Deploying Mesh Gateways

The Silvanet Mesh Gateway acts as a range extender to allow widespread deployments of Silvanet Sensors. Consequently, it can be attached to a tree or to a self-standing pole. It is equipped with an LoRaWAN antenna to communicate with the Silvanet sensors and gateways.

Guidelines

The device has a large built-in solar panel to provide for the Mesh Gateway's increase power requirements. However, the solar panel needs an unobstructed area to obtain sufficient sunlight to charge the device.

The Mesh Gateway needs to be oriented towards the direction of the sun (where it would be at 12:00 noon). Use a compass to identify true South (in the northern hemisphere) or true North (in the southern hemisphere). This maximizes the amount of light that hits the solar panel.

If possible, install the Mesh Gateway at least 3 meters above the forest floor, depending on available sunlight in the location. At this height, the device has less interference from human or animal interactions.

Entering the Mesh Gateway ID in Deployment app

Before installing the Mesh Gateway, you need to add the Mesh Gateway ID to the Packet in the Deployment app. This links the Mesh Gateway to the Silvanet Cloud. Data from the sensor can then be transmitted through the Silvanet network to the Silvanet Cloud. The Mesh Gateway ID is provided on the back of the device. This can be done by scanning the QR Code or entering it manually.

Using the QR Code

To enter the Mesh Gateway ID using the QR Code:

1. Open the Packet, then select the Map button to view the deployment plan.

2. Select Install to open the QR Code scanner to link the actual GPS coordinates with the Mesh Gateway ID. The ID is provided as a QR Code and in text form on the back of the sensor.

3. Use the QR code scanner in the app to focus on the QR code on the back of the Mesh Gateway, then select Show me QR code to link the Mesh Gateway to the actual location.

   The Deployment app automatically fills in the sensor's latitude and longitude using the Smartphone's GPS locator.

4. Add additional information in the Notes field such as observations about the location of the sensor (such as attached on a hillside, within a shadow of a cliff, and so on).

5. Select the Camera icon to take a photo of the Mesh Gateway ID.

6. Select Save to complete the installation.

   The icon on the Map view changes to yellow which indicates the device was successfully synced to the Silvanet Cloud.

7. The Deployment app then redirects to the Packet overview.

Manually adding the Mesh Gateway ID

Procedures for manually adding the Mesh Gateway are identical to that used for Manually adding the sensor ID.

Deploying on a tree

Use the treenails to install the Mesh Gateway to a tree. The Silvanet Mesh Gateway has two loops at the top and two at the bottom for the treenails.

To attach the Mesh Gateway on a tree:

1. Lean the ladder safely against the tree, making sure it is stable and cannot fall while climbing the ladder. Have an assistant hold the ladder.

2. Locate the correct height (about 3m above floor level) on the tree and a southerly direction (where the sun would be at 12:00 noon) where to install the Mesh Gateway. Remove any branches that might interfere with maximum sunlight irradiation.

3. If required, carefully remove a small portion of the bark with an axe where the top two holes for the treenails will be drilled.

   

   Remove small area of bark at the install location

4. Drill the top holes using the 10mm drill bit approximately 6–7 cm into the tree. The distance between the holes must be 70 mm.

   Tip

   When drilling into a hardwood tree, start with a smaller drill bit then drill to the final size with the 10mm drill bit. Also, ensure you are using a drill bit for wood, not for steel or concrete.

   

   Drill two holes space 70 mm apart

   Note

   If you plan on drilling the bottom holes before attaching the Mesh Gateway to the tree, you can use the Mesh Gateway as a template to locate the positions to drill the bottom holes.

5. Hammer the treenails through the top loops of the Mesh Gateway into the drilled holes. Be careful not to damage the device while doing so. You may need an assistant to support the Mesh Gateway while hammering the treenails into the tree.

   

   Mesh Gateway attached at the top

6. With the Mesh Gateway attached to the tree at the top, drill through the bottom loops of the device approximately 6-7 cm into the tree. Do not damage the Mesh Gateway while drilling through the loops.

   

   Drill the bottom two holes

7. Carefully hammer the treenails through the bottom loops into the holes so as not to damage the device.

8. Attach the LoRaWAN antenna to the Mesh Gateway.

   Note

   To maximize the radio connection of the Mesh Gateway, the antenna should have at least a finger-width distance from the trunk. Pull the Gateway as far as possible away from the trunk until the loops make contact with the square ends of the tree nails.

   

   Finger width distance from tree

9. Check to ensure the Mesh Gateway is securely connected to the tree and does not move.

   

   Mesh Gateway deployed and 2 cm away from the tree

10. The Mesh Gateway is now deployed.

    

    Completed deployment

Deploying on a pole

We recommend attaching the Mesh Gateway to a pole using the provided U-clamps to attach the device. This securely holds the device and can be tightened accordingly without damaging the device. Also, the device does not interfere with a living tree over the lifetime of the Mesh Gateway.

To attach the Mesh Gateway to a pole:

1. Arrange the U-clamp around the pole and through the predrilled holes of the Mesh Gateway.

   

   Arrange clamps around pole

2. Ensure the Gateway is oriented properly (facing the sun at 12:00 noon) with the antenna connector facing upwards. You may need assistance holding the Mesh Gateway while doing this.

   Note

   To maximize the radio contact when deploying the Mesh Gateway on to a pole, ensure the top of the device is at the top of the pole (as shown below) so the antenna reaches above the Pole.

   

   Mesh Gateway antenna is above top of pole

3. Hand-tighten the nuts on the U-clamp, then use the 17mm wrench to tighten the nuts without excessive force to prevent damage to the Border Gateway.

4. Continue with the bottom of the Mesh Gateway as done with the top loops.

5. Attach the LoRaWAN antenna to the Mesh Gateway

   

   Mesh Gateway deployed on pole

6. Check to make sure the Mesh Gateway is securely connected to the pole and cannot move.