Required Tools
- A
Binoculars (2x, one for each site)
- B
Mobile phone with camera (2x)
- C
Signaling mirror (recommended size: 2x3-inches) (2x)
- D
High-powered flashlight (2x)
- E
Walkie-talkie (if no cell coverage) (2x)
Safety
Avoid working on roofs in the rain to avoid slips.
Always work in a buddy or team system.
Installers must be fall-safety compliant.
Overview
Site Survey
Step 1
Position team members at each site.
Step 2
Confirm coordinates with GPS. This will help narrow down the scope of vision for locating the signaling mirror.
Step 3
Communicate with your teammate via phone or walkie-talkie. Coordinating a flash pattern with your teammate will help confirm you are viewing each other's flash.
Step 4
If it's sunny, flash the signal to the other side using a mirror. Use binoculars to witness the flash for longer distance links.
Step 5
If it's cloudy, flash the signal to the other side using a flashlight. Use binoculars to witness the flash for longer distance links.
Step 6
Record the signal with a video zoomed in on the far site. We recommend video over a picture to capture the flash pattern and confirm the other site. This will help you align the terminals when you are bringing up the link.
Step 7
Switch roles and repeat steps 1-6 to confirm alignment from both directions.
Tips:
Ensure you have reliable means of communication
Use your phone if there's cellular coverage. If there's no coverage, use walkie-talkies to connect with your teammate.
Communicate with your teammate
Inform your teammate via phone or walkie-talkie about your actions: that you see each other, that you are ready to flash, see the flash, and have documented the flash. Coordinate your actions for the best result.
Register a video recording
Record short videos of the flash on the opposite site, zooming in and out for context. Document all potential obstacles in the beam path, especially trees and power lines.
Have two sets of gear
Bring binoculars, signaling mirrors, and flashlights to each site so you don't need to transport equipment back and forth.