Campbell UT6 User manual

Revision: 09/2019
Copyright © 1993 – 2019
Campbell Scientific, Inc.

Limited warranty
“Products manufactured by CSI are warranted by CSI to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship under normal use and service for twelve months from the date of shipment unless
otherwise specified in the corresponding product manual. (Product manuals are available for
review online at www.campbellsci.com.) Products not manufactured by CSI, but that are resold by
CSI, are warranted only to the limits extended by the original manufacturer. Batteries, fine-wire
thermocouples, desiccant, and other consumables have no warranty. CSI’s obligation under this
warranty is limited to repairing or replacing (at CSI’s option) defective Products, which shall be
the sole and exclusive remedy under this warranty. The Customer assumes all costs of removing,
reinstalling, and shipping defective Products to CSI. CSI will return such Products by surface
carrier prepaid within the continental United States of America. To all other locations, CSI will
return such Products best way CIP (port of entry) per Incoterms ® 2010. This warranty shall not
apply to any Products which have been subjected to modification, misuse, neglect, improper
service, accidents of nature, or shipping damage. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties,
expressed or implied. The warranty for installation services performed by CSI such as
programming to customer specifications, electrical connections to Products manufactured by CSI,
and Product specific training, is part of CSI's product warranty. CSI EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS AND
EXCLUDES ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. CSI hereby disclaims, to the fullest extent allowed by applicable law, any and all
warranties and conditions with respect to the Products, whether express, implied or statutory,
other than those expressly provided herein.”

Assistance
Products may not be returned without prior authorization. The following contact information is
for US and international customers residing in countries served by Campbell Scientific, Inc.
directly. Affiliate companies handle repairs for customers within their territories. Please visit
www.campbellsci.com to determine which Campbell Scientific company serves your country.
To obtain a Returned Materials Authorization (RMA) number, contact CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC,
INC., phone [phone]. Please write the issued RMA number clearly on the outside of the
shipping container. Campbell Scientific’s shipping address is:
CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC.
RMA#_____
815 West 1800 North
Logan, Utah 84321-1784
For all returns, the customer must fill out a “Statement of Product Cleanliness and
Decontamination” form and comply with the requirements specified in it. The form is available
from our website at www.campbellsci.com/repair. A completed form must be either emailed to
[e-mail] or faxed to [phone]. Campbell Scientific is unable to process any
returns until we receive this form. If the form is not received within three days of product receipt
or is incomplete, the product will be returned to the customer at the customer’s expense.
Campbell Scientific reserves the right to refuse service on products that were exposed to
contaminants that may cause health or safety concerns for our employees.

