Cumulus Support

I had noticed the VP2 started failing the last weeks. Sometimes minutes, sometimes hours but always came back online by itself. However I got fed up with it and as I had already a long time idea to replace the temp/hum sensor I took the device down this morning, took it apart and cleaned it thoroughly (soap, brush, submergence of every part but the sensors/electronics). Roughly 50 spiders, theirs webs, their nests and 18 month of airpollution - yes, the airquality module has not been developed in vain - washed away.

I'm going to do this more often I think.
Next time I'll make a movie of the running spider and the mud streaming away.
Today you'll have to do with a photo.

Yes that was my experience but only after 6month. As you say spiders seem to like the sensors and it all gets pretty mucky with airborne dust. I set my cleaning routine every 6 months. It seems to take a few hours so lost data for that period but all connections come back on line with no further issues.

Did mine back in August.
Replaced the Temp/Hum sensor with the same SHT31 & also upgraded the rain tipper.

The red dust in it was amazing.
Also had a spare fan on standby, but the old one cleaned up OK.

UV damage to the shield plates is fair to medium after 4 years of Aussie Sun.
When freight opens up a bit more I'll get another standard set of radiation shields to go with the spare FARS upgrade I have on hand.

@Phil: Yes, that is about similar to mine.
Only difference is mine was pitch black with spiders, yours seems to be covered in desert sand.
Air Quality different style.