Deploying the IoE Module

In this section, we describe how to deploy the system, with a focus on the hardware installation and assembly.

Deployment considerations

Be prepared before starting to install the device. Gather tools in advance. Allow enough time (more than you expect) to assemble everything.

Assembly time and personnel

Allow at least three hours to unpack and assemble the structure. Components are heavy and bulky; at least two people should transport and set it up.

User-supplied installation tools

You will need a number of tools for the installation:

  • Impact driver with a 1 3/8" six-point socket to install the earth anchors, although you can install them by hand using the ground rod as a lever.
  • Sledge hammer or hammer drill with a ground rod bit to install the ground rod.
  • Red or reflective tape to mark guy wires to call attention to trip hazards.
  • Zip ties or hook-and-loop cable ties to secure cables.
  • Angle gauge or cellphone with level app to estimate the angle of guy wires.
  • Sturdy gloves and safety goggles.

Site inspection

It is critical that you know of any underground utilities that are installed at your site. Local laws may require an inspection before installing the ground rod. In the USA, call 811 to arrange a site inspection. Check for unexploded ordnance, gas lines, water lines, sewer lines, pipelines, electrical wires, fiber optics, or any other underground infrastructure before installing the ground rod or earth anchors. The rod may extend up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) into the ground. The earth anchors may extend up to 35 cm (14 inches) into the ground. Failure to check may result in bodily injury, death, damage to infrastructure, or damage to equipment.

Vertical and horizontal clearance

Do not install the device near overhead power lines. If using the guy wires, allow clearance around the mast that is equal to the height of the mast. For example, fully extended to 5 m (15 feet), ensure a radius of the same distance around the mast remains clear for the guy wires.

Soil characteristics

The earth anchors are designed for hardpan, dense sand or gravel (class 1), medium sandy gravel (class 2), loose medium-to-fine sand (class 3), or loose, and fine uncompacted sand (class 4). Earth anchors may not anchor in some soil types. If the soil is unsuitable, choose an alternative anchor or a different location.

Prepare for field deployment

If you did the initial assembly and configuration in an office or lab, partial disassembly of the hardware will make it easier to move to the field.

  • Power off the IoE Module.
  • Disconnect the sensor cables from the IoE Module. Keep track of which sensor is connected to which connector, you'll need to connect them the same way or repeat the steps in Adding sensors.
  • Remove the battery (see Removing the main battery).
  • Remove the four nuts and bolts that were installed in the frame rails and fold the frame. Keep the nuts and bolts for reassembly.
  • Gather your tools and hardware and prepare to take it to the field. Get some water, a snack, and put a smile on your face. It'll be a good day!

Field installation

See Assembling the structure for the initial hardware assembly.

Site preparation

Place the frame on level ground. The LI-710 can tolerate a tilt of up to 8 degrees from vertical, but installation on level ground with a vertical mast is best. If the ground under the frame is sloped or uneven, use a shovel to level the surface. Pack any soil that was loosened – tamp it with your feet.

Position the frame so that the solar panel will face the equator to ensure maximum solar power for the battery charger. The enclosure door will face north in the northern hemisphere or south in the southern hemisphere.

Installing the adapter and LI-710

Wear gloves and goggles for safety.

  1. Insert the two set screws into the adapter until they are flush with the inside wall.

  2. Install the adapter for guy wires and the instrument.

    It threads onto the upper mast. Position the mast in such a way that the guy cables are oriented as shown in Figure 3‑1.

    Figure 3‑1. The adapter threads onto the mast. It should be hand-tight. Rotate the mast so one guy wire extends the direction opposite the enclosure door and the other two extend to the sides of the door.
    3. Figure 3‑2. Two pins secure the telescoping mast sections. The upper and central mast sections are secured with one pin. The central and lower mast sections are secured with the second pin.

  3. Connect the power/data cable to the LI-710 and tighten it securely.

    Leave the other end disconnected for now.

  4. Clip the guy cables in place.

    Let them dangle for now.

  5. Install the LI-710 in the adapter.

    Set the LI-710 in place and tighten both set screws with the 4-mm hex key. Tighten until it makes contact with the post, and then an additional ¼ turn clockwise.

Adjusting the mast

The mast features knurled clasps to hold the sections in position while you make adjustments, and two pins to lock the mast.

  1. For measurement heights between 2 and 3.5 meters, extend the upper section of the mast to the desired height.

    Tighten the clasp and secure the upper and central portions of the mast with a pin.

  2. For measurement heights between 3.5 and 5 meters, fully extend the upper mast and then extend the central section of the mast to the desired height.

    Tighten the clasp and secure the lower and central sections of the mast with a pin. The mast can be adjusted in 20 cm increments. Both pins are needed to secure the mast when it is extended. One pin secures the central and upper mast sections; the other pin secures the central and lower mast section. See Determining the LI-710 measurement height.

Earth anchors and guy wires

Guy wires are required for stability if the mast is extended. If the mast is not extended, sandbags can be used to stabilize the platform.

If you stand facing the door of the enclosure, one guy wire should be oriented directly away from you, one should be to your right, and the other to your left. Rotate the mast until the fins on the adapter are oriented that way.

