Specifications

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Passive radiation shield: Every two weeks (or every time the station is visited) inspect the
radiation shield to make sure no animals have colonized the structure (wasps love the shade
provided by the shield). Clean the surface of the main ‘umbrella’ and the tube with a slightly
damped cloth to remove dust and dirt and keep the efficiency of the shield as high as possible.
Precipitation gauge (TB4MM-L): Inspect the precipitation gauge every time the station is
visited. Remove any debris from the collection funnel or debris screen. Every two weeks,
remove the cover of the gauge to make sure no insects or other animals are present inside.
Carefully check that the tipping bucket mechanism is moving freely (DO NOT tip it because a
rainfall event will be recorded in the data logger). Inspect the siphoning tubes attached to the
bottom of the gauge and make sure they are clear and free from debris (otherwise water will back
up into the gauge). Check the bubble level to ensure the gauge is leveled. If needed, correct the
level by adjusting the nuts on the mounting brackets.
Solar radiation (LI 200X-L): Every month, check the level of the pyranometers and adjust if
necessary. Remove any debris on the sensor head by using a soft brush. If the debris is
substantial (e.g. a bird dropping) note it in the maintenance log (Appendix A.3), and carefully
clean the surface of the sensor with a lightly dampened cloth (do not use chemical cleaners).
Inspect the drain hole next to the sensor and ensure it is open and free of debris.
4.6 Power systems maintenance
Solar panel: Clean the surface of the solar panel every month by removing any debris, bird
droppings, dust, etc. This will keep the panel working at the maximum efficiency possible. Using
a voltmeter, measure the voltage differential coming out of the panel; not the regulator (at
maximum efficiency - full sun, this should be about 17.9 V).
Battery: Every month check the battery to ensure it is working properly. Check that all the cable
connections are tight and clean (no salt deposits or rust). When extracting data from the data
logger, examine the battery voltage minimum logs for any warning signs that the battery is not
performing optimally. Normal minimum voltages should be between 11-13 V. If the voltage of
the rechargeable battery dips below 10.5 V, this can cause irreversible damage to the battery. If
the minimum battery voltage dips below 10.5 V, immediately replace the battery.
System/Sensor Activity Frequency
Climate station core
area/fence
Remove debris, general maintenance Monthly
Tower base General inspection, rust control,
removal of debris, nests, etc
Biweekly
Instrument Enclosure External/Internal integrity Monthly
Check internal humidity
Replace silica or Zorb-it™ packets
Biweekly
Temperature/RH
sensor
Clean debris and deposits Monthly
Passive radiation
shield
Clean exterior surface, check fan,
inspect fan speed logs every time data
is downloaded
Biweekly