Proper and regular maintenance is necessary for longevity, flawless operation and to obtain accurate data.
Routine and simple maintenance can be accomplished by the person in charge of the weather station. More difficult maintenance such as sensor calibration, sensor performance testing, and sensor component replacement, generally
requires a skilled technician, or that the instrument be sent to Pessl Instruments.
Station:
At the beginning of the new season check the following:
- Data is being sent to Field Climate in the correct interval
- Clean the solar panel and all Sensors
- Make sure that the battery is holding charge (check the manual for levels) and that the solar panel is in the right direction toward the sun
- make sure that all sensors are attached securely
- the pole is completely vertical and level
- check that all cables are alright, fixed with zip ties and are not affected by wind
Sensors:
The maintenance needed for the sensors depends on the different sensors. Temperature sensors will not
need any maintenance for their lifetime whereas the rain gauge will only work properly when it is cleaned
periodically.
Maintaining the PI rain gauge
Clean the rain gauge ensures correct rainfall measurements.
It also needs to be leveled by checking the bubble indicator for straight mounting and verify it is not moving with wind.
When in doubt about the rainfall measurements, the first thing is to check the rain gauge for any debris.
Clean the funnel from leaves, dust, debris and insects and wipe with a clean cloth to remove coatings.
As there is opening on the bottom side for rain to drain off, birds, spiders or other animals can make nests inside the rain gauge, causing the rain gauge tipping mechanism to stall. User should check for this and clean it when needed.
Check if the double spoon is moving easily and clean it.
How to clean the rain gauge:
Maintaining the PI Hygroclip
PI Hygroclip has a very good period of stability and will need recalibration every 4 years. Recalibration can be done trough Pessl Instruments and this means you will receive a new calibrated sensor head and then send back the replaced one.
Before request of calibration please check that the filter covering the sensing elements is clean.
The relative humidity sensor is affected by pollution in dependence of the severity of the pollution.
If it is dirty at your glance, clean the filter by soaking it into a clean water glass with a part of ammonia. Let it dry for 24 hours before reinstalling it. Alternatively, cleaning wipes can be used for a quick cleaning
Radiation shield (convection cup) must be cleaned at the beginning of the season. Cleaning wipes can be used to clean the shield.
Maintaining the PI Leaf wetness
The filter paper which is used as a sensing element for the leaf wetness sensor is destroyed after to many wettings and dryings. It has to be changed in dependence of rain frequency. If this sensing element is dirty, soiled by bird droppings, coated by spray materials (copper fungicide, etc.), physically damaged, or worn out, it should be replaced.
Note: DO NOT clip the leave into the sensor the filter paper is simulating the green tissue of the leave.
Order number of the paper (sensing element): 600060 / 900044
Maintaining the PI Par Quantum und PI Pyranometer (Global radiation)
Clean the sensor at the beginning of the year with a none abrasive hummed tissue and after each spraying.
Maintaining the Wind Speed sensor
Examine the wind sensor if the windwheel is moving easily. If that is not the case sent the
sensor for service to us. If the wind wheel is damaged please order a new one.
Please unroll the cable which conects the Wind Speed Sensor to the station otherwise it will cause irregularities with the measurements.
Maintaining the Wind Direction Sensor
Should be wipe down with a clean cloth each year If sensor stops giving data 1st check whether the cable is ok.
Maintaining the Water Level Sensor
Cleaning it only if change in location. Put in clean water. Do not rub, chafe or scratch the bottom of the sensor where the sensing plate is exposed.
Please pay attention that the Water level sensor stays frost-free.
Maintaining the Irrometer Tensiometer
Check regularly and refill it with water. Please pay attention that the tensiometer stays frost-free.
Maintaining the EC und PH sensor
Please pay attention that the EC and the pH sensor stay frost-free.
Maintaining the PI Wet and Dry Bulb Temperature
Check regularly and refill the water bottle, the water bottle of wet bulb temperature
sensor should be at least 80% full.
Maintaining the Power supply (Battery)
Make sure that battery cable is well connected to its correspondent input on the board.
The lifespan of the battery is expected to be 5 to 6 years with sufficient recharging from the solar panel.
Deep discharge shortens its lifetime.