How-to Build a CUWiN Metrix-based Node - Part Nine

How-to Build a CUWiN Metrix-based Node

To build a standard CUWiN node you'll need the following components (from left to right) -- patch cable, omni antenna, power-over-ethernet injector, Metrix node, and a pole & pole-mount (not shown):

Antenna
HGV-2409U (8dBi)
Once you gather these supplies, the second step is to fasten the antenna to its antenna mount:

Metrix Box
Metrix Kit Mark I
Third, you'll want to install the components of the Metrix box (soekris board and mini-PCI radio):

Weatherizing Connections:
Next we'll attach and weatherize the patch cable. First, screw the cable onto the antenna:

Next, using electrical tape, cover the connection point:

Then, use weatherizing "goo" and cover the electrical tape. Note that you should knead the goo until it's smooth and work out any major air bubbles:

And then cover the "goo" with a second wrapping of electrical tape -- congrats, you've weatherized the connection!

Once the connection point is weatherized, you can fasten the antenna assembly onto your mounting pole:

Assembling Metrix Box Mounting Hardware:
The most complicated part of building a CUWiN node is correctly assembling the mounting hardware for the Metrix node. But, a few tips and tricks will make this an easy task. The mounting hardware consists of various and sundry screws, bolts, washers, and nuts, along with two mounting plates (the two long black rectangles) and (my favorite, but not pictured) two clevis hangers:

You will certainly be tempted to put a bunch of the hardware together and mount it onto the back of your Metrix node (as I've done in the left-hand metrix box)... DON'T DO THIS -- it is pretty much impossible to actually attach the clevis hanger (those two funny-looking gray do-hickies in the lower-right quadrant) to that bolt (trust me, I've tried). Instead, put the large bolt through the mounting plate (as shown on the right-hand side of the picture) and disassemble the clevis hangers:

Then hold the bolt steady with a crescent wrench and, using a socket wrench, tighten down the nut:

Once you're done, you'll have a nifty little widget:

Attach this to the back of the Metrix box:

Then do the same steps with the second set of hardware. Once attached, then reassemble the clevis hangers. If you follow these simple directions you should end up with a Metrix box that looks like this:

Finishing Up:
Then mount the box beneath the antenna (just slide the box onto the pole and tighten down the bolts that run through the middle of the clevis hanger). NOTE: a 1" clevis hanger will fit a 1.25" pole -- if you use a 1.25" clevis hanger, better use a 1.5-2" pole... It all makes sense once you know the proper use for a clevis hanger, but I'll just let that one gnaw at your curiousity threshold. You'll then attach the other end of the patch cable to the node:

Finally, you'll want to weatherize the patch cable connection, add your ethernet cable, close up the box (don't forget the desiccant), grab a chimney/eve/wall/etc. mount, and put the node in a high spot:

Congratulations!!! If you've managed to avoid entangling yourself in the CAT5 and ending up hanging upside-down off the side of the roof, you're done!