Deploying the Clarity Black Carbon Module

How to pair and set up a Clarity Black Carbon Module with a Node-S in the field.

In the box

1 (one) Black Carbon Module with mounting hardware:  Sun shield (pre-mounted to the Module) 2 (two) Pole Mounting Brackets  8 (eight) M4x8mm Phillips Pan Head Screws for Mounting Brackets 8 (eight) M4 Lock Washers for Mounting Brackets 2 (two) keys for front door (generic: fit all Black Carbon Modules)
1 (one) Accessory Module to Node cable, 8 conductor, M12 Male-Male, 2m long
2 (two) Filter Tape Cartridges (one is already installed in the Module)
1 (one) Inlet Protection Kit

For Black Carbon Module deployment, you will also need the following equipment (not included):

• A medium-sized Phillips head screwdriver
• Stainless steel zip ties, hose clamps, or screws for mounting that are appropriate for your site(s)

When preparing deployment hardware, please refer to the Black Carbon Module mounting interface dimensions found in the deployment section below.

Pair the Module to a compatible Node-S on Dashboard

To use an accessory Module, it needs to be paired with a Node-S device. The pairing process tells the Clarity Cloud that the two are connected, correctly configures the Node-S and allows the Module to begin sending data to the Clarity Cloud.

1. Before beginning your module pairing, make sure your Node-S is configured. To do that please review the instructions for configuring your node here
2. Sign into your Clarity Dashboard and navigate to “Devices / Modules”
3. Click on “Pair a Module”. A configuration stepper will open.
4. Input the module ID, select the correct ID from the dropdown, or scan the module QR code. Click “Next Step”.   See
   1. See the image below for the module ID location.
5. Confirm the information on the screen matches what is found on the module ID sticker. Confirm both the Module ID and Model are correct.
6. Input the ID of the Node-S device that you want to pair the module with, or select the ID from the drop down menu. The Node ID can be found on the bottom of the Node-S. Nodes that are not compatible with the module are grayed out in the dropdown menu. Click “Pair”.
   1. If a module has already been paired with a Node, You will be offered the possibility of unpairing it.
7. You will see a message indicating that device pairing was successful. Continue to assemble and deploy the module. If you see any errors, contact support@clarity.io for help.

Physically connect Module to the Clarity Node-S

1. Assemble and configure the Clarity Node-S in the Clarity Dashboard that will be paired with the Black Carbon module. Please review the Clarity Node-S deployment guide here.
   1. Note: The Black Carbon module requires the Clarity Node-S be externally powered so the small node-mounted solar panel is not needed.
2. Connect the Black Carbon module to the Clarity Node-S by plugging in the accessory cable to the Clarity accessory port as shown below. Twist the cable connector bushing clockwise into the threaded Node connector several turns until finger-tight, do not use a wrench. While you’re at it make sure the adjacent Node antenna connector is also finger-tight and the antenna is pointing vertically.
3. Once you plug in the Module cable to the Clarity Node-S, a Node-S Power On sound will occur and the device will restart connection to the Clarity Cloud. You can confirm the module has power by observing that the display is lit up and showing information.
4. Wait as the Clarity Node-S first establishes cellular connection at your site. This may take anywhere from 2-10 minutes depending on cellular signal strength.
   1. If the Node-S Connection Failure sound plays, please confirm that the device has been configured on the Dashboard first.
   2. If no sound plays, the node is not able to connect to the cellular network. Make sure you are in an area with cellular connectivity coverage.
   3. If the Node-S Connection Successful sound plays, proceed to deploy the device.
   4. If you are unable to get the node to play the Connection Successful sound, please contact us support@clarity.io.
5. After successful connection of the Clarity Node-S, the device will connect with the Module. 
   1. A successful module connection will play a Successful Module Connection sound.
   2. A failed module connection will play a Failed Module Connection sound. If failed, please check the cable connection between the Clarity Node-S and the Module. 
   3. If you hear the Module Configuration Error sound, the Clarity Node-S is not configured to accept modules. Please ensure you completed the pairing procedure described above.
   4. If you are not able to get a Successful Module Connection sound, please contact us support@clarity.io.
6. After the module is successfully connected, check that data from the Node-S and the Black Carbon module are uploading. 
   1. Login to Clarity Dashboard. 
   2. Navigate to the Analytics > Explore page
   3. Change the data aggregation to “Highest Resolution” by clicking “Edit” next to Data Loaded. Change the Parameter to Black Carbon > Highest Resolution > Mass Concentration (All Sources)
   4. In the Map, click on the device connected to the Black Carbon module, then click “Show In Plot”. Once data is uploaded you will see values here.
   5. Note you will need to manually update the dashboard page as it does not automatically refresh. DO NOT hit your browser’s refresh button, instead load the most recent time period by clicking “Edit” next to Data Loaded.

