Hydro-Wiper Operation Manual Hydro-Wiper # C for OBS3+ sensor External trigger controlled version
Hydro-Wiper operation manual Overview The Hydro-Wiper is a mechanical wiper system designed to be easily fitted to the D&A OBS 3+. By wiping at regular intervals, the Hydro-Wiper keeps the optical window of the OBS3+ clear of bio-fouling and other deposits such as mud. This reduces the necessity for costly site visits to manually clean the sensor, and maintains data quality throughout the deployment. The Hydro-Wiper consists of a wiper body that the OBS3+ is clamped onto.
Hydro-Wiper operation manual Installation The OBS3+ is mounted in the clamp at the front of the wiper, with the optical window facing directly away from the Hydro-Wiper. The OBS3+ should be positioned so that the brush sweeps across the whole surface of the optical window (Photo 1). Photo 1.
Hydro-Wiper operation manual While setting up the Hydro-Wiper, the brush arm can be manually moved to check the OBS3+ is correctly positioned. Ensure that the Hydro-Wiper is not powered up prior to doing this. The brush is mounted on an adjustable arm. The length of the arm controls the brush pressure applied to the face of the OBS3+. This has been factory set, and should not need adjustment.
Hydro-Wiper operation manual The wiper control module is not water proof, and should be mounted inside a weather-proof housing, ideally adjacent to the controlling data logger. The ground (GND) connection of the wiper control module must be connected to both the +12 volt supply ground, and the data logger control ground. The power supply to the Hydro-Wiper must be between 8 and 15 volts DC, and capable of supplying around 90mA during a wipe, and momentarily up to 500mA if the wiper arm becomes jammed.
Hydro-Wiper operation manual Operation Warning When power to the Hydro-Wiper is switched on, the wiper arm will immediately start moving. On power up, if the wiper arm is not at the start position, then the wiper arm will first rotate to the start position. From the start position, the brush will wipe across the face of the OBS3+, and then move back to the start position, thus brushing the OBS3+ face in two directions.
Hydro-Wiper operation manual The timing of the wipe is optimally just prior to making a measurement with the OBS3+. It is recommended that a small time interval occurs between the wipe and the measurement, to allow for settling of debris dislodged during the wipe. If the wiper arm becomes jammed at any stage during a wipe, the direction of rotation will be reversed in an attempt to dislodge the obstruction. If this is un-successful after a number of attempts, then the Hydro-Wiper will abort the wipe.
Hydro-Wiper operation manual Maintenance The Hydro-Wiper requires very little maintenance, and should provide reliable operation for many years. The only user replaceable part is the brush. Under normal conditions, the brush should last many thousands of wipes. If however the brush does need replacement, these can be obtained from your supplier or directly from Zebra-Tech Ltd. Specifications Control input; The wiper control module has an internal 10k pull down resistor.
Hydro-Wiper operation manual Contact Zebra-Tech Ltd PO Box 1668 Nelson New Zealand Tel: International 0064 3 5471590 Fax: International 0064 3 5471598 Email: enquiry@zebra-tech.co.nz Web: www.zebra-tech.co.
