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Changes for page Field Deployment Guides

Last modified by Jack Dent on 2025/10/30 11:52
From version 35.1
edited by Jack Dent
on 2025/10/30 11:52
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To version 26.1
edited by robert
on 2025/06/15 14:59
Change comment: There is no comment for this version

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1 -XWiki.JackD
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5 5  = Site selection and preparation =
6 6  
7 7  (((
8 -* If possible, choose a location with minimal noise interference far away from traffic and people. Try to keep your station out of sight to avoid theft or tampering. The site should not be installed in a place where "the public" would ever stumble upon it (e.g. a walking trail or park area).
9 -* Nearby trees, bushes, power poles etc can induce low frequency noise in your data when they sway in the wind. A rule of thumb is to have your sensor at least as far away from these as their height.
10 -* Cattle and stock can and will destroy your site and our instrumentation. NEVER **EVER** install a station where cows can get to it because they //will// get to it and they **WILL** destroy it.
8 +* If possible, choose a location with minimal noise interference and as far away from traffic and people as possible. Try to keep your station out of site to avoid theft or tampering. The site should not be installed in a place where people would ever stumble upon it (e.g. a walking trail or public area).
9 +* Nearby Trees, bushes, power poles etc can induce low period noise in your data when they sway in the wind. A rule of thumb is to have your sensor at least as far away from these as their height.
10 +* Cattle and stock can and will destroy your site. NEVER EVER install a station where cows can get to it.
11 11  * If the area looks like a place that has flooded, or may flood again, absolutely assume that it will. This very much includes dry riverbeds or ponds. Always prefer locally elevated terranes.
12 12  * The harder the soil, the better the signal. Sand and mud are your enemy.
13 -* Grass can often grow high enough to block your solar panel from sun. If possible, clear an area in front of the panel to minimize power loss.
14 14  )))
15 15  
15 +* Grass can often grow high enough to block your solar panel from sun. If possible, clear an area in front of the panel to minimize this possibility.
16 +
16 16  = Installing Sensors =
17 17  
18 -* Bury seismometers for noise reduction and stable ground coupling, typically 0.5-0.8 metre depth but deeper the better.
19 +* Bury seismometers at an appropriate depth for noise reduction and stable ground coupling, typically 0.5-0.8 metre depth but deeper the better.
19 19  * Ensure the sensor is leveled correctly, typically the sensor can be placed on a well leveled paver to make this easier.
20 -* Orient the sensor correctly using a compass, paying special attention to the north direction and **accounting for declination**.
21 +* Orient the sensor correctly using a compass, paying special attention to the north direction and accounting for declination.
21 21  ** When using a compass to orient the sensors, ensure it is kept away from metal objects or structures that could interfere with its magnetic field.
22 -** It is recommended to take a picture of the sensor's orientation next to the compass in case there are questions or issues later.
23 +** It is recommended to take a picture of the sensor's orientation next to the compass.
23 23  * Hold the sensor or sensor covering securely while infilling and compacting the hole to ensure the setup is kept in the correct position (level and oriented).
24 -* Burial styles can vary depending on sensor type, soil, wetness/humidity and the duration of the experiment. See the **Sensor Protection** section below for more detail.
25 +* Burial styles can vary depending on sensor type, soil, wetness/humidity and the duration of the experiment. See the **Sensor Protection** section below for more detail .
25 25  
26 -== Importance of locking sensor feet ==
27 -
28 -The Trillium Compact 120s and 20s sensors have three adjustable feet for leveling. It is **critical** to "lock" these feet in place by spinning the locking disk upwards towards the sensor, as tight as possible. This reduces "wobble" which shows up in both low and high frequency signal. It is also a good idea to keep the length of the three feet as small as possible to maximize stability.
