ClodPi Labs - Helium Hotspot: Outdoor - (4G) Setup

ClodPi Hotspot - 4G (Outdoor) – Getting Started

The Hotspot (Outdoor) opens up an abundance of opportunities, allowing the ability to mount the hotspot onto the side / top of buildings, houses, terrace / roofs - an ideal solution for wider coverage applications across villages, towns and cities.

The document describes the characteristics of Hotspot (Outdoor) and gives a reference of how to install the same.

About 4G enabled Hotspot:

4G is another option to connect Helium Hotspot in addition to conventional methods of Home broadband internet. With 4G option in Hotspot, following challenges are taken care of:

  1. There are places with no broadband wired connections
  2. Less dependency / reliance on broadband service / hosts
  3. Long distance between the broadband router and the place where the hotspot is installed like off-grid installations.
  4. Ease of changing the data plans which is difficult / time taking / costly activity for wired broadband connection.
  5. One can use wired broadband instead of 4G option if they wish too. Please refer user guide for ClodPi Hotspot: Outdoor (without 4G) version.

Compatibility of 4G options with respect to your base country (India):
Normal micro SIM (Pre Paid / Post Paid) from Airtel, Vodafone, JIO and BSNL have been successfully tested with.

Note:

  1. M2M SIMs are not compatible. *We are checking the possibilities with M2M SIMs.
  2. It is desirable not to have a slower internet speed (< 5 mbps) for longer periods as it can stall the Hotspot functioning during any Firmware updates, Sync / Resync activities.

Notice:
Please read the document carefully before you install the device and pay attention to the detailed steps. For any doubts / queries please reach out to the manufacturer support team.

Prerequisite:

User should be ready with below listed items beforehand:

  • 4G SIM (micro) - enabled with Uninterrupted internet
  • Uninterrupted power supply
  • An identified place where Line of Sight is clear for better “Proof of Coverage”.
  • Avoid locations [basements, closed rooms, inside cabinets] where strength of the signal can become weak.
  • A compatible smart mobile phone (iOS / Android) with internet connection.
  • Download Helium Application from Apple Store or the Google Play Store depending on your phone OS, create Helium Profile and Helium wallet.
  • User need to purchase following items separately:
    a) RJ45 Ethernet (cat5e or cat6) Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) cable in order to connect internet router with your Hotspot outdoor setup. The length of the cable will depend on the distance between your PoE Inject / internet router and the outdoor enclosure where it is being deployed (Terrace / roof / any other location).
    Note:
    (i) Follow T568B standard for crimping instead of T568A standard.
    (ii) Refer to the ‘Operation Procedure’ for connecting the RJ45 ethernet cable through the RJ45 connector.
    b) Two Earthing / Copper wire in order to connect surge-arrester with the earthing / grounding mechanism to protect the hotspot from a lightning strike.
    c) Mounting Flagpole of non-rusting material having diameter between 2 inches. Length of the flagpole is your choice to get a clear line of sight for your Hotspot.
    d) Clamps and anchor bolts to securely install the mounting flagpole on your terrace, roof or any other identified location.**
    e) Identify a location on your terrace/roof and fix the Flagpole using Clamps and anchor bolts in such a way that the tip of the pole and base of the antenna has no obstructions like concrete walls, brick walls, metal mesh, metal grills.
    f) Screwdriver (PH1, PH2) with ability to screw slotted and cross head (Philips) screws.
    g) Flat nose plier for fixing the earthing wire.
    h) Wrench for tightening the Hose Clamps.
    i) 8 mm spanner for U-bolt and 18 mm spanner for tightening Antenna to L-Clamp.

