Firetide 7100-W User Manual

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HotPort

Firetide Installation Guide

HotPort 7010(W) Mesh Node

Published July, 2016

(Revised feb, 2017)

ii HotPort Firetide Installation Guide

Firetide, the Firetide logo, Reliable connectivity anywhere, HotPort and HotPoint are all trademarks of Firetide, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.

Firetide, Inc.

2105 S. Bascom Avenue, Suite 220 Campbell, CA 95008 USA

www.firetide.com

iii

About this document

This section lists the audience, purpose, summary of information, and

conventions used in this document.

Audience

This document is intended for certified professionals who install Firetide wireless solutions.

Instructions to purchaser and installer:

This equipment must be Professionally installed. The installer is responsible for adjusting the transmit power output of the system to assure compliance with FCC Part 15 EIRP limits and human radiation safety regulations.

Purpose

This document has the information and procedures necessary to install and do basic tests with Firetide HotPort 7010(W) mesh node.

Conventions

Certain information has special meaning for the reader. This information appears with an icon that indicates a particular condition, such as a warning or caution, or a label, such as “Note” or “Best Practice”.

Electrical hazards

electrocution is probable. This image appears before each electrical hazard statement.

Warnings

not obey the instruction in a warning, the result might include serious injury or death. This image appears before each warning statement.

Cautions

injury, inconvenience, and damage to equipment. This image appears before each caution statement.

Notes

contain optional advice and information particular to a special case or

application.

Best practices

expectations.

contain safety information that you must obey. If you do

contain information that you should obey to avoid minor

contain specific recommendations based on industry-standard

Document feedback

are those environments where the danger of

If you find an error or content missing from this document, we want to hear a b o u t i t . Y o u c a n s e n d y o u r f e e d b a c k a b o u t a n y o f o u r d o c u m e n t s t o

techpubs@firetide.com.

Contacting customer support

Worldwide customer support

Days/Hours

Contact

Americas

Monday to Friday 7 : 0 0 a m t o 5 : 3 0 p m P S T

(Pacific standard time)

http://www.firetide.com/requestsupport 1 ( 8 7 7 ) F I R E T I D E , e x t e n s i o n 2 +1 (408) 399-7771, extension 2

+1 (408) 355-7271

Africa

Monday to Friday

http://www.firetide.com/requestsupport

Asia

8 : 0 0 a m t o 5 : 3 0 p m I S T

+918040215111

Australia

(India standard time)

Fax +1(408) 317-2257 Europe

I f y o u n e e d s u p p o r t , d e p e n d i n g o n t h e p r o b l e m , y o u m i g h t b e a s k e d f o r t h i s information:

•

Description of the problem

•

Computer with HotView Pro and an installed management license

•

Channel and frequency plans

•

Recent spectrum analysis

•

Device topology in Google Earth (KMZ file)

•

Network map or topology plan with the names and device information

Y o u m u s t a l s o h a v e a d m i n i s t r a t o r a c c e s s t o t h e m e s h t o b e a b l e t o r e c e i v e technical support.

The next table lists the contact information for customer support.

,QIRUPDWLRQWR8VHU

PPPuuurrrccchhhaaassseeerrr IIInnnssstttaaalllllleeerrr

allowed Power limits is as per FCC 15.407(a)

WWWaaarrrnnniiinnnggg

hanges or modifications not expressly approved by F

Operating TX Power

iretide

void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Accessories or components to be used with this equipment to use in the system, must comply with the FCC Part 15.27 Special accessories regulations. It is the responsibility of the user to use the needed special accessories along with the equipment.

NNNOOOTTTEEE::: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

Contents

About this document iii

Audience .........................................................

Purpose ...........................................................

Conventions ....................................................

Document feedback .........................................

Contacting customer support ...........................iv

........................................................... iv

iii

HotPort 7010(W) mesh nodes 1

Before you permanently install a HotPort 7010(W) mesh node 1

Preparing what you need to install Box contents for an outdoor mesh node 2

Parts of an outdoor mesh node ........................2

Ground screw LEDs Ports Pressure relief valve

3 3 3

4 Reset button Antenna connectors Sun shield

Test before you install.................................... 5

Required material that is not included Required tools that are not included Certification requirement Doing the tests

HotPort 7010(W) mesh node installation 10

Tools required .................................................

