How do I install root tubes for use with my CI-602 imager?

The goal is to dig a hole deep enough to fit a root tube angled about 45° without any clear unpainted plastic showing above-ground once the tube is buried. (Note that with the CI-602 end cap sized to not allow the push rod to go all the way through, so as of 8/10/22 we are finding that with the CI-602 you don’t actually need to take the “black eraser” gasket off the slider rod since it provides strength to the slider-rod assembly, but instead insert all of the slider rod except the last ~8in length to allow for the rod to sit on the end cap.

Below is a photo to show the slider rod in the correct position for use with the end cap. The top opening of the tube will be ideally facing to the NE; you can change orientation if there is an obstruction or slope. Before heading to the field, look inside the tubes. Remove any "fuzzies" on the inside of the tubes left over from cutting the tube. You can blow them out with compressed air or gently push a soft very slightly moistened cloth through the tube. All the tubes should have plastic caps installed on both the top and bottom before taking out to the field.

Clear the area where you are going to dig your hole. It should be free of woody plants. Plan ahead to ensure sufficient space to repeatedly insert and remove scanner.
Lay down the tarp next to your future hole and dig a shallow trench that's approximately 15-20 cm by 65-70 cm using a Pulaski. Throw the top layer of soil on the tarp near the side where the tube will be sticking out of the ground.
Start digging using the Sharp-Shooter shovel. Try to dig your hole at a 45° As you are digging, throw the soil onto the tarp in the order of most shallow to deepest.
Once the deep end is at a depth of at least 65cm and it looks like the angle is about right, put your tube in to test it out. NO need to remove the paper from the tube quite yet. Note: it can be helpful to use a spare tube in the initial stages of installation.
Use the level or your compass to check the angle of the tube. Adjust accordingly and determine if there will be any clear plastic sticking out above the ground. This means the bottom portion of the paint on top of the tube should be below ground level.
If you have a good angle but some clear plastic is still peeking above ground level, go deeper!
Deep enough now? It is sifting time! Gently peel the tape of the end of the tube and try not to remove any paint as you take off the tape. Remove the paper and wipe any "fuzzies" off of the tube. Very gently lay your tube into the hole.
Start at the deep end and use the deepest soil from the tarp first. Throw a few handfuls in a sifter and sift away. Return the chunks of soil to your tarp-you will need these to fill in the hole later.
Pack the soil under the tube.
Put one of your hands on top of the tube while you are packing the soil - otherwise the angle will get steeper as you fill in. There should be no gaps in the soil or excessive debris touching the outside of the tube. You can shine a light over the tube to get a better view and use a bent-over pin flag to pack in hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.
Note: you can lower a flashlight on a string into the tube but beware of scratching the inside of the tube in the process!
Continue sifting and packing the soil underneath the tube. If everything looks well-packed with no gaps or debris, begin sifting the soil onto the top of the tube as well.
When you have gotten to the top and assured the soil is well-packed without gaps or excessive debris, dump the remaining soil on the tarp into the hole.
Smooth it over. It is alright to harvest soil from elsewhere if that soil is not enough to fill in the hole and leave a smooth soil surface. If it is filled in and it all looks good, you're done!

The process typically takes 1-1.5 hours but can vary.

Equipment:

Small hand towel
Tarp or heavy-duty garbage bag
Sharp-Shooter shovel
Sifter
Flashlight
Hand trowel
Bent pin flag
Root tube
Soil knife
Level set to 45°, Compass, or appropriate app on smart phone
Meter stick