Campbell BWS-200 Installation Manual

Basic Weather Station

BWS-200

(including ETo Variant)

Issued: 28.1.14

Copyright © 2006-2013 Campbell Scientific Ltd.

CSL 383

INSTALLATION MANUAL

Guarantee

This equipment is guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship.
This guarantee applies for thirty-six months from date of delivery. We will
repair or replace products which prove to be defective during the guarantee
period provided they are returned to us prepaid. The guarantee will not apply
to:

• Equipment which has been modified or altered in any way without the

w

ritten permission of Campbell Scientif

ic

• Batteries

• Any product which has been subjected to misuse, neglect, acts of God or

ge in transit.

dama

Cam

pbell Scientific will return guaranteed equipment by surface carrier
prepaid. Campbell Scientific will not reimburse the claimant for costs incurred
in removing and/or reinstalling equipment. This guarantee and the Company’s
obligation thereunder is in lieu of all other guarantees, expressed or implied,
including those of suitability and fitness for a particular purpose. Campbell
Scientific is not liable for consequential damage.

Please inform us before returning equipment and obtain a Repair Reference
Number whether the repair is under guarantee or not. Please state the faults as
clearly as possible, and if the product is out of the guarantee period it should
be accompanied by a purchase order. Quotations for repairs can be given on
request. It is the policy of Campbell Scientific to protect the health of its
employees and provide a safe working environment, in support of this policy a
“Declaration of Hazardous Material and Decontamination” form will be
issued for completion.

When returning equipment, the Repair Reference Number must be clearly
marked on the outside of the package. Complete the “Declaration of
Hazardous Material and Decontamination” form and ensure a completed copy
is returned with your goods. Please note your Repair may not be processed if
you do not include a copy of this form and Campbell Scientific Ltd reserves
the right to return goods at the customers’ expense.

Note that goods sent air freight are subject to Customs clearance fees which
Campbell Scientific will charge to customers. In many cases, these charges are
greater than the cost of the repair.

Campbell Scientific Ltd,

Campbell Park, 80 Hathern Road,

Shepshed, Loughborough, LE12 9GX, UK

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

www.campbellsci.co.uk

PLEASE READ FIRST

About this manual

Some useful conversion factors:

Area: 1 in

Length: 1 in. (inch) = 25.4 mm

2

(square inch) = 645 mm2

1 ft (foot) = 304.8 mm

1 yard = 0.914 m

1 mile = 1.609 km

Mass: 1 oz. (ounce) = 28.35 g

1 lb (pound weight) = 0.454 kg

2

Pressure: 1 psi (lb/in

Volume: 1 UK pint = 568.3 ml

1 UK gallon = 4.546 litres
1 US gallon = 3.785 litres

) = 68.95 mb

Recycling information

At the end of this product’s life it should not be put in commercial or domestic refuse
but sent for recycling. Any batteries contai ned within the product or used during the
products life should be removed from the product and also be sent to an appropriate
recycling facility.

Campbell Scientific Ltd can advise on the recycling of the equipment and in some cases
arrange collection and the correct disposal of it, although charges may apply for some
items or territories.

For further advice or support, please contact Campbell Scientific Ltd, or your local agent.

