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Tel Intl: + 44 1275 847787

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Fax Intl: + 44 1275 847303

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The WindSonic ultrasonic anemometer is a truly revolutionary low cost alternative to conventional cup and vane or propeller wind sensors for measuring the horizontal wind speed and direction. The WindSonic has no moving parts and requires no maintenance and can be calibrated by the user  It is compact, lightweight and robust and is quick and easy to install while being suitable for both land-based and marine environments.

This is a fit and forget item providing years of excellent performance and error free operation.

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windsonic.jpg (5945 bytes)

WindSonic Ultrasonic Anemometer

 


Features

  • no moving parts
  • maintenance free
  • up to 4 Hz data output rate
  • wind speed range: 0 - 60 m/s
  • wind direction range: 0 - 359 with no dead band
  • high resolution and accuracy
  • low starting speed:
  • digital or analogue output
  • low DC power requirements*
  • quick and easy installation

*can be connected directly to a PC using RS232 with only a 9-30 V DC power supply and draws a low 14.5 mA),

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Models (options) available

There are four models (options) available, providing a choice of digital and analogue outputs including RS232 (standard for all models), RS422, RS485, NMEA, analogue and SDI-12. Below is a table summarising the options:

WindSonic Data output For output to:
Option 1 Digital output - RS232 PC or data logger
Option 2 Digital output - RS232 RS422 RS485 NMEA PC, data logger, display or network
Option 3 Analogue output
0-5V or 4-20 mA

or

Digital output - RS232 RS422 RS485 NMEA

data logger, alarm controls or chart recorder with or without chart pen wrap around functions
Option 4 SDI-12 or Digital output - RS232 Data logger applications only

For more details on each option please see below.


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Option 1 (Model number 1405-PK-021)

This model is designed for applications where a connection directly to a computer by means of RS232 termination is desired for viewing data on the computer monitor and/or for storage on a hard drive for historical purposes (or for connection to a data logger).

It is suitable for applications such as: Agricultural Monitoring: HVAC: Pollution Control: Weather Stations: Weapons Facilities / Ranges: Yachting

Available settings for Options 1 & 2:

The default settings are in bold and can easily be reconfigured from the factory default setting if required by using WindCom software via the RS232 communications link to a PC.

Message format: Gill, UV, Continuous : Gill, Polar, Continuous : Gill, UV, Polled : Gill, Polar, Polled : NMEA
Output Units: Metres per second : Knots : Miles per hour : Kilometres per hour : Feet per minute
ASCII output format: Comma separated format (CSV) : Fixed field
Output rate: 1 per second : 4 per second : 2 per second
Baud rate: 2400 : 4800 : 9600 : 19200 : 38400
Data and parity: 8 bits, no parity : 8 bits, even parity : 8 bits, odd parity

 

 


Option 2 (Model number 1405-PK-038)

This model is designed for applications where a digital connection, either to a computer, data logger or network, by means of RS232, RS422 or RS485 termination, is desired or for connection directly to a digital display for direct graphical or numerical output of the wind speed and direction is required. Suitable for marine use.

Please see Option 1 above for available settings. Option 2 is suitable for  the same applications as Option 1 above but also: Marine use; Crane Warning Systems

 

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Option 3 (Model number 1405-PK-040)

The sensor is designed primarily for applications requiring either 0-5 V or 4-20 mA analogue outputs, to be used with data loggers or warning systems or for applications where the sensor may be a very long distance away from the storage device but also has the benefit of a digital connection if required. Please note that the digital and analogue outputs cannot both be used at the same time. If you do need to do this please see the Wind Horizon models   The Option 3 WindSonic provides nearly every conceivable communications link allowing unmatched flexibility and is suitable for marine use.

It is suitable for  the same applications as Options 1 and 2 above but also: Road and Rail Tunnels: Remote Locations

Available settings for Option 3 when set up for analogue output:

The default settings are in bold

Analogue range: 0-30 metres per second : 0-60 metre per second : analogue output disabled
Analogue wrap around: Wrap around 0-539º : Normal 0-359º
Output: 0-5 Volt : 4-20 mA

To Reconfigure the Option 3 from the default analogue settings:

When the Option 3 WindSonic is configured for analogue output it is not possible for the user to change the default settings without directly connecting it to a PC. To connect to a PC you will need a cable terminated one end with an RS232 9-way D-Type connector and the other with a 9 pin WindSonic connector (this reconfiguration cable can be supplied by Biral if required).

Alternatively Biral offer a reconfiguration service whereby the factory default settings can be changed to meet your requirements prior to delivery.

 

Option 4 (Model number 1405-PK-052)

This model is designed for applications where a connection to a data logger is required with a SDI-12 interface. RS232 digital output is also available.



Examples of data output

There are numerous data output formats please see section 9 of the manual for further details

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Installation

Installation is quick and easy. The WindSonic can be mounted straight onto a standard mast with a diameter of 44-47mm (an adapter is available for other diameters).

