---
title: "FerIT Solar Node Installation"
canonical: "https://farmconnect.docs.rubiconwater.com/space/FER/1932624072/FerIT%20Solar%20Node%20Installation"
format: markdown
---
> Macro (toc)

> ℹ️ **Battery Handling**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ Please take care when handling the FerIT Solar Node internal battery. This may be a fire hazard if it is dropped onto a hard surface.

The FerIT Solar Node can be connected to a mounting bracket using one of the following options depending on the bracket design:

- Four M6 bolts on the base of the FerIT Solar Node. Two screw into captive nuts and two must be secured with M6 Nyloc nuts, this is the standard mounting option.
- Four M6 bolts on the rear of the FerIT Solar Node, optional mounting.

# Solar panel orientation

The FerIT Solar Node includes an integrated solar panel. This must face north in the southern hemisphere and south in the northern hemisphere. It should not be shaded by overhanging vegetation.

---

# FerIT Solar Node Top-Of-Pole Mounting

1. Open the FerIT Solar Node by unfastening the two screws at the top of the solar panel.
2. Pass the motor and any sensor looms down into the pole.
3. Attach the FerIT Solar Node to the top of the pole using four bolts into the mounting locations at the base of the Solar Node. Use nuts to secure the two right-hand bolts.

# FerIT Solar Node Rear Mounting

## Square Pole Mounting

1. Remove the antenna mounting from the Solar Node.
2. Remove the grommet at the back of the Solar Node and unthread the antenna loom from the grommet, discard the grommet (1)
3. Move the base grommet to the rear of the Solar Node (2) and with the power loom still threaded through the grommet and rethread the antenna loom. Make sure that any skin is removed from the grommet holes before threading. Take care not to block the rear vent (4).
4. Insert a new grommet in the base mount location.
5. Screw the Solar Node to the post using four M6 bolts around the rear grommet (3)
6. Mount the antenna in a suitable location.

---

## Round Pole Mounting

> ℹ️ **Hazard: Sharp objects**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ Wear protective clothing, boots and gloves when handling sharp objects and objects with rough surfaces, burrs and sharp edges

You can mount a FerIT Solar Node on an existing round pole (40 to 60 mm diameter) using the rear mounting location by using the round pole mounting kit (P/N 81875).

1. Drill two holes on opposite sides of the pole:
  - Drill a 30 mm diameter hole on the side where the FerIT Solar Node will be mounted.
  - Drill a 15 mm diameter hole on the opposite side of the pole.
2. Attach the mounting brackets and antenna bracket to the pole aligning them with the holes in the pole.
3. Follow steps 1 to 4 in the procedure on the previous page (“To mount a FerIT Solar Node using the rear mounting location”).
4. Pass the antenna loom through the mounting bracket and secure to the underside of the antenna bracket using cable ties. Mount the antenna on the end of the antenna bracket.
5. Attach the FerIT Solar Node to the mounting bracket using the bolts provided.
6. Attach the bird spikes to the top of the antenna bracket using the double-sided tape provided.

---

# Installing Bird Spikes on the FerIT Solar Node

> ℹ️ **Hazard: Sharp objects**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ Take care when handling or working near bird spikes. Install the bird spikes last and wear gloves and eye protection.

An optional bird spike installation kit (p/n 81898) is available for mounting on the FerIT Solar Node. Bird spikes are used to reduce the accumulation of bird droppings on the solar panel surface which may reduce the effectiveness of the solar panel.

---