Safety
DANGER — MANY HAZARDS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH INSTALLING, USING, MAINTAINING, AND WORKING ON OR AROUND TRIPODS,
TOWERS, AND ANY ATTACHMENTS TO TRIPODS AND TOWERS SUCH AS SENSORS, CROSSARMS, ENCLOSURES, ANTENNAS, ETC. FAILURE
TO PROPERLY AND COMPLETELY ASSEMBLE, INSTALL, OPERATE, USE, AND MAINTAIN TRIPODS, TOWERS, AND ATTACHMENTS, AND
FAILURE TO HEED WARNINGS, INCREASES THE RISK OF DEATH, ACCIDENT, SERIOUS INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, AND PRODUCT FAILURE.
TAKE ALL REASONABLE PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID THESE HAZARDS. CHECK WITH YOUR ORGANIZATION'S SAFETY COORDINATOR (OR
POLICY) FOR PROCEDURES AND REQUIRED PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT PRIOR TO PERFORMING ANY WORK.
Use tripods, towers, and attachments to tripods and towers only for purposes for which they are designed. Do not exceed design limits. Be
familiar and comply with all instructions provided in product manuals. Manuals are available at www.campbellsci.com or by telephoning
[phone] (USA). You are responsible for conformance with governing codes and regulations, including safety regulations, and the
integrity and location of structures or land to which towers, tripods, and any attachments are attached. Installation sites should be evaluated
and approved by a qualified engineer. If questions or concerns arise regarding installation, use, or maintenance of tripods, towers,
attachments, or electrical connections, consult with a licensed and qualified engineer or electrician.
General
lPrior to performing site or installation work, obtain required approvals and permits. Comply with all governing structure-height
regulations, such as those of the FAA in the USA.
lUse only qualified personnel for installation, use, and maintenance of tripods and towers, and any attachments to tripods and
towers. The use of licensed and qualified contractors is highly recommended.
lRead all applicable instructions carefully and understand procedures thoroughly before beginning work.
lWear a hardhat and eye protection, and take other appropriate safety precautions while working on or around tripods and towers.
lDo not climb tripods or towers at any time, and prohibit climbing by other persons. Take reasonable precautions to secure tripod
and tower sites from trespassers.
lUse only manufacturer recommended parts, materials, and tools.
Utility and Electrical
lYou can be killed or sustain serious bodily injury if the tripod, tower, or attachments you are installing, constructing, using, or
maintaining, or a tool, stake, or anchor, come in contact with overhead or underground utility lines.
lMaintain a distance of at least one-and-one-half times structure height, 20 feet, or the distance required by applicable law,
whichever is greater, between overhead utility lines and the structure (tripod, tower, attachments, or tools).
lPrior to performing site or installation work, inform all utility companies and have all underground utilities marked.
lComply with all electrical codes. Electrical equipment and related grounding devices should be installed by a licensed and qualified
electrician.
Elevated Work and Weather
lExercise extreme caution when performing elevated work.
lUse appropriate equipment and safety practices.
lDuring installation and maintenance, keep tower and tripod sites clear of un-trained or non-essential personnel. Take precautions to
prevent elevated tools and objects from dropping.
lDo not perform any work in inclement weather, including wind, rain, snow, lightning, etc.
Maintenance
lPeriodically (at least yearly) check for wear and damage, including corrosion, stress cracks, frayed cables, loose cable clamps, cable
tightness, etc. and take necessary corrective actions.
lPeriodically (at least yearly) check electrical ground connections.
WHILE EVERY ATTEMPT IS MADE TO EMBODY THE HIGHEST DEGREE OF SAFETY IN ALL CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC PRODUCTS, THE CUSTOMER
ASSUMES ALL RISK FROM ANY INJURY RESULTING FROM IMPROPER INSTALLATION, USE, OR MAINTENANCE OF TRIPODS, TOWERS, OR
ATTACHMENTS TO TRIPODS AND TOWERS SUCH AS SENSORS, CROSSARMS, ENCLOSURES, ANTENNAS, ETC.

Table of contents
1. Introduction 1
2. Precautions 1
2.1 Site selection 1
2.2 Tower mounting 1
2.3 Tower installation 2
3. Initial inspection 2
3.1 Indoors 2
3.2 Outdoors 2
3.3 Tools required 3
4. Siting and exposure 3
4.1 Wind speed and direction 4
4.2 Temperature and relative humidity 4
4.3 Precipitation 5
4.4 Solar radiation 5
4.5 Soil temperature 6
4.6 Siting references 6
5. Overview 6
6. Specifications 8
7. Tower installation 9
7.1 Installing the tower 9
7.1.1 Base installation 10
7.1.2 Tower installation 11
7.1.3 Grounding rod 15
7.1.4 Attaching the lightning rod 17
7.2 Crossarms and mounting brackets 18
7.2.1 CM202, CM203, CM204, CM206 Crossarms 18
7.2.2 CMB200 crossarm brace kit 19
7.2.2.1 Components 20
7.2.2.2 Assembly 21
Table of Contents - iv

1. Introduction
The UT6 and UT10 are durable, lightweight instrument towers used for a variety of applications.
They support a 1.8 m (6 ft) or 3 m (10 ft) measurement height for wind sensors as well as sturdy
attachment points for antennas, solar panels, environmental enclosures, radiation shields, and
crossarms.
NOTE:
Throughout the manual, the term "tower" refers to both the UT6 and UT10, unless specified
otherwise.
2. Precautions
2.1 Site selection
lSelect a safe site to install the tower.
lThe distance between any power lines and the installation site should be at least one and
one-half times the height of the tower. Make the distance even greater, if possible. Since
all overhead lines look somewhat alike, consider them all dangerous and stay well away
from them.
lIf there are power lines or buried utilities in the area, call the local utility providers for
assistance.
2.2 Tower mounting
lNEVER work alone; always have someone near who can summon help.
lCertain clothing may provide a degree of safety, but do not depend on it alone to preserve
life (for example, rubber boots or shoes, industrial rubber gloves, or a long shirt or jacket).
lCheck local weather conditions. Be sure it has not rained recently, and the ground is not
wet or muddy. Make sure rain or thunderstorms are not predicted for the day the tower is
to be installed.
UT6 and UT10 Universal Towers 1

