Topic: Bad solar panel in 5 in 1 Pro +

[Glenn]

I took my CT unit down this weekend to change the batteries. Amazon Basic AA's lasted two years and two months. Not bad!

I've noticed that my station gets a slight temp spike in the morning when the sun hits it, then settles back down. Found out that one of the solar panels isn't working.

How do you remove that part of the unit? I was able to get the part with the wind cups and panels off the body, but couldn't dissemble it from there. Not sure what was holding it together?

Edit: It's a Pro + unit with two solar panels.

Open to any tips or pics!

[worachj]

https://www.acurite.com/media/manuals/06003RM-5N1DSSA-instructions.pdf

https://www.acurite.com/pro-plus-upgrade-for-5-in-1-weather-sensor.html

[Glenn]

https://www.acurite.com/media/manuals/06003RM-5N1DSSA-instructions.pdf

https://www.acurite.com/pro-plus-upgrade-for-5-in-1-weather-sensor.html

Thanks for posting those! I was actually able to get the unit separated as listed in the directions. I was looking for some guidance on how to take the unit apart from there, getting access to the backside of the panels and the motor that powers the fan.

[Glenn]

Anyone know how to get the panels off of the unit or remove the shaft that holds the wind cups?

[DoctorKnow]

Vice grips on the top of the shaft. Then wiggle the magnet bar back and forth as you pull it off while pulling the vice grip. It's not easy. Maybe put some spray on it like WD-40 first to help loosen the magnet bar. The wires for the solar panel are soldered to a regulator board. The solar panel is just glued to the plastic wind topper portion of the outer fan/wind part. You just carefully pry them off with a small flat tool.

[Glenn]

Vice grips on the top of the shaft. Then wiggle the magnet bar back and forth as you pull it off while pulling the vice grip. It's not easy. Maybe put some spray on it like WD-40 first to help loosen the magnet bar. The wires for the solar panel are soldered to a regulator board. The solar panel is just glued to the plastic wind topper portion of the outer fan/wind part. You just carefully pry them off with a small flat tool.

This is very helpful! Thanks so much for posting this.

[DoctorKnow]

Vice grips on the top of the shaft. Then wiggle the magnet bar back and forth as you pull it off while pulling the vice grip. It's not easy. Maybe put some spray on it like WD-40 first to help loosen the magnet bar. The wires for the solar panel are soldered to a regulator board. The solar panel is just glued to the plastic wind topper portion of the outer fan/wind part. You just carefully pry them off with a small flat tool.

This is very helpful! Thanks so much for posting this.

No prob. Hope you figure out the issues. We can help if you are not sure.

[Glenn]

Me too! It may not get resolved until Spring, but I'll get there eventually.

[DoctorKnow]

If you need a replacement fan motor, these will work nicely...

https://www.amazon.com/Topoox-1730RPM-Electric-Turbine-Generator/dp/B07Q44YYKG/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Topoox+6+Pack+DC+3V+1730RPM+Mini+Electric+Motor&qid=1574963418&sr=8-1

[rct]

If you need a replacement fan motor, these will work nicely...

https://www.amazon.com/Topoox-1730RPM-Electric-Turbine-Generator/dp/B07Q44YYKG/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Topoox+6+Pack+DC+3V+1730RPM+Mini+Electric+Motor&qid=1574963418&sr=8-1

Thanks for this. How recently did you order those?

(They may have changed. Most popular review.  1 star reviews are up to 28%.)

My company purchased 2 lots of these motors. The first was a test lot of 6 motors. They worked for our classroom windmill application beautifully! They required low RPM to light an LED. We then ordered 180 additional motors. The part number was the same as the first lot, and they looked the same on the outside, but the motors functioned completely differently. They were high RPM motors with only 2 ohm resistance, vs the 55 ohm low RPM motors that we needed. We returned the 180 motors to Amazon for a refund and received an apology from Topoox. We are still looking for motors like the first lot, but Topoox has not been responsive. Don’t buy these motors since as of a few weeks ago they did not match the product description.

$8 for 6 motors isn't a big risk, but could chew up some time. Is resistance the best way to test before installing?

Any recommendations for testing the motors/panels, especially when you don't have a lot of good sunlight?

[Mabcmb]

Maybe I'm wrong but doesn't a replacement 5-1 pro solar top come with a new fan ? That way you get new solar panels and also the new fan .  https://www.acurite.com/pro-plus-upgrade-for-5-in-1-weather-sensor.html

[DoctorKnow]

If you need a replacement fan motor, these will work nicely...

https://www.amazon.com/Topoox-1730RPM-Electric-Turbine-Generator/dp/B07Q44YYKG/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Topoox+6+Pack+DC+3V+1730RPM+Mini+Electric+Motor&qid=1574963418&sr=8-1

Thanks for this. How recently did you order those?

(They may have changed. Most popular review.  1 star reviews are up to 28%.)

My company purchased 2 lots of these motors. The first was a test lot of 6 motors. They worked for our classroom windmill application beautifully! They required low RPM to light an LED. We then ordered 180 additional motors. The part number was the same as the first lot, and they looked the same on the outside, but the motors functioned completely differently. They were high RPM motors with only 2 ohm resistance, vs the 55 ohm low RPM motors that we needed. We returned the 180 motors to Amazon for a refund and received an apology from Topoox. We are still looking for motors like the first lot, but Topoox has not been responsive. Don’t buy these motors since as of a few weeks ago they did not match the product description.

$8 for 6 motors isn't a big risk, but could chew up some time. Is resistance the best way to test before installing?

Any recommendations for testing the motors/panels, especially when you don't have a lot of good sunlight?

I didn't order them. I just saw that they would fit. How long they last who knows.