25
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Maintaining UV and Solar Radiation Sensors
Make every effort to avoid touching the small white diffusers at the top of the sensors.
Any skin oil will reduce the sensitivity of the sensors. For accurate readings, clean the
diffusers at least once per month using denatured alcohol on a soft cloth (Do not use
rubbing alcohol).
Due to the sensitivity of ultraviolet and solar radiation sensors it is common practice for
manufacturers to recommend re-calibration after a period of time. Here at Davis
Instruments we have seen less than 2% drift per year on the readings from these sensors.
For applications demanding higher accuracy, however, the sensors should be calibrated
once every year.
Contact Technical Support about returning your sensor for calibration. See “Contacting
Davis Instruments” on page 27.
Cleaning the Radiation Shield
The outer plating of the radiation shield should be cleaned when there is excessive dirt
and build up on the plating. Use a damp cloth to clean the outer edge of each ring.
Note:
Spraying down or using water excessively to clean the radiation shield can damage the sensitive
sensors or alter the data and readings the ISS is transmitting.
Check the radiation shield for debris or insect nests at least
once a year and clean when necessary. A buildup of material
inside the shield reduces its effectiveness and may cause
inaccurate temperature and humidity readings.
To thoroughly clean the radiation shield
1. Remove the rain collector cone.
2. Using a Phillips head screwdriver, loosen the three 4”
(~100mm) bolts holding the radiation shield plates
together.
3. Separate the plates as shown and remove all debris from
inside the shield.
4. Reassemble the radiation shield plates and fasten them
together using the bolts as shown in the illustration. Use a
Phillips head screwdriver to tighten the bolts.
Cleaning the Rain Collector
To maintain accuracy, thoroughly clean the rain collector
several times a year.
Note:
Cleaning the rain collector and tipping buckets my cause false rain readings. Unplug the RAIN
sensor from the SIM before cleaning so that no inaccurate readings are logged, or clear the
weather data that was logged on the Vantage Pro2 console after cleaning is complete. See your
Vantage Pro2 Console Manual
for instructions on clearing weather data.
1. Separate the cone from the base by turning it counter-clockwise.
4" Bolt
Plates
Rain Collector Base
Temp/Humidity
Sensor
Lock
Washer
Flat
Washer