Node Inspection Guide – The Yield Support Team

This Node Inspection Guide is designed to assist you should you suspect that one or more of your sensing nodes is experiencing technical issues, or if The Yield Support team requests you to conduct a physical check of a node. This guide also explains how to perform a node reboot, should The Yield Support notify you that a reboot is required.

Node Inspection

Step 1: Check there is no physical damage to the node

Check there is no obvious physical damage to the plastic casing and solar panel, and the node is sitting upright on its mount, in its original position.

Check the solar panel is free of dust and dirt. If necessary, wipe the solar panel with a clean damp cloth.

Check that foliage isn’t covering the solar panel, or is blocking the antenna. If necessary, trim back the foliage around the node.

Example of foliage obscuring the node antenna

Example of a sensing node obscured with mud

Example of foliage covering the solar panel

Example of foliage covering the solar panel

Step 2: Check the node antenna is still intact

The antenna might be connected directly to the bottom of the node, or on top of the pole mount, via a short coaxial cable. Ensure the antenna is screwed in finger tight and not bent in any way. Often even a slight bend in an antenna is a good indicator that it could be broken inside (please see an example of a bent antenna on a photo below).

If a coaxial cable is in use, ensure it is not damaged in any way.

Antenna connected direct to the node

Antenna connected to node via a coaxial cable

Example of a damaged antenna

Step 3: Checking for insect damage

Open the sensor tray, by turning the thumb tab counter clockwise. Then pull down on the tray using the small plastic tab towards the rear of the unit. Refrain from pulling the tray down by tugging on the sensor cables or antenna. Once the tray is open, verify the small silver power switch is in the ON position, i.e. the switch should be pushed towards the right of the unit.

Open the sensor tray by turning the tab counter clockwise

Ensure battery is connected and power switched on

Check that the sensor cables are plugged in correctly to their respective ports. Sometimes the connector cable needs a firm push to ensure it is plugged in all the way.

While the tray is down, check for any insects, spider webs or ant nests. Insects and ants will be able to move into the bottom area but should not be able to penetrate the higher insect barrier seal.

Clean out any debris or insects in the inner area above the second seal.

To close the tray, slide it upwards until fully closed, and then lock the tray using the thumb tab.

If there are a number of sensor cables, then the bottom seal may bulge out, so some firm pressing of this seal back into place will be required. Be careful not to pinch the seal when closing. The photo below shows a sensor that hasn't been pushed in completely.

Reboot

Please only reboot your node if specifically requested by The Yield Support team. Once requested, simply open the node tray as detailed above, and switch the silver power switch to the OFF position. Wait 10 seconds, then switch it back on. You should hear a "beep" which confirms the node is powered up.

Need Assistance?

For any questions regarding this or assistance with The Yield's apps, please contact Support via the contact details provided in How can I get in touch with The Yield's Support Team.

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