SGP/SIRS/E24 - SIRS Signal Cable Damage at E24

Cattle from adjoining field had broken the electric fence wire around the equipment and
chewed radiometer cables in half adn damaged the shading arm(s) on the SciTec tracker.

The NIP and DD shortwave data collected during this time were recorded  by the
logger as 'over-range' or 'open-channel' (with corresponding data values stored as
'-99999') or a numeric value not representative of the real irradiance conditions
due to faulty connections.  Data for this period are to be considered MISSING.

• null(Raw data stream - documentation not supported)

• Shortwave Direct Normal Irradiance, Pyrgeometer(short_direct_normal)
• Downwelling Shortwave Hemispheric Irradiance, Pyranometer, Standard Deviation(down_short_diffuse_hemisp_std)
• Downwelling Shortwave Diffuse Hemispheric Irradiance, Ventilated Pyranometer,
  Maxima(down_short_diffuse_hemisp_max)
• Shortwave Direct Normal Irradiance, Pyrgeometer, Standard Deviation(short_direct_normal_std)
• Shortwave Direct Normal Irradiance, Pyrgeometer, Minima(short_direct_normal_min)
• Shortwave Direct Normal Irradiance, Pyrgeometer, Maxima(short_direct_normal_max)
• Downwelling Shortwave Diffuse Hemispheric Irradiance, Ventilated Pyranometer(down_short_diffuse_hemisp)
• Downwelling Shortwave Diffuse Hemispheric Irradiance, Ventilated Pyranometer,
  Minima(down_short_diffuse_hemisp_min)

• null(Raw data stream - documentation not supported)

• Pyrheliometer voltage(nip)
• Shaded pyranometer voltage(short_diffuse)

SGP/SIRS/E22 - Diffuse Pyranometer Thermal Offsets

Broadband downwelling shortwave diffuse (sky) irradiance measurements available from SIRS
during the period of this Data Quality Report (DQR), require adjustment for thermal
offsets.  These thermal, or ?zero? offsets refer to the generally reduced output signals
from a shaded pyranometer due to the exchange of longwave (infrared) irradiance between
the single black thermopile detector, the protective glass domes surrounding the
detector, and the atmosphere. Originally considered an acceptable nighttime response of
thermopile-type pyranometers, the generally negative bias is now recognized to
significantly effect the accuracy of SIRS diffuse irradiance data during daylight
periods.

Studies of the Eppley Laboratory, Inc. Model PSP (Precision Spectral Pyranometer), used
for the SIRS   measurements of diffuse irradiance, suggest the thermal offset correction
can range from near 0 to as much as 30 Watts per square meter, depending on the
coincident net longwave, or infrared irradiance [1, 2].  Under very clear-sky conditions,
the diffuse irradiance from a shaded PSP can be less than the minimum physical limit
defined by radiative transfer model estimates based only on Rayleigh scattering effects.

A correction method has been developed for adjusting SIRS diffuse irradiance data [3]. 
The resulting Value Added Product (VAP) will be applied to SIRS data for the period of
this DQR.  The VAP will not be applied to SIROS data collected before the instrument
platform was converted to SIRS.

Additionally, the Model PSP radiometer has been replaced by a Model 8-48 which uses a
black and white thermopile detector known to reduce the thermal offset errors to less
than 2 Watts per square meter [3].  The radiometer replacement at this SIRS location was
completed on the ending date of this DQR.

