Below are a range of our Ambient Light Sensor FAQs.
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If you have a technical problem with your sensor, please contact the Biral service department.
- Complete our online enquiry form
- Email service@biral.com
- Telephone +44 (0)1275 397708
Yes, of course. All of our user manuals are available for download in pdf format from the Biral web site (click here).
Firstly, contact our service department either by email (service@biral.com) or telephone (+44 1275 847787) to inform us that you need to return the sensor. Once that is done, simply place the sensor in suitable packaging and send it to Biral, Unit 8, Harbour Road Trading Estate, Portishead, Bristol, UK, BS20 7BL, marked for the attention of the Service Department.
Gently wipe the window using either a mild detergent or pure alcohol (propanol) on a soft cloth to remove any contamination. Appropriate safety precautions must be taken when using pure alcohol. The time interval between cleaning depends on the environment that the sensor is mounted in but typically every 6 months should be sufficient. If the optical windows get too dirty the sensor will send a warning as part of the serial data string and this should be used to trigger a maintenance visit.
All Biral sensors leave the factory in a calibrated state but it is good practice to re-calibrate the sensor periodically as part of a preventative maintenance routine. Re-calibration of the ALS-2 requires the use of an ALS Calibrator which is a dedicated device obtainable from Biral. Please contact the sales department for details either by email (enquiries@biral.com) or telephone (+44 1275 847787). The procedure to be followed when using the Calibrator is detailed in the ALS user manual supplied with the sensor. The user manual can be downloaded from the Biral web site at (click here)
The time interval between cleaning depends on the environment that the sensor is mounted in but typically every 6 months should be sufficient. If the optical windows get too dirty the sensor will send a warning as part of the serial data string and this should be used to trigger a maintenance visit.
It is recommended that, for best performance, the ALS-2 is set to view the northern horizon (if installed in the northern hemisphere) or southern horizon (if installed in the southern hemisphere). This orientation ensures that the sensor is never subjected to direct sunlight. There may be local Regulations that prescribe both the direction and viewing angle and this should be checked before installation.
The ALS-2 is supplied with a 2 year warranty as standard, although the expected lifetime of the sensor is in excess of 10 years. It is possible to extend the warranty but only if this is purchased at the same time as the sensor. Please contact the sales department for details either by email (enquiries@biral.com) or telephone (+44 1275 847787).