lTo avoid having the tower being blown into nearby power lines, do not install or remove
towers in moderate or heavy winds.
lIf it is necessary to use a ladder, choose a ladder made of non-conductive, non-metallic
materials.
lHave someone present who has been trained in electric shock first aid, if possible.
2.3 Tower installation
lProperly assemble the tower according to the instructions in this manual (do this in the
location the tower is to be installed).
lOnce the tower is in its full vertical position, securely fasten the tower to the base.
lGround the tower in accordance with all applicable local electrical codes.
lKeep the bottom of the tower legs free of soil, ice, and debris to prevent trapping any
moisture inside or around the tower legs.
3. Initial inspection
3.1 Indoors
Immediately upon receipt of the tower:
lInspect the shipping cartons for visible damage. Report any damage to the shipping
company.
lOpen all shipping cartons.
lCheck the contents of the cartons against the invoice. Contact Campbell Scientific
immediately if any parts are missing.
3.2 Outdoors
lLocate a suitable site for the tower (Siting and exposure (p. 3)).
lPrepare the tower base (Tower installation (p. 9)).
oRaise the tower (Tower installation (p. 9)).
UT6 and UT10 Universal Towers 2

oInstall the instrumentation enclosure (Tower installation (p. 9)).
oInstall sensors.
3.3 Tools required
Tools required to install and maintain a Campbell Scientific tower:
lShovel
lRake
lOpen end wrenches: 3/8 in, 7/16 in, 1/2 in, (2) 9/16 in
lSocket wrench set
lMagnetic compass
lTape measure
lNut driver (3/8 in)
lLevel
lSledgehammer
lPliers
lStraight bit screwdrivers
lPhillips screwdrivers
4. Siting and exposure
DANGER:
If any part of the weather station comes into contact with power lines, death or serious injury
could occur. Contact local utilities for the location of buried utility lines before digging or
driving ground rods.
Selecting an appropriate site for the weather station is critical to obtain accurate meteorological
data. In general, the site should be representative of the area being studied, and away from the
influence of obstructions such as buildings and trees.
Do not place the weather station where sprinkler irrigation water will strike the sensors or
instrument enclosure.
The general guidelines for site selection given here were condensed from these sources: EPA
(2000)1, WMO (2010)2, and AASC (1985)3.
UT6 and UT10 Universal Towers 3

4.1 Wind speed and direction
As specified by the EPA1, wind sensors should be located over open, level terrain at a distance at
least ten times the height of any nearby buildings, trees, or other obstructions as shown in
FIGURE 4-1 (p. 4).
Standard measurement heights:
l3.0 m ± 0.1 m recommended (AASC)
l2.0 m ± 0.1 m, 10.0 m ± 0.5 m optional (AASC)
l10.0 m (WMO and EPA)
FIGURE 4-1. Effect of a structure on wind flow
4.2 Temperature and relative humidity
Sensors should be located over an open, level area at least 9 m (EPA1) in diameter. The surface
should be covered by short grass, or, where grass does not grow, the natural earth surface. Locate
sensors at a distance of at least four times the height of any nearby obstructions and at least 30 m
(EPA1) from paved areas. Sensors must be protected from thermal radiation and adequately
ventilated.
UT6 and UT10 Universal Towers 4

Situations to avoid include:
lIndustrial heat sources
lRooftops
lSteep slopes
lSheltered hollows
lTall vegetation
lShaded areas
lSwamps
lAreas where snow drifts occur
lLow places holding standing water after rainstorms
Standard measurement heights:
l1.5 m ± 1.0 m (AASC)
l1.25 to 2.00 m (WMO)
l2.0 m temperature (EPA)
l2.0 m and 10.0 m for temperature difference (EPA)
4.3 Precipitation
Rain gages must be sited on level ground covered with short grass or gravel. In open areas,
choose a site where the distance to any obstruction is two to four times (EPA, AASC) the height
of the obstruction.
Position the height of the opening as low as possible, but high enough to avoid splashing from
the ground. Wind shields, such as Campbell Scientific 260 953 Alter-Type Rain Gage Wind
Screen, are recommended for open areas.
When necessary, use heated collectors to properly measure frozen precipitation. The gage must
be mounted above the average level of snow accumulation in areas that experience significant
snowfall.
Standard measurement heights:
l1.0 m ± 1.0 cm (AASC)
l30.0 cm minimum (WMO, EPA)
4.4 Solar radiation
Mount pyranometers in locations that avoid shadows on the sensor at any time. Mounting the
sensor on the southernmost (Northern Hemisphere) portion of the weather station will minimize
UT6 and UT10 Universal Towers 5

