MIT Roofnet Node Installation Instructions

Here’s how to install the kit you got from the Roofnet group at MIT.

In your kit box you should find:

  These installation instructions
  Node (with a pigtail and sticker)
  Power adapter and cable
  Stands
  Chimney Mount
  2-to-3 prong power adapter
  Wrench
  15-20 cable ties
  Lightning Arrestor

Section 1: Antenna Installation

You should only try installing the antenna on a flat roof. You should attach it to a chimney or other similar object.

The Chimney Mount (top of the box has a diagram):

Remove one of the metal brackets and orient it such that it looks like a Y.
Insert the two screws from the top and attach bolts, but only
  screw bolts in 1/3rd of the way.
Thread the ubolt through the small metal piece and into the base of the Y.
  (the mast will should be able to fit through this opening)
Separate the two metal straps from each other
Thread one end of the strap through the little metal rectangular piece
  and the screw, pull strap back and back through the little metal piece.
Cinch the strap in place by moving the little metal piece close to the screw
  (don't tighten the bolt yet)
Wrap the strap around your chimney
Insert the little metal piece on the other end of the strap as you did
  on the other side, thread it through the screw and cinch it back.
Now tighten both bolts until strap is taut. It should be hard to move
  the mount.
Repeat with the other mount, keep at least 1.5 feet distance between the two.

The Mast: Before mounting the mast, ensure the antenna is secure and vertical. Insert mast through the ubolts, trying to keep the antenna high up in the air yet stable. Tighten the bolts and make sure everything is straight. Connect the antenna cabling to the mast. Wrap electrical tape around the connectors. There should be some wrapped around the mast.

The cable: Drop the cable down the side of your house – feel free to flex it, but don’t bend it all the way back. Look for points where the cable could flap around in the wind and try to prevent movement. Run the cable through a window or whatever. Many users use insulation to keep the window airtight in the winter.

Section 2: Node Bootup

Connect the black cable to the “pigtail” (the thing hanging off the node), and plug the power supply cable into the computer. It should start automatically. The ethernet interface on the computer will provide other machines with DHCP, so they will automatically configure their IP address, etc. Plug your PC and the Roofnet node into the same Ethernet hub.

Now point your web browser to http://192.168.0.1/ and see if the page loads.

Section 3: Lightning Arrestor

Now that you’re sure the node works, unscrew the antenna cable from the node and insert the lightning arrestor in the path. Connect the arrestor to a water pipe or otherwise well known source of ground (important!).

You probably received some wire when you picked up your node, but if you didn’t please email us or purchase some at the local hardware store.