Field Deployment

Field Deployment

Best practices and guidelines for installing Multiflexmeter 3.7.0 devices in production environments.

Pre-Deployment Checklist

Hardware Preparation

• ✅ Firmware uploaded and tested
• ✅ EEPROM configured with TTN credentials
• ✅ Device successfully joins TTN (test in lab)
• ✅ Antenna properly connected
• ✅ Enclosure is waterproof/weatherproof
• ✅ Power supply tested (battery or mains)
• ✅ Sensor connected and tested
• ✅ Mounting hardware prepared

Software Configuration

• ✅ Device registered in TTN
• ✅ Payload decoder configured
• ✅ Measurement interval optimized
• ✅ Fair Use Policy enabled
• ✅ Integrations set up (webhooks, storage)
• ✅ Monitoring/alerts configured

Documentation

• ✅ Device ID recorded
• ✅ Installation location noted (GPS coordinates)
• ✅ Installation date logged
• ✅ Sensor calibration data saved
• ✅ Contact information for site access

Site Selection

LoRaWAN Coverage

Check gateway coverage:

1. Use TTN Mapper: https://ttnmapper.org/
2. Look for existing gateways in area
3. Check coverage maps from gateway owners
4. Perform site survey with test device

Minimum requirements:

• RSSI: Better than -120 dBm
• SNR: Greater than -10 dB
• Gateway distance: Typically <5km urban, <15km rural

Environmental Considerations

Temperature:

• Operating range: -20°C to +60°C
• Avoid direct sunlight (use shade or reflective enclosure)
• Avoid extreme cold (insulation may be needed)

Humidity:

• Use IP65+ rated enclosure
• Include desiccant packets
• Ensure all cable entries are sealed

Physical security:

• Install out of reach (>2m height)
• Use tamper-proof screws
• Consider camera surveillance
• Mark with ownership labels

Installation Process

Step 1: Power Supply

Battery-Powered:

• Use high-capacity Li-ion or LiFePO4 batteries
• Calculate runtime:

  Runtime = Battery_mAh / ((Sleep_mA × Sleep_Time + TX_mA × TX_Time) / Interval)
  
  Example: 10,000 mAh battery, 300s interval
  Sleep: 0.5 mA for 299s
  TX: 120 mA for 1s
  Average: (0.5×299 + 120×1) / 300 ≈ 0.9 mA
  Runtime: 10000 / 0.9 ≈ 11,000 hours (1.25 years)

• Include solar panel for long-term deployments
• Monitor battery voltage via sensor channel

Mains-Powered:

• Use regulated 5V power supply
• Include surge protection
• Use UPS for critical deployments
• Ensure proper grounding

Step 2: Antenna Placement

Mounting:

• Mount antenna vertically for optimal omnidirectional pattern
• Keep antenna outside enclosure (or use window if plastic)
• Use quality RP-SMA antenna (3dBi or 5dBi)
• Minimum distance from metal objects: 10cm

Cable:

• Use low-loss coaxial cable (<1m if possible)
• Avoid sharp bends (minimum radius: 5× cable diameter)
• Weatherproof all connections
• Check SWR if using long cable

Step 3: Sensor Installation

Connection:

• Use shielded cable for I²C (reduces noise)
• Keep cable length <2m for reliability
• Ensure proper pullup resistors (4.7kΩ)
• Use IP68 rated connectors

Calibration:

• Perform initial calibration in known conditions
• Record baseline values
• Set expected value ranges
• Configure alerts for out-of-range readings

Step 4: Enclosure

Requirements:

• IP rating: Minimum IP65 (dust-tight, water jet resistant)
• Material: UV-resistant plastic or metal
• Size: Allow for airflow and service access
• Cable glands: Waterproof for all entries

Internal layout:

• Secure PCB with standoffs
• Route cables neatly (zip ties)
• Label all connections
• Include maintenance log card

Step 5: Mounting

Options:

• Wall mount: Use stainless steel brackets
• Pole mount: Use stainless steel clamps
• DIN rail: Inside control cabinets
• Magnetic mount: For metal surfaces (temporary)

Accessibility:

• Allow access for maintenance
• Consider ladder requirements
• Mark installation height on documentation
• Ensure safe working area

Initial Testing

On-Site Verification

1. Power-On Test

   • Connect serial console (if accessible)
   • Verify LED blinks (configuration valid)
   • Wait for OTAA join
   • Confirm successful join

