Physical Installation

The Sixaola can be pre-configured in the laboratory prior to installation. If configured in Darien Client Data Flow Mode, the Sixaola can be easily installed by an untrained technician (see: Data Flow Mode).

Click below to watch the Sixaola installation video.

Tools

  • Drill with a 5/16 masonary bit
  • Hammer
  • Screw driver #2 Phillips
  • 2.5 mm hex driver or Allen wrench
  • Compass

Supplies

  • Plastic screw anchor
  • Screw
_images/drill-bit-screw.png

Plastic screw anchor, screw, and 5/16 drill bit

Site Selection

Choose a site:
  • Close to a power outlet
  • Close to an Ethernet connection
  • With as little human traffic as possible
  • Optional: Less than 10 meters from a place with a clear view of the sky where you can install the GPS antenna.

Anchoring the Sixaola

Click here to watch the Sixaola installation video.

  1. Begin by positioning the Sixaola, orienting it roughly towards North and by making sure that the cables reach the power outlet and Ethernet connection.
  2. Drill a hole one inch deep into the floor using a 5/16 masonary drill bit.
  3. Using a hammer, pound the plastic screw anchor into the hole.
  4. Using a #2 phillips screw driver, guide the screw into the hole until the top of head is ~5 mm from the floor.
  5. Slide the Sixaola over the screw.
  6. Lower the 3 feet of the Sixaola to the floor until you meet resistance.
  7. Now orient and level the Sixaola.
  8. Tighten the hexagon nuts, connect the cables and you are done.
_images/leveling.png

Remember to tighten the hexagon nuts

GPS Antenna

The GPS antenna should be oriented facing skyward with a clear view.

Note

As with any sensor that uses GPS, when installed at a new site the GPS may take over an hour to discover where it is and begin negotiating available satellites.

Orientation

The North arrow is printed on the green Sixaola card next to the bubble level and runs parallel to the side of the unit.

Leveling

A bubble level is attached to the green Sixaola card.

LEDs

_images/leds.png

Installation Check List

  1. Record the:
    • Serial Number
    • SCNL (for SeedLink Streamer, Data Logger and Event Loggers modes only)
    • A brief description of the site
    • Local contact information- Name, phone number, email
    • Latitude, Longitude, Elevation
    • Networking information: IP, tunnel client IP, tap, name and password
    • Usernames and passwords for ssh and the web-interface
    • SeedLink port (if using SeedLink Streamer mode)
    • You might also consider taking photos of the site

    We recommend that you use www.trello.com to organize and update your station metadata.

  2. Oriented North

  3. Level

  4. Hexagon nuts tightened

  5. Verify LEDS: See here

Additional Recommendations

OSOP recommends pairing each Sixaola with a UPS to protect Ethernet ports and the Sixaola components from voltage spikes.

The ssh password for root (and/or debian) should be changed. Also consider using ssh-keys instead of passwords.