Oklahoma Mesonet Fall Pass 2002 Accomplishments

Each of the 116 Mesonet stations received a detailed inspection during Fall Pass 2002. Over 1800 photos were taken to document the sites before and after the station visit. The pyranometer, net radiometer, IRT, and rain gauge were leveled and cleaned if necessary. In addition, the shelters of all the air temperature sensors were checked and cleaned. Wind sensors were evaluated for noisy bearings.

The vegetation was trimmed such that the area inside the site enclosure matched the area outside the enclosure (Note: if the outside vegetation was greater than 18 inches, the inside vegetation was cut to 18 inches). Firebreaks were also created around the rain gauge and tower.

In addition to station maintenance and inspections, the following were accomplished:
  • Drip tests were performed on rain gauges before and after cleaning
  • 17 temperature/relative humidity sensors were rotated
  • 11 barometers were rotated
  • 10 multiplexers were rotated
  • 5 batteries were replaced
  • 3 fasttherm temperature sensors were replaced
  • 3 soil moisture sensors were replaced
  • 3 cup-type anemometers were replaced
  • 2 soil temperature probes were replaced
  • Depths of soil temperature sensors were verified
  • Desiccant in each logger enclosure was replaced
  • Heat flux and soil moisture plot ID stakes were inspected and replaced if necessary
  • FCC licenses were placed on the inside of the logger enclosure door
  • Wire terminal screws were checked for tightness
  • Height and connections of grounding rods were checked
  • Tower plumbness and guy wire tightness were checked
  • Fall saw the completion of visits to all communications repeater stations for maintenance, station pictures, updated driving directions, etc.
  • Telnet power switches were installed at nearby base stations


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