Cumulus Support

cumulus still reads the data after the error from what i can see

Bruce

After getting the info from Steve, I managed to opened it with Word

Richard

I've checked the reed switch and it is faulty. It was stuck on, and having freed it, it now won't operate. Whether that's because of me I'm not sure.

I thought that changing it would be easy, but there seem to be countless specifications of reed switches out there. So not sure what to buy.
I know the bulb length should be 13.5mm
Is the operating voltage important (as long as it is at or above 5vDC)?
And if size and voltage are ok, will the magnetic strength required to operate it just follow as a consequence?

Sorry to be a nuisance to everyone.

Richard

RickSowerby wrote:I've checked the reed switch and it is faulty. It was stuck on, and having freed it, it now won't operate. Whether that's because of me I'm not sure.

I thought that changing it would be easy, but there seem to be countless specifications of reed switches out there. So not sure what to buy.
I know the bulb length should be 13.5mm
Is the operating voltage important (as long as it is at or above 5vDC)?
And if size and voltage are ok, will the magnetic strength required to operate it just follow as a consequence?

The voltage and current will be fine with any reed switch. The FO station only uses 3v and the current is minuscule. Any reed switch about the same size should be alright. For example Maplin do a similar size one - code CL37S - http://www.maplin.co.uk/miniature-reed-switches-12389 I'm not completely sure about the magnetic strength required but I should think it will be fine.

Reed switches can be easily damaged even when just soldering to the board, especially if bending of the leads is necessary. Even a minor turning of a lead will disrupt the operation.
How did you free up the faulty one?

Super-T wrote:Reed switches can be easily damaged even when just soldering to the board, especially if bending of the leads is necessary.

Very true, I managed to destroy two when I made up my new wind vane circuit. That uses 8 of them, like the FO version.

If bending is required it's a good idea to use some needlenose pliers close to the glass envelope and bend outside the pliers to avoid damage to the reed switch. I learnt the hard way too

I bought a couple of reed switches. Soldered one ok, but could not get it to operate with the magnet. Tested the connections and they were good. When trying to adjust managed to break it. The second switch fared no better in the end, broke that too trying to twist the wires to get the switch closer to the magnet. This one worked when the magnet was closer to the reed switch than the as built distance.

So had to try Maplins for a spare rain gauge. After a lot of effort eventually got hold of one for £5.00. This tested out ok and have just reinstalled the weather station back on my roof. So far working alright - fingers crossed.

Richard

Reed switches are certainly delicate. Any loading on the leads will affect the operation.

Best to use "Stand-off" posts for reeds.