Instrumentation of Cimel Sunphotometers involves the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of the devices to ensure accurate and continuous monitoring of atmospheric aerosols. Proper instrumentation is necessary to maintain the integrity of the data, as even minor malfunctions or misalignments can lead to significant errors in aerosol measurements, impacting the quality of climate and air quality assessments. Regular maintenance, including cleaning, sensor checks, and system diagnostics, is essential to prevent drift in measurements and to extend the lifespan of the instruments.
At the regional level, APAC plays a key role in supporting the AERONET network by providing expertise in the instrumentation and maintenance of Cimel Sunphotometers. The center offers specialized training programs that equip technicians and researchers with the skills needed to install, operate, and troubleshoot the instruments effectively. These training sessions cover routine maintenance procedures, calibration practices, and best handling practices to ensure data accuracy. By supporting local capacity building, APAC ensures that sunphotometers in the region are maintained to the highest standards, thereby contributing to the network’s overall data quality and operational consistency.
How to set up Cimel sunphotometer ?
The following video shows how we can install a new Cimel sunphotometer site.
Cimel Weekly Checks
To ensure the smooth operation of the Cimel sunphotometers, the condition of the instrument needs to be checked and regular maintenance need to be performed. These steps have been explained in the standard operation procedure (SOP) below.