Specifications

TEAM Climate Monitoring Protocol 3.1
47
6.1.2 Tower maintenance
The tower structure should be carefully inspected every month. If a non-aluminum tower is used, look
for signs of deterioration such as growing rusting spots on the poles, and in joints were two structures
meet. As soon as rust is noticed, clean and sand the spot and surrounding area to remove the rust and
apply antirust paint.
Many animals and plants may attempt to colonize the tower. Every time the station is visited, remove
any noticeable debris and structures (e.g. wasp/bee nests, bird nests, termite mounds, etc) present on
the tower. Also remove any lianas or climbers that are starting to colonize from the base of the tower.
Follow ant lines (or termite trails) that are climbing the tower to detect where they are going (to a
sensor, a nest, the enclosure, etc) and destroy them.
It is also very important to check on the tower’s grounding cable. There is a possibility it could become
disconnected during an intense storm or due to someone stepping on it. Remember that I
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to ensure proper protection against lightning strikes for
the electrical circuits of the climate sensing equipment housed in the enclosure. Reattach the grounding
wire to where it became loose by using a clamp (see Sections 5.3.3 and 5.7 for more information on
the correct grounding procedure)
6.1.3 Enclosure maintenance
Check the integrity of the enclosure at least monthly (preferably every two weeks). First check the
outside and make sure the enclosure is solid and there are no obvious breaches or rusting spots
developing on the external surface. If any are detected, treat immediately by sanding the area and
applying antirust paint. Look for ant or termite lines going into the enclosure and destroy them.
Open the enclosure and check the humidity indicator. Replace the silica gel or Zorb-it™ packets if the
middle circle (labeled 40) is pink. If there are ants or other insects inside the box, there is a breach
most likely through the bottom pipe. Carefully check the pipe at the bottom of the enclosure and make
sure the putty is correctly placed to seal the entrance. Remove any debris, insects, or structures found
inside the enclosure.
Inspect the cables and terminals in the data logger and battery to make sure the connections are not
compromised. Look for rusting and salt deposits on the terminals; if any are detected, remove the
cable from the terminal, clean it with sand paper and reconnect. Check the external surface of the
cables to make sure there are no breaks or exposed wires. Repair any cables with exposed or
damaged sections by wrapping the section of the cable with vinyl/electrical tape.
6.1.4 Sensor maintenance
All the sensors used in this protocol are designed to work unattended, but some minimum maintenance
is necessary to ensure they are working correctly.
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Once a month, remove the sensors from the
aspirated radiation shield and check for debris or deposits on the black screen at the end of the
sensor. There is no need to disconnect any cables from the data logger or the cabling box in the
aspirated radiation shield. Just remove the bottom portion of the shield and pull out the sensor from
the tube to inspect it. Refer to the manual of the sensor for other maintenance guidelines; especially if
the station is close to the ocean (salt deposits can form more quickly).