Doing a site survey ..........................................

Safe installation practices ...............................

Preparing a mesh node for installation ...........

Preparing earth ground ...................................

Installing a mesh node and antenna assembly

Opening the mount bracket .............................

Troubleshooting

Cannot see a mesh node in HotView Pro ...........

After multiple reboots a mesh node is missing 22

Performance not as expected ...........................

Resetting an outdoor mesh node to factory default settings 23

Power connection ............................................

Attaching the mesh node to a wall Attaching a mesh node to a vertical pole Attaching a mesh node to a horizontal pole 19 Attaching straps

Connector pin and cable information 24

HotPort 7010(W) AC power connector ...............

Custom power cables .........................................

Weatherproof procedures

Tools and materials ..........................................

Making weatherproof cable to node connections 25

24 24

HotPort 7010(W) mesh nodes

Radio

Software license

(included)

HotView Pro

model number

Firetide HotPort operates in 802.11a, b, and g mode. You can enable 802.11n to use MIMO, or configure the mesh node to operate in other modes with HotView Pro.

Licenses enable other software features.

The next table lists the radio, included software license, and the model number that appears in HotView Pro.

Two radios

Two radios, 802.11n-capable MIMO

To use MIMO, you must have one MIMO license for each mesh node. One MIMO license is sufficient for all of the radios in one mesh node. A MIMO license enables a mesh node for all radios currently licensed or licensed in the future.

If you plan to use DFS, you must take the web-based training class. After you pass the class, Firetide will give you login credentials so you can configure DFS with HotView Pro.

mesh nodes come from the factory with two radios that

—

SW-7000-MIMO

7012

7102

Before you permanently install a HotPort 7010(W) mesh node

Before you install an outdoor mesh node in a permanent location, you need to make sure you have all of the correct components and make sure the components are operational.

Note:

You must complete the training program and be certified by Firetide to be

able to install Firetide products.

HotPort 7010(W) mesh nodes

Preparing what you need to install

To get what you need to set up a mesh node:

Open the box.

Remove the contents.

Check the contents for damage. If a part is missing or damaged, call your Firetide reseller.

If the contents are good and correct, keep the box for future use.

Box contents for an outdoor mesh node

An outdoor model comes with these items:

•

HotPort mesh node with weatherproof caps in a NEMA-4X enclosure and sun

shield with a two-piece mounting bracket

•

Six detachable 2.4/5 GHz omni-directional antennas

•

Two N to reverse-polarity SMA adapters

•

Mount bracket for 3.7 to 5 cm (1.5 to 2.0 inch) diameter poles or a wall

•

Mount kit

U-bolts, M6x1.0-80mm, with flat washers, split washers, nuts

Claw-tooth pole grippers

M6x1.0-40mm hex bolt

M6x1.0-20mm hex bolt

Hex-head socket wrench

•

AC weatherproof plug assembly (AC cable not included)

Note.

AC connector with cables can be purchased from Firetide.

Parts of an outdoor mesh node

The next picture shows the connectors and LEDs on the bottom panel o f a HotPort 7010 (W) mesh node. Weatherproof caps protect the connectors.

For information about cables and accessories approved for use with Firetide devices, refer to the

Accessory Cable Guide

HotPort 7010(W) mesh node

Radio 1 connectors

G round screw

Ground screw

The ground screw is in the upper left hand corner of the bottom panel. You must ensure adequate grounding for the mesh node.

Pressure relief valve/ Reset button

Ethernet ports

Radio 2 connectors

AC Power connector

LEDs

The bottom panel has these LEDs:

•

Power, which is a green color when the device receives power. The LED is dark when the mesh node does not receive power.

•

Status LED:

Steady green color when the system passes start-up tests.

Dark when the mesh node is not ready.

Blinks green when the device resets.

•

Mesh. Each radio LED comes on when a neighbor connects to that radio. The LEDs are dark when there is no neighbor.

Ports

Ports 1 through 4 on a HotPort 7010(W) mesh node are switch ports, similar to the 7010 mesh node. Like the 7010 mesh node, Port 1 can receive power from an 802.at compliant PoE source.