the chance of shading from other weather station structures. Reflective surfaces and sources of
artificial radiation must be avoided.
Heated pyranometers, such as the SP230-L from Campbell Scientific, are available for use in areas
where snow, frost, or dew may accumulate.
The height the sensor is mounted is not critical.
4.5 Soil temperature
Prepare a site for soil temperature measurements at least 1 m2 and typical of the surface of
interest. The ground surface must be level to the immediate area (10 m radius).
Standard measurement depths:
l10 cm ± 1.0 cm (AASC)
l5.0 cm, 10.0 cm, 50.0 cm, 100.0 cm (WMO)
4.6 Siting references
1EPA, (2000). Meteorological Monitoring Guidance for Regulatory Modeling Applications, DPA-
454/R-99-005. Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Research Triangle park, NC. 27711
2WMO, (2008 edition, updated in 2010). Guide to Meteorological Instruments and Methods of
observation. World Meteorological Organization No 8, 2008 edition, Geneva Switzerland.
3The State Climatologist, (1985). Publication of the American Association of State Climatologists:
Height and Exposure Standards for Sensors on Automated Weather Stations, v. 9, No. 4, October
1985.
5. Overview
The UT6 and UT10 towers provide a versatile mount for sensors, antennas, solar panels,
environmental enclosures, radiation shields, and mounting crossarms. The 2m (6 ft) height of the
UT6 and 3m (10 ft) height of the UT10 allows for wind measurements at each height.
The main tower frame (FIGURE 5-1 (p. 7)) is built from 2.5 cm (1 in) OD (outside diameter)
corrosion-resistant aluminum tubing. It includes an adjustable mast, a hinged base, anchor bolts,
lightning rod, ground rod, and cable tie kit.
Enclosures purchased for use with this tower must be ordered with the tower mount option. This
provides the necessary bracketing to mount the enclosure to the tower.
UT6 and UT10 Universal Towers 6

FIGURE 5-1. UT6 and UT10 towers
UT6 and UT10 Universal Towers 7

6. Specifications
UT6 UT10
Required concrete pad dimensions (note 1) 61 x 61 x 61 cm (24 x 24 x 24 in)
Crossarm height (attached to mast)
Standard 1.8 m (6 ft) 3 m (10 ft)
Maximum (mast fully extended) 2.4 m (~8 ft) 3.7 m (~12 ft)
Minimum 1.5 m (~5 ft) 2.7 m (~9 ft)
Pipe outside diameter (OD)
Vertical 2.5 cm (1 in)
Cross support 0.953 cm (0.375 in)
Leg spacing 26 cm (10.25 in) between legs (center to center)
Material Aluminum
Shipping weight 9.5 kg (21 lb) 11.8 kg (26 lb)
Wind load recommendation (note 2) 177 km/h (110 mph) for gusts
Notes:
1. The concrete pad requirements assume heavy soil. Light, shifting, or sandy soils require a
bigger concrete pad.
2. The wind load recommendation assumes proper installation, proper anchoring, adequate
soil, and total instrument projected area of less than 2 square feet. The amount of wind
load that this mount can withstand is affected by the quality of anchoring and installation,
soil type, and the number, type, and location of instruments fastened to the tower.
UT6 and UT10 Universal Towers 8

7. Tower installation
7.1 Installing the tower
The tower provides a support structure for mounting the weather station components. FIGURE 7-
1(p. 9) shows a typical tower equipped with an instrumentation enclosure, meteorological
sensors, and a solar panel.
FIGURE 7-1. Weather tower
UT6 and UT10 Universal Towers 9

