18
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, anemometer cable length, 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 are 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.
• Do not mount 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 if
the sensor suite is wireless or includes solar radiation or UV radiation sensors.
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.
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