Campbell Scientific Ltd, C

ampbell Park, 80 Hathern Road, Shepshed, Loughborough, LE12 9GX, UK

Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

www.campbellsci.co.uk

i

Contents

1. Introduction ................................................................ 1

1.1 Documentation ......................................................................................... 1

1.2 Component Parts ...................................................................................... 2

2. Choosing the Location ............................................... 2

2.1 The Effects of Varying Environmental Conditions................................... 3

2.1.1 The Clothesline Effect .................................................................... 3

2.1.2 The Leading Edge Effect ................................................................ 3

2.1.3 The Oasis Effect ............................................................................. 3

2.2 Obstructions.............................................................................................. 3

2.3 Siting on Roofs ......................................................................................... 4

2.4 The Effects of an Urban Environment ...................................................... 4

3. What You Get with Your Basic Weather Station ...... 4

3.1 Standard Equipment ................................................................................. 5

3.2 Optional Equipment .................................................................................. 5

4. Installation .................................................................. 5

4.1 Installing a Mounting Mast ....................................................................... 5

4.2 Installing the Enclosure and Sensors ......................................................... 8

4.2.1 Mounting the Enclosure .................................................................. 8

4.2.2 Installing the Standard Sensors ....................................................... 9

4.3 Optional Sensor Connections ................................................................. 10

4.3.1 Installing the Optional Raingauge ................................................. 10

4.3.2 Installing the Optional Radiation Sensor ...................................... 10

4.3.3 Installing the Optional Barometric Sensor .................................... 11

4.3.4 Installing the other sensors............................................................ 11

4.4 Installing Grounding and Lightning Protection ...................................... 11

4.4.1 Installation Using the SPM2 Mast ................................................ 11

4.4.2 Other Installations ........................................................................ 12

5. Installing a Communications Link .......................... 12

5.1 Communication Directly to the PC ......................................................... 12

5.2 Other Communication Options ................................ ............................... 12

5.2.1 Short Haul Modem ....................................................................... 13

5.2.2 Multidrop Communications .......................................................... 13

5.2.3 Radio Communications ................................................................. 13

5.2.4 PSTN Telephone Connection ....................................................... 13

5.2.5 GSM Telephone Modem .............................................................. 13

5.2.6 Internet Access.............................................................................. 13

6. Final Installation Details ................................ .......... 13

7. Power-Up the Datalogger ........................................ 14

ii

8. Establish Active Communications .......................... 14

8.1 Using a Personal Computer running PC200W........................................ 14

9. Checking the Datalogger Clock (Date/Time)

Setting ................................................................. 16

9.1 Using a Personal Computer running PC200W........................................ 16

10. Running the Datalogger Program and Viewing

Measurements ........................................................ 16

10.1 The Datalogger Program....................................................................... 16

10.2 Viewing/Monitoring Incoming Measurements ..................................... 17

10.3 Collecting and Viewing Recorded Data ................................................ 17

11. Maintenance ............................................................ 18

11.1 Enclosure .............................................................................................. 19

11.1.1 Cable Entries ............................................................................... 19

11.1.2 Desiccant ..................................................................................... 19

11.2 Regular Inspection ................................................................................ 19

11.2.1 General ........................................................................................ 19

11.2.2 Sensors ........................................................................................ 20

11.2.3 Power Supply .............................................................................. 21

12. And Finally ............................................................... 21

Appendix A. Basic Weather Station Program ........... A-1

A.1 Standard Program ................................................................................ A-1

A.2 Wiring of Sensors ................................................................................ A-1

A.3 Measurements ...................................................................................... A-2

A.4 Recorded Data ..................................................................................... A-3

A.5 Modifying the Program ........................................................................ A-4

A.6 Calculating ETo ................................................................................... A-4

Appendix B. Wind Direction Sensor Orientation ...... B-1

B.1 Determining True North and Sensor Orientation ................................ . B-1

Appendix C. Troubleshooting .................................... C-1

C.1 Loss of Battery Power .......................................................................... C-1

C.2 No Response from the Datalogger ...................................................... C-2

C.3 Unreasonable or Unexpected Results are Displayed by the

Datalogger ....................................................................................... C-2

iii

Figures

1. Effect of Structure on Air Flow .................................................................. 4

2. Basic Weather Station Mounted on Optional SPM2 Mast ......................... 7

3. Mounting the Enclosure .............................................................................. 8

4. Wind Sentry Mounting ............................................................................... 9

5. Grounding Clamp ..................................................................................... 12

6. Monitor Values Screen showing measured values .................................... 17

7. Data Collection Screen ............................................................................. 18

B-1 Magnetic Declination at 2012.5 (degrees relative to true north,

positive is east) ................................................................................. B-2

B-2 Declination Angles East of True North are subtracted from 0 to

get True North .................................................................................. B-2

Tables

1. Wind Sentry – Datalogger Connections ................................................... 10

Public Variables .......................................................................................... A-2

Derived Data Recorded in Table1 ............................................................... A-3

Derived Data Recorded in Table2 ............................................................... A-3

1

Basic Weather Station BWS-200

1. Introduction

Thank you for buying a Campbell Scientific Basic Weather Station. We
recommend that you begin by reading this Installation Manual carefully before
attempting to assemble, set-up and use the weather station, as it contains important
information about siting, assembly and maintenance.

This manual also explains how to set up and connect both the standard and
optional components of the Basic Weather Station. Most components are supplied
as separate units for you to mount in any appropriate location. A simple low-cost
mast, designed to be mounted into a concrete filled hole, is available as an optional
extra.

The manual also includes introductory information about setting up
communications with your weather station. Using this information you should be
able to start making measurements straight away.

Separate manuals are provided for the datalogger, sensors and any optional
peripherals which give additional technical information on these devices.

