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SODAR INFORMATION |
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Detailed information on the Metek SODAR from Biral Biral are suppliers of high quality meteorological equipment. We manufacture and source met equipment from leading meteorological manufacturers and the remote sensing SODAR systems are no exception. They are manufactured by Metek GmbH who are one of the leading developers and designers of high-tech and innovative meteorological equipment and have a well deserved reputation in this field. We work closely with Metek to offer our customers the right system to meet their requirements and we can provide both application and product advice as well as after sales support. We appreciate that purchasing a SODAR is a major investment and we would wish to work closely with you to provide the best system to meet your requirements Should you wish to discuss any aspect of the SODAR systems please do not hesitate to contact Richard McKay who is our expert in remote sensing instruments for boundary layer measurements (contact details in the left column).
SODARs are able to measure remotely by transmission of an acoustic transmission into the atmosphere of which some energy is returned and using the Doppler shift wind speed and direction information can be derived. There are 2 models of SODAR available, namely the PCS2000-24 and the PCS2000-64 and the main difference between the 2 models lies with the acoustic antenna. The resolution of the measurement can be varied to your needs from as little as every 10 m from a starting point of 15 m above the ground. SODARs are able to measure anywhere from 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 more about maximum measurement height The data is available in raw format, spectra, 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 the application examples on the SODAR INDEX SODARs require no maintenance if properly sited 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:
Dimensions of the larger long range SODAR PCS2000-64 (please click to expand in new window) More information about the components: Acoustic Antenna
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| Antenna Electronics
Applies to both SODAR Models (-24 and -64) 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:
Power Supply (Capacity Buffered) Applies to both SODAR Models (-24 and -64)
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| SODAR Control and Data Storing PC
Applies to both SODAR Models (-24 and -64) 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
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Software Control Software PCS2000.exe (with 3 run time licences) 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. 
Graphic User Interface Software for data visualisation (with 3 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. |
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| System Specifications Overview An overview of the measuring ranges etc are listed below. For other system specifications, accuracies, operational parameters and measuring variables please visit more specifications
A full set of documents are delivered with the SODAR as
follows: Warranty and Maintenance The standard warranty for a SODAR / RASS systems is 1 year which can be extended by 3 years if desired. Maintenance packages can also be arranged to suit your requirements if so wished. Support As with all of the equipment which we sell, we provide free after sales support and advice over the telephone, email or fax. Whilst we are always pleased to provide this service it should not be regarded as an alternative to the comprehensive system training mentioned in the Training Section below. Consumables and spare parts An adequate set of consumables are included with the SODAR. Typically loudspeakers (watertight sealed with exponential horns for impedance matching), test cables and amplfiers. Top of page Installation of the SODARs is normally undertaken by the manufacturer with assistance from Biral. Immediately following the commissioning phase acceptance testing is carried out. For further information on the standard Acceptance Test Procedure please contact us.
Metek's SODAR/ RASS systems are highly regarded and recognised internationally and as such there is a comprehensive list of users including National Weather Services, Power Plants, Universities, Wind Energy Companies, the Nuclear Industry to name but a few. If you would like a list of users please contact us. (Tel: 01275 847787 (UK) + 44 1275 847787 (Intl) email: wwwmet@biral.com.) OPTIONS AND ALTERNATIVES The sections below describe the alternative configurations and optional items available which might better suit your requirements and include the following:
Weatherproof control box for using the SODAR control unit as an outdoor component 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 below the above indicated 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 ALTERNATIVE Low Power System The standard SODAR PCS2000-24 and 64 are extensively redesigned for low power use. In these versions the power consumption is reduced to 70 W for 24 loudspeaker version PSC2000-24 and 95 Watt for the 64 loudspeaker version PSC2000-64 without any modification in the operation modes. The SODAR control PC for low power systems 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.
GSM 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. OPTIONAL 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 equipmentclick to expand in new window
Top of page Due to the complex nature of the equipment training is vital for optimum system performance and therefore highly recommended. Training packages can be arranged to suit your requirements but a typical 3 day training package is described below.
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Please click here
for information on the RASS EXTENSION for TEMPERATURE PROFILING
We hope this page has provided you with useful information. Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your application requirements so we can recommend the most appropriate equipment. Thank you for visiting www.biral.com/met/sodar/sodar2.htm E&OE |
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PCS2000-24 antenna
base 
