Author Topic: Acurite Atlas - spins around during stronger winds  (Read 743 times)

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Offline flightjunkie

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Acurite Atlas - spins around during stronger winds
« on: February 13, 2019, 09:37:20 AM »
I just got the Atlas, and loving it so far.

One issue I have is it's mounted and secured on a metal pole which is about 3/4 inch in diameter.
I've tightened the black knob as tightly as possible, but the unit still spins around in stronger winds, which affects the wind direction data.

Any ideas on how to secure this better so it stays in place and doesn't spin in the wind?

Thanks!


Offline miraculon

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Re: Acurite Atlas - spins around during stronger winds
« Reply #1 on: February 13, 2019, 09:57:48 AM »
¾" is a rather small diameter for a pole in general. Can you go larger?
If it is a pipe, maybe you could use a reducer to go to a larger size where the mount is. The small pole will result in a smaller frictional contact area than a larger one.
I didn't find a specification for the recommended pole diameter, maybe some of the Acu-Rite experts can help. (I am a Davis user)
A bigger diameter pole would give less sway in the wind as well.

Greg H.


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Offline flightjunkie

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Re: Acurite Atlas - spins around during stronger winds
« Reply #2 on: February 13, 2019, 10:04:13 AM »
Thanks, I was thinking that was the case. Pretty easy to go to Home Depot to get a larger pipe.

Any idea if PVC or metal is better?

Offline worachj

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Re: Acurite Atlas - spins around during stronger winds
« Reply #3 on: February 13, 2019, 10:05:56 AM »
It will slip if your pole isn’t pushed all the way against the V-shaped side of the Atlas. (See picture)

Here’s a nice picture by nincehelser
http://www.wxforum.net/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=35084.0;attach=33039;image
« Last Edit: February 13, 2019, 10:08:21 AM by worachj »


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Offline miraculon

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Re: Acurite Atlas - spins around during stronger winds
« Reply #4 on: February 13, 2019, 10:15:16 AM »
Thanks, I was thinking that was the case. Pretty easy to go to Home Depot to get a larger pipe.

Any idea if PVC or metal is better?

PVC might be OK for a shorter length, but I would recommend metal. Schedule 80 (thick wall) might be OK. Also, I would get UV resistant electrical PVC if you decide to go that way. I just think it is susceptible to flexing too much, just my opinion.

1" Sch 80 has 1.315 inch OD. Check that against the mount interior dimension.

Greg H.


Blitzortung Stations #706 and #1682
CoCoRaHS: MI-PI-1
CWOP: CW4114 and KE8DAF-13
WU: KMIROGER7
Amateur Radio Callsign: KE8DAF

Offline vreihen

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Re: Acurite Atlas - spins around during stronger winds
« Reply #5 on: February 13, 2019, 10:17:27 AM »
This is the best-kept secret for mounting weather stations:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/YARDGARD-1-3-8-in-x-10-ft-6-in-17-Gauge-Galvanized-Top-Rail-328913DPT/100322532

I have no idea if it will work with the Atlas, but you can measure and judge for yourself.....
WU Gold Stars for everyone! :lol:

Offline DoctorKnow

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Re: Acurite Atlas - spins around during stronger winds
« Reply #6 on: February 13, 2019, 11:09:40 AM »
Also be sure the black wind base is turned tight towards the left. Turning it right will loosen the anemometer shaft for separation from the main body. This also will lead to the pole housing dropping down for removal.

Offline flightjunkie

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Re: Acurite Atlas - spins around during stronger winds
« Reply #7 on: February 13, 2019, 11:31:29 AM »
Thanks, everyone for the helpful tips! I'll work on it this weekend and let you all know how it goes.