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HSS VPF-750 Visibility, Present and Past Weather Sensor
Model: VPF-750
Price: £POA
Delivery: 6 - 8 WEEKS ARO

HSS VPF-750 Visibility, Present and Past Weather Sensor

The HSS VPF-750 provides industry leading accuracy combined with the 50 most important WMO table 4680 present weather codes. Designed for airports, research and meteorological observations.
 
Measures freezing precipitation and distinguishes haze and smoke from mist
Where to Buy the Biral visibility and present weather sensors




HSS VPF-750 measures visibility, present weather and past weather including freezing rain


The HSS VPF-750 is based on the market leading HSS VPF-730 visibility and present weather sensor combined with reference quality humidity, temperature and precipitation sensors.

The VPF-750 visibility, past and present weather sensor provides even better discrimination of present and past weather including freezing rain and can distinguish haze and smoke from mist.

The HSS VPF-750 is designed for airports, research and meteorological observations.

The HSS VPF-750 provides industry leading accuracy combined with the 50 most important
WMO table 4680 codes (present weather reported from an automatic weather station) and meets the requirements of ICAO 9328 for use in RVR (Runway Visual Range) when used with the optional Biral ambient light sensor.

The ambient light sensor is designed for use in ICAO compliant RVR (Runway Visual Range)
systems. The twin brightness outputs interface seamlessly with the VPF750 hardware and software providing excellent resolution across the 0 to 40,000 Cd/m2 range thus reducing the
integration burden on the installer.



Features

  • measures visibility, present weather and past weather including freezing rain
  • distinguishes haze and smoke from mist
  • measures 50 of the most important WMO 4680 table codes
  • compact and lightweight
  • advanced present weather determination
  • optional ambient light sensor for RVR applications
  • proven accuracy, reliability and repeatability
  • advanced self-test and monitoring system
  • very low power requirements
  • long and trouble-free operational life
  • minimal maintenance requirements and running costs
  • highly resistant to sea-water corrosion
  • built to last


Measurement Principle

The HSS VPF-750 Visibility and Present Weather Sensor uses forward scatter meter technology to measure visibility in all weather conditions. The sensor measures the amount of light scattered by small suspended particulates (i.e. fog, haze and smoke aerosols) or larger particles (i.e. rain, snow, ice pellets, drizzle and mist) passing through the sample volume. The sensor calculates the atmosphere EXtinction COefficient (EXCO) from which the Meteorological Optical Range (MOR) is calculated. Using an infra-red light source and intelligent sensing technology the measurements are unaffected by other light-sources.



Data Output


The HSS VPF-750 Visibility and Present Weather Sensor is configured with RS-232C signal output as standard with RS-422 communications available as an option. The data is output in various ASCII data strings, such as a small compressed data string, expanded data string and monitoring data string amongst others. The unit can be set in either automatic or polled mode and data sent to a printer or to a PC for tagging, processing and archiving.

The sensor outputs the following data:
  • meteorological optical range (MOR)
  • present weather (WMO codes)
  • past weather (SYNOP codes)
  • obstruction to vision
  • METAR codes
  • precipitation rate and amount
  • EXCO
  • temperature
  • relative humidity
  • precipitation indicator
  • ambient light level (optional)



Construction


Corrosion is not an issue with HSS sensors as they are constructed from hard anodised (dip brazed), high grade aluminium which provides a long lasting superior finish. This durable metalwork does not require painting or maintenance.



Maintenance and calibration


The HSS VPF-750 Visibility, Past and Present Weather Sensor is fully calibrated at the time of manufacture. Routine maintenance, including a check on calibrations, can be performed easily by one person in a matter of a few minutes and a re-calibration (although this should never be required) takes only slightly longer.

The sensor condition and performance can be monitored remotely using the self-test and monitoring system detailed below.



Operation in temperature extremes


The HSS VPF-750 Visibility, Past and Present Weather Sensor operates in temperatures ranging from -58º F to +140º F (-50º C to +60º C). For operation below -27º F (-32º C) the heated version is recommended (please refer to the heated option below).

NB The temperatures quoted apply when using the sensor in a non-condensing environment. If you are unsure whether or not you require heating for your own application please contact us for advice.




The HSS VPF-750 Visibility, Past and Present Weather Sensor System

The system comprises:
  • VPF-730 present weather sensor (24 VDC version) with enhanced present weather determination
  • RS85 precipitation sensor and mounting bracket
  • Hygro-Thermo transmitter 1.1005.54.161
  • Weather & Thermal Radiation Shield 1.1025.55.000
  • Advanced self-test and monitoring system
  • Digital output (RS232)
  • Window de-misters
  • Electro Magnetic Interference protection
  • Power & Signal line lightning surge arrestors
  • Factory calibration reference certificate
  • 6 metres of double shielded power & signal cable c/w waterproof connectors
  • Stainless steel mounting kit*
  • Manual


*The stainless steel mounting kit includes a U-bolt and fasteners to secure the sensor to any pole with a diameter between 1.5 - 2.5 inches (38 mm - 64mm).



