Customer Resources

General FAQs

What is a Sentry PODS?

(Protective Overt Deployable Surveillance) A Sentry POD is a portable, autonomous surveillance unit designed to provide high-definition video monitoring for remote, rugged, or high-value locations.

What makes Sentry PODS different from traditional surveillance systems?

Sentry PODS are rapidly deployable, do not rely on hardwired infrastructure, and use smart analytics, cellular connectivity, and cloud-based storage for remote visibility and real-time alerts.

Where can Sentry PODS be deployed?

Anywhere — including construction sites, oil fields, solar farms, utility substations, parking lots, government sites, and private properties.

How do I access my Sentry PODS?

There are a few options. The most common method of viewing your Sentry PODS is the Sentry PODS Fortress AI dashboard. You can also access your units, (individually) through a standard web browser.

Technical & Capabilities

Do Sentry PODS work without internet or power on-site?

Yes. They operate via solar power or generator backup and use cellular LTE for internet connectivity.

What kind of cameras and sensors are included?

Each POD can include 4K PTZ cameras, thermal imaging, license plate readers, motion detectors, and AI-based video analytics.

How far can Sentry PODS “see”?

With PTZ zoom and thermal imaging options, they can monitor several hundred feet depending on environment and camera configuration.

Operations & Monitoring

Who monitors the Sentry PODS?

Options include self-monitoring via a secure mobile/web app or 24/7 live professional monitoring from live Central Station Operators.

Do I get alerts if something happens?

Yes. Real-time alerts via text, email, or push notification are triggered by smart analytics like human/vehicle detection or line-crossing events.

Can footage be used as legal evidence?

Absolutely. All footage is stored securely and time-stamped, making it admissible in court.

Setup, Support & Pricing

How fast can a unit be deployed?

Most units are deployed within 24–48 hours, depending on location and availability. Once the units have been deployed and powered on, they can be accessible in 3-5 minutes!

How do I install or move a Sentry POD?

They are plug-and-play. No trenching or cabling required. Our team can assist with setup, or you can reposition them as needed with a forklift or trailer.

Is there a rental or purchase option?

Yes. Sentry PODS are available for rent or purchase, with flexible terms depending on your project length or security needs.

Do you offer tech support and maintenance?

Yes. Ongoing support, firmware updates, and service plans are included or available based on the contract level.

Billing & Shipping

When does my billing start and end?

The billing starts as soon as the Sentry PODS Unit leaves our facility. The billing ends once we receive the Sentry PODS back at our warehouse. Customers will be charged if the unit is not at our facility even if the customer is not using the unit and/or the monitoring service.

Who arranges the shipping of the Sentry PODS?

Smart Digital will arrange the shipping of the Sentry PODS to the customer.

For Sentry PODS Chariot & Spartan Units: The customer will be responsible for having equipment (forklift) on site to unload the Sentry PODS off the trailer upon arrival. When returning the Sentry PODS, Smart Digital will arrange a driver to pick up the unit. The customer will be responsible for reaching out to Smart Digital to schedule the pickup and for having equipment on site to load the unit.

For AC powered Sentry PODS: When returning the Sentry PODS, the customer will be responsible for taking the units to UPS, FedEx or another postal carrier. The customer will need to remove the batteries from inside the unit and bubble wrap them before putting them in the bottom of the shipping box with the unit. Please also bubble wrap around the Sentry PODS unit to protect from damage while shipping.

Who pays for shipping the Sentry PODS?

The customer pays for shipping. An invoice will be sent for the shipping to the customer's location.

For Return Shipping:

If units are being shipped by trailer, then the customer will be sent a final invoice after units are received back at the warehouse.
If units are being shipped by UPS, FedEx or another postal carrier then the customer will pay at the store when shipping the units back. The customer will need to add insurance to the box being shipped, the value of the unit is located on the leasing contract.