RXW Davis Wind Speed and Direction Sensor (RXW-WCF-xxx) Manual
1-800-LOGGERS 7
www.onsetcomp.com
3.
Check the latest reading in HOBOlink keeping in mind that
the data is only updated when the station connects to
HOBOlink. It may take a couple of connections before the
latest reading from the mote is transmitted to the station
and then uploaded to HOBOlink. The value should match
the angle obtained with the GPS receiver. If it does not,
reposition the sensor vane so that it is pointed directly at
the waypoint flag or marker and then rotate the sensor
mounting arm as needed and wait for the next HOBOlink
reading. Repeat this until the wind direction sensor value in
HOBOlink matches the angle obtained with the GPS
receiver.
4.
Once the vane is in position, secure the mounting base and
then double-check that the reported angle is correct.
Maintenance
The sensor does not normally require any maintenance other
than an occasional cleaning. If the vane becomes dirty, rinse it
with mild soap and fresh water. Do not immerse the sensor in
water or use any organic solvents to clean the unit. Do not
attempt to lubricate the wind cup shaft or bearings or the wind
vane shaft. Natural or synthetic lubricants will inhibit the
normal operation of the anemometer.
The mote is designed for outdoor use, but should be inspected
periodically. When inspecting the mote, do the following:
•
Verify the mote is free of visible damage or cracks.
•
Make sure the mote is clean. Wipe off any dust or grime
with a damp cloth.
•
Wipe off any water before opening the mote.
•
Make sure the interior seal is intact and the latches are
fully locked when the mote door is closed.
Verifying Sensor Accuracy
It is recommended that you check the accuracy of the sensor
annually. The sensor cannot be calibrated. If the sensor is not
providing accurate data, then it is damaged or possibly worn
out if it has been in use for several years.
Updating Mote Firmware
If a new firmware version is available for the mote, use
HOBOlink to download the file to your computer. Connect the
mote to the computer with a USB cable (open the mote door
and use the USB port to the right of the LCD). The mote appears
as a new storage device in the computer’s file storage manager.
Copy the downloaded firmware file to the new storage device
(the mote). After the file is copied, eject the storage device
from the computer and disconnect the cable from the mote.
The file will be installed automatically on the mote.
Note to
Mac® users:
A message may appear indicating the disk has not
ejected properly. The mote is operational and you can ignore
the message.
Battery Information
The mote uses two 1.2 V rechargeable NiMH batteries, charged
by the built-in solar panel. The quality and quantity of solar
light can affect whether the battery is sufficiently charged to
last through the night and cloudy periods. Make sure the mote
is placed in a location that will receive several hours of sunlight
each day. If the mote does not receive enough sunlight to
recharge the batteries, the battery life is estimated at 3–4
months. When batteries are regularly recharged, expected
battery life is estimated at 3–5 years. Battery life varies based
on the ambient temperature where the mote is deployed, the
logging interval, the number of tripped alarms, and other
factors. Deployments in extremely cold or hot temperatures
can impact battery life. Estimates are not guaranteed due to
uncertainties in initial battery conditions and operating
environment.
Mote operation will stop when battery voltage drops to 1.8 V.
Mote operation will return if the battery recharges to 2.3 V. If
the batteries are unable to be recharged, replace them with
fresh rechargeable batteries.
To replace rechargeable batteries:
1.
Open the mote door.
2.
Remove the old batteries and install the new ones
observing polarity.
3.
Make sure the solar panel cable is plugged in.
You can use two 1.5 V lithium batteries (HWSB-LI) for operation
at the extreme ends of the mote operating range. Lithium
battery life is an estimated at 1 year, but varies based on the
ambient temperature where the mote is deployed, the logging
interval, the number of tripped alarms, and other factors.
Estimates are not guaranteed due to uncertainties in initial
battery conditions and operating environment. When using
lithium batteries, you must disconnect the solar panel cable
because the batteries will not be recharged.
To install lithium batteries:
1.
Open the mote door.
2.
Remove any old batteries and install the new ones
observing polarity.
3.
Push in the side tab of the solar panel cable connector and
pull the connector out of the cable port.
Make sure
solar panel
cable is
installed
when using
rechargeable
batteries