Installation and Procedures Manual. Automatic

Danced

Management of Matiau Basin Conservation Area Sabah, Malaysia

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE REPORT No. 24

Installation and Procedures Manual Automatic Weather Stations

May 2001

Author: Dr. Tony Greer Ornis Consult Ltd., Vesterbrogade 140,2 OK 1620 Copenhagen V, Denmark Phone: + 45 33318464 Fax: + 4533247599 E-mail: tony_greer @hotmail.com Managementof the Malian Basin Conservation Area

Automatic Weather Stations

May ZOO1 Managementof the Maliau Basin Conservation Area Installation and ProceduresManual Automatic Weather Stations Draft

May 2001

Pr~ manual A WS

Issue no. 1 Date of issue May 2001

Prepared Nolhaidab,Tony Greer Checked HansSkotte Moller

Approved WaidiSintm Procedures manual -A WS 1

Table of Contents

1 Maliau Basin Conservation Area -Installation of Automatic Weather Stations 3 1.1 Initial project objective 3 1.2 Siting information -MBCA 6 1.3 Equipmentpurchased 8

2 Weather station and sensors-maintenance 9 2. Generalmaintenance 9

2..2.3 1 week 9 2 1 month 9

2 .4 6 months 10

2.5 1 year 10

2 .6 2 years 10

3 Datalogger (CRIOX) Maintenance 11

3.1 Protection from the environment 11

3.2 CRlOX housing 11

3.3 Power Requirements 11

3.4 The PSl2LA Lead Acid Battery 12

3.5 Grounding -protection from lightening 13

4 Contact address for inquiries, maintenance and repairs 15

5 Data storageand retrieval 16

6 Data Processing and Storage 17 6.1 Schedule 17 6.2 Equipment checklist for data collection using a PC. 17 6.3 Data storageprocedure 22 6.4 Data processingprocedure Error! Bookmark not defmed.

.1 ~ manual-A WS 2

7 Future research 23 7.1 Collaboration with JabatanCajicuaca 23 7.2 Future research 23 ~ manual-A WS 3

1 ~~aliau Basin Conservation Area -Installation of Automatic Weather Stations

1.1 IJllitial project objective To advise and assist with the installation and operation of climatic stations at the Studies:Centre and elsewherein the Basin.

1.1.1 Inltroduction

With referl~ce to the above initial objective, the project documentproposed the purchaseand installation of three automatic weather stations for the Maliau Ba~ sin ConservationArea (MBCA). At the initial planning stage, considerableat- tention hw; to be given to the actual geographicalpositioning of the stations. Positionin~:can be influenced by a number of factors, for example, (i) geo- graphical i.e. to provide good spatial coverage,or (ii) by habitat, i.e. to be positioned wiftlin specific habitatsto determineclimatic differences,if any.

Although ,climatic variables will have some control over vegetationtype and structure vvithinthe MBCA, it is probable that soil type and associatednutrient status, alOJtlgsideother geomorphologicalfactors, exert a far greater influence. Also takilJlginto considerationthat an associated output of the project is to monitor hydrological processesand ultimately the water budget of the basin, it was decidl~dto compromiseas far as possible between spatial and habitat coverage.Ho'~ever, the actual sitting of stationswas further limited by site access, i. e. the abiilityto transportthe equipmentand constructionmaterials to th~ site.

The finall.ocations do provide good overall spatial coverage(Figure 1). This is particularl:y important for monitoring the spatial distribution of rainfafl, which given the topographyof the basin, could Vaty significantly.

However, an area that remains unstudied and may warrant further investigation or the sitit.1gof an additional station, is the kerangas forest along the rim, particularly nearby Gunong Lutong. These areas may be of interestbecause of the additional height (possibly in excessof 2,000 m) and becausethe veg~tationis frequently shrouded in cloud. Becauseof this exposureto horizontal precipitation, the forest can probablybe classifiedas cloud forest.

