Just Like the First Time...
Proper weather station maintenance
protects your data investment.

Peter Levy

   Consistent data measurement and logging is the key to accurate data for future reference and decision making. Three years of consistent data from your golf course weather station can assist in making decisions on everything from chemical applications to water conservation. Accurate data can also assist in liability issues ranging from chemical spraying to employee safety. If your data is not consistent and accurate from year to year, it is worthless. The goal of good weather monitoring is to achieve the same accuracy and consistency of weather data as when the unit is brand new.
    Although there are many makes and models of weather stations available, they all require basic periodic maintenance. There are three primary areas which require maintenance on any type of weather station. These include the sensors, the electronics, and the housing. Some parts will require factory servicing and calibration but many of the items contained within the weather station can be maintained by the user. As in all maintenance of electrical equipment, power should always be disconnected to the unit prior to any work being done. This includes the battery back-up power.
    The majority of weather stations used on the golf course measure seven basic parameters including wind speed and direction (anemometer), barometric pressure (barometer), rain (rain gauge), solar intensity (pyranometer), temperature and humidity. The following maintenance procedures will be applicable to most weather stations. Each instrument manufacturer requires specific maintenance and your owners manual should be consulted for specific requirements.

Data from a properly maintained weather station can aid superintendents in making decisions on everything from chemical applications to liability issues.

    Both of these units should provide years of service. The only components likely to need replacement due to normal wear are the ball bearings and the wind direction potentiometer. The units can be field repaired but in most cases will need to be sent to the factor for calibration. Factory calibration and rebuilding varies in cost and is recommended every 3-5 years depending on climatic conditions. The sensors should be wiped off with soap and water annually being careful not to bend or stress the unit. Orientation of the anemometer should be checked annually to insure a consistent wind direction reading.*

Barometer - Most barometric pressure sensors are calibrated at the factory. Since pressure is based on sea level readings, the user will need to calibrate the unit for the elevation where the weather station is placed. This is typically done in the software and the factory or software company should be contacted for specific procedures. The correct calibration can be checked by calling a local weather service facility or airport. Some variations will be

Rain Gauge - The typical rain sensor on most weather stations is a tipping bucket design. The funnel and tipping bucket mechanism should be cleaned periodically. An accumulation of dirt, bugs, etc. on the tipping bucket will adversely affect the calibration. Birds often build nests in the funnel so a check of the unit every three months is recommended. The unit can be field calibrated by pouring a known amount of water through the unit and taking a reading. The rate at which you pour the water through the unit for calibration is critical, so reference to the owners manual is suggested. Most manufacturers recommend a maximum flow rate of one inch per hour to calibrate the unit.

 The tipping bucket should be calibrated every 3-5 years. Approximate cost for re-building and calibrating the rain gauge is $150.00.

Pyranometer - The pyranometer measures the solar intensity and is used in the evapotranspiration calculation of the weather station. The unit is extremely sensitive and can only be calculated at the factory or qualified technician. The acrylic material used in most sensors can be damaged by exposure to alcohol or organic solvents. Never use alcohol, organic solvents, abrasives, or strong detergents to clean the diffuser element on the pyranometer. Clean the sensor only with water and/or a mild detergent such as dishwashing soap. If there are hard water deposits on the sensors a mild vinegar solution can be used, if necessary. Annual cleaning of the sensor is recommended.

Inside the station - The electronics within the weather station are not typically field serviceable. The design of most data processors require minimal maintenance. As with all electronic gear extreme caution should be taken when handling the unit due to their static electric sensitivity. Always ground yourself by touching the metal frame of the data processor prior to touching any electronic component. A visual inspection of the unit for loose wires, corrosion, and insect nests should be done once a year. Pressurized dusting which can be purchased at any computer store is the best way to blow away the dust build up and insect nests.
     The voltage of the power to the weather station is the most critical factor to check. Since most weather stations are not on a dedicated power source, the voltage can vary dramatically. As your voltage changes, the sensor readings can change on weather stations that

    The lightning protection devices should be checked to insure they are working properly. Most units will shut down your weather station when they fail but check the manufacturers recommendation on testing. Most weather stations have both primary and secondary lightning protection to make sure both units are checked.

Care of the station - The structure which houses the electronics and holds the instruments is extremely durable. It should be wiped down and touch-up painted as required to insure minimal rusting. A light spray of a rust inhibitor may assist in removal of parts and screws in the future. A visual inspection for water leakage, into the unit, should be made along with a check of the rubber seals around the cover. Insuring that water does not enter the unit is extremely important. Once the electronic components get wet, their longevity and accuracy drop. Make sure the rubber door seals are not old and cracking. Replace them if necessary. Inspect the areas where the conduits and cabling enter the weather station for water tight fits.Tighten and caulk as necessary to insure a water tight environment. Be careful not to

    The weather station was designed to be outside in the elements. Most units require a minimal amount of maintenance to keep them running at maximum efficiency. One of the best indications of a problem with the weather station is the data itself. If the information does not look right, there is a good chance something is wrong. Birds can build nests very quickly and cut off the rainfall measurement or a spider can build a web on the pressure port and affect your barometric pressure.

    There are a number of reasons why the weather station was purchased. All of the benefits of the weather station deteriorate and disappear if the accuracy of the data is not maintained. An investment of a couple hours of labor and a few hundred dollars each year will keep your weather station operating at peak efficiency. Protect your investment and the weather station will provide a database of accurate information for future reference.
References: Frigate, H.P., McPhaden, M.J., and Shepard, A.J., "Comparison of Equatorial Winds as Measured by Cup and Rropeller Anemometers", J. Atmos. Oceanic Technol., Vol. 6, 1989, pp. 327-332.
Gammill, B., "Temperature Sensor Shield Comparison" Internal Test Report, Physical Science Laboratory, New Mexico State University, 1985.
Fougere, A.J., Brown, N.L., and Hobart, E., "Digital Output Temperature Sensing Module for Oceanographic & Atmospheric Measurements", Proceedings Marine Instrumentation ‘90, San Diego, Marine Technology Society, 1990, pp. 46-51.