Avanced self-test and monitoring system

The sensor condition and performance can be monitored remotely using the self-test diagnostic software which comes as standard with the HSS VPF-750 Visibility, Past and Present Weather Sensor to monitor:

  • Optical Source Power
  • Transmitter Window Contamination
  • Non-Volatile Memory Check Sum Test
  • EPROM Check-Sum Test
  • Restart Occurrence
  • Sensor Sample Interrupt Verification
  • RAM Read/Write Verification
  • Register Read/Write Verification
  • A/D Control Signal Test
  • A/D Conversion Accuracy Check
  • Forward-Scatter Background Illumination Level
  • Forward-Scatter Receiver Sensitivity
  • Back-Scatter Receiver Sensitivity
  • Forward-Scatter Receiver Window Contamination
  • Back-Scatter Receiver Window Contamination
  • Power Supply Voltages
  • Input Voltage Check (Battery Check- DC Powered Sensors Only)
  • Back-Scatter Background Illumination Level



Available Options / Variants



Variations to the standard system are available at the time of order as follows:

  • heating
  • ambient light sensor OR
  • weather station module


Heating

The HSS VPF-750 Visibility, Past and Present Weather Sensor is fitted with window de-misters allowing operation of the sensor in temperatures down to -27º F (-32º C). However, where the temperature drops below 27º F for more than a couple of hours a day the heated version is recommended. This version will provide error free operation in conditions down to - 58º F. The operational range of the sensor is from - 58º F to + 140º F (-50º C to + 60º C)



Ambient light sensor

Sometimes referred to as a background luminance sensor the ambient light sensor connects directly to the HSS VPF-750 Visibility, Past and Present Weather Sensor allowing ambient light conditions to be measured according to ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) rules ie 4 level and with specific angle of view.

The ambient light sensor is designed for use with RVR (Runway Visual Range) systems on airfields and for use with Allard’s Law if night time visibility conditions are to be determined according to this instead of using the standard Meteorological Optical Range values (MOR).


Weather station module

The weather station module provides 3 analogue inputs (0-10 V) allowing the HSS VPF-730 Visibility and Present Weather Sensor to be used as a weather station. Output is a single time correlated data string.





Accessories

The following acccessories are available for the HSS VPF-750 Visibility, Past and Present Weather Sensor


  • calibration reference kit
  • transit case
  • mains adaptor

Calibration reference kit

The calibration reference kit is recommended for end-user confidence checks and recalibration. The kit contains a carrying case, zero plugs and a calibration plaque to a specific EXCO value. One kit can be used on any number of sensors of the same range.

Transit case

The HSS VPF-750 Visibility, Past and Present Weather Sensor is delivered in an environmentally friendly, triple ply, heavy duty carton with foam inserts. Whilst this is suitable for normal shipping, you may wish to consider ordering the scientific transit case if you intend to move the sensor frequently or the sensor will have to endure extreme handling. This transit case is even more rugged than the heavy duty carton with 3 inch (76 mm) foam to hold the sensor securely in place.

Mains Adaptor

Accepts 115/230VAC input and has a 24VDC clean output for connection to the HSS and SWS present weather sensors.



Delivery

The HSS VPF-750 Visibility, Past and Present Weather Sensor is usually dispatched within 2-4 weeks ARO (After Receipt of Order).

Warranty


The HSS VPF-750 Visibility Past and Present Weather Sensor comes with 2 years warranty as standard.


Contact Biral for more information

To find out more about this instrument or to discuss your application requirements please do not hesitate to contact Biral.

  • wwwmet@biral.com (or use the Make Request button below the product photograph)
  • telephone to 01275 847787 (from the UK) or +44 1275 847787 (International)

 


After Sales Support


Biral offers free advice and technical support for the lifetime of the instruments we sell. Once you have purchased the unit you can always contact us for help if required at :






This range is in continuous development therefore specifications may change without prior notice. E&OE.
CALIBRATION KIT for VPF-700 series 70.CAL This kit is recommended for end-user confidence checks and recalibration. The kit contains a carrying case, zero plugs and a calibration plaque to a specific EXCO value. One kit can be used on any number of sensors of the same measuring range.
£POA
 
TRANSIT CASE for VPF-700 Series 70.CASE Scientific case lined with 3 inch foam to hold the sensor securely in extreme handling conditions.
£POA
 
VPF-700 SERIES SPARES KIT 70.SK Spares kit for the HSS VPF-700 series sensors
£POA
 
MAINS ADAPTER PW.MAINS Accepts 115/230VAC input and has a 24VDC clean output for connection to the HSS and SWS present weather sensors.
£POA
 
 
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