~~ manual-A WS 5

Station! Lowland for- 273m N 04u43' 67:5" CampBelian est E 116056' 19.2"

Station2 Karangas -1000 m N 04v43' 51. 9" Cameltrophy E 116053' 08. 9"

Station3 Karangas -1220 m N 04u 52' 05. 4" StrikeRidge El16° 52' 55. 8"

1.1.2 Installation -overview In order to obtain accurateand representativemeteorological data the selection of appropriate monitoring sites is critical. A location is required that is clear from obstructions such as trees, which may affect wind, rain and solar radiation measurementsand in general the site should be representativeof the area of interest.

Weather station siting Wind, air temperature,and water vapor pressuremeasurements are affected by surfacetype and roughness,soil moisture,regional topography, and obstructions.

Sites selectedfor their applicability to a broaderarea should be free from ob- structionssuch as buildings, trees, and steepslopes. Towers are often used to raise measurementheights above low-lying obstructions.

SuggestedMeasurement Heights and Exposure

As far as possiblethe following criteria should also be considered:

Wind sensors should be located over open level terrain and at a dis~ce of at least 10 times the heightof nearbytrees or other obstructions.

Temperature and relative humidity sensors should be located over an open and level area at least 9m in diameter. Ideally the surface should be CQveredby short vegetation.Sensors should be located at a distanceof at least fQUf times the height of any nearby obstruction. Sensorsshould be protected frOn} thermal radiation and adequatelyventilated. Situations to avoid include: ste~ slopes, shelteredhollows, high vegetation,shaded areas, swamps and low pl~es hold- ing standingwater after rains.

Precipitation -a rain gaugeshould be situated above level ground th,t is cov- ered with short vegetation.The distanceto obstructionsshould be 2-4 times the ~ manual-A WS 6

height of the obstruction. The height of the gauge opening should be as low as possiblebut shouldbe high enoughto avoid splashfrom the ground.

Solar radiation -pyranometers should be located to avoid shadows on the sensor at any time. In the northern hemisphere,mounting the sensor on the southernmost portion of the weatherstation will minimize the chanceof shad- ing from other weather station structures. Reflective surfaces and sources of artificial radiation should also be avoided. The sky should not be blocked by anysurrounding objects <100 above the horizontal plane.

Further references

TheState Climatologist (1985) Publicationof the American Associationof StateClima- tologists: Heightsand ExposureStandards for Sensorson AutomatedWeather Stations, v. 9, No.4 October,1985. EPA (1987). On-SiteMeteo{ological Program Guidance for RegulatoryModeling Applica- tions, EPA-450/4-87-O13.Office of Air Quality Planningand Standards,Research Triangle Parks,North Carolina 27711. WMO (1983). Guideto MeteorologicalInstruments and Methods of Observation.World MeteorologicalOrganization No.8, 5th edition, GenevaSwitzerland. Tanner, BertrandD. (1990). AutomatedWeather Stations, Remote Sensing Reviews, 1990, Vol. 5 (1), p.73.98.

1.2 Siting information -MBCA

Variations from the above should be taken into considerationwhen interpreting the results. Specific infonnation on the MBCA weather station localities is as follows:

1.2.1 Weather Station 1 -Camp Bellan Habitat: Lowland dipterocarpforest Location: N 04043' 07.5" E 116056' 19.2" Height: 272.91m

The siting of the station was limited to the few existing clearings.Extending the searchbeyond the existing potential sites would require the felling of ~ consid- erable number of trees. As such, a compromisehad to be made bety.reenthe suitability of the site and the environmentalconsequences and impact pf devel- oping a new site.

Factors which could have some affect on some readings at the Camp Belian location include early morning and late evening shadow from trees which re- main present on the horizons. This could affect pyranometerreadings, particularly in the late afternoon. ~IT~ manual -A WS 7

To some extent the site, a small clearing caused by logging activity, remains quite shelteredfrom some wind gusts. Gusts were observedto shakethe nearby forest canopy quite strongly while the anemometersometimes remained mo- tionless.

Nearby to the station there is an area of ponded water, the presenceof which could elevate humidity. Preliminary results suggest that this is not the case, however,this should still be borne in mind.

Due to the station location, outside of the basin and within the lowland diptero- calp forest and becauseof the clear evidenceof frequent visits from elephants, the weather station therefore required some form of additional protection to prevent damage. A small ditch was constructedaround the station to dissuade elephantsand other large mammals.

