Modify sensor setups

Change only one element of the test at a time.

After obtaining results from the initial round, perform additional tests by modifying only one aspect of the test. Possible modifications include:

Distance from fire to the sensors. The further away the sensors are from the fire, the longer the detection time becomes. For example, modify the distance between sensors (15 m between sensors).
Change location of the fire pit. Keep the same distance (15m) but modify the fire pit location
Burn different materials in the test fire. Clean out the ashes from the previous fire and replace with different material. Leave the distance between sensors the same as previous modifications (15m).

When you modify the testing environment, change only one element at a time while keeping other elements of the test the same.

Use same material as used during initial tests

For modified tests, the same type and weight of material for burning MUST be identical to that used in the initial test, except when changing the type of material.

Allow sensors to settle after moving sensors

Any time sensors are moved, they need at least 5 days to stabilize (recalibrate) in their new locations. Do not move sensors prior to testing.

However, if the sensor locations remains the same but another aspect of the test is modified such as burning different material, allow 4 to 5 hours for the sensors to settle (return to ready state).

Use identiical material

For modified tests involving changing the material, the same type and weight of material for burning MUST be identical to that used in the initial test.

Be aware of wind

Be aware of wind direction and speed. This may affect which sensor or sensors the smoke hits triggering the fire detection process.

Change sensor locations

If you change the test location within the 1 km range of the Border Gateway, you may not need to change the location of the Border Gateway. However, if the sensors are moved out of range of the Border Gateway, you need to move the Border Gateway and update the GPS coordinates of the Border Gateway in the Site Management app.

Prepare the sensors and Border Gateway for the test as was done for the initial setup, with some exceptions.

Redeploy the Border Gateway (if required).
Use the existing deployment Packet.
Change the location of the sensors, such as distance of fire pit to sensors or the location of the fire pit.
Update the sensor GPS coordinates in the Site Management app.
Allow 5 days for the sensors to stabilize (calibrate) to the new location.

The sensors need 5 days to stabilize (recalibrate) after setup so the fire detection capabilities of the Silvanet System should not be tested during this period.
Burn a test fire, as described in Burning a test fire.
Record the results of the test, including wind conditions.

Distance of fire pit to sensors

The further away the sensors are from the fire pit, the longer the detection time becomes. For example, modify the distance between sensors (from 2 m to 15 m between sensors).

Test deployment with 15 m distance between each sensor with fire in center

Location of fire pit

Keep the same distance between sensors (for example, 2m or 15m) but modify the fire pit location. This allows an analysis of the effect of wind direction and wind speed in the forest that affects the movement and direction of the smoke from the fire pit.

Test deployment with 15 m distance between sensors and fire located off-center

Change burning material

Another modification is to change the material that is burnt in the fire pit. If you burn forest material but need to test the Silvanet System with other materials such as creosote-soaked wood (railroad ties), then change ONLY the burning material without making any other modifications to the test.

Clean out the ashes in the fire pit from the previous fire and replace with different material. Leave the distance between sensors the same as previous tests (for example 15 m between sensors).

After changing the material, allow the the sensors settle. Wait 24 hours before running the test.

Clear out the ashes from the previous test and replace with new material.
Wait 24 hours to begin the next test.
Do not interact with the sensors nor allow vehicles near the sensors.
Burn a test fire, as described in Burning a test fire.
Record the results of the test, including wind conditions.