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Weather Station Hardware => Other Weather Station Hardware => Topic started by: mikeW on August 08, 2021, 03:41:49 PM

Title: Help sourcing parts & repairing anemometers
Post by: mikeW on August 08, 2021, 03:41:49 PM
I've got a neglected APRS wind data logger a windmill research company left behind years ago.
the data logger works still, very impressive considering the elements it was exposed to.( it was in a pelican case.)
so the wind speed needs a reed switch, which is easy. However the bushing is wore out or seems to be. there is lots of wiggle room, It may be normal because it spins really nicely. but there is a lot of play compared to Davis which has none.
http://www.aprsworld.com/sensors/anemometer40/

the wind vane is seized! I cant figure out how to take it apart. I tried gently pulling the top off but fear ill wreck it. below is the link.
http://www.aprsworld.com/sensors/windvane/


has anyone had experience repairing these.  they're high end sensors so I'm not throwing them out.

Many Thanks.
Title: Re: Help sourcing parts & repairing anemometers
Post by: Kev on September 11, 2021, 12:19:40 PM
Mike,

If you really would like to fix the wind vane and anemometer, I would recommend contacting APRS directly and having them factory serviced. These are in the same class as Maximum and Downeaster wind sensors, essentially same specs and mechanics, same design. These sensors are not made to be serviced internally by the end user. If you go to their anemometer page, The bearings are custom made Teflon, so even if you can service it yourself, you will have to order the bearings from them. The anemometer also requires calibration. If there’s a lot of play, your bearings definitely need replacing. But they would anyway, all wind sensors should have their bearings changed out every 5-10 years or so, depending on the use.  Yours would be far past when they should have been changed out.

As for high end, these APRS sensors are really in the prosumer class, high end would be A.S. Richards, Dyacon, Vaisala, Columbia, Climatronics, Met One Instruments, Kriwan, etc.  A lot of prosumer level sensors are used for monitoring, unless it is highly critical precise monitoring that is needed. Texas Weather Instruments was the most common one used by a lot of companies when they were still in business.
Title: Re: Help sourcing parts & repairing anemometers
Post by: mikeW on September 13, 2021, 10:54:09 PM
Thanks, I appreciate thorough reply and sensor sources, the direction is actually a cheap 360 potentiometer. I took them both apart to realize the price doesn't reflect the quality I was expecting.
they're in the spare parts bin now.
ill check out the other ones you mentioned though. Its not that i need high precision, its just interesting to see whats around for sensors.