Please note that this manual was originally produced by Campbell Scientific Inc. (CSI) primarily
for the US market. Some spellings, weights and measures may reflect this origin.
Some useful conversion factors:
Area:1 in
2
(square inch) = 645 mm
2
Length:1 in. (inch) = 25.4 mm
1 ft (foot) = 304.8 mm
1 yard = 0.914 m
1 mile = 1.609 km
In addition, part ordering numbers may vary. For example, the CABLE5CBL is a CSI part
number and known as a FIN5COND at Campbell Scientific Canada (CSC). CSC Technical
Support will be pleased to assist with any questions.
About sensor wiring
Please note that certain sensor configurations may require a user supplied jumper wire. It is
recommended to review the sensor configuration requirements for your application and supply the jumper
wire is necessary.
Precautions
DANGER — MANY HAZARDS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH INSTALLING, USING, MAINTAINING, AND WORKING ON OR AROUND
TRIPODS, TOWERS, AND ANY ATTACHMENTS TO TRIPODS AND TOWERS SUCH AS SENSORS, CROSSARMS, ENCLOSURES,
ANTENNAS, ETC. FAILURE TO PROPERLY AND COMPLETELY ASSEMBLE, INSTALL, OPERATE, USE, AND MAINTAIN TRIPODS,
TOWERS, AND ATTACHMENTS, AND FAILURE TO HEED WARNINGS, INCREASES THE RISK OF DEATH, ACCIDENT, SERIOUS
INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, AND PRODUCT FAILURE. TAKE ALL REASONABLE PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID THESE HAZARDS.
CHECK WITH YOUR ORGANIZATION'S SAFETY COORDINATOR (OR POLICY) FOR PROCEDURES AND REQUIRED PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT PRIOR TO PERFORMING ANY WORK.
Use tripods, towers, and attachments to tripods and towers only for purposes for which they are designed. Do not exceed design
limits. Be familiar and comply with all instructions provided in product manuals. Manuals are available at www.campbellsci.com or
by telephoning 435-227-9000 (USA). You are responsible for conformance with governing codes and regulations, including safety
regulations, and the integrity and location of structures or land to which towers, tripods, and any attachments are attached. Installation
sites should be evaluated and approved by a qualified engineer. If questions or concerns arise regarding installation, use, or
maintenance of tripods, towers, attachments, or electrical connections, consult with a licensed and qualified engineer or electrician.
General
xPrior to performing site or installation work, obtain required approvals and permits. Comply
with all governing structure-height regulations, such as those of the FAA in the USA.
xUse only qualified personnel for installation, use, and maintenance of tripods and towers, and
any attachments to tripods and towers. The use of licensed and qualified contractors is
highly recommended.
xRead all applicable instructions carefully and understand procedures thoroughly before
beginning work.
xWear a hardhat and eye protection, and take other appropriate safety precautions while
working on or around tripods and towers.
xDo not climb tripods or towers at any time, and prohibit climbing by other persons. Take
reasonable precautions to secure tripod and tower sites from trespassers.
xUse only manufacturer recommended parts, materials, and tools.
Utility and Electrical
xYou can be killed or sustain serious bodily injury if the tripod, tower, or attachments you are
installing, constructing, using, or maintaining, or a tool, stake, or anchor, come in contact withoverhead or underground utility lines.
xMaintain a distance of at least one-and-one-half times structure height, or 20 feet, or the
distance required by applicable law, whichever is greater, between overhead utility lines and
the structure (tripod, tower, attachments, or tools).
xPrior to performing site or installation work, inform all utility companies and have all
underground utilities marked.
xComply with all electrical codes. Electrical equipment and related grounding devices should
be installed by a licensed and qualified electrician.
