Setting Up Your Hardware Node
Pre-Installation Checklist
Before installing your Hardware Node, ensure you have:
- Network access to building automation devices
- Available Ethernet port on the correct network
- Power outlet near installation location
- Static IP address (if required) or DHCP availability
- Firewall approval for outbound HTTPS to the Novant Cloud
Installation Steps
- Physical Installation
- Mount the Hardware Node in a secure, accessible location. Hardware nodes have an intergrated 35mm DIN rail mount clip. To mount, latch bottom of clip onto rail and press up to engage spring, then rotate top of clip over rail and release to lock in place. To dismount, press up to enage the spring and release the clip.
- Connect to power supply with included AC/DC wall adapter
- Connect Ethernet cable to the appropriate network port
- Verify LED indicators show proper startup sequence
- Network Configuration
- Configure static IP if required, or verify DHCP assignment
- Test network connectivity to building automation devices
- Ensure outbound internet access to the Novant Cloud
- Verification
- Confirm the node appears online in your Novant project dashboard (Settings > Nodes)
- Test communication with building automation devices
- Verify data collection is functioning properly
LED Status Table
| Green LED | Red LED | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| OFF | Solid ON | Device is powered on and charging super-capacitors. Once charge has reached 100%, runtime will be booted. This may take several minutes if capacitors are fully depleted. |
| Slow Blink | Slow Blink | Runtime is booting and searching for an IP address. |
| Solid ON | Slow Blink | Valid IP address, but communication failed for the Novant Cloud. This can be intermittent due to a loss in Internet connectivity, or may be caused by an invalid firewall or routing configuration on the internal network. |
| Solid ON | OFF | Device is operating normally. |
Changing Network Mode
Network setup is performed using a temporary Wi-Fi access point (AP) and a unique node access key. Access keys automatically rotate every 30 days. The access key for a node is available under Settings > Nodes in your Project.
To enable the AP, reset (see below) or power cycle the node. The AP
will start and remain active for 15 minutes. The AP SSID is formatted as
Novant-N1-{serial}.
Connect to the AP using any phone or computer. The Wi-Fi password
will be your access key. Once connected, open a web browser and navigate
to 192.168.9.1. This webpage will allow you to view network
diagnostics and change the current network mode.
Reset Network Settings
Use the hardware reset button to restore a node’s network settings to the factory default DHCP configuration. The reset button is located on the left side face of the node hardware.
Press and hold the reset button for approximately 10 seconds using a paperclip until both LEDs flash three times. Release the button when the LEDs extinguish, and the node will then reboot in DHCP mode.
Powering Off and Restarting Hardware Nodes
To turn off the device, simply disconnect power at any time. The green LED will stay lit briefly during a graceful shutdown. The device is fully powered down once all LEDs are off. To restart the device, reconnect the power.
Hardware Node Benefits
- Secure Boot Protection: Hardware-level security with firmware integrity verification
- Power Loss Tolerance: Graceful handling of power outages with automatic recovery
- Dedicated Resources: No competition for CPU, memory, or network resources
- Industrial Grade: Optimized for harsh building environments
- Simplified IT Management: No dependency on host system maintenance
Technical Specifications
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.13” x 4.62” x 1.66” (155.70 mm x 117.35 mm x 42.30mm) |
| Mounting | Integrated 35mm DIN rail clip |
| Power input | 5V-28V DC |
| Power connnector | Center Pin Positive / 5.5mm x 2.1mm Barrel Power Input |
| Power consumption | 0.70W min, 1.66W max, 1.0W typical |