Instruments: Peet Bros Ultimeter 2100 (purchased and installed December 2001)
Sited in clearing on 5 ft post:
Right: Peet Bros. "Pro" Heated Electronic Automated Rain Gauge drip "shorting" electrode rainfall counter
Left: 4 inch diameter manual Rain Gauge - used to calibrate automated gauge measurements; manual gauge has 11 inch capacity
Center: Peet Bros. Outdoor Temperature (Metal-Oxide Thermistor) and Relative Humidity (Thick Film Capacitor) with upgraded passively aspirated Gill-type solar radiation shield
Close-up View (above): The sensor array is located in a small open area between a 4 ft fence (north, see above), 2-story house (southwest), shed (southeast), and 50 ft trees (west-northwest). These obstructions should not impact (reduce) precipitation measurements in most cases. Gauges were leveled using 4 foot bubble level.
Looking North (above): View of fence in background. Schrubs and holly trees in close proximity were trimmed/cut to reduce rain shadowing.
Looking East (above): Fence (left and north) and shed (right and southeast) are about 45 degrees above horizon relative to rain gauges. Pine tree in background (east) is 25 feet away and not a rain shadow problem.
Looking West (above): House (left and southwest) us about 60 degrees about horizon; deciduous tree (right and northwest) is about 50 ft tall and 60 degrees above gauge horizon.
Looking Up from Under Gauges (above): Tree (left and northwest) and fense post (right and north) in field of view as camera is tilted towards this directions from absolute veritcal. View shows unobstructed access to sky for rain gauges and temperature/humidity sensors. Winds are somewhat shielded from this location which reduces temperature sensor ventilation and elevates maximum temperature measurements slightly as sensor is unaspirated.
Digital Anemometer (below) - Sited at 45ft above ground level (AGL) and 20ft above roof apex; deciduous tree (~45 ft tall) 340 degrees (NNW) of sensor will cause winds to reduced, especially in the spring and summer; directional alignment sited using compass corrected for magnetic declination. Neighbor is fond of her tree and won't cut down despite its negative impact to science and public welfare. Peet Anemometer is mounted on top of a 20ft mast which lashed to a Rohn tri-pod based with 10ft mast (Rohn model # TRT122) using three "U" clamps. Mast was bubble leveled.
Humidity Sensor Calibration (below) - The Peet Bros. humidity sensor can be adjusted using a the "set screw" and a jeweler screw driver if quality control information indicates that an adjustment is necessary.
