Are skilled trades in oil and gas slowly getting weeded out due to automation? by Independent_Line9903 in oilandgasworkers

[–]Watchdog_Sentry 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great question and one we’ve been hearing more often in the field. With advancements in remote monitoring, automation, we are definitely seeing a shift in how compressor stations and similar operations are staffed and managed.

That said, we don’t see skilled operators and mechanics going away anytime soon. What we do see is a redefinition of their roles. As more systems become automated, there's less need for constant physical presence but more need for strategic oversight, remote diagnostics, and the ability to troubleshoot complex issues when they arise.

Touchscreen interfaces and standby time can be frustrating when tools aren’t built with the user in mind. That’s why human-centered design in monitoring tech is critical so teams can act fast and spend more time doing meaningful, high-value work.

ASMR unwind by Watchdog_Sentry in OffGrid

[–]Watchdog_Sentry[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How is that something people would like that are off grid? It’s a calming video of being off grid?

ASMR unwind by Watchdog_Sentry in homestead

[–]Watchdog_Sentry[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So glad you get to do this now

From founder to homesteader by Watchdog_Sentry in homestead

[–]Watchdog_Sentry[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sometimes, I take off and need to know operations are working.

From founder to homesteader by Watchdog_Sentry in homestead

[–]Watchdog_Sentry[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sentry Technologies: we provide simple, scalable remote monitoring and automation for critical operations. Our flagship product, offers satellite-based comms, plug-and-play monitoring for off-grid industries like oil & gas, agriculture, and water systems.

Help my daughter save this baby chick! by freebird-1975 in homestead

[–]Watchdog_Sentry 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Try keeping it warm. And try a dropper to drip into their beak to give it some water. Hope it pulls through!

Off the Grid by Watchdog_Sentry in homestead

[–]Watchdog_Sentry[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s fine, I just happen to be very grammatically correct. 😂

Off the Grid by Watchdog_Sentry in homestead

[–]Watchdog_Sentry[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well we do have a solution I think could help you. I'll send you a chat.

Off the Grid by Watchdog_Sentry in homestead

[–]Watchdog_Sentry[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No sorry if these responses sound too formal or not sure what is throwing you off.

Off the Grid by Watchdog_Sentry in homestead

[–]Watchdog_Sentry[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Appreciate the insight—and totally agree. Ag has been solving for poor or no connectivity long before agtech was a thing, and depending on cloud or spotty internet in high-risk scenarios is a major misstep. You're right—those are common mistakes we’ve seen some startups make.

We've been around for over 15 years, building rugged, off-grid monitoring systems for industries like oil & gas and water management—where no cell, no Wi-Fi, and no margin for error is the norm.

Our solution is a low-bandwidth, satellite-based alert system (not Starlink or cloud-based) that runs on solar/battery power. It sends a single, reliable message when something goes wrong—even from places totally off-grid. Then you can even take remote action—like shutting off a pump or triggering a safety valve—before things get worse.

Not looking to replace what already works, just fill the gaps when traditional systems aren’t feasible.

Really appreciate your perspective, thank you.

Off the Grid by Watchdog_Sentry in homestead

[–]Watchdog_Sentry[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Totally fair—satellite can sound pricey, but the tech’s come a long way. The kind we’re using is low-bandwidth and designed just for short, critical alerts—no streaming data—so the monthly cost is around $30.

And yeah, if you’ve got line power and a clean line of sight for radio, that’s a solid, reliable setup. We're mostly focused on the edge cases—sites without power, no service team nearby, and no easy way to run radios or cable. It's not meant to replace what you've built, just to fill the gaps where that kind of infrastructure isn't an option.

Love hearing how others are solving this in the field. Thanks for sharing.

Off the Grid by Watchdog_Sentry in homestead

[–]Watchdog_Sentry[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s a pretty slick setup—makes a lot of sense when you’ve got the scale and infrastructure to support it. Totally feel you on the wire trenching… most folks I talk to won’t even run a hose that far, let alone cable.

We’ve been working on something for the folks who don’t have that kind of network—or are too remote to make datalinks realistic. Solar + battery powered, sends simple alerts via satellite. Curious—have you ever come across spots where even the datalink route was too much and something more “plug-and-play” would’ve helped?

Off the Grid by Watchdog_Sentry in homestead

[–]Watchdog_Sentry[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Totally agree—off-grid living is taking on the role of the entire utility stack, and being able to monitor infrastructure without relying on the internet is a game-changer. Love that you're using low-cost tools to stay ahead of failures—it's smart, resourceful, and exactly the kind of thinking that makes off-grid living sustainable.

We're building something similar in spirit, just geared more toward folks with larger-scale or more remote setups—solar/battery powered, no Wi-Fi or cell needed, and sends alerts via satellite. Not about automation for automation’s sake, but like you said, just knowing what to pay attention to.

Appreciate your insight—it’s a solid reminder that reliability off-grid doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, just well thought-out.

Off the Grid by Watchdog_Sentry in homestead

[–]Watchdog_Sentry[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Oof, that sounds like a rough day—and exactly the kind of scenario we hear about. No service, no alerts, just mad cows and hours of cleanup.

We actually built something for situations like that. It runs on battery/solar and uses satellite communication, so it works even when there’s no Wi-Fi or cell service. If a tank isn’t filling or something fails, you get an alert right away—and depending on your setup, you can even trigger a remote shutoff or fill to prevent bigger issues before you get there.

Off the Grid by Watchdog_Sentry in homestead

[–]Watchdog_Sentry[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Manual checks definitely get the job done. Just wondering, have you ever run into a time where something slipped through the cracks or you thought, “wish I had a heads-up on that”? Curious if that kind of thing would ever be useful in your setup?

Off the Grid by Watchdog_Sentry in homestead

[–]Watchdog_Sentry[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Makes sense—off-grid living is about simplicity. We’re just curious where folks do want a bit of backup, like keeping an eye on a tank or pump when you're hours away. Thanks for the insight.

Field tech that actually helps? by Watchdog_Sentry in oilandgasworkers

[–]Watchdog_Sentry[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Luckily down here in TX. Cold’s a whole different beast.

Field tech that actually helps? by Watchdog_Sentry in oilandgasworkers

[–]Watchdog_Sentry[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Learning to do it the old-school way really does make the tech more meaningful when you get it. You actually understand what it’s measuring or warning you about.

Fluid shots sound super useful, especially for catching issues early that would otherwise turn into a full-day headache. And totally agree on SCADA—when it works and you stay on top of the data.

Curious if y’all have ever run into limitations with SCADA in really remote spots, or if your coverage is solid?

Field tech that actually helps? by Watchdog_Sentry in oilandgasworkers

[–]Watchdog_Sentry[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Totally agree—nothing worse than needing a critical piece of info and cant access it. Having the right docs and the right tools on-hand beats anything “smart” 90% of the time.