Sticky Anemometer Below Freezing

[ColdnFrosty]

I have a Davis Vantage Pro 2 with a "sticky" anemometer. The cups don't seem to spin up until the wind hits 8 or 9 mph when the temp is below freezing. Any tips on "winterizing" the instrument for better performance? Thanks.

[xairbusdriver]

I would not think any kind of lubrication would be advised.

Only thing I can offer is that you are welcome to move down to TN! But even down here we had a few single digit nights a week or so ago! I’ve seen a much less windy Fall & Winter here, even with above normal temps. So I’m thinking my anemometer is either scared of heights or it needs new bearings! OTOH, is 6 years well below the average life of these things? After all, it is the most active mechanical part of these stations.

[ColdnFrosty]

I think mine is closer to 20 years along.

[elagache]

Dear ColdnFrosty, X-Air, and WeatherCat station caregivers,

I have a Davis Vantage Pro 2 with a "sticky" anemometer. The cups don't seem to spin up until the wind hits 8 or 9 mph when the temp is below freezing. Any tips on "winterizing" the instrument for better performance? Thanks.

I think mine is closer to 20 years along.

If your anemometer is around 20 years old, you certainly have successfully amortized it!  My first unit failed after only 8 years:

https://athena.trixology.com/index.php?topic=2820.msg27366#msg27366

Reading of your experience, I now wonder if heat does more damage to these units than extreme cold.

I guess you have two choices.  Davis will refurbish your anemometer for a fee.  However, you'll be without data for the time that takes.  As you can read from my thread, I opted to replace it and pay that cost instead. 

Moreover, you have an additional option in that there is now a 3rd party and a Davis anemometer using ultrasonic technology.  On first inspection, that seems like a better technology because there are no moving parts.  However, I would advise caution.  Instead, these devices require electronics, a solar charger, and batteries.  I haven't look into this at all, but having to replace a battery on an anemometer which is difficult to reach could be much worse than sticking to the old-fashioned mechanical design.

By all means please do keep us informed about how you decide to get your station back into normal operation.

Cheers, Edouard 

[xairbusdriver]

I had forgot that the anemometer cups are attached to a cup-shaped bottom. I wonder: 1. Is that bottom piece hollow, even a little and 2. If hollow, is there is a small "drain" hole for any water/melted ice to 'exit'.

My anemometer is separate from the main ISS. The mount has an horizontal extension holding the solar panel box. The box can be reached thru a nearby second floor window. At 78 I'm nearing (past!) the age of climbing on the 1/1 pitch roof to get to the pole with the (slowly) spinning cups... Might be time to teach the wife how to use a couple of wrenches!

I second Edouard's suggestion on trying the new model. Please let us know how it works!