Package Content:

ClodPi’s Hotspot (Outdoor) device package comes with the following items:

SN ITEM QUANTITY
1 ClodPi’s Hotspot (Outdoor) (IP66, ASA material) One
2 Breathers Two
3 RJ45 Connector (Grade IP66) One
4 N - Female connector One
5 LoRa Antenna (3.5 dbi, N-Female, Fiberglass) One
6 Surge Arrester (for earthing) One
7 Antenna Cable (N-Male to N-Male) One
8 Cable Lug (for earthing) One
9 PoE Injector 802.3at (48V, industry grade) with power cord One
10 Hotspot mounting Plate One
11 Hotspot Mounting Metal Hose Clamps Two
12 Antenna Mounting Metal Bracket Kit (suitable for 2 inch Flagpole) One
13 Waterproof Tape One
14 Insulation Tape One
15 M4 Screws (for mounting plate) Four

Safety Instructions:

Users are requested to strictly follow the important points mentioned below while setting up the Hotspot (Outdoor) device and and strictly follow the user guide and safety instructions to avail the Warranty:

  • IMPORTANT: Do not power on the hotspot without the LoRa antenna connected as this may damage the hotspot.
  • Even though the Outdoor version is designed to be used outdoors in all weather conditions, it is highly recommended to safeguard it from all the factors of harsh environments, and keep away from electrical appliances with strong magnetic / electric fields.
  • Do not try the set up in underwater / submerged mode or near to Fire.
  • All the connectors on the outdoor enclosure are already tightened to the maximum possible. Users are requested to maintain the same.
  • The setup is expected to work under direct sunlight / rain but if possible do provide some shade (non-metal) to the enclosure box. Noon time of the day is when the Sun is at its peak temperature.
  • In open to sky mode, there is always a risk of lightning strike during monsoon season which may damage the device. For protection from lightning, it is important to use surge resistor / protection between the outdoor enclosure box and the antenna to avoid any untoward damage to your hotspot device in the event of a lightning strike or similar incident.
  • Do not attempt to open the enclosure. Non-expert handling of the device could damage it. Consult the manufacturer for help, or else it may cause short-circuit, fire, electric shock or breakdown.
  • Use of any third party accessories [outdoor enclosure, power supply, custom antenna, splitters, amplifiers] other than the stock items provided by default with the device by ClodPi Labs will be at the user’s discretion.
  • Avoid wetting the inner side of the enclosure with any liquid / fluid.
  • Do not install, use or service the device during a thunderstorm. Please keep the cable disconnected.
  • Before proceeding with device installation, it is expected to complete the Helium boarding process for the device. Please refer to the on-boarding section.
  • It is advisable to first complete the onboarding process for ClodPi’s Hotspot (Outdoor) as mentioned before installing the same in outdoor locations.
  • Be ready with the materials as mentioned in the “Prerequisite” section above.

Hotspot Enclosure - Introduction:

Note: The images shown are for depiction purposes – actual color may slightly vary.

Steps to set-up the device:

Open the ClodPi’s Hotpot (Outdoor) package and take out all the items. First activity is to onboard the device to the Helium platform. Once the Hotspot onboarding process is complete then we will install the device at the selected outdoor location.

Step 1. Hotspot enclosure: Take the enclosure and make sure on the following:

  • Antenna connector: One
  • RJ45 connector: One
  • Breather: Two
  • Lug cable: One
  • Device ID sticker: Make note of the device details for future reference
  • PC Cover (transparent) at the back side

Step 2. Steps to place the SIM (micro) in the Hotspot:

  • Take the Hotspot, SIM (micro), Screwdriver with PH1 tip and a soft cloth or sponge on which we will keep the hotspot.

  • Keep the Hotspot upside down.
  • You will see the transparent PC Cover tightened with two screws on to the enclosure.
  • Take a screwdriver and remove both the screws

  • Remove the PC Cover
  • SIM Card slot will be visible.

  • Move the SIM Slot cover towards your side and lift up the cover

  • Take your SIM (micro) and insert into the SIM Slot as shown in the image

  • Slowly push down the SIM Slot cover and move up to lock the SIM slot.
  • This will secure the SIM into the SIM slot.

  • Take the transparent PC Cover and place it back properly. Using the screwdriver, tighten both the screws with appropriate torque.

Caution: Do not tighten the screw too much else it may damage the PC Cover.
Next step is to connect the Hotspot with Power and Internet sources. For that, we would need a PoE Injector, Cat5e or Cat6 RJ45 cable and Internet.

