Onset HOBO M-TPB User manual

Part #: MAN-TRIPOD
Doc #: D-12317-A
HOBO®Station Tri-pod Setup Guide
Supplied in Australia by Instrument Choice
Call our scientists on 1300 737 871
www.instrumentchoice.com.au

ii HOBO Station Tri-pod Setup Guide
Contact Information
For support, please contact the company that you bought the product from: Onset Computer Corporation or an
Onset Authorized Dealer.
Onset Computer Corporation
470 MacArthur Blvd.
Bourne, MA 02532
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 3450
Pocasset, MA 02559-3450
Phone: 1-800-LOGGERS (1-800-564-4377) or 508-759-9500
Fax: [phone]
Hours of Operation: 8AM and 5PM Eastern Time
E-mail: [email protected]
Main Onset Web site: www.onsetcomp.com
FTP site: ftp.onsetcomp.com
If you purchased the products through an Onset Authorized Dealer, you can also refer to www.hobohelp.com for
support information.
Safety Information – Read first
WARNING: Severe shock hazard. Before installing the tripod or mounting poles, ensure that
there are no electrical power lines overhead. Do not install the system during any atmospheric
electrical activity. Do not assemble or transport tripods, mounting poles, or other structures unless
there is sufficient clearance from potential electrical sources or other obstructions.
WARNING: Do not climb on or around the tripod. The station and any of its associated
hardware, towers, poles, etc. are not designed to support the weight of a person. Injury may result.
WARNING: If using stakes to stabilize the tower, ensure that there are no underground wires or
pipes under the tri-pod.
WARNING: Fire, Explosion, and Severe Burn Hazard. The logger may contain a lithium battery.
The battery may explode if the logger is exposed to extreme heat or conditions that could damage
or destroy the battery case. Do not attempt to recharge or heat the logger or battery above +185°F
(+85°C). Do not dispose of the logger or battery in fire. Do not expose the contents of the battery
to water. Dispose of the battery according to local regulations for lithium batteries.
WARNING: Do not use station as part of a critical control system. This system is not intended to
be a fail-safe mechanism for anticipating life-threatening conditions, such as flash floods.
The CE Marking identifies this product as complying with all relevant directives in the European Union (EU).
© 2008 Onset Computer Corporation, all rights reserved.
Printed in USA.
Onset, HOBO and HandCar are registered trademarks of the Onset Computer Corporation. Palm is trademark of
Palm, Inc. Other products and brand names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

HOBO Station Tri-pod Setup Guide iii
Table of Contents
Guidelines for Typical Field Setup...................................................................................1
Site Selection............................................................................................................1
Mounting...................................................................................................................2
Installing Sensors .....................................................................................................2
Field Preparation Checklist .............................................................................................3
Tasks for Setting up the Tri-pod......................................................................................6
Task 1: Assemble Tripod..........................................................................................7
Task 2: Install Grounding Kit...................................................................................14
Task 3: Temporarily Install Upper Mast (Optional)..................................................15
Task 4: Mount Cross Arm (Optional) ......................................................................16
Task 5: Mount Upper Mast to Lower Mast..............................................................17
Task 6: Mount Logger to Upper Mast .....................................................................18
Task 7: Install Guy Wire Kit (Optional)....................................................................19
Task 8: Position and Level Sensors........................................................................21
Task 9: Final Setup.................................................................................................21