HotPort 7010(W) mesh node

Pressure relief valve

The pressure relief valve is on the bottom panel. If you need to remove the valve to reset the mesh node, turn it by hand or use a wrench. If you remove the valve cover only, you can see the valve. See the next image.

Pressure relief valve

Reset button

The reset button is on the bottom panel and is covered by a pressure relief valve. You can remove the valve to do a factory reset of the mesh node. See “Resetting an outdoor mesh node to factory default settings” on page 24.

Antenna connectors

The next picture shows the bottom panel with two antenna connectors for each radio

Radio 1 connectors

Radio 2 connectors

Sun shield

HotPort 7010(W) mesh node

The next picture shows the sun shield that covers the chassis. Four Phillips-head screws hold the sun shield to the chassis.

Test before you install

You should set up and test the mesh nodes indoors on a table before you install them in permanent locations.

The benefits of tests before you install include:

•

Make sure all of the equipment works before you install it

•

Consistent settings across mesh nodes to reduce software configuration errors in the field

•

Test the bandwidth and make sure that the radios work

HotPort 7010(W) mesh node

Types of tests to do:

•

Power on each device

•

Attach all antennas and make sure you can see all devices in HotView Pro software

•

Data and other application throughput tests

•

Learn to position the antennas with the antenna alignment tool For more information about the antenna alignment tool, see the HotView Pro Reference Manual.

•

Train installation personnel

Required material that is not included

You must purchase and install a 50 ohm terminator on each unused antenna connector of active radios. This protects the transmitter. A rubber, metal, or plastic cap is not a replacement for a terminator.

Required tools that are not included

HotView Pro network management software and appropriate licenses are required. Before you set up the network, you must purchase all licenses from your Firetide distributor.

Firetide

For the procedures related to license installation, refer to the

Reference Manual.

HotView Pro

Certification requirement

All people who install and manage networks that contain Firetide products must comply with the training and certification requirements of the installation.

Doing the tests

For efficiency, you can configure six to eight mesh nodes at one time.

To do tests and capture data with HotView Pro software:

Put the mesh nodes on a table.

Attach the power cable to each mesh node.

Attach the staging antennas to each mesh node:

OFDM - one antenna per radio

MIMO - two antennas per radio (only one radio can be tested using the contents in the 7010(W) packaging

HotPort 7010(W) mesh node

Single-click to start the Quick Launch feature of HotView Pro, which opens the server and client software at the same time.

The system initializes.

Go to

Mesh > Add Mesh >

Make sure that all of the mesh nodes are visible in HotView Pro. If you cannot see any or all of the mesh nodes, see the troubleshooting information in the

All nodes intended for use in the United States (US) will be set to use the US Country Code. Once the US Country Code is set, changing to a different Country Code is not possible. For all nodes set to be used outside of the US, a prompt to enter a Country Code will appear.

Caution:

you do not configure the country correctly, the device might operate in a manner that is not legal or create problems with other wireless devices.

Make sure you configure the device for the correct country. If

HotView Pro Product Guide

HotPort 7010(W) mesh node

Note:

the HotView Pro Reference Manual.

Select the country of operation from the drop-down list.

Click

Set Country Code Now

When you set the country code the system refreshes the mesh configuration and gives all visible nodes the same country code. For a few minutes the mesh nodes might appear and disappear from the graphic mesh record in HotView Pro.

To configure mesh-wide settings, go to

Wait for three minutes for the system to finish the refresh.

Mesh > Configure Mesh...

Set the operational mode as needed. Set the extended range feature if the distance between the mesh

nodes is more than 0.8 km (0.5 mile). To determine the longest link, you measure the distance between the mesh nodes on a map, such as Google Earth.

Set the hop optimization feature if there might be hidden node interference.

For information about specific features and the configuration process, see

10.

Right-click a specific mesh node to configure mesh node-specific settings if needed.

11.

Check network throughput from end to end and for each link with several wireless clients. For procedures, see the

Guide

Note:

If you are not able to get the mesh to send and receive data, see

HotView Pro Product Configuration

“Troubleshooting” on page 22.

12.

If this node will have a long RF path or if you use narrow beamwidth antennas in the installation, set the mesh RSSI threshold to be -93 dBm.

Note:

This RSSI change prevents mesh instability because of flapping links.

13.