1.2.2 Weather Station 2 -near Camel Trophy But

The Camel Trophy location is also affected by the presenceof nearbytrees. The trees will in part have an affect on the amount of solar energybeing monitored (pyranometer),particularly at the beginning and end of the day. Again, the site was consideredthe best possible location with regard to obstructions without excessive forest clearance. The obstructionsmay also have an impact on rainfall but given the high intensity nature of tropical rainfall this effect is likely to be much reduced.

Habitat: Heath forest platauexon white sandysoil. Location: N 04043' 51.9" E 116053' 08. 9" Height: 1000m (approx.).

1.2.3 Weather Station 3 -Strike Ridge As with the other two locations, edge effects of the nearby canopyh~ve to be taken into consideration.However, this site is more exposed, being locatedI on the end of a ridge. It was observedthat wind speedsrecorded by the ~enome- ter were more typical of thoseexperienced above the nearbycanopy.

Habitat: Heath forest on an exposedpoint at the end of a ridge Location: N 04052' 05. 4" El16° 52' 55. 8" Height: 1220 m (approx.). ~ rnanual-A WS 8

1.3 Equipment purchased

3 Rain gaugeCS 700-5L 200 mm rain gauge 3 Temperatureand relative humidity CS 500 5L 3 Radiationshield and adapter 3 Solar radiation L1200S 5L 3 034-5L Met one wind sets 3 Base and levelling fixture 3 Power supply 3 EnclosureENC 12/14 3 Solar panel 10 watt 3 UTI0 Tower lOft with all required attachments 3 Data logger CR lOX 1M with CR 10KD key- 1 pad 1 PC 208W software SC32A cables

1.3.1 Supplier

IntegratedEquipment & InstrumentationSdn Bhd 67A J1nPIS 11/9 Bandar Sunway 46150 PetalingJaya Selangor E-mail [email protected] Tel. 56322940 Attn: R SeevaratnamHIP 019 3390549

Equipment delivered June 2000 Proceduresmanual- A WS 9

2 Weather station and sensors -maintenance Specific technical details on the tower, enclosure, dataloggerand each sensor- are provided in the accompanyingapplication notes

The recommendedtime intervals for maintenanceis outlined below, however, given the remote location of the stations at Strike Ridge and Camel Trophy, some compromisehas to made between the frequency of site visits and logisti- cal constraints.

2.1 General maintenance Periodic cleaningof the glass on the solar panel to prevent the build up of algae and other deposits.

Check sensorleads and cablesfor cracking, deteriorationand strain relief

Check CRlOX housing for cracking and deterioration-check housing 900r seal particularly for damageby ants.

Checkthe tower for structural damage,proper alignmentand for level/plumb Note: due to manufacturingfaults the towers are not true in the perpendicular plane, however, checks for further or obvious problems with the tower should continueto be made.

Clear or cutback vegetationthat may have the potential to interfere with the instrumentationand maintain/repairelephant ditch at CampBelian Site.

2.2 1 week Check the pyranoroeter for level and contamination. Gently clean if needed. Be aware of mold growth. Visually inspect the wind sensors and radiation shield.

2.3 1 month Check the rain gauge funnel for debris and level Visual inspection of anemometer at low wind speeds ~ manual-A WS 10

Checkthe filter of the temperature/humiditysensor for contamination

2.4 6 months

Clean the ternperature/hurnidity sensor Clean the Gill radiation shield

2.5 1 year Replace anemometer bearings Calibrate the rain gauge Calibrate the temperature/RH probe

2.6 2 years Calibratethe solar radiationsensors (refer to manufacturer). Calibratethe temperaturesensor (refer to manufacturer). Replace the wind vane potentiometerand bearings (refer to manufacturer). Replacesensor cables as required.

.. ProImures manual -A WS 11

3 Datalogger (CRIOX) Maintenance

3.1 Protection from the environment The normal environmentalvariables of concern are temperature and moisture. The CRIOX is designed to operate reliably from -25°C to + 50°C. Internal moisture is eliminated by sealingthe module at the factory with a packet of silica gel inside. The desiccantis replaced wheneverthe CRIOX is repaired at Campbell Scientific. Otherwise the module should not be opened exceptto replace the lithium coil cell providing back up power to the clock and SRAM. Extra desiccantshould also be placed in the enclosureto prevent corrosion on the wiring panelterminals and CRIOX wiring panelconnections.

