Often the solution to your problem may be a very simple one. The following categories list a few troubleshooting suggestions. Print out the list, and give it a try!

Wind Speed

Problem: No reading on Meter
Check wire for breaks in wire; un-insulated wire staples that cut through; nail through wire. Check connections at rear of meter - make sure you have good connections and that the wire ends don't touch each other. Check roof connections - if properly connected, try lightly sanding the connections to clean them up to get better continuity.

Problem: Needle quivers at zero
A power surge or lightening related event. Meter needs to be sent in for service.

Cup Assembly

Problem: Cup off
Cup assembly needs to be sent in for factory repair. Remove cotter pin if there is one. Gently grasp cup assembly at bottom and wiggle, pulling it up off of pipe. Disconnect terminals or leave 5" of wire attached to the cup assemble and cut wire. This leaves enough wire to make a splice when you get the repaired unit back. If unit has run for months with a cup off, the bearings may have worn unevenly and may also need to be rebuilt.

Problem: Making noise
Downeaster uses the finest materials for shafts and bearings. Occasionally-differing conditions can cause a bearing problem- this needs to be sent in to factory for repair.

Wind Speed with Gust Register
(in addition to the above)

Problem: Will not store gust
Check to see that the 6V AC adapter plug is plugged in- or that the power wires connecting from unit to unit a re properly connected as in the instruction page. Be sure to use a good fresh 9v battery in the battery backup.

Wind Direction
(in addition to the above)

Problem: Reads opposite at installation
Vane assembly has an "N" etched in side of black plastic that must be facing North. Rotate vane mast until you are sure it is facing in the right direction. Be sure to tighten mast to prevent it from swiveling out of alignment with North.

Problem: No reading
Check plug - unit is provided with a 6 v ac transformer plug. Be sure it is properly plugged in to a house outlet. Check to be sure wires from plug are properly attached to rear of meter. To test if plug is working, it should feel warm to the touch. Check wire for breaks in wire; un-insulated wire staples that cut through; nail through wire.

Check connections at rear of meter- make sure you have good connections and that the wire ends donÕt touch each other. If unit has exterior connections at the roof transmitters, check to be sure wires are properly connected, if properly connected, try lightly sanding the connections to clean them up to get better continuity.

Problem: Lights
Normally operate in 1 to 3 adjacent lights. If you are getting every other light, check your wiring sequence.

Problem: Light on constantly
Usually indicates a problem with roof vane assembly. Roof unit needs to be sent in to Downeaster for repair.

Vane Assembly

Problem: Multiple lights on constantly
Indicates moisture in the wind direction vane assembly. Let it dry out. If problem persists send unit in to Downeaster. New installation, recheck wiring according to diagram in instruction section. Older installation, try cleaning contacts on roof vane assembly with sandpaper.

Outside Temperature

Problem: No reading
check to see power wires are properly connected to terminals on back. Check wire from unit to outside sensor to see if there are breaks in the wire. Check plug to see if it is working- should feel warm to touch.

Problem: Needle pegged at highest reading
Check wiring to be sure unit is wired correctly.

Problem: Incorrect readings
Check to be sure sensing unit is not getting false heat or cold from roof vent; furnace vent; drier vent; direct sun.

Inside Temperature
Inside temperature unit gives readings of exactly where the meter is located

Rainfall

Problem: No reading
Check to see power wires are properly connected to terminals on back. Make sure you use a fresh 9V battery. Check wire from unit to outside sensor to see if there are breaks in the wire. Check collector to be sure it is free from debris that could be blocking the tipping bucket mechanism from working properly.

Problem: Won't retain annual rainfall
Check battery to be sure it is fresh.

Barometer

Set barometer to a local equivalent altitude location on third day of fair weather system. To see if movement is still working, place barometer in 8 x 10" clear plastic bag. Note what the reading is on the barometer dial. Squeeze bag to narrow opening, gently blow into opening and inflate bag. Keep sealed and note reading. If it reads higher than before it is indicating the increased pressure in the bag, the movement is working. Reset to local barometric pressure reading.

Relative Humidity

Needs resetting every 6 month. Cover with cloth fully saturated with water and let sit for 1/2 hour. Adjust setting to 98%. Thoroughly wipe outside of unit to prevent corrosion of case. Make sure unit is not located near external drying type unit such as a furnace vent, roof eave, etc. If you have continued trouble getting accurate readings, it may be necessary to stand unit away from wall with spacers behind the three screws to allow freer circulation of air.

Clocks

A pulsing stalled second hand or a clock losing time indicates low battery life. When replacing the battery, be sure it is inserted in the movement according to the diagram imprinted on the battery slot.

Eight Bell Ship's Clock

When setting the clock, make sure you allow for the bells to ring at each interval or you will damage the setting for correct sequence. Also when setting, be sure to only turn the hands counter clockwise as you are looking at the back of the clock and in the direction of the arrow shown on the movement.

Tide Clocks

When replacing the battery, be sure it is inserted in the movement according to the diagram imprinted on the battery slot. Be sure to reset on a full moon when the tides are the most average.