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.

Here are the steps to get your hotspot PCB out of the original casing:

1. Remove the exterior screws of your indoor hotspot's plastic casing

2. 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.

3. Disconnect the stock RP-SMA pigtail by disconnecting the u.fl connector from your hotspot's Lora concentrator.

4. Some spots have a cooling fan or an LED light strip connected to the PCB board. Disconnect those as well.

5. 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.

1. 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.

2. Screw the M2.5 nylon risers into the appropriate threaded holes on the Alpha plate.

3. 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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

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.

1. Close the Alpha enclosure.

2. Screw the security pin into the lid and hand-tighten with the security key. Do not over-tighten!

Compatible with major manufacturers

We designed Alpha to work with the majority of Helium gateway manufacturers. The enclosure houses a removable 6061 anodized aluminum plate that allows users to mount the major miners quickly and efficiently.

What's included in the kit?

The Alpha outdoor conversion kit includes most of the needed components for an efficient deployment.

External Accessories

• 2x UV resistant zip ties

• 1x 4dBi omni-directional antenna

• 1x PoE injector w/ESD grounding protection

• 1x security screw

• 1x security key

• 1x M22 cap

• 1x M22 eth gland

Internal Accessories

• 1x universal mounting plate

• 1x PoE splitter with 5v/12v/24v modes

• 1x N-type female to u.fl pigtail

• 14x M2.5 screws

• 4x M3 screws

• 14x M2.5 risers

• 1x eth coupler

• 1x eth patch cable

• 1x DC barrel cable

• 1x USB 3.0 to USB C cable

• 2x dust & water resistant micro meshes