--- title: "FerIT Solar Node Maintenance" canonical: "https://farmconnect.docs.rubiconwater.com/space/FER/1932362467/FerIT%20Solar%20Node%20Maintenance" format: markdown --- > Macro (toc) > ℹ️ **Hazard: Sharp objects** > ℹ️ > ℹ️ Wear gloves and eye protection when working near the bird spikes on the FerIT Solar Node. # Replace the FerIT Solar Node Battery > ℹ️ **Note** > ℹ️ > ℹ️ K2 batteries will no longer be supplied once stocks are exhausted. A Lithium Iron Phosphate rechargeable battery pack is now available for the FerIT Solar Node (P/N 76814). 1. Open the Solar Node 2. Disconnect the -ve (black) terminal and the +ve (red) terminal. Note that the +ve terminal has a fuse holder on the loom). 3. Unwrap the battery strap (4) 4. Install a new battery and fasten with the strap. Connect the two battery terminals. 5. Update the battery configuration on Device Connect. See [https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FER/pages/2685239399](https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FER/pages/2685239399). --- # Apply Terminal Protection for FerIT Solar Node SLA Batteries > ℹ️ **Note** > ℹ️ > ℹ️ This is not required for P/N 76814 (12V, 10Ah Li Fe PO4 batteries). The FerIT Solar Node enclosure is vented, with drainage, to allow for use with an SLA battery. The Solar node has been tested to an ingress protection rating of **IP53**. All internal components inside the enclosure are rated to IP66, except the primary 12V battery. IPX3 allows some ingress of water. > ℹ️ **Note** > ℹ️ > ℹ️ The IP53 rating applies provided that the primary battery inside the enclosure is protected against worst-case water ingress causing a short between the terminals. ## K2 and DryPower 12V batteries For these battery types, apply an adhesive strip to create a barrier between terminals. > ℹ️ **Caution** > ℹ️ > ℹ️ When working with the battery, ensure that you don't touch the terminals with any tools or materials as this may cause a short. > ℹ️ > ℹ️ If the battery has terminals caps, leave them on until the strip application is complete. **Affected Parts** - 77031 SD; Battery, Drypower, SLA 12V, 7.2Ah - 81319 SD; Battery, K2, Lithium 12V 9Ah - 83458 SD; Battery, Drypower Lithium 12V 9Ah **Materials** - Terminal barrier kit - 1 x 6mm (stacked) foam adhesive strip - 1 x Alcohol wipe (IPA 70%) **Step 1** Clean the top of the battery between the two terminals using the supplied alcohol wipe. **Step 2** Remove the backing paper from the bottom of the adhesive strip. **Step 3** Align the strip with the edge of the battery, centred lengthways between the two terminals. **Step 4** Starting from the edge, stick the strip down gently. Confirm that the foam is properly centred and extends all the way to the edge, then apply pressure for approximately 30 seconds to ensure good adhesion. --- # Replace the Solar Panel 1. Open the Solar Node and disconnect the solar panel loom. 2. Unscrew the panel from the hinges on either side of the Solar Node. 3. Remove the seal from around the outside of the solar panel. 4. Fit the seal to the new solar panel. 5. Attach the panel to the hinges and connect the Solar Node to the solar panel. # Check and Clean the Solar Panel - Check that the solar panel is facing in the correct direction - Check that the solar panel is not shaded by overhanging vegetation - Check the solar panel for any visible damage. Replace the solar panel if it is damaged. - Clean the solar panel with clean water and either rags or a squeegee. Avoid excessive pressure on the solar panel whilst cleaning. - Check that the bird-spikes (if installed) are firmly attached and that the spikes are not bent or broken --- # Replace the Integrated FerIT Node 1. Open the Solar Node and remove the battery to access the wiring. See [Replace the FerIT Solar Node Battery](https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FER/pages/1932362467/FerIT+Solar+Node+Maintenance#Replace-the-FerIT-Solar-Node-Battery). 2. Disconnect the FerIT Node from the Solar Node. 3. Remove the cover from the integrated FerIT Node by unfastening the four corner screws. You can now access the mounting screws at the rear of the FerIT Node. 4. Unscrew the base of the FerIT node from the Solar Node. 5. Remove the FerIT Node from the Solar Node 6. Remove the cover of the replacement FerIT Node and use the rear mounting screws to fasten it to the Ferit Solar Node 7. Replace the cover of the FerIT node and connect it to the Solar Node. 8. Reinstall the Solar Node battery. --- # Replace the Power Module 1. Open the Solar Node and remove the battery and the FerIT Node to access the wiring. See [Replace the FerIT Solar Node Battery](https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FER/pages/1932362467/FerIT+Solar+Node+Maintenance#Replace-the-FerIT-Solar-Node-Battery) and [Replace the Integrated FerIT Node](https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FER/pages/1932362467/FerIT+Solar+Node+Maintenance#Replace-the-Integrated-FerIT-Node) for details. 2. Remove the fastening bolt and remove the power module from the Solar Node. 3. Install the new power module, the FerIT Node, and the Solar Node battery and reconnect the component wiring. ---