How to replace a node

By following the below steps, you can successfully replace a node on-site and ensure the proper functioning of the sensors. The Yield Support team will work with you to arrange for a new node to be delivered to site and when it arrives on site, they will then assist in the below steps.

1. To begin, contact The Yield Support team (How can I get in touch with The Yield's Support Team) and let them know that you are at the sensor node location and are ready to replace the node.
2. Before proceeding, verify the old node ID to ensure that you are working with the correct node and location. It's important to inform TY Support of the new node ID, preferably by taking a photo of it and sharing it with them. Locate the node ID at the back of the node, towards the pole. You can use your phone to capture a picture of it for reference.
3. Open the sensor tray, by turning the thumbscrew counter clockwise, and pulling down on the tray using the small plastic tab. Don’t pull the tray down by tugging on the sensor cables or antenna. Once you have the tray open, switch the node off by pushing the little silver power switch to the left.  Take a photo of the opened drawer and the port configuration, and share it with The Yield Support team.

4. Open the rubber seal that is holding the sensor cables in place, by prising it open from one end. Then unplug all of your sensors, taking a note of which cables connects to which port. It is crucial that the sensors get plugged back into the same port after node replacement. Additionally, unplug the antenna coax from the node drawer.

                                                                                  (node antenna coax connection, might need a slight  jiggle to unplug if fingertight)

5. Once you have disconnected all of your sensors, you can close the rubber seal, and close the tray.

6. To remove the node from its bracket, push a screwdriver into the hole on the side of the node bracket, at the same time, pulling up the node itself. Lift the node out of the bracket. 

7. To prepare your replacement node for installation, firstly locate the node accessories bag, and ensure you have a battery, antenna and bird spike.

8. Take the bird spike, and slide it down into position until it locks into place.

9. Open the node tray and install the battery by clipping into the battery holder.

NOTE : Ensure the battery is orientated such that wires are on the right hand side, and the raised ridge on the battery is facing outwards and ISNT pinched in the battery holder.

10. DO NOT place the node face-down on a surface blocking the solar panel. The solar panel MUST be in sunlight while the battery is being plugged in. Then plug the battery connector into the plug, located next to the On/Off switch, making sure to line up the ridge on the plug with the slot in the socket.

11. Now you can slide the new node on to the bracket, by pushing it down until it locks into place.

12. You can now reconnect your sensors and antenna, by reversing the previous steps above. Screw the antenna and coax back onto the new node. Secure all sensor cables and antenna coax using cable ties. Double-check that all sensor cables are still firmly plugged in correctly. Switch the node on and close the node drawer.

NOTE : Ensure each sensor is connected to its original port.

13. Turn the node on by flicking the silver power switch to the right. You should hear a beep indicating that it has powered on. Ensure the rubber gland is fully closed and is not pinched when closing the tray. 

14. Contact The Yield Support team to verify if the new node is coming online. Please note that it may take a few minutes for the node to establish communication. Capture a photo of the new node drawer and ports with the sensors plugged in. Share this photo with The Yield Support team. Confirm that the node and all sensors are working correctly.

Note: Your replacement node will not be visible online until the Support team has completed the necessary configuration. This typically requires 1-2 days to fully configure the new node within the platform. Once the configuration is done, your node will be fully operational and accessible through the online platform. 

Antenna replacement

The procedure to replace the node antenna remains the same, regardless of whether the antenna is connected directly to the bottom of the node or mounted on the top of the pole bracket.

Follow these steps:

1. Unscrew the old antenna from its connection point.
2. Take the new antenna and screw it onto the connection point.
3. Finger tight is typically ok; avoid overtightening. 

To replace the antenna coaxial cable, please follow below steps:

1. Unscrew and remove the antenna from its mounting location. 

2. Locate the coaxial cable connected to the bottom of the node. 

3. Unscrew the coaxial cable from the node by rotating it counterclockwise.

4. Use two small 8mm (or 5/16") spanners to carefully remove the coaxial bulkhead connector from the mounting bracket. Make sure to retain the two plastic insulating washers. 

5. Remove the damaged coaxial cable from the pole mount. You may need to cut any small cable ties that are supporting the cable. 

6. Install the new coaxial cable by performing the above steps in reverse order. Remember to place the two plastic insulating washers on either side of the bracket.

7. Before installation, unwind the new coaxial cable to eliminate any unnecessary twists or loops.

8. When tightening the bulkhead nuts, be cautious not to overtighten them.

9. Reattach the antenna by screwing it onto the bulkhead. Finger tight is sufficient.

10. Replace the cable ties to secure the coaxial cable and any associated sensor cables to the pole bracket once again.

By following above steps, you can successfully replace the coaxial cable and ensure proper installation of the new cable, maintaining the integrity of the antenna connection and cable management on the pole bracket.