10/06

Lid Seals: We want to provide a few more details on our results from the June 2006 lid seal change. As reported last month, 60% of lid seals were O.K.  Lid seals that were O.K. had a distinct impression of the bucket top and were centered in the middle of the lid seal.  38% of lid seals had minor problems. These lid seals had impressions on the lid seal that were either faint or not centered in the middle of the seal. Only 2% of lid seals had severe problems. These included seals that were installed upside down, lid seals that had the plastic removed, and lid seals on which the impression of the bucket was clearly off the edge of the seal. If your lid seal does not rest centered on top of the bucket, does not seal down tightly, or falls into the severe problems category, call (800) 952-7353 for assistance.  Reminders:   1)   Time Changes: We’re coming to the time of the year where some of us will “fall back” an hour. Report bucket on and off times as your local time. 2)   “Used NTN Sampling Material” labels: Please bag each used bucket individually and apply a “Used NTN Sampling Material” label to the bag. Used bucket lids can be bagged together and should have a “Used NTN Sampling Material” label applied to the bag.
http://nadp.sws.uiuc.edu/cal/		E-mail: cal@sws.uiuc.edu
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11/06

Because the site operator is the only one who observes the condition of the equipment in the field, it is crucial to obtain the operator's assessment of field equipment performance. One block of special importance is Block 4 Site Operations. Check "Yes" or "No" for each statement in Block 4. Responses to these statements and the comments provided in Block 10 are used to code your data and ensure timely repairs to malfunctioning equipment. For statements 1 and 2, a "Yes" indicates correct site operations, while a "No" indicates problems that must be documented in Block 10. Notify the CAL by telephone (1-800-952-7353) when responses to statements 1 or 2 are "No." Statement 1 address the collector. Answer "No" if the checks performed during bucket change uncovered any malfunctions in the sensor heater, motor box switching, or event recorder mechanisms. Statement 2 addresses the raingage. Answer "No" if the clock did perform accurately during the sampling period or the pens did not trace correctly on the chart. Statement 3 requires a response only if the site is equipped with a properly working event recorder. Check "Yes" if something other than a rest triggered the sensor and caused the roof mechanism to uncover the wet-side bucket. If the event recorder is inoperative, leave the response box blank. Winterization reminder: Please remember to winterize and let us know the date the funnel was removed and antifreeze was added by e-mail, phone call, FAX, or sending in the "Winterizing Memo."
http://nadp.sws.uiuc.edu/cal/	E-mail: cal@sws.uiuc.edu
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12/06