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Integrated Sensor Suite
T
ROUBLESHOOTING
If a Sensor Functions Intermittently
Carefully check all connections from the sensor to the ISS. (To access the SIM
where sensor cables plug in, see “Removing Radiation Shield Plates” on
page 9.) Loose connections account for a large portion of potential problems.
Connections should be firmly seated in receptacles, and plugged in straight. If
you think a connection may be faulty, try jiggling cable while looking at the
display. If a reading appears intermittently on the display as you jiggle the
cable, the connection is faulty.
The Most Common Anemometer Problems
“The anemometer head is tilted when I mount the anemometer.”
With your Allen wrench, loosen the screws holding the anemometer head on
the arm. (The screws are on the bottom of the anemometer head, by the wind
cups.) Turn the anemometer head so it is straight and then tighten the screws.
“The wind cups are spinning but my console only displays zero miles/hour.”
The signal from the wind cups is not making it back to the display. Remove the
cups from the anemometer (loosen the set screw shown on page 8) and make
sure there is a small silver disk next to the steel shaft where the cups go. Put the
cups back onto the shaft and adjust them up or down 1/16 – 1/8 inch (1.5 – 3
mm). Check your cables for visible nicks and cuts. Look for corrosion in the
“WIND” jack on the Sensor Interface Module and on splices in the cable (if
any). If possible, remove any extensions and try using the anemometer cable
only. If none of these steps get the wind speed working, call Technical Support
at (510) 732-7814 to ask for a wind test cable.
“The wind direction is stuck on north, or displays dashes.”
It is likely that there is a short or break somewhere between the wind vane and
the display. Check your cables for visible nicks and cuts. Look for corrosion in
the “WIND” jack on the Sensor Interface Module and on splices in the cable (if
any). If possible, remove any extensions and try with the anemometer cable
only. If none of these steps get the wind direction working, call Technical Sup-
port at (510) 732-7814 to ask for a wind test cable.
“The wind cups don’t spin as fast as they should. (Or don’t spin at all!)”
Either the anemometer is located where wind is blocked by something, or there
is friction interfering with the cups’ rotation. Friction usually can be remedied
by the user — remove the wind cups (loosen the set screw shown on page 8)
and clear out any bugs or debris. Turn the shaft the cups rotate on. If it feels
gritty or stiff, call Technical Support at (510) 732-7814. DO NOT LUBRICATE
THE SHAFT OR BEARINGS IN ANY WAY. When replacing the cups, make
sure they are not rubbing against any part of the anemometer head.