Step 3. N to N cable:

  • Take the N to N cable and connect one end to the Surge Arrester. Tighten it appropriately.

  • Take the antenna, remove the nut and washer. Take the the other end of N-N cable and connect to the antenna as shown in the image.

Note: We must safeguard the antenna to cable connection, cable to surge-arrester and surge-arrester to enclosure joints for any water slippage by using the Water-proof tape and Insulation tape. The same is explained in later steps.

Step 4. Surge arrester: Take the surge arrestor and connect it to the N-Female connector at the enclosure as shown in the image.

Step 5. Now take the other end of RJ45 Ethernet (cat5e or cat6) cable and connect to the RJ45 connector at the outdoor enclosure.

Note: Refer “Operations procedure” steps at the “Prerequisite” section to understand how to set-up the RJ45 connector over the RJ45 Ethernet cable.

Step 6. Power: To provide power to the hotspot, we will be using Power over Ethernet Injector (PoE - IEEE 802.3at) provided along with the package by connecting the PoE Injector with the power mains and to the Hotspot:

  • Connect the POE Injector power cord (black) provided to the power main.
  • Take the RJ45 cable (cat 5 or cat6) and connect its one end to Data & PWR Out jack at PoE Injector.
  • DO NOT switch ON the mains unless RJ45 cable (cat 5 or cat6) is connected to the device.
  • Connect the power cord of the PoE Injector with the power main. Make sure the data plan for the SIM is also ‘ON’. The complete setup should be like the adjacent image.

Note: This image is a depiction. In a real situation, the enclosure will be at the location where you want to mount it. PoE Injector will be near the power main.

Step 7. Steps to configure the SIM:

  • Take your mobile
  • Go to WiFi options
  • Available Wi-Fi networks > Select: hotspot-0ccxxxxx

  • Allow the smartphone to connect the ProHotspot WiFi. This makes sure that your device WiFi is working and connected with your smartphone. Now we are good to Configure SIM details

  • In your mobile, Open a browser
  • Enter 172.0.0.1:8000
  • On Login Page:
    Default username: root
    Password: is blank - no password right now

  • Tap: Login
    *On Home page, Navigate to Menu > Network > Interface

  • Under Cellular section, tap on Edit

  • Go to the APN text field and: enter APN details for your SIM service. Do not modify anything else in the “Cellular” section.
    Example: If your SIM is of Airtel, enter “airtelgprs”. Similarly, Check with your SIM operator for APN details.

  • Tap: Save
  • Scroll down to bottom of the page
  • Tap: Save and Apply

  • Wait for confirmation message.
  • Navigate to Menu > System

  • Tap: Reboot

  • Tap: Perform Reboot
    (This will apply the settings and restart the SIM.)

  • You will see a message: “Rebooting… Waiting for the device.”

  • It takes some time to reboot. Wait for a minute or two.

  • After a minute, navigate to WiFi option on your smartphone

  • Available Wi-Fi networks > Select: hotspot-0ccxxxxx

  • Allow the smartphone to connect to the ProHotspot WiFi. This makes sure that your device WiFi is working and connected with your smartphone.`

Note: We are good to proceed with Hotspot onboarding steps.

Safety Instructions:

  1. Make sure the area where you are performing the steps has no water / moisture or any other fluid nearby to the device.
  2. Make sure the SIM is clear of any moisture / fluid / dust.
  3. The screws on the PC Cover are tightened by applying appropriate torque / pressure on the screw driver.

Step 8. Switch on the power for POE Injector. Observe the Power LED on the back side of the hotspot enclosure. It takes a minute or so to power on.

Note: If a hotspot is powered using a wired Ethernet connection, the hotspot may take some time to be fully operational as it will check for firmware version and perform firmware updates as soon as it gets connected to the internet. Please wait for some time, usually 10 to 15 minutes, as your hotspot may be checking for the latest firmware version.

LED Indicator DESCRIPTION
Power The LED is lit when the power supply is ON.
Ethernet The LED will not lit as no ethernet is connected in case of 4G SIM option.
4G The 4G LED will start blinking in couple of seconds
Internet The Internet LED takes 3 to 4 minutes to lit after the 4G LED is lit.
Status LED will be blinking till device is syncing. LED will continuously lit when Hotspot is successfully synced.