References:
1. Gulbrandsen, A., 1978:  On the use of pyranometers in the study of spectral solar
radiation and atmospheric aerosols.  J. Appl. Meteorol., 17, 899-904.
2. Cess, R. D., X. Jing, T. Qian, and M. Sun, 1999:  Validation strategies applied to the
measurement of total, direct and diffuse shortwave radiation at the surface.  J. Geophys.
Res.
3. Dutton, E.G., J. Michalsky, T. Stoffel, B. Forgan, J. Hickey, D. Nelson, T. Alberta,
and I. Reda, 2001:  Measurement of Broadband Diffuse Solar Irradiance Using Current
Commercial Instrumentation With a Correction for Thermal Offset Errors. J. Atmos. Oceanic
Tech.   Vol 18, No. 3, 297-314.   (March 2001)

• Shaded pyranometer voltage(short_diffuse)

• Downwelling Shortwave Diffuse Hemispheric Irradiance, Ventilated Pyranometer,
  Minima(down_short_diffuse_hemisp_min)
• Downwelling Shortwave Diffuse Hemispheric Irradiance, Ventilated Pyranometer,
  Maxima(down_short_diffuse_hemisp_max)
• Downwelling Shortwave Hemispheric Irradiance, Pyranometer, Standard Deviation(down_short_diffuse_hemisp_std)
• Downwelling Shortwave Diffuse Hemispheric Irradiance, Ventilated Pyranometer(down_short_diffuse_hemisp)

SGP/SIRS/E24 - Diffuse Pyranometer Thermal Offsets

Broadband downwelling shortwave diffuse (sky) irradiance measurements available from SIRS
during the period of this Data Quality Report (DQR), require adjustment for thermal
offsets.  These thermal, or ?zero? offsets refer to the generally reduced output signals
from a shaded pyranometer due to the exchange of longwave (infrared) irradiance between
the single black thermopile detector, the protective glass domes surrounding the
detector, and the atmosphere. Originally considered an acceptable nighttime response of
thermopile-type pyranometers, the generally negative bias is now recognized to
significantly effect the accuracy of SIRS diffuse irradiance data during daylight
periods.

Studies of the Eppley Laboratory, Inc. Model PSP (Precision Spectral Pyranometer), used
for the SIRS   measurements of diffuse irradiance, suggest the thermal offset correction
can range from near 0 to as much as 30 Watts per square meter, depending on the
coincident net longwave, or infrared irradiance [1, 2].  Under very clear-sky conditions,
the diffuse irradiance from a shaded PSP can be less than the minimum physical limit
defined by radiative transfer model estimates based only on Rayleigh scattering effects.

A correction method has been developed for adjusting SIRS diffuse irradiance data [3]. 
The resulting Value Added Product (VAP) will be applied to SIRS data for the period of
this DQR.  The VAP will not be applied to SIROS data collected before the instrument
platform was converted to SIRS.

Additionally, the Model PSP radiometer has been replaced by a Model 8-48 which uses a
black and white thermopile detector known to reduce the thermal offset errors to less
than 2 Watts per square meter [3].  The radiometer replacement at this SIRS location was
completed on the ending date of this DQR.

References:
1. Gulbrandsen, A., 1978:  On the use of pyranometers in the study of spectral solar
radiation and atmospheric aerosols.  J. Appl. Meteorol., 17, 899-904.
2. Cess, R. D., X. Jing, T. Qian, and M. Sun, 1999:  Validation strategies applied to the
measurement of total, direct and diffuse shortwave radiation at the surface.  J. Geophys.
Res.
3. Dutton, E.G., J. Michalsky, T. Stoffel, B. Forgan, J. Hickey, D. Nelson, T. Alberta,
and I. Reda, 2001:  Measurement of Broadband Diffuse Solar Irradiance Using Current
Commercial Instrumentation With a Correction for Thermal Offset Errors. J. Atmos. Oceanic
Tech.   Vol 18, No. 3, 297-314.   (March 2001)

• Downwelling Shortwave Hemispheric Irradiance, Pyranometer, Standard Deviation(down_short_diffuse_hemisp_std)
• Downwelling Shortwave Diffuse Hemispheric Irradiance, Ventilated Pyranometer,
  Maxima(down_short_diffuse_hemisp_max)
• Downwelling Shortwave Diffuse Hemispheric Irradiance, Ventilated Pyranometer(down_short_diffuse_hemisp)
• Downwelling Shortwave Diffuse Hemispheric Irradiance, Ventilated Pyranometer,
  Minima(down_short_diffuse_hemisp_min)

• Shaded pyranometer voltage(short_diffuse)

SGP/SIRS/E22 - Failed NIP sensor cable

The suntracker was driven past it optical limit switch and pulled the direct normal (NIP) 
instrument cable from its connector.

