Maintenance and troubleshooting, Maintaining uv and solar radiation sensors, Cleaning the radiation shield – DAVIS 6322C User Manual
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Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Maintaining UV and Solar Radiation Sensors
If the ISS is a Plus model and contains UV and solar radiation sensors, do not touch
the small white diffusers on top of the sensors. Oil from skin reduces their sensitivity.
If you are concerned that you have touched the diffusers at any time, clean the UV
diffuser using ethyl alcohol with a soft cloth. When cleaning the UV diffuser, DO
NOT use rubbing or denatured alcohols because they can affect accuracy of the sen-
sor readings. Ethyl alcohol can be procured through an industrial or laboratory sup-
ply store. Clean the solar diffuser with a soft damp cloth.
Due to the sensitivity of ultraviolet and solar radiation sensors it is common practice
for manufacturers to recommend re-calibration after a period of time. Users
demanding high accuracy typically recalibrate their sensors annually. Here at Davis
Instruments, we have seen less than 2% drift per year on the readings from these
sensors.
Cleaning the Radiation Shield
The outer plating of the radiation shield should be cleaned when there is excessive
dirt and build-up on the plating. Use a damp cloth to clean the outer edge of each
ring.
Note:
Spraying down or using water excessively to clean the radiation shield can damage the sensitive
sensors or alter the data and readings the ISS is transmitting.
Check the radiation shield for debris or
insect nests at least once a year and clean
when necessary. A buildup of material inside
the shield reduces its effectiveness and may
cause inaccurate temperature and humidity
readings.
To thoroughly clean the radiation shield:
1. Remove the rain collector cone.
2. Using a Phillips head screwdriver, loosen
the three 4'' (~100mm) screws holding the
radiation shield plates together.
3. Taking care to maintain the order in which
the five plates are assembled, separate the
plates as shown and remove all debris
from inside the shield.
4" Screw
(3)
Plates
Rain Collector Base
Temp/Humidity
Sensor Plate
Lock
Washer
Flat
Washer