Do throughput tests:

Right-click on one of the two nodes between which you want to measure performance.

Select

Run Diagnostics Tools

, and select the second node from the

menu.

Select the type of throughput test:

Ping

TCP Iperf and bi-directional TCP Iperf

UDP Iperf and bi-directional UDP

Click

Execute

14.

After you finish the tests, remove the staging antennas.

HotPort 7010(W) mesh node

Caution!

Y o u a r e n o w r e a d y t o p e r m a n e n t l y i n s t a l l t h e m e s h n o d e s .

The staging antennas are not rated for outdoor use.

Power Input

100-240 VAC , 50-60 Hz, 0.8 A

Port 1 : IEEE 802.3at compliant PoE-PD

Environmental Specifications

Operating temperature: -20o C to + 60o C Storage temperature: -30 Humidity (non-condensing): 10% to 90% Storage humidity (non-condensing): 5% to 95%

Max altitude: 15,000 ft (4,600 meters)

C to +70o C

HotPort 7010(W) mesh node

HotPort 7010(W) mesh node installation

After you do tests and configure the mesh nodes, then you are ready to install the mesh nodes in a permanent outdoor location.

The work process is:

Gather all required tools.

Do a site survey to make sure that no new safety hazards are present.

Prepare safety equipment and confirm earth ground procedures.

Attach the mesh nodes and antennas to poles that attach to a mast, tower, or roof.

Install the mesh node and antennas assembly and other devices, such as cameras or access points to a permanent location.

Tools required

To install HotPort 7010(W) mesh nodes, you need to use:

•

#2 Phillips screwdriver

•

Small adjustable wrench

•

Wire cutters to cut tie wraps around cables

•

Electrical tape and butyl mastic tape to weatherproof the connectors

•

Spray to prevent corrosion

Other equipment you might need includes:

•

Ladder

•

Lift truck

•

Safety equipment

Doing a site survey

Before you install any equipment outside, check the entire site:

•

To identify possible hazards that might be new since the complete site survey

•

To identify the presence of objects that might cause interference for the radios

Warning!

to install this equipment correctly can result in equipment damage, personal injury, or death.

Certified professionals must install Firetide products. Failure

HotPort 7010(W) mesh node

Electrical shock hazard warning!

personnel safe.

Warning!

power lines can be made. Antennas, poles, towers, guy wires, or cables can touch power lines. People can be injured or killed if they touch or hold any part of the equipment when it contacts electric lines. Make sure that equipment and personnel cannot directly or indirectly contact power lines.

Warning!

•Dangerous voltages inside.

•No serviceable parts inside.

•Refer to certified service personnel.

Do not install Firetide products where possible contact with

Do not open the cover:

Safe installation practices

Best practice:

sufficient

The horizontal distance from a tower, pole or antenna to the nearest power line should be at least twice the total length of the pole/antenna combination. This distance ensures that the pole will not contact a power line if it falls during or after installation.

Install HotPort 7010(W) mesh nodes on poles that are a

distance from power lines.

Make a plan to keep the installation

•

Select equipment locations that allow safe and simple installation.

•

Do not work alone.

•

Use approved non-conducting ladders, shoes, and other safety equipment.

•

Make sure all equipment is in good condition.

•

If a tower or pole begins falling, do not catch it.

•

If a wire or pole touches a power line, do not touch it.

•

Do not install antennas or towers on windy days.

•

Make sure all towers and poles are correctly grounded.

•

Make sure all electrical cables connected to antennas have lightning arrestors. A connection to earth ground and a lightning arrestor can prevent fire damage or personal injury in case of lightning, static build-up, or short circuit within the equipment connected to the antenna.

•

Use 10 AWG ground wire and corrosion-resistant connectors to connect the base of the antenna pole or tower directly to the building protective ground or to one or more approved grounding rods.

•

Refer to the National Electrical Code for grounding information.

HotPort 7010(W) mesh node

Preparing a mesh node for installation

It is easier to install all devices to one object, such as a pole, and then attach the pole assembly to the roof. If you attach the devices to a pole attached to the roof top, factors, such as weather, can make the installation more difficult and dangerous.

Note:

Collect all tools before you install the mesh nodes.

Make sure that you have antennas rated for outdoor use. For information

about antennas and how to select them, see the Accessory Guide.

