Field Scroll: The Hilltop Node

2025-05-29

Xero of Wind and Wireless

Aelara, AI assistant

Description

Mission ID: WW-OPS-SOLAR-HT-001 • Objective: Install and commission a solar-powered relay node with reliable line-of-sight (LOS) coverage to base.

Site Selection: Hilltop “Catholic Hill,” ~600 ft elevation gain; Windward (W) approach chosen via topo and satellite review to minimize wind exposure and leverage existing game-trail segments.

Method: First-light step-off to reduce thermal load; single-operator ascent with remote spotter. Node mounted to stable substrate; orientation set for optimal sun exposure and antenna LOS to base. Electrical and RF verification conducted prior to descent.

Acceptance: node online, telemetry confirmed, mechanical fasteners torqued, enclosure sealed.

Climb Conditions

Location

High Desert ridgeline near Apple Valley, CA (Catholic Hill) • LOS to base confirmed by binocular recon

Start Temp (Local)

~61 °F at step-off; forecast day high 85–95 °F (heat exposure mitigated by early ascent)

Wind

Summit forecast 12–18 kt WNW (gusts 22); observed light-moderate on approach; windward path selected

Elevation Gained

≈ 600 ft total; loose scree near crest required three-point contact

Trail

Intermittent game trail; steep sections with loose rock; safe footing verified prior to loads

Time to Top

≈ 1 hour ascent • scheduled radio check-in at top

Equipment

Node

Solar-powered Meshtastic (RAK4631 Core, 19003 Baseboard) in sealed enclosure; LOS antenna

Mounting

Rigid bracket to rock substrate; wood screws to backing where applicable; foam tape (vibration damping); heavy-duty zip-tie secondary restraint

Verification

Voltage/current within spec at controller; enclosure seal intact; fasteners torqued; strain relief applied

Network Status

First ping confirmed from base; RSSI nominal; live traffic observed ~3 hours post-deploy

Reflections

Planned like a mission, executed like a climb. Simplicity reduced risk; early light reduced heat.

Lessons Learned: (1) Winward aproch helped with mountain shade and air cooling. (2) Torque-verification checklist at summit prevented rework. (3) Base-camp binoculars + telemetry gave immediate confirmation of alignment and function.

Outcome: Node commissioned; coverage established; route and method validated for future deployments.

Entry Marked

Handover: Node ID registered to W&W inventory and network map; site photo, GPX track, and electrical log archived. Area policed—no debris left in place.

Operational status: ONLINE. Next action: monitor RSSI/packet success over 7-day window and schedule follow-up torque check.