Recalibration of RDE300 systems

How often should you recalibrate your RDE300 system?

For Soiling Measurement Applications:

Perform the soiling calibration / normalization procedure at least once per year, using instructions found in RDE300i User Guide. 

Since soiling measurement is ratiometric (comparing PV1 and PV2) the absolute calibration of either channel is not important.

It may be necessary to perform the soiling calibration procedure more frequently than once per year if the system is experiencing excessive drift due to module degradation, excessive fouling of the reference cell, or other similar causes. These types of problems can be detected by checking the soiling ratio after a heavy rain event, when it would be expected to be close to 1.00.

Often we find that users' local tap water has mineral deposits which builds up on the clean reference over time, resulting in drift of the calibration. For this reason we recommend using distilled water in the reference cell reservoir.

For Irradiance Measurement Applications:

The reference cell, if used, should be recalibrated once every 2 years, or as required by the customer's internal processes or contractual requirements. Return the reference cell to Atonometrics for recalibration.

A reference module, if used, should be recalibrated once per year, or as required by the customer's internal processes or contractual requirements. Module calibration can be performed by Atonometrics or another laboratory.

Recalibration of the RDE300 electronics unit is generally not needed. However, if desired, return the RDE300 electronics unit to Atonometrics for recalibration service.