29 -
30 -[[image:TC20_feetlocked_vs_unlocked.png||alt="Figured showing how unlocked feet can amplify fake noise and rattle" data-xwiki-image-style-alignment="center"]]
31 -
32 32  = Setting up Data Logger =
33 33  
34 34  * Install data loggers or recorders compatible with the sensors.
30 +
35 35  * Establish a reliable power source, such as solar panels, batteries, or local grid connection. Use a compass to align solar panels facing north in the southern hemisphere for optimal sunlight exposure.
36 36  * Set up a GPS antenna to provide accurate time synchronization for the seismic data.
37 37  * Ensure the GPS antenna has a clear view of the sky for optimal signal reception.
38 38  * Calibrate sensors and data acquisition systems for accuracy.
39 39  * Test for sensitivity, noise levels, and overall performance.
40 -* More information for logger setup can be found on the [[ANU Seismic Data Loggers>>doc:Instrumentation.ANU LPR-200.WebHome]] page.
36 +* More information for logger setup can be found on the 'ANU Seismic Data Loggers' page.
41 41  
42 42  = Setting up Fencing =
43 43  
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44 44  * You'll have to know a priori where north is as that is where you want to point the solar panel towards //(in the Southern Hemisphere, anyway)//
45 45  * Pound in the star picket fence post well away from the sensor hole, and slightly north of it. You will want to then put the fence through the star picket so that it is on the NORTH side. This lets techs "flip up" the fence from behind for easy access.
46 46  * Use wire to secure the fence to the post and also the solar panel to the fence.
47 -* Place the solar panel as high on the fence as possible to reduce any interference from grass and weeds. When securing the solar panel to the fence with wire, make the wire as tight as possible to reduce "rattle" in the wind. Test yourself. It's usually a great idea to use a pair of pliers to make the final twist in the wire so that it is **really tight**.
43 +* Place the solar panel as high on the fence as possible to reduce any interference from grass and weeds. When securing the solar panel to the fence with wire, make the wire as tight as possible to reduce "rattle" in the wind. Test yourself. It's usually a great idea to use a pair of pliars to make the final twist in the wire so that it is **really tight**.
48 48  
49 -= Fire Protection & Security =
45 += Fire safety & Security Measures =
50 50  
51 -* In fire-prone areas, clear a perimeter around the installation to reduce fuel sources. Assume the area will catch on fire~-~- will your site survive?
52 -* Consider using fireproof covers for the logger. This will have the added benefit of reducing soil contact, especially dirt getting into SD card slots. A permeable cover will avoid trapping rainwater ~-~- a problem associated with plastic tarps, which damages the logger and attracts insects/animals (ants, centipedes, snakes, etc.). We are still testing materials for suitability in the field (e.g., safe and tolerable degradation in the environment).
53 -* We recommend adding a soil layer for insulation. This seems to keep loggers cooler, reduce fire damage, and discourage interference by people passing by.
47 +* In bushfire-prone areas (e.g. everywhere in Australia), where possible a wide perimeter around the installation to reduce fire risk. Assume the area WILL catch on fire~-~- will your site be OK?
48 +* Use fireproof blankets to cover equipment. This also keeps the loggers clean and keeps dirt our of the card slots etc. Fire blankets are also permeable, unlike tarps, which avoids trapping rainwater around the logger attracting ants, centipedes, snakes, and other insects/animals.
49 +* We also recommend burying the data loggers with some dirt as this keeps them cool, further reduces the chance of fire damage, and keeps people from snooping around in them.
54 54  
55 55  = Metadata & Site Logs =
56 56  
57 -* Documenting site installs and service information is a mandatory requirement of your ANSIR agreement. You are expected to keep proper site logs... trust us, it's for your own good. Failure to do so may result in ban for future loans.
58 -* Document the installation process, including sensor types, **serial numbers**, orientations, high quality latitude/longitude coordinates, elevation, and system configurations, along with fire safety measures implemented.
59 -* Draw a map, or at least take a google/open maps screenshot with some drawn annotations so others can find the site.