Step 9. Power ON LED should be lit immediately when Power is switched ON. This will start the first booting of the device.
Step 10. Ethernet LED will not lit as we are using 4G SIM for internet data.
Step 11. 4G LED is lit as we are using 4G SIM for internet data.
Step 12. The Internet LED is lit after 3 to 4 minutes. This ensures internet data supply.
Step 13. When the first boot process is complete, the Internet LED should also be lit. This may take a few minutes. Once the internet LED is lit, the device is ready to be onboarded to the Helium platform.

Note: Status LED will be lit when the Hotspot Onboarding request is submitted from the Helium application as explained in later steps.

ClodPi Labs - Hotspots Application - Registration to Helium platform:

Step 14. Take your smartphone in which you have Helium application installed and profile created.
Step 15. Check the ClodPi Hotspot WiFi option is available in your smartphone > WiFi.

Note: This is to make sure your phone and ClodPi Hotspot are in the same network.

Follow the below steps to connect your phone with ClodPi’s Hotspot Wifi:
Step 16. On your smartphone > Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi
Step 17. Available Wi-Fi networks > Select: hotspot-eccxxxxx

Step 18. Allow the smartphone to connect the Hotspot WiFi. This makes sure that your device WiFi is working and connected with your smartphone.

Steps to Add Hotspot in ClodPi Labs - Hotspot Maker application:

Step 19. Users will be navigated to “Helium Explorer” displaying the Hotspot that you just onboarded. Device syncing process completion is dependent on the Helium platform and may take up to 24 to 48 hours.

Note: The Syncing process time depends on the Helium Blockchain. Please subscribe to Helium Status for the latest updates.

Step 20. Status LED: Once hotspot registration and syncing process is complete, the Status LED at the back of the enclosure will continuously lit similar to Power, Internet and 4G LEDs.

Step 21. Now we have completed the Hotspot onboarding process.

Install the Hotspot in an open to sky location

  • Switch Off the mains
  • Remove the RJ45 connector (Cat5e or Cat6 internet cable)
  • Remove N to N cable from Surge Arrester connection

Step 22. On base of the outdoor enclosure, fix the bracket and hose clamps using the screws provided along with the outdoor accessories:

  • Take the enclosure and keep upside down
  • Take the bracket.
  • Take both the metal hose clamps and open them up.
  • Insert both the metal hose clamps as shown into the hole provided in the bracket.
  • Now place the bracket with metal hose clamp on to the back side of outdoor enclosure bottom
  • Make sure to align the bracket on to the bottom as per the arrow marks (This side up) provided
  • Using the four M4 screws, tighten the bracket on to the enclosure bottom on all the four corners. You might need to press / bend the Hose clamp a bit to be able to place the screws on to the screw-hole of the metal bracket.

Step 23. Take the following items to the identified location of installation:

  • Hotspot Enclosure
  • LoRa Antenna
  • LoRa Antenna mounting clamp setup (L-Clamp, U-bolts)
  • N to N cable
  • One end of Cat5e or Cat6 cable.
    *Other end will be connected to the PoE Injector near the power mains.
  • Enclosure Mounting kit (Metal Bracket, M4 screws, Metal Hose clamps)
  • Earthing cables
  • Weather proof tapes
  • Tools like Screwdriver, Wrench, Flat nose plier.

Step 24. First install the flagpole on the location.

Step 25. Mount Antenna on the Flagpole:

  • Take L - clamp and fix it on the flag pole using the U bolts near to the top / tip of the flagpole such that it is little above the Hotspot enclosure.
  • Take the N to N Cable
  • Connect one end of N to N cable to the surge arrestor.
  • Take the antenna and remove the nut and the washer.
  • Place the antenna on the aperture available on the mounting L-clamp.
  • Tighten the washer and nut so that the antenna is securely fitted on to the L-clamp
  • Connect one end of the N to N cable to the antenna and tighten it properly.

