Estimation of long-term stability of detectors within the global network of neutron monitors

Results of the continuous ground-based monitoring of the cosmic ray flux by neutron monitors are used as an experimental material for many works devoted to studying cosmic ray variations. Long-term stability of detectors is the problem of an extreme importance. Two independent methods for estimating long-term stability of neutron monitor operation have been proposed. The quantitative estimates have been obtained for 90 detectors that operated and have been operating during more than one solar cycle. The conditions responsible for long-term stability of a detector and the causes of instability have been considered.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]