RAK Hotspot Unboxing & Installation
This guide covers the package contents, interface identification, antenna installation options, network connection, and power connection for RAK Hotspot.
Package Inclusion
Figure 1: Package ContentsBefore Installation
Select an installation location that meets these requirements:
- The ambient temperature remains between -10 °C and +55 °C.
- At least 20 cm of separation can be maintained between the antenna and people during operation.
RAK Hotspot has an IP30 enclosure and is intended for indoor use. Install the device in a suitable outdoor enclosure when it must be deployed outdoors.
Choose an Installation Scenario
Choose the installation scenario before connecting RAK Hotspot. Select the appropriate antenna and enclosure setup based on the deployment environment.
- Connect the complete LoRa® antenna system before powering on RAK Hotspot. Operating the radio without an antenna may damage the RF circuitry.
- The best advice to follow the guidelines below to avoid damaging the RAK Hotspot. Familiarize the interfaces of the product as shown in the Interfaces section of the RAK Hotspot Datasheet.
Indoor Installation
Recommended Indoor Setup
Use a magnetic antenna base to position the fiberglass antenna away from the Hotspot and nearby obstructions.
Products Used:
Figure 1: Recommended indoor antenna setup:RAK Hotspot + Magnetic Antenna Base + Fiberglass AntennaAlternative Indoor Setup
Connect the fiberglass antenna through the compatible converter cable when a magnetic antenna base is not used.
Products Used:
- RAK Hotspot
- Converter Cable (included with any of the Fiberglass Antennas)
- Fiberglass Antenna
Figure 1: Alternative indoor antenna setup:RAK Hotspot + Converter Cable + Fiberglass AntennaOutdoor Installation
For outdoor deployments, RAK Hotspot requires installation inside a suitable outdoor enclosure.
Refer to the RAK Hotspot Outdoor Case Assembly Guide before installing the outdoor enclosure.
Recommended Outdoor Setup
Install RAK Hotspot inside the RAKBox-GW-3 outdoor enclosure and connect the fiberglass antenna through a lightning arrestor.
Products Used:
Figure 1: Recommended outdoor antenna setup:RAK Hotspot + Outdoor Enclosure Kit RAKBox-GW-3 + Lightning Arrestor + Fiberglass AntennaAlternative Outdoor Setups
The original RAK Hotspot installation references classify the outdoor combinations in this table as alternative configurations. Select an alternative based on the deployment requirements, including enclosure protection, lightning protection, cable length, and the number of RF connections.
| Setup | Products Used |
|---|---|
| 4 | RAK Hotspot, Converter Cable (included with any of the Fiberglass Antennas), Lightning Arrestor, and Fiberglass Antenna |
| 5 | RAK Hotspot, Pulsar Cable LMR400 RAK9733, and Fiberglass Antenna |
| 6 | RAK Hotspot, Pulsar Cable LMR400 RAK9733, Lightning Arrestor, and Fiberglass Antenna |
| 7 | RAK Hotspot, Outdoor Enclosure Kit RAKBox-GW-3, and Fiberglass Antenna |
| 8 | RAK Hotspot, Outdoor Enclosure Kit RAKBox-GW-3, Pulsar Cable LMR400 RAK9731, and Fiberglass Antenna |
| 9 | RAK Hotspot, Outdoor Enclosure Kit RAKBox-GW-3, Pulsar Cable LMR400 RAK9731, Lightning Arrestor, and Fiberglass Antenna |
Figure 1: Outdoor antenna setup 4
Figure 1: Outdoor antenna setup 5
Figure 1: Outdoor antenna setup 6
Figure 1: Outdoor antenna setup 7
Figure 1: Outdoor antenna setup 8
Figure 1: Outdoor antenna setup 9Outdoor Installation Precautions
- Install RAK Hotspot inside an enclosure suitable for the deployment environment.
- Seal the cable entries to prevent water and dust ingress.
- Use outdoor-rated, low-loss coaxial cable and keep it as short as practical.
- Keep RF connectors clean and dry during installation.
- Install and ground lightning-protection equipment in accordance with local electrical regulations.
- Route cables to prevent water from running along them into the enclosure.
Outdoor antennas can be exposed to lightning and hazardous voltages. Outdoor installation, lightning protection, and grounding should be completed by qualified personnel in accordance with local regulations.
