A weather station mast built from readily available parts. The mast itself is the same whether installed in soil or on rock — the anchoring is adapted to the site.
See how we prepare the tubes, attach the node and install the sensor. The photographs show details from our own setup.
01 / In the workshop
Prepare the mast.
The mast tube and aluminium tube are common to both installation methods. Prepare the holes you need before taking the mast to the site.
Position the mast tube with the narrow end down and the wide end up.
3D-print the adapter between the mast tube and aluminium tube according to the drawing.
Fit the aluminium tube into the top of the mast tube. The 25 mm aluminium tube fits the weather sensor.
If using guy ropes or wires, 3D-print the drilling jig and drill holes for the attachment points on the mast. This is required for rock installation but optional when using a ground anchor.
The recommended setup is to attach the Solar Node to the mast with two pipe clamps. You can also use a homemade nRF/LoRa node with battery and/or solar power, or position the node elsewhere. The sensor has a range of approximately 30 metres to the node.
For rock installation, drill a hole for the bracket at the bottom of the mast.
Consider painting the mast matt black before installation. This prevents the shiny surface from reflecting sunlight and makes the mast less conspicuous in the landscape.
The setup refers to an adapter and drilling jig, but their STL files are not yet available to download here.
Solar Node attached with pipe clamps. The holes in the mast are for guy attachment points. Select the image for a larger view.
02 / At the site
Same mast. Different anchoring.
Choose the method that suits the ground conditions. The rock version uses guy wires. For installation in soil, assess the need for guy ropes based on location and stability.
Installation in soil
Drive the ground anchor into the soil.
Bolt the mast to the ground anchor once the anchor is in place.
If using guy ropes, drive three pegs into the ground, evenly spaced at 120-degree intervals around the mast.
Attach guy ropes between the attachment points on the mast and the pegs in the ground.
Installation on rock
Drill a hole for the expansion bolt where the mast will stand.
Secure the mast with the angle bracket and through-bolt.
Drill holes for three expansion bolts, evenly spaced at 120-degree intervals around the mast.
Install the expansion bolts with eye nuts.
Fit wire ropes with clamps between the attachment points on the mast and the ground or rock anchors.
The third wire can be tensioned temporarily with a ratchet strap until the wire rope clamp is secured.
Lower rock mounting: the bracket is secured with an expansion bolt. Drill the bottom of the mast tube and attach it to the bracket with a through-bolt and nut.Rock guy anchor: an eye nut on an expansion bolt, with wire rope and clamp. This mast setup uses three of these anchors.
03 / Final checks
Install the sensor and check the readings.
After installing the mast, attach the sensor at the top. The cable should extend down into the tube.
Align the sensor so its north reference points north. On this sensor, the battery cover with the shiny screw should face north. Use a compass for accurate alignment.
Tighten the sensor mounting once it is correctly aligned.
Check that the mast and its attachments are secure and that fresh measurements appear on the correct station page. Check the wind direction after aligning the sensor, and plan inspections and maintenance.
Parts and accessories
Parts used in this setup.
Start with the common parts and add anchoring and guy ropes or wires for your site. Quantities refer to individual parts, except pipe clamps and guy ropes, which are listed in packs. Wire rope is listed in metres; adjust its length to suit the site.
Common mast parts
Mast tube, upper tube and one set of two pipe clamps for the Solar Node.
Also add the guy attachment points on the mast, an angle bracket and a through-bolt with nut. See the items requiring clarification below.
Guy attachment points on the mast
Required whenever the mast uses guy ropes or wires, whether installed in soil or on rock. These are optional for the ground-anchor version, which can also be used without guy ropes.
Bakvind