TennaMINI Solar Tracker Installation
The below are installation instructions for installing the TennaMINI Solar tracker (#BEW-ATTB-SA).
Please note that there is a newer version of this product. Contact your Customer Account Manager to upgrade.
Important! We strongly recommend that Tenna hardware only be installed by a Tenna Certified mechanic. Contact your Tenna Rep to learn more about our Mechanic Certification program.
In this article:
Safety Information
Warning
- Follow established safety precautions for operating and servicing the equipment on which you are installing this Tenna product.
- Do not mount the tracker where it may interfere with an asset’s safety guards or shields.
Caution
- Re-tighten any screws loosened during installation.
- Replace any safety devices removed during installation.
Important Installation Notes
- To ensure proper adhesion, only apply VHB tape in temperatures above 32°F. Butane torch recommended for lower temperatures to heat mounting surface.
- If screws are used, ensure that the back side of the mounting location provides adequate clearance. Be careful not to drive screws into coolant lines, radiators, electrical wiring, fluid tanks, or moving components.
- This product is powered by an internal rechargeable lithium battery. Recycle or dispose of lithium batteries in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
Tools and Materials Required
- Mobile device with Tenna App installed
- Laptop or desktop PC for verification
- Acetone-based cleaner
- Clean, absorbent rags or towels
Materials for your chosen mounting method (screw, magnet, or tape) as listed below:
For screw mounting:
- Stainless steel self-tapping screws (included)
- Impact driver 1/4” bit
For magnet mounting:
- Mounting kit (includes 4 magnets) available from Tenna (#CAT-MKIT-4M)
- Phillips screwdriver
- 8-mm wrench or socket
For tape mounting:
- Cutting tool (scissors, side cutters, or knife)
- Double-sided Very High Bond (VHB) tape
- Butane torch to heat surface (if installing in temperatures below 50°F)
- 3M primer pen
Hardware Included
- TennaMINI Solar
- (2) #8 x 3/4” 410 stainless self-drilling screws
Installation Instructions
Step 1: Link the tracker to the asset in the Tenna App
- Go to where the asset is located (so that you can see and touch the vehicle).
Pro Tip! Being in physical proximity to the asset helps ensure that you link the tracker to the intended asset.
- Open the Tenna App on your mobile device and log in.
- Using the Search function, find and select the vehicle that you want to track with this tracker.
- From the Asset page, tap Add Tracker.
- Follow the prompts along with these installation instructions.
Step 2. Determine the best location to install the tracker
Find a location on the asset that:
- Is horizontal (like the roof of the equipment cab)
- Allows the top surface of the tracker to have an unobstructed view of the sky
- Tracker will be safe from damage
- Mounting the tracker with screws will not cause damage to coolant lines, radiators, electrical wiring, or moving parts.
Note: Vertical mounting is acceptable if horizontal mounting is not available, as long as the top of the tracker has an unobstructed view of the sky.
Step 3. Clean the selected installation location
- Scrape any loose debris from the surface.
- Use the acetone-based cleaner to remove grease, oil, and dirt from the mounting location.
- Wipe the area dry with a clean, absorbent rag or towel
Step 4. Activate the tracker
Important! The TennaMINI Solar Tracker ships with a light blocking sticker secured to the top of the tracker. This sticker must be removed from the tracker to activate it.
- Remove the sticker located at the top of the device covering the light sensor.
- Shake the tracker two to three times to activate it.
- Hold the device’s light sensor up to direct sunlight for three seconds before mounting.
Step 5. Mount the tracker on the asset
Follow the instructions below for screws, magnets, or VHB tape, depending on your preferred mounting method.
Important! Do not drive screws into coolant lines, radiators, electrical wiring, fluid tanks, or moving components.
Using self-tapping screws
You can use the provided self-tapping screws to mount the tracker on steel that is up to 1/8-inch thick. For thicker steel, use machine screws, magnets, or VHB tape.
- Place the tracker in the desired location on the asset.
- Using an impact driver with a 1/4-inch bit, drive the provided stainless steel self-tapping screws through the mounting holes of the tracker into the asset. Ensure that each screw is seated securely.
Using magnets
Industrial strength magnets are a useful mounting option if the equipment is a rental, if it might be sold, or if you might want to re-purpose the tracker in the future.
- Access the magnet kit (CAT-MKIT-4M) and remove the parts from the bag.
- Attach a magnet to the tracker.
- Insert a provided screw into the magnet from the underside (so that the blunt tip of the screw protrudes from the top side of the magnet).
- Insert the screw/magnet combination up through one of the mounting holes of the TennaMINI tracker (from the bottom of the tracker toward the top).
- Place one of the provided self-locking nuts onto the machine screw where it protrudes on the top side of the tracker; then tighten the nut securely.
- Repeat previous step to attach a magnet to the other mounting hole.
- After you have attached both magnets to the tracker, place the tracker onto the asset at the desired location.
Using VHB tape
- Turn the tracker upside down to expose the underside.
- Measure the VHB mounting tape to cover the entire bottom of the mounting surface.
- Cut the tape to fit so that it does not extend beyond the ends of the tracker.
- Remove the backing from the VHB tape.
- Adhere the tracker to the clean, dried surface of the asset.
Step 5. Verify the tracker
Complete the remaining steps presented in the Tenna App. Then, using your laptop or desktop PC, follow the steps to verify the tracker.