What are the "Best Practices" for installing an EPIQ Primary or Secondary node to maximize solar charging and radio communication performance?

Installation Location on Bin Roof

The optimal installation location will be on the southern half (or the northern half if you are located in the southern hemisphere) of the bin roof to maximize sunlight for solar charging. The Node should be located on the bin/silo roof or catwalk where it has the best exposure to the sun and is installed in a location that will not interfere with loading/unloading equipment where it can be damaged. If the Primary Node is to be line-powered, it should be in a position where the power cable can be run easily up the side of the bin wall and along the bin roof to the Node location.

Installation Angle of EPIQ Node

The best practice is to match the angle of the Primary or Secondary Node to the Latitude of your location. Additionally, if you are in the northern United States or Canada, you can add 10 degrees to the angle to increase efficiency during the winter months and improve snow runoff. For example, if I am installing a Primary Node in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, the Latitude is approximately 50 degrees. Since I am adding 10 degrees here, I would install the node with an angle of 60 degrees.

Line of Sight Considerations

When installing an EPIQ Node there must be clear Line of Sight between the Primary Node and the Secondary Node(s) that are installed at the bin yard. There can be no obstructions like buildings, trees, other bin structures, or even temporary obstacles like a grain truck parking on a weigh scale several times a day. You should be able to see the Primary Node from the Secondary Node installation location.