Ambient Tech Support was nice enough to send me a new sensor array after I asked about the blackout when we had a snow event.
That was nice! How was the overall experience of getting an RMA, swap completed, shipped, etc. go?
He was visiting this week and on examining the array he figured the protuberance on top next to the UV sensor is the antenna (I didn't allow him to take it apart though) and if snow was to pile up on it that would be enough to disrupt the transmissions. In his opinion that was a poor design choice, he thinks modifying the antenna with the antenna extending downwards would be best for our climate.
Good call! Even if it wasn't in a snowy clime, having the antenna underneath makes sense as the receiver (console) isn't likely to be positioned above the outdoor array.
I have to decide if I want to make a modification, at least I have a "spare" array to tinker with. Could be as simple as drilling a small hole on the underside and reorienting the antenna downwards, then sealing around the hole with silicone.
Doesn't sound so simple to me, particularly after glancing at the PCB. Instead, I'd think about trying to make a little rigid hoody for it, but it would need to be shaped not only for the asymmetrical aspects of the array arm, but also shaped to face the receiver's position; e.g. directional towards the southeast. Keep the height of the hoody no higher than the neighboring UV sensor.
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