Universal Guide
A few pointers that apply to all hotspot manufacturers
Remove the hotspot PCB
In order to fully harness the utility of the Alpha enclosure, you need to remove the original manufacturer's casing. The reason we make this a requirement is because this helps to minimize the signal loss and make sure there's a direct line from the Lora concentrator to the antenna core. This can only be achieved by connecting the u.fl pigtail found in your Alpha enclosure to the connector on your hotspot's concentrator.
Please note that some manufacturers do not offer warranty if the original casing has been opened. Proceed at your own risk, we do not offer warranty at this moment, as this is a DIY conversion kit.
Here are the steps to get your hotspot PCB out of the original casing:
Remove the exterior screws of your indoor hotspot's plastic casing
You will see the PCB board of your hotspot, mounted with screws to the interior of the casing. You need to remove all screws carefully.
Disconnect the stock RP-SMA pigtail by disconnecting the u.fl connector from your hotspot's Lora concentrator.
Some spots have a cooling fan or an LED light strip connected to the PCB board. Disconnect those as well.
Extract the PCB from the stock plastic casing and place it carefully on a non-conductive surface to avoid static discharge.
Mount the hotspot PCB board
You will need to carefully align your hotspot PCB board with the appropriate schematic on the universal Alpha adaptor plate.
In case of Sensecap M1, you will need to remove the Alpha plate entirely from the enclosure, align your Sensecap to the laser-etched holes(they are the only ones that are pass-through and not threaded) then screw the M2.5 screws from the back of the Alpha plate to secure the PCB.
Locate your hotspot manufacturer on the aluminum board inside of the Alpha enclosure. The name of your hotspot brand will be laser-etched on the surface of the plate.
Screw the M2.5 nylon risers into the appropriate threaded holes on the Alpha plate.
Attach the hotspot PCB to the nylon risers using the provided M2.5 screws.
Connect hotspot
This step is very important and you need to execute the connections very carefully to make sure the hotpot is operating properly and does not get damaged during use.
Use the provided ethernet patch cable to connect your hotspot to the built-in splitter. This will ensure that your hotspot is getting internet connectivity.
Connect your hotspot to the splitter to provide power. Some spots require DC barrel adaptors, and some take USB-C cable. Make sure you are attaching the appropriate power cable option.
Select the appropriate power output on the splitter by adjusting the power switch on the splitter. If you are using the USB-C cable, the power output is automatically set to 5V. If you are using the DC barrel connector, you will need to select the appropriate voltage for your hotspot: 5V / 12V / 24V. As you change the voltage output, the status light will change, indicating which voltage is being pushed throught the cable. The voltage values are printed directly on the splitter PCB, next to the LED indicators.
CAUTION: If you select an incorrect voltage output, your hotspot will be damaged beyond repair and we cannot provide you a replacement. Use extreme caution.
Test your hotspot
Verify that your hotspot is on and operational. Perform all necessary diagnostics before your converted hotspot goes out into the field. Make sure that data is being passed successfully through to your hotspot. You need to verify that there's data flowing UP and DOWN.
Close and Secure
Once you know that your setup is working, seal the deal.
Close the Alpha enclosure.
Screw the security pin into the lid and hand-tighten with the security key. Do not over-tighten!
The lid of the enclosure needs a forcible push to secure it into the hinges, as it is a snap fit. Put against a hard surface and push until you hear a loud snap.
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