--- title: "Activating & Pairing a Sensor" slug: "activating-pairing-a-sensor" description: "Learn how to activate, pair, and scan sensors in Delsys Software with this comprehensive guide, ensuring seamless connectivity and troubleshooting tips." tags: ["Trigno Avanti"] updated: 2026-08-10T08:55:59Z published: 2026-08-10T08:55:59Z canonical: "support.delsys.com/activating-pairing-a-sensor" --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.delsys.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Activating & Pairing a Sensor ## Overview This guide explains how to activate and pair sensors in Delsys Software. It also clarifies the difference between Pairing and Scanning, so you know when to use each process. Pairing is a one-time setup that registers a sensor to the Receiver, while scanning is the routine process that detects sensors that have already been paired. Once paired, a sensor remains paired until you reset or remove it. --- ## System Requirements | Requirement | Details | | --- | --- | | Operating System | Windows 11+ | | Hardware | Avanti-Style Sensors Trigno Centro Trigno Lite Trigno Research Base Station Charge Station | | Software | All versions of Trigno Discover All versions of the Delsys API | --- | Sensor LED Color | Meaning | | --- | --- | | White | Your sensor is powered on. You have 6 seconds to pass the sensor through a magnetic field to activate it. | | Orange/Cyan | Your sensor is waiting to be paired to a Receiver. | | Orange/Green | Your sensor is paired to your Receiver and waiting to start data collection. | | Red | An error has occurred during the pairing process. Dock the sensor in the charging station and try again. | ## **Step-by-Step Instructions** ### Step 1: Activating a Sensor Before pairing, sensors must be activated. 1. Remove the sensor from the charging station. The LED on the sensor will go white. 2. Pass the sensor through a magnetic field by tapping it against the magnet. This must be done when the sensor is in the white LED state. If the sensor LED turns off, Re-dock the sensor and start the process again. > [!CAUTION] > Important > > - When the sensor is removed from the charging station, the LED will illuminate white. You have 6s to pass the sensor through a magnet before it will turn off. 1. Observe the LED indicator: 1. Orange and cyan indicate that the sensor is looking for a Receiver 2. Orange and green indicate that the sensor has found a Receiver The LED colors confirm that the sensor is activated and searching for a connection. ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/0adedc1d-5225-43a1-9673-53a5c8c15600/Images/Documentation/image(26).png) ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/0adedc1d-5225-43a1-9673-53a5c8c15600/Images/Documentation/image(27).png) > [!NOTE] > Information > > - Avanti-Style Sensors use a hall effect sensor to detect the change in magnetic field. If the sensor is left too close to the magnet, it can cause an activation error. Be sure to pull the sensor away from the magnet after the LED state changes to orange/blue. ### Step 2: Pairing > [!CAUTION] > Important > > - This section of the article refers to Trigno Discover version 2.0.1 and higher. Please note that the user interface may vary depending on the version you have installed. You can find your current version of Trigno Discover in the top left corner of the application window. > - Steps for pairing may vary slightly depending on the Delsys software being used. After the sensor has been activated, and flashing orange and cyan, you can pair it to Delsys software. 1. Open your Delsys software 2. In the software, select Add Sensor 3. Enter the sensor number and select Add Sensor again 4. Pass the sensor through the magnet once more 5. The LED will flash orange and green, confirming successful pairing > [!NOTE] > Information > > - The sensor number is used to identify the sensor within the software. You can assign any available number from 1 to 99. ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/0adedc1d-5225-43a1-9673-53a5c8c15600/Images/Documentation/image(30).png) > [!NOTE] > Information > > - Repeat this process for all the sensors until they are all successfully paired. ### Step 3: Scanning Once a sensor has been paired, you do not need to repeat the pairing process. Each time you open the software, it will scan for already paired sensors. You can initiate a manual scan by selecting Scan for Sensors. > [!NOTE] > Information > > - Sensors must be powered on and activated before they can be scanned. Sensors should flash orange/cyan indicating they are ready to be scanned. --- ## Troubleshooting | Issue | Solution | | --- | --- | | Sensor will not activate | Ensure the sensor is fully charged. Remove from the Charge Station and pass through the magnet within 6 seconds. Tip: Ensure the sensor is completely removed from the magnetic field around the Charge Station, e.g 30cm before trying to activate. This is most relevant for the sensors in the docks directly next to the magnet. | | Sensor not detected during pairing | Confirm activation first. Re-enter the sensor number and repeat the pairing process. | | Repeated pairing failures | Power Cycle the sensor in the charge station, repeat the magnet step, and try again. If issues persist, contact Delsys Support | --- DOC-665-1-0 Pairing is a one-time setup that registers a sensor to a Trigno receiver Scanning is the process that detects sensors that have already been paired. Refers to the hardware that communicates between the sensors and the software. For Trigno, our receivers include Trigno Centro, Trigno Base Station, and Trigno Lite. The newer models of our Trigno wireless sensors. These sensors are magnet-activated and have a flat, LED arrow. They are fully compatible with Trigno Discover, the Delsys API, and EMGworks. They are also compatible with all of our Trigno systems. The latest flagship Trigno system. Can stream data from up to 32 sensors, has built-in triggering capabilities, and has analog inputs. A low-profile, portable, and budget-friendly Trigno system. Trigno Lite allows for data streaming from up to 4 sensors. Our older Trigno system. The Base Station contains 16 built-in charging slots and is compatible with our Trigger Module. There are two types of base stations: Analog Bases and Digital Bases. The Charge Station is available in 4-slot and 16-slot versions for compatible Trigno Avanti-style sensors. It includes a built-in magnet to activate and pair sensors. Multiple Charge Stations can be used when additional charging capacity is required. Our flagship data acquisition software, compatible with all of our Trigno Systems and Avanti-Style sensors. The Delsys Application Program Interface (API) is designed as a bridge between Delsys Trigno data and the expanding digital world, creating customizable real-time interfaces for research and industry projects across movement and robotic applications. Reinsert the sensor inside the charge station Scan for any previously-paired sensors. Sensors must be powered on to be picked up by the scan. ![](data:image/png;base64,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) Unplug your system from power and the USB connection for 3 seconds then plug back in. For Trigno Lite, simply disconnect from the PC then reconnect. - For clients from Europe, the Middle East & Africa, contact Delsys Europe Support - [support@delsyseurope.com](mailto:support@delsyseurope.com) - +44 161 504 5066 - For clients from the rest of the world, contact Delsys Support - [support@delsys.com](mailto:support@delsys.com) - +1 508 545 8200 ## Related - [Trigno Discover: System Configuration](/trigno-discover-system-configuration.md)