Elevated Work and Weather
x Exercise extreme caution when performing elevated work.
x Use appropriate equipment and safety practices.
x During installation and maintenance, keep tower and tripod sites clear of un-trained or non-
essential personnel. Take precautions to prevent elevated tools and objects from dropping.
xDo not perform any work in inclement weather, including wind, rain, snow, lightning, etc.
Maintenance
xPeriodically (at least yearly) check for wear and damage, including corrosion, stress cracks,
frayed cables, loose cable clamps, cable tightness, etc. and take necessary corrective actions.
xPeriodically (at least yearly) check electrical ground connections.
WHILE EVERY ATTEMPT IS MADE TO EMBODY THE HIGHEST DEGREE OF SAFETY IN ALL CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC PRODUCTS,
THE CUSTOMER ASSUMES ALL RISK FROM ANY INJURY RESULTING FROM IMPROPER INSTALLATION, USE, OR
MAINTENANCE OF TRIPODS, TOWERS, OR ATTACHMENTS TO TRIPODS AND TOWERS SUCH AS SENSORS, CROSSARMS,
ENCLOSURES, ANTENNAS, ETC.
Table of Contents
PDF viewers: These page numbers refer to the printed version of this document. Use the
PDF reader bookmarks tab for links to specific sections.
6-18. CM235 Magnetic Mounting Stand .................................................... 23
6-19. R.M. Young Gill Radiation Shield .................................................... 24
ii
CM106B Tripod
1. Introduction
The CM106B is a general purpose tripod that can be used for mounting
sensors, solar panels, antennas, and instrument enclosures. FIGURE 1-1 shows
the CM106B being used in a typical weather station configuration.
2. Cautionary Statements
FIGURE 1-1. Typical tripod-based weather station
xREAD AND UNDERSTAND the Precautions section at the front of this
manual.
xWARNING — Ensure structural integrity during setup and weather
extremes to minimize the chance of damaging the tripod or instruments.
Read all instructions carefully. Once the tripod is in full vertical position,
securely fasten it to the ground using ground spikes.
1
CM106B Tripod
xWARNING — For installations where soil structure is questionable or the
tripod may experience high wind loads, concrete footings for the tripod
feet and guy anchors should be considered.
3. Initial Inspection
3.1 Inspect Packaging
Upon receiving the CM106B, inspect the packaging and contents for damage.
Claims for shipping damage must be filed with the shipping company.
Locate the packing slip for the order and compare the items listed on the
packing slip to the items that were actually shipped. Report any discrepancies
to Campbell Scientific.
3.2 Tripod Components
FIGURE 3-1 shows the tripod components. The tripod base is packaged with
the mast, mast extension, ground rod, lightning rod, and (6) stakes. The ground
rod clamp, lightning rod, lightning rod clamp, cable ties, and ground wires are
enclosed in a bag. The optional guy kit is packaged separately.
2
CM106B Tripod
d
d
(12) Cable Ties
Lightning Ro
and Clamp
(6) Stakes
Mast Extension
Mast
Base
Ground Wires
Ground Ro
and Clamp
FIGURE 3-1. Tripod components
3
CM106B Tripod
3.3 Tools List (for tripod, mast, enclosures, and crossarms)
4. Overview
1/2-in. and 7/16-in. open end wrenches
adjustable wrench
Phillips head screw drivers (medium, small)
Straight bit screwdrivers (large, medium)
12-in. torpedo level
side-cut pliers
pencil
tape measure
compass and site declination angle
shovel
sledge hammer (for driving ground rod and stakes)
step ladder
The CM106B (FIGURE 4-1) is constructed from galvanized steel, with
individually adjustable legs that allow installation over uneven terrain.
The CM106B includes lightning and ground rods, ground cables, UV resistant
cable ties, and stakes for securing the tripod feet to the ground. An optional
guy kit is recommended for sites that experience high wind speeds (see Section
5, Specifications). Instrument enclosures can be purchased with mounting
brackets that attach to either the mast or leg section as shown in Section 6.1.7,
Enclosure Attachment.