53 +* Documenting site installs and service information is not just a good idea, but **REQUIRED** as part of your ANSIR agreement. You are expected to take proper site logs.. trust us, it's for your own good. Failure to do so may result in ban for future loans.
54 +* Document the installation process, including sensor types, **serial numbers**, orientations, high quality lat/lon coordinates, and system configurations, along with fire safety measures implemented.
55 +* Draw a map or at least take a google maps screenshot with some drawn annotations so others can find the site.
60 60  * Record essential metadata for seismic data interpretation.
61 61  
62 62  = Sensor protection =
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65 65  
66 66  (% class="box errormessage" %)
67 67  (((
68 -DO NOT: bury the sensors with anything other than a PVC housing or direct burial. Other methods (especially using a plastic bag!!) may damage the equipment more than protect it.
64 +DO NOT: bury the sensors with anything other than a PVC housing or direct burial. Other methods may damage the equipment more than protect it.
69 69  )))
70 70  
71 71  = Step-by-step field installation guide (with images) =
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127 127  
128 128  = Experimental Sand Burial: =
129 129  
130 -Direct burials are used for Trillium Compact Postholes as they are specifically designed to be corrosion resistant. Other sensors such as the Trillium Compact 120, Trillium Compact 20, and 3D Lites are not built with this degree of corrosion resistance. Currently, the best prevention for moisture trapping and corrosion is burying them with a PVC covering. However, in particularly wet environments, some moisture can still collect within these coverings. One experimental method that is being trialled in hopes of providing better drainage is the sand burial. Steps 1, 2, and 3 remain the same, though once the sensor is set with the correct leveling and orientation, the subsequent infill steps differ. Once the open PVC tube is placed around the sensor, infill the hole around the tubing, holding it in place (image A). Once the hole is back-filled level with the tubing, securing it in place, begin filling the interior of the PVC tube with sand. Hold the sensor in place and ensure the sand is packed tightly around it (image B). Once the sand fills the PVC tube, gently remove the PVC tube while holding the sensor in place (pliers may be required to grip the tube). The last deviation for a sand burial from the standard burial is continuing to place some sand above the sensor, and dirt (or other local substrate around that sand pocket) until level with the surface (image C).
126 +Direct burials are used for Trillium Compact Postholes as they are specifically designed to be corrosion resistant. Other sensors such as the Trillum Compact 120, Trillum Compact 20, and 3D Lites are not built with this degree of corrosion resistance. Currently, the best prevention for moisture trapping and corrosion is burying them with a PVC covering. However, in particularly wet environments, some moisture can still collect within these coverings. One experimental method that is being trialled in hopes of providing better drainage is the sand burial. Steps 1, 2, and 3 remain the same, though once the sensor is set with the correct levelling and orientation, the subsequent infill steps differ. Once the open PVC tube is placed around the sensor, infill the hole around the tubing, holding it in place (image A). Once the hole is back-filled level with the tubing, securing it in place, begin filling the interior of the PVC tube with sand. Hold the sensor in place and ensure the sand is packed tightly around it (image B). Once the sand fills the PVC tube, gently remove the PVC tube while holding the sensor in place (pliers may be required to grip the tube). The last deviation for a sand burial from the standard burial is continuing to place some sand above the sensor, and dirt (or other local substrate around that sand pocket) until level with the surface (image C).
131 131  
132 132  
133 133  (% style="width:807px" %)
134 134  |(% style="width:263px" %)A) [[image:original_c8aaadae-30a0-45b3-9069-bfe03459e06f_IMG_20250525_123128828.jpg||height="208" width="222"]]|(% style="width:268px" %)B) [[image:original_3168dca2-ab8b-4062-9847-b0ee1d0fcf80_IMG_20250525_123247255.jpg||height="208" width="223"]]|(% style="width:273px" %)C) [[image:IMG_20250525_123327086.jpg||height="205" width="211"]]
135 135  
136 -
137 -
138 -Comparison of installation methods on Black Mountain (Canberra):
139 -
140 -The seismic equipment was left in the field for approximately 6 months (April – October) through winter. There was much rain throughout the experiment period, with the last rain occurring one day prior to excavation, and heavy rain occurring the week before. Note that more temperature fluctuations may occur throughout summer, and thus more chances for condensation and corrosion to occur, therefore this experiment should be conducted again over a summer period.
