OPTIONS FOR PCS2000 SODARs 

This page describes the alternative configurations and optional items available including:

- Weatherproof control box (for using the SODAR Control PC outside)
- Low power SODAR system
- Trailer mounted option
- GSM Modem

If the equipment is to be used in a remote location with the computer outdoors it can be installed in a weatherproof outdoor rack. Specifications of the unit itself will not change but as the rack is heated the systems can be operated at temperatures  down to –35C.

All electronic components of the SODAR except the acoustic antenna are integrated in a IP65 white painted (RAL9010)19" aluminium case which complies to IEC-297-3. It has a front and rear lid with twist-lock fasteners and an automatic valve for pressure balance. The arrangement of the SODAR components inside this shelter can be seen below.

The weatherproof control box should always be installed directly beside the SODAR antenna with a cable connector length of 5 m between shelter and antenna (as shown).

Photo left is the weatherproof control box for a trailer mounted system
Photo right shows the standard weatherproof control box for location beside the antenna.
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ALTERNATIVE Low Power System

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 used in conjunction with the 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

These systems offer all of the operation modes of the standard systems but the SODAR control PC for low power versions is a single board PC with all the features that a normal PC offers. An example configuration is shown below but is subject to change.

• 300 MHz Geode processor PCM489, INTEL compatible
• 128 MB RAM, 20 GB HD
• 1.44 Floppy Disk
• 1 x Mouse, 1 x keyboard/touchpad
• 1 x RS232/422, used by GSM MODEM
• 1 x parallel, used by SODAR interface unit
• sound chip onboard, used by SODAR I/O

This configuration is designed for optimum reduced power consumption. The data will be stored on the system hard disk.

The performance of the SODAR PC for data display and analysis will not be as high a quality as the standard versions so we recommend the use of a second PC (not supplied), preferably a notebook, to read the data from the SODAR PC (via a network) and to use this second system for the data display and analysis.

Power Consumption and Power Supply for low power systems

The system must be supplied by either:

• a standard 230 +- 10 % VAC line, 50 +- 5 % Hz
• 24 VDC power supply.

The 230 VAC or 24 VDC input voltages will supply the SODAR-PC and electronics with the required voltages.

For systems operating on 230 VAC supply the power is further available for operating the SODAR antenna heating as well as the RASS temperature system. Additionally for models with the low power option only, the display, the GSM Modem and the SODAR power supply are powered in a unique manner to keep power requirements down.

The Low-Power-SODAR (PCS2000-24) will consume about 60-70 W depending on the setting of the operation parameters when all external components ( 6.4 " TFT-display, 1.44 MB, GSM-MODEM) switched off to reduce any avoidable power loss for unused components. This will be the normal power saving operation mode. The industrial grade GSM Modem option, if taken, will be switched on by a timer, the other components will be switched on/off by the customer while he services the system at the site.

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Modem

The optional industrial standard GSM Modem can be used to remotely log in and check or change settings and operation as well as allowing an SMS message to be sent when any potential problem should arise such as power fallout.

The modem is suitable for outdoor use and has a transfer rate of 14400 bps and operates at 900/1800 MHz and 10-80 VDC power.

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Trailer installation of SODAR / RASS for ease of transportation and efficiency

The SODAR/RASS system can be installed on the platform of a suitable trailer (approximately 7m length by 2m width). An example of such a configuration is provided in the picture below. All items are fully weather enclosed and lockable where appropriate for example a housing of approximately 2m x 2m x 1.5 m houses the electronic components and batteries. The antennas are mounted securely on the trailer and only require additional guylines when the trailer is underway.

Set-up can be done in a matter of 10 minutes by a single person. Space is provided for a generator if desired and all cabling and other items are easily reachable without having to climb on the trailer.

Photo of trailer and equipment
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