iv HOBO Station Tri-pod Setup Guide

Onset Computer Corp.
HOBO Station Tri-pod Setup Guide 1
Guidelines for Typical Field Setup
Site Selection
Use the following guidelines to help you choose an appropriate site for setting up the Station and
protecting against field hazards.
•When possible, select a location away from trees and buildings, particularly if you will be using the
rain gauge or wind speed sensors. Place the rain bucket at a distance away from obstructions that is
equal to at least three times the height of the nearest tree, building, or other obstruction, and the wind
speed sensor at a distance away from obstructions that is equal to at least five times the height of the
obstruction.
•WARNING: Severe shock hazard. Do not set up the HOBO Station near power lines. Contact
between the HOBO Station and power lines may result in a fatal shock, electrocution, or death.
•Avoid placing the logger in extremely hot locations (such as on a dashboard or the roof of a
greenhouse) and chronically wet locations (such as in a well or any place that is wet most or all of the
time). Also avoid rising water and flood zones.
•Conduit is recommended when placing a sensor in or near the ground to protect against animals, lawn
mowers, tractors, exposure to chemicals, etc.
•Beware of rodents, birds, cattle, and other animals that can bite, peck, or trample the HOBO Station.
•Avoid placing the sensors near falling rocks, dead trees, or other objects that could fall on the HOBO
Station.
•A Grounding Kit (Part # M-GKA) is required if using the wind speed or wind speed and direction
sensor with the logger. A Grounding Kit is recommended if the logger will be placed in an exposed
location on a tripod or tower to reduce the chance of damage from atmospheric electrical activity.
•If possible, avoid sites immediately adjacent to radio/television/microwave towers and equipment. In
rare situations, strong electromagnetic interference may result in sensor network errors.
•Take note of the mounting considerations in the sensor manuals for additional guidelines relative to
the particular sensors you are using.
•For areas with winds greater than 50 mph, or if the rain gauge is attached to the top of the mast, use
the Guy Wire Kit (Part # M-GWA) and 1/2 inch Stake Kit (Part # M-SKA) to reduce wind-induced
vibration.
•2 meter Tripod Tower Assembly (Part # M-TPB): You must set up the tower on level ground;
there should be no ground slope. The legs on the 2 meter tower are non-adjustable. If the site you are
using is not level, then you will need to either level it or use shims to level the tripod. Be prepared to
dig if necessary. Suggested Mounting: Use 1/4 inch Stake Kit (Part #M-SKB).
•3 meter Tripod Tower Assembly (Part # M-TPA): The maximum ground slope is 13 degrees. The
legs on the 3 meter tower allow for limited adjustment on uneven ground. Be prepared to dig if
necessary if the slope is significant. Suggested Mounting: Use 1/2 inch Stake Kit (Part # M-SKA).
•Onset recommends that two people set up most tripod systems. Some assemblies are heavy and are
easier to handle with two people.
•Be sure to stabilize, level, and secure the tripod on firm ground. It may be necessary to adapt the
installation to the existing site conditions as necessary (for example, if mounting the tripod on ice or
rock, you may need to use a masonry clamp to secure it).

Onset Computer Corp.
2HOBO Station Tri-pod Setup Guide
•If operating in a wet environment, place several desiccant packs in the logger and plug the vent hole
in the bottom of the logger enclosure to minimize moisture.
Mounting
It is possible to mount the logger and sensors on either a 1.5 meter or 3 meter mast (Part # M-MPB and
M-MPA respectively). The shorter mast is especially useful for smaller system configurations where you
are trying to minimize the size and visibility of the system.
There are many ways to install the mast depending on the site. Common mounting methods include
pounding the post into the ground, setting it into concrete, and bolting it to existing structures.
•If you will be mounting PAR, wind speed, or rain gauge sensors, be sure that you install the mast
vertically (using Mast Level, Part # M-MLA).
•Use the Guy Wire Kit (Onset Part # M-GWA) to stabilize a tall mast. Use 1/2 inch stakes (Part # M-
SKA) to secure the guy wires.
•Mount the logger vertically and high enough that ground splash will not enter the vent on the
underside of the enclosure.
•If using U-bolts, make sure they are for 1-5/8 inch pipe because that is the hole spacing on the logger
mounting bracket.
•If mounting the logger to a post or wall, note that it is 2.06 inches between the center of the holes in
the mounting brackets. It is recommended that you use 5/16 inch diameter bolts to mount the logger.
Installing Sensors
•If running cables along the ground, we recommend running them through conduit to protect them
from animals (some animals like to chew on the cables), lawn mowers, and being tripped on.
•For information on protecting the sensors properly, refer to the sensor manuals.
•Leave enough slack in the cables so that they can be routed into the logger.
•If you are deploying multiples of the same sensor type, be sure to note the serial number on the cable
associated with each measurement location so you can interpret the data later.

