17
Plan the Sensor Suite Installation
Locating the Sensor Suite and Anemometer
For the weather station to perform at its best, use these guidelines to select the
optimum mounting locations for the sensor suite and anemometer. Be sure to
take into consideration ease of access for maintenance, sensor cable lengths
and wireless transmission range when siting the station.
Note:
When selecting a location for installing your
sensor suite
, especially on a rooftop,
make sure it is a location far from power lines. Seek professional help if you uncertain
about the safety of your installation.
General Sensor Suite Siting Guidelines
• Place the sensor suite away from sources of heat such as chimneys, heaters,
air conditioners and exhaust vents.
• Place the sensor suite at least 100' (30 m) away from any asphalt or concrete
roadway that readily absorbs and radiates heat in the sun. Avoid
installations near fences or sides of buildings that receive a lot of sun during
the day.
• Ideally, place the radiation shield of the sensor suite 5' (1.5 m) above the
ground in the middle of gently sloping or flat, regularly mowed grassy or
naturally landscaped area that drains well when it rains. For areas with
average maximum yearly snow depths over 3' (0.9 m), mount the sensor
suite 2' (0.6 m) above this depth.
• Never install the sensor suite where it will be directly sprayed by a sprinkler
system because it will adversely affect the readings.
• Do not locate the sensor suite under tree canopies or near the side of
buildings that create “rain shadows.” For heavily forested areas, site the
sensor suite in a clearing or meadow.
• Site the sensor suite in a location with good sun exposure throughout the
day.
For
agricultural applications
(important for evapotranspiration (ET)
calculations)
:
• Install the sensor suite and anemometer as a single unit with the radiation
shield 5' (1.5 m) above the ground and in the middle of the farm between
similar crop types (i.e. two orchards, two vineyards or two row crops), if
possible.
• Avoid areas exposed to extensive or frequent applications of agricultural
chemicals which can degrade the sensors.
• Avoid installing over bare soil. The ET formula works best when the
sensor suite is installed over well-irrigated, regularly mowed grass.
• If the last three guidelines cannot be met, install the weather station at the
edge of the primary crop of interest.