3.2 CRt OX housing The Campbell Scientific enclosureENC 12/14 (NEMA 4X) for the CRI0X and peripheralsis classified as water tight, dust tight and corrosion resistant. How- ever, in April 2001 the seal for the enclosureat weather station1 -Camp Belian -was already degradeddue to ant activity and requires replacing.There are also some signs of cracking in the enclosure, probably the result of the prolonged exposureto the sun, and this will require monitoring in the future.

Each time the enclosureis opened the silica gel requires replacing. The silica gel bags can be repeatedlyused by drying the gel in an oven for 24 hours at 105 degreesor \U1tilthe blue colour is restored (if visible -depending on silica gel pack). Once dried the silica gel should be sealed in an air-tight zip loct<:bag for transportto the enclosure.

As far as possible opening of the enclosure for data collection or qtherwise should be restricted to dry days and the drier parts of the day i.e. between lOam and 4pm.

3.3 Power Requirements The CRI0X operatesat a nominal 12 VDC. Below 9.6 or above 18 volts the CRIOX doesnot operateproperly.

The CRlOX is diode protected against accidentalreversal of the posjtive and ground leads from the battery. Prolonged input voltages in excessof 1 ~ V may Procedur~ manual -A WS 12

damagethe CRIOX and/or power supply. A transzorbprovides transientprotec- tion by limiting the voltage to approximately20 V.

The CRlOX power supply includes a rechargeablePSl2LA lead acid supply and a temperaturecompensated charging circuit with a chargeindicating diode. A solar panel should be connectedto the PSl2LA at all times. The charging sourcepowers the CRlOX while float chargingthe lead acid battery which supplies power during times of low charge.

The two leads from the charging source can be inserted into either of the CHG ports; polarity doesnot matter.

The red light on the PS12LA is on when a charging source is connectedto the PSl2LA CHG ports. The switch turns power on and off to the 12 V ports, battery chargingstill occurs when the switch is off.

The external port labelled EXT, is not meant to be used with the PS12LA unless the internal battery is removed. The primary power source is the charging source and the secondary power source is the internal lead acid battery. Connectinga lead acid battery to the external source is the same as cOnnecting two lead acid batteries in parallel, causing one battery to drop voltage and the other to raisevoltage.

The power supply should be monitored (data channell in the data logger). If the systemvoltage level consistentlydecreases through time, some element(s ) of the charging systemhas failed

3.4 The PS12LA Lead Acid Battery Battery type Yuasa NA 7-12 Float life @ 25°C 5 yearstypical Capacity 7.0 amp-hour Shelflife @ full charge Checktwice yearly Chargetime (AC source) 40 hr full charge,29 hr 95% charge. Procedu~ manual- AWS 13

There are inherenthazards associated with the use of sealedlead acid batteries. Under nonnal operation,lead acid batteries generatea small amount of hydro- gen gas. This gaseousby-product is generally insignificant becausethe hydro- gen dissipates naturally before build up to an explosive level (4%) occurs. However, if the batteries are shorted or overchargingtakes place, hydrogengas may be generatedat a rate sufficientto createa hazard.

3.5 Grounding -protection from lightening Primary lightening strikes are those where lightening hits the dataloggeror sensors directly. Secondary strikes occur when the lightning strikes somewhere near the system and induces a voltage in the wires. The purpose of an earth ground is to minimise damageto the systemby providing a low resistancepath around the systemto a point of low potential. All componentsof the systeme.g. datalogger,sensors, external power supplies, mounts, housing, should be refer- encedto one commonearth ground.

The transient protection designed into the Campbell Scientific equipment is meaninglessif a good earth ground is not provided. In the field, an earth ground may be createdthrough a groundingrod.

3.5.1 Power supply maintenance

The CRIOX wiring panel and power supply require a minimum of routine maintenance.

When not in use, the PS 12LA should be stored in a cool, dry environmentwith the AC chargingcircuit activated.

