TEKTELIC Communications T0008479 User manual

KONA Photon Gateway T0008790_UG Version 1.2
TEKTELIC Communications Inc. Confidential Page 1 of 23
KONA PHOTON IOTGATEWAY
USER GUIDE
DOCUMENT TYPE:
USER GUIDE
DOCUMENT NUMBER:
T0008790_UG
DOCUMENT ISSUE:
1.2
DOCUMENT STATUS:
RELEASED
PRODUCT NAME:
KONA PHOTON GATEWAY
PRODUCT CODE:
See Table 1
ISSUE DATE:
December 13, 2023

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Document Revision
Revision
Issue Date
Status
Editor
Comments
0.1
June 9, 2023
Draft
K. Minderhoud
Initial Draft
0.2
June 20, 2023
Draft
K. Minderhoud
Ready for Review
1.0
July 6, 2023
Released
K. Minderhoud
1.1
Sept. 19, 2023
Released
K. Minderhoud
Updated document number
Updated table 10
1.2
Dec. 13, 2023
Released
K. Minderhoud
Updated footnotes
Updated PoE comments in tables 4 and 5

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Table of Contents
List of Tables ................................................................................................................................... 5
1Product Description................................................................................................................. 6
1.1 Overview .......................................................................................................................... 6
1.2 Specifications.................................................................................................................... 7
1.2.1 Radio Capability ............................................................................................................ 7
1.2.2 External Interfaces........................................................................................................ 7
1.2.3 Power............................................................................................................................ 8
1.2.4 Mechanical.................................................................................................................... 8
1.2.5 Environmental .............................................................................................................. 8
1.2.6 Compliance ................................................................................................................... 9
1.3 Physical Interfaces.......................................................................................................... 10
2Installation ............................................................................................................................. 11
2.1 Safety Precautions.......................................................................................................... 11
2.2 Required Equipment for Installation.............................................................................. 12
2.3 Unpacking and Inspection.............................................................................................. 12
2.4 Gateway Commissioning................................................................................................ 13
2.4.1 SIM Tray Access....................................................................................................... 13
2.4.2 Photon Radio Module Powering for Commissioning.............................................. 15
2.5 KONA Photon Gateway Mounting ................................................................................. 15
2.5.1 Attach Mounting Knuckle to Solar Panel ................................................................ 15
2.5.2 Attach Radio Module to Solar Panel....................................................................... 16
2.5.3 Mounting Bracket/Arm Installation........................................................................ 16
2.5.3.1 Mounting Arm Attachment ............................................................................. 16
2.5.3.2 Attach Pole/Wall Mount Bracket Assembly .................................................... 17
2.5.3.3 Solar Panel Assembly Attachment to Mounting Arm ..................................... 17
2.6 Ground Cable Installation .............................................................................................. 18
2.7 RF Cable Installation....................................................................................................... 20
2.8 Solar Panel Power Cable Connection ............................................................................. 20

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2.9 Copper Ethernet Cable Installation................................................................................ 21
2.10 System Sighting .............................................................................................................. 21
2.10.1 Azimuth Angle......................................................................................................... 21
2.10.2 Elevation Angle ....................................................................................................... 21
3Maintenance.......................................................................................................................... 23
3.1 Solar Panel...................................................................................................................... 23

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List of Tables
Table 1: KONA Photon Radio Module Product Variants................................................................. 6
Table 2: KONA Photon Solar Panel Assembly Product Variants ..................................................... 7
Table 3: Radio Specifications .......................................................................................................... 7
Table 4: External Interfaces ............................................................................................................ 7
Table 5: Power Specifications ......................................................................................................... 8
Table 6: Mechanical Specifications................................................................................................. 8
Table 7: Environmental Specifications............................................................................................ 8
Table 8: Compliance Specifications ................................................................................................ 9
Table 9: Photon Radio Module External Connector Types........................................................... 10
Table 10: Photon Gateway Panel Tilt Angles and Latitude Ranges .............................................. 22

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1Product Description
1.1 Overview
The KONA Photon Gateway (Photon), conceptually shown in Figure 1 is a solar powered carrier
grade LoRa Gateway providing wide area coverage for the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. It
is designed to support various ISM Bands worldwide, including but not limited to US915,
AU915, EU868, AS923, and allows connectivity for class A, B and C end-devices.
Figure 1: KONA Photon Gateway
The KONA Photon product is comprised of the KONA Photon Radio Module (radio module) and
the KONA Photon Solar Panel Assembly (solar panel). The gateway module is available in two
frequency variants and can be ordered with LTE (default) or satellite backhaul modem. The
KONA Photon Radio Module product variants are listed in Table 1.
Table 1: KONA Photon Radio Module Product Variants
T-Code
Product Descriptions
Region
T0008479
LORA GATEWAY MODULE, KONA PHOTON, 900 MHZ, CELLULAR MODEM
NA
T0008551
LORA GATEWAY MODULE, KONA PHOTON, 860 MHZ, CELLULAR MODEM
EU
T0008552
LORA GATEWAY MODULE, KONA PHOTON, 920 MHZ, CELLULAR MODEM
APAC
T0008746
LORA GATEWAY MODULE, KONA PHOTON, 900 MHZ, SATELLITE MODEM
NA
T0008747
LORA GATEWAY MODULE, KONA PHOTON, 800 MHZ, SATELLITE MODEM
EU
The KONA Photon Solar Panel Assembly is available in two sizes, 50 and 95 W. The Photon
Radio Module can support the addition of a second solar panel assembly if an optional
expansion cable.