The CM106B can be used for a variety of applications. For meteorological
stations, sensors are mounted to the tripod using mounting brackets appropriate
for the model of sensor. For non-meteorological applications, the tripod can be
used to mount instrument enclosures, solar panels, junction boxes, or antennas.
FIGURE 4-1. CM106B tripod with lightning rod and guy wires
4
5. Specifications
Mast Height
Upper Mast Retracted: 2.1 m (7 ft) to 2.8 m (9.3 ft)
Upper Mast Extended: 3 m (10 ft) to 3.7 m (12.3 ft)
Vertical Load Limit: 200 kg (440 lb)
Mast Outer Diameter
Main Lower Mast: 48 mm (1.90 in)
Retractable Upper: 44 mm (1.74 in)
Base Diameter: 2.7 m (8.7 ft) to 3.5 m (11.5 ft)
Leveling Adjustment: Slide collars on each leg, adjust individually
Leg Base: 4.5 in. by 5.5 in. with four 0.62 in. holes for
Portability: Collapsible to 8 in. diameter by 6 ft length
CM106B Tripod
stakes
Weight with Mast: 24.5 kg (54 lb)
Maximum Slope Angle: 45° or 100% grade
Allowable Wind Speeds*
Tripod Configuration Sustained Wind Wind Gust
Mast Extended, Unguyed 62 mph (28 m s–1) 81 mph (36 m s–1)
Mast Retracted, Unguyed 80 mph (36 m s–1) 104 mph (46 m s–1)
Mast Extended, Guyed 102 mph (45 m s–1) 132 mph (59 m s–1)
Mast Retracted, Guyed 122 mph (55 m s–1) 159 mph (71 m s–1)
*Allowable wind speed values assume:
x Sensors (effective area = 1.4 ft
x Solar panel (10.5 in x 16.5 in) at mast base
x Enclosure (14 in x 16 in) mounted to leg
x Guy wires attached to mast at 3.8 ft above tripod body
x Adequate ground anchors (stakes alone may not resist foot vertical
pullout force)
xSee Appendix A for more information on maximum allowable wind
speeds.
2
) at top of mast
5
CM106B Tripod
6. Installation
6.1 Tripod Installation
6.1.1 Tripod Base
The tripod base has three independently adjustable legs allowing the tripod to
be installed over non-level terrain.
Prepare the area where the tripod will be installed. The tripod requires an area
approximately 2.7 to 3.5 m (8.7 to 11.5 ft) in diameter. Natural vegetation and
the ground surface should be disturbed as little as possible, but brush and tall
weeds should be removed.
Stand the tripod base up on end, and rotate the feet perpendicular to the legs.
Each leg has a leg clamp and clamping bolt as shown in FIGURE 6-1.
Leg Clamp
Clamping Bolt
FIGURE 6-1. Tripod leg, leg clamp components
6
6.1.1.1 Mounting on a Relatively Flat Area
Loosen the tension bolt and extend each leg. With the legs extended, orient the
tripod so that one of the legs points South (assuming the instrument enclosure
with –MM Mast Mount bracket will face North). If the instrument enclosure
has the –LM Leg Mount bracket, orient the tripod so the enclosure will mount
to one of the three leg mount positions on the tripod, facing the desired
direction. The tripod is typically plumbed after the mast has been installed, as
described in Section 6.1.2, Mast.
6.1.1.2 Mounting on an Incline
Loosen the tension bolt and extend each leg. With the legs extended, orient the
tripod so that one leg points downhill and the other two legs point uphill. The
tripod is more stable with only one leg pointed downhill because the mast is
closer to the center of the footprint (see FIGURE 6-2).
The tripod is typically plumbed after the mast has been installed, as described
in Section 6.1.2, Mast.