7.1.1 Base installation
The tower attaches to a user-supplied concrete foundation as shown in FIGURE 7-1 (p. 9). The
base brackets, anchor bolts, and nuts are included with the tower.
1. Dig a hole 61 cm x 61 cm (24 in x 24 in) deep. Lighter soils will require a deeper hole.
2. Assemble the J-bolt template as shown in FIGURE 7-2 (p. 11). Begin by threading two
5/8-inch nuts onto each J-bolt, followed by a 5/8-inch washer. Next, place a template piece
over the J-bolt, followed by another 5/8-inch washer and a 5/8-inch split lock washer.
Thread a third 5/8-inch nut onto the J-bolt just until the bolt is even with the top of the
bolt. Once all three J-bolts are assembled, slide them together as shown in FIGURE 7-2 (p.
11). Align each J-bolt so the angled portion is pointing outward and tighten the lower nuts
to secure the assembly.
3. Construct a concrete form shown in FIGURE 7-3 (p. 11) out of 61 cm (24 in) square (inside
dimensions). Construct the 1-inch x 2-inch template frame and set it aside. Center the form
over the hole and drive a stake centered along the outside edge of each side. Level the
form by driving nails through the stakes and into the form while holding the form level.
4. Position the J-bolt template as shown in FIGURE 7-3 (p. 11). The top of each bolt will be
7.6cm ± 0.6cm (3in ± 0.25in) above the level of the form. Level the tops of the J-bolts in
all directions using a small level and secure the J-bolt template to the template frame with
7/8-inch screws where holes in the template overlap the wooden frame.
5. Fill the hole and form with concrete. Screed the concrete level with the top of the form as
shown in FIGURE 7-3 (p. 11). Smooth the concrete around the three J-bolts and allow the
concrete to harden.
CAUTION:
It is common for air to be trapped behind the knee portion of a J-bolt. Use a stick or
rod to stir and tamp around each J-bolt to ensure proper anchoring.
UT6 and UT10 Universal Towers 10

FIGURE 7-2. J-bolt template assembly
FIGURE 7-3. Positioning the J-bolt in concrete
6. Remove the top nuts, washers, and J-bolt template pieces. Leave the two bottom nuts and
one flat washer on each J-bolt. Remove the template frame and the concrete form.
7.1.2 Tower installation
1. Install the mast as shown in FIGURE 7-4 (p. 12). Attach the 3/4-inch x 10-inch nipple to the
mast using the bell reducer. Loosen the two bolts at the top of the tower and insert the
mast. For the UT6 at a 1.8m mounting height, or the UT10 at 3m, rest the bell reducer
against the top of the tower. Tighten the two bolts to secure the mast.
UT6 and UT10 Universal Towers 11

FIGURE 7-4. Install the mast
2. Remove the three 5/16-inch bolts, nuts, and fender washers from the tower mounting brace
(FIGURE 7-5 (p. 13)).
3. Pivot the three mounting feet to the vertical position.
UT6 and UT10 Universal Towers 12

FIGURE 7-5. Tower mounting brace removal
4. Align the tower so the openings in the mounting feet are angled diagonally away at a 60°
angle. This allows a solar panel to be mounted across the two tower legs facing the equator
while allowing the tower to tilt away from the equator for servicing.
Align the hole in the bottom of each mounting foot with one of the J-bolts in the concrete
base. Slide the tower onto the J-bolts.
5. Place a 5/8-inch flat washer, a 5/8-inch split washer, and a 5/8-inch nut on each J-bolt. Do
not tighten the nut (FIGURE 7-6 (p. 14)).
UT6 and UT10 Universal Towers 13

FIGURE 7-6. Tower mounting foot detail view
6. Check the tower for plumb using a level and adjust the leveling nuts below the mounting
feet on the J-bolts as required. When the tower is plumb, use two wrenches to lock the
lower nuts on each J-bolt together. Tighten the upper nuts to secure the base.
UT6 and UT10 Universal Towers 14

CAUTION:
Keep the bottom of the tower legs free of soil, ice, and debris to prevent trapping any
moisture inside or around the tower legs.
7. Removing the lower 3/8-inch bolt on the rear (West) leg allows the tower to be hinged to
the ground. If a step ladder is available, it is easier to leave the tower upright.
7.1.3 Grounding rod
DANGER:
If any part of the weather station comes into contact with power lines, death or serious injury
could occur. Contact local utilities for the location of buried utility lines before digging or
driving ground rods.
Refer to the Safety (p. iii) section at the beginning of this manual prior to installing the ground
rod. Ensure all local electrical codes are followed by having electrical equipment and grounding
installed by a licensed electrician.
1. Drive the ground rod close to the tower (FIGURE 7-8 (p. 17)) using a fence post driver or
sledgehammer. Drive the rod at an angle if an impenetrable hardpan layer exists. In hard
clay soils, a gallon milk jug of water can be used to “prime” the soil and hole to make
driving the rod easier.
2. Loosen the bolt that attaches the clamp to the ground rod. Insert one end of the 4 AWG
wire between the rod and the clamp and tighten the bolt (FIGURE 7-7 (p. 16)).
UT6 and UT10 Universal Towers 15