The routine inspection of the Punch Tape Recording Rain Gage is the key to maximizing gage availability. Time spent during periodic site visits performing preventive maintenance (PM) will result in a marked decrease in time spent on future emergency visits and gage repairs. A standard PM routine is also one of the most effective means of maximizing productivity during your station visit. Every visit to Punch Tape Gage should include documented PM service.

The purpose of this module is to provide an overview of the PM services that you should cover during your site visits. At the end of this lesson you may download a sample checklist which can used to document individual Preventative Maintenance visits to a gage. You can use the checklist as is or modify it to suit your needs. It is also suggested that a PM log be maintained for each gage as a ready troubleshooting tool for future visits.

The schedule shown below is a revision of the April, 1976, maintenance schedule in Engineering Handbook #10 (EHB-10). It is designed as a guideline for you when you perform service on the Punched Tape Recording Rain Gage.

• Check Gage Level
  Adjust level as necessary.
• Check Overall Appearance of the Gage
  Observe the paint finish, or check for evidence of vandalism.
  Clean oil film from the outside of the gage using 409 or similar cleaner.
  If unsightly, repaint or switch housings.
• Check the Lower Housing
  Ensure that the lower housing is not rubbing the force post.
  Adjust the housing, if necessary.
• Check the Door Latches
  Replace as necessary.
• Check the Collection Bucket
  Empty the collector bucket if above ___ inches.
  This value varies by WFO location
  Remove and clean the collector bucket, if necessary.
  Charge as necessary using...

  1 qt of oil for warm weather.

  2 qts of antifreeze/oil mix for winter.

  (amounts vary by area)
  If charged, annotate event and new bucket level on tape.
• Check the Drain Tube on Collector Bucket
  Replace if necessary.
  Assure that the drain clips are securely attached to the bucket.
• Check the Weather Stripping
  Checks for breaks or deterioration of the base gasket around base plate.
  Replace as needed.
• Is Gage Operational?
  Does the Manual Punch function?
  Is the Micro-Switch working?
  Is the Timer functional?
  If not: Go to Lesson on Troubleshooting.
• Check the paper tape.
  Inspect paper tape punch holes for the following:

  1. Are they clean, sharply cut holes?
     If not, rebuild or replace the punch block.
  2. Is the frame count correct?
     If not, check the:
     • Battery voltage (6.0 V DC or greater)
     • Punch cycle for dragging punches
     • Cam follower adjustment
     • Tape-vertical alignment
  3. Is the identification annotation complete?
     Check for:
     • 18" leader at "on" and "off"
     • Station index number, as on B-44
     • Station name, as on B-44
     • Date/time on/off, in local time
     • Line drawn across the top of punch block
     • Changes to bucket level annotated
     • Time annotation for on/off matches tape time
  4. Is there a sufficient tape supply on the gage?
     
     • If not, replace the tape.
     • If it is early fall, install a new roll of tape so that replacement will not be needed during the cold weather.
     • Also, ensure that the caretaker can replace the tape.
  5. Is the tape skipping, several horizontal punches missing?
     If there is a problem:
     • Adjust the cam follower
     • Adjust the punch pressure
     • Clean the punch block
     • Check operation
  6. Is stripping a problem?
     If there is a problem:
     • Check punch block for bent punches.
     • Adjust the cam follower
     • Adjust the punch pressure
     • Clean the punch block
     • Check operation
• Check the Code Disk Pointer
  Inspect tape punch value and compare to pointer indication.
  Adjust pointer to match punch value.
• Check the Force Post
  Check Force Post tightness.
• Check the Funnel
  Check the status of the funnel in the upper housing.
  During periods of snow or freezing weather, ensure that the funnel is not installed.
  However, ensure the funnel is on site.
  Once the cold weather season ends, ensure that the funnel is installed.
• Check the Battery Voltage
  Check voltage with load and without the solar panel attached.
  Replace if the voltage under load drops below 6V.
  Clean the terminals
• Check the Solar Panel
  Check output without battery.
• Check the TB-1 Wiring
  Rewire as to Standard diagram.
• Check the Timer
  Confirm quarter hour punches. Reset time.
• Check the Screws/Bolts
  Ensure that all screws are tight, including attached wiring.
• Check the Micro-Switch
  Press the switch to ensure the gage runs.
  If it does not, check the power to the motor while the switch is pressed.
  If there is power to motor, change the motor.
  If there is no power at the motor, change the Micro-Switch.
• Check the Cam Follower Adjustment
  Adjust as necessary.
• Check the Locking Lever Adjustment
  Adjust as necessary.
• Check the Punch Arm Tension
  Adjust as necessary.
• Check the Dash-Pot Damping Oil
  Replenish the oil, as necessary.
• Check the Calibration
  Calibrate as necessary.
• Check all 4 Horizontal Flexures
  Replace only upper rear pair in the field.
  Replace the other in shop.
• Check the Drive Cable
  Replace if frayed or broken using appropriate procedures
• Ensure the Observer is Comfortable with the following:
  Reading the punch tape holes
  Installing a new tape.
  Annotating the tape at ON and OFF
  Winterization procedures
  Charging with mineral oil for Summer
  Lowering the bucket level
  Reporting outages
  NWS Requirements for changing tapes and mailing them
• Check and Restock the Observer's Supplies
• Check for Proper Operation Prior to Leaving
  Ensure the tape is annotated and tape/timer set.
  Ensure the chad tray is installed.
  Ensure the lock (if any) works properly.
  Lubricate the lock, if necessary.

To download a WordPerfect Copy of the Punch Tape Recording Rain Gage Check List, click here and receive an executable (.EXE) zip file that expands into a WordPerfect file.

Question 1

The inspection and preventive maintenance checklist should be used:

A. Whenever you feel so inclined.
B. During every visit to a site.
C. Before the winter season.
D. Only on dry, comfortable days.

Question 2

Inspect the paper tape punch holes for:

A. Clean, sharp holes.
B. The correct frame count.
C. Skipping and stripping.
D. All of the above.

Question 3

The funnel in the upper housing should be installed:

A. At all times.
B. During periods of snow and freezing weather.
C. During the warm season.
D. Only during heavy rainfall.

Question 4

Ensure the observer is comfortable with:

A. Installing new tape.
B. Annotating the tape at ON and OFF.
C. Winterization procedures.
D. All of the above.