• Instantaneous Direct Normal Shortwave Irradiance, Pyheliometer Thermopile
  Voltage(inst_direct_normal)

• Shortwave Direct Normal Irradiance, Pyrgeometer, Minima(short_direct_normal_min)
• Shortwave Direct Normal Irradiance, Pyrgeometer, Standard Deviation(short_direct_normal_std)
• Shortwave Direct Normal Irradiance, Pyrgeometer(short_direct_normal)
• Shortwave Direct Normal Irradiance, Pyrgeometer, Maxima(short_direct_normal_max)

• null(Raw data stream - documentation not supported)

SGP/SIRS/E24 - NIP shaded near sunrise

The NIP is shaded by the EF laptop computer enclosure near sunrise during parts of the 
Spring and Summer.  This has occurred from 04/08 to 05/20 and from 07/26 to 09/06 every year 
since 2001 and will occur during these date ranges in the future as well.  The shading 
occurs for a few minutes each day between 1200 and 1300 GMT depending on the time of the 
year.  For the early dates, shading occurs a little after 1200 GMT and by 05/20 shading 
happens nearer to 1300 GMT. In late July the shading occurs near 1300 GMT and closer to 
1200 GMT by 09/06.

• Instantaneous Direct Normal Shortwave Irradiance, Pyheliometer Thermopile
  Voltage(inst_direct_normal)

• Shortwave Direct Normal Irradiance, Pyrgeometer, Standard Deviation(short_direct_normal_std)
• Shortwave Direct Normal Irradiance, Pyrgeometer(short_direct_normal)
• Shortwave Direct Normal Irradiance, Pyrgeometer, Maxima(short_direct_normal_max)
• Shortwave Direct Normal Irradiance, Pyrgeometer, Minima(short_direct_normal_min)

• Shortwave Direct Normal Irradiance, Pyrgeometer(short_direct_normal)
• Shortwave Direct Normal Irradiance, Pyrgeometer, Standard Deviation(short_direct_normal_std)
• Shortwave Direct Normal Irradiance, Pyrgeometer, Minima(short_direct_normal_min)
• Shortwave Direct Normal Irradiance, Pyrgeometer, Maxima(short_direct_normal_max)

SGP/SIRS/E24 - NIP shaded near sunrise

The NIP is shaded by the EF laptop computer enclosure near sunrise during parts of the 
Spring and Summer.  This has occurred from 04/08 to 05/20 and from 07/26 to 09/06 every year 
since 2001 and will occur during these date ranges in the future as well.  The shading 
occurs for a few minutes each day between 1200 and 1300 GMT depending on the time of the 
year.  For the early dates, shading occurs a little after 1200 GMT and by 05/20 shading 
happens nearer to 1300 GMT. In late July the shading occurs near 1300 GMT and closer to 
1200 GMT by 09/06.

• Instantaneous Direct Normal Shortwave Irradiance, Pyheliometer Thermopile
  Voltage(inst_direct_normal)

• Shortwave Direct Normal Irradiance, Pyrgeometer, Standard Deviation(short_direct_normal_std)
• Shortwave Direct Normal Irradiance, Pyrgeometer, Maxima(short_direct_normal_max)
• Shortwave Direct Normal Irradiance, Pyrgeometer(short_direct_normal)
• Shortwave Direct Normal Irradiance, Pyrgeometer, Minima(short_direct_normal_min)

