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Basic Maintenance for Campbell Scientific SkyVue8 and SkyVuePRO Ceilometers

Routine on-site maintenance tasks permitted for non-certified site personnel

Overview

This article describes basic maintenance tasks for the Campbell Scientific SkyVue8 and SkyVuePRO LIDAR ceilometers. These tasks are limited to visual inspection and external cleaning that can be safely performed by on-site personnel. No internal access, calibration, configuration changes, or repairs are included.

The SkyVue8 and SkyVuePRO share similar external construction and maintenance principles. Where differences exist, they are noted explicitly.

Who this is for

This article is for on-site personnel responsible for routine inspection and care of installed SkyVue8 or SkyVuePRO sensors.

It is not intended for installers, electricians, or certified service technicians.

Prerequisites

  • The sensor is already installed and commissioned.

  • You have safe physical access to the sensor location.

  • You have read and understood the manufacturer’s user manual for the relevant model.

  • You have suitable cleaning materials (see ### Step-by-step section).

Safety notes

These instruments are LIDAR-based ceilometers containing laser, electrical, and heater systems.

  • The SkyVue8 and SkyVuePRO are classified as Class 1M laser products in normal operation.

  • Do not look into the optical aperture with binoculars, cameras, or any optical instruments.

  • Do not open covers, hoods, or access panels.

  • Do not assume the system is safe because no visible movement or noise is present.

  • Internal heaters and electrical components may be hot even when measurements appear inactive.

On-site personnel must not:

  • Open the sensor enclosure or remove covers except when explicitly instructed by WISE Group Support as part of a supervised troubleshooting activity

  • Isolate or reconnect power

  • Perform calibration or configuration changes

  • Replace parts or attempt repairs

If internal access, power isolation, or fault diagnosis is required, stop and escalate to WISE Group or Campbell Scientific certified personnel.

Step-by-step

Maintenance frequency

Perform the checks below:

  • As part of routine site inspections

  • After severe weather (heavy rain, snow, salt spray, dust storms)

  • When data quality issues are suspected

External visual inspection

Note: Removal of the outer cover or enclosure lid is not part of routine maintenance. These actions may only be carried out by on-site personnel when explicitly instructed by WISE Group Support as part of a defined troubleshooting procedure.

  1. Confirm the sensor housing is intact and securely mounted.

  2. Check for visible damage, corrosion, or loose fasteners.

  3. Verify that no objects obstruct the optical window or the sensor’s field of view.

  4. Check that bird deterrents (if fitted) are intact and not obstructing the aperture.

If structural damage, water ingress, or loose mounting is observed, stop and escalate.

Cleaning the optical window

Only clean the external optical window. Do not open the sensor.

  1. Ensure you can safely reach the sensor without working at height beyond your site’s permit limits.

  2. Visually confirm the window is contaminated (for example by salt, dust, pollen, bird droppings).

  3. Use clean water to rinse loose contamination.

  4. If further cleaning is required, use a soft, lint-free cloth with clean water.

  5. Gently wipe the window. Do not apply pressure.

  6. Allow the surface to air dry.

Do not:

  • Use solvents, detergents, or abrasive materials

  • Scrape or polish the window

  • Spray water into vents or seals

External cleanliness

  1. Remove accumulated dirt, snow, or debris from the exterior housing using a soft brush or cloth.

  2. Ensure drainage paths and external vents are not blocked.

Do not use pressure washers.

Validation / What “good” looks like

After completing basic maintenance:

  • The optical window is clean and undamaged.

  • No external obstructions are present.

  • The sensor housing is intact and secure.

  • Data availability and reported cloud heights return to normal (allow time for weather effects to clear).

If data quality does not improve after cleaning, escalate rather than repeating cleaning.

Troubleshooting

Symptom: Persistent data dropouts or poor data quality
Cause: Contamination not limited to the external window, internal fault, or environmental obstruction
Fix: Do not open the unit. Escalate to WISE Group Support.

Symptom: Visible condensation or water inside the housing
Cause: Seal failure or environmental damage
Fix: Stop. Escalate immediately. Continued operation may cause damage.

FAQ

Q: Can I open the cover or enclosure lid during routine maintenance?
A: No. Opening the cover or enclosure lid is not part of routine maintenance. These actions may only be carried out by on-site personnel when explicitly instructed by WISE Group Support as part of a supervised troubleshooting process.

Q: Can I realign or tilt the sensor during maintenance?
A: No. Mechanical adjustment affects measurement accuracy and must only be done during installation or by authorised personnel.

Q: Are SkyVue8 and SkyVuePRO maintenance steps different?
A: For basic external inspection and cleaning, the steps are the same.

External references