Campbell MetData 1 Instruction Manual

Contents

Campbell MetData 1 Instruction Manual Manual pdf 49 page image

6-1SECTION 6. MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTINGThese guidelines apply to several different Campbell Scientific weather stations.6.1 MAINTENANCEProper maintenance of weather stationcomponents is essential to obtain accuratedata. Equipment must be in good operatingcondition, which requires a program of regularinspection and maintenance. Routine andsimple maintenance can be accomplished bythe person in charge of the weather station.More difficult maintenance such as sensorcalibration, sensor performance testing (i.e.,bearing torque), and sensor componentreplacement, generally requires a skilledtechnician, or that the instrument be sent toCampbell Scientific or the manufacturer.A station log should be maintained for eachweather station that includes serial numbers,dates that the site was visited, and maintenancethat was performed.6.1.1 INSTRUMENTATION MAINTENANCEThe instrumentation requires a minimum ofroutine maintenance. A few preventativemaintenance steps will optimize battery life anddecrease the chances of datalogger failure.6.1.2 BATTERIESInstruction 10 can be used to measure batteryvoltage. By recording battery voltage the usercan determine how long a fresh set of batterieswill last (see the Installation Section of thedatalogger Operator's Manual for coldtemperature effects on alkaline batteries).Short Cut and ETPro automatically program theweather station to measure battery voltage.When alkaline batteries are used, the batteryvoltage should not be allowed to drop below 9.6VDC before replacement. Where CR10 or 21Xdataloggers are used in the instrumentation, anexternal battery must be used to maintain powerto the datalogger when changing batteries,otherwise the clock, program, and data will belost (refer to the Installation Section of thedatalogger's Operator's Manual for details).When not in use, remove the eight cells toeliminate potential corrosion of the contactpoints, and store in a cool dry place.Rechargeable power supplies should beconnected to an AC transformer or unregulatedsolar panel at all times. The charge indicatingdiode should be "ON" when voltage to thecharging circuitry is present. Be aware ofbattery voltage that consistently decreases overtime, which indicates a failure in the chargingcircuitry.6.1.3 DESICCANTEnclosure humidity is monitored in the ETEnclosure and MetData1 systems by an RHchip incorporated into the connector board.Change the desiccant packs when theenclosure RH exceeds 35%. The RH chipshould be changed every 3 to 5 years.In standard weather stations, a humidityindicator card is provided with the enclosure. Asmall RH sensor (10162) can be purchasedseparately to record the RH inside theenclosure. Change the desiccant when eitherthe card or the sensor read about 35% RH.Desiccant may be ordered through CampbellScientific (DSC 20/4).Desiccant packs inside of the dataloggers do notrequire replacement under normal conditions.6.1.4 SENSOR MAINTENANCESensor maintenance should be performed atregular intervals, depending on the desiredaccuracy and the conditions of use. A suggestedmaintenance schedule is outlined below.1 week• Check the pyranometer for level andcontamination. Gently clean, if needed.• Visually inspect the wind sensors andradiation shield.1 month• Check the rain gage funnel for debris andlevel.• Do a visual/audio inspection of theanemometer at low wind speeds.• Check the filter of the temperature/humiditysensor for contamination.