Campbell CSAT3B, Instruction Manual, Page: 65 / 88

CSAT3B Three-Dimensional Sonic Anemometer
9. Maintenance and Troubleshooting
9.1 General Maintenance
With no moving parts, maintenance of the CSAT3B is minimal and limited to
the following:
• Replacing rain wicks
•
Replacing the desiccant canister
• Monitoring diagnostics and measurement offsets to determine when
factory recalibration is needed
The sections below address these maintenance activities.
The cover plate to the electronics should only be removed
by qualified technicians at the factory. When covered, the
electronics are well protected against transient voltages
during handling and operation. Once uncovered, however,
they are highly sensitive to electrostatic discharge. There
are no user-serviceable components beneath the cover
plate. Opening this will void the warranty on the
anemometer.
9.2 Sonic Wicks
Like other ultrasonic anemometers, the CSAT3B is unable to measure wind
when water droplets completely obscure the face of the transducers. CSAT3B
algorithm Version 5 along with sonic wicks (shown in FIGURE 9-1), improve
the performance of the CSAT3B in rainy conditions. Under certain conditions,
the wicking properties of the sonic wicks may not be adequate. In these
circumstances, the CSAT3B may report diagnostic error conditions or
erroneous data until the water droplets evaporate or are manually removed.
Droplets can be removed by dabbing a cotton swab or tissue on the face of the
transducer.
If site conditions are such that the wicks are unnecessary, gently remove the
wicks from the transducers, taking care not to damage or peel the matching
layer (rubber tips) from the brass housing of the transducers. Remove the
wicks during the winter, as the wicks will accumulate snow or freezing rain to
the point where the transducer face will be obscured.
Lightly dab the face of the transducers to remove water
droplets. Applying excessive force on the face of the
transducer may damage the matching layer. Do not attempt
to remove ice or frost without melting it first by gently
warming the anemometer.
If the wicks are to be permanently installed at the site, ensure that the wicks are
located in the proper position. FIGURE 9-1 shows the proper orientation of
the transducer wicks. The top wick must be flush with the transducer face,
with the wick tail located at the lowest point of the transducer (FIGURE 9-1,
left). The end of the bottom transducer wick must extend above the transducer
CAUTION
CAUTION
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