CM106B Tripod
FIGURE 6-2. Comparison of one leg pointing downhill (right) versus
two legs pointing downhill
7
CM106B Tripod
6.1.2 Mast
The CM106B includes a mast extension that can be fully extended for a 3 m
(10 ft) height, or partially extended for a 2.1 m (7 ft) height. Remove the bolts
in the extension, align the holes in the insert with holes in the mast, and install
the four bolts previously removed. Two additional holes make it possible for
the extension to extend 8 in. or 12 in., or 20 in., 24 in., or 28 in. above the mast
depending on which end is inserted in the mast.
Mast extension
retracted
Mast extension
fully extended
Mast
FIGURE 6-3. Tripod mast and insert
8
Mas
t
CM106B Tripod
Preset at Factory
Bolts
Tab
Preset at Factory
FIGURE 6-4. Mast attachment to tripod base
Loosen the six bolts on the tripod base. FIGURE 6-4 shows the location of
four of these bolts. The remaining bolts are in the same position on the third
tripod leg. Slide the mast into the tripod base, making sure that it extends
below the lower bolts and rests on the tabs. Tighten the six bolts to secure the
mast.
Plumb the tripod by adjusting the northeast and south facing legs. With a level
on the East side of the mast, adjust the Northeast leg for plumb. With the level
on the South side of the mast, adjust the South leg for plumb. Tighten the
tension bolts after the adjustments have been made.
9
CM106B Tripod
6.1.3 Installing the Optional Guy Kit
Part 29813, CM106B Guy Kit, can be ordered separately for areas that
experience high wind speeds (Section 5, Specifications). Install the guy
brackets to the mast as shown in FIGURE 6-5. Attach the three guy wires to
the guy collar and slide the collar over the mast so that the collar butts against
the brackets.
Guy Collar
Guy Wire
Guy Bracket
FIGURE 6-5. Guy collar
On the end of each guy line is a case and hardware to attach to the turnbuckles.
Unscrew the turnbuckles so that only 1/2 in. of thread extends beyond the
inside of the turnbuckle body. Attach the case and turnbuckle to the tripod leg
as shown in FIGURE 6-6. Loosen the two clamp nuts, and remove the slack in
the guy line by feeding the load end of the guy wire through the case while
pulling up on the free end.
After the slack has been removed from the guy lines, tighten the clamp nuts,
and then tighten the turnbuckles to the desired tension.
10
CM106B Tripod
FIGURE 6-6. Leg attachment
Clamp Nut
11
CM106B Tripod
6.1.4 Staking the Tripod Feet
Six stakes are provided for securing the tripod feet to the ground. Drive two
stakes through holes in each foot at an angle as shown in FIGURE 6-7.
Stakes may not be adequate depending on soil structure, maximum wind
speeds experienced at the site, mast height, or wind load from the
instrumentation. For questionable situations, additional stakes (pn 17049) or
even concrete footings for the tripod feet and guy anchors should be
considered.
FIGURE 6-7. Staking the tripod feet
12
6.1.5 Tripod Grounding
Place the clamp over the ground rod and drive the rod (close to the center of
the tripod) using a sledge hammer or fence post driver. Strip 1/2 in. of
insulation from both ends of the black 4 AWG ground wire. Insert one end of
the ground wire into the clamp and ground rod and tighten the bolt on the
clamp. Attach the other end of the ground wire to the lug on the tripod base as
shown in FIGURE 6-8.
CM106B Tripod
Ground Lug
Ground Wire
Enclosure Ground Lug
Enclosure Ground Wire
FIGURE 6-8. Ground rod and clamp
13
CM106B Tripod
Strip 1/2 in. of insulation from the ends of the green 12 AWG wire. Attach one
end of the wire to the tripod ground lug, and the other end to the enclosure
ground lug as shown in FIGURE 6-8.
Mount the lightning rod and clamp to the tripod mast with pointed tip up, and
notch at bottom (FIGURE 6-9).
