Campbell Scientific RAWS-F Remote Automated Weather Station for Fire Weather - Manual (Page 15)

RAWS-F Remote Automated Weather Station for Fire Weather
3.3 Precipitation
A rain gage should be located over an open level area covered by short grass,
or where grass does not grow, the natural earth surface. Level the RAWS
station to ensure the sensors are level. Level the rain gage by adjusting the rain
gage leveling screw. A post level and compass ship with the RAWS (pn
16770).
Take off the funnel and remove the rubber band securing the
tipping bucket mechanism during transport. NOTE
3.4 Solar Radiation
A solar radiation sensor should be located to avoid shadows on the sensor at
any time. Orient the RAWS facing the equator, minimizing the chance of
shading from other weather station structures. Reflective surfaces and sources
of artificial radiation should be avoided. Level the RAWS to ensure the solar
radiation sensor is level.
3.5 Wind Speed and Direction
A wind sensor should be located over open level terrain and at a distance of at
least ten times (EPA) the height of any nearby building, tree, or other
obstruction.
3.6 Barometric Pressure (optional)
The barometric pressure sensor is mounted to the back plate inside the RAWS
environmental enclosure.
3.7 Fuel Moisture and Fuel Temperature (optional)
The fuel moisture and fuel temperature sensor should be left outside at the field
site continually exposed to the same conditions as the forest fuels. The fuel
moisture and fuel temperature dowel rods absorb and desorb moisture from its
surroundings. Install the probes horizontally on the mounting stake and face
the sensors towards the equator above a representative forest floor duff layer.
Place the sensor away from foot traffic areas.
4. Sensor Maintenance, Calibration, and
Troubleshooting
4.1 Maintenance
Proper maintenance of weather station components is essential to obtain
accurate data. Equipment must be in good operating condition, which requires
a program of regular inspection and maintenance. Routine and simple
maintenance can be accomplished by the person in charge of the weather
station. More difficult maintenance, such as sensor calibration, sensor
performance testing (for example, bearing torque), and sensor component
replacement, generally requires sending the instrument to Campbell Scientific.
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