Test fire preparation
A test deployment can include one Border Gateway and up to twenty sensors. Ensure you allow 14 days for sensor calibration.
Last updated
A test deployment can include one Border Gateway and up to twenty sensors. Ensure you allow 14 days for sensor calibration.
Last updated
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A test deployment involves burning a small test fire in a metal fire pit (about the size of a BBQ fire) in the midst of the sensor deployments to receive Fire alerts from one or more sensors. One Border Gateway can be deployed to send data from the Wildfire Sensors to the Silvanet Cloud.
In the following example setup shows the Wildfire Sensors arranged in a grid pattern with a 2 m distance between the devices. The fire pit is placed in the center of the deployment.
Wait 24 hours between tests and do not interact with the sensors between tests.
Deploy the Border Gateway at the edge of the forest or near a path or roadway. This allows the solar panel to be free of obstructions to sunlight. It also allows better line of sight to the Mesh Gateway.
Also, if possible, find a location where it can obtain a power supply and/or Ethernet connectivity.
Before starting the test, ensure the deployed Border Gateway is connected to the Internet.
The Border Gateway MUST be online with a stable connection either through cellular modem or POE (Power Over Ethernet).
The deployed Border Gateway MUST has a reliable power source and is fully charged before testing.
If the border gateway is powered only by the solar panels, then it most likely enters power saving mode during the night. Allow the Border Gateway to fully charge in the morning before testing.
Fire alerts will be handled with priority and will wake up the modem from power save mode.
Deploy the sensors using a grid pattern with 2 m distance between sensors. Place the fire pit in the center of the sensor deployment.
As the sensors are deployed in a dense grid, the test deployment does not need a Mesh Gateway. It does, however, require all sensors to be in range of the Border Gateway.
Wind direction and speed
Be aware of wind direction and speed. This may affect which sensor or sensors the smoke hits triggering the fire detection process.
Wildfire Sensor arrangements
When running tests, use a variety of deployment arrangements. In all cases, use shorter and longer distances between sensors. A short distance such as 2 m results in quick detection times while longer distances such as 15 m results in longer detection times. Therefore, use different sensor spacings depending on the objective of the fire tests (quick detection vs. longer distances). The fire pit can also be placed in different locations within the sensor grid.
Do not skip calibration period
Before beginning the test fire, ensure you allow the sensors to perform the 14 day initial calibration period. Sensors will not provide accurate readings when tested before or during the calibration period. Afterwards, start the test fire and begin testing Silvanet.
After deploying the Wildfire Sensors for the first test, wait 14 days for the calibration period. No testing should be conducted prior to the completion of the calibration period since the sensors will not provide accurate or useful readings.
As described in Sensor Calibration, the gas sensor in the Silvanet sensor is very sensitive to changes in the environment. Consequently, moving, touching or interacting with the sensors beyond what is necessary influences the sensor readings and also the sensor calibration settings.
Avoid contact with sensors after deployment
AFTER SENSORS HAVE BEEN DEPLOYED, CALIBRATED AND SETTLED, DO NOT INTERACT WITH THE SENSORS AS THIS WILL CAUSE ERRORS WITH SENSOR VALUES AND COULD ALSO RESET THE SENSOR CALIBRATION.
After deploying the Wildfire Sensors and Border Gateway, ensure they are communicating with the Silvanet Cloud. You can verify this using the Site Details section of the Site Management app.
