I was hoping you could advise me: I have a CR1000 logger connected to various soil monitoring instruments (5TE, TDR, etc.)
My intention is to apply a tracer, however when I went to the field site today, water had got inside the logger box. The logger is not working, although I am not clear yet whether the problem is with the logger itself, the battery or the connections. I disconnected the logger from the probes and took it back to the lab and am charging a new battery to check, but I was wondering if you could give me any advice as to how to fix it?
If it’s just the battery I can easily replace it, but if the logger itself has become water damaged, is there anything I can do to repair it?
Hi,
First of all, do you understand how did the water get in? You have to solve this problem for the future. Then, get a battery fully charger or a 12 Vdc power supply and powers the logger, perhaps with a fuse, and test the CR1000 wired to a PC, using for example "Device Config. Utility". Wanting if you have the opportunity, you can check the current draw with an ammeter, keep in mind that a CR1000 quiescent draws less than 1 mA.
Smile
Though not specified for it or guaranteed against it, some CR1000s have actually survived being submerged in water.
Disconnect all wires, especially power. Remove the sealed module from the wiring panel. Let the wiring panel and the connectors on the sealed module fully dry. Water on the connectors can short circuits.
After the datalogger is completely dry, you can connect a good power source and test the datalogger to see if it functions properly again.
What typically happens with bad water condensation is water shorts power connections together and rapid drain the 12V battery, killing the battery. If you are lucky, the battery is the only thing damaged. However, water can provide a pathway for 12V to reach connections it shouldn't damaging the datalogger. Also, water can corrode components.
If the CR1000 does not work properly after drying out, you should contact Campbell Scientific to receive and RMA number and send the CR1000 in for repair.
Of course, you should also fix the problem the allowed water into the enclosure.(poorly sealed box or lack of dessicant)
Hi All,
Many thanks for your helpful comments.
I dried the datalogger and replaced the battery.
The logger itself seems to be working, however it intermittently stops recording measurements. I am not sure why this should be, perhaps some residual water in the system?
As for the logger-box, I replasced that entirely. What had happened was a hedge cutter struck the box, and water had found it's way in through a crack in the shell.