Deploy Wildfire Sensors
Install sensors using treenails or garden wire, then let them calibrated for 14 days before they are ready to detect fires.
Sensors are deployed in locations as set in the Site Packet, then calibrated for 14 days before ready to detect fires.
Deployment steps
Deploying sensors involves the following basic steps:
Locate the deployment location.
Scan the QR Code of the sensor to register the device with the Silvanet Cloud.
Verify the deployment with the Site Management app.
Warnings
Practice safety first Keep safety foremost when attaching sensors to trees. Make sure the ladder is stable when leaned against the tree, especially when leaned against thinner trees. Have the second person hold it to stabilize it while climbing the ladder.
Let the sensor calibrate after installation After a sensor has been deployed and calibrated, do not interact with the sensor as this may cause errors with sensor values and could reset the sensor calibration. AFTER SENSORS HAVE BEEN DEPLOYED, CALIBRATED AND SETTLED, DO NOT INTERACT WITH THE SENSORS IN ANY WAY.
Select a healthy tree When locating a tree on which to install a sensor, look for indications that the tree may be in poor health. Also ensure the tree is not planned to be cut down or in any way unlikely to survive for the duration of the lifetime of a sensor. Find another tree within the designated radius (20m) of the planned location.
Average time to install a sensor The average time to install sensors is about a half-hour per sensor. This includes finding the tree, setting up the ladder, scanning the QR Code, installing the sensor, then heading to the next deployment location. Plan for a day's device deployment. Ensure you have brought sufficient sensors, treenails, spacers (and garden wire, if required) for the day's installation plans.
Deployment guidelines
Attach sensors using treenails (Long term)
Treenails are wooden pegs used to securely attach sensors to a tree. As they are made from wood, they do not affect the health of the tree. Over time the tree's moisture causes the treenails to expand which securely attaches the sensor to the tree.
Drill a 10 mm hole into the tree 3 m from the forest floor on the side of the tree where sunlight would strike the tree at 12:00 noon. The treenails are fed through a loop in the sensor and a spacer and then hammered into the tree.
With the help of an assistant, stabilize the ladder against the tree.
Locate the correct height (3 m) and direction (facing sun at 12:00 noon).
Carefully remove a small portion of the bark with an axe at that location. Try not to excessively damage the tree.
Carefully drill a hole approximately 6-7 cm into the tree using the 10mm drill bit. Do not drill deeper than this recommended depth to prevent unnecessary damage to the tree. When drilling into a hardwood tree, start with a smaller drill bit to drill a pilot hole then drill with the 10mm drill bit to complete the drill hole. Ensure you are using a drill bit for wood.
Insert a treenail through the sensor's loop, slip a spacer onto the treenail and then carefully hammer the treenail into the hole. Ensure the treenail is not damaged by the hammering.
Ensure the sensor is securely deployed to the tree and hanging loosely and vertically.
Continue deploying the remainder of the sensors using the same procedure.
Attach sensors using garden wire (temporary only)
Sensors can be attached using garden wire for short term installations. Garden wire is typically used in agricultural and garden settings such as greenhouses. This solution should only be used for a limited time as the wire will eventually interfere with growth in the tree's girth.
With the help of an assistant, stabilize the ladder against the tree.
Locate the correct height (3 m) and direction (facing sun at 12:00 noon).
Cut a length of garden wire twice as long than the circumference of the tree.
Insert garden wire through the spacer and sensor as shown below.
Tighten the garden wire around the tree. Ensure it is securely attached and that the sensor cannot slip or move.
Continue deploying the remainder of the sensors in the Packet.
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