Topic: 5 in 1 - Bad Temp. Sensor?

[davefr]

This is from my 1.5 year old 5 in 1 over at the coast.  Is this likely a temp. sensor gone bad?  (It's a harsh environment due to the wind, rain and salt air.)

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[worachj]

AcuRite does have a temp/humidity sensor replacement for the newer 5-N-1 models.

https://www.acurite.com/temperature-and-humidity-sensor-replacement-for-5-in-1-weather-sensors.html

[daman]

Did you try doing a reset of your five and one removing the batteries sometimes when batteries go low it messes with the temperature reading

[davefr]

AcuRite does have a temp/humidity sensor replacement for the newer 5-N-1 models.

https://www.acurite.com/temperature-and-humidity-sensor-replacement-for-5-in-1-weather-sensors.html

Thanks, does the actual sensor chip have a hole in it's plastic case that allows for sampling the temp and humidity?  Is there anything under that IC's sampling hole that can become contaminated/corroded from a salt air environment?

Can it be cleaned out with a contact cleaner?

Did you try doing a reset of your five and one removing the batteries sometimes when batteries go low it messes with the temperature reading.

Thanks, that's good to know.  I didn't know low batteries would make the readings go whacky.

[nincehelser]

AcuRite does have a temp/humidity sensor replacement for the newer 5-N-1 models.

https://www.acurite.com/temperature-and-humidity-sensor-replacement-for-5-in-1-weather-sensors.html

Thanks, does the actual sensor chip have a hole in it's plastic case that allows for sampling the temp and humidity?  Is there anything under that IC's sampling hole that can become contaminated/corroded from a salt air environment?

Can it be cleaned out with a contact cleaner?

Did you try doing a reset of your five and one removing the batteries sometimes when batteries go low it messes with the temperature reading.

Thanks, that's good to know.  I didn't know low batteries would make the readings go whacky.

Yes.  You can see the window in this picture.

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There is a membrane in the window that can get contaminated by various chemicals.  Some will eventually out-gas.  Some will not.

I've never heard of anyone successfully "cleaning" the membrane.  I've no idea what is in contact cleaner.

[daman]

I was just going to ask George if you've heard of anybody cleaning the board.

[nincehelser]

I was just going to ask George if you've heard of anybody cleaning the board.

Cleaning the board sometimes helps.  I'd stay away from the window and the membrane, though.

[John Z]

So what's in an electronic contact cleaner? Typically a blend of several volatile solvents, and maybe a lubricant. No way I'd let that get into a T&H sensor.

[nincehelser]

So what's in an electronic contact cleaner? Typically a blend of several volatile solvents, and maybe a lubricant. No way I'd let that get into a T&H sensor.

Oh.  I was thinking contact cleaner as in lenses.   

[John Z]

Yup, it could be interpreted that way too ! Probably just as bad for the sensor, though!

[daman]

Op, let us know if you find a fix.

[John Z]

George, regarding contact lens cleaners, they appear to be mostly water with some salts or organic salt-like compounds. My view: keep 'em away from your sensor!

[nincehelser]

George, regarding contact lens cleaners, they appear to be mostly water with some salts or organic salt-like compounds. My view: keep 'em away from your sensor!

Most definitely.  And I'd keep the electronic contact cleaner away from the eyes.   

[davefr]

Thanks guys.  It'll be several days but I'm anxious to take apart this 5 in 1 and see how it survived it's first year on an oceanfront cliff. I'm pretty sure it's either weak batteries or a bad temp sensor module.  This 5 in 1 is a late model with the sealed circuit board traces to the SHT21 ship so I doubt it's trace corrosion like on the early 5 in 1's.