Snow Transducer Replacement

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Revision as of 16:11, 20 September 2022 by Bob (talk | contribs) (→‎Tools)
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Tools

  • Stubby Phillips Screwdriver (#2)
  • 1/2" Nut Driver
  • Campbell Scientific Phillips Screwdriver (slender #2)
  • Small handle Channel lock pliers
  • 5/16" nut driver
  • Pruning Shears

Supplies

Procedure

There are several valid ways to change out the transducer. Sometimes it is easiest to leave the sensor connected to the sensor cable other times it is simpler to disconnect completely.

Method 1

  • Use the 1/2" nut driver to loosen the bolts on the SR50A mounting bracket slightly.
  • Once loose, rotate 90 degrees so that the black and golden transducer is facing horizontal.
  • Use the Campbell screw driver to loosen each screw and place it somewhere nearby yet secure.
  • Once all screws are removed, the transducer remains connected by a power cord. Gently disconnect and set package aside.
  • Open the new transducer. Add the desiccant as you see was done with the old one, in the plastic voids in the black part of the transducer.
  • Clip the transducer power into the main sensor body.
  • dab a bit of the anti-corrosion goo onto each screw before screwing it back into the main sensor body.
    • Leave the first screw loose to make it easier to add the others.
    • work opposite side to opposite side like you would if you were tightening a car wheel's lug nuts.
    • Once every screw is gooed and screwed gently, tighten them all up.
  • next, rotate the sr50A back into operational position and tighten up the ubolts on the mounting bracket using the 1/2" nut driver

Variations

  • Sometimes it is easier to completely remove the SR50A sensor body from the cross arm before starting this procedure (and then it would be done kneeling on the ground).
  • To use this method to start then you might use the 5/16" nut driver to loosen hose clamps securing the cable protection (flexible metal conduit).
  • Then, use the small channel locks to loosen the cable from the sensor body.
  • Finally, use the 1/2" nut driver to loosen the ubolts completely and slide the sensor off its cross arm.
  • At this point you can step into the method above at the small screw removal stage.