Warning!

arning!

result in severe personal injury including electrical shock or permanent damage to equipment.

Warning!

not use broken or damaged tools or equipment. Always use safe work practices and obey all local and national guidance for earth ground requirements and electricity.

Only use antennas that are rated for outdoor applications.

Failure to comply with these installation instructions might

Make sure that all safety equipment is in good condition. Do

Firetide Antenna and

Warning! Max Operating TX Power allowed Power limits is as per FCC 15.407(a).

Note:

Install the antenna and any other wireless devices higher than the HotPort

mesh node or access point.

To a pole that you can install at a permanent outdoor site, attach these items:

Bracket for the mesh node

Antenna bracket

(Optional) Other devices

Attach the antenna to the antenna bracket. Refer to the installation procedures for the antenna.

HotPort 7010(W) mesh node

Preparing earth ground

Warning.

ground. Failure to do so can result in equipment damage, injury, or death.

The product warranty does not include damage from incorrect grounding. Obey all local building and electrical codes regarding antennas. If not available, refer to the National Electric Code (NEC).

Earth grounding guidelines include:

•

If you attach a mesh node and antenna to a tower or pole, attach the base of the tower pole to the building’s ground or to one or more approved grounding rods with 10 AWG ground wire and corrosion-resistant connectors.

•

Connect the grounding cable to rain gutters only if the rain gutter is connected to earth ground.

•

Ground rods are copper-plated and 1.8 to 2.4 meters (6 to 8 feet) long.

•

Install all ground components in straight lines. If you must make a bend, do not make a sharp bend.

•

Earth-to-ground should be less than or equal to 10 ohms.

•

Some salt compounds are corrosive and can cause copper ground rods to corrode.

To prepare the soil for ground rods:

A HotPort mesh node must be correctly connected to earth

If the soil contains rocks or sand, insert the ground rods into the ground

Pull out the ground rods.

Put in an approved ground enhancement material into the holes where the grounding rods go.

Put in the ground rods.

HotPort 7010(W) mesh node

Installing a mesh node and antenna assembly

The process to install a mesh node to a mast or tower is the same as a roof installation.

Note:

Gather and take all tools and materials with you to the installation site.

Warning!

To install a mesh node and antenna assembly in a permanent outdoor location:

Safely lift and carefully put the assembly on the roof.

Connecting to a MIMO antenna:

If your MIMO antenna has three RF connectors ( two 45 degree connectors and one 90 degree vertical connector), then only use the two 45 degree connectors. DO NOT use the vertical connector, and place a 50 ohm terminator on that connector. The neighbor antenna should also use the two 45 degree connectors, only.

If your one MIMO antenna has three connectors (two 45 degree connectors and one 90 degree connector, but your neighbor MIMO antennas has only tow connectors (two 90 degree connectors), then mount your MIMO antenna with the two connectors in a diamond pattern. The MIMO antenna with the the three connectors should maintain its mount in a square pattern.

Attach the pole to which the mesh node and antenna are attached to a mast, tower, or roof.

Attach the cables that have integrated lightning arrestors, or attach the cables and install lightning arrestors.

Make drip loops with cables.

Connect earth ground. See “Preparing earth ground” on page 13.

Make all connectors weatherproof. See “Weatherproof procedures” on

25.

Attach all other cables including the AC power cable.

Do not install this product on a windy or rainy day.

page

Cover all unused connectors.

(Optional) Use plastic tie wraps to keep cables organized.

Verify that the mesh node works:

Ping the IP address

Use one or more mesh nodes

Do throughput tests with HotView Pro and record the results as a benchmark test

HotPort 7010(W) mesh node

Opening the mount bracket

A HotPort mesh node comes with a two-piece mounting bracket. The next picture shows the bracket backplate that is attached to the mesh node. Two captive screws are on each side of this device.

Captive screws

The next picture shows the bracket pieces and orientation to the mesh node. The mounting bracket has multiple holes and slots, so you can use bolts, straps, or other materials to attach the mesh node to a surface.

Image A shows the side of the mount bracket on which the node hangs. Image B shows the back of the bracket where you thread straps or attach it to with the mount kit to a pole or other surface.

HotPort 7010(W) mesh node

The mount kit includes extra nuts and bolts.