Deploy the Node-S + Black Carbon Module in the Field

1. Review the Black Carbon Module Siting tips to select a deployment site.
2. After the site has been selected, plan the installation of the Clarity Node-S device to the designated pole or other structure.
   1. To make installation easier, you can temporarily detach the Black Carbon module cable from the node module port.
   2. Prepare stainless steel zip ties, hose clamps, or screws (not provided). 
   3. Ensure the inlet and outlet will be facing downwards and unobstructed.
   4. Ensure that the cable will be able to reach the Black Carbon Module once it is installed. 
   5. More instructions on deploying the Clarity Node-S are here.
3. Mount the Black Carbon Module to the designated pole or panel. Please refer to the dimensions and images below to select proper mounting hardware for the Black Carbon module depending on where you plan to install it.
   1. Dimensions: 25.4 cm (W) x 29.2 cm (H) x 14.4cm (D). Weight: 11 lbs / 5 kg
   2. Pole mounting brackets (included) and hose clamps (not included) may be used with the pre-drilled and tapped holes in the back side of the sun shield for vertical or horizontal pole mounting - as shown in the images above. Alternatively the mounting “ears” can be used to attach the module to a flat surface or other bracketry that can properly support the weight.
4. If applicable, plan the installation of the optional Clarity External Solar Solution (ESS)
   1. Clarity External Solar Solution (ESS) Dimensions:
      1. Solar Panel: 838.2 mm (W) x 736.6 mm (H) x 25.4 mm (D)
      2. Battery Enclosure: 533.4 mm (W) x 139.7 mm (H) x 101.6 mm (D)
      3. Total Weight: 48.5 lbs / 22 kg
   2. A typical Clarity Node and Black Carbon Module deployment, mounted underneath the optional Clarity External Solar Solution (ESS) is shown below.
5. Install the included Inlet Protection Kit - designed to help protect the instrument and data from moderate water and bug intrusion and in-line condensation throughout the sampling train. This kit includes a protection cone, water/bug trap, all necessary tubing and connectors, along with mount and cable ties for installation. Detailed instructions are provided in the next section of this document, a summary is below:
   1. Connect the input of the water/bug trap to the module’s inlet (the one on the right when looking at the front of the module - see image)
   2. Ensure that the funnel is mounted below the Black Carbon module with the inlet filter in between, as shown in the photo below, so that gravity will help keep out water and other small objects. 
   3. Tubing between all of these should be as short and straight as possible, when required bending should be as gentle as possible.
6. Re-attach the Black Carbon Module cable to the Clarity Node-S after both devices are securely installed.
7. Listen for the following sounds in succession:
   1. Node-S Power On sound
   2. Node-S Connection Successful sound
   3. Successful Module Connection sound

Clarity Node and Black Carbon Module successfully deployed underneath the optional External Solar Solution.

Inlet Protection Kit Details

The Inlet Protection Kit is designed to help protect the BC1 from moderate water/bug intrusion and from in-line condensation throughout the sampling train.

