1. Instructions for the installation of HiSPARC detectors
- Skibox ‘Jetbag Apollo 700’ (2325 x 690 x 400) see: www.hapro.nl, www.jetbag.com
The HiSPARC detectors are kept in ski boxes which, used under normal conditions meet the requirements for application even under extreme weather conditions. The boxes obtain their guaranteed stability by securing them via their standard mounting connections (4 brackets) and properly closing the boxes (hinges and 3-point locking mechanism) and lock (key + lock). To ensure that the boxes remain secured on the roof even under extreme weather conditions, a robust ‘anchoring’ method has been developed. This anchoring method avoids modifications to the roof itself. Although the total weight (and therefore the load on the roof) increases, a good spread of the weight ensures that the load increase remains within limits (less than 50 kg/m2).
Before the ski boxes with their detectors are placed on the roof several electrical tests have to be completed. The full documentation of the setup has to be made available, both on paper and at the local (high-school/institute) website. This is the responsibility of the students taking part in the construction and installation of the detectors. With the help of this documentation the individual measurements from each scintillator, photo multiplier tube (PMT) and readout electronics can be combined. This information is essential for the signal analyses and interpretation of the measurements on the cosmic radiation!
Before the ski boxes are installed, it is recommended to step through the list below and to check each item:
• Each detector has a label with the detector station identification number. This unique number will also be used in the analysis software and is listed on the status page of the cluster the station belongs to on the HiSPARC website and in the logbook of the detector. This number also links to the serial number of the PMT.
• To prevent damage to the PMT during transportation, make sure that the detector arrangement in the ski box is such that the PMT is always at the higher end of the ski box (same side as where the cable entry in the bottom of the box is located).
• Each detector has passed a full electrical test and has been documented (the report is included in the logbook and published at the website of the high-school/institute; a copy is submitted to the coordinating institute).
• Each detector has been calibrated (documentation: in the logbook, copy at school/institute and website, and coordinating institute!).
• 1 signal cable (coax) and 1 power cable (5-wires) per ski box have been tested and installed (the standard - maximum - length of these cables is 30 meters). The cables have number-tags at both ends. Note that when installing the cables, the power cables are asymmetric; both ends have a different connector (male/female)! The PMT has a ‘male’ connector and has to be connected to the female connector of the power cable.
• The cables in the ‘outside area’ (roof and along the facade) should be preferable assembled in secure and stable (metal/plastic) cable gutters (the power voltage on the PMTs is 12 Volts and accepts only limited load). Avoid short circuits; protect the connectors against mechanical forces, humidity and prevent sharp cable bends!
• The GPS antenna is mounted on a stable tube or at an antenna anchor in the direct vicinity of the detector station, so that the antenna has an as large as possible view on the sky. After proper installation, 5 satellites (at least) or more should be observed simultaneously.
• The GPS antenna is mounted on a tube/anchor while the antenna has a screw-threat underneath that matches a ¾ ‘’ gas fitting or the supplied plastic antenna stand.
• The GPS antenna cable has been preferably mounted in a stable cable gutter (also this cable has a length of 30 meters and should not, without taking special precautions, be modified). The cable is symmetric; on both ends it has the same connectors, while it should not lay/hang loose, especially not along a mast (use cable ties)!
• Special precautions should be obeyed with respect to the roof protection against lightning.