---
title: "Installation"
canonical: "https://farmconnect.docs.rubiconwater.com/space/SF/1971224577/Installation"
format: markdown
---
> Macro (toc)

# Choosing a location

The product can be installed in an appropriate location within the bay with adequate time to adjust the time to cut-off (Tco) before tail water run-off occurs (refer to your Rubicon contact or your irrigation consultant for assistance if required).

> ℹ️ **Note**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ The ideal position for the SmartFront sensor is halfway down and in the centre of a bay. There should be at least 30 minutes of front travel time from the gate. The device is designed to detect a water-front that takes approximately 40-120 seconds (by default) to fill the SmartFront housing. 
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ - If the device fills faster than 40 seconds, the point of inflection may not be detected correctly and will default to the flange height.
> ℹ️ - If the device fills more slowly than the 120 second default, the best option is to adjust the position of the device. Alternatively, refer to the [Setup and Commissioning](/wiki/spaces/SF/pages/1931772060) section for advice about adjusting the installation parameters.

# Hardware Installation

> ℹ️ **Caution**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ - The sensor must be mounted vertically within 5 degrees of level or it may not operate correctly. We recommend that you use a digital level.
> ℹ️ - Remove excavated soil on the upstream side of the hole as this may wash into the hole. If the field is furrowed, install the SmartFront in a furrow rather than on a ridge.
> ℹ️ - For a farm with livestock, we recommend that you use a fence to protect the SmartFront Device.
> ℹ️ - Where crops can grow higher than the SmartFront sensor the antenna extension kit is required

**Step 1**

Auger an approximately 120mm diameter x 350mm deep hole in the centre of the bay. Use a level to ensure that the hole is vertical. Clear one square meter area around the hole by removing plants and adding a gravel layer to minimise the impact of plant overgrowth. Clear away any dirt from the edge of the hole and check the overall depth before proceeding to the next step.

**Step 2**

Pull the internal pipe assembly out of the external pipe. Push the external pipe assembly into the hole. Add a little water to the hole to lubricate the pipe if necessary. Back fill the hole with fine earth if there is any gap between the pipe and the sides of the hole. Ensure that the flange is flush with the ground to ensure that water can flow into the pipe.

**Step 3**

Slide the internal pipe assembly into the tube until the upper mounting blocks touch the flange.  
Check the top housing is mounted perpendicular to ground using a spirit level.

**Step 4**

- Remove the FerIT lid (retain the 4 x M5x12 button head screws that secured the lid).
- Ensure that the FerIT Node internal battery is connected (refer to the [Ferit](https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FER) manual for details).
- Mount the FerIT adaptor plate on top of the SmartFront top housing and secure with four M5x25 countersunk screws.
- Mount the FerIT Node on the adaptor plate and secure to the adaptor plate with 2 x M5x16 button head screws.
- Return the lid to the FerIT node and secure with the original 4 x M5x12 button head screws.

> ℹ️ **Note**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ The FerIT adaptor plate has been introduced so that the FerIT node lid can be removed without removing the bolts securing the FerIT Node to the SmartFront top housing. Existing installations can be upgraded by adding the adaptor plate kit.