How often should maintenance typically be performed on RAWS equipment?

Maintenance on RAWS (Remote Automated Weather Stations) equipment should typically be performed every 6 months to 1 year because this frequency allows for proactive care to ensure the equipment continues to function optimally. Regular maintenance helps identify wear and tear or potential issues before they lead to equipment failure, which can be critical for systems that rely on accurate weather data.

Scheduled maintenance helps calibrate instruments, check for software updates, inspect hardware components, and replace any parts that may be showing signs of degradation due to environmental factors. This timeframe balances the need for thorough checks while not overwhelming the operators with excessive maintenance tasks.

If maintenance were performed monthly, it could lead to unnecessary use of resources and potential disruptions to data collection efforts. Annual maintenance alone, regardless of conditions, may not catch problems in a timely manner, putting the reliability of the equipment at risk. Conducting maintenance only as needed could lead to lapses that compromise the accuracy of weather data, especially if critical issues are allowed to persist without timely intervention.