As the paving and construction season winds down, it's time to think about properly storing your essential equipment—especially your nuclear gauges. Putting a gauge away for the winter requires a little preparation to ensure it's ready to go when spring hits. Just like winterizing your car, a few key steps will protect your investment and save you headaches next season.
Here is a checklist of the essential steps to winterize your nuclear gauge:
1. Clean the Gauge and Case Thoroughly
A clean gauge is a happy gauge! Before storage, a deep clean is crucial.
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Clean the Gauge: Ensure the instrument itself is free of dirt, mud, and debris. If you need a refresher on the proper technique, check out our video on the InstroTek YouTube channel.
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Don't Forget the Gauge Case: This is often overlooked but critical. Open the case, vacuum out all the dirt, dust, and any material that has collected in the corners and crevices.
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The Moisture Trap: Clay and other field materials can hold moisture. Once the case is closed, the rubber gasket seals that moisture in, potentially damaging the gauge over time. Make sure the inside of the case is completely dry and free of any material that could retain water.
2. Manage the Batteries
Dead batteries are one of the most common and frustrating issues when pulling a gauge out for the new season.
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Run Down the Main Batteries: Before storing, it's recommended to run down the gauge's main batteries (the two 3-cell batteries in the front and back of most Explorer gauges). A simple way to do this is to run the 20-minute stat test. Think of this as running the gas out of your lawnmower before winter storage—it's a good preventative measure.
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Unplug the Main Batteries: Once run down, open the scaler plate (front panel/overlay) and unplug the main battery packs. Leave them unplugged for the winter.
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Remove Alkaline Batteries: Many newer gauges use alkaline batteries. Be sure to remove all of these small batteries from the scaler board to prevent leakage and corrosion during the long storage period.
3. Check for Missing Tools and Accessories
Use this downtime to take inventory of your accessories.
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Inspect Your Toolkit: Check that you have all the necessary tools that came with your gauge, such as the drill rod, scraping plate, and extraction tool.
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The Case of the Missing Locks: Locks are a necessity and, unfortunately, often the first item to disappear. Ensure you have your locks, AC charger, and DC charger accounted for. If anything is missing, now is the time to order replacements.
4. Inspect and Replace Labels
Your gauge case labels are essential for regulatory compliance, especially if you plan to ship the gauge for service.
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Check Condition: Look closely at the Type A label, the Radioactive Yellow II label, and the Cargo Aircraft Only label to make sure they are legible and securely affixed. Faded or peeling labels can lead to shipping violations.
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Winter Is the Best Time to Replace: If your labels need replacing, do it now. If you store your gauge case indoors in a temperature-controlled environment, new labels will stick much better than they would in humid or cold field conditions.
5. Get Your Calibration and Leak Test Done
Winter is the perfect time for required annual maintenance.
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Annual Requirements: Most state specifications require an annual calibration and leak test. Since your gauge is already idle, scheduling this service during the winter ensures it’s ready to go when spring starts. Watch this video to learn how to perform a leak test.
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The InstroTek Calibration Service: Our standard calibration service includes a free cleaning, lubrication, and inspection of all electrical and mechanical components—plus, the required leak test is included.
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Winter Special: Take advantage of our Winter Special, which typically runs from November 1st to April 1st, offering a discounted price for the exact same premium service. As an added bonus, you often receive an extra 10% off any accessories or parts purchased while your gauge is in our service center.
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Hassle-Free Shipping: Call us! We offer no-hassle shipping. Give us the gauge details and a pickup date, and we'll handle all the shipping paperwork and logistics for you.
6. Consider Upgrades
Storage time is also a great opportunity to explore upgrades that will benefit you next season.
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Xplorer to Xplorer 2 Upgrade: If you have a standard Xplorer gauge, consider upgrading to the Xplorer 2 for features like Bluetooth, USB download, and a larger screen.
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Older Gauge Upgrades: We offer CPU board upgrades for older models like the 3430 and 3440, which remove the need for codes and provide modern features.
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NukeTrack Asset Tracking: This is a popular and valuable add-on. NukeTrack is a small, internal device that provides real-time location tracking of your gauge via PC or mobile app. This is different from the gauge's GPS (which only tracks the location of a shot) and offers peace of mind by acting as an extra layer of insurance against theft or loss.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure your nuclear gauge is well-protected, compliant, and ready to contribute to a successful spring season!
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