Field Installation and Deployment
Field guide for installing, verifying, and documenting a 3D-PAWS station at the deployment site.
After the station has been assembled and tested, it can be transported to the deployment site for installation and long-term operation.
Field installation focuses on correctly positioning the station, securing the structure, verifying system operation, and documenting the deployment. Completing these steps carefully helps ensure that the station produces reliable measurements and operates safely in outdoor conditions.
Detailed installation procedures are provided in the 3D-PAWS Installation Guide.
Prepare the Site
Before installing the station, confirm that the selected location meets the requirements described in:
Site Selection
The installation location should provide:
open exposure for wind measurements
unobstructed rainfall collection
appropriate ground surface for temperature and humidity measurements
adequate solar exposure for the power system
reliable communications coverage
The site should also be safe to access for installation and future maintenance.
Assemble the Station
At the deployment site, the station frame and sensors are reassembled after transport. This typically includes installing the mast or frame, mounting sensors, installing the data logger enclosure, and securing cables and wiring.
During installation it is important to ensure that:
the station structure is stable and level
sensors are mounted at the correct heights
the wind vane is aligned to true north
the rain gauge is level
cables are properly secured and protected
Detailed assembly procedures are provided in the installation guide and the individual instrument pages.
Install the Power System
Install the solar panel and battery system and connect it to the data logger.
During installation verify that:
the solar panel has adequate sun exposure
panel tilt and orientation are appropriate for the location
power connections are secure
the data logger powers on correctly
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.
Aligning the Wind Vane to North during installation
Accurate wind vane alignment to true north (geographic north) is critical for reliable meteorological and wind turbine data. Misalignment introduces errors in wind direction measurements.
→ See the Wind Vane Alignment section for more information
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.
Installation Checklist
The 3D-PAWS Installation Checklist is a companion document to the installation manual and is intended for use during field deployment.
While the manual provides full step-by-step instructions, the checklist provides a quick way to confirm that no tools, measurements, or configuration steps are missed during installation.
Technicians should use the checklist throughout deployment to ensure that:
all sensors are installed and aligned correctly
wiring and power connections are verified
required site measurements are recorded
final system checks are completed before leaving the site
Using the checklist helps ensure that stations are installed consistently and brought online successfully.
Verify Station Operation
Before leaving the site, confirm that the station is operating correctly.
Typical checks include:
confirming the data logger is online
verifying that sensor values appear reasonable
confirming communications are functioning
checking that all hardware is secure
Verifying operation during installation helps ensure the station begins collecting reliable data immediately after deployment.
Record Station Metadata
After installation, record station metadata and deployment information using the 3D-PAWS Metadata Form.
This form documents key information about the station, including:
station identity and location
geographic coordinates and elevation
installation date and time
instrument heights and sensor configuration
power system and communications setup
site photographs and alignment notes
See: Station Metadata
Why Metadata Matters
Post-installation metadata is critical for interpreting and managing station data over time.
Information such as site conditions, instrument heights, sensor alignment, and power configuration directly affects how observations should be interpreted and compared across the network. Without this context, it becomes difficult to distinguish real environmental signals from installation-related biases or later site changes.
Consistent metadata also supports long-term station maintenance, troubleshooting, and interoperability with external systems such as WIS 2.0 through the use of standardized identifiers.
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