Onset Computer Corp.
HOBO Station Tri-pod Setup Guide 3
Field Preparation Checklist
Use the following checklist to make sure you have all the necessary materials for setting up a HOBO
Station.
9Task
Check that you received all the parts for the HOBO Station system as ordered.
Configure the logger. Install batteries and set up the logger for launch.
If you opened any parts: Double-check the packing lists to make sure no pieces are missing.
Attach the mounting feet to the logger. See the logger’s manual.
If you are using the Solar Radiation Shield: Set up the Temperature and Temperature/RH sensors.
There are several small pieces required to connect these sensors to the shield that could easily get
lost in the field. It is strongly recommended you install these sensors in the solar radiation shield
before going to the field. See the sensor manual for details.
If you are using the barometric pressure sensor, attach it to the logger now. See the sensor manual
for details.
Repack the logger and sensors for transit. It is strongly recommended that you use the original
packaging when possible because it is custom-designed to protect the weather station and its
components.
Gather the tools required for setup. Use the following checklists to make sure you have the
necessary tools to set up the logger in the field. “Optional” Items depend on your site needs.
Logger Rain Gauge Sensor
Item 9Item 9
1/2 inch wrench Mast level (Part # M-MLA)
(optional; for mounting on separate
mast)
Flathead screwdriver Sledgehammer or post driver
(optional; for mounting on separate
mast)
Desiccant (optional) Eye protection—safety glasses (if
using sledgehammer/post driver)
Slotted screwdriver
Conduit (optional)
Light Sensor Wind Speed/Direction Sensor
Item 9Item 9
Ladder (if deploying sensor above
eye level) 7/16 inch wrench
Light sensor level (Part #M-LLA) Crescent wrench (or second 7/16
inch wrench)
Phillips head screwdriver #1 1.06 inch/2.00 inch hose clamps (if
mast mounting without cross arm)
Compass Phillips-head screwdriver

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4HOBO Station Tri-pod Setup Guide
9Task
Gather the tools required for setup (continued)
Soil Moisture Sensor Temperature/RH or Temp Sensor
Item 9Item 9
Trenching shovel, spade, or flat bar Phillips head screwdriver #1 (if
sensors are not already installed)
Water (optional) Conduit (optional)
Barometric Pressure Sensor Pulse Input Adapter
Item 9Item 9
Hook and loop tape Two wire nuts
0-5 Volt Input Adapter 4-20 mA Input Adapter
Item 9Item 9
Hook and loop tape Hook and loop tape
3 m or 2 m Tripod with Mast (M-TPA or
M-TPB)
Cross Arm (M-CAA) or (M-CAB)
Item 9Item 9
1/2 inch wrench 1/2 inch wrench
Mast level (Part # M-MLA) Crescent wrench
Medium size wire cutters
Crescent wrench
Redimix cement (optional) Stake Kit (M-SKA) or (M-SKB)
Shovel (optional)
Item 9
All purpose grease Sledgehammer
Tape measure Eye protection—safety glasses
Tie wraps
3 m Mast (M-MPA) 1.5 m Mast (M-MPB)
Item 9Item 9
1/2 inch wrench Sledgehammer or post driver
Sledgehammer or post driver Eye protection—safety glasses
Eye protection—safety glasses (if
using sledgehammer/post driver) Mast level (Part # M-MLA)
Mast level (Part # M-MLA) Redimix cement (optional)
Redimix cement (optional) Shovel (optional)
Shovel (optional) All purpose grease
All purpose grease Tape measure
Tape measure

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HOBO Station Tri-pod Setup Guide 5
9Task
Grounding Kit (M-GKA) Guy Wire Kit (M-GWA)
Item 9Item 9
1/2 inch wrench Phillips head screw driver #2
Sledgehammer 1/2 inch wrench
Eye protection—safety glasses Medium size wire cutters
Medium size wire cutters Crescent wrench
Solar Radiation Shield (M-RSA) Light Sensor Bracket (M-LBA)
Item 9Item 9
1/2 inch wrench 1/2 inch wrench
Phillips head screwdriver #1 (if
sensors aren’t already installed)

