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Silo Installation Informational Guide
Introduction
WiConnect Wireless is a unique rural wireless internet service provider. We leverage existing structures to provide high speed internet solutions to Rural Southwestern Wisconsin Communities. In this guide we are going to explain how we can use your existing Silo or other structure to provide you and your neighbor’s high speed broadband internet. Our solutions start with land owners and farm owners who have high structures.
Types of Silos
Both Harvestore and cement stave silos are good candidates for hosting Wireless equipment. The installation is different on each one however the standards remain the same. We will be using a Harvestore installation Example for most of this guide.
Silo Site Prerequisites
Electrical power to the silo is important part of the installation. As long as they have an electrical outlet within 200' we will be able to install equipment on your silo. A small power adapter, shown here, is all that is needed to power the equipment on top of the silo. Two computer network cables, about a quarter of an inch in diameter, will run down the silo fastened to the back side of the ladder. One cable plugs into the power adapter and the other is used for onsite maintenance by our staff if needed. Our equipment uses approximately the same amount of power as a 25W Light bulb on normal installations this equates to around $30.00 per year in electrical usage. The power needs to be on an “always on” connection. The power inverter that converts the AC power in your outlet to DC power that our equipment runs on is similar to the device below and will be mounted in a similar fashion. Every effort is made to keep these cables out of normal traffic patterns and away from areas where the cable could be damaged. 
Equipment Mounting
Equipment mounted to your silo would include wiring, antennas, and a weatherproof enclosure. As pictured in figure 3 most of the equipment will be attached on the metal bands surrounding the top of your silo. This equipment is securely mounted to an area that is not going to interfere with normal operations of the silo equipment. A discussion regarding the best location of the equipment will be arranged prior to equipment installation. The conduit holding the antennas will be mounted securely to the railing or ladder cage in a fashion that will prevent wear and tear on the silo roof or other structures. This equipment will be sealed and finalized before leaving.
Antenna Alignment
The process of aligning and finalizing all networking components of the installation can take several days. Each of the backbone grid dish antennas requires very precise alignment with other antenna’s within the network. This process requires several days of testing and tweaking to obtain the highest performance. During your installation we will be accessing your equipment several times per day in order to finalize this process completely.
Daily Operation
After completing installation and alignment on your silo, the daily operation of the equipment mounted on your silo provides continuous network connectivity to you and your neighbors from this location. It is important to maintain power to the equipment, but other than that there are no additional items that you will need to be concerned about. We monitor and manage this equipment remotely and may need to come out to maintain the equipment.
Access to Site
We may need to access the equipment for repair and maintenance functions from time to time. We will do our best to notify you of that maintenance but reserve the right to access the equipment if needed. We will not access equipment after business hours unless it is an emergency situation.
Lightning Damage
We protect all of our equipment with lightning arrestors. Lightning is a difficult item to protect against and we do not warranty any equipment on your silo from being protected from lightning. Your existing insurance coverage on your equipment is important to discuss with your insurance agent. Our equipment is our responsibility and you are not liable for any damage done to our equipment due to lightning.
Insurance Coverage
WiConnect wireless has liability coverage for all of the equipment and workmanship installed on your land and silo.