Field devices encounter mud, water, biological material, heat, and limited charging. A simple care routine protects both equipment and data.
Sanitize safely
Section titled “Sanitize safely”- Turn off or lock the device and disconnect cables before cleaning.
- Use a soft microfiber cloth lightly dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol, when permitted by the manufacturer.
- Wipe edges and crevices carefully, and allow the device to air-dry completely.
- Do not pour liquid onto the device or use ammonia-based glass cleaner, nail-polish remover, or undiluted bleach.
- Disinfect after each field session or between users on shared devices.
Always check the current cleaning instructions from your manufacturer: Apple, Google Pixel, or Samsung.
Conserve battery
Section titled “Conserve battery”Lower brightness, enable Low Power or Battery Saver mode, and close work that is not needed. Turn off Bluetooth, cellular data, Wi-Fi, or airplane-mode connections when they are not required. Limit background location access for other apps. NAHPU uses GPS when you generate a site coordinate, so continuous background location is not required. Carry a charged power bank and avoid leaving batteries in excessive heat.
Manage connectivity and GPS
Section titled “Manage connectivity and GPS”Use connectivity intentionally: download or update what you need before departure, then test NAHPU in airplane mode. Re-enable a connection only when syncing, transferring, or backing up. Grant location permission when you need to generate a site coordinate, keep a clear view of the sky when possible, and review the coordinate before saving it. Do not rely on GPS alone when local safety or collecting rules require another location record.