Installing the ISS: General ISS Installation Guidelines
11
Installing the ISS
The anemometer and the main part of the ISS can be installed either together as a single
unit on a pole, or apart from each other. The main part of the ISS includes the rain
collector, the temperature and humidity sensors, the radiation shield, and the SIM
housing. Use the U-bolts to install the ISS and anemometer the together or separately on
a pole. Use the lag screws to install them separately on a flat, vertical surface.
The anemometer comes with a 40' (12 m) cable so you can flexibly configure your
system to monitor wind conditions. For example, you could mount the anemometer at the
highest point of a roof, then place the main part of the ISS on a fence closer to ground
level.
General ISS Installation Guidelines
•
Install the ISS as level as possible to ensure accurate rain measurements. Use a
bubble level or carpenter’s level to make sure the ISS is level
•
In the Northern Hemisphere, the solar panel should face south for maximum sun
exposure.
•
In the Southern Hemisphere aim the solar panel North for maximum sun expo-
sure.
Either install the ISS and anemometer separately, each facing North, or mount
them as a single unit with solar panel facing north and the wind vane re-oriented
to the south. See “Appendix C: Re-orienting the Wind Vane”
•
If you are near the equator aim the solar panel east or west. Pick the direction that
receives the maximum sunshine at your location.
Guidelines for Securing Cables
•
To prevent fraying or cutting of cables, secure them
so they will not whip about in the wind.
•
Secure a cable to a metal pole using cable ties or by
wrapping electrical tape around them both.
•
Place clips or ties approximately every 3 – 5' (1 –
1.6 m).
•
Mounting clips, cable ties or additional hardware not included with your station
can be easily obtained at a hardware or electronics store.
Note:
Do not use metal staples or a staple gun to secure cables. Metal staples — especially when
installed with a staple gun — have a tendency to cut the cables.
Orient the Wind Vane
The wind vane rotates 360
° t
o display current and dominant wind directions on the
compass rose of the display. To obtain accurate readings, the vane must be
correctly
oriented
when you mount the anemometer outside. By default, the wind vane on the
anemometer detects the correct wind direction if the anemometer arm points North.
You can ensure correct orientation of the wind vane in one of two ways:
1.
Mount the anemometer so that the arm points north.
The wind vane will be ready for use immediately if you do this.
2.
If you mount your anemometer so that it does not aim North, you will need to remove
the wind vane and re-attach it aiming toward the preferred direction.
Refer to the instructions in “Appendix C: Re-orienting the Wind Vane” on page 21.
C
a
ble Cli
p
C
a
ble Tie
