Yarn Mesh Relays are small RF repeaters that form the backbone of the Yarn Mesh network, receiving and transmitting data for other devices on the network where those devices are unable to have direct line of sight back to the Gateway.
A single Yarn Mesh network typically comprises of 1 x Gateway, 5-15 x Relays and 50 - 500 end-devices. Numbers can be higher or larger depending on the purpose of the network and the coverage required. Networks can be expanded to cover more area and/or connect more devices over time.
The number of core network devices (Gateways and Relays) is based on an RF plan, which is a 3D model of your new network that the Yarn Mesh team develops by working with your project to understand the requirements for your project area and objectives.
The RF plan provides Gateway and Relay installation locations as well as required installation height. To achieve the required installation height (height above ground) typically either a Waratah or Telescopic Antenna Mast is used.
Heights above ground and mounting method:
- 1-2m - Waratah 1.8-2.4m
- ˜5m - Telescopic Mast (consumer off the shelf)
- 10-18m - Telescopic Mast (Yarn Mesh Guyed Telescopic Antenna Mast)
We recommend deploying the core network and then monitoring over time for areas where coverage is unavailable or hard to obtain, in most cases these areas can be cover post initial deployment by adding more relays as required.
Relay Mounting Methods
1. Waratah (˜2m) - customer installed
Image showing Yarn Mesh Relay installed on a Waratah (aka star-picket or Y-post) a mountain ridge at altitude.
Installation Tools Required:
- Waratah Driver (or Sledgehammer)
- 13mm Ring Spanner (preferably ratcheting)
If guy wires are required for stability in very exposed locations (particularly above 500m), the the following additional tools and materials are required:
- Adjustable Crescent (200-300mm)
- Sledgehammer
- 3 x 0.8m Waratahs (Y-posts)
2. Small Telescopic Antenna mast (˜5m) – customer installed.
Image showing Yarn Mesh Relay installed on a small telescopic antenna mast in an elevated paddock. Small antenna masts are not supplied by Yarn Mesh. Small antenna masts typically use a single tier of 3 x guy wires (120-degree spacing triangle pattern).
Installation Tools & Materials Required:
- Waratah Driver (or Sledgehammer)
- 13mm Ring Spanner (preferably ratcheting)
- Adjustable Crescent (200-300mm)
- Sledgehammer
- 3 x 0.8m Waratahs (Y-posts)
- 3 x 5mm D-Shackles
- Swage Crimping tool
- PVC Tape (roll)
3. Large Telescopic Antenna Mast (10m - 18m) – installed by the Yarn Mesh team.
Image of a large (18m) telescopic antenna mast in mature native forest on the West Coast of the South Island.
Large telescopic antenna masts are used for mounting Yarn Mesh Relays where vegetation or terrain necessitates it. Large telescopic antenna masts are supplied by Yarn Mesh and require a Yarn Mesh deployment service with support from the customers project team as these installation require specialist knowledge to coordinate a 4-person team to complete the installation safely and trim the mast so the install is straight and reliable. Large antenna masts typically use 3 or 4 tiers of 3 x guy wires (120-degree spacing triangle pattern) for a total of 9-12 guy wires.
Installation Tools & Materials Required:
- Waratah Driver (or Sledgehammer)
- 13mm Ring Spanner (preferably ratcheting)
- Adjustable Crescent (300mm)
- Waratah Driver
- Sledgehammer
- 6 x 1.6m Waratahs (Y-posts)
- 12 x 6mm D-Shackles