diff --git a/docs/assets/images/installations/install/diagram.png b/docs/assets/images/installations/install/diagram.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..bc3fb6b Binary files /dev/null and b/docs/assets/images/installations/install/diagram.png differ diff --git a/docs/assets/images/installations/install/image10.png b/docs/assets/images/installations/install/image10.png deleted file mode 100644 index 661d24b..0000000 Binary files a/docs/assets/images/installations/install/image10.png and /dev/null differ diff --git a/docs/en/installations/installations.md b/docs/en/installations/installations.md index ff0816b..460d7cf 100644 --- a/docs/en/installations/installations.md +++ b/docs/en/installations/installations.md @@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ title: Installation Overview Philly Community Wireless has partnered with [**PhillyWisper**](https://phillywisper.net/) to install antennas for our free WiFi network on rooftops in the Norris Square, Fairhill, and Kensington neighborhoods. PhillyWisper is a wireless internet service provider (WISP) which means our project delivers the internet the "last mile" to our customers using radio technology. -Philly Community Wireless seeks to build community-owned and community-operated wireless mesh network technologies. This page describes our process for installation and the type of network we are trying to build over a large expanse of the city. In a typical home network, all ['access points' (APs)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_access_point) are hard-wired to your router via Ethernet cable to create a wireless local area network. In a mesh network, access points can not only be hard-wired, but also connect to each other wirelessly, allowing a single Internet connection to be shared with significantly less infrastructure and labor than hard-wiring every single AP. +Philly Community Wireless seeks to build community-owned and community-operated wireless mesh network technologies. This page describes our process for installation and the type of network we are trying to build over a large expanse of the city. In a typical home network, all ['access points' (APs)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_access_point) are hard-wired to your router via Ethernet cable to create a wireless local area network. In a mesh network, access points can not only be hard-wired, but also connect to each other wirelessly, allowing a single Internet connection to be shared with significantly less infrastructure and labor than hard-wiring every single AP. ## Rooftop Installation Process diff --git a/docs/en/installations/solar.md b/docs/en/installations/solar.md index f8f5046..ba70d84 100644 --- a/docs/en/installations/solar.md +++ b/docs/en/installations/solar.md @@ -3,18 +3,19 @@ title: Solar Mesh Nodes --- # Solar Mesh Node Overview -Designed by [Holobiont Lab](https://holobiontlab.org/), we install solar-powered wifi access points at gardens and other spaces where electricity is not available. For more information, see Holobiont Lab's [meshbox docs](https://holobiontlab.org/r&d/meshbox). +Philly Community Wireless is actively supporting sustainable green spaces focus on environmental conservation and resource efficiency. Using off-the-grid solar nodes designed by [Holobiont Lab](https://holobiontlab.org/), we have installed solar-powered Wi-Fi access points at gardens and other spaces where electricity is costly and/or not readily available. Philly Community Wireless is also in the process of powering smart sensors such as the [PurpleAir air monitor](https://www.purpleair.com/products/classic-plus-air-quality-monitor) with modified solar nodes to track environmental health. For more information on our solar mesh nodes, see Holobiont Lab's [meshbox docs](https://holobiontlab.org/r&d/meshbox). -# Hardware Specs +## Hardware Specs -* An enclosure -* 25 -50W solar panel -* Any assortment of appropriate repurposed batteries nominal 24v +* Weather-proof outdoor enclosure +* 25-50W solar panel +* Any assortment of appropriate repurposed batteries at nominal 12V * A charge controller * A low-temp disconnect (depending on the battery) -* A mesh node : starting with the Ubiquity mesh access point +* A 12V to 24V 3A boost converter +* A mesh node: starting with the 24V Ubiquity mesh access point -# Deployments +### Deployments PCW installed a solar mesh node in Norris Square Neighborhood Projects Colobo Gardens in 2021, and it only recently needed to be fixed with a replacement battery. Here are a few photos of what the setup looks like. @@ -22,7 +23,7 @@ PCW installed a solar mesh node in Norris Square Neighborhood Projects Colobo Ga Colobo AP -
A photo of the AP at Colobo.
+
A photo of the AP at Colobo
@@ -39,14 +40,27 @@ PCW installed a solar mesh node in Norris Square Neighborhood Projects Colobo Ga
The meshbox's contents
-# Troubleshooting Solar Mesh Nodes +### Troubleshooting Solar Mesh Nodes For additional troubleshooting help, check out the 'Troubleshooting' section (pg. 12) of the [Meshbox Documentation](https://holobiontlab.org/docs/meshBoxDocumentation.pdf). Common issues include: -* Battery Discharge - the battery should read between 12.5V > 14.6V. +* Battery Discharge - the LiFePo4 battery should read between 12.5V to 14.6V. * Anything less than 12.5v and the battery management system will shut off to save power. * Connections between the enclosure and the charge controller, as well as the connections between the charge controller and AP. * There should be a **red** light on the charge controller, and a **green** light on the PoE injector. * Low temperature or bad weather conditions + +## Community Solar Resources + +* [Solarize Philly](https://solarizegreaterphl.org/) is a citywide program to help all Philadelphians go solar. The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) launched Solarize Philly to make the process of installing solar as easy and affordable as possible, while also supporting solar training at the School District of Philadelphia and improving access to clean energy for all neighborhoods. + * PEA has carefully selected vetted installers, chosen high-quality equipment for solar panels and energy storage systems, and negotiated discounted prices and important consumer protections to help Philadelphians go solar at their homes and businesses. The Solarize Philly approved installers are Exact Solar, Superior Solar Design, PosiGen Solar, and Solr Standard. You can now also go solar with a lease at no upfront cost! +* [Solar for All (EPA)](https://phillygreencapital.org/news/solar-for-all-pennsylvania/) offers funding to help low-income communities install solar systems, which could be paired with Wi-Fi infrastructure. Currently being implemented by the Philadelphia Green Capital Corp (PGCC) locally. + +## Urban Agriculture Resources + +* [Grounded in Philly](https://groundedinphilly.org/resources/) +* [Pennsylvania Horticultural Society](https://phsonline.org/programs/community-gardens) +* [Farm Philly](https://www.phila.gov/programs/farmphilly/) +* [Neighborhood Gardens Trust](https://www.ngtrust.org/resources/)