Sensor Inspection Guide – The Yield Support Team

This Sensor Inspection Guide is designed to assist you should you suspect your MCSS (microclimate sensing solution) sensors are experiencing technical issues; or should The Yield Support team ask you to conduct a physical check of your sensing hardware.

To ensure accurate and reliable data from your sensing network, it’s important to inspect your sensors regularly to ensure no obvious physical damage or any obstructions to your sensors.

Sensor Inspection

Step 1: Check the Anemometer/Wind Sensor

Check the sensor cable for any damage, and confirm that the wind direction vane, and wind speed cups are both moving freely and are free of debris.

Step 2: Check the Rain Bucket

Important: To avoid false rain data readings, please turn off the node prior to cleaning the rain bucket. The on/off switch is the small silver switch located inside the node. Please refer to the Node Inspection Guide (step 3) for further details.

Check the sensor cable for any damage, and check inside the rain collection bucket for any debris or blockages. If necessary, remove the bucket by twisting it counter clockwise to unlock it, and lift it up.

You can now remove the strainer from inside the bucket, by turning it counter clockwise also. Ensure the drain hole at the bottom of the bucket is clear.

With the rain collection bucket removed, check the silver tippers are free of dirt and debris. Be careful not to "tip" the silver tippers during cleaning, as this will create false rain data. Alternatively, please switch off the node to prevent false data readings from occurring.

Check the drain holes on the rain gauge base to ensure they are free of blockages. Check the levelling bubble, to confirm the base is still level. If necessary, you can loosen the fastening bolts slightly, to allow levelling of the base.

Step 3: Check the ATMOS-14 Temp/Humidity/Pressure Sensor

Check the sensor cable for any damage. Check for debris, specifically spider webs or wasp nests, that may block air flow through the fins.

Step 4: Check the Leaf Wetness Sensor

Check the sensor cable for any damage, and check that the sensor is positioned correctly. The sensor might be installed on a separate plastic stake, or might be tied directly to the vine or tree. In both instances, the sensor should be positioned at a 45-degree angle, imitating the orientation of the existing foliage.

Check that leaves or foliage are not covering the sensor. Trim back or clear away if necessary.

Check the surface of the sensor is clean. If necessary, wipe with a clean damp cloth.

Step 5: Inspect the Soil Moisture Probe

Check the sensor cable for any damage, particularly near ground level, where the cable is prone to being hit by machinery. Check the soil probe is within the "wetted area" of the irrigation zone. See image above.

Step 6: Check the PAR/PYR Sensors

Check the sensor cable for any damage. Inspect the top of the sensors, and ensure they are clean and free of obstructions. If necessary, clean with a soft damp cloth.

Please note: Do not use alcohol wipes or any other chemical cleaner on the sensors.

Need Assistance?

For any questions regarding this or assistance with The Yield's apps, please contact Support via the contact details provided in How can I get in touch with The Yield's Support Team.

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