7
Installing the Sensor Suite
Choosing a Location for the Sensor Suite
The sensor suite assembly includes the rain collector, wind vane, anemometer, temperature
and humidity sensors, radiation shield, and SIM housing. You will use the U-bolt and
associated nuts and washers that are included with your sensor suite mounting hardware
package to install the sensor suite on a pole. (See “Hardware” on page 2.)
To ensure that the Vantage Vue weather station performs at its best, use these guidelines to
select the optimum mounting location for the sensor suite. Be sure to take into consideration
ease of access for maintenance and wireless transmission range when siting the station.
Note:
When selecting a location for installing your sensor suite, especially on a rooftop, make sure it is a
location far from power lines. Seek professional help if you are uncertain about the safety of your
installation.
Sensor Suite Installation Guidelines
Note:
These siting guidelines reflect an ideal condition. Rarely is it possible to create the perfect installation.
The better the siting, the more accurate your data will be.
•
Place the sensor suite away from sources of heat such as chimneys, heaters, air
conditioners, and exhaust vents.
•
Place the sensor suite at least 100' (30 m) away from any asphalt or concrete roadway that
readily absorbs and radiates heat from the sun. Avoid installations near fences or sides of
buildings that receive a lot of sun during the day.
•
Install the sensor suite as level as possible to ensure accurate rain and wind measurements.
Use the built-in bubble level on the top of the sensor suite, just above the solar panel, to
make sure the sensor suite is level.
•
In the Northern Hemisphere, the solar panel should face south for maximum sun exposure.
•
In the Southern Hemisphere, the solar panel should face north for maximum sun exposure.
Note:
The wind direction is calibrated assuming the solar panel is facing south. If you install the sensor suite
with the solar panel pointing in a direction other than south, you will need to use the wind direction
calibration function in the Vantage Vue console in order to obtain accurate wind direction readings. See
Vantage Vue Console Manual
for more information.
S
OUTH
(in the Northern
Hemisphere
)
N
ORTH
(in the Southern
Hemisphere
)
Solar Panel