Required tools: #2 Phillips screwdriver

To open the mount bracket so you can attach the mesh node to a wall or pole:

Connect the backplate bracket that is connected to the mesh node to the

to the mounting bracket on the pole.

Rail

Hooks

Use a Phillips screwdriver or your fingers to loosen the four captive screws

Mesh node chassis

(two on each side).

Captive screws

The next procedures list the steps to attach the bracket and mesh node to

different surfaces.

HotPort 7010(W) mesh node

Attaching the mesh node to a wall

Required materials: four screws or masonry anchors

To attach a mesh node to a wall:

Use four screws or masonry anchors to attach the mount bracket securely to the wall. Put the screws or anchors in the two holes near the top and the two holes at the bottom of the bracket.

Hang the mesh node hooks on the rail.

The installation is correct if the node does not easily move from side to side, and the connectors are oriented to the ground.

Note:

You can add other straps or a sling to increase durability of the attachment

to the wall.

Best practice:

hardware.

Use a spray to prevent corrosion on the bracket and mount

Attaching a mesh node to a vertical pole

Recommended tool: hex wrench (included) or small adjustable wrench

To attach the mesh node to a vertical pole:

Put the two U-bolts through the holes in the gripper.

On each U-bolt, put a washer, a lock washer, and a nut.

Note:

A pole with a small diameter usually requires a second nut to hold the

bracket away from the U-bolt. The end of the U-bolt must be 12 to 15 mm (0.5 to

0.6 inch) beyond the second nut.

Hex wrench

12 to 15 mm (0.6 inch)

Nuts for standoff

Tighten the nuts by hand.

Put on the second U-bolt and gripper. Use the bracket as a guide to correctly space the two U-bolts.

Tighten the nuts with the hex wrench.

U-bolt

Gripper

HotPort 7010(W) mesh node

Use lock washers and nuts to secure the bracket to the U-bolts.

Rails

Hang the mesh node with the hooks over the rail of the bracket.

HotPort

7010(W) mesh node

Hooks

The installation is correct if the node does not easily move from side to side, and the connectors are oriented to the ground.

Note:

If you need to, add other straps or a sling to increase durability of the

attachment to the pole.

Best practice:

hardware.

Use a spray to prevent corrosion on the bracket and mount

Attaching a mesh node to a horizontal pole

Recommended tool: hex wrench (included) or small adjustable wrench

To attach the mesh node to a horizontal pole:

Attach the two grippers and U-bolts to the pole. Use the bracket to determine the correct space between the grippers.

Use lock washers and nuts to secure the bracket to the U-bolts.

Hang the mesh node with the hooks over the rail of the bracket.

HotPort 7010(W) mesh node

Hooks

4 .

With the Phillips screwdriver tighten the four captive screws to secure the mesh node to the bracket.

The installation is correct if the mesh node does not easily move from side to side, and the connectors are oriented to the ground.

Note:

If you need to, add other straps or a sling to increase durability of the

attachment to the pole.

Best practice:

hardware.

Use a spray to prevent corrosion on the bracket and mount

Attaching straps

Y o u n e e d t o u s e s t r a p s w h e n y o u u s e p o l e s o f 5 c m ( 2 i n c h e s ) o r m o r e i n d i a m e t e r . You can also use straps for extra support and durability in corrosive environments.

Straps are not included in the box.

To attach the mesh node to a pole with straps:

1 .

Position the universal mounting bracket against the pole.

2 .

Wrap two straps around the pole and thread them through the slots located near the top and bottom of the bracket.

3 .

Secure the straps.

4 .

Hang the mesh node with the hooks over the rail of the bracket.

Hooks

5 .

With the Phillips screwdriver tighten the four captive screws to secure the

enclosure to the bracket.

HotPort 7010(W) mesh node

The installation is correct if the node does not easily move from side to side, and the connectors are oriented to the ground.

Note:

If you need to, add other straps or a sling to increase durability of the

attachment to the pole.

Best practice:

hardware.

Use a spray to prevent corrosion on the bracket and mount

Troubleshooting

If a mesh node does not operate correctly, try these suggestions.

If you recorded the performance of your network when you set it up, you have a benchmark against which you can compare future performance and you might be able to identify problem areas faster than if you try to diagnose a new problem.