Lightning Rod
Clamp
FIGURE 6-9. Lightning rod
Mast
14
6.1.6 Crossarm Attachment
Attach the CM202 (0.6 m, 2 ft), CM204 (1.2 m, 4 ft), or CM206 (1.8 m, 6 ft)
crossarm to the tripod mast as shown in FIGURE 6-10. For wind sensors, the
crossarm should be approximately 103 in. above the ground for a 3 m
mounting height, or 64 in. for a 2 m mounting height. Typically the crossarm
is oriented East/West for wind sensors, North/South for pyranometers.
CM106B Tripod
FIGURE 6-10. CM204 Crossarm
6.1.7 Enclosure Attachment
The ENC10/12, ENC12/14, ENC14/16, and ENC16/18 enclosures can be
ordered with mounting brackets for the CM106B tripod. All enclosure models
can be mounted to the tripod mast (above the legs) with the –MM Mast Mount
bracket option. All enclosure models except the ENC16/18 can be mounted to
the tripod base and leg with the –LM Leg Mount bracket option. Two
enclosures with the –LM brackets can be mounted in a “back to back”
configuration.
6.1.7.1 Enclosure Mounting to Tripod Mast
An enclosure ordered with the –MM bracket has a three-piece top and bottom
brackets with a U-bolt for each bracket.
Attach an enclosure with the –MM mounting bracket to the tripod mast as
follows:
CM200 Series
Crossarm
Tripod Mast
Remove the U-bolts, washers, and nuts from the brackets.
Position the enclosure against the tripod’s mast (North side recommended).
15
CM106B Tripod
Install the U-bolts, flat washers, lock washers, and nuts (FIGURE 6-11).
Tighten the nuts until the lock washers are compressed.
Route the 14 AWG wire from the ground lug on the bottom side of the
enclosure to the ground lug on the base of the tripod (FIGURE 6-8). Strip 1/2
in. of insulation from each end of the wire. Insert wire ends into the ground
lugs and tighten.
Lock Washers
FIGURE 6-11. Enclosure with the –MM bracket
6.1.7.2 Enclosure Mounting to Tripod Leg
An enclosure ordered with the –LM bracket has a bracket on each side of the
enclosure, and a U-bolt bracket for securing the enclosure to a tripod leg.
Attach an enclosure with the –LM mounting bracket to the tripod base as
follows:
Slide the keyhole notch in upper corner of the –LM bracket over the extended
hook located on the tripod base as shown in FIGURE 6-12, and engage the
notch in the lower corner of the –LM bracket with the enclosure tab. There are
six places on the tripod base with provisions for mounting enclosures with the
–LM brackets.
16
CM106B Tripod
Remove the washers, nuts, and U-bolt from the U-bolt bracket. Install the
bracket as shown in FIGURE 6-12 (top). Tighten the nuts on the U-bolt until
the lock washers are compressed.
Route the 14 AWG wire from the ground lug on the bottom side of the
enclosure to the ground lug on the base of the tripod (FIGURE 6-8). Strip 1/2
in. of insulation from each end of the wire. Insert wire ends into the ground
lugs and tighten.
Enclosure Tab
FIGURE 6-12. Enclosure with the –LM bracket
17
CM106B Tripod
6.2 Mounting Brackets
Mounting brackets covered in this section have U-bolts that attach to vertical
and/or horizontal pipes with the following ranges of outside diameters:
inches mm Nominal Pipe Size (inches)
1.5-in. U-bolt 1.0 – 1.5 25.4 – 38.1 ¾ – 1
2-in. U-bolt 1.3 – 2.1 33.0 – 53.3 1 – 1 ½
2-in. U-bolt
with plastic V-block
Some of the brackets (for example, the CM210) include 1.5-in. and 2-in.
U-bolts to extend the range of pipe diameters that the bracket can
accommodate. Brackets with holes for a 1.5-in. U-bolt will accept a usersupplied 1.75-in. U-bolt.
