EKO INSTRUMENTS CO., LTD. - Pyranometer MS-60/60S - Instruction Manual Ver. 4
Pg. 12
5 - 2 . S e t u p
In order to obtain representative measurements from pyranometers, several criteria with respect to setup and
mounting of the instruments have to be considered.
The ideal mounting position for pyranometers is a location which has a full hemispheric field-of-view without
any obstructions [such as buildings, trees, and mountain]; however, it might be difficult to find such locations.
Therefore in practice, it is ideal to install in a position which is free from obstructions at 5° above horizon.
The setup location should be easily accessible for periodic maintenance [glass dome cleaning, etc.], and
avoid surrounding towers, poles, walls or billboards with bright colors that can reflect solar radiation onto the
pyranometer. A strong physical impact to the pyranometer can lead to product damage and/or may cause
changes to the sensitivity.
1. Installing at Horizontal or Tilted Positions
1)
Check the installation base where the pyranometer has to be mounted and make sure it has two fixing
holes with the appropriate pitch. The pitch sizes of the fixing holes are as follows [in mm]:
Table 5-2. Fixing Hole Pitch and Bolt Size for Pyranometers
MS-60 / MS-60S
Fixing Hole Pitch
65 mm
Fixing Bolt Size
M5 x 75 mm
2)
Setup the pyranometer with the signal cable conn
ector facing the nearest Earth’s pole.
In the Northern hemisphere, the connector should be orientated North, in the Southern hemisphere, the
connector should be orientated South. If the signal cable connector is facing towards the sun, the
temperature of the connector increases and may cause measurement error due unwanted
thermoelectric power invited by the connector temperature increase.
3)
Remove a sunscreen.
The sunscreen can be removed by loosening the knurling screw and sliding it towards the spirit level
direction.
*When carrying the MS-60 with sunscreen attached, always hold the instrument from the bottom.
Holding only the sunscreen part may lead to dropping the sensor as it comes off from the sunscreen.
4)
Adjust the pyranometer in a horizontal position by using the 2 levelling screws observing the air bubble
in the spirit level while manipulating the levelling screws. The instrument is levelled horizontally if the air
bubble is in the centre ring.
If the pyranometer is not levelled properly, the pyranometer readings are affected by cosine and azimuth
errors. Periodically check the spirit level
and adjust the pyranometer’s position if necessary.