Prerequisites
A few requirements must be met:
The area around the station should be free from any obstructions. It should be placed at a distance to the nearest obstacle of at least 10 times the obstacle’s height (hedges, farmhouses, silos, electric pylons, wind turbines etc.).
The station must be positioned away from any installation or surface that emits heat and could distort the temperature recordings (e.g. paved ground).
The station must be away from any water sources, forests or woodland, as these would modify the humidity values recorded and make them less representative.
The ground where the station is placed must be flat and the station must be absolutely level (this can be checked using the bubble level integrated on the station).
The quality of the 2G or 4G network that allows data to be sent from the station to the application must be adequate.
The arm of the station must be pointed north to ensure the accuracy of the wind direction indicator (a compass is included in the box, just to make sure).
Following these specifications will let you collect data that reflects as closely as possible the true conditions on your fields. In order to optimise data collection, it is also sensible to choose a place that is representative of your land.
If there are numerous weather stations distributed around your farm, you could alternatively choose a place where the meteorological conditions are ‘extreme’ in order to anticipate interventions that would be needed in the rest of your fields.
Process
🚨 If you are planning on installing an irradiance sensor, please follow this tutorial: How do I install my Sencrop 4G ETP station?
Assembly of the rain gauge and weather shelter
Prepare a PH2 screwdriver and take the screws out of the bag and install the station in the field.
Make sure the rain gauge bowl is locked in place and turn the station upside down.
Secure the rain gauge cable between the two mounts of the solar panel
Screw the panel onto the plate
Screw the weather shelter onto the plate
Connect all sensors using the X-lock connectors and ensure the ring is fully tightened. Plug in the power source (solar-panel, power bank…) via USB. Install the clips and secure the cable in it.
Assembly of the anemometer
Prepare an Allen key (4mm) and the anemometer’s mechanical arm.
Assemble the two parts of the mount, and tighten the screw using the Allen key.
Install the arm onto the mast (let it slide down to the tripod).
Connect the anemometer using the X-lock connectors, and make sure the locking ring is properly tightened.
Mount the rain gauge onto the mast and ensure that the solar panel is correctly oriented toward the south. Raise the anemometer mount and screw it firmly against the rain gauge plate.
Place the anemometer onto its mount.
Tighten the bolts using the wrench provided with the anemometer.
⚠️ Make sure to place the solar panel facing south and the anemometer facing north.
Press the power button to turn on the station.
A green LED will light up, indicating that the station is active.
Still having questions?
If you still have questions regarding your installation, we are here to help you.