3.5.2 Desiccant The CRlOX module is sealedand containsdesiccant to reduce humidity. When it is necessaryto open the CRt OX module to replace the lithium battery (see below), the internal desiccantshould be replaced with a fresh pack. The wiring panel and the connectionsbetween the wiring panel and the CRt OX are still susceptibleto humidity. To prevent corrosion at these points, additional desic. cant must be placedinside the enclosure.

3.5.3 Replacing the internal battery The CRt OX module containsa lithium coin cell battery that operatesthe clock and SRAM when the CRt OX is not connectedto an external power source.The CRt OX module does not draw any power from the lithium battery while it is powered externally. In a CRt OX stored at room temperature,the lithium battery should last approximately 4 years (less at temperature extremes). Where the CRt OXis powered most of the time the lithium cell should last much longer.

While powered from an external source, the CRIOX measuresthe voltage of the lithium battery daily. When using a CRIOKD keypad, voltage is Qisplayed Procedur~ manual -A WS 14

in the *B Mode window 8. A new battery will have approximately3 volts. The battery should be replaced when the voltage drops below 2.4 volts. If the lithium cell is removed or allowed to discharge below the safe level, the CRt OX will still operate correctly while powered. Without the lithium battery, the clock will resetand data will be lost when power is removed.

A replacementlithium battery can be purchased from Campbell Scientific or from an electronicsstore/supplier. The specificationsare listed below.

3.5.4 CRt OX Lithium battery specifications Module CR2430 Capacity 270 mAhr Self dischargerate 1% of capacity/yr Diameter 24.5 mm Thickness 3.0 mm Temperaturerange Operating -20 to 60 °C Storage -40 to 60 °C

The CR10X module must be disassembledto replace the lithium cell. Discon- nect the power and remove the module from the wiring panel. (see page 14-10 of the CR10X operator'smanual). Proced1Jr~manual- A WS 15

4 Contact address for inquiries, maintenance and repairs

Campbell Scientific Australia

PO Box 444 Thuringowa Central QLD4817 AUSTRALIA p: 61.7.4772.0444 f: 61.7.4772.0555 e: info(i]).camDbellsci.com.au www.camobellsci.com.au

*Supportsour equipmentin Australia, Fiji, Indonesia,Malaysia, Papua New Guinea,Philippines, Singapore,Thailand, Vietnam Campbell Scientific USA Homepage USA http://www.camobellsci.com You can ask generalquestions by selectingAsk Your Questionfrom the Suppoq pulldown menu at the top of each web page. Alternately, you can contact them by phone (435-753-2342),fax (435-750-9540),or email ([email protected]) Pr~ manual -A WS 16

5 Data storage and retrieval Data acquisition and processing functions are controlled by user-enteredin- structions contained in program tables -each having its own user-enteredexe- cution interval.

The CRIOX must be programmed before it will make any measurements.A program consistsof a group of instructions entered into a program table. The program table is given an execution interval which determineshow frequently the table is executed.When the table is executedthe instructions are executed in sequencefrom beginning to end. After executingthe table the CRIOX waits the remainderof the executioninterval and then executesthe table again start- ing at the beginning.

The interval at which the table is executed generally determmesthe interval at which the sensorsare measured.The interval at which data are stored is sepa- rate from how often the table is executedand may range from sampling every execution interval to processedsummaries output hourly, daily, or longer or irregular intervals.

5.1.1 Sampling periods and data storage The execution period for the MBCA weather stationsis 10 secondswhile the processed output summary period is 1 hour i.e. the sensors sample 6 times every minute and 360 times per hour. The 360 measurementsare stored tempo- rarily in the Intermediate Storagearea of the dataloggerand further ~rocessed to output Ihour summaries.The processeddata is then stored in the Final Stor- ageArea of the datalogger.

Within the datalogger SRAM the default number of locations for 1i1eFinal StorageArea is 62,280 locations or 124,560bytes. Given the estimateqnumber of Final Storage Locations required per day is 456, this means that ~e Final Storage area will be near to full, depending upon data resolution, after 136 days. Therefore a minimum visiting and data retrieval period is once every 4 months.

