Hired-Hand HH Software: 900SS Wireless Network - Manual (Page 4)

Part No. 4801-2995 900SS Wireless Network 2
4. Introduction to the HH.Net and the 900SS Wireless Radio.
The HH.Net is designed to connect several Hired-Hand Controls to a central Personal Computer (PC). The PC
can be used for making changes to the settings, recording history, alarms, or just monitoring all the controls on
a farm from a central location. The 900SS Radio is the heart of the HH.Net System. It is a data radio capable
of transmitting the signal up to many miles line of site (LOS). It allows you to network all of the buildings
without the task of running wire between each one. In most applications (less than 1 mile) the 900SS will work
well even with minor obstructions such as trees or buildings. This will help the ease of installation by not
having to be mounted at the highest point of the building. Hired-Hand, Inc. has developed an installation kit to
help determine where to mount the 900SS to receive the best signal.
5. Tools and Parts Required
Tools Required Optional Tools Parts Required
Philips Screwdriver Wire Strippers HHI Wireless Installation Kit 6606-3500 Wire 22AWG Twisted 4 Pair
Flat-Head
Screwdriver
Ladder
PDA running Palm OS 4.0 or higher with
a serial sync cable.
Hardware for mounting: screws,
anchors
Small Flat-Head
Screwdriver
Drill and bits needed for
mounting hardware.
9V Battery to run 900SS with out
connecting to AC power.
Wood or other items needed to make
mounting brackets.
6. Installing the Wireless HH.Net
Before installing the HH Wireless Network it is a good idea to look over the farm or site and decide the best
place to mount the 900SS Radios. Keep the line of site as open as possible. Avoid items such as feed bins or
other objects with curved surfaces. These items will reflect the radio signal causing a loss of communication.
The HH.Net Tuning Software for the Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) and Personal Computer (PC) is a good
way to ensure the best signal before mounting the 900SS on the control side. See Section 7. For short
distances you can normally get the signal from the eaves of the house or the side of a control room, providing
the house is on a level elevation. The 900SS may need to be mounted higher than the top of the control room
or the eaves of the house. In this case an extension post can be made from wood, metal, or plastic. It is best to
stay within 30 feet of the controls. If the installation requires the 900SS to be mounted further than 30 feet
from the control, it is recommended to use an external power supply, HHI Part Number 1902-2993.
On the PC side of the network it is recommended to mount the radio within 20 feet of the PC. If two farms are
running the Farm Manager in close proximity, it may be necessary to change the network number on the 900SS
Radio. This can only be done using HHI installation software. See Section 7.2 for details. The diagram below
shows a typical network layout, with stars indicating where not to mount the radios to avoid interference from
the feed bins. See section 8.3 for information on Signal Loss.
House
900 SS Module
Where not to install
Feed Bins