RAK7240V2/RAK7240CV2 Unboxing & Installation
For outdoor gateways, RAKwireless recommends completing basic gateway configuration indoors before field installation. This helps verify gateway access, Internet connectivity, SIM card status, and LoRaWAN® server settings before the gateway is permanently installed outdoors.
This guide is organized by setup scenario. You can first choose the scenario that matches your deployment stage, then follow the referenced hardware setup procedures.
Prerequisites
Package Inclusions
Variant with DC input interface
Figure 1: RAK7240V2/RAK7240CV2 package list 1Variant without DC Input interface
Figure 1: RAK7240V2/RAK7240CV2 package list 2-
LoRa® antenna is not included and must be purchased separately.
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LTE antennas are included only with 8-channel cellular models (RAK7240CV2).
Additional Hardware Required
- Ethernet Cable (RJ-45 Port) – Required for network setup
- A Windows/MacOS/Linux Computer – For configuration via Web UI
- LoRa® Antenna(s) – One or two antennas may be required, depending on your gateway model
- NanoSIM Card (for LTE version) – Size: 12 x 9 x 0.67 mm
Installation Workflow
This section describes the recommended installation workflow for outdoor gateway deployments.
Indoor Pre-Configuration
Use this scenario when you want to power on and configure the gateway indoors before installing it outdoors.
During indoor pre-configuration, you can complete the basic hardware setup required for software configuration.
Complete the following sections:
- Insert SIM Card — for cellular models only
- Attach Antennas and Cables
- Power On the Gateway
- Continue with the Quick Start Guide to:
- Access the WisGateOS 2 Web UI
- Configure Internet access through Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or Cellular
- Configure the LoRaWAN® Network Server connection
After the indoor pre-configuration is complete, power off the gateway and continue with outdoor field installation.
Outdoor Field Installation
Use this scenario when the gateway is ready to be permanently installed outdoors.
Outdoor field installation includes mounting the gateway, installing antennas and cables, applying grounding and lightning protection, weatherproofing the connectors, and connecting the final power source.
Complete the following sections:
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Insert SIM Card — for cellular models only
NOTEIf the SIM card has already been inserted during indoor pre-configuration, you can skip this step for cellular models.
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Verify gateway status in WisGateOS 2 or WisDM after installation
Hardware Setup Procedures
Insert SIM Card (For cellular models)
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If the gateway is running WisGateOS 2.3.1 or later, the SIM card slot supports hot-swapping.
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For versions earlier than WisGateOS 2.3.1, the SIM card slot is not hot-swappable. Always power off the gateway before inserting or removing the SIM card.
- Start by unscrewing the cap of the NanoSIM interface on the gateway enclosure to expose the SIM card slot.
Figure 1: Unscrewing the cap of the NanoSIM interface- Insert the NanoSIM card into the lower slot labeled “NanoSIM,” with the metal contacts facing up.
Figure 1: Inserting the SIM card- Once completed, screw back the metal cap. Make sure it is tightly screwed.
Figure 1: Screwing back the metal capMount the Gateway
- Fix the installation kit at the bottom of the device with four M5 x 8 mm screws.
Figure 1: Fixing the installation kit to the RAK7240V2/RAK7240CV2- Slide the steel band clamps through the rectangular hole of the installation kit. Wrap the band clamps around the pole, lock them, and then tighten the clamps using a screwdriver.
Figure 1: Fixing the RAK7240V2/RAK7240CV2 to a PoleGateway Grounding and Lightning Protection
Lightning strikes can generate powerful electrical surges that may harm sensitive electronic devices. It is essential to take appropriate precautions to minimize the risk of damage. The warranty provided does not cover damages resulting from lightning strikes or other acts of nature.
For outdoor deployments, protection should cover the gateway enclosure, outdoor antenna connections, and the Ethernet/PoE connection to indoor network devices. The protection system typically includes:
- Gateway grounding: Provides a safe discharge path for electrical surges through the gateway enclosure.
- Antenna lightning protection: Protects LoRa®, LTE, Wi-Fi, and GPS antenna connectors from lightning-induced surges.
- Ethernet/PoE surge protection: Protects indoor network devices, such as PoE injectors, switches, or routers, from surges carried through the Ethernet cable.
Figure 1: Gateway grounding and lightning protection setupGateway Grounding
Gateway grounding connects the gateway enclosure to a reliable grounding point. This helps discharge electrical surges safely and reduces the risk of damage to the gateway and connected equipment.
To ground the gateway:
- Locate the grounding screw on the bottom side of the gateway.
- Use 10 AWG or thicker grounding wire. Connect one end of the grounding wire to the gateway grounding screw.
