CIMEL Sun Photometer Set-Up Manual

Em Portuguese (PDF)

The basic assembly is relatively simple and one can probably get the robot assembled etc with no problems. Most of the cables only fit in one place and are labeled clearly.

Once you have the robot assembled, orient it so the zenith motor casing is pointing roughly East (the metal claw to which the sensor head is attached, then points to the West). This is just a rough starting point. The set-up details that follow should aid you. (FIGURE 1).

FIGURE 1: Thumbnail image hyperlink that increases the size of the Sun photometer image to show the sun photometer/robot configuration



The round connector end of the data cable should be attached to the the sensor head, and the flat connector should be plugged into the white Cimel control box. Strap the sensor head to the robot metal claw using the silver metal band. Make sure that the face of the sensor head is flush with the edge of the metal claw (FIGURE 2).

FIGURE 2: Thumbnail image hyperlink that increases the size of the zoomed image of the sun photometer attached to the robot

Also, ensure that the long axis of the collimator cross-section is perpendicular to the axis of the zenith motor casing and claw. (FIGURE 3)

FIGURE 3: Thumbnail image hyperlink that increases the size of the zoomed image of the sun photometer to show the collimator

Verify the Cimel control box TIME and DATE are correct, i.e., that it agrees with the Vitel clock. If the Time or Date are wrong, the Cimel will NOT find the sun on a GOSUN command. (See Setting the Cimel control box time)

Verify that the ROBOT itself is level. Do not use the embedded bubble level on top of the ROBOT. Place the supplied bubble level on top of the flat ledge of the central robot tubular body (below the sensor head motor) This should be level in both the N/S and E/W axes.(FIGURE 4)

FIGURE 4: Thumbnail image hyperlink that increases the size of the zoomed image of the sun photometer to show how to level the robot

Put the Cimel in manual mode using the white control box display screen. In Manual mode, the main screen looks like this:

PW MAN SCN VIEW

Do a Park procedure. When PARK is complete it should result in a parked postion where the sensor head collimator is pointing down, perpendicular to the ground. Place the bubble level on the top of the metal claw arm (FIGURE 5) and verify that this is level.

FIGURE 5: Thumbnail image hyperlink that increases the size of the zoomed image of the sun photometer to show how to level the robot in the sun photometer mounting location

If not, loosen the zenith bolt's hex nut (below the permanent bubble level on the top of the robot) (FIGURE 6) and level it by rotating the zenith motor casing with your hand.


FIGURE 6: Thumbnail image hyperlink that increases the size of the zoomed image of the robot to show the zenith bolt hex nut

Re-tighten the zenith nut tightly. (FIGURE 7) Important: Perform another PARK procedure or two and make sure it is in fact level.

FIGURE 7: Thumnail image hyperlink that increases the size of the zoomed image of the robot to show the zenith bolt hex nut and wrenches used to tighten the nut

Using the right 2 buttons, change the display to read GOSUN. Select GO to initiate. The sensor head should point to the sun. (FIGURE 8)

FIGURE 8: Thumbnail image hyperlink that increases the size of the image to show how the sun photometer should point towards the sun

The hole at the top of the collimator should allow the sunlight to illuminate the marker spot at the base of the collimator. (FIGURE 9) When the bright spot is on the mark, the instrument is aligned. If it is off to the left or right, rotate the robot base to align it. After you rotate the robot, you will need to verify that the robot is still level as before.

FIGURE 9: Thumbnail image hyperlink that increases the size of the image to show the spot where the sun should illuminate when the photometer is correctly oriented towards the sun

PARK the instrument. Perform another GOSUN to check that the alignment is still good. If not, ensure that the robot is level, and that the sensor head is level when manually parked. One note: when you level the sensor head and do a GOSUN, repeat this process a few times to be sure of the alignment. The first GOSUN after leveling is often not correct because moving the sensor head while leveling can temporarily mess up the robot's zeroing point. Re-PARKing and doing a second GOSUN will be more accurate. If the alignment seems accurate, and consistent on repetition, you can continue.

Press PW then increment to 4, and place the instrument in AUTO mode

The main AUTO mode display should read: PW AUTORUN VIEW

The Cimel should be left in this mode in order to perform automatic measurement sequences.

ADDITIONAL SET-UP PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE: MORE PHOTOS