1.0 – 2.1 25.4 – 53.3 ¾ – 1 ½
6.2.1 CM210 Crossarm Mounting Kit
CM200 series crossarms include a CM210 bracket as shown in FIGURE 6-13.
The CM210 can be ordered separately to attach a user-supplied pipe (1.0-in. to
1.5-in. OD) to a mast or tower leg (1.0-in. to 2.1-in. OD), or to attach a
crossarm to two tower legs.
CM210
FIGURE 6-13. CM210 Crossarm Mounting Kit (shown with user-
18
supplied pipe)
6.2.2 CM216 Mast Mounting Kit
The CM216 attaches to the top of the mast, and provides a 3/4-in. or 1-in.
mounting pipe (1.05-in. or 1.32-in. OD) that extends 4 in. above the mast, as
shown in FIGURE 6-14.
CM106B Tripod
CM216
FIGURE 6-14. CM216 Mast Mounting Kit
19
CM106B Tripod
6.2.3 CM220 Right Angle Mounting Kit
The CM220 attaches a vertical pipe (1.0-in. to 1.5-in. OD) to the CM200-series
crossarms or horizontal pipe (1.0-in. to 1.5-in. OD) as shown in FIGURE 6-15.
CM220
FIGURE 6-15. CM220 Right Angle Mounting Kit
20
CM220
6.2.4 CM225 and 18098 Pyranometer Mounting Stand
The CM225 is used to attach a pyranometer or quantum sensor to a horizontal
pipe (1.0-in. to 2.1-in. OD) or vertical pole (1.0-in. to 2.1-in. OD).
The LI200X pyranometer and LI190SB quantum sensor mount to the CM225
via the LI200S leveling base (see FIGURE 6-16). The CS300 pyranometer
mounts to the CM225 via the 18356 leveling base. The CMP3 and LP02
pyranometers include their own bubble level and leveling screws allowing
them to mount directly to the CM225.
The 18098 provides a larger surface for mounting a user-supplied Eppley
pyranometer.
CM225
CM106B Tripod
LI2003S
LI200X Pyranometer
CM225
FIGURE 6-16. CM225 Pyranometer Mounting Stand
21
CM106B Tripod
6.2.5 CM230 Adjustable Angle Mounting Kit
The CM230 mounts an antenna (1.0-in. to 1.5-in. OD) to a mast or vertical pipe
(1.3-in. to 2.1-in. OD) as shown in FIGURE 6-17. The bracket allows the
antenna to be adjusted for different angles.
CM230
FIGURE 6-17. CM230 Adjustable Angle Mounting Kit
22
6.2.6 CM235 Magnetic Mounting Stand
The CM235 provides a 8.8 cm (3.5 in) square platform for mounting magnetic
base antennas. The CM235 attaches to horizontal or vertical pipes (1.0-in. to
2.1-in. OD) as shown in FIGURE 6-18.
CM106B Tripod
FIGURE 6-18. CM235 Magnetic Mounting Stand
23
CM106B Tripod
6.2.7 R.M. Young Gill Radiation Shields
R.M. Young Gill Radiation Shields are used to house and attach temperature
and relative humidity sensors to the tripod mast (1.0-in. to 2.1-in. OD) or
crossarm as shown in FIGURE 6-19. Radiation shields ship with the U-bolt
configured for attachment to a vertical pipe. To attach the radiation shield to a
horizontal pipe, the U-bolt and plastic V-block must be moved to the other set
of holes.
FIGURE 6-19. R.M. Young Gill Radiation Shield
24
Appendix A. CM106B Allowable Wind
Speeds
CM106B load ratings assume:
x Sensors (effective area = 1.4 ft
x Solar panel (10.5 in x 16.5 in) at mast base
x Enclosure (14 in x 16 in) mounted to leg
x Guy wires attached to mast at 3.8 ft above tripod body
x Adequate ground anchors (stakes alone may not resist foot vertical