Alternatively if you require a portable system the WindSonic can be mounted on to a tripod. Please see under accessories for these items.


Reports, articles and press release on the WindSonic

Tripod mounted WindSonic used on athletics track

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Specifications WindSonic ultrasonic anemometers

Wind Speed   
Range 0 - 60 m/s (116 knots)
Accuracy +/- 2 %
Resolution 0.01 m/s (0.02 knots)
Wind Direction   
Range 0 - 359o or 0- 540o
Accuracy +/- 3o
Resolution 1o
Outputs   
Option 1 RS232
Option 2 RS232 + RS422 + RS485 + NMEA
Option 3 RS232 + RS422 + RS485 + NMEA + 0-5 V or 4-20 mA
Option 4 SDI-12 + RS232
Power   
Requirements 9-30 VDC @ 14.5 mA typical 
Start up time <1 second
General   
Operating temperature -35oC to +70oC
Storage temperature -40oC to +90oC
Operating humidity <5% to 100%
Units of measure m/s, knots, mph, km/h, ft/min
IP rating IP65
Size 14.2 cm x 16 cm
Weight 0.45 kg
EMC: EN 61000-6-2 : 2001 EN 61000-6-3 : 2001
MTBF 15 years
Warranty  2 years
External Materials LURAN S KR 2861/1C ASA/PC

This range is in continuous development therefore
specifications may change without prior notice. E&OE

 

The WindSonic is supplied with:

  • Mating connector
  • Instruction and operation manual
  • Zero wind calibration box (for user confidence checks)
  • 2 year warranty

Please note that a cable with 3 or 4 twisted pairs (depending on the model) is not included but can be ordered terminated (i.e. ready connected to the WindSonic 9 pin mating connector) as a separate item.

The WindSonic requires a 9-30 VDC power supply (this is not supplied). A mains to DC adapter can be supplied by Biral.

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Accessories

Cable and Connectors
An unassembled 9 pin WindSonic connector is supplied with the anemometer but no cable.

Biral can provide twisted pair shielded cable which is already terminated to the assembled connector.
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Software
WindCom Software provides an ideal graphic user interface for data output to a PC. It is also required for easy reconfiguration of the sensor if needed.

WindCom software can be downloaded free of charge from Gill Instruments website

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Mains to 12 VDC Adapter (104216)
The WindSonic requires a 9-30 VDC power supply (not supplied). If using mains supply a mains to 12VDC converter is required. This adapter supplies a maximum of 500 mA for the WindSonic as well as an optional wind display. Provided with a 1m cable lead.   
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Standard Mounting Adapter (506-70-WS)
The WindSonic can be mounted on a mast or pole with a diameter of 44 - 47 mm. For mounting on other sizes an adapter is required.

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Tripod Mounting Adapter (104724)
The WindSonic can be mounted on standard surveyor style tripod mounting screws (such as the tripods listed below).

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Tripods
Robust aluminium surveyor's style tripod. There are 2 heights available and both models work with the above mentioned Tripod Mounting Adapter.

Model 104725 - tripod height 2.2 m extendable to 3.7 m using 2 twistlocks per leg. Weight 11 Kg.

Model 104793 - telescopic elevator tripod height 2.55 m extendable to 4.2 m.

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Wind Displays

Digital LED Wind Displays (1086-PK-0xx)
The WindSonic can connect directly to the Gill Instrument's digital LED wind speed and direction displays without the need for any additional interfaces and can be daisy chained to allow any number of repeater displays.

There are 2 versions available with different displays, one with a marine display and the other with a meteorological display. They are available for 220 Volt or 110 Volt supply requirements, 15-volt supply requirements for the sensor and the Marine display is also available with or without NMEA input.

N.B. Wind displays require power supplies (not included).

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Delivery

The WindSonic is usually a stock item and therefore can be dispatched within 1 week ARO (After Receipt of Order).


After Sales Support

Biral offers free advice and technical support by email, telephone and fax for the lifetime of the instruments we sell. Once you have purchased the unit you can contact us for help on wwwmetsupport@biral.com.


Search web site
 

Links to previous pages
+ UK Met Index
       

Wind Section
  + wind FIND
     + wind type
        + wind ultrasonic
           + wind 2-axis
              -
YOU ARE HERE

Links to previous pages
+ UK Met Index
       

Wind Section
  + wind FIND
     + wind type
        + wind ultrasonic
           + wind 2-axis
              -
YOU ARE HERE
             

Tel UK:  01275 847787
Tel Intl: + 44 1275 847787

Fax UK:  01275 847303
Fax Intl: + 44 1275 847303

Email: wwwmet@biral.com

Not sure if this is the right sensor for you and would like help selecting a sensor?  Please email.wwwmet@biral.com

This range is in continuous development therefore specifications may change without prior notice. E&OE

Thank you for visiting www.biral.com/met/wind/windsonic.htm

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