• Shortwave Direct Normal Irradiance, Pyrgeometer, Maxima(short_direct_normal_max)
• Shortwave Direct Normal Irradiance, Pyrgeometer(short_direct_normal)
• Shortwave Direct Normal Irradiance, Pyrgeometer, Standard Deviation(short_direct_normal_std)
• Shortwave Direct Normal Irradiance, Pyrgeometer, Minima(short_direct_normal_min)

• Shortwave Direct Normal Irradiance, Pyrgeometer, Standard Deviation(short_direct_normal_std)
• Shortwave Direct Normal Irradiance, Pyrgeometer, Maxima(short_direct_normal_max)
• Shortwave Direct Normal Irradiance, Pyrgeometer(short_direct_normal)
• Shortwave Direct Normal Irradiance, Pyrgeometer, Minima(short_direct_normal_min)

SGP/SIRS/E24 - NIP shaded near sunrise

The NIP is shaded by the EF laptop computer enclosure near sunrise during parts of the 
Spring and Summer.  This has occurred from 04/08 to 05/20 and from 07/26 to 09/06 every year 
since 2001 and will occur during these date ranges in the future as well.  The shading 
occurs for a few minutes each day between 1200 and 1300 GMT depending on the time of the 
year.  For the early dates, shading occurs a little after 1200 GMT and by 05/20 shading 
happens nearer to 1300 GMT. In late July the shading occurs near 1300 GMT and closer to 
1200 GMT by 09/06.

• Instantaneous Direct Normal Shortwave Irradiance, Pyheliometer Thermopile
  Voltage(inst_direct_normal)

• Shortwave Direct Normal Irradiance, Pyrgeometer, Maxima(short_direct_normal_max)
• Shortwave Direct Normal Irradiance, Pyrgeometer, Standard Deviation(short_direct_normal_std)
• Shortwave Direct Normal Irradiance, Pyrgeometer, Minima(short_direct_normal_min)
• Shortwave Direct Normal Irradiance, Pyrgeometer(short_direct_normal)

SGP/SIRS/E24 - Erratic downwelling shortwave data

Downwelling shortwave hemispheric readings are occasionally erratic, jumping to very high 
or very low values for short periods of time. SGP PM techs reseated all Downwelling 
Shortwave PSP instrument connections on 3/17/2005 approx 1945GMT.  The problem did not reoccur 
after that time but the DS cable was replaced on 3/31/2005 approx 1815 GMT to ensure the 
problem did not reappear.

• null(Raw data stream - documentation not supported)

• Instantaneous Downwelling Hemispheric Shortwave, Unshaded Pyranometer Thermopile
  Voltage(inst_global)

• Downwelling Shortwave Hemispheric Irradiance, Ventilated Pyranometer, Maxima(down_short_hemisp_max)
• Down-welling unshaded pyranometer voltage(down_short_hemisp)
• Downwelling Shortwave Hemispheric Irradiance, Ventilated Pyranometer, Minima(down_short_hemisp_min)
• Downwelling Shortwave Hemispheric Irradiance, Ventilated Pyranometer, Standard
  Deviation(down_short_hemisp_std)

SGP/SIRS/E24 - Dirt on dome

The Downwelling Shortwave Hemispheric (DSH) Irradiance data were erratic. The Pyranometer 
instrument dome at this site was likely dirty given the relatively large spread between 
the measured DSH and derived DSH readings during the middle part of the day (up to 50 
W/m^2). Rain on 04/06 most likely contributed to this problem.  Preventative maintenance on 
4/14 effectively cleaned the pyranometer dome.  Preventative maintenance reports indicate 
dry-water spots on dome when it was cleaned on 4/14.

