Node Deployment Guide
Site survey, hardware preparation, installation, verification, and monitoring for fixed infrastructure nodes.
Deployment Phases
- Site survey and approval
- Hardware preparation
- Physical installation
- Configuration and verification
- Monitoring and maintenance
Phase 1: Site Survey
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Elevation | Highest available point with clear line-of-sight |
| Power | Continuous 5V USB-C (mains or solar + battery) |
| Access | Physical access for maintenance (quarterly minimum) |
| Permission | Written approval from property owner/manager |
| RF environment | Minimal 915 MHz interference (check with SDR) |
Use Meshtastic Site Planner for terrain analysis and coverage prediction.
Phase 2: Hardware Preparation
- Flash firmware:
just provision station-g2 /dev/ttyUSB0 - Verify firmware v2.7.15+:
meshtastic --info - Run bench test suite before deployment
- Assemble enclosure with cable glands and desiccant
- Test antenna (SWR check if meter available)
Phase 3: Installation
- Mount enclosure with appropriate hardware (Tapcon for masonry, stainless for wood)
- Route antenna cable with drip loop to prevent water ingress
- Apply dielectric grease to all SMA connections
- Seal cable glands with marine silicone
- Connect power (verify voltage before connecting device)
Phase 4: Verification
# Verify device is operational meshtastic --port /dev/ttyUSB0 --info # Set fixed position for infrastructure node meshtastic --setlat 44.1003 --setlon -70.2148 --setalt 60 # Run integration tests ./tools/test/integration-tests.sh --port /dev/ttyUSB0
Phase 5: Monitoring
- Check MQTT telemetry for battery voltage and uptime
- Verify node appears in mesh node list
- Schedule quarterly maintenance visits
- Document site access procedures and emergency contacts