26. Operation in Desert Climates
the signal generator is not in use, place it in its transit
case.
a. The main problem that arises with equipment
operation in desert areas is the large amount of sand,
c. When servicing the signal generator, remove it
dust, or dirt which enters the moving parts of test
from the transit case where there is no danger of a cold
equipment. The ideal preventive precaution is to house
draft striking the glass tubes. A sudden draft of cold air
the equipment in a dustproof shelter. Since such a
might shatter the glass envelope, of the tube. If the
building is seldom available and would require air
inclosure construction makes this impossible, place a
conditioning, the next best precaution is to make the
blanket or some barrier between the source of the draft
building in which the equipment is located as dustproof
and the equipment.
as possible with available materials. Hang wet sacking
d. Moisture will condense on equipment which has
over the windows and doors. Cover the inside walls with
been exposed to the cold and brought into a warm room.
heavy paper, and secure the side walls of tents with
When the equipment reaches room temperature dry it
sand to prevent their flapping in the wind.
thorougIy. Place the POWER; switch in the STANBY
b. Never tie power cords, signal cords, or other
position, to speed
the heating and drying of the
wiring connections to either tile inside or the outside of
equipment.
tents. Desert areas are subject to sudden wind squalls
which may jerk the connections loose or break the lines.
25. Operation in Tropical Climates
c. Keep the equipment as free from dust as
When operated in tropical climates, test equipment may
possible.
Make frequent preventive maintenance
be installed in tents, huts, or, when necessary, in
checks (par. 32). Pay particular attention to the
underground dugouts. When equipment is installed
lubrication. Excessive amounts of dust, sand, or dirt
below ground and when it is set up in swampy areas,
that come into contact with oil and grease result in grit,
moisture conditions are more acute. Ventilation is
which will damage the equipment.
usually very poor, and high relative , humidity causes
condensation the equipment it whenever its temperature
d. The drastic fall in temperature at night often
becomes lower than the surrounding air. To minimize
causes condensation on the equipment. For protection,
this condition, keep the signal generator POWVER
keep the signal generator iii its transit case and tile case
switch in tile STANDBY position; this will operate* the
under cover
tube heaters and help dry the equipment.
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