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Wiki source code of Field Deployment Guides

Version 31.3 by robert on 2025/07/23 15:23
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robert 25.3 5 = Site selection and preparation =
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santi 30.1 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 sight 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).
robert 25.2 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 * 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 * The harder the soil, the better the signal. Sand and mud are your enemy.
robert 27.1 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 this possibility.
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robert 25.3 16 = Installing Sensors =
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robert 25.2 18 * 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 * Ensure the sensor is leveled correctly, typically the sensor can be placed on a well leveled paver to make this easier.
Jack Dent 24.1 20 * Orient the sensor correctly using a compass, paying special attention to the north direction and accounting for declination.
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.
robert 25.2 22 ** It is recommended to take a picture of the sensor's orientation next to the compass.
Jack Dent 24.1 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).
robert 27.1 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.
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robert 27.1 26 == Importance of locking sensor feet ==
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robert 31.2 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.
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robert 28.1 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"]]
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robert 25.3 32 = Setting up Data Logger =
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Sima Mousavi 3.1 34 * Install data loggers or recorders compatible with the sensors.
Jack Dent 19.1 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.
Jack Dent 15.1 36 * Set up a GPS antenna to provide accurate time synchronization for the seismic data.
Sima Mousavi 6.1 37 * Ensure the GPS antenna has a clear view of the sky for optimal signal reception.
Sima Mousavi 4.1 38 * Calibrate sensors and data acquisition systems for accuracy.
39 * Test for sensitivity, noise levels, and overall performance.
santi 31.1 40 * More information for logger setup can be found on the [[ANU Seismic Data Loggers>>doc:Instrumentation.ANU LPR-200.WebHome]] page.
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robert 25.3 42 = Setting up Fencing =
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robert 25.3 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 * 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 * Use wire to secure the fence to the post and also the solar panel to the fence.
santi 30.1 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**.
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robert 25.3 49 = Fire safety & Security Measures =
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51 * 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?
52 * 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.
53 * 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.
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55 = Metadata & Site Logs =
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57 * 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.
santi 31.1 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.
robert 25.3 59 * Draw a map or at least take a google maps screenshot with some drawn annotations so others can find the site.
Sima Mousavi 4.1 60 * Record essential metadata for seismic data interpretation.
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robert 25.3 62 = Sensor protection =
Jack Dent 16.1 63
Jack Dent 16.2 64 Sensors can be covered with a PVC pipe to help prevent degradation of the components (i.e. sensor casing and cable connections), however, some sensors are made for direct burial (no protection). When installing a sensor, only use these two options. Do not try to protect the sensor via any other means such as a plastic bag or moisture absorbers & desiccants.
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robert 31.3 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.
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robert 26.1 71 = Step-by-step field installation guide (with images) =
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74 (% border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width:800px" %)
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76 [[image:1715740852278-219.jpg||height="185" width="185"]]
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Jack Dent 14.1 78 (% style="color:#000000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:11pt; font-style:normal; font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; text-decoration:none; white-space:pre-wrap" %)1. Dig a hole roughly 80cm deep and wide enough to place a paver in.
Jack Dent 9.1 79 )))|(% style="width:191px" %)[[image:1715740856792-247.jpg||height="181" width="181"]](((
Jack Dent 10.1 80 (% style="color:#000000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:11pt; font-style:normal; font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; text-decoration:none; white-space:pre-wrap" %)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.
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82 [[image:1715740874992-904.jpg||height="179" width="179"]]
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Jack Dent 10.1 84 (% style="color:#000000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:11pt; font-style:normal; font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; text-decoration:none; white-space:pre-wrap" %)3. Place the seismometer on the paver and ensure it is levelled and oriented (remember to account for the declination in your area).
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Jack Dent 15.1 87 [[image:1715740934594-394.jpg||height="203" width="203"]]
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Jack Dent 10.1 89 (% style="color:#000000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:11pt; font-style:normal; font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; text-decoration:none; white-space:pre-wrap" %)4. Depending on the model of the seismometer, place a protective PVC tub over it.
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Jack Dent 25.1 91 [[image:1715741200573-382.jpg||height="203" width="102"]][[image:1715741200573-909.jpg||height="203" width="102"]]
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robert 10.2 93 (% style="color:#000000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14.6667px; white-space-collapse:preserve" %)5. Fill in the hole whilst stabilising the sensor and packing the dirt firmly.
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95 [[image:1715741278653-711.jpg||height="189" width="189"]]
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Jack Dent 10.1 97 (% style="color:#000000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:11pt; font-style:normal; font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; text-decoration:none; white-space:pre-wrap" %)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.
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Jack Dent 15.1 100 [[image:1715742260851-696.jpg||height="220" width="220"]]
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Jack Dent 10.1 102 (% style="color:#000000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:11pt; font-style:normal; font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; text-decoration:none; white-space:pre-wrap" %)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).
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Jack Dent 15.1 104 [[image:1715741876857-916.jpg||height="218" width="218"]]
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Jack Dent 15.1 106 8. (% style="color:#000000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:11pt; font-style:normal; font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; text-decoration:none; white-space:pre-wrap" %)Connect the seismometer, solar panel, and GPS to the logger and turn the logger on. See "setting up data logger" and "ANU seismic data loggers" page for more details. Set the logger to record and ensure it starts recording.
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Jack Dent 15.1 108 [[image:IMG_0667.jpg||height="218" width="218"]]
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Jack Dent 10.1 110 9. (% style="color:#000000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:11pt; font-style:normal; font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; text-decoration:none; white-space:pre-wrap" %)Cover the logger with a fire blanket, starting by placing it on the top, so the opening is underneath the logger.
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113 [[image:1715742037353-873.jpg||height="189" width="189"]]
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Jack Dent 10.1 115 10. (% style="color:#000000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:11pt; font-style:normal; font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; text-decoration:none; white-space:pre-wrap" %)Once all the sides of the blanket are tucked under the logger, cover the logger with rocks or dirt.
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Jack Dent 15.1 117 [[image:1715742099260-834.jpg||height="187" width="187"]]
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Jack Dent 12.1 119 11. (% style="color:#000000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:11pt; font-style:normal; font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; text-decoration:none; white-space:pre-wrap" %)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.
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121 [[image:1715742149920-412.jpg||height="186" width="186"]]
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Jack Dent 10.1 123 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.
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128 = Experimental Sand Burial: =
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130 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).
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151 {{box title="**Contents**"}}
152 {{toc/}}
153 {{/box}}
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robert 1.4 155 [[image:station_example.png||alt="example long term station setup" data-xwiki-image-style-alignment="center"]]//Figure 1: Typical station setup (LPR-200 & 10w solar panel)//
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robert 1.4 157 [[image:20230925_122808.jpg||alt="working on a site" data-xwiki-image-style-alignment="center" height="467" width="350"]]
158 //Figure 2: Flipping up the back of the fence onto the support picket to work comfortably//
Sima Mousavi 4.1 159
160 [[**Fireproof blanket**
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Sima Mousavi 7.2 162 size: 1x1 m2>>image:20240116_125547.jpg||data-xwiki-image-style-alignment="center"]]
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