1.1 Documentation

The documentation supplied with your BWS200 consists of the following:

 Manual for the BWS200 (this document)
 Manual for the CS215 Temperature and Relative Humidity Sensor which is

fitted as standard in the BWS200

Basic Weather Station BWS-200

2

 Manual for the Wind Sentry Wind and Direction Sensor which is fitted as

standard

 Manual for the optional ARG100 Raingauge if ordered with your BWS200
 manual for the optional CS300 Solar Radiation sensor if ordered with your

BWS200

 Manual for the CS100 Barometric Pressure sensor if ordered with your

BWS200

 Disk containing a full version of PC200W software
 Disk containing a copy of the program running in your BWS200

1.2 Component Parts

Carefully unpack your equipment and check you have the following:

03002-5 Wind Sentry C/W junction box
Adapter ¾ pipe for 03002-5 Wind Sentry
Clamp M6 `V’ bolt
Clamp V bracket
Desiccant Desipack 4 units
BWS200 Support Software (CD)
PC200W Starter Software for Windows (CD-Rom)

BWS200 Enclosure with logger and power supply
Are any components missing or damaged?
Do you have all the necessary tools for assembly?

Refer to Sections 4.1 and 4.2.

2. Choosing the Location

For optimum results, the siting of the Basic Weather Station is crucial. This section
briefly describes several factors which can affect the results obtained. Please read
through this information before deciding where to locate your weather station, and
try to minimise as many factors as possible that may adversely affect your data.

The objective of any data collection exercise is to obtain data that is accurate,
reliable and representative. Accuracy and reliability depend mostly on the correct
selection and use of sensors. Data representativeness refers to the extent to which
the values recorded are typical of the site or location in which the sensors are
placed.

Weather stations are often used to provide local meteorological measurements that
otherwise could only be obtained from a ‘standard’ meteorological site, perhaps
some inconvenient distance away. In this case the weather station should be
exposed in a similar way to the instruments on the standard site, i.e. over a short
grass surface that is level and not shielded by trees or buildings. The standard site
is designed to allow representative measurements of local weather and not of a
specific microclimate.

In other cases, a weather station is required to measure the true conditions at a site
— possibly to determine how much these differ from the standard conditions
measured over a regional network of meteorological stations. Here, the weather
station should be exposed over a relatively uniform area of terrain. Some care is
required in interpreting the measurements obtained, however, because gradients of
air temperature, humidity and wind speed increase as the distance from the surface
decreases.

Installation Manual

3

As an example, consider a weather station sited in a crop of newly planted corn
with the anemometer 2m above the ground. The measured wind speed will
decrease markedly as the crop grows because the distance between the instrument
and the surface is continually reducing. At harvest the anemometer may be only 20
or 30cm above the upper foliage and the measured wind speed will be slow. This
is a true representation of conditions at the height of the anemometer; it is effec­tively a microclimatic measurement that is not representative of the general
conditions in the region.

2.1 The Effects of Varying Environmental Conditions

This section describes three ways in which local conditions such as moisture or the
presence of vegetation can affect the measurements taken by a weather station.
These effects are well documented and further details can be found in the mete­orological literature.

2.1.1 The Clothesline Effect

The ‘clothesline effect’ in its simplest form describes the effect of air passing from

dry, un-vegetated surfaces to moist, vegetated surfaces and the consequent effect
on vapour gradients and heat transfer. This should be carefully considered when
siting a weather station in crops or near trees when the wind direction is mostly
towards the vegetation.

2.1.2 The Leading Edge Effect

This effect occurs when air moves over a surface that differs in temperature,
moisture content, roughness or some other characteristic from an adjacent surface.
The line of discontinuity is known as the leading edge. As air passes over the
leading edge its characteristics gradually adjust to the new surface. This internal
boundary layer varies in vertical extent with distance from the leading edge. A
transitional zone exists where the air is modified but not adjusted to the new
surface. These effects become most pronounced when advection (horizontal air
flow) is strongest. There are no universally accepted figures for the height of this
internal boundary layer as it is influenced by the nature of the surface and the
extent of any advection.

2.1.3 The Oasis Effect

The ‘oasis effect’ occurs when an isolated moisture source is surrounded by an

otherwise arid region. If the wind direction is such that moist air is drawn from the
surface of the water body (or other water source such as a glacier or area of
vegetation), then the relative humidity measurements do not represent the general
conditions in the region.

2.2 Obstructions

Whenever possible, the weather station should be located away from windbreaks
or shelterbelts. Several zones have been identified upwind and downwind of a
windbreak in which the airflow is unrepresentative of the general speed and
direction. Eddies are generated in the lee of the windbreak and air is displaced
upwind of it. The height and depth of these affected zones varies with the height
and to some extent the density of the obstacle.

Generally, a structure disturbs the airflow in an upwind direction for a distance of
about twice the height of the structure, and in a downwind direction for a distance
of about six times the height. The airflow is also affected to a vertical distance of

Basic Weather Station BWS-200

4

about twice the height of the structure. Ideally, therefore, the weather station
should be located outside this zone of influence in order to obtain representative
values for the region (see Figure 1).