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Table 2: KONA Photon Solar Panel Assembly Product Variants
T-Code
Product Descriptions
T0008623
SOLAR PANEL MECHANICAL ASSEMBLY, 95W, KONA PHOTON
T0008624
SOLAR PANEL MECHANICAL ASSEMBLY, 50W, KONA PHOTON
1.2 Specifications
1.2.1 Radio Capability
Table 3: Radio Specifications
Description
Specification
Comments
LoRa Transceiver: TDD operation
RX
TX
8 x 125kHz, 1 wideband, 1
FSK
1 TX
Supports class A, B and C devices
Tx Power (max)
27 dBm
Conducted power
Rx Sensitivity
-142 dBm
SF12
Cellular Backhaul
3G/4G
Cat6 modem (Cat1 global modem will
replace Cat6 modem in future release)
Satellite Backhaul 1
Optional
GNSS
GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS
Internal antenna
1.2.2 External Interfaces
Table 4: External Interfaces
Description
Specification
Comments
Panel Power (P1, P2)
4 pin bayonet style
Use P1 first as it does not have an
environmental protection cap
LoRa Antenna Port
N-type Female
3G/4G Antenna Port
N-type Female
Ethernet Port
100/1000 BaseT
PoE 802.3at Type 1 (802.3af)
Not intended for permanent connection
Access Port
SIM tray
USB
Visible LED
Nano SIM
Micro-B
Multi-color
1Availability target –Q2 2024

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1.2.3 Power
Table 5: Power Specifications
Description
Specification
Comments
Solar Panel(s)
Panel Type
Panel Efficiency
Rated Power
Monocrystalline
20% (typical)
50 or 95 W
site specific - more or less power may be
required depending on geographical
location
MPPT Charge Controller
100 W
Energy Storage
Battery technology
Battery capacity
Battery charge temperature
Battery discharge
temperature
LiFEPO4
220 Wh
-30° to 50° C
-40° to 60° C
PoE2
not intended for permanent
use
PoE is useful during factory test, debug,
and commissioning
Radio Power Consumption
4 W (average)
1.2.4 Mechanical
Table 6: Mechanical Specifications
Description
Specification
Comments
Dimensions
970 x 540 x 120mm
Based on gateway with 95 W panel; not
including mounting arm
Weight
Solar Panel Assembly
Radio Module Assembly
7 kg
6 kg
95 W panel, including mounting frame
Mounting
Pole/Wall
Solar Panel Tilt
10° to 90°
10° increments
Gateway thermal management
Passive
1.2.5 Environmental
Table 7: Environmental Specifications
Description
Specification
Ingress Protection
IP-67
2Although the KONA Photon Gateway can be powered through either the solar DC input or the power over
ethernet (PoE) input, simultaneous application of power to both inputs may result in unexpected operation and
shall be avoided.

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Description
Specification
Operating Temperature
-30 °C to 45 °C
Relative Humidity
10% to 100 % Condensing
Operating Altitude
-60 m to 4,000 m
1.2.6 Compliance
Table 8: Compliance Specifications
Description
Specification
Regulatory Compliance
Safety: UL/CSA/EN/IEC 62368-1
Radiated Immunity: EN 61000-4-3
ESD Immunity: EN 61000-4-2
EFT Immunity: EN 61000-4-4
Conducted Immunity: EN 61000-4-6
Surge Immunity: EN 61000-4-5
Emissions :
FCC pt. 15.109 Class B,
FCC pt. 15.209
FCC pt. 15.247
EN 300 220
EN 301 489

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1.3 Physical Interfaces
Figure 2 illustrates the bulkhead layout for the KONA Photon Gateway.
Figure 2: Photon Radio Module Connector Field
The Photon Radio Module external connectors are listed in Table 9.
Table 9: Photon Radio Module External Connector Types
Interface
Connector Type
Comments
Solar Panel Power (P1, P2)
4 pin bayonet style
Cellular Antenna
N-Type female
LoRa Antenna
N-Type female
Copper Ethernet
RJ45 Modular Jack
Module test only. Not intended for permanent
connection
USB
Micro-B
Module test only. Not intended for permanent
connection