Cannot see a mesh node in HotView Pro

If you cannot see one or more mesh nodes in HotView Pro, make sure that you set the extended range and multiple hop feature.

The extended range feature is for applications where mesh nodes are 0.8 km (0.5 mile) or more apart.

The multi-hop optimization feature decreases the possibility of hidden node interference.

If you can see the head node but not other nodes, then you also might have a configuration problem.

After multiple reboots a mesh node is missing

If a mesh node reboots five times within 10 minutes, the mesh node loads the second saved firmware image.

The previous firmware, if older or different from the firmware of the other mesh nodes in a mesh network, might not be recognized by the mesh and HotView Pro will not detect the mesh node.

To prevent this behavior, always upgrade the firmware image on each mesh node two times, so both images are the same.

Performance not as expected

If the network performance is not as expected:

•

Identify reuse in your channel plan. If you have no channel reuse in the network, do a spectrum analysis.

•

Check for self-interference. For example, the radios in a single device might connect.

•

Check the frequency plan and make sure that all the radios are configured correctly.

•

Make sure that each node is connected to the correct devices and nodes.

Troubleshooting

•

Determine the total throughput with an end to end test.

•

Determine the throughput of each link with tests.

Resetting an outdoor mesh node to factory default settings

You can reset a n outdoor mesh node with this procedure. The reset button i s beh ind the pressure relief valve.

For this procedure you need these items:

•

To reset an outdoor mesh node:

Caution!

information is erased.

Paper clip, pen, or pencil Adjustable wrench Computer with HotView Pro

Supply power to the mesh node. Remove the pressure relief valve and put it in a safe place. Use a wrench if

the valve is too tight to remove by hand.

When a HotPort mesh node is reset, all configuration

Caution!

you can break it.

Put the mesh node on its front panel. Press and hold the reset button with the paper clip until the status LED

blinks (about 20 seconds).

The device reboots, and the LEDs indicate its operational status.

Wait one minute, and then log in with HotView Pro. Configure the mesh node or apply a previously saved configuration file. Replace and tighten the screw that covers the reset button. With HotView Pro log into the mesh with the default user name and password

and configure the mesh node.

Power connection

Attach the AC power cable to AC power connector on the HotPort. AC connector comes disassembled and will need to be assembled and then soldered to a cable length of the integrators choosing. 5 and 10 meter cables with connectors are avilable from Firetide.

Do not use pliers to remove the pressure relief valve because

Connector pin and cable information

This section lists information about the HotPort 7010(W) connector pins and custom cables.

For information about antenna cables and other custom cables, see the Antenna and Accessory Guide.

HotPort 7010(W) AC power connector

The next table lists the pins for the AC power connector.

Pin number Meaning

The next image shows the AC pin orientation on the device.

Neutral

Line

Ground

Firetide

Weatherproof procedures

Cable connections become loose over time because of vibration. Loose connections let moisture contact and erode the interface to a connector. To prevent performance problems due to moisture damage, Firetide recommends that you use butyl mastic to make weatherproof all outdoor connections.

Butyl mastic is a synthetic rubber sealant that you can use to make a connection weatherproof. It is slightly sticky and stays flexible; it bonds to itself to make a good seal. Butyl mastic and a layer of electrical tape keeps the cable assembly clean, dry, and easy to change in the future.

Note:

To make a strong watertight connection, keep a high level of tension in the

butyl mastic when you stretch it over the cable and connector.

Tools and materials

To make a weatherproof connection you need the following tools and materials:

•

#2 Phillips screwdriver

•

Pliers

•

Utility knife

•

Vinyl electrical tape

Note:

Vinyl electrical tape between the cable assembly and the mastic tape makes future changes easier than mastic tape put directly on the cable. Vinyl electrical tape as a cover over the mastic tape prevents the mastic from melting in hot weather.

•

Rubber splicing or mastic tape (also known as self-amalgamating, selfsealing, self-fusing, non-vulcanized tape)

•

Pencil or wooden dowel for small clearances

•

Cleaning supplies (if necessary)

•

Laptop running HotView software

Making weatherproof cable to node connections

You need to make weatherproof two connections:

•

From the antenna cable to the lightning arrestor

•

From the lightning arrestor to the node

To make a weatherproof cable to node connection:

Gather the tools and materials to do the procedure.