Figure 1 Effect of Structure on Air Flow

2.3 Siting on Roofs

Weather stations are commonly located on roof surfaces and interrogated from a
room below. There are several inherent problems with this. The urban environment
can generate its own climate and even smaller scale microclimates are possible,
depending on the building materials and design. High air temperatures caused by
heat convected or conducted from the surface of the building are the most obvious
source of error. Also, the physical and radiative properties of the building fabric
are important, for example, in determining heat loading.

2.4 The Effects of an Urban Environment

The impervious nature of an urban surface compared to surrounding rural areas,

together with the efficient channelling of water as surface run-off, leads to a
generally drier environment. However, the ponding of water that occurs, for
example, on flat roofs, can also lead to local areas of high relative humidity.

Wind speeds are generally lower in urban areas compared to more exposed rural

locations. However, aspects of city design and building geometry can combine to
create areas of high or low wind speeds because of the funnelling of air.

3. What You Get with Your Basic Weather Station

3.1 Standard Equipment



Fibreglass Enclosure with integral, rechargeable, lead-acid battery power
supply unit (to supply power to the datalogger).



SOP5 Solar Panel, mounted on the door of the enclosure, for charging the
battery.



CR200X Series Datalogger.



Wind Speed and Direction Sensors (R M Young’s Wind Sentry

Anemometer and Vane) complete with junction box.

Weather station

Safe location of weather station

Drawing not to scale

Installation Manual

5



CS215 Temperature and Relative Humidity Probe, T351-RS Solar radiation
Shield, mounted on the underside of the enclosure

 Manuals for the datalogger and sensors.
 CD containing the datalogger program plus the PC200W Datalogger Support

Software package.

3.2 Optional Equipment



SPM2 Simple Pole Mast (designed to effectively mount all the above
equipment).



CM10/2 instrument tripod (2 metres)

 ARG100 Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge.
 CS300 Radiation sensor (required for Evapotranspiration calculations)
 The CS100 Barometric pressure sensor.

The Basic Weather Station comes ready programmed for immediate use. For more
details of the program, giving information on measurements and data storage,
please see Appendix A. A backup copy of the program is supplied on CD.

Our datalogger software support package PC200W will allow you to re-program
the datalogger using ‘Short Cut’, a point-and-click program generator, but we
recommend that you do not attempt any form of reprogramming until you are
thoroughly familiar with both the operation of your weather station as a whole, the
CR200X Series Datalogger and the PC200W package in particular.

4. Installation

The Basic Weather Station components can be fitted to any suitable mounting,
bearing in mind the effects of the environmental conditions as described in Section
1 of this manual.

Campbell Scientific can supply a suitable low-cost mounting pole, as shown in
Figure 2.

Under normal conditions, assembly should take one person less than two hours
(not including the cure time for concrete in the mast foundations). However setting
the windvane to true north might be easier with two people.

4.1 Installing a Mounting Mast

If you will be mounting your Basic Weather Station on a pole type mast, it is
recommended that it is mounted into a concrete filled hole, to provide stability, as
shown in Figure 2 for the Campbell Scientific SPM2 mast.

The Campbell Scientific SPM2 Mast as it is specially designed for the Basic
Weather Station and comes complete with a stabilisation bar which is concreted
into the foundations. The main mast diameter is 42.9mm (1¼" nominal bore pipe)
reducing to a top mast diameter of 26.9mm (¾" nominal bore pipe).

If you are using your own mounting mast or pole, the dimensions should closely
match those given above, so that the enclosure can be mounted on the main
section, and the Wind Sentry bracket can be mounted on the reduced top portion as
shown in Figure 2.

To install the mast securely into the ground you will need:

Basic Weather Station BWS-200

6

 A spade and/or shovel
 A pickaxe
 A concrete trowel
 Sufficient concrete mix for a 300mm square x 600mm deep hole (including

water supply etc. if mixing concrete on site)

 A spirit level

Install the mast as follows:

1. Locate a suitable position for the weather station. Ensure that the ground

consistency is not too loose, and will be able to support the mast and concrete

foundation.

2. Dig a hole at least 300mm square by 600mm deep (see Figure 2).

3. Fit the ‘anti-spin’ bar into the hole towards the lower end of the mast, and

secure in place with the two nuts supplied.

4. Set the SPM2 Mast into the centre of the hole and temporarily pack it with

suitable material so that it is vertical.

5. Mix the concrete and pour into the hole removing any temporary packing. It

is very important to ensure that the mast is vertical – periodically check with

a spirit level and make adjustments as necessary. Double check that the mast

is vertical before the concrete starts to cure.

6. Allow at least 24 hours for the concrete to cure properly before attempting to

fit the instrumentation.

Installation Manual

7

Figure 2 Basic Weather Station Mounted on Optional SPM2 Mast

Wind Sentry Anemometer and Vane

Weatherproof enclosure
containing datalogger, battery
etc.

300 square

600

500

Ground Level

2 metres overall height

(To top of mast)

‘Anti-Spin’ Bar

Dimensions in mm

(unless otherwise stated)

Not to Scale

Concrete Foundations

Junction Box

220 approx.

26.9 diameter
top mast

42.9 diameter
main mast

Mount at 1.2m to match UK
Met. Office recommendations

Radiation Shield and
Temperature and RH
Sensor

Solar Panel

Basic Weather Station BWS-200

8

4.2 Installing the Enclosure and Sensors

To install the enclosure and sensors you will need:



A spirit level



A tape measure



An adjustable spanner



A range of standard and Phillips screwdrivers



A compass (for wind direction orientation)



Cable ties



A set of Allen hex keys (at least a 3/16")

4.2.1 Mounting the Enclosure

Mount the enclosure onto the mast at a suitable height using the notched brackets

and ‘V’ bolts as shown in Figure 3, below. Adjust the position of the enclosure to

achieve the best exposure of the solar panel. When installing in latitudes greater
than 30 degrees from the equator, point the solar panel towards the equator, e.g.
facing due South in the Northern hemisphere. If the installation is within 30
degrees of the equator, the panel should be pointed towards the East to capture
energy from the sun during the morning (rather than mid-day when the sun is
overhead). It is important to ensure that no shadows fall on the panel from other
structures or vegetation.

Figure 3 Mounting the Enclosure

Nuts and Spring Washers

Enclosure

V-bolt and Notched Brackets

Installation Manual

9

4.2.2 Installing the Standard Sensors

Install all the sensors, carefully following the instructions and wiring diagrams
given below. If you need further advice on the installation and operation of
specific sensors, please read the installation manual provided for that sensor.
Handle all sensors and wiring with care. Rough handling can damage both the
mechanical and electrical integrity of the sensors.

CS215 Temperature/Relative Humidity Probe

The CS215 is fully integrated into the T351-RS Radiation Shield on the underside
of the enclosure and wired into the datalogger before despatch.

The sensor can be removed for periodic inspection/maintenance from inside the
enclosure. Loosen the large gland nut retaining the CS215 and gently pull upwards
on the threaded part of the sensor until it is completely removed. Do NOT pull the
sensor up by the cable, as you may damage it. Replace the sensor by re-inserting it
into the radiation shield through the gland until the threaded portion of the sensor
is about 3mm above the main gland body. Re-tighten the gland nut.

Wind Sentry Wind Speed and Direction Sensors

Figure 4 Wind Sentry Mounting

The 03002-5 Wind Sentry is provided with a mounting bracket which fits directly
to a 26.9mm outside diameter (3/4'' nominal bore) pipe. The mounting device
consists of a two-piece male/female spigot, and is fitted with two band clamps. The

lower ‘orientation’ clamp secures the equipment to the mast. By loosening the

upper clamp, the complete bracket and sensors can be removed for maintenance,
and, by means of the spigot, replaced in exactly the same orientation, saving the
time and effort required in re-aligning the wind sensor to true north (see below).

Mount and align the Wind Sentry as follows (refer to Figure 4, above):

1. Ensure that the upper band clamp is fully tightened.

2. Open the lower ‘orientation’ clamp sufficiently so that the complete assembly
will easily slide onto the top of the mast.

3. Mount the complete Wind Sentry onto the top of the mast; only lightly tighten
the lower band clamp so that the assembly can be easily rotated.

26.9mm diameter (3/4” bore pipe) - to fit
Wind Sentry

Both cables taken to junction box
(not shown) on Wind Sentry arm

620mm max.

Two band clamps

220mm

‘Orientation’ ring

Special two-piece
mounting device

Basic Weather Station BWS-200

10

4. Determine the position of true north and align the Wind Direction sensor to

this bearing, carefully following the instructions given in Appendix B.

5. After the sensor is correctly aligned, fully tighten the lower clamp so that the

Wind sentry is secure. Double check that the direction sensor is still pointing to
true north.

You will need to connect the Wind Sentry into the datalogger. The Wind Sentry is
supplied with a 3 metre length of cable, pre-wired into its junction box and ready
for connection to the datalogger. Take the cable through one of the smaller cable
entry glands on the lower face of the enclosure, and wire into the datalogger
terminals as indicated below.

Other lengths of cable for your specific installation can be supplied to order by
Campbell Scientific. If you are using your own cable it must match the
specifications set out in the Wind Sentry manual. Remove the existing cable from
the Wind sentry junction box, carefully noting the wire colours/connection
position, and wire up the replacement cable using the old cable as a template.

Never connect an additional piece of cable to existing cable,
as this may cause errors and sealing problems.

Table 1 Wind Sentry - Datalogger Connections

Wire colour

Datalogger connection

Clear

G

Black

G

White

Ground

Green

SE1

Red

P_LL

Blue

EX1

4.3 Optional Sensor Connections

4.3.1 Installing the Optional Raingauge

In addition to the standard sensors provided with the Basic Weather Station, you
may wish to fit the ARG100 Tipping Bucket Raingauge. Wiring and program
details for the ARG100 raingauge are discussed in Appendix A.

See the separate ARG100 manual for full installation, operational details and
specifications.

4.3.2 Installing the Optional Radiation Sensor

In addition to the standard sensors provided with the Basic Weather Station, you
may wish to fit the CS300 Radiation Sensor. This sensor is required to obtain
meaningful Evapotransporation data. Wiring and program details for the CS300
Radiation Sensor are discussed in Appendix A. A suitable cross arm to support the
sensor can be obtained from Campbell Scientific.

CAUTION

Installation Manual

11

See the separate CS300 manual for full installation, operational details and
specifications.

4.3.3 Installing the Optional Barometric Pressure Sensor

In addition to the standard sensors provided with the Basic Weather Station, you
may wish to fit the CS100 barometric Pressure sensor. Wiring and program details
for the CS100 sensor are discussed in Appendix A. The CS100 Barometric
Pressure sensor is normally fitted inside the enclosure alongside the battery,
datalogger and CS215 Temp and RH sensor. A breathable ceramic plug is fitted to
the underside of the enclosure in one of the cable glands to ensure internal pressure
is balanced with atmospheric pressure.

See the separate CS100 manual for full installation, operational details and
specifications.

4.3.4 Installing the Other Sensors

The CR200X datalogger which lies at the heart of the BWS200 weather station is a
powerful and versatile measurement tool that can connect to a wide variety of
sensors. If you would like to use it to collect other parameters please contact
Campbell Scientific.

4.4 Installing Grounding and Lightning Protection

Your weather station must be properly grounded by taking a ground wire from the
brass grounding lug in the lower face of the enclosure to an adequate grounding
point. The mast and foundations of a mast mounted installation will provide some
basic lightning protection. An optional full grounding system is available for high
risk applications if required. See ‘Warning’, below.

The grounding system supplied with the weather station
is designed to give the system protection against induced
transients and secondary lightning discharges. While the
system does offer some protection against lightning
damage, if the weather station is installed at a site where
frequent direct lightning strikes are likely, Campbell
Scientific recommends that you seek the advice of a
specialist lightning protection company.

4.4.1 Installation Using the SPM2 Mast

If you have purchased the optional SPM2 Mast, you will receive a grounding
clamp (see Figure 5) and a length of suitable cable. The foundations of the mast
will provide a good ground. Connect one end of the cable to the grounding lug on
the enclosure, and the other end to the mast, using the grounding clamp. Ensure
good electrical contact throughout.

WARNING

Basic Weather Station BWS-200

12

Figure 5 Grounding Clamp

4.4.2 Other Installations

For installations other than those with the SPM2 Mast, you must ensure adequate
grounding facilities. If you are mounting the weather station at a high level (on a
roof etc.) you must run a grounding wire to a good ground point. A full grounding
system, including clamps and ground spikes, can be provided if required. Please
contact Campbell Scientific for price and further details.

5. Installing a Communications Link

There are several ways to communicate with the datalogger in your Basic Weather
Station in order to retrieve data. The most common, and recommended, method is
to use a direct link to a computer, either a laptop on site, or connected to a desktop
PC at any convenient location using an appropriate interface package. As a further
option, communication can be carried out by using a remote communications
package with a modem to transmit data, either via the public telephone network or
by one of the cellular networks.

Please contact Campbell Scientific if you require assistance in selecting an
appropriate interface.

5.1 Communication Directly to the PC

For computer/weather station distances of up to 15 metres the simplest method is
direct connection from the PC Serial Port to the RS232 Port on the CR200X Series
datalogger.

Many customers have successfully used this type of set up for
distances of up to 75 metres, but success will depend on a number of
factors, including cable type and size. Campbell Scientific cannot,
therefore, guarantee effective communication quality at distances
more than 15 metres. A long connection is also more vulnerable to
lightning damage and so you would need to consider extra lightning
protection measures.

For distances over 15 metres consider using a communications link using either
MD485 Multidrop Interfaces or the CR216X radio datalogger. See following page.

5.2 Other Communication Options

If you have ordered your BWS200 with an alternative communications option then
please refer to the manual for that option for further information on setting up the
communication link. If you have bought the basic BWS200 then communication

NOTE

Insert grounding wire
into clamp and tighten
screw

Attach clamp to mast and secure

Installation Manual

13

options which you can add to your BWS200 are outlined below. Note that all will
require additional software running in both the logger and the PC.

5.2.1 Short Haul Modem

Campbell Scientific is able to provide a Short Haul point to point communications
package with modems for either end of a fixed line cable to be supplied by the
customer. Distances up to 25km are possible via this method. This popular option
can be bought as a complete package and installed by the user.

5.2.2 Multidrop Communications

As the name implies Multidrop communications allows a number of weather
stations to sit on the same data bus. For example a number of weather stations
located around a farm might all be connected together in a ring, star or line
formation onto the same cable. Campbell Scientific’s MD485 interfaces will direct
the communications to the appropriate station.

5.2.3 Radio Communications

Short range radio communications are also possible but would require and
alternative logger and so must be specified before ordering or will require your
unit to be returned for upgrade.

Note that all of the above options will require additional software either in the
logger and/or in the PC. The cordless methods in particular will also have a major
impact on the power budget of the unit and steps will need to be taken to minimise
power loss. Please contact Campbell Scientific for more details and advice.

The following communications connections require either PC400 or LoggerNet software:

5.2.4 PSTN Telephone Connection

Where your weather station has access to a fixed line telephone connection you
can add a COM200E telephone modem and dial the logger up from your PC.

5.2.5 GSM/GPRS Modem

To connect via the GSM mobile network you will need a CS-GSM/GPRS kit
including a GSM modem, antenna and connection leads. A Data SIM card should
be obtained from your local authorised reseller. Refer to the manual.

5.2.6 Internet Access

To access your data via an Ethernet connection kit you will need a configured
NL201 network module.

6. Final Installation Details

1. Secure all grounding wire and sensor cables to the mast (if used) or other
suitable place.

Basic Weather Station BWS-200

14

It is essential to secure any excess sensor cables to the
mast, or other suitable point. Unsecured cable can blow
around in the wind, and may cause the wires inside to
break, often without any external signs of damage.

2. Ensure that all cable entries are properly sealed by tightening the cable gland

firmly. Ensure that all unused cable glands on the enclosure are sealed with the
aluminium plugs provided.

7. Power-Up the Datalogger

When all the sensor wiring is complete, including adequate grounding, and your
chosen communications link is in place, power up the datalogger (inside the
enclosure) prior to establishing communications.

Power-up your datalogger as follows:
a) Open the enclosure and identify the power connections for the battery. There

are two spade terminals on the battery.

b) Attach the spade connectors to the battery, observing the correct polarity – the

connector with the red wires is positive, the connector with the black wires is
negative. Push the connectors onto the appropriately marked battery terminals.
The CR200X Series Datalogger will then turn on.

c) After connecting power to the datalogger, leave it for at least one minute to

complete its self power-up tests.

8. Establish Active Communications

Your Basic Weather Station comes ready programmed for standard and optional
sensors. It is programmed using Short Cut, an easy to use program builder, which
is part of Campbell Scientific’s Datalogger Support Starter Software Package,
PC200W. Short Cut determines the correct wiring and produces appropriate wiring
diagrams (as described in Appendix A).

Always wire the sensors to the datalogger as described in
Appendix A. Failure to do this will produce incorrect readings
and may possibly damage the sensors.

8.1 Using a Personal Computer Running PC200W

As part of your Basic Weather Station system, you will be provided with a copy of
PC200W Datalogger Support Software package. This Windows program will
allow you to view the data, communicate with the weather station and to re­program the datalogger if required, using the built-in program generator, Short
Cut.

Install PC200W onto your computer by following the instructions on screen. After
installation, use the datalogger program as follows:

1. Ensure that you have connected your computer and weather station as detailed

in Section 5.

CAUTION

CAUTION

Installation Manual

15

If you intend to use a different interface consult the instruction manuals for the
appropriate device.

2. After powering up the datalogger as described in Section 7, above, use the
setup/connect tab in PC200W. Click on “Add” and follow the EZSetup
instructions.

