Author Topic: WS80 Protection (Read 827 times)

Rocketman · « **on:** February 08, 2023, 01:13:09 AM »

Just wondering if there's
any product to help protecti the solar panel cover at the top of the weather station . I noticed a slight discolouration in the cover ( is there anything we can spray on it )

Gyvate · « **Reply #1 on:** February 08, 2023, 03:33:02 AM »

I'd say that's rather a beauty thing. Mine is out for 2+ years now, the plastic has turned a bit yellowish and that's it.
So far it's fully functional.

slybarman · « **Reply #2 on:** February 09, 2023, 03:49:46 PM »

303 Maybe?

Rover1822 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 09, 2023, 04:01:06 PM »

I don't think I would suggest anything , especially a coating, until vetted by the manufacturer

And for me a 303 is a military (British, Canadian) , rifle round, I know, as I grew up with 2

BoDuke · « **Reply #4 on:** February 09, 2023, 05:38:47 PM »

I have never used it or even heard of it, but this sounds like it could be compatible with the plastics. I don't have a WS80 or WS90 to try it on.

303 Automotive Protectant
https://www.goldeagle.com/product/303-automotive-protectant/

BadWolf72 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 09, 2023, 07:19:06 PM »

What do you mean? is the solar glass not clear anymore? it could be just weathering i found with solar lights that have been out a while go like that and i just use rubbing alcohol and rinse off with plenty of water and they come up like new... i do not know if this will work on the ws80 or ws90 i only had mine about a month so i cannot say if it will work or if it may even damage the top of the unit.

I agree with Rover1822 i would email Ecowiit and ask there advice before using any coatings or cleaning chemicals.

Martin

Rocketman · « **Reply #6 on:** February 09, 2023, 08:20:09 PM »

Sorry I live next to the harbour and get salt water in the air . Slight salty air tinge on the outside cover .

solartempest · « **Reply #7 on:** February 12, 2023, 12:36:36 PM »

I used jetseal on mine to make it easier to clean/resist dirt and water a bit more. Pollen and dust still sticks over time.
However, after a year so some cracking of the glass appeared underneath the top clear panel. I don't believe it's related as the top layer seems totally intact. Not sure if normal or not, unit seems to function fine still. This is what it looked like today when I did the v1.2.4 firmware update.
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Rocketman · « **Reply #8 on:** February 12, 2023, 02:53:19 PM »

Quote from: BadWolf72 on February 09, 2023, 07:19:06 PM

i just use rubbing alcohol and rinse off with plenty of water and they come up like new... i

might use some isopropyl alcohol on it and see what it does

Rocketman · « **Reply #9 on:** February 19, 2023, 05:42:37 PM »

Applied a coat of Starbrite Firbeglass colour restorer ( it has UV protection )

Rover1822 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 19, 2023, 05:51:21 PM »

So, you just applied a product, without actually having an issue?
And a restorer product meant for fiberglass, usually applied for things like crazing, after the crazing has occurred?

Edit : That is the kind of stuff I would use to brighten up old gel coat on a boat hull. Did someone advise you that this was a good idea?

Rocketman · « **Reply #11 on:** February 19, 2023, 06:21:59 PM »

Quote from: Rover1822 on February 19, 2023, 05:51:21 PM

So, you just applied a product, without actually having an issue?

Yes , i did have slight colour fading ( gone a bit cloudy )
WS80 is only about 2 months old
says on the product - special polymers protect against damaging UV rays and repel stains
doesn't mention anything about crazing

anyways I'm close to the harhour and get effected with saltwater spray

Rover1822 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 20, 2023, 12:14:17 PM »

I looked at the product , it is not something I would have used, it might work, but not really meant for the purpose. When I said crazing, hazing, would have more appropriate. It is also formulated for fiberglass, which is quite different than the plastic you applied it to.

The other thing is it has UV inhibitors, we usually frown on putting anything like that over a solar panels or sensors, it is like smearing them with sunscreen. From the product description and components, no where does it suggest using it on a clear surface.

I'm just posting this , as the forum posts are read by many many people, and really don't want them to rush out and buy the product you listed just because you said you used it. If it works, fine, but I wish you would have said something like "I'm going to try ... "

solartempest · « **Reply #13 on:** February 20, 2023, 12:26:04 PM »

This is a good point. We do know that the WS80 solar sensor is... maybe not the best implementation, but it is something. The sensor is reactive to UV light (and I have tested this), so if you do start blocking the UV it will likely shift your readings a little.

Rocketman · « **Reply #14 on:** February 20, 2023, 03:56:36 PM »

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Attached Solar & UVI over 7 days - Starbrite product was applied on the evening of 19th

Rocketman · « **Reply #15 on:** February 21, 2023, 02:50:43 PM »

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2 days of Sun with Starbrite product

slybarman · « **Reply #16 on:** February 21, 2023, 02:53:11 PM »

Does that mean it dropped from a peak of 1348 to to 1274 after applying the product?

Seems like comparing both at the same day/time is the only way you would know for sure

Rocketman · « **Reply #17 on:** February 21, 2023, 03:05:26 PM »

Quote from: slybarman on February 21, 2023, 02:53:11 PM

Does that mean it dropped from a peak of 1348 to to 1274 after applying the product?

Seems like comparing both at the same day/time is the only way you would know for sure

I don't think so as the days have been partially cloudy

slybarman · « **Reply #18 on:** February 21, 2023, 03:09:13 PM »

what am I supposed to be taking away from these charts?

Rocketman · « **Reply #19 on:** February 21, 2023, 04:34:40 PM »

Just showing the output is about the same ( I'm going to apply a second coat of Starbrite as that's what the product suggest )

slybarman · « **Reply #20 on:** February 21, 2023, 05:00:47 PM »

I'm not sure how you could tell that if the sun amount is always changing, but i should add that i am no scientist, engineer or meteorologist.

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Author Topic: WS80 Protection (Read 827 times)