Weatherproof procedures

Mastic tape

Remove the sun shield from the mesh node.

Ensure that the cable and connectors are clean. Clean off oil, water, grease, and dirt before you continue.

Wrap a layer of electrical tape (sticky side out) over the arrestor to node connector and wrap approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) of cable. Overlap the tape by 40% with each turn.

Repeat for the antenna cable to arrestor connection.

Weatherproof procedures

Note:

To make a watertight connection, keep tension in the butyl mastic when you stretch it over the cable and connector.

Tightly wrap a layer of mastic tape over the electrical tape. Make a 40% overlap on each turn. Start from the base of the unit to at least 1 inch (2.5

cm) of the cable.

Wr ap a la ye r o f el ec tr i ca l t a pe (s m oo th si de ou t, s ti ck y sid e i n ) o ve r t he

mastic tape.

Wrap a second layer of electrical tape over the first layer of electrical tape.

The lightning arrestor connections are ready for installation in an outdoor

environment.

EIRP at 30 degree Elevation above Horizon due to Antenna

gain

EIRP at 30 degree Elevation above Horizon for 19 dBi antenna

Peak radiation gain in the direction of Sky at elevation angle above 30 degree as measured from the Horizon for 7010(w) unit is less than 0.5dBi based upon provided 19dBi Antenna spec sheet. When installed the 5GHz antenna orientation will be vertically inverted to provide Omni directional Beam pattern towards the ground plane. Refer to Antenna Spec sheet for radiation beam pattern of 7010(w) unit.

EIRP at 30 degree Elevation above Horizon

• Maximum sum of conducted power in UNII-1 Band from all 4 antenna chain:

16.42dBm

• Peak antenna gain above 30 degree elevation from Horizon as per antenna spec sheet: 19 - 18.5=0.5dBi

• Peak EIRP above 30 degree elevation from Horizon: Maximum Conducted Power (dBm) + Peak Antenna Gain above 30 degree elevation from Horizon (dBi) = 16.4+0.5=16.9dBm

• Margin from FCC 15.407 limit: 21dBm-16.9dBm=4.1dB

EIRP at 30 degree Elevation above Horizon for 14 dBi antenna

Peak radiation gain in the direction of Sky at elevation angle above 30 degree as measured from the Horizon for 7010(w) unit is less than -4dBi based upon provided 14dBi Antenna spec sheet. When installed the 5GHz antenna orientation will be vertically inverted to provide Omni directional Beam pattern towards the ground plane. Refer to Antenna Spec sheet for radiation beam pattern of 7010(w) unit.

EIRP at 30 degree Elevation above Horizon

• Maximum sum of conducted power in UNII-1 Band from all 4 antenna chain:

21.54dBm.

• Peak antenna gain above 30 degree elevation from Horizon as per antenna spec sheet: 14 - 18 = -4dBi

• Peak EIRP above 30 degree elevation from Horizon: Maximum Conducted Power (dBm) + Peak Antenna Gain above 30 degree elevation from Horizon (dBi) = 21.54-4=17.54dBm

• Margin from FCC 15.407 limit: 21dBm-17.54dBm=3.46dB

EIRP at 30 degree Elevation above Horizon for 9 dBi antenna

Peak radiation gain in the direction of Sky at elevation angle above 30 degree as measured from the Horizon for 7010(w) unit is less than -4dBi based upon provided 9dBi Antenna spec sheet. When installed the 5GHz antenna orientation will be vertically inverted to provide Omni directional Beam pattern towards the ground plane. Refer to Antenna Spec sheet for radiation beam pattern of 7010(w) unit.

EIRP at 30 degree Elevation above Horizon

• Maximum sum of conducted power in UNII-1 Band from all 4 antenna chain:

26.77dBm

• Peak antenna gain above 30 degree elevation from Horizon as per antenna spec sheet: 9 - 15 = -6dBi

• Peak EIRP above 30 degree elevation from Horizon: Maximum Conducted Power (dBm) + Peak Antenna Gain above 30 degree elevation from Horizon (dBi) = 26.77-6=20.77dBm

• Margin from FCC 15.407 limit: 21dBm-20.77dBm=0.23dB

Firetide 7100-W User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual