> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.nodelink.now/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.nodelink.now/the-nodelink-product/nx1-home-station-activation-guide.md).

# Nx1 Home Station Activation Guide

Welcome to NodeLink Nx1 Home Station Activation Guide.&#x20;

This guide walks you through every step from unboxing your Nx1 Home Station to your first Active status in your Node Centre. If you have several machines, the steps are the same. Just repeat the activation flow for each of them.

### Before you start

You'll need:

* Your Nx1 Home Station Machine (delivered)
* The LAN cable included in the box
* The power adapter included in the box
* A stable power outlet within reach of your router
* A free LAN port on your router
* Your activation email from HMall (subject: "Your activation keys for the Nx1 Home Station")
* 5 to 10 minutes of uninterrupted time

{% hint style="info" %}
Tip: Open your activation email with the activation key that you received for that specific machine. You'll want to copy the activation key, not type it.
{% endhint %}

### Step 1. Unbox and inspect

1. Carefully open the shipping carton and lift the Nx1 out by its sides. Never by any protruding cable or port.
2. Confirm the box contains:
   * 1 × Nx1 Home Station Machine
   * 1 × LAN cable&#x20;
   * 1 × Power adapter
   * 1 × Quick-start card
3. Inspect the machine housing for any cracks, dents, or shipping damage.
4. If anything is missing or damaged, stop here and contact Horystech support. Do not power the machine on.&#x20;

### Step 2. Find the machine’s serial number

The serial number is printed on a label on the base of the Nx1. It is not on the shipping label or the outer packaging, as it stays with the unit itself.

1. Carefully flip the Nx1 over so the base is facing up.
2. Look for the printed label on the base. Find the line labelled CH : followed by an 8-character code starting with CH, for example CH4A8X91.
3. Write the serial number down, or take a photo of the label. You'll need to type it exactly into the Node Centre.
4. Set the Nx1 back upright before continuing.

{% hint style="info" %}
Heads up: The serial number is case-sensitive. Don't confuse the letter O with the digit 0, or the letter I with the digit 1. The serial does not contain any hyphens or spaces.
{% endhint %}

### Step 3. Connect and power on

1. Place the Nx1 near your router in a well-ventilated spot. Avoid enclosed cabinets, direct sunlight, or stacking other electronics on top.
2. Plug the LAN cable into a LAN port on your router, and the other end into the LAN port on the back of the Nx1.
3. Plug the power adapter into the machine, then into a wall outlet.
4. Press the power button on the front of the Nx1 (a brief press; do not hold).
5. Watch the status LEDs:
   * **Solid white** means the unit is powered/connected.
   * **Red** means a fault.

Allow 2 to 3 minutes for the Nx1 to fully boot the first time.

### Step 4. Activate in your App Centre

Sign in to NodeLink at [app.nodelink.now](https://app.nodelink.now/) using the same email address you used to place your order on hmall.shop.

<a href="https://app.nodelink.now/" class="button primary">Sign in to NodeLink →</a>

From the left sidebar, open App Centre. You'll see each machine you've purchased listed already. Each one has a status reflecting where it is in the journey from order to live:

| Status             | What it means                                                          |
| ------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Pending Allocation | Your order has been placed and the Nx1 is being prepared for shipping. |
| In Transit         | Your Nx1 has been dispatched and is on its way to you.                 |
| Pending Activation | Your Nx1 has been delivered and is ready for you to activate.          |
| Active             | Your Nx1 is live and contributing to the NodeLink network.             |

To activate an Nx1 that has been delivered:

1. Click the machine card showing the Pending Activation status. The machine name on the card (for example MACHINE-1777528986750-1) should match one of the names in your activation email.
2. In the activation panel, enter:
   * Serial Number, exactly as printed on the base of the Nx1 (Step 2) - starts with CH
   * Activation Key, copied from your activation email
3. Click Activate.

The status will change to Active. This can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes depending on network demand.

### Step 5. Repeat for any additional machines

If your activation email lists more than one Nx1:

1. Repeat Step 2 (find serial number) and Step 4 (activate) for each additional machine.
2. Each Nx1 has its own unique serial number and activation key. Don't reuse them.
3. The order doesn't matter, but pairing the right key with the right machine does.

### After activation - what does your App Centre unlock

Once at least one Nx1 is Active, your Node Centre gives you:

* Real-time performance for each machine
* The apps section with tools and integrations available on the NodeLink network
* Network contribution insights showing your impact on the wider NodeLink infrastructure

### Troubleshooting

#### Invalid activation key

* Check for typos and stray spaces. Copy-paste from your email if possible.
* Confirm you are entering the key for the correct machine. Each Nx1 in your email has its own unique key.
* Keys are case-sensitive.

#### Serial number not recognised

* Re-check the label on the base of the Nx1. The serial starts with CH. Common mistakes are 0 vs O and 1 vs I.
* The serial is 8 characters with no hyphens or spaces. If you've added either, remove them.
* If the label is damaged or illegible, contact support with your order reference.

#### Machine LED is red

* Power the Nx1 off, wait 10 seconds, and power back on.
* If it stays red, the machine has a hardware fault. Contact support.

#### Status not changing to "Active" after activation

* Allow a few minutes for the status to update.
* Refresh the page if the badge does not change within 10 minutes.
* If the Nx1 is still not Active after 24 hours, open a support ticket with your order reference and the affected machine ID.

#### No LEDs at all

* Confirm the power adapter is plugged into a working outlet.
* Try a different outlet to rule out a faulty socket.
* If still nothing, contact support. The unit may need replacement.

#### Machine shows "Active" then drops to "Offline" repeatedly

* Check your LAN cable connection at both ends.
* Try a different LAN port on your router.
* If your router has bandwidth or device limits, ensure the Nx1 is allowed.