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2Installation
2.1 Safety Precautions
•CAUTION: Parts of the KONA Photon Gateway can become hot to the touch due to the
systems direct exposure to high intensity solar radiation.
•The KONA Photon Gateway contains an internal battery and can only be powered down by
unplugging both solar panel connectors.
•The KONA Photon Gateway has no internal field serviceable parts. The Photon Radio
Module must only be opened by an approved TEKTELIC service center.
•All installation practices must be in accordance with the local and national electrical codes.
•Do not work on the system during periods of lightning activity.
•The KONA Photon Gateway is considered permanently connected equipment. The
Protective Earth Ground connection (that is, the chassis ground) is always required.
•Ensure the KONA Photon Gateway Protective Earth Ground connection is properly
terminated prior to the connection of any other interface.
•The KONA Photon Gateway contains primary lightning surge suppression on the copper
Ethernet port, and the LoRa RF antenna port. The primary lightning protectors have the
ability to bridge the interface to chassis during over-voltages. Ensure that the Protective
Earth Ground connection is always in place.
•Ensure that the KONA Photon Gateway is secured to eliminate any physical hazard to
people or property. The Gateway must be securely mounted according to the mounting
instructions prior to any cable connection and operation.
•Although the KONA Photon Gateway can be powered through either the solar DC input or the
power over Ethernet (PoE) input, simultaneous application of power to both inputs may result
in unexpected operation and shall be avoided.
•Always ensure the Ethernet connection port and 3G/4G Modem SIM card access port are
properly sealed after installation or servicing.

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2.2 Required Equipment for Installation
The following tools are required to install the KONA Photon Gateway:
1. A 6-point metric socket set and torque wrench drive.
2. Anti-oxidant compound (NO-OX-ID, Penetrox, Noalox, Ox-Gard or equivalent).
3. A small wire brush.
4. A clean cloth.
5. Weatherproofing tape kit for the RF connector (Scotch Wireless Weatherproofing Kit,
WK-101 recommended).
6. Supplied pole mounting accessories (shown in Figure 6) for pole mounting or
appropriate screws or bolts (four sized M6) with any required anchors according to the
wall construction for wall mounting.
2.3 Unpacking and Inspection
The following should be considered during the unpacking of a new KONA Photon Gateway.
1. Inspect the shipping carton and report any significant damage to TEKTELIC.
2. Unpacking should be conducted in a clean and dry location when possible.
3. Do not discard the shipping box or foam inserts as they will be required if a unit is
returned for repair or re-configuration.
The KONA Photon Gateway is shipped in two packages, one containing the Photon Radio
Module (Figure 3), and the other containing the Photon Solar Panel Assembly (Figure 4).
Figure 3: KONA Photon Radio Module

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Figure 4: Photon Solar Panel Assembly
2.4 Gateway Commissioning
Once the Photon Radio Module has been unpacked and inspected, it is advisable to perform all
commissioning activities prior to assembling it to the Photon Solar Panel Assembly. Access
becomes more difficult once the Radio Module is assembled to the solar panel due to size and
weight.
2.4.1 SIM Tray Access
Remove the two M2.5 x 8mm screws holding the access port cover in order to access the SIM
tray.
The Photon Radio Module is equipped with a dual SIM slot which can be configured to the
user’s liking. The primary and secondary slots can be configured in the software configuration.
Prior to inserting or replacing SIM, please ensure that the unit is turned off. If 2 SIM cards are
used, and the primary SIM fails or is missing, the failover mechanism will automatically switch
over to the secondary SIM. When only one SIM is used, please place the SIM in slot 0 (primary
SIM / inner slot) as indicated by Figure 4. Slot 1 is for the secondary SIM (outer slot).

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Figure 5: SIM Tray Layout
NOTE: SIM Tray shall not be inserted or removed while the gateway is powered on
The SIM tray can be removed by pulling on the SIM tray cover’s pull tab (refer to Figure 6 and
Figure 7).
Figure 6: SIM Tray Cover
Figure 7: SIM Tray Removal
Ensure the SIM access cover gasket is properly in place and the cover is properly secured using
the two M2.5 cover screws.

