Solar and UV sensors going off line - fix?

[41south]

Hi all,

I just sent my sales contact at Fine Offset an email regarding my solar and UV sensors going off line. They are sometimes ok for only 2-3 hours, sometimes 10 hrs. It took him no more than 5 minutes to respond with this ;

"Thanks for your message, this problem also is reflected by our clients, we have solved the problems. Pls see attached picture and words below:

The reason is crystal oscillator shell have no connected with ground. If you had tools to disassemble the solar, Pls try the way as i said below:


1. Using soldering iron to add tin in the crystal oscillator to connect it with the PCB ground i point out in the attached picuture.

Additionally, in eary products of WH3081 may have some products met this kind of problems, but we have make it work well right now".

The supplied pictures are attached, I'll attempt the fix tomorrow (when the 80-90kph winds abate and I can get on the roof ) and post the results.

[41south]

Hi all,

Just an update to this, soldering the crystal down has not solved my particular issue - although this fix may still be valid for others having issues. I have 2 new solar sensor units coming direct from Fine Offset, hopefully they will be here in the next day or so. Support from Fine Offset has been excellent, so hopefully this issue can be resolved quickly.

Cheers
Colin.

[JohnF]

Hi Colin
I seem to be having similar problems to you ie. no solar/uv levels on my display with all other data displaying OK.
Is it the metal covering of the crystal that needs to be soldered to ground? If so, I think I would solder a piece of wire to the casing and the other end to ground.
Just my thoughts. Have you had the replacements from Fine Offset yet and did they work if you have?
Regards
John

[41south]

Hi John,

Yes it's the crystal case that needs to be grounded, I would try and make any piece of wire as short as possible. I don't have the replacement units yet, will update here when they arrive (which according to DHL tracking should be today).

[JohnF]

Hello Colin
I took my solar panel apart today and pressed the crystal down against the pc board. All seems to be well so I'll leave alone for now.
Good luck with yours.
Regards
john

[41south]

Hi John,

Good news I hope it continues to work for you. PM me if you still have issues, I may be able to help further.

I've just installed my new sensor which arrived from FO yesterday, fingers crossed - so far so good. Will keep the thread updated.

Colin.

[GraemeT]

Hi Colin,
Can you post some contact details for your man at Fine Offset?

I have a faulty remote sensor unit and the person I contacted some time ago was not helpful at all.

Needless to say, my wh-3081 is just collecting dust on the shelf and I'd really like to be using it.


Cheers,

[JohnF]

Spoke too soon. After a few days of working well the unit has lost UV/Light data again. I am getting really hacked off with this flippin' thing.
John

[41south]

I'm 36 hrs running on the new one and so far so good - if it's still going in another week I'll be happy.

Did you solder the xtal down John? From my experience it may not even help, but is probably worth a try.

[JohnF]

Hi
No I did not solder my crystal down but right now the solar panel is on its way back to the retailers for a replacement.
Not having much luck with this thing and quality control does not seem to be up to the mark.
I'm pleased to know yours is working well.
Regards
John

[dpmiller]

Colin, would you disclose your contact in FO? (PM fine of you don't want it public). My solar data went from flakey to non-existent sometime in the Autumn, and I'm starting to think battery lifetime is dropping off too...
Soldering the can of the crystal made no difference either.

[41south]

PM sent

John what was your status, did you still want to get hold of my contact as well?

Cheers
Colin.

[JohnF]

Hi Colin
Thanks for the offer but I sent my solar panel back to the retailer for replacment. The message I sent to FO has not had a reply which is poor but no matter now, thanks all the same.
Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year to all.
John

[JohnF]

Update to my problems. Now have a replacement solar panel fitted and all data is working well ATM.
Happy Christmas everyone.
John

[aussiewmr]

Still working for you John?

I fired my 3081 up on Boxing day and have had many failures of the Solar / UV.
Have contacted the supplier to see what they say.
This certainly seems like a common issue doesn't it.

This is my 3rd WS in four years - A Lacrosse,OS WMR200 and now 3081.
The Lacrosse was the most reliable but display died after 2 1/2 years.
The WMR was a bitter disappointment (rain gauge has failed, UV worked for 6 months and currently an intermittent Outdoor Temp) only 18 months old.

If the 3081 fails too often its off to Davis I go

Phil