Patternator Developed
Paper Patternator
The use of high quality photographic printer paper along with a dye for visualizing spray deposition has been proposed by Dr. Andrew Landers of Cornell University. Although more expensive, water sensitive paper (WSP) can also be used in a paper patternator.
Materials for a paper patternator
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 2”x4”x8' wood stud | $2.78 |
| steel T post 6' | $4.88 |
| push pins 1 package | $3.00 |
| photograph printer paper | $13.79 |
| dye | $20.00 |
| rope or twine | |
| Total | $44.45 |
Instructions for constructing a paper patternator
Click any image for a larger version.
Construction
- Drill a 3/8” or 7/16” hole in the 2” face of the 2”x4”. The hole will go completely through the 2” face of the 2”x4”. The hole should be about 3 feet from the bottom end.
- Run an 18” piece of rope or twine through the hole.
- Cut photographic printer paper into 3”x4” cards.
- Write information on back of card identifying its position on pattenator.
- Attach photographic printer paper cards to the 4” face of the 2”x4” with push pins.
- The cards can be attached at any interval chosen. Cards placed every foot will give a good indication of spray deposition. For more accuracy cards can be placed every 6 inches.
- Drive the T post about 1 foot in the ground.
- Attach the paper patternator to the T post with rope or twine.
Measuring
- After spraying allow the spray cards to dry.
- Place the spray cards in resealable plastic sandwich bags.
- Important: To avoid the possibility of pesticide contamination, all equipment utilized should be dedicated for use only with the patternator. Use only clean water and a dye in your sprayer when testing with a paper patternator. Do not use a pesticide mixture.