Minimizes routine maintenance costs
Overview
The WindSonic1 is a two-dimensional ultrasonic anemometer for measuring wind direction and speed. It provides an alternative to traditional mechanical cup and vane or propeller and vane anemometers. This sonic wind sensor outputs an RS-232 signal that can be directly read by a compatible Campbell Scientific data logger. (See the Compatibility section.)
The Windsonic1 is not recommended for conditions where rime, ice, or horizontal snow will occur. This sensor is not heated. Please contact Campbell Scientific for information on a heated 2-D sonic anemometer that will work in these conditions.
Note: The mounting equipment supplied with this sensor may vary depending on which Campbell Scientific regional office the sensor is ordered from.
Read MoreBenefits and Features
- Low maintenance—no moving parts significantly reduces maintenance cost and time
- Provides a minimum detectable wind speed of 0.01 meters per second
- Compatible with the SDM-SIO1A, which increases the number of sensors one data logger can measure
Images
Similar Products
Detailed Description
The WindSonic1 uses two pairs of orthogonally oriented transducers to sense the horizontal wind. The transducers bounce the ultrasonic signal from a hood, thus minimizing the effects of transducer shadowing and flow distortion.
Unlike mechanical anemometers, the WindSonic1 has no moving parts to be periodically replaced—minimizing routine maintenance costs.
Four WindSonic1 anemometers can be connected to a single CR1000, CR3000, CR300, CR310, CR6, or CR1000X datalogger. Two WindSonic1 anemometers can be connected to a single CR800 or CR850 datalogger.
Specifications
| Applications |
|
| Sensor | 2-dimensional ultrasonic anemometer |
| Measurement Description | Wind speed and direction |
| Input Voltage | 9 to 30 Vdc |
| Typical Current Drain | ~15 mA (continuous) |
| Operating Humidity Range | < 5% to 100% RH |
| Operating Temperature Range | -35° to +70°C |
| Storage Temperature Range | -40° to +80°C |
| Measurement Frequency | 40 Hz block averaged to a 1 Hz output frequency |
| Outputs Parameters | Polar (direction and speed) or orthogonal (Ux and Uy wind) |
| Output Signal | RS-232 |
| Maximum Cable Capacitance | 2500 pF |
| Maximum Cable Length |
15.24 m (50 ft) For configurations requiring longer cable lengths, consider using the WindSonic4-L 2-D Sonic Wind Sensor with SDI-12 Output instead, or contact Campbell Scientific for other options. |
| Diameter | 14.2 cm (5.6 in.) |
| Length | 16.0 cm (16.3 in.) |
| Weight | 0.5 kg (1.1 lb) |
Wind Direction |
|
| Range | 0º to 359° (no dead band) |
| Accuracy | ±3° |
| Resolution | 1° |
Wind Speed |
|
| Range | 0 to 60 m/s |
| Accuracy | ±2% (@ 12 m s-1) |
| Resolution | 0.01 m/s |
Compatibility
Please note: The following shows notable compatibility information. It is not a comprehensive list of all compatible products.
Dataloggers
| Product | Compatible | Note |
|---|---|---|
| CR1000 (retired) | ||
| CR1000X | ||
| CR300 | ||
| CR3000 (retired) | ||
| CR310 | ||
| CR350 | ||
| CR6 | ||
| CR800 (retired) | ||
| CR850 (retired) |
Additional Compatibility Information
Mounting
The WindSonic1 is shipped with the 17387 mounting kit. This mounting kit is used to attach the sensor to a CM202, CM204, or CM206 crossarm. The crossarm is then mounted to a tripod or tower.
Data Logger Considerations
The WindSonic1 uses the data logger's digital I/O ports paired as transmit and receive. It is not compatible with any of our retired data loggers.
Documents
Product Brochures
Downloads
WindSonic1 Example Programs v.1 (2 kB) 12-02-2020
Two example CR1000X programs that read the WindSonic1. One program reads the sensor directly, and the other program uses an SDM-SIO1A/SDM-SIO4A. Both programs filter out data when the status code is not 0. The programs also report the number of good samples that were used in computing the online statistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Number of FAQs related to WINDSONIC1-L: 6
Expand AllCollapse All
-
There are no user-serviceable parts on the WindSonic1 and WindSonic4. Should the WindSonic require service, it will start setting diagnostic flags. Campbell Scientific recommends that all data logger programs record the total number of times the flags are set in an output period. For details, see the WindSonic Instruction Manual.
-
The fastest output frequency is 4 Hz for the WindSonic1 and 1 Hz for the WindSonic4.
-
Yes, as long as these two conditions are met:
- There are no obstructions in the measurement volume.
- The temperature is between -35 to +70 degrees Celsius.
-
All WindSonics (option 1 or option 4) are shipped from Campbell Scientific with an interface cable. If the cable has been lost, order a replacement. Order model WINDSONIC1CBL-Lxx for an option 1 or WINDSONIC4CBL-Lxx for an option 4, where xx is the cable length. The maximum cable length is 50 feet for option 1. The maximum cable on the SDI-1 bus is 200 feet.
-
The WindSonic is not suitable for measuring the vertical wind component. The WindSonic measures the wind that passes through its measurement volume. It does not care what the orientation is. If the WindSonic is turned on its side, the reflecting top and body of the sensor will cause massive flow distortion of the wind vector, specifically for the horizontal component that is perpendicular to the reflective top. This flow distortion will most likely result in erroneous vertical wind measurements.
-
The fundamental measurement frequency of the WindSonic is 40 Hz (40 measurements per second). These measurements are then averaged to give an output at some slower output frequency. For a WindSonic programmed to produce 1 Hz data, all 40 measurements are averaged. (This is called a block average.) For a WindSonic that is programmed to produce 4 Hz data, each output is the block average of 10 fundamental measurements.