Weather Monitoring
Weather Data
We have a range of deployable automatic weather stations based on the Viasal AWS 201. An automatic weather station can be configured for your purpose. The automatic weather stations can be deployed with a Lidar unit or as a stand alone asset.
The automatic weather station is based on the tripod which can be fitted with solar panels and batteries, various data loggers and mounts for a range of instruments.
We can supply basic tripod kits allowing you to build your own system or configure whole systems to your specifications.
Standard automatic weather stations are available for hire or sale. The basic configuration is:
- Tripod fitted with Main Power supply (solar panel and battery pack) and instrument brackets.
- Rain gauge.
- Air temperature.
- Barometric pressure.
- Wind speed and direction (3.8m mast).
Main Power supply provides solar power and/or AC (mains) power to the automatic weather station.
The solar panel used with the mains power supply module is a custom-designed module incorporating high power efficiency, quality, and ruggedness. The panel contains 36 polycrystalline silicon cells. The cells are protected from dirt, moisture, and mechanical impact by a tough fluoropolymer front film.
The solar circuit is laminated using EVA between this film and a durable glass fiberboard back sheet for superior moisture resistance. The angle of the solar panel is adjustable to optimise charging at all latitudes.
The mains power supply module houses a sealed, maintenance-free 7 Ah battery. The battery is charged by the solar panel using a battery regulator. In addition, the battery can also be charged through the AC (mains) power supply when mains power is available (240 V AC).
An AC (mains) power distribution unit is available to connect to the Lidar power supply or directly to a 240V AC supply.
The power distribution unit provides filtered AC (mains) output for mains power supplies to the Main Power Supply Unit and two other units. The power distribution unit has an overvoltage protector, input filter, voltage control relay, residual current circuit breaker with overcurrent protection, and internal PTC heater with a thermostat. it has a black polycarbonate enclosure with a transparent cover, and can be mounted on the tripod.
The Combined Wind Sensor monitors both the speed and direction of the wind with excellent linearity and fast response. A single compact sensor is ideal for low-power applications. The sensor detects wind direction using an axial symmetric rotating potentiometer with 2 slides, thus providing a full range from 0 to 360 degrees. The sensor detects wind speed with a 3‑cup anemometer and converts it into pulses using two reed relays. The materials are carefully selected for the optimum performance under both light winds and severe weather conditions.
The Rain Gauge is economical and accurate . Manufactured from UV‑resistant plastic, it is a very rugged instrument and frost proof. It has a self-emptying tipping spoon capacity of 0.2 mm (0.008 in). Due to its small size, light weight, and rugged design, it is especially suitable for portable applications and temporary installations. It is installed on a sensor support arm, and is delivered with a ready-made connector cable.
Humidity probe measures relative humidity and air temperature. Temperature measurement is based on platinum resistance sensors. Both the humidity and temperature sensors are located at the tip of the probe, protected by a removable filter.
The weather station uses the relative humidity and air temperature measurements for calculating the dew point temperature.
The probe is installed inside a radiation shield, which ensures proper ventilation while protecting the sensor from solar radiation and precipitation. The shield provides ventilation while blocking both direct and reflected solar radiation.