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Gateway Deployment

Mount a wireless gateway on the EDC telescoping pole for cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity.

⏱️ Time Required: 15-20 minutes

Overview​

The EDC includes a carbon fiber telescoping pole and T-bar mount system for deploying and elevating wireless gateways, access points, or other radio devices. This provides elevated positioning for cellular (5G/LTE) or Wi-Fi connectivity with improved coverage and signal aquisition.

Common Gateway Options:

  • Mako Networks 5600 5G Security Gateway (default)
  • HiveRadar 5G Standalone Cellular Wireless Gateway
  • Wireless access points
  • Other network or radio devices with appropriate mounting

Note: This guide provides the physical deployment procedure. User will customize based on specific gateway model and deployment requirements.

When to deploy:

  • After physical setup is complete (legs deployed, EDC positioned)
  • Can be installed before or after powering on
  • Standard part of most EDC deployments

Components Needed​

Before starting, gather these components:

From EDC Storage:

  • Carbon fiber pole (stored in top drawer)
  • Carbon fiber extension pole (optional, stored in work surface lid)
  • T-bar bracket (stored in top storage shelf)

Your Wireless Device:

  • Gateway or access point (e.g., Mako 5600, or your chosen device)
  • Mounting bracket (device-specific, may be in accessory pouch such as Mako 5600 T-bar bracket adaptor)
  • Antennas (if applicable, install after mounting)

Optional:

  • HiveRadar Beacon (stored in top shelf, for visual identification)

Step 1: Prepare the Pole​

  1. Retrieve the carbon fiber pole from the top drawer
  2. Optional: Retrieve the extension pole from the work surface lid storage (only needed for additional height)

Note: All EDC drawers use twist-lock mechanisms (twist upward ~90° to unlock). For detailed drawer operation, see Storage Drawers.

Step 2: Expose the Pole Mount​

  1. Locate the pole mount on top of the deployed EDC (covered by a rubber protective cover) alt text
  2. Remove the rubber cover and set aside for later reinstallation alt text

Step 3: Prepare the T-Bar Bracket​

  1. Retrieve the T-bar bracket from the top storage shelf
  2. Identify the T-bar components:
    • T-bar plate for mounting
    • Pole attachment mechanism
    • Orientation knob (for adjusting angle)

alt text

⚠️ Important: The orientation knob should only be loosened slightly - never completely unscrew it.

Step 4: Attach Gateway to T-Bar Bracket​

For Mako 5600 Gateway:​

  1. Attach the T-bar adapter to the Mako gateway

    • Provided by default and stored in accessory pouch

    alt text

  2. Mount the Mako gateway to the bracket

    • Align and attach the gateway with the mounting bracket
    • Make sure it is secured alt text

  3. Install antennas

    • Install antennas by using the corresponding number on the antenna and the gateway port

For Other Gateways or Access Points:​

  1. Attach device-specific mounting bracket to T-bar (if required)

  2. Mount your gateway or AP to the bracket

    • Follow manufacturer mounting instructions
    • Ensure secure attachment to T-bar bracket
    • Consider weight distribution

    alt text

Optional: Install HiveRadar Beacon​

The HiveRadar Beacon provides visual identification of the EDC location.

  1. Retrieve beacon from top storage shelf
  2. Mount beacon on top of T-bar bracket using the attachment mechanism
  3. Enable visual blinking (use the button on the side of the beacon)

alt text​

Step 5: Attach T-Bar to Pole​

  1. Position the T-bar bracket on the carbon fiber pole

    • Slide the T-bar bar mechanism onto the pole

  2. Screw the T-bar clockwise onto the pole

    • Do NOT fully tighten yet
    • Leave slightly loose for orientation adjustment

  3. Orient the T-bar bracket

    • Loosen the orientation knob slightly (not fully)
    • Rotate the T-bar to desired angle
    • Tighten the orientation knob to lock position

    alt text

⚠️ Warning: Never over-loosen the orientation knob - it should only move slightly to allow rotation.