The proposedmonitoring scheduleis shownin Annex A. Procedurt5 manual -A WS 17

6 Data Processing and Storage

6.1 Schedule CampBelian -minimum 1 month Camel trophy minimum 3 months Strike Ridge minimum 3 months 6.2 Equipment checklist for data collection using a PC. Laptop installed with PC208W3.la (check that the correct communication port is assigned and working). Padlock key for weather box enclosure SC 32A isolated RS232 interface Communication cable 25 pin to 9 pin (from PC to SC 32A) SC12 communication cable (blue) CRIO Keypad Allen key for rain gauge Small toolkit including screwdriver fusulating tape Cloth for cleaning solar panel and pyranometer.

...... Pr~ur~ manual-A WS 18

SC32A Optically Isolated RS-232Interface

Connectsyour PC to a dataloggerat your deskor in the field

Convertsthe logic levels of your PC to those understoodby the CR7, 21X, CRIO(X), and CR510 dataloggers

Built into the CR23X

SupportsRS-232 cable lengths up to 50 feet

CRIO Keypad

6.2.2 Equipment checklist for data collection using a StorageModule (SM4M).

SM4M storagemodule Padlockkey for weatherbox enclosure SC 32A isolatedRS232 interface SC12 commwricationcable (blue) CRIO Keypad Allen key for rain gauge fusulatingtape Small toolkit including screwdriver Cloth for cleaningsolar panel and pyranometer

...... ~~ manual -A WS 19

6.2.3 Data transfer procedure using a PC Connect the one end of the SC12 to dataloggercomms port and the other end to the SC32A dataloggerport. Connect the 25 pin end of the computer communicationscable to the tem1inal port of the SC32A and the 9 pin end to the serial port of the PC Start the PC208W3.1a dataloggersupport software and open the 'connect' page From the 'Stationlists' selectthe correct station Selectthe 'Connect'button Select 'Numeric' from the Data display options. This allows the display of current readings and these should be checked to ensure that they are in order. From the Manual Data Collection options Checkthe 'Prompt for datafile name' box Select either the 'collect' or 'collect alI' button depending upon requirements From the dataloggeroptions select browse and select a directory and filename Repeatthe selectionof the 'collect' or 'collect all' option. Once the data has been transfered disconnectfrom the dataloggerand select'close session',

6.2.4 Data transfer unit Data transfer to a peripheral device can be manually initiated in the *8 mode. This process requires that the user have access to the CRIOX through a terminal or the CRIOKD. The *8 mode allows the user to retrieve a specific block of data on demand. regardless of whether or not the CRIOX is programmed for on-line data output.

Connect one of the SC12 female connections to the SM4M and the other female connection to the CRIOKD. Connect the remaining SC12 connection to the datalogger. Using the CRIOKD manually initiate data collection in the *8 ~ode Procedur~ manual -A WS 20

I Keys in oulput deviw optioos. The first 2 is the codeto transferdata as commaSq>a- rated ASCII. The sec(Xld2 is the 9600 baud rate. Other optioos can be found on the I CRIOXprompt shea.

Start of dumplocation. Initially the SPTR or PPTRlocation; a differart locationmay be keyedin if dttiired End of dumplocation. Initially the DSPlocatioo; a differart locationmay be keyed in if desinxl. Readyto dump. To initiate dump, key in any numberthlSl A While dumping'04' will be displayedin the ID field and the location number in the data field The location numberwill ~ ina"emaltingwhm the dump is complae. Any key abortstransmis- sioo after the compld.ioo of the wrralt data bllxi:. -.0 I To exit all starmodes and begin lollJl;in2-

Data are stored in Final Storagebefore being transmitted to an external device. There are 4 pointers for eachFinal StorageArea which are used to keep track of datatransmission. These pointers are: 1. Display Pointer (DPTR) 2. Printer Pointer(pPTR) 3. TelecommWlications(Modem) Pointer (MPTR) 4. StorageModule Pointer (SPTR)

The PPTR is used to control data transmissionto a printer or other serial de. vice. Wheneveron-line printer transfer is activated, databetween the PPTR and DSP are transmitted. The PPTR may also be positioned via the keyboard for manuallyinitiated data transmission(*8 Mode).

