Field Installation and Deployment
Guide to installing a pre-assembled 3D-PAWS station in the field and verifying that it is ready for operation.
Overview
Field installation begins after the station has been assembled, configured, and tested.
The deployment process on this page is organized into three stages:
Prepare the Site
Install the Station
Verify the Installation
Use the 3D-PAWS Installation Checklist throughout the deployment to confirm that required installation and verification steps are completed before leaving the site.
Installation Checklist
The 3D-PAWS Installation Checklist provides a field reference for:
preparing the installation area
installing and securing the station
checking instrument placement
verifying power and communications
confirming sensor operation
recording required site information
Instruction Slides for Installing the Weather Station
NOTE: This section is being updated from building and installing the station to just installation after pre-assembly in the lab. The slide deck will be split into two sections and updated soon.
Use these slides for the step-by-step procedure for installing the pre-assembled station structure and instruments in the field.
Tutorial Videos for Installing the Weather Station
This video is part of a playlist that demonstrates building the 3D-PAWS station. You can toggle between videos using the list icon at the top right or by using the "fast forward" button at the bottom left.
Prepare the Site
Before installing the station, confirm that the selected location still meets the requirements identified during site selection.
Check that the installation area provides:
appropriate exposure for the instruments
sufficient solar access
reliable communications coverage
safe access for installation and maintenance
adequate security
stable ground or mounting conditions
For detailed instrument exposure and siting requirements, see Site Selection.
If field conditions differ significantly from the original site assessment, reevaluate the location before installing the station.
Prepare the Installation Area
Before mounting the station:
clear only the vegetation or debris necessary for safe installation
identify underground utilities or other hazards before driving posts or anchors
confirm that the mounting location is stable
organize tools, hardware, and station components before beginning installation
verify that the station can be positioned without creating unnecessary obstructions around the sensors
Install the Station
Install and secure the station using the procedure shown in the installation slides.
After installation, confirm that:
the station structure is stable
vertical supports are properly positioned
instruments and mounting arms are secure
the rain gauge is level
cables are routed and protected from strain
connectors are fully seated
the solar panel and battery system are connected
all enclosures are closed and protected from weather
Instrument Placement
Instrument placement should follow the requirements established during Site Selection.
During installation, perform a final check of each instrument.
Rain Gauge
Confirm that the rain gauge:
is level
has an unobstructed opening
is clear of overhead dripping or runoff
is not exposed to sprinklers or other artificial irrigation
is securely mounted
Wind Sensors
Confirm that the anemometer and wind vane:
rotate freely
are securely mounted
have the best available exposure to the surrounding airflow
are not unnecessarily obstructed by the station structure or nearby objects
The wind vane must also be aligned to true north.
→ See Wind Vane Alignment
Radiation Shield
Confirm that the radiation shield:
is exposed to freely circulating ambient air
is not directly affected by nearby heat sources
is securely mounted
is positioned according to the selected siting configuration
Solar Panel
Confirm that the solar panel:
has clear exposure to sunlight
is securely mounted
is oriented according to the selected solar configuration
is not shaded by the station or nearby objects
For detailed power-system guidance, see Solar Power.
Verify the Installation
Before leaving the site, verify that the complete station is operating correctly.
Power and Communications
Confirm that:
the data logger powers on normally
the battery and solar system are connected
the data logger connects to the expected network
observations are being transmitted when communications are available
Sensor Operation
Confirm that:
all expected sensors are detected
sensor values are updating
measurements are physically reasonable for current conditions
the rain gauge and anemometer respond when manually tested, where appropriate
wind direction changes appropriately when the vane is rotated
Verify Data at the Data Service
If network connectivity is available, confirm that new observations appear in the configured data service or dashboard.
Check:
observation timestamps
expected reporting frequency
expected sensor variables
reasonable measurement values
This confirms the complete path from the sensor through the data logger and communications system to the data service.
Record Station Metadata
After the installation is complete, document the site and station configuration.
Record information such as:
station location and elevation
instrument heights
station orientation
data logger and communications configuration
power-system configuration
site conditions
installation photographs
known siting limitations
Do not duplicate the full metadata procedure here.
→ See Station Metadata for the complete metadata form and documentation requirements.
Before Leaving the Site
Complete one final walk-around and confirm that:
the station is stable and secure
all hardware is tightened
all cables are protected
instruments are correctly positioned
the wind vane is aligned
the station is powered
communications are functioning where available
observations are updating
metadata and installation photographs have been recorded
tools, packaging, and installation debris have been removed from the site
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