COMBILOG data logger for high quality solar monitoring stations
Published: Tuesday, August 13, 2013
For top performance solar radiation monitoring stations, such as in the Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN), we recommend the COMBILOG data logger system. It is optimized for Kipp & Zonen instruments and compatible with industry standard meteorological sensors for wind, temperature, pressure, rainfall, etc. Recently the firmware has been changed and we advise all users to update their system.
BSRN is a key part of the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) and comprises a global network of solar monitoring stations using the best equipment and practices currently available. A ‘Basic’ BSRN station uses a sun tracker fitted with a pyrheliometer, two pyranometers and a pyrgeometer; to measure direct, global and diffuse solar radiation, plus downward far infrared radiation from the sky. All the radiometers have internal temperature sensors and the pyranometers and pyrgeometer are normally fitted with ventilation units.
The four radiation outputs and four temperature sensor outputs from such a solar monitoring station can easily be connected to the COMBILOG as it offers 8 analogue input channels. There are also 6 digital inputs and 3 of these can be connected to the ventilation units to monitor the speed of the fans.
For more information and configuration options please visit the COMBILOG webpage.
The updated firmware is v2.43 and includes some bug fixes but, more importantly, the sampling can now be quicker.
Previously the minimum interval was 0.5s, now it is 0.25s
Please follow the instructions below from our customer service team to install the update:
- The firmware update file should be saved on a SD-Card (not SDHC) in a directory called 'updates'.
- Then turn the COMBILOG selection knob briefly in the main menu until ‘SD-Card/Updatefiles’ is shown on the display.
- Choose ‘Updatefile’, followed by ‘Yes’.
- After updating there will be an automatic reset and the COMBILOG will start up with the new firmware running.