141 -
142 -Upon excavating all setups, there appeared to be little difference in the moisture levels.
143 -
144 -The first method (PVC) had collected a small amount of moisture. The seismometer was a little bit wet, while the interior of the PVC housing had condensation lining the walls. The paver beneath was also quite damp, however, no water had pooled at the bottom of the seismometer.
145 -
146 -The other two setups (both using the sand method) were also quite moist. Upon excavation, the coarse river sand was damp (though not soaked). There had been no infiltration of mud from the surrounding area into the coarse river sand, suggesting that all the moisture had come straight down the column of sand, and not flowed in from the sides. Underneath the feet of the seismometer (SN3660) from the full setup, much condensation had been collected. There were no feet on the seismometer of the second sand setup and thus no space for condensation underneath. The tops of both seismometers were covered in damp sand, though there appeared slightly less moisture than the top of the sensor in the PVC housing. An accurate assessment of moisture content was difficult as one seismometer was covered in sand, and the other showed a clear view of how much surface condensation there was. 
147 -
148 -Additionally, when unwrapping the cloth adhesive from the PVC burial, there appeared to be a glob of hydrated glue from the adhesive. This was not present on the connections of the two sand burial seismometers, despite using the same cloth adhesive. This may suggest that moisture lingers for a longer period in the PVC housing (as suspected), having time to be absorbed into the adhesive more. 
149 -
150 -Upon inspection of the connectors of each seismometer, there was little condensation within each, and no sand had appeared to infiltrate the connections in the sand buried equipment.
151 -
152 -|(((
153 -[[PVC burial>>image:20251027_111019.jpg||height="216" width="200"]]
154 -)))|(((
155 -[[PVC burial>>image:PVC glue.jpg||height="219" width="268"]]
156 -)))|(((
157 -[[Sand burial>>image:20251027_112642.jpg||height="218" width="192"]]
158 -)))|(((
159 -[[Sand burial>>image:20251027_112721.jpg||height="221" width="218"]]
132 +
160 160  )))
161 161  
162 -Key findings:
163 163  
164 -The PVC burial method resulted in a small amount of moisture collecting on the top of the seismometer and within the PVC casing, and the development of a hydrated glob around the connector. 
165 165  
166 -The sand burial method resulted in slightly less moisture collecting around the top of the seismometer (subject to error of perception), though no glob of hydrated adhesive, suggesting quicker drainage did occur. The sand burial did however allow for more moisture to collect on the underside of the seismometer compared to the PVC burial, though as the connector is atop the seismometer, this result may be irrelevant.
167 167  
168 -It should be noted that there was no mud present in the column of sand, suggesting little to no lateral seepage of moisture.
169 169  
170 -Lastly, all connectors contained a small amount of condensation, were free of sand or dirt (thanks to the cloth tape), and no corrosion was noticeable.
171 -)))
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186 186  (% class="col-xs-12 col-sm-4" %)
187 187  (((
188 188  {{box title="**Contents**"}}
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194 194  [[image:20230925_122808.jpg||alt="working on a site" data-xwiki-image-style-alignment="center" height="467" width="350"]]
195 195  //Figure 2: Flipping up the back of the fence onto the support picket to work comfortably//
196 196  
150 +[[**Fireproof blanket**
151 +
152 +size: 1x1 m2>>image:20240116_125547.jpg||data-xwiki-image-style-alignment="center"]]
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197 197  
198 198  )))
199 199  )))
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