Base and will not send data to any other Base. If a
Base is lost, you will need to order a new one,
specifying the ID and PIN numbers of the original unit.
When all devices to be associated to the Base are
powered or fully charged they should have the two top
lights, RED and YELLOW, flashing. Place no more
than 10 Nodes at a time, and the data collection device,
in upright positions in close proximity to one another.
Place the still un-powered Base in the center of the
components, making all devices no more than 2 ft (60
cm) from the Base. Uncover the Base solar panels and
slide the power switch inside the capacitor housing to
the ‘ON’ position. Wait until all devices have become
associated, indicated by their lights changing to
flashing GREEN only. (This should take about 15
minutes.)
(see Figure 6)
If associating a large number of Nodes, do so in
batches of 8-10 at a time. Once each batch is done,
turn off the Base, move the first batch of Nodes far
enough away (3000'+ [915 m]) so the Base can’t ‘hear’
them anymore, then restart the Base and associate the
next batch. A data collection device (Logger, PC Link or
Cellular Gateway) is counted as a Node for
purposes of association.
NOTE: Always associate components in an
upright position. If any device was not fully
charged the system may go into sleep mode.
If this occurs some of the units will have no
lights on. Leave everything in place for an hour
and when it wakes up it should associate with the
remaining devices. Confirm that each device is flashing
GREEN before proceeding. When the whole system is
associated slide the Base power switch to ‘OFF’ and
cover the solar panels. (This helps avoid any Nodes
making routing associations with other Nodes that they
may not be near once installed in the field.)
Data collection devices have their own power
supplies and must be powered up in order to associate
with the Base. See instructions for your device on
pages 4 to 5.
Installation
BASE: At the pre-determined Base location, uncover
the solar panels and slide the switch inside the Base
enclosure to the ‘ON’ position. Mount on any sturdy
post or pole using supplied mounting brackets. Rigid
metallic or wooden poles will provide the best wind and
heat resistance. Plastic pipe is not recommended as it
will soften in the heat and tend to bend and sway with
the breeze. A recommended practice is to install a
short post in the ground and sleeve a hollow,
lightweight mounting pole over the top of it. This allows
you to remove the pole as needed for maintenance or
cultural practices. Base enclosures are rainproof but
should always be mounted vertically.
NODES:
Nodes can now be installed at their
predetermined monitoring locations. Begin with
locations closest to the Base, which should
be 800 ft (244m) or less, then work
outwards towards the ends of the network.
For optimal range, install the mounting pole
and orient the attached Node so that the
antenna face (red board above the solar
panels) is within 150° of the other Nodes it
‘talks’ to. Depending on sunlight conditions,
it may take up to 24 hours for all Nodes to
join the network. An East-West orientation
of the Node solar panels will give the best sun
exposure (see Figure 7).
When a Node joins it will be displayed on the WEB
portal by its ID number (with PC Link or Cell Gateway
systems). If after 24 hours all Nodes have not joined,
the mesh can be reset by cycling power to the Base
(see page 8)
.
As with the Base, any sturdy post or pole can be
used to mount the Nodes since they are small and
lightweight. A plastic 3/4'' female threaded bushing can
be adapted to the top of the pole to accommodate the
Node which is then threaded into the bushing. This
type of pole will provide the best wind and heat
resistance. A recommended practice is to install a short
post in the ground and sleeve a hollow, lightweight
mounting pole over the top of it. This allows removal of
the pole as needed. The 25 ft (7.62m) cable
extending from each Node should be routed
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