Step 26. Mount the Hotspot Enclosure on the flagpole:

  • Hold the Enclosure and keep the bracket teeth on to the side of the flagpole at a height from which the N to N cable easily reaches to the Antenna and the Surge Arrester which is fitted on to the bottom of the enclosure. Also the height should be easily accessible to be able to remove the Enclosure from the flagpole in case of any need.

!!!Caution!!!

  • The Hotspot enclosure should always be mounted in a way where the RJ45 connector and Antenna Connector on the enclosure are facing downwards as shown in the adjacent image.
  • If the enclosure is mounted with RJ45 and Antenna connector are side ways or towards sky, there is always a rick of water seepage which may damage the device.

*Antenna should be mounted above the Hotspot enclosure.

  • Insert the end of the metal hose clamp into the slot available and pull the end of the tile till the enclosure box is tightly fitted.
  • Using a wrench screwdriver (manual / power), tighten the hose clamp till the enclosure box is securely mounted.
  • Mount the Surge / Lightning Arrestor to the Outdoor enclosure
    *ClodPi Labs suggests to always use Surge / Lightning Arrestor to be connected to the antenna.

Step 27. Waterproof tape and Insulation tape:

  • We must safeguard the antenna to N cable connection, Surge-arrester to N-cable connection and surge-arrester to enclosure joints for any water slippage by using the Water proof tape and Insulation tape.
  • First roll the water-proof tape round the antenna to N cable connection properly.
  • Roll waterproof tape round the surge-arrester to the enclosure joint.
  • Roll waterproof tape round the Surge-arrester to N-cable connection.
  • Then use insulation tape and roll it over the water-proof tape so as to completely cover it. Repeat the same steps on surge-arrester to enclosure joints and Surge-arrester to N-cable connection.

Step 28. Grounding / Earthing - Surge Arrester:

  • Take the grounding copper wire and connect its one end to the hook available on the Surge Arrestor.
  • Insert the earthing wire into the hook and press the hook tightly using Flat nose plier so as to tightly fix the wire.
  • Properly ground the other end of the copper wire.

Note: Take help / guidance of some electrical expert on the grounding step.

Step 29. Grounding / Earthing - Surge Lug Cable:

  • Remove the screw of the Lug cable using a screwdriver
  • Insert the earthing wire into the hook and press the hook tightly using Flat nose plier so as to tightly fix the wire.
  • Screw back the Lug back on to the enclosure.
  • Properly ground the other end of the copper wire.

Note: Take help / guidance of some electrical expert on the grounding step. Make sure that the two earthing wires of Surge Arrestor and that of Lug Cable are grounded separately. They should not be touching each other.

Step 30. Now the set-up of our Helium Pro Hotspot (Outdoor ) device is complete. Switch on the power main.

Step 31. Observe the LEDs (Power, Internet, Status) lit at the enclosure back side. Internet LED will take 3 to 5 minutes to lit in case of Hotspot with 4G setup.

Step 32. Here you go “The Outdoor Hotspot” is ready. Experience the wider coverage with ready to deploy. Now, you can start monitoring the device on your Helium Application.

Step 33. Recovery: The ClodPi’s Hotspot (Outdoor) has a push button ‘Recovery’ at the back of the unit for reset purpose. This feature will reset the hotspot to factory settings.

  • Reach to ClodPi Labs Support before you try to use this option.
    Users would need to open the PC Cover by unscrewing both the M3 screws using a screw-driver. After removing the PC Cover, press through the button by positioning your finger exactly on the button head and keep the button pressed for 5 seconds. The device should restart. If it does not restart, remove the power adapter plug, wait for a couple of minutes and start the plugin again. All the LEDs should be ON if successful. User should again place back the PC Cover and screw both the M3 screws using the screwdriver.

!!!Caution: !!!
*Do not tighten the screw too much else it may damage the PC Cover.
*Make sure the place and the equipment you are using are dry and no water / moisture content enters the enclosure while opening and closing the PC Cover. Fluid / moisture content will severely damage the Hotspot.

SUPPORT PROCESS: Click here