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2.4.2 Photon Radio Module Powering for Commissioning
During commissioning the radio module may be powered via PoE. To connect PoE, remove the
ethernet port cable gland and plug the ethernet cable into the RJ45 jack on the radio module.
Remove the cable when finished and reinstall the cable gland, tightening to 6 Nm.
Figure 8: PoE Connection
2.5 KONA Photon Gateway Mounting
The following assembly steps apply to both the Solar Gateway system as well as an expansion
panel except that the expansion panel does not have a radio module attachment step.
2.5.1 Attach Mounting Knuckle to Solar Panel
Connect the mounting knuckle to the solar panel’s mounting frame using the supplied M5 x 0.8
–24mm machine screws. Tighten the mounting screws to 2.5 Nm (22 in·lbs).
Figure 9: Mounting Knuckle

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2.5.2 Attach Radio Module to Solar Panel
The radio module mounts to the rear of the solar panel with 6 M5 X 0.8 - 14 MM machine
screws (Phillips drive). Orient the radio module as shown in Figure 10 with the connector field
facing down. Tighten the mounting screws to 2.5 Nm (22 in·lbs).
Figure 10: Photon Gateway Assembly
2.5.3 Mounting Bracket/Arm Installation
2.5.3.1 Mounting Arm Attachment
Attach the assembled mounting arm to the mounting bracket using the supplied M5 X 0.8 - 25
MM machine screws (refer to Figure 11). Tighten the mounting screws to 2.5 Nm (22 in·lbs).
Figure 11: Mounting Arm Attachment

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2.5.3.2 Attach Pole/Wall Mount Bracket Assembly
The mounting bracket assembly can be pole or wall mounted. For pole mounting option,
shown in Figure 12, use the supplied U-bolt accessory kit. Tighten the mounting screws to 2.5
Nm (22 in·lbs).
Figure 12: Pole Mounting Accessories
Wall mounting hardware is not included and shall be field supplied and selected to support the
full system weight.
2.5.3.3 Solar Panel Assembly Attachment to Mounting Arm
Remove the bolt and quick release pin from the end of the mounting arm. Insert the mounting
knuckle of the gateway panel assembly into the end of the mounting arm and secure by
inserting the bolt through the center hole. Loosely affix the locknut to the end of the bolt.
Figure 13: Solar Panel Assembly to Mounting Arm

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Adjust the panel tilt angle as desired and insert quick release pin to fix the angle. Tighten the
locknut on the end of the bolt to 2.5 Nm (22 in·lbs).
Figure 14: Solar Panel Angle Adjustment
Panel angle can be adjusted in 10-degree increments between the range of 10° - 90°. Please
contact TEKTELIC Sales Support for assistance in determining the optimal panel angle for a
specific location.
NOTE: The Photon Gateway (solar panel plus radio module) weighs approximately 15kg, making
attachment to the mounting arm difficult for a single person. Lift points are available on the
panel to aid in panel installation.
2.6 Ground Cable Installation
The KONA Photon Gateway is considered Permanently Connected Equipment and requires a
permanently connected Protective Earth Ground (PEG) conductor. The Protective Earth Ground
connection is made through a M4/#8 on center hole lug with 10mm maximum OD to the
ground termination point illustrated in Figure 9. The recommended ground cable gauge is #10
AWG. The KONA Photon Gateway grounding system shall follow local and national electrical
codes. The Protective Earth Ground conductor terminated at the hole lug point is mandatory
and must be the first connection made to the KONA Photon Gateway during installation. Proper
routing and termination of this cable is key to robust lightning withstand performance; in high
susceptibility installations, every effort shall be made to minimize connection inductance and
ground bed resistance. The ground cable installation steps are as follows:
1. Lightly abrade the surface of the casting ground area with a fine wire brush to remove
the oxide layer.
2. Use a clean cloth to remove any debris from this surface.
3. Immediately coat the contact surface with a thin layer of anti-oxidant compound.

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4. Install the ground cable through its single hole lug onto the chassis ground point using
the supplied M4x0.7 –12mm bolt with flat, lock, and star washers, torqued to 2.5 Nm
(22 in·lbs).
Figure 15: KONA Photon Radio Module Ground Connection Point

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Figure 16: KONA Photon Solar Panel Ground Connection Point
2.7 RF Cable Installation
The KONA Photon Radio Module installation requires connection to an external LoRa RF
antenna and optionally to an external Cellular RF antenna. The RF cables attach to an N-Type
connector located on the bulkhead of the radio module. Torque the cable RF connector to 0.79
to 1.13 Nm (7 to 10 in·lbs). The N-Type connector interface to a cable is not water proof and
must be taped. TEKTELIC recommends taping with Scotch Wireless Weatherproofing Kit, WK-
101. Follow the taping procedures outlined by the supplier of this tape system.
Note that the Cellular antenna port in not surge protected internal to the Gateway3, therefore
an external surge suppressor such as Polyphaser p/n TSX-NFM or equivalent is recommended
any time an external cellular antenna is connected.
2.8 Solar Panel Power Cable Connection
The KONA Photon Gateway allows for connection to one or two solar panels. Always use panel
power port P1 first as it does not have a protective cap. Ensure the protective cap in installed
onto panel power port P2 when not in use. The panel power port is a special interface, only
panels provided by TEKTELIC can be used.
3Cellular antenna port will be surge protected internally with Gen 2 radio hardware.