The guy cables should be around 20° to 30° angle from the mast. You can approximate the angle by pacing off the distance or measure the angle with an app on a smart phone.

  1. In the direction that each guy will extend, pace off or measure the distances for the anchors.
  2. Mark points for the three earth anchors on a radius around the mast, providing three equidistant anchor points along the radius.
  3. Drive the earth anchors straight into the ground, perpendicular to the surface.
  4. To install, insert the ground rod through the eye bolt. Use the rod as a lever to drive the anchor, being careful to avoid bending the rod. Or, use an impact wrench and a 1 3/8" socket.
  6. Drive each anchor until all of the threads are below the soil surface.
  7. If the opening in the eye bolt is not perpendicular to the mast, drive it further until the opening is perpendicular toward the mast.
  8. Install the guy cables.
    1. First, push the cable through the Gripple.
    3. Route the guy cable through the eye-bolt on top of the anchor.
    4. Push the cable through the other side of the Gripple.
    6. Repeat this for the other guy cables, leaving them loose until all three are installed.

  9. Tighten each guy wire to achieve equal tension.

    Guy wires should not apply any load to the mast. They should be just tight enough to provide stability.

Releasing a Gripple (loosening a cable)

Gripple cable locks can be released with the key (part number 611-21003). Insert the key in the hole adjacent to the cable. Press the release key until the cable moves freely in the Gripple. If the Gripple has been in the field for a while, dirt or corrosion may make it difficult to release. First, attempt to tighten the cable slightly to loosen the mechanism. If you are unable to free the cable, you may need to cut it. Make the cut in such a way that you preserve a long, usable piece of cable.

Installing the ground rod

The ground kit includes a ground rod, copper wire, and clasp. The ground rod can be inserted into the ground to ground the equipment. Drive the ground rod as close as possible to the IoE module frame, preferably between the lower rails, behind the enclosure to prevent tripping hazards.

To drive the ground rod, use a hammer drill with ground rod bit or a sledge hammer. Attach the copper wire between the ground lug on the back of the box and the ground rod using the ground wire clamp. Tighten it with the 1/2" open-end wrench and slotted screwdriver.

Attaching the solar power supply

If your system has solar power components, attach them as described here. Install the battery as described in Installing the battery.

  1. Consider the ideal angle for the solar panel.

    Determine the ideal attachment point for the lower U-rails to position the solar panel at an angle that faces the sun at midday.

  2. Attach the solar panel rails at the desired angle.
  3. The upper angle rails attach to the top with two cap screws and nuts. The lower U-rails attach with two clevis/cotter pins.
  4. Remove the panel from the box and discard the packaging material.
  5. Retain the warranty information and manufacturer's documentation.
  6. On the panel frame rails, loosely install two upper clamps as shown.
  8. Place the solar panel over the upper clamps so they hold the frame to the rails.
  9. Install the two lower clamps under the solar panel frame.
  10. You may need to adjust the position of the panel and clamps to ensure that all four clamps secure the panel frame.
  12. Tighten all four clamps securely.
  13. Install the solar panel power cables between the panel and the two connectors on the bottom of the enclosure.

Deployment example

You have completed the hardware assembly. Take a moment to review the safety and stability of your installation and make any refinements. Then, install the soil probe and determine the measurement height of the LI-710.

Figure 3‑3. If the mast is extended, use the guy wires for stability. If the mast is in the lowest position, guy wires are optional. If you do not use guy wires, place several sandbags on the frame for stability. Tie red or reflective tape to each guy wire for visibility and safety.

Installing the soil probe

The soil probe can be installed at the surface or at a depth below the soil surface. Follow the installation instructions from Stevens. Place it in soil that is representative of the site, not under the shadow of the solar panel.

Determining the LI-710 measurement height

The mast can be adjusted to support the sensor at heights of 2 to 5 meters above the ground. You can estimate the height or measure it directly.

Figure 3‑4. The mast can be adjusted in 20 cm increments for an instrument height above ground level from 2 to 5 meters. You can estimate the height of the central portion by counting holes exposed and multiplying by 0.2 meters.

Verifying the deployment

This tutorial assumes you have completed everything in Registering the IoE Module with LI-COR Cloud and are ready to verify that the deployed instruments are communicating with LI-COR Cloud.

  1. Power on the IoE Module.

    Allow a few minutes for it to power up; observe that the start up messages clear as expected. Dismiss the SD Card message that is displayed after startup (or just ignore it). The IoE Module will acquire the GPS information and establish the connection with the cellular provider.

  2. Log in to LI-COR Cloud.

    Go to www.licor.cloud on your mobile phone or computer (internet access required) and log in to your account.

  3. Select Water: IoE Enabled evapotranspiration.

  4. Click the Dashboard () for this node.

    View the map and connection status. Most likely, there is little or no data published yet, but status and location information is sufficient to determine that the water node is working as intended. Allow at least 10 minutes of data collection before soil data are published online. Allow at least 30 minutes for evapotranspiration data.

Field deployment and verification is complete. Features of LI-COR Cloud are described in licor.com/Cloud-support.