The SPTR is used to control data transmissionto a StorageModule. When on- line transfer is activated, data is transmitted eachtime an output is stored in Fi- nal Storage if the storage module is connectedto the CRlOX. If the Storage Module is not connected,the CRlOX does not transmit data nor does it advance to the new DSP location. It saves data until the StorageModule is connected. The during the next data collection instruction the CRlOX outputs all of the databetween the SPTR and DSP an updatesthe SPTR to the DSP location. The PPTR may also be positioned via the keyboard for manually initiated data transmission(*8 Mode).

6.2.5 SM4M Power-up Status Indication

When power is applied to the storage module by plugging it into a datalogger or SC532,the red 'Status'LED will flash to indicatethe statusof the module Pr~ures manual -A WS 21

After connectionthere will be a short delay when neither LED is illuminated. The length of the delay is variable and is partly detennined by the addressof the module. This delay avoids excessivepower consumptionduring power up. For a singlemodule at address1 the initial delay will be up to 2 seconds.

The first flash after the delay will last from 1-2 seconds,depending on the last use of the module. Further flashes follow with a 0.5 secondoff and 0.5 second on spacmg.

The total nwnber of flashesindicates the statusof the module as follows:

Module OK 1 flash Module operatingsystem corrupted 2 flashes OK and program area full 3 flashes Flash memorycorrupted 4 flashes Storagemodule overwritting oldest data 5 flashes Storagemodule full 7 flashes Previousoperating system load failed 10 flashes

If the module is connectedto a dataloggerwhich has data to send the green 'write' LED may start to flash shortly after the end of the 'status' flash. as the module becomesavailable to receive dataand store it.

The module will only receive data if the status is OK, or OK and program area is full. For any of the other status conditions the module will not accept any further data until the fault has been corrected.

6.2.6 Data retrieval from the SM4M

The SC532 peripheral enables communicationbetween a computer and the storagemodule. The SC532 can function with any computer that has a RS232 port.

A standard25-pin ribbon cable e.g. Campbell Scientific SC25, links fue SC532 to the computer's9-pin serial port. The SC12-9 pin ribbon cable links the storagemodule to the SC532

The SC532 requires 12 VDC (nominal), which is usually provided by plugging the AC/DC adaptor unit into a standardpower outlet. The use of batterYpower is alsopossible. SMS Storage Module Software, which is part of the PC208W 3.1a software package,is a Windows based program, which provides a means of communi- cating with the SM4M. For the most rapid datatransfer, use of a PC c~able of supporting datatransfer at 115,200baud in a Windows environment. ' ~es manual -A WS 22

6.3 Data storage procedure

To facilitate data storageprocedures, as of March 2002, two data storagemodule are available for each station. Data can therefore be coIlected by means of coIlecting the DSM and replacingthe module with the empty DSM. This procedure has the added advantagethat non-technicalpersons can colIect the data by means of switching the storage modules. Data is then transferred from the DSM at a site where a computeris available. Procedures manual -A WS 23

7 Future research

7.1 Collaboration with Jabatan Cajicuaca At some later date the network of meteorological measurementwill be ex- tended by two StevensonsScreens with instrumentationprovided by Jabatan Cajicucau. As such installations rely upon daily manual readings and measurements taken by trained staff, installation of the screens will have to wait for such a time. A data sharing and reporting protocol will then need to be established. The present arrangementas established at Danum Valley, of monthly reporting would appear to work well and should probably be followed. This will extend the spatial coverageoutside the Basin but remaining within the conservation area. Data from nearby relevant stations such as Luasong Forestry Centreare currentlybeing incorporatedinto the MBCA database

7.2 Future research To provide data for hydroligcal analysis i.e., the water balance method for hydrological input-output analysis. The fundamental procedure here is to calculate the precipitation input over the catchment area and measure the amount of water leaving the catchment. The long term deficit can be attributed to evapotranspiration loss. Given the rela- tively unique closed nature of the Maliau Basin catchment, this will provide a rare opportunity to determine with a good degre~ of cer- tainty, the water balance for the catchment. However, given the range of altitudes and vegetation types within the catchment, losses will be general and not attributable to anyone vegetation and bedrock we.

To provide baseline data for ongoing and future ecological research programmes.

To provide comparative data for longer term climate studies. Due to the isolated nature of the MBCA, data will be useful for longer-term climate studies. The database may provide some reference for the impacts of land use change as well as other anthropological induced climatic impacts.