Deployment preparation

Ensure you have the right tools to deploy Silvanet Gateways and Wildfire Sensors.

Deployment app permissions

Ensure you have allowed the Silvanet Deployment app to access the Smartphone's location and camera.

Work in teams of two

When installing Silvanet devices in a forest, always work in teams of at least two people. When using the ladder, ensure it is securely leaned against the tree and is stable before climbing the ladder. If possible, have an assistant securely hold the ladder./

Prepare Deployment app

• Ensure the Smartphone is fully charged: Smartphones need to be fully charged. Bring a backup power supply.

• Ensure Deployment app is installed: Make sure the Deployment app is installed on the Smartphone and you have signed in to the app. Also, ensure the app has been given Location and Cellular Data permissions.

• Launch Deployment app while the Smartphone has good mobile connectivity: Launch the Deployment app while you have a good wireless connection. This allows the app's local database to be updated with device information. Mobile connectivity may become unreliable in areas of the Site.

• Open the relevant Site in the Deployment app: Before entering the forest, open the Site in the Deployment app. For details, see Deployment app.

• Cache the Map: From the respective Site, load the Map view to cache the map. This ensures you have access to the Map view should a mobile connection become poor or unavailable.

• (Optional) Bring handheld transceivers: If mobile connectivity is unavailable in the deployment locations, use a handheld transceiver (portable two-way receiver) to communicate with a worker who is in a location with mobile network connectivity. This person can then enter the Device ID and location manually.

Suggested deployment tools

• Bring sufficient devices for a day's work: Before going to the forest, ensure you have the correct number of devices, spacers, treenails and garden wire (if required) for deploying devices for a day's work.

• Carefully carry devices while in the forest: Carry the required number and type of Silvanet devices in a strong backpack or toolbox.

• Use toolboxes for the required devices and tools: Use a waterproof toolbox to keep the devices safe and dry while in the forest. Use another toolbox for the required tools. For details, see Deployment tools.

• Bring a folding ladder: Provide a 16-foot (5 meter) ladder for installing sensors and gateways. A folding ladder is easier to carry through the uneven ground of a forest.

Foldable 5-meter (16 feet) ladder

• Use sturdy workboxes: Provide a workbox or backpack for carrying devices, depending on how many and type of devices are planned for a day's deployment.

Example workbox

• Suggested tools for device deployment:

  • Hammer for treenails, chisel to shave off tree bark and shears (snips) for trimming branches (if required) and for cutting lengths of garden wire

  • Binoculars to ensure line of sight

  • Compass (analogue or an app on the Smartphone)

  • Cordless drill (min 18V) as well as a backup battery pack

  • 10 mm wood drill bit and a 6 mm wood drill bit (optional) to drill a pilot hole to prevent splitting, especially with hardwood trees

  • 17 mm wrench for the U-clamp bolts

  • Garden wire for temporary installations

  • Pencil and notepad

  • Backup power supply for Smartphones

  • Walkie-talkie or other alternative means of communication for locations with no cell connectivity

Bring sturdy footwear for walking through forests and climbing rocks (as well as climbing the ladder to mount the devices).