Category Archives: Announcements

Using the NEWA help desk

NEWA has a new online help desk. Use it to share an idea, ask a question, report a website problem, request weather station assistance and more.

How to make a request

A ‘Help’ link is located on the right side of the main navigation bar which is accessible from any NEWA page (Figure 1). Click to open a new window and make a request (Figure 2). You can also send a message directly to support@newa.zendesk.com.

Figure 1. The NEWA help desk can be accessed from the navigation bar on any page.

Figure 2. Click ‘Submit a Request’ to contact the NEWA help desk.

When the form opens, add a valid email address, subject, detailed description of your question or problem, and any relevant URLs or screenshots which can be uploaded as attachments (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Use the help desk form to ask a question, report a problem, or make other NEWA-related inquiries.

You will receive confirmation after clicking the form ‘Submit’ button (Figure 4).

Figure 4. You will receive confirmation or your request to the NEWA help desk.

Work tickets

A unique work ticket will be generated when you submit your request to the NEWA help desk and all subsequent communication will come from support@newa.zendesk.com. We will work closely with you until a resolution is found.

What to use the help desk for

Use the NEWA help desk for anything of importance as it relates to your user experience. This includes general questions or comments, model questions, website issues, weather station issues, and anything else of importance.

NEWA in Connecticut – meet your state coordinator

Mary Concklin
NEWA CT Coordinator
Extension Educator, Fruit Production & IPM
University of Connecticut
mary.concklin@uconn.edu
860-486-6449
www.ipm.uconn.edu
I am the commercial fruit extension educator for the University of Connecticut and have been here since 2012. I work closely with growers, conduct extension programs as well as field research, and am a member of the UConn IPM Team. Connecticut presently has 21 Rainwise weather stations on fruit farms throughout the state with an additional 3 owned by growers. We also have 19 stations at schools as part of the UConn turf and landscape extension IPM program.
Mary Concklin collaborates with the New York State IPM Program to provide NEWA to growers in CT and is the state-wide coordinator for anyone interested in learning more about this online decision aide system.

 

Tune up your weather station

Remember to check your weather station before the 2018 growing season begins to get the most from NEWA models and resources. Read this article and be sure your instrument is ready to go. Contact support@newa.zendesk.com if you are unable to resolve problems or have questions.

Set a schedule. Check your weather station every 2 or 3 weeks through the growing season. Choose dates in advance and add to your calendar or planner.

Clean the solar radiation sensor. The diffuser can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Replace if the sensor diffuser is yellow.

Check the anemometer and weather vane. Make sure the anemometer (spinning fan) and weather vane move freely in all directions. Set the weather vane to zero on due North.

Check the leaf wetness sensor. Examine the plastic board and electrodes for corrosion, cracking or weathering damage.

Check the relative humidity sensor. Verify the accuracy of RH measurements by looking at NEWA values on mornings that are rainy or have heavy dew.

Clean the rain gauge. Remove leaves, nests, insect, spider webs and other debris. Set a schedule. Watch this video and learn more about tipping bucket maintenance.

Send an email to support@newa.zendesk.com if you need additional assistance.