FAQ: Gateway and node mounting best practices

Q36What are the best practices for mounting the Gateway?

Correct Gateway placement is critical for mesh network performance. Follow these guidelines:

Mount in an elevated, outdoor location: ideally within line-of-sight of the majority of nodes.
Position the Gateway centrally relative to all nodes, this minimises the number of mesh hops and ensures uniform signal coverage across the site.
Mount the Gateway as high as possible, at least 5 to 10 feet above the floor or roofline.
Keep the antenna at least 12 inches away from any wall, parapet, or obstruction.
Maintain at least 12 inches of separation from other antennas to avoid EMI, crosstalk, and signal coupling.
Keep at least 18 inches away from any metallic surface, metal reflects and distorts transmitted RF energy.
Keep at least 10 feet from external power lines to avoid RF interference.

Central placement reduces the need for additional repeater nodes, lowering overall deployment cost.

Q37How should Gateway antennas be attached and oriented?

Correct antenna setup is essential: incorrect connections will disable Wi-Fi hotspot and cellular data entirely.

Mesh antenna (Short black antenna): Attach to the RF port on the TOP of the Gateway.
Wi-Fi antenna (Black cylindrical): Attach to the WiFi port using the labelled cable.
Cellular antenna (Black cylindrical): Attach to the GSM port using the labelled cable.
All antennas must be oriented vertically: this is critical for omnidirectional coverage.
Never mount the transmitting portion of the antenna touching any surface.
Use coaxial extension cables with 50 Ω impedance and no longer than 5 metres to minimise signal loss.

5G SIM cards are not supported. Use 3G/4G retail-based SIM cards only.

Q38What is the correct Gateway pre-deployment setup sequence?

Before bringing the Gateway to site, complete the following in order:

Step 1: Attach all antennas correctly (RF, WiFi, GSM as labelled).
Step 2: Insert SIM card only if cellular data will be used (3G/4G only).
Step 3: Connect the continuous 12 V, 3 A DC power supply (wall socket or approved solar setup).
Step 4: Insert the 3.6 V ER34615 D-Cell LiSOCl₂ backup battery, ensure correct polarity. (Not applicable to HW 3.6, where the backup battery holder is disabled.)
Step 5: Turn ON the power switch. Observe for a bleeding red light from the right gap (confirms power is live).
Step 6: Wait 1 minute for boot-up. Confirm the following LED patterns:
SYS: Blinks every 3 seconds (Snape software running)
NET: Remains OFF unless cellular is configured (blinks frequently if active)
RF: Blinks every 3 seconds (Mesh network active)
WF: Remains ON (Wi-Fi hotspot active)

If the Gateway does not boot successfully, use a multimeter to confirm 12 V is present at the power terminals.

Q39What is the recommended solar power setup for the Gateway?

For sites without mains power, use the following minimum solar specifications:

Solar panel: 100 W minimum, 12V/24 V output
Solar panel peak output current: 3 A @ 12 V / 1.5 A @ 24 V
Charge controller: 12 V rated
Backup battery: 12 V / 18 to 20 Ah rechargeable lead-acid battery (minimum)
Weatherproof enclosure for Gateway, controller, and battery

The Gateway's internal D-Cell LiSOCl₂ battery (all hardware versions except HW 3.6, where it is disabled) is a backup for power outages only, it cannot sustain full Gateway operation. Full operation (remote access, internet) resumes only when main power is restored.

Q40What are the best practices for deploying nodes on site?

Follow this deployment sequence to ensure reliable mesh connectivity from the start:

Deploy nodes closest to the Gateway first, this lets you verify each mesh link as you progress outward.
Fix the antenna securely to the node before deployment.
Insert fresh 3.6 V, 19 Ah ER34615 D-Cell batteries manufactured within the last 3 months.
Always run the Network Test before physically fixing the node in position, confirm it can see at least 2 devices.
Never drop (permanently mount) a node if the Network Test shows zero devices, it will drain battery rapidly.
Once all nodes are deployed, check if repeater nodes are needed to extend coverage to isolated locations.
After commissioning all nodes, perform a Project Sync/Auto Sync via the Nimbus app, without this step, the Gateway will not recognise the commissioned nodes.

Deploying a node without any mesh connection will cause it to constantly attempt to join the network, rapidly draining the battery until it becomes unusable.

Q41What are the antenna clearance requirements for nodes?

As high as possible: At least 5 to 10 feet above the floor or roofline.
Away from obstructions: At least 12 inches from any wall, parapet, or surface.
Away from other antennas: At least 12 inches to prevent EMI, crosstalk, and signal coupling.
Away from metal surfaces: At least 18 inches, metal reflects and distorts RF energy.
Away from power lines: At least 10 feet to avoid RF interference.

Ackcio devices operate in unlicensed ISM bands (863 to 870 MHz and 902 to 928 MHz). These bands are shared with other industrial devices. Proper clearance significantly reduces the risk of interference.