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6HOBO Station Tri-pod Setup Guide
Tasks for Setting up the Tri-pod
•Task 1: Assemble Tripod, page 7
•Task 2: Install Grounding Kit, page 14
•Task 3: Temporarily Install Upper Mast (Optional), page 15
•Task 4: Mount Cross Arm (Optional), page 16
•Task 5: Mount Upper Mast to Lower Mast, page 17
•Task 6: Mount Logger to Upper Mast, page 18
•Task 7: Install Guy Wire Kit (Optional), page 19
•Task 8: Position and Level Sensors, page 21
•Task 9: Final Setup, page 21

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HOBO Station Tri-pod Setup Guide 7
Task 1: Assemble Tripod
There are two types of tripods available: the 2 meter (Part # M-TPB) and 3 meter (Part # M-TPA). The 2
meter instructions begin on this page. The 3 meter instructions begin on page 10.
2 meter tripod/lower mast assembly instructions:
This is an example of a typical 2 meter tripod assembly with a Rain Gauge sensor mounted on separate
1.5 meter mast (the Rain Gauge should be further from the tripod in the field than shown in this example).
Figure 1: 2 Meter Tri-pod
1. Open the 2 meter tripod and place it in an upright position.
2. Using a 1/2 inch wrench, build six nut and bolt assemblies (5/16-18) like the one shown below.

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8HOBO Station Tri-pod Setup Guide
Figure 2: Nut and bolt assembly
3. Take one of the nut and bolt assemblies and insert it through a tri-clamp hole with the bolt head
facing outward.
4. Loosely install a nut on the bolt to the inside of the tri-clamp.
Figure 3: Tri-clamp and bolts
5. Install the remaining five nut and bolt assemblies in the same manner for both upper and lower
tri-clamps. Make sure the bolt assemblies on the upper and lower mast tri-clamps leave enough
room for the lower mast section to slip through.
6. Slide the lower mast from the top into the tri-clamps with the creased end of the mast facing up.
The creases on the lower mast should face north and south.

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HOBO Station Tri-pod Setup Guide 9
7. Tighten the tri-clamp bolts by hand so that the mast is temporarily locked into position. Note:
The lower mast can rest on the ground at this time. You will adjust the height of the lower mast
later.
Figure 4: 2 meter tripod - lower mast
8. Because the tripod for the 2 meter configuration has non-adjustable legs, you must verify that the
mounting surface area is level. If it is not, use shims or remove soil as needed. You can attach the
Post Level (Part # M-LVA) to the mast to verify that it is vertical as you level the surface. You
can also use the tri-clamp bolts to fine tune the vertical adjustment later after you adjust the
height of the mast.
9. Secure the tripod. Use either the ¼-inch diameter stake kit (Part # M-SKB) or bolt the tripod to
cement pads with ¼-inch anchors. Install a stake or bolt through one of the holes on each of three
tripod feet.
10. If site conditions (high winds, etc.) warrant further stabilization of the tripod, use the Guy Wire
Kit (Part # M-GWA). See Task 7: Install Guy Wire Kit on page 19.

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10 HOBO Station Tri-pod Setup Guide
3 meter tripod/lower mast assembly instructions:
This is an example of a typical 3 meter tripod assembly with a mast-mounted Rain Gauge sensor.
Figure 5: 3 meter tri-pod
1. Using 5/16 inch nuts, attach the three anchor plates to the three tripod foot brackets, with the
large holes to the outside. Tighten the nuts securely.
2. Attach the three leg U-bolts with saddle clamps, one each onto the outer legs about 20 cm (8
inches) up from the anchor plates.

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HOBO Station Tri-pod Setup Guide 11
Figure 6: 3 meter lower tripod
3. Open the tripod and place it in an upright position.
4. Unfold the leg brace assembly and place the assembly flat on the ground.
Figure 7: 3 meter tripod leg brace

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12 HOBO Station Tri-pod Setup Guide
5. Attach each of the three inner legs to each of the leg U-bolt assemblies (5/16-18 inch) using the
inner stud of the U-bolt. To attach each inner leg, remove the nut from the inner stud, slide the leg
over the stud, and then tighten the nut finger.
Figure 8: Three meter tripod inner leg
6. Loosen the three lock nuts on the bolts on the upper and lower mast tri-clamp assemblies. Back
the three bolts out of the upper and lower mast tri-clamp assemblies so that the lower mast section
can be slipped down through the upper mast tri-clamps and into the lower mast tri-clamp with the
creased end of mast facing up. When the lower mast section is installed, hand-tighten the upper
and lower mast tri-clamps.
Figure 9: Three meter tripod lower mast
7. Install a Post Level (Part # M-LVA) on the lower mast as shown in the previous figure.