Step 6: Mount Pole to EDC​

  1. Check if pole needs extension

    • You can either directly mount the 3 section telescoping pole or also use the carbon fiber pole extension that is stored in one of the lids
    • If using only the 3 section pole, please make sure to extend the bottom section before attempting to screw the pole into the EDC

  2. Screw the pole into the EDC pole mount

    • Clockwise rotation
    • If using extension pole, connect extension first, then mount to EDC

  3. Tighten securely

    • Ensure pole is stable and secure

Image below is using the carbon fiber pole extension without the T-bar bracket as an example of mounting the pole to the EDC hardcase.

alt text

Note: Extension/retraction symbols are printed on the pole itself for reference.

Step 7: Adjust Pole Height​

  1. Extend the telescoping pole to desired height
    • Follow the lock symbols on the poles
    • Typically twist to unlock, extend/retract, twist to lock
    • Ensure all segments are locked before releasing

alt text

Step 8: Connect Cables​

Connect Mako 5600 Gateway​

Cable Requirements:

  • 2× Ethernet cables (included in EDC accessory kit)
  1. Connect cables to the Mako Gateway
    • Take the two Ethernet cables and plug them into the Mako Gateway:
      • Connect the first cable to the WAN port
      • Connect the second cable to the LAN port

alt text

  1. Route and secure cables

    • Route both cables down the pole towards the EDC
    • Cable Management: Bundle the cables together using velcro straps; ensure the run is tight and looks neat (avoid loose hanging loops)

  2. Connect cables to the Switch

    • Identify which cable corresponds to WAN and which to LAN, then connect them to the Switch:
    • WAN Cable (Power): Connect to Switch Port 8 (RJ45 port)
      • ⚠️ Important: This connection provides PoE power only. Network access on this port must be disabled or VLAN isolated (Mako limitation)
    • LAN Cable (Data): Connect to Switch Port 9 (SFP+ copper transceiver)

    alt text

Fully deployed:

alt text

For Other Gateways or Access Points:​

Typical Configuration:

  • Single Ethernet cable for data and PoE power
  • Connect to available switch port (e.g., Port 8)
  • Consult device documentation for port requirements

Cable Management:​

  • Route cables down the carbon fiber pole
  • Leave slight slack at top to prevent strain
  • Protect cables from pinching when retracting pole

Safety Notes​

Pole Stability:

  • Ensure pole is securely mounted before extending
  • Do not extend pole in high winds
  • Consider retracting pole during transport

T-Bar Orientation Knob:

  • Never fully loosen the orientation knob
  • Loosen only enough to allow rotation
  • Over-loosening may cause parts to separate

Weight Considerations:

  • Keep gateway weight reasonable
  • Heavy equipment may affect stability
  • Consider retracting pole in extreme weather

Cable Management:

  • Secure cables along pole to prevent snagging
  • Leave some slack for pole extension/retraction
  • Protect cable connections from weather if deployed outdoors

Troubleshooting​

Pole won't screw into mount:

  • Check thread alignment
  • Ensure rubber cover is fully removed
  • Try slight rotation while applying pressure

T-bar won't stay oriented:

  • Tighten orientation knob more
  • Check that knob hasn't been over-loosened
  • Ensure T-bar is properly seated on pole

Gateway not getting power:

  • Verify cable connected to correct switch port
  • Check that port has PoE enabled on switch
  • Verify switch is powered on

Disassembly and Storage​

To remove the gateway and pole:

  1. Disconnect cables from gateway
  2. Retract telescoping pole to shortest position
  3. Unscrew pole from EDC mount (counterclockwise)
  4. Remove gateway from T-bar if desired
  5. Store components:
    • Carbon fiber pole → top drawer
    • Extension pole → work surface lid storage
    • T-bar bracket → top storage shelf
    • Gateway and antennas → secure storage
  6. Replace rubber cover on pole mount

What's Next?​

After deploying the gateway:

👉 Positioning - Review clearance requirements with extended pole

👉 Component Locations - Reference guide for all EDC components

Continue to Part 4: Software Configuration for power and network setup.