Site selection and preparation

• Choose a location with minimal noise interference and away from urban areas, traffic, and industrial activities.

• The site should be geologically stable and representative of the area's seismic characteristics.
• Accessibility and security of the site are also important factors.
• Conduct a detailed survey of the site, including topographical, geological, and geophysical assessments.
• Prepare the site by clearing vegetation, leveling the ground

Installing Sensors

• Bury seismometers at an appropriate depth for noise reduction and stable ground coupling, typically 0.7 - 1 metre depth.
• Orient the sensors correctly using a compass, paying special attention to the north direction. 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. Accurately determine the north direction for precise sensor orientation.

Setting up Data Logger

• Install data loggers or recorders compatible with the sensors.
• Ensure adequate storage capacity and configuration for the desired sampling rate and data format. Generally:

64Gb card: 245 days @ 250hz or 610 days @ 100hz

32Gb card: 122 days @ 250hz or 305 days @ 100hz

• 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 south hemisphere for optimal sunlight exposure.
• Set up a GPS antenna to provide accurate time synchronization for the seismic data
• Ensure the GPS antenna has a clear view of the sky for optimal signal reception.
• Calibrate sensors and data acquisition systems for accuracy.
• Test for sensitivity, noise levels, and overall performance.

Fire safety measures and documentation in seismic station installation

• In bushfire-prone areas, clear a wide perimeter around the installation to reduce fire risk.
• Use fireproof blankets to cover equipment, providing an additional layer of protection against fire damage.
• Install a metal net over the entire setup to shield it from external elements

• Document the installation process, including sensor types, orientations, locations, and system configurations, along with fire safety measures implemented.
• Record essential metadata for seismic data interpretation.

Step-by-step field installation guide (with images)

1. Dig a hole roughly 50cm deep and wide enough to place a paver in.	2. Level the bottom of the hole. A paver or brick can be used to create a flat base for the device. Draw a line on the paver, orient it towards North and level it.	3. Place the seismometer on the paver and ensure it is levelled and oriented (remember to account for the declination in your area).
4. Depending on the model of the seismometer, place a protective PVC tub over it.	5. Fill in the hole whilst stabilising the sensor and packing the dirt firmly.	6. Once the hole is filled and levelled, drive a stake (star pickets work well) into the ground next to the seismometer, and fit the wire panels over it, driving pegs into the north-facing side.
7. Attach the solar panel to this side, and the GPS to the stake (wrap the wire around the stake once or twice so it stays in position if it is detached).	8. Connect the seismometer, solar panel, and GPS to the logger and turn the logger on. Ensure "record on restart" is switched on. See "setting up data" for the remainder of step 8.	9. Cover the logger with a fire blanket, starting by placing it on the top, so the opening is underneath the logger.
10. Once all the sides of the blanket are tucked under the logger, cover the logger with rocks or dirt.	11. Fold the other metal grating panel over and peg it into the ground. If the ground is too hard, a wire can be used to fix the metal grates to each other. This will also help reduce noise from the rattle of the cage prevent animals from getting to the logger.	12. A completed site. Rocks and sticks can also be piled on the ends of the cage if there is a risk of animals tampering in the area.

Figure 1: Typical station setup (LPR-200 & 10w solar panel)

Figure 2: Flipping up the back of the fence onto the support picket to work comfortably