Specifications

6 Glossary

Air Temperature. Refers to the surface air temperature without the influence of direct solar

radiation. Also defined as the temperature reading by a thermometer placed in a shaded

shelter 1-2 m above the ground.

Aspirated Radiation Shield. (see Radiation Shield)

AWG. American Wire Gauge, which is a standardized to measure wire diameter for round,

electrical, solid, conducting wire. The lowest the AWG, the thickest the wire. For more

information and a table of physical and electrical properties of wires of different gauges see

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_wire_gauge .

Battery. A rechargeable battery is an essential component of the climate station that allows it

to work during cloudy conditions and at night. We recommend using a 12 VDC 50 Amp-h

sealed battery to provide enough charge for the system, in particular the aspirated radiation

shield (consumes 250 mA or 6 Amp-h in a 24 h period). The battery should be enclosed in a

enclosure that allows some flow of air (and avoid H buildup) but sturdy enough to protect it

from the elements (rain, heat).

Calibration. A process to adjust measurements from a sensor to a universally defined

standard of measurement. For example, a thermometer can be calibrated by measuring the

boiling point of distilled water at 0 m above sea level and re-setting this value to 100 °C.

Each sensor follows specific calibration procedures at defined intervals of time to minimize

measurement bias.

Charge regulator. A device that maintains a load voltage nearly constant over a range of

variations of input voltage and current. A charge regulator is installed between the solar

panel and the battery to charge it in full without overcharge in varying conditions while

preventing reverse current during the night (from the battery to the solar panel).

Climate Protocol Maintenance Logs. Field forms to verify and collect information about

the physical status of a climate station. This includes condition of the climate base and its

surrounding area, the data logger and enclosure, the sensors and the power sources of the

climate station. Climate logs should be filled every 2-4 weeks.

Climate Station. The climate station is defined here as the set of sensors, data logger, power

supplies and physical base (tower/tripod) that is assembled to monitor climatological

variables continuously at a fixed point in space.

Data Logger. Computer that receives signals (electrical, pulse, etc) from the sensors and

transforms them into measurements with units (°C, mm, etc) over an integrated period of

time. The datalogger can also regulate the function of some sensors or instruments by

providing or cutting power to them as applicable.