Choosing Your Sensor
Grillo offers two sensor models to fit different deployment scenarios. This guide will help you choose the right one for your needs.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Grillo One | Grillo Pulse |
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | MEMS accelerometer (3 channels) | MEMS accelerometer + geophone (4 channels) |
| Detection range | Small to strong motion | Micro-seismic to strong motion |
| Connectivity | WiFi / Ethernet | WiFi / Cellular (LTE) |
| Power | USB-C | DC / solar + battery backup |
| Installation | Indoor | Indoor / Outdoor |
| Setup complexity | Simple | Moderate |
Grillo One
The Grillo One uses a low-noise MEMS accelerometer (3 channels) to capture ground motion from small to strong events.
Ideal for
- Fixed indoor installations - Buildings with reliable power and network
- Structural monitoring - Building vibration and ground motion detection
- Strong motion recording - Capturing local and regional earthquakes
Connectivity options
- WiFi - Connect to your existing wireless network
- Ethernet - Direct wired connection for maximum reliability
Requirements
- USB-C power source
- WiFi network (2.4 GHz) or Ethernet connection
- Indoor installation location
- Solid mounting surface (floor or wall)
Advantages
- Simplest setup process
- Lower cost
- Reliable wired option available
- Ideal for most indoor use cases
Grillo Pulse
The Grillo Pulse combines the same low-noise MEMS accelerometer as the Grillo One with a vertical geophone, providing 4 channels of seismic data. This allows it to capture micro-seismic events up to strong shaking.
Ideal for
- Remote field sites - Areas without WiFi coverage
- Seismic research - High-sensitivity monitoring with geophone
- Outdoor installations - Weather-resistant enclosure
- Temporary deployments - Events, research campaigns
Connectivity options
- WiFi - When available, uses less power than cellular
- Cellular (LTE) - Connect anywhere with cell coverage
Power options
The Pulse accepts DC power through a waterproof cable input:
- AC adapter - Standard mains power with included adapter
- Solar panel - For off-grid deployments
- Battery backup - Internal battery maintains operation during outages
Requirements
- DC power source (AC adapter or solar panel)
- Cellular coverage (if using cellular mode)
- SIM card with active data plan (for cellular)
- Suitable mounting location
Advantages
- Cellular connectivity for remote locations
- Solar-compatible for off-grid sites
- Battery backup for power outages
- Weather-resistant design
- Flexible deployment options
Decision guide
Choose Grillo One if:
- You have reliable WiFi or Ethernet at your location
- The sensor will be installed indoors
- You want the simplest setup experience
- You don't need cellular connectivity
Choose Grillo Pulse if:
- You need to deploy in a location without WiFi
- The installation may be outdoors
- You need battery backup for power outages
- You want flexibility to relocate the sensor
Can I use both?
Yes! Many networks combine both sensor types for different purposes:
- Grillo Pulse sensors in the field for early earthquake detection (high-sensitivity geophone captures events first)
- Grillo One sensors at population centers for recording shaking intensity
This combination works well for early warning systems: Pulse sensors detect earthquakes near the source, while One sensors measure the impact where people are located.
Both sensor types work seamlessly together in the same network on Grillo Cloud.
Still unsure?
If you're not sure which sensor is right for your deployment:
- Consider your connectivity options - Do you have reliable WiFi/Ethernet?
- Consider your installation environment - Indoor or outdoor?
- Consider your power reliability - Do you need battery backup?
Contact Grillo Support for personalized recommendations.