1 instrumentation maintenance, 2 batteries, 3 desiccant – Campbell Scientific UT10 10 foot Tower w/ Grounding Kit and Hinged Base User Manual

Page 60: 4 sensor maintenance, Instrumentation maintenance, Batteries, Desiccant, Sensor maintenance

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UT10 Weather Station

A station log should be maintained for each weather station that includes serial

numbers, dates that the site was visited, and maintenance that was performed.

9.1.1 Instrumentation Maintenance

The instrumentation requires a minimum of routine maintenance. A few

preventative maintenance steps will optimize battery life and decrease the

chances of datalogger failure.

9.1.2 Batteries

The CRBasic battery instruction can be used to measure the battery voltage.

By recording battery voltage, the user can determine how long a fresh set of

batteries will last (see the Installation Section of the datalogger Operator’s

Manual for cold temperature effects on alkaline batteries). Short Cut

automatically program the weather station to measure battery voltage.

When alkaline batteries are used, the battery voltage should not be allowed to

drop below 9.6 Vdc before replacement. Where CR10 or 21X dataloggers are

used in the instrumentation, an external battery must be used to maintain power

to the datalogger when changing batteries, otherwise the clock, program, and

data will be lost (refer to the Installation Section of the datalogger’s Operator’s

Manual for details). When not in use, remove the eight cells to eliminate

potential corrosion of the contact points, and store in a cool dry place.

Rechargeable power supplies should be connected to an AC transformer or

unregulated solar panel at all times. The charge indicating diode should be

“ON” when voltage to the charging circuitry is present. Be aware of battery

voltage that consistently decreases over time, which indicates a failure in the

charging circuitry.

9.1.3 Desiccant

In standard weather stations, a humidity indicator card is provided with the

enclosure. A small RH sensor (CS210) can be purchased separately to record

the RH inside the enclosure. Change the desiccant when either the card or the

sensor read about 35% RH.

Desiccant may be ordered through Campbell Scientific (pn 6714).

Desiccant packs inside of the dataloggers do not require replacement under

normal conditions.

9.1.4 Sensor Maintenance

Sensor maintenance should be performed at regular intervals, depending on the

desired accuracy and the conditions of use. A suggested maintenance schedule is

outlined below.

1 week

Check the pyranometer for level and contamination. Gently clean, if

needed.

Visually inspect the wind sensors and radiation shield.

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