Help!! Snapped Brackets! Maplin N96GY / WH1081

[kanulondon]

So, I haven't had my weather station up for 1 month and I've noticed the two brackets for the rain sensor and the transmitter (ie the parts which fix both items to the metal pole) have mysteriously snapped. I don't believe I had over tightened as I was careful not to do so.

However last weekend, I applied liberal amounts of WD40, to ensure I don't get any rust anywhere (on connectors and on nuts/bolts).

The previous week we had heavy rain, but this week has been fairly settled and has seen temps of 23c. When I checked the station last night, I noticed it was at a funny angle and on closer inspection I found both brackets snapped.

They haven't fallen off yet and they'll probably last summer, but come autum and winter they'll need replacing.

1. Any ideas how / why this happened?

2. Where can I find replacement brackets?

KL

[Tau Bootis]

It was the WD40 it will have reacted with the plastic this goes for other oils too, its not really used to stop rust etc. as the rain just washes it off, I use stainless steel when ever possible.

Mark

[Orion]

WH1080 Weather Station Installation Kit
available from the UK weather store
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... K:MEWAX:IT
also worth checking Walters & Stanton they may sell it cheaper
http://www.wsplc.com/acatalog/Watson_Wi ... tions.html

[Charlie]

I'd simply make replacements. A couple U-bolts and angle brackets, then attach the broken shaft to the part of the angle bracket sticking out with some weatherproof tape or overside heatshrink and you're done.
Or just tape it to the pole with duct tape or electrical tape, depending on how "red neck" I feel that day...

[kanulondon]

Thanks for all your suggestions (I love me some electrical tape) and information.

I've already had a pop fitting some strategically placed zip ties. Will wait it out until it properly fails.

Damn WD40, more trouble than it's worth


KL