• null(Raw data stream - documentation not supported)

• Instantaneous Downwelling Hemispheric Shortwave, Unshaded Pyranometer Thermopile
  Voltage(inst_global)

• Downwelling Shortwave Hemispheric Irradiance, Ventilated Pyranometer, Maxima(down_short_hemisp_max)
• Down-welling unshaded pyranometer voltage(down_short_hemisp)
• Downwelling Shortwave Hemispheric Irradiance, Ventilated Pyranometer, Minima(down_short_hemisp_min)
• Downwelling Shortwave Hemispheric Irradiance, Ventilated Pyranometer, Standard
  Deviation(down_short_hemisp_std)

SGP/SIRS/E22 - Intermittent upwelling longwave data loss

Upwelling longwave hemispheric data drops out occasionally during the afternoon hours.  
Maintenance determined that the Upwelling LW Hemispheric irradiance instrument, the PIR, 
had a failed cable affecting only the thermopile measurement of this instrument.  Cable was 
replaced 7/20/05 2000GMT.

• Instantaneous Upwelling Pyrgeometer Dome Thermistor Resistance, Pyrgeometer(inst_up_long_dome_resist)
• Instantaneous Upwelling Pyrgeometer Case Thermistor Resistance, Pyrgeometer(inst_up_long_case_resist)
• Instantaneous Upwelling Pyrgeometer Thermopile(inst_up_long_hemisp_tp)

• Upwelling (10 meter) Longwave Hemispheric Irradiance, Pyrgeometer, Minima(up_long_hemisp_min)
• Upwelling (10 meter) Longwave Hemispheric Irradiance, Pyrgeometer, Standard
  Deviation(up_long_hemisp_std)
• Upwelling Longwave Hemispheric Net Infrared(up_long_netir)
• Upwelling (10 meter) Longwave Hemispheric Irradiance, Pyrgeometer(up_long_hemisp)
• Upwelling (10 meter) Longwave Hemispheric Irradiance, Pyrgeometer, Maxima(up_long_hemisp_max)

• null(Raw data stream - documentation not supported)

SGP/SIRS/E22 - Reprocessed: Longwave Calibration error

Modified pyrgeometer calibration procedures were implemented beginning in July 2003.  
These modified procedures introduced a calibration bias in the longwave data.  The previous 
procedures were re-implemented at all sites between December 2005 and February 2006 to 
restore proper calibrations.    
                                                                         
The data collected while the incorrect procedures were in place have been reprocessed to 
remove the calibration bias.  The reprocessed 60 second averaged data are based on 3 
instantaneous 20 second data records rather than on 60 1 second instantaneous data records. 
Still, these data are considered far superior to the originally processed data. The 
reprocessed data were archived in August 2006.

• Upwelling Longwave Hemispheric Net Infrared(up_long_netir)
• Downwelling Longwave Hemispheric Net Infrared(down_long_netir)
• Upwelling (10 meter) Longwave Hemispheric Irradiance, Pyrgeometer(up_long_hemisp)
• Downwelling Longwave Hemispheric Irradiance, Shaded Pyrgeometer(down_long_hemisp_shaded)

SGP/SIRS/E24 - Reprocessed: Longwave Calibration error

Modified pyrgeometer calibration procedures were implemented beginning in July 2004. These 
modified procedures introduced a calibration bias in the longwave data. The previous 
procedures were re-implemented at all sites between December 2005 and February 2006 to 
restore proper calibrations. 

The data collected while the incorrect procedures were in place have been reprocessed to 
remove the calibration bias.  The reprocessed 60 second averaged data are based on 3 
instantaneous 20 second data records rather than on 60 1 second instantaneous data records. 
Still, these data are considered far superior to the originally processed data. The 
reprocessed data were archived in October 2006.

• Downwelling Longwave Hemispheric Irradiance, Shaded Pyrgeometer(down_long_hemisp_shaded)
• Downwelling Longwave Hemispheric Net Infrared(down_long_netir)
• Upwelling Longwave Hemispheric Net Infrared(up_long_netir)
• Upwelling (10 meter) Longwave Hemispheric Irradiance, Pyrgeometer(up_long_hemisp)