SODAR and RASS for wind / temperature profiling

SODARs are able to measure remotely by transmission of an acoustic signal into the atmosphere. As the signal is returned wind speed and direction information is derived using the Doppler shift.

• adjustable height range
  (see notes on maximum measurement height opens in new window)

• multi-frequency, multiple angle operation
  (see notes on multi-frequency operation opens in new window)

• remote access to data via ethernet, line or GSM modems

• low power versions available

• unattended operation

• data visualisation via graphic software

• effective antenna shields for noise suppression

• RASS extension available for temperature profiling

• transportable, compact and easy to install

General System Description

SODARs are able to measure up to 300 m in bad atmospheric conditions to over 1000 m in very good conditions (or up to 1500 m in favourable conditions for the longer range SODAR model PCS2000-64). Please refer to maximum measurement height above.

The resolution of the measurement can be varied to your needs (and depending on the model) from as little as every 10 m from a starting point of 15 m above the ground.

The data is available in raw format, spectra or cluster analsysis averaged data and plotted using graphical user software that is provided which gives a three dimensional plot of the wind speed and direction vectors amongst other information (please see data examples in the SODAR applications page(opens in new window)).

SODARs require no maintenance if properly installed, and with the exception of possibly needing to change a loudspeaker or two every second year or so, there is no servicing or calibration needed (a spare loudspeaker is even provided with the original delivery just in case).

SODARs are easy to install and dismantle due to the modular concept of the acoustic shields and consist of 5 main groups of components as follows:

• Acoustic Antenna
• Antenna Electronics
• Power Supply
• SODAR Control and Data Storing PC
• Connecting cables (30 m)

Acoustic Antenna
The model PCS2000-16 has 16  loudspeakers in the acoustic antenna, the PCS2000-24 has 24  and the PCS2000-64  has 64 loudspeakers. In general the more loudspeakers the greater the power and range. For more details on the antenna for each model please visit more about the outdoor acoustic antenna (opens in new window).

PCS2000-24 antenna base

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Antenna Electronics

Applies to all SODAR Models

The antenna electronics are mounted on the antenna panel in a waterproof stainless steel box (size  0.4 m x 0.6 m x 0.3 m,   IP 65).

The electronics are equipped with:

• 16 power amplifier (8 power for PCS2000-16) MPA24, max. load 60 W
• Transmit-/ receive- switching
• Low noise preamplifier
• Phase shift logic for transmission and receiving mode
• Control and monitoring unit for antenna heating
• Three plug/socket connectors for cables to Control PC, to power line and to the loudspeaker array

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Power Supply (Capacity Buffered)

Applies to all SODAR models

• With plug/socket connectors for power supply and control cables and main switch
• Protected by internal fuses for input/output voltages
• Overvoltage protection unit for power supply lines
• Uses capacity 0.2 mF to supply sufficient electric energy for the sound pulse emission while avoiding feed back effects on the supply line

Depending on the choice of certain energy consuming system parameters (i.e. pulse repetition, pulse length, frequency) the averaged power consumption is:

• PCS-16 and PCS-24 -  135 …150 W
• PCS-64  -  160… 175 W

Optional Low Power Systems

The standard systems are designed for sites with easy access and unlimited power supply.  For use at remote sites there are low power versions for DC powered operation. These systems can be supplied with weatherproof housing for the PC so that the whole SODAR system can be operated outdoors if required.

The average power consumption for these low power systems is :

• PCS-16 - 55W
• PCS-24 - 70W
• PCS-64 - 95W

For more information please see the low power section in Options and Accessories (opens in new window).

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SODAR Control and Data Storing PC

Applies to all models

The SODAR control unit is a pre-configured PC with Windows OS and SODAR software installed.  The software enables control and data storing and comes ready for data collection. The standard components are specified for 5 °C - 45 °C so the PC should be installed indoors in a ventilated or air conditioned environment. However it is possible to use the computer outside with the optional outdoor enclosure (see below).

Please click here for an example of the minimum PC configuration (opens in new window).

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Cables

All cables are high quality with IP65 plug /socket for the outdoor components:

• Power supply cable 25 m, plug/socket connector, connects 230 VAC power line to power supply SODAR
• Control cable 25 m, plug/socket connector, for transmission, beam selection, reception, connects SODAR Control PC in panel room with antenna
• Power supply cable 1,5 m, plug/socket connector, connects to +/-30 VDC, connection power supply SODAR electronics

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Software

Control Software PCS2000.exe (with 3 run time licences for PCS-24 and 64 and 5 for PCS-16)

This is the command line tool to communicate and poll with the Doppler SODAR from the data collection and visualisation PC. This program can be used on Windows or Linux PCs with any terminal emulation program. The commands are simple plain English ASCII text and allow the SODAR to be controlled and settings to be changed even with low specification computer hardware.
more about the PCS2000 software (opens in new window).

Graphic User Interface Software for data visualisation (with 5 run time licences)

This software package when installed and used allows the user to start control and visualise services and data from the SODAR. The user experience is very familiar to other programs used on a PC with windows, clickable options and less technical PC interaction required from the user.
more about the data visualisation software (opens in new window).

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