Test fire preparation

A test fire deployment can include one Border Gateway and only twenty sensors, without the need for a Mesh Gateway. Ensure you allow 14 days for sensor calibration.

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.

Suggested setup

The following example 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. At the edge is the Border Gateway connected to the Internet using a mobile wireless connection.

2 m distance between Sensors and fire pit in center

Wait 24 hours between tests and do not interact with the Sensors between tests.

Ensure Border Gateway has good Internet connectivity

Deploy the Border Gateway where it can receive good wireless connectivity such as at the edge of the forest or near a path or roadway. This location should be free of obstructions to sunlight.

Ensure the deployed Border Gateway has:

• Stable connection either through wireless (LTE-M/NB-IoT) or wired or wired (Ethernet using POE Injector).

• Reliable power source (solar panel or mains with PoE Injector) 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 are handled with priority and wake up the Border Gateway from power save mode.

Deploy Wildfire Sensors in a grid pattern

Deploy the Wildfire Sensors using a grid pattern of 2 m distance between Sensors. Place the fire pit in the center of the deployment.

Ensure the Sensors are in range of the Border Gateway, otherwise a Mesh Gateway is required.

Wind direction and speed

Be aware of wind direction and speed. This may affect which sensor or sensors has triggered the fire detection process.

Allow 14 days for sensors to calibrate

Do not skip calibration period

Before beginning the test fire, ensure you allow the sensors to perform the 14-day initial calibration period.

After deploying the Wildfire Sensors, wait 14 days for the calibration period to complete. No testing should be conducted prior to this.

Sensors will not provide accurate or useful readings when tested before or during the calibration period.

Afterwards, run the test fire.

Avoid contact with sensors after deployment

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.

Verify deployment

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.

Wildfire Sensor deployment modifications

When running fire tests, use a variety of deployment arrangements. 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.

For more information, see Modify fire setups.