The kit consists of the following items: 

• • 1 (one) protection cone with a compressible gland fitting and 1 18” length of static dissipative tubing installed 
  • 1 (one) water/bug trap with 2 fittings 
  • 1 (one) installation mount for water/bug trap 
  • 4 (one) large cable ties for mount and cone 
  • 1 (one) 40” length of static dissipative tubing with 1 barb fitting swivel connector installed 

• Always use the shortest possible tubing lengths. 
• Avoid sharp turns in tubing where possible. 
• To install the protection cone, insert the tubing into the fitting at the base of the cone so that a small amount (~1 inch) extrudes within the cone interior. Secure the tubing in the compressible gland fitting by rotating the nut on the fitting so it compresses against the tube to form a seal. Do not overtighten. Note: This may be installed already. The large open end of the cone should be pointed facing the ground. The path of air flow from the opening of the cone to the tubing inlet itself should be vertical to the ground or in the orientation that best protects it from moisture such as precipitation or splashing. 
• Install the water/bug trap in the sampling train as closely as possible to the instrument itself. We recommend no more than a few inches of tubing separate the instrument inlet from the trap—or as needed to minimize sharp turns within the tube. 
• Position the water/bug trap in the sampling train so that the air flow through the trap to the instrument is in the direction of the arrow indicated on the front side of the trap. The water/bug trap is designed for one-way usage. 
• Firmly mount the inlet/outlet arms and the base of the water/bug trap so that they are parallel to the ground. Gravity plays an important role and requires that the air flow through the trap arms is parallel to the ground. 
• Use the provided custom mount and cable ties for stable, secure installation of the water/bug trap. If using screws in lieu of cable ties for installation, be sure to source appropriate screws and do not overtighten. Be sure not to cinch the cable ties around any of the tubing lengths. After the mount has been installed, clip the trap arms securely into the mount. 
• Ensure that the tubing always has at least a slight incline from the tubing inlet to the water/bug trap, and from the trap to the instrument. This orientation of the tubing leverages gravity to provide additional protection against water. Loops, u-shaped depressions or sharp bends in the tubing line should be avoided, as water can accumulate in these areas causing condensed moisture to be drawn into the instrument.

Maintain your Clarity Black Carbon Module

Filter Tape Cartridge Replacement

The Clarity Black Carbon Module was designed for low-maintenance operation in the field. The only regular maintenance the customer will need to schedule is replacing the filter tape cartridge every few months. 

The filter tape cartridges have PTFE filter material for collecting a 3 mm sample spot, and are advanced every couple of days more or less, depending on black carbon concentrations. MAFT-L85 cartridges each contain 85 sampling locations, so a typical tape will last for 3-6 months. The Clarity Dashboard provides an alarm near the end-of-tape (at 75% consumption) so that you can prepare for a timely replacement.

Tape Replacement Overview

For the uninitiated, very detailed instructions are provided in the following sections. However if you’re familiar with the instrument, here’s a quick checklist of the process:

1. Unscrew the tape lid using a wide Phillips screwdriver or coin.
2. Make sure the Module is powered on through the Node-S.
3. Navigate the menu using the left and right buttons to Release Tape and select using the middle buttons.
4. If this tape will be used again, note down the current tape position in order to provide the correct tape position when reinstalling this tape.
5. Pull out the tape and place the new tape inside.
6. Navigate the menu (one to the right) to Clamp Tape and select. If the tape is new, select the center button. If the tape is old, select the left button and enter the tape position of this tape. 
7. Tighten the tape lid lightly. 

Remove Old Filter Tape Cartridge

The on-board user interface on the screen inside of the enclosure is used to remove and install the filter tape cartridge. 

