Configuring the Carbon Node

The Carbon Node – an LI-720 connected to LI-COR Cloud with an IoE Module – presents the simplest and most scalable way to use the LI-720. Here we describe how to use the LI-720 as a Carbon Node. The Carbon Node includes some version of the IoE Module (Table 4‑1) and an LI-720.

Table 4‑1. IoE Module configurations.

Number	IoE Module	LI-COR Cloud	Frame / Mast	Solar Power
99512-014	Yes	-	-	-
9000-01	-	Yes	-	-
9000-02	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
9000-031 Mounting hardware not included.	Yes	Yes	-	-
9000-04	Yes	Yes	Yes	-

The IoE Module includes assembly and installation instructions. After assembling the IoE Module and mounting the LI-720 on the mast, (see Carbon Node: IoE Module adapter), return to this section to configure the Carbon Node.

Initial setup

Leave the LI-720 cable disconnected at this point. You'll connect the cable as part the configuration.

1. Power on the IoE Module.

   Short-press the power button () and wait until the main screen is displayed.

2. Set the time zone.

   To apply an offset to the default UTC time, press left four times () and use the up and down buttons to choose an offset. Press Select to apply the timezone and return to home. The IoE Module does not account for daylight saving time.

3. Prepare to add sensors.

   The IoE Module must have a strong cellular connection during configuration. Keep the LI-720 or LI-710 and other sensors nearby but not connected yet.

4. Navigate to the Device Setup screen.

   From the home screen, press left three times () to access the Device Setup screen.

   Note: You can skip these instructions and follow the steps on the IoE Module display. Return to these instructions after dismissing the last prompt.

5. While Add Device is highlighted press Select to begin.

   Leave all device cables disconnected but nearby.

   

6. Connect one SDI-12 sensor and select YES to proceed.

   

   The IoE Module will recognize the device and request configuration information from LI-COR Cloud.

If you're adding another sensor, repeat the steps, following the instructions on the display. When you are done, press the right button once or twice to apply the changes and follow the prompts to complete the configuration.

Connecting the LI-720 to LI-COR Cloud

A Carbon Node is an LI-720 that is connected to LI-COR Cloud with an IoE Module. You need an account − either a new one or an existing account − and the IoE Module must be registered.

Creating an account

To create a new account:

1. Go to www.licor.cloud and select Register Account.

2. Fill in the form and accept the terms and conditions.

   Use a unique organization name and user name.

3. Confirm your account.

   Check your email (possibly the spam folder) for a verification message. Follow the instructions in the message to activate your account.

4. Log in.

Registering the IoE Module

All devices must be registered to appear in LI-COR Cloud. To register a device:

1. Create a new account or log into your account at www.licor.cloud.

2. Select Register Device.

   

3. Enter the IoE Module Serial Number and device Key.

   The key and serial number are on the IoE Module display (press left and down to view the system information).

   

4. Fill in any additional information and complete registration.

5. Save the settings.

   The IoE Module is now registered with LI-COR Cloud. Next, you'll configure the Water Node (LI-710) or Carbon Node (LI-720).

Configuring the Carbon Node

After creating an account and registering the IoE Module that hosts the LI-720, you can customize the LI-COR Cloud Dashboard. Start by selecting some default Dashboard settings:

1. Select Dashboards and click +Add Dashboard.

   

2. Enter a Dashboard Name.

   The name is required; it must be unique.

3. Select a Device Template.

   LI-COR Cloud will list options for the widget for each measurement associated with this device.

   

4. Click Create.

   LI-COR Cloud displays the new Dashboard. Next, you can Add a Widget to the dashboard or select a Quick Widget to add preconfigured widgets.

   

5. Apply a date range.

   By default, the interface displays the last 1 day, but you can load a longer time span. Data older than one year may take longer to display.

6. For a Carbon Node, open Quick Widgets and select the device from the list.

   This will apply default settings that highlight variables related to CO₂ fluxes, but you can customize the Dashboard as you like.

Entering site metadata

Site metadata describes the deployment. It includes some details that are required to accurately display the flux footprint. Be sure to configure these parameters when you set up the device. Three parameters are required; others are optional.

This can be entered in the LI-COR Cloud interface (see Figure 4‑1) or the CarbonWare app (see Figure 4‑2). The information is stored in the LI-720 itself. A parameter that has been entered in one place will register everywhere, but it might take some time (~30 minutes) for the new configuration to load.

• Altitude ASL (m): Altitude above sea level in meters. If blank, the LI-720 uses GPS altitude.

• Latitude (°): Decimal degrees. Enter a positive number for north or a negative number for south. If blank, the LI-720 uses GPS latitude.

• Longitude (°): Decimal degrees. Enter a positive number for east or a negative number for west. If blank, the LI-720 uses GPS latitude.

• North Offset (°): Degrees of rotation clockwise past magnetic north. The LI-720 features a built-in magnetometer and it will compute the North Offset automatically (not corrected for declination). However, in environments where magnetic material may affect the measurement, a user-entered value should be used instead.

• Sensor Height (m) or Measurement Height (m): Distance between the center of the sample path and the soil surface in meters.

• Canopy Height (m): Distance between the top of the plant canopy and the soil surface in meters.

• Crop Type (optional): Free entry for record keeping and analysis, the crop type can assist with interpreting the data.

• Growth Stage (optional): Free entry for record keeping and analysis, the growth stage can assist with interpreting the data.

Although the LI-720 includes a GPS receiver and magnetometer that can determine latitude, longitude, altitude, and orientation, you can override these parameters by manually entering the values.

Congratulations! You have created a Carbon Node on LI-COR Cloud. Now, you can view data, process data, and perform advanced data processing, including Gap Filling, CO₂ Accumulation, Flux Footprints, and more.

Changing the reporting period

The reporting period can be set at the IoE module. The LI-720 and Carbon Node reports results every 30 minutes by default, but this can be changed to any interval between 15 and 60 minutes (5 minute resolution). The Stevens probe reports results every 10 minutes by default but it can be any interval between 10 and 60 minutes (5 minute resolution). To change the reporting interval:

1. Go to the Device Setup screen and select a device.

2. Use the arrow keys to select the item to adjust - in this case, select Period to open options to adjust the time period.

   Follow the directions on the screen.

   

3. After making changes, use the arrow keys to navigate away from the Device Setup screen.

4. When prompted to save changes, select YES.

Logging high-speed data

The 10-Hz data used to compute fluxes can be recorded on the SD card as .csv text files. Note that raw data will fill the SD card quickly and should only be used under special circumstances. You will not be able to compute the same results with the raw data without additional data preparation and processing.

Caution: Only do this if you have a purpose for the raw data. There is no need to recompute under normal circumstances. 10 Hz data will not be recorded if the SD card is not mounted. Logging will stop when the card is out of storage space.

High-speed data are not stored on LI-COR Cloud. Instead, the files are logged to the SD card. The 8 GB card can record a maximum of 23 days of data. A 128 GB card is available, and it will store more. To enable 10-Hz logging:

1. On the main screen, press and hold down () for 10 seconds.

   A notice informs you that the IoE Module is now prepared to log data at 10 Hz. Dismiss the notice.

   

2. Check the logging status.

   Press left () and down () to enter the About table.

3. Look for 10Hz ENABLED.

   If there is no entry, logging is off.

   

4. Turn logging on or off with a long-press of the down button on the main screen.

   The IoE Module will issue a prompt when the logging state is changed. The logging state is persistent — if the IoE Module restarts, it will restart with the prior logging state.