Community Forums

cvbdsl · 07-01-2014, 01:21 PM

OK I've heard that wind sensor awnings don't work well, but my 2003 DSDP has one.
Question is, how can you test if it works or not? The wind sensor light is on but does that mean the sensor works?

I always take in the awning when I think it is getting too windy, but I'd like to know if I'm gone will it work or not?

Thanks

Chris

mchero · 07-01-2014, 01:25 PM

Need to know the make/model of the Awning.

tricotec · 07-01-2014, 01:31 PM

I periodically monitor the awning, especially if we're leaving it out. If I notice the wind is picking up I'll look for it to retract, which it always does. Ours retracts in even a moderate wind, so I'd know pretty quickly if if wasn't working.

pcurt23 · 07-01-2014, 01:34 PM

Your sensor may be different but my unscientific survey reveals that they are entirely unpredictable. Mine works some of the time. Others in my group have sensors that work when a dog runs by. Still others will still have their awing extended in a tornado. I usually pull the awing in when we leave unless I have it tied to the ground.

hes4all · 07-01-2014, 01:38 PM

I tested mine using my air compressor. I did it a few times varying the amount of air pressure.

I will say that it wasn't scientific in anyway!

Just wanted to see if it would work? It did!

cvbdsl · 07-01-2014, 04:38 PM

Thanks for the replies so far.
Matter of fact, we are under a tornado and or severe thunderstorm watch this afternoon so the the awnings are in!

The sensor is in an awkward position, I can't reach it from the side because when the awning is out, it blocks access to the sensor, its in about 2-3 ft in from the end.

I can't get up on the roof anymore because it seems I've developed an irrational fear of heights in the last few years (go figure after nearly 30 years in the army!).

So I guess there is no easy answer yet for me. Maybe my BIL will go on the roof for me with a hair dryer or a feed from my air compressor?

I just want to know, does it work?

Thanks

Chris

tricotec · 07-01-2014, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cvbdsl

I can't get up on the roof anymore because it seems I've developed an irrational fear of heights in the last few years (go figure after nearly 30 years in the army!).

I've learned that some of the "irrational fears" we develop as we get older are well founded.

I was recently in the Asheville, NC area, and decided to take my son to Sliding Rock, which is basically a giant flat rock face, tilted on its side with a river running over it and a water pool at the bottom. I had fond memories of sliding down as a 15 year old boy and insisted on doing it again at age 49 and over 400 lbs.

Well long story short, I've satisfied ANY urge I might ever have to go careening down a slippery piece of solid rock at 50 MPH into a watery pool. I nearly drowned!

I think I heard everyone in the crowd gasp as I went plunging down towards nearly certain death or injury! Luckily neither occurred, but I won't be pressing my luck again.

dan-nickie · 07-01-2014, 05:45 PM

Easy to test. STOP RETRACTING IT WHEN THE WIND IS GETTIN UP.

Leave it out to see if it works.

Mine has 3 sensitivity settings. I tried it first on the Low setting and it was too sensitive. Then stepped up to Med and High depending on how much the wind is getting up.

After a while I learned to trust it. It does work well.

I must say that if sit I Gusty wind, leave it retracted as it can blow the thing around pretty good before the sensor detects it.

Darrel · 07-01-2014, 06:14 PM

There is one test that will help your peace of mind. Leave the awning our about a foot when high winds are expected. You will hear the "clunk" noise when it retracts and will know it works and at what wind velocity.

Have a nice day - Darrel

Muddypaws · 07-01-2014, 06:36 PM

Mine has never worked. I could replace the sensor and/or control unit but I probably wouldn't trust it. So why bother?

Stealth01 · 07-02-2014, 06:34 AM

The problem with wind sensors is they look for "sustained" winds... it's usually the errant "gust" that gets them!

Melmoses · 07-03-2014, 06:36 AM

To test the awning I used a broom. Jingled the awning like wind was blowing and it retracted just fine. Mine is a Carefree with three settings and I leave it on low. Actually I think the sensor is testing movement versus the wind. If my awning starts moving around a lot for whatever reason it will retract.