1. Make sure that the module is not sampling.  If it is sampling, use the on-board interface to stop sampling and measurements by pressing the center button. 
2. Unscrew the large flat head slotted screw(s) in the filter tape cartridge door of the case. When the screw is completely free of its mating threaded hole, use the flat head slotted screw(s) to pull the filter tape cartridge door from the case.  The filter tape cartridge will now be exposed or if a filter tape cartridge is not currently installed, the cartridge holder area will be empty.
3. Use the left and right buttons of the on-board user interface to scroll through the top level menu options to select ‘Release Tape’.  
4. Press the center button to select the ‘Release Tape’ option. '-Releasing Tape' and 'Tape Position @ ' will be displayed on the screen, which is the current tape position value. IMPORTANT: It is recommended to record the displayed current tape position value so that this can be tracked and entered when the tape cartridge is installed again. The optical head of the instrument will move to its open position and stop in about 6 seconds.  
5. Once the optical head stops moving, use the pull tab in the center of the filter tape cartridge to remove the cartridge straight out of the instrument. The process of filter tape cartridge removal is shown in the pictures below. The optical head is circled in red.

Install New Filter Tape Cartridge

1. When inserting a cartridge into the instrument, make sure the optical head is open and in the released location so that the filter can be installed. Use the release tape menu to open the optical head if not already opened. 
2. Insert a filter tape cartridge straight into the instrument, aligning the left and right holes in the cartridge with the two white capstans in the instrument. 
3. Make sure that the filter tape cartridge is fully inserted and sits flat in the instrument. 
4. Scroll through menu options to ‘Clamp Tape’.
5. • OLD: If installing an Old tape cartridge that has been partially used before, press the left button that is under the on-screen ‘Old’ option. 
     • ‘- Position : ’ and ‘<<-’, ‘Done’, and ‘+>’ options will be displayed on screen where is the current tape position value of the tape cartridge being installed.
     • Use the left button under the on-screen ‘<<-’ option and the right button under the on-screen ‘+>’ option to decrease or increase the current tape position value that is displayed on-screen. 
     • When the correct tape position value is displayed on-screen, press the center button under the ‘DONE’ option. 
     • ‘-Clamping Tape’ and ‘Tape Position @ ’ will be displayed on the screen where the current tape position is. The optical head will move to its clamped position and stop in about 6 seconds. 
   • NEW: If installing a New tape cartridge that has never been used before, press the center button that is under the on-screen ‘New’ option. 
     • ‘-Clamping Tape’ and ‘Tape Position @ 0’ will be displayed on-screen since the tape cartridge is new and has never been used before. The optical head of the instrument will move to its clamped position and stop in about 6 seconds.
   • NONE: If reinstalling the same tape cartridge that was previously installed (no change to the tape cartridge was made - the tape cartridge was not removed after the tape clamp was released), press the right button that is under the on-screen ‘None’ option
     • If ‘None’ was selected by pressing the right button, ‘-Clamping Tape’ and ‘Tape Position @ ’ where is the tape position value of the previously installed tape cartridge will be displayed on-screen since no change to the tape cartridge was made (the tape cartridge was not removed after the tape clamp was released). The optical head of the instrument will move to its clamped position and stop in about 6 seconds.Press the center button to select the ‘Clamp Tape’ option and enter the sub menu. ‘-Installed Tape Is:’ and ‘Old’, ‘New’, ‘None’ options will be displayed on the screen 
6. Confirm that the filter tape cartridge is clamped by the optical head. 
7. If the filter tape cartridge is correctly installed, replace the filter tape cartridge door to its closed position and completely screw the flat head slotted screw(s) in place. Once the door is in its closed and locked position, the instrument is ready for further use. Reset the Node at this point by either plugging the cable out of the module and back in or by removing the Node’s power cable and plugging it back in after a few seconds.

Preventive Maintenance and Recalibration

Clarity recommends a regular 24-month standard maintenance service schedule to keep the instrument clean and to ensure proper operation and calibration. 

To start this process, or to get expert help resolving questions about or problems with this instrument, please contact us at support@clarity.io.