FAQ
Straight answers for techs and buyers evaluating an early commercial RTU.
What is WardenRTU?
A compact remote terminal unit for communications and critical-infrastructure sites. It monitors dry contacts, drives relays, exposes SNMP (poll and traps), can email on alarm, and provides a local web Status UI — without requiring a cloud service.
Who is it for?
Commercial radio techs, county/state communications, small-to-mid telecom, WISPs, microwave shelters, and utility/facility sites that need dependable contact monitoring into an existing NMS — and cannot justify multi-thousand-dollar enterprise controllers on every site.
How much does it cost?
Production base units target under $500. Pilot units are offered at evaluation pricing for a real-site trial — confirm current numbers when you request a pilot. Options such as PoE power or plant-isolation hardware are quoted separately when needed. Confirm current pricing when you request a pilot — early units ship direct.
What is included in a pilot?
A working unit, guidance to commission Status / sensors / SNMP or email into your environment, and a clear go / no-go after you have exercised real points. Use the pilot request form so we know site type, NMS, and I/O needs up front.
Does it work with InterMapper?
Yes. WardenRTU is SNMP-native with a custom MIB and supporting assets aimed at InterMapper workflows (poll and traps). Other managers (LibreNMS, SolarWinds, generic SNMPv2c) use the same SNMP poll and trap model.
Is a cloud account required?
No. Core monitoring and the UI run on the unit on your management network.
How is it powered? Is PoE included?
The base unit is intended for conventional DC / local supply. PoE is an optional add-on when one-cable power+Ethernet is worth the extra cost for that site. Say which you prefer on the pilot form.
Can I wire 12 V / 24 V / 48 V plant directly?
No — not to bare logic-level inputs. Dry contacts at logic level are for properly isolated or dry-contact sources. Plant voltage loops need isolation hardware. If your site has wet plant loops, tell us on the pilot request; we will not encourage unsafe wiring.
Is this a full SiteBoss-class site controller?
No, and it is not trying to be. Enterprise controllers earn their keep when you need deep automation, large I/O matrices, access platforms, and accessory ecosystems. Warden is for the large middle: door / power / gen / radio contacts, local Status, and SNMP into tools you already own.
What about outdoor / NEMA / UL ratings?
Treat Warden as a management-network appliance for cabinet/shelter install. Do not assume outdoor NEMA or safety listings unless a specific SKU documentation says so. Enclose and protect the unit as you would other non-outdoor-rated electronics at that site.
How do software updates work?
Package install from the UI with health check. If a package fails checks, previous software can roll back. Config on the unit is intended to survive normal update paths.
What support do I get?
During the pilot phase: direct email support at info@WardenRTU.com, help commissioning the first site, and software updates as they ship. Formal SLA, RMA, and multi-year warranty terms will firm up with production packaging — we will state what we can stand behind when you buy.
How do I buy more than one?
Direct for the foreseeable future. After a successful pilot, we quote additional base units and options. There is no dealer program on the site yet — if you are an integrator wanting multiple sites, say so on the form.
Is the software open source?
The commercial product is the supported appliance experience (UI, packaging, and hardware path). Licensing and distribution details are confirmed at sale / pilot — do not assume unlimited free redistribution of the commercial stack.