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HOBO Station Tri-pod Setup Guide 13
8. When the tripod is oriented on the site, secure one of the three tripod legs to its mounting location
and tighten the U-bolts on this leg.
9. Adjust the second leg to level in one direction and secure this leg.
10. Use the third leg to adjust the mast close to level.
11. When the mast is close to being level, secure the third leg.
12. Fine tune the mast level by sliding the U-bolts slightly up or down. Tighten all three leg tri-
clamps using a 1/2 inch wrench. Again, verify that the mast is level.
13. After checking level and orientation, tighten all upper and lower mast U-bolts and lock nuts.
14. Orient the lower mast creases so they face north and south.
15. Tighten the tri-clamp bolts so that the mast is locked into position. Note the lower mast should be
about 8 inches (20 cm) above the ground at this time (assuming that if you are using the wind
sensor, you want it to end up at 3 meters or almost 10 feet).

Onset Computer Corp.
14 HOBO Station Tri-pod Setup Guide
Task 2: Install Grounding Kit
This section explains how to install the grounding rod from the Grounding Kit (Part # M-GKA) and
attach it to the lower mast of either the 2 meter and 3 meter tripods.
1. Attach the ground wire to the lower mast of the tripod using the U-bolt assembly delivered with
the grounding kit.
2. Slide the ground rod clamp over the ground rod prior to driving it into the ground. This allows
you to work with the clamp before the top of the rod is damaged from impact.
3. Using a sledgehammer, drive the ground rod into the ground as close as possible to the lower
mast of the tripod.
4. Attach the ground wire to the ground rod. Cut off excess cable length and discard or recycle.
5. Tighten the clamp bolt.
Figure 10: Ground wire attachment

Onset Computer Corp.
HOBO Station Tri-pod Setup Guide 15
Task 3: Temporarily Install Upper Mast (Optional)
This section explains how to temporarily attach the upper mast to the tripod base. This allows you to
easily work on the upper mast while it is resting on the base of the tripod.
Note: If you prefer to permanently install the upper mast at this point because you will be able to reach
the fully assembled tower, go to Task 5 and then return to Task 4. Otherwise, follow these temporary
steps and then permanently attach the upper mast later.
1. If you will be using the Guy Wire Kit (Part # M-GWA), install the guy wire upper mast clamp
about two-thirds up the upper mast. Tighten the clamp by hand to temporarily hold it in place.
You will need to adjust it later.
2. Stand the upper mast upright and tie a cable tie to one leg brace and one leg of the tripod using
the cable ties supplied. Remove the cable ties after the cross arm and sensors are installed.
Figure 11: Upper mast (temporary)

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16 HOBO Station Tri-pod Setup Guide
Task 4: Mount Cross Arm (Optional)
Onset recommends that you use the cross arm to mount the Wind Speed or Wind Speed/Direction sensor
because it keeps this sensor away from other sensors that could cause wind turbulence or wind shadows.
It is also the best way to ensure the sensor is vertical.
Steps
1. Attach the cross arm to the upper mast using the two 1/4-20 x 2-3/4 inch hex head bolts. Mount
the cross arm on the side opposite the dimple (at the bottom of the upper mast) with the word
“TOP” on the upper surface of the cross arm.
2. Pass the two bolts with flat washers on them through the two holes on the cross arm and through
the two holes at the top of the upper mast. Install a nylock nut on each bolt. Do not securely
tighten the bolts yet.
3. Install the mast plug into the upper mast top with the slot facing down and going over the two
bolts. Note: After the mast plug is installed, it should be flush with the top of the mast.
4. Tighten the two nuts equally.
Figure 12: Half cross arm (setup is same for full cross arm)
For directions on mounting the Wind Speed sensor to the cross arm, see the sensor manual.