Installation of Automated Weather Station @ Bago, Myanmar (Day 4 & 5)

Hello everyone. I am Abdul Moiz, M2 student from Kawasaki Research Group. It's been a while since I did my last blog article.

It was my first time to visit Myanmar, and the purpose of the visit was to assist in the installation of 3 Automated Weather Stations (AWS) in Bago and additionally, capacity building. Our team was led by Dr. Ralph. The first 3 days were spent in Yangon where we made preparations for the installation of the equipment. After moving to Bago, we visited 2 sites on Day 4 and Day 5 for the final installation of the equipment.

Day 4 (3/8 [Wed])

Site 1: Zang Tu Dam

Zang Tu Dam is a relatively older dam as compared to the other two dams where we were supposed to install the AWS. Moreover, it was located the farthest away from our hotel. So, we had to leave early in the morning, in order to get back to the hotel before sunset, since our path was mostly offroad. The path was very rough and full of dust so some of us decided to wear masks all the way.

On the way to Zang Tu Dam

It took us more than 4 hours to reach the site. Finally, after reaching the site, we took some rest, had lunch and were ready to begin our work.

Zang Tu Reservoir during Dry Season

The fence and the mounting pole at the site were already prepared by the local authorities. We were supposed to install three main components, the Solar Panel, the Weather Sensor and the instrument Enclosure.

Installing Solar Panel

The solar panel was adjusted to face the East, so that maximum solar energy can be utilized.

Installation of Instrument Enclosure

Most of the components inside the enclosure were already fitted on Day 1-3. However, wires still needed to be connected for grounding, for weather sensor, and for the solar panel.

Weather Sensor

The weather sensor had to be covered with a wire mesh to prevent insects from getting inside.

The air temperature and relative humidity readings from the weather sensor were compared with those obtained from the Assman Psychrometer. The difference was within reasonable limits.

Ando-san using the Psychrometer

Everything was set, except at the end, we faced a problem with the Sim Card for the Modem. The reception for that Sim Card was not good in that area. Despite this problem, we had to leave the site because it was getting dark and the way back would also take us about 4 hours.

Ralph-san trying his best to solve the issue with the modem

Group Photo at Zang Tu Dam Site

Day 5 (3/9 [Thu])

Site 2: Salu Dam

Salu Dam site was located relatively close to our hotel. It took us only 1.5 hours to get there. Because of having first-hand experience of installing the AWS on Zang Tu Dam, the installation of the station of completed relatively early.

Installing AWS at Salu Dam

Because the work finished early, some of us had time to play with rocks.

Yonehara-san and Haga-san enjoying free time

Ando-san took measurements using the Psychrometer and the results were again found to be reasonable.

Ando-san using Psychrometer

Luckily, this time we didn't face any problems with the modem and everything worked fine.

Ralph-san explaining the modem set up

Group Photo at Salu Dam Site

We had a lot of time in the afternoon and the evening, so we went to several famous landmarks in the Bago region.

The "Reclining" Buddha

I really enjoyed my stay in Bago and learned a lot from getting first-hand experience. We planned to visit the Zang Tu Dam site again on Day 6 after visiting Shwe Laung Dam.

That's all from my side. 

Thank you for reading our blog!