2. First Uplink

   • Wait for first measurement
   • Check TTN Console for uplink
   • Verify decoded payload is correct
   • Check RSSI/SNR values

3. Signal Quality

   • RSSI: Target >-110 dBm
   • SNR: Target >0 dB
   • Spreading Factor: SF7-SF9 optimal
   • If poor signal: adjust antenna or relocate

4. Sensor Test

   • Verify sensor readings are reasonable
   • Compare to known reference values
   • Check all channels are updating
   • Test sensor power cycling

Maintenance

Routine Checks

Weekly (first month):

• Check uplink success rate (>95%)
• Monitor battery level
• Verify sensor readings
• Check for alerts/errors

Monthly:

• Inspect physical condition
• Clean enclosure exterior
• Check cable connections
• Verify antenna is secure

Quarterly:

• Sensor calibration check
• Battery health test
• Firmware update check
• Documentation update

Battery Replacement

1. Schedule during dry weather
2. Bring replacement battery (fully charged)
3. Note old battery voltage
4. Swap quickly (device has capacitor holdover ~30s)
5. Verify device rejoins network
6. Dispose of old battery properly

Troubleshooting On-Site

No Uplinks:

• Check power supply voltage
• Inspect antenna connection
• Verify no physical damage
• Check serial debug output
• Consider gateway issues

Poor Signal Quality:

• Relocate antenna (higher/different position)
• Check for new obstructions
• Verify antenna is not damaged
• Consider using higher gain antenna
• Check gateway status

Sensor Errors:

• Verify sensor power
• Check I²C cable integrity
• Measure pullup resistor values
• Try different sensor address
• Replace sensor if faulty

Documentation

Installation Record

Create installation record document:

Device ID: mfm-sensor-001
TTN DevEUI: 0004A30B00F8AC2D
Location: Building A, North Wall
GPS: 52.3728, 4.8951
Installed: 2024-01-15
Installer: John Doe

Hardware:
- Antenna: 3dBi RP-SMA whip
- Enclosure: IP65 ABS, 200×150×75mm
- Power: 10Ah LiFePO4 + 10W solar
- Sensor: Model XYZ, S/N 12345

Configuration:
- Interval: 300s (5 min)
- Fair Use: Enabled
- Firmware: v1.3.7

Initial Readings:
- RSSI: -87 dBm
- SNR: 8.5 dB
- SF: 7
- Battery: 12.6V

Notes:
- Mounted 3m height on wall
- Direct view to gateway (~2km)
- Solar panel facing south

Maintenance Log

Keep maintenance log:

Date       | Action             | By      | Notes
-----------|--------------------|---------|-----------------
2024-01-15 | Initial install    | J. Doe  | RSSI -87 dBm
2024-02-15 | Routine check      | J. Doe  | All OK
2024-05-10 | Battery replacement| J. Smith| Old: 11.8V
2024-08-01 | Firmware update    | J. Doe  | v1.3.0 → v1.3.7

Decommissioning

Removal Process

1. Notify stakeholders

   • Schedule removal date
   • Coordinate site access
   • Update monitoring systems

2. Data backup

   • Download historical data from TTN
   • Save final sensor readings
   • Export device configuration

3. Physical removal

   • Power off device
   • Disconnect sensor
   • Remove antenna
   • Unmount enclosure
   • Restore site (fill holes, paint, etc.)

4. TTN cleanup

   • Delete device from application
   • Remove webhooks/integrations
   • Archive documentation

Deployment Scenarios

Scenario 1: Urban Environment

• Challenge: Gateway coverage good, but RF interference
• Solution: Use SF7, short intervals (2-3 min), higher mounting
• Power: Mains or solar (sufficient sunlight)
• Enclosure: Secure, anti-vandal

Scenario 2: Rural/Agricultural

• Challenge: Long distances to gateway (5-15km)
• Solution: Use SF9-SF12, longer intervals (10-15 min), high mounting
• Power: Solar + large battery bank
• Enclosure: Weatherproof, animal-proof

Scenario 3: Industrial

• Challenge: Metal structures, electrical noise
• Solution: External antenna, shielded cables, grounded enclosure
• Power: Mains with UPS backup
• Enclosure: Explosion-proof if required

Next Steps

• Configuration - Configure device settings
• TTN Setup - Network configuration
• Troubleshooting - Common problems