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Sensor Maintenance

  • Anemometer

    Your anemometer should provide years of service. In some areas, however, spiders and insects can affect its operation. If wind speed seems low, use an allen wrench to loosen the setscrew on the side of the wind cups. Remove the wind cups, and clean the exposed portion of the shaft with a damp cloth or cotton swab. Clean the wind cups with water and a mild liquid detergent. Rinse thoroughly before replacing.

    Do not use or add grease, oil, or a spray lubricant of any kind.

    After replacing the wind cups and tightening the setscrew, check to make sure that the wind cups spin freely. If they do not, the bearings may be worn and need factory-replacement.

    To ensure accurate wind direction readings, check the orientation of the wind vane annually. Consult your Owner's Manual for details.

  • External Temperature Sensor

    Your temperature sensor should provide years of trouble-free service. It requires no on-going maintenance.

  • External Temperature/ Humidity Sensor

    Most temperature/humidity sensors do not need on-going maintenance. If you are concerned about dust build-up, remove the lower portion of the cover by loosening the two screws. Using a clean, dry toothbrush, gently brush the gold-colored mesh cloth. Clean the white plastic cover with water and a mild liquid detergent, and rinse thoroughly before replacing.

  • Leaf Wetness Sensor

    Dirt and debris on the surface of the sensor can affect its accuracy. To clean the sensor, scrub its surface with a clean toothbrush, using water and a mild liquid detergent. Rinse well.

  • Rain Collector

    For greatest accuracy, clean several times a year. Dust and debris can accumulate on the tipping bucket, affecting its operation. Spiders and insects can make their homes in the base, and birds have been known to nest in the funnel.

    To clean the rain collector, remove the funnel from the base. Gently clean the tipping-bucket and the funnel with water and a mild liquid detergent. Rinse thoroughly.

  • Solar Radiation Sensor

    Dirt on the diffuser at the top of the sensor can affect its accuracy. As often as is practical, dust with a soft dry brush. When necessary, use a damp cloth or cotton swab to clean around the rim.

  • UV Sensor

    Dirt on the diffuser at the top of the sensor can affect its accuracy. As often as is practical, dust with a soft dry brush. When necessary, use a cloth or cotton swab dampened with denatured alcohol to clean around the rim. Do not use soap or detergent.

    Oil from your fingers can affect the accuracy of the readings. Do not touch the diffuser with your fingers.

  • Sensor Recalibration

    Sensor readings should remain accurate within specifications for several years. However, there may be some drift over time. We expect that recalibration will be needed as follows: External Temp/Hum Sensor, five years; Solar Radiation Sensor, four years; UV Sensor, three years. The External Temp/Hum Sensor may also be calibrated in the field by matching it to a reference sensor of known accuracy. Consult your Owner's Manual for details.

    Always contact our Technical Support team before returning any sensor for factory-recalibration or any other service.

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    Telephone

    • Customer Service: (800) 678-3669 (USA and Canada)
      For help ordering products, product information, and general inquiries. We are open Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Pacific Time. For orders outside the USA or Canada, call our main phone line.
    • Technical Support: (510) 732-7814
      For answers to technical questions or help with troubleshooting. We are open Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Pacific Time.
    • Main Phone: (510) 732-9229
      Direct number for Davis' corporate offices. Also use this number if you are calling from outside the USA or Canada.

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    • Customer Service Fax: (510) 670-0589
    • Main Fax: (510) 732-9188

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    Davis Instruments Corp.
    3465 Diablo Ave.
    Hayward, California 94545 USA