+)
  • Microsoft Edge (version 89+)
Not Supported:
  • Firefox
  • Safari
The flashing feature requires Web Serial API, which is only available in Chrome and Edge.
Devices are registered through the Network Management page:
  1. Go to Network page
  2. Click Add Device
  3. Enter device name (3-8 characters)
  4. Select device type (PAPA or MAMA)
  5. For MamaDucks, select parent PapaDuck
  6. Add description and location (optional)
  7. Click Save
After registration, flash firmware to the device to configure it.
MamaDucks support multiple sensor types:
  • GPS Location: Track device coordinates
  • BMP180: Temperature and pressure
  • BMP390: High-precision temperature and pressure
  • DHT11: Temperature and humidity
  • LED Control: Visual indicators
Choose one sensor type per device during firmware flashing.

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Using the Platform

Messages appear in multiple places:
  • Dashboard: Recent messages table with real-time updates
  • Map View: Message feed for selected PapaDuck
  • Device Detail Page: Recent messages for specific Mama Duck (last 100)
All tables support sorting, filtering, and time range selection.
A device is considered online if it has sent a message within the last 5 minutes.Check status in:
  • Network Management page (online/offline badges)
  • Device detail pages
  • Map View device markers
Use the Data Export page:
  1. Select date range (max 30 days)
  2. Optionally filter by PapaDuck
  3. Click Search to preview
  4. Click Export CSV to download
See the Data Export guide for details.
Yes! The Map View page shows GPS locations for devices with GPS-enabled firmware.Requirements:
  • MamaDuck must have GPS firmware flashed
  • Device must have sent GPS coordinates within last 24 hours
  • GPS data appears as markers on the interactive map
Battery information appears on MamaDuck device detail pages:
  • Battery percentage
  • Charging status
  • Voltage and temperature (if available)
  • Last updated timestamp
Note: Battery data only appears if a health message was received within the last 2 hours.

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Network Management

PapaDuck (Gateway):
  • Connects to WiFi
  • Sends data to cloud
  • Manages multiple MamaDucks
  • Requires power (USB/wall adapter)
  • No sensors
MamaDuck (Node):
  • Battery powered
  • Collects sensor data
  • Must connect through a PapaDuck
  • Mobile/portable
  • Multiple sensor options
Yes! Edit the MamaDuck device:
  1. Go to MamaDuck device detail page
  2. Edit the Parent PapaDuck dropdown
  3. Select a different PapaDuck
  4. Click Save Changes
The change takes effect after the device reboots and reconnects.
There’s no hard limit in the platform, but practical limits depend on:
  • Message frequency from each MamaDuck
  • PapaDuck’s WiFi connection quality
  • Network congestion
For most deployments, 10-20 MamaDucks per PapaDuck works well.

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Firmware & Configuration

The ClusterDuck Protocol is our open-source LoRa mesh network library. Duck devices use CDP to communicate, and OWL DMS uses CDP firmware versions for all devices. The CDP is made by OWL and maintained by OWL.Learn more at the ClusterDuck Protocol website.
Yes! Simply reconnect the device via USB and flash it again through the Add Device page. The new firmware will overwrite the existing configuration.
Supported:
  • 2.4 GHz WiFi networks
  • WPA/WPA2 secured networks
  • Open networks (no password)
Not Supported:
  • 5 GHz WiFi networks
  • Enterprise WiFi (RADIUS authentication)
  • Captive portal networks (hotels, coffee shops)
GPS Interval: 5-60 minutes
  • Lower = more frequent updates, higher battery drain
  • Recommended: 15-30 minutes for normal use
Sensor Interval: 30 seconds to 60 minutes
  • Lower = more data points, higher battery drain
  • Recommended: 5 minutes for continuous monitoring

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Troubleshooting

Check:
  • SSID is correct (case-sensitive)
  • Password is correct
  • Network is 2.4 GHz (not 5 GHz)
  • Device is within WiFi range
  • Network doesn’t use captive portal
Solution: Reflash the device with correct WiFi credentials.
A device shows offline if no message received in 5 minutes.For PapaDuck:
  • Check WiFi connection
  • Check serial monitor for errors
  • Verify internet connectivity
For MamaDuck:
  • Ensure PapaDuck is online
  • Check device is within range
  • Verify sensor configuration
  • Check battery level
GPS locations only appear if:
  • Device has GPS firmware flashed
  • GPS coordinates received within last 24 hours
  • Device has clear view of sky for GPS lock
Check the device detail page to see if GPS messages are being received.
Common solutions:
  • Use high-quality USB cable (not charge-only cables)
  • Try different USB port
  • Ensure device has sufficient power
  • Close other programs using the serial port
  • Use Chrome or Edge browser
  • Try a different cable
See Flash Firmware Troubleshooting for more help.
To extend battery life:
  • Increase GPS interval (30-60 minutes)
  • Increase sensor reading interval
  • Disable external LED
  • Reduce transmission frequency
Reconfigure via firmware flashing with adjusted intervals.
Check:
  • Device is showing as online
  • PapaDuck has WiFi connection
  • Time range filter includes recent data
  • No search filters are active
Try clicking “Reset Sort & Filters” in the messages table.

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Getting Help

OWL IoT Discord Community

Join our community for support and discussions

Documentation

Browse the complete documentation

ClusterDuck Protocol

Learn about the underlying mesh protocol

ClusterDuck Protocol (GitHub)

Our open-source LoRa mesh network library. The CDP is made by OWL and maintained by OWL.