- Connect the other end to a proper grounding point, such as:
- A grounding rail mounted on the building wall
- A grounding bar in field deployments
- Another qualified protective earth grounding system
Antenna Lightning Protection
For each antenna connection:
- Install a lightning arrestor on each antenna’s N-type terminal (LoRa®, LTE, Wi-Fi, GPS). The arrestors must be N-type Female to Male to match the antenna and gateway interface.
- Use 10 AWG or thicker grounding wire to connect the arrestor grounding terminal to the grounding rail mounted on the building wall or a grounding bar in field deployments.
- Keep the grounding wire as short and straight as possible to reduce surge impedance.
Ethernet/PoE Surge Protection
Ethernet/PoE surge protection helps protect indoor network devices connected to the outdoor gateway, such as PoE injectors, switches, and routers. Install an Ethernet SPD (Surge Protection Device) on the Ethernet cable path between the outdoor gateway and the indoor network equipment.
For Ethernet/PoE protection:
- Install the Ethernet SPD between the gateway and the indoor PoE injector, switch, or router.
- Connect the SPD grounding terminal to a proper building grounding point.
- Make sure the Ethernet cable and SPD are suitable for the required network speed and outdoor deployment conditions.
Recommended Equipment
- Lightning Arrestor for GPS Antenna: A surge protection device designed specifically for GPS antennas. It uses a high-pass filter to block low-frequency lightning-induced interference while maintaining minimal insertion loss for GPS signals. The device integrates a TVS diode and gas discharge tube (GDT) to protect the DC feed circuit from transients and over-voltage events.
- Lightning arrestor for the LoRa, LTE and Wi-Fi antennas: This is a surge protection device for securing transceivers against over-voltage and surge current induced by lightning bolts.
- Signal Surge Protective Device: Designed for CAT6 or Class E network cables, this SPD protects Ethernet-connected equipment from voltage surges induced by lightning or internal switching transients. It is widely used in industrial and office communication systems, including Gigabit Ethernet, ATM, ISDN, and VoIP.
Attach Antennas and Cables
After completing lightning protection installation, connect the required antennas and cables according to your deployment setup.
Attach Antennas
Connect the required antennas to their corresponding ports on the gateway. If lightning arrestors have been installed, connect the antennas through the lightning arrestors.
- Attach the LoRa®, Wi-Fi, and GPS antennas to their respective antenna ports.
- For cellular models, connect the LTE antennas to the LTE antenna ports.
Connect Ethernet/PoE Cable
Connect the Ethernet cable based on your power and network setup. If an Ethernet SPD has been installed, route the Ethernet cable through the SPD according to the surge protection setup.
- If using PoE for power, connect the Ethernet cable to the ETH (PoE) port on the gateway.
- If using Ethernet for wired network access, connect the Ethernet cable to the ETH (PoE) port and the other end to the PoE injector, switch, or router as required.
Weather Protection
To better protect the Ethernet cable gland and all antenna connectors from moisture and environmental damage, you need to cover them with PVC tape.
- Clean the surface area of the connector that will be wrapped. Wrap a layer of PVC tape with a 50% overlap according to the rotation direction of the connector. Continue wrapping the PVC tape to about 10 mm below the end of the connector.
Figure 1: Wrapping with PVC tape- Cut off about 50 cm waterproof tape. Stretch it to double its length and wrap three layers around the connector with a 50% overlap. Hold the tape in place with your hand for a few seconds.
Figure 1: Wrapping with waterproof tape- Wrap three additional layers with PVC tape with natural uncoiling force and a 50% overlap. Ensure to cover the head and the tail of the connector.
Figure 1: Final PVC wrappingPower On the Gateway
Do not power the device if any antenna port has been left open. In case you do not desire to use one or more antenna features, make sure to terminate the port with a 50 Ohm load.
Your gateway supports multiple power input options depending on the model variant:
PoE (Power over Ethernet)
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Connect the Ethernet cable—already attached to the gateway’s ETH (PoE) port—to the PoE port of the injector.
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Plug the injector into a power outlet to power up the gateway.
Figure 1: Powering the gateway using PoE
DC Power Input (9–24 V DC)
The gateway includes a pre-terminated DC power cable, designed for direct connection with RAK Battery Plus.
To use RAK Battery Plus, simply connect the included DC power cable between the battery and the gateway’s DC input port.
Figure 1: Powering the gateway using RAK Battery PlusRAK9155 Battery Plus is not included in the bundle, it needs to be purchased separately.
If you’re using your own 9–24 V DC power supply, you may trim the open end of the cable and connect the wires to your power source.
Polarity:
Red wire = Positive (+)
Black wire = Negative (–)
Use caution when trimming and wiring. Incorrect polarity may damage the gateway and void the warranty.