PC200W EZSetup Settings for BWS200

Communication Setup

Choose the CR200X Series logger from the scrolling list.
Datalogger name: Enter a name up to 12 digits (CR200X Series is default)

CLICK NEXT >>

COM Port: COM1
COM Port Communication Delay: 00 Seconds

CLICK NEXT >>

DataloggerSettings

Baud Rate: 9600
Security Code:
Extra Response Time: 00 Seconds

CLICK NEXT >>

Setup Summary
CLICK NEXT >>

Communication Test

Check Yes

CLICK NEXT >>

If communication is unsuccessful then
a) ensure power is switched on (see section 7)
b) use standard RS232 lead provided and connect direct to station
c) contact Campbell Scientific

Datalogger Clock

Check the dataloggers clock and reset if required.

CLICK NEXT >>

Send Program

Do not send a program. Your BWS comes pre loaded with one.

CLICK NEXT >>

Wizard Complete
CLICK NEXT >>

If you have more than one Basic Weather Station, you will have to
set up a different datalogger (with a different, unique, name) for
each station to ensure that data from each station is collected
properly.

3. The first thing to do when communications are established is to set the
datalogger clock using PC200W.

NOTE

Basic Weather Station BWS-200

16

9. Checking the Datalogger Clock (Date/Time) Setting

The CR200X Series Datalogger used in the Basic Weather Station contains the
program in non-volatile flash memory, and this will be retained even when the
main battery power supply is removed. The clock (date and time) settings are also
battery-backed, and will be retained when the datalogger is powered down.
Although your datalogger will have the date and time set before despatch, you
should check the current settings to ensure that they conform to your specific
requirements, as detailed below.

9.1 Using a Personal Computer Running PC200W

You can synchronise the datalogger clock with the computer clock by pressing the
‘Set Clock’ button on the PC200W main screen. PC200W will communicate with
the CR200X Series Datalogger and set its clock time to match your computer time.
Of course, if your computer time is incorrect, the datalogger time will also be
incorrect!

The datalogger clock can be offset from the computer clock in one hour
increments, up to plus or minus 24 hours. Use the up arrow or down arrow to

select an offset (or type in a new value over the old), then press ‘Set Now’ to

implement the change.

10. Running the Datalogger Program and Viewing
Measurements

Now that you have established communications and set the datalogger clock, you
will probably be anxious to view the measurements being obtained by your
weather station. Measurements can be viewed on the computer using PC200W.
Measurements from the sensors are stored as Publicly accessible variables on the
datalogger. These locations each have their own label (name) for easy
identification. See Appendix A for details of the programs supplied with your
Basic Weather Station.

10.1 The Datalogger Program

The datalogger program supplied with your Basic Weather Station has been
carefully designed to suit most applications. Program details are discussed further
in Appendix A.

This program includes information for the optional sensors. If you do not have the
optional sensors fitted please disregard the values returned. Details of which
values are generated from which sensor input can be found in Appendix A.

The datalogger can be re-programmed using ‘Short Cut’ to suit more specific
requirements. Before attempting to construct a new program, or modify the
existing program, please ensure that you are fully conversant with the operation of
the weather station, the datalogger and the PC200W software. Please consult
Appendix A for more information.

Installation Manual

17

10.2 Viewing/Monitoring Incoming Measurements

You can monitor the measurements in real time by in the following way:

1. Connect your PC to the datalogger

2. Open up PC200W

3. Click on “Setup/Connect” tab on the main PC200W screen.

4. Click on the “Connect” button to initiate communication with the datalogger.

5. Click on the “Monitor Values” tab on the main PC200W screen.

6. Click on the “Add”

7. A list of all the items that can be monitored will then show up. The public
variables are listed under “Public” and can all be selected together by clicking on
the first one, pressing shift and clicking on the last. Then click on paste and all the
variables along with their real time current values should appear in the main screen
of PC200W.

8. You can observe them changing every 10 seconds as the sensor outputs change.

A typical screen shot for the Basic Weather Station running the standard program
is shown in Figure 6, below. Please see Appendix A for details of each
measurement.

Figure 6 Monitor Values Screen showing measured values

10.3 Collecting and Viewing Recorded Data

Initiate data collection by clicking on the ‘Data Collection’ button on PC200W’s

Main Screen. On the Data Collection Screen you will be given the option to collect

data from the datalogger by clicking the ‘Collect Now’ button. You choose what
data to collect and where to collect it to.

You should choose to collect data from the Datalogger Tables by checking the
checkbox against Table1 and Table2 (see Figure 7).

Basic Weather Station BWS-200

18

You can choose to:
 append just new data (since the last data collection) to an existing data file –

(this is the normal mode of operation), or

 overwrite all data from the datalogger to an existing file, or
 write data to a new data file.

The file selection box allows you to specify the appropriate file name and location.

Data is normally collected in a table format for easy use in data manipulation
packages and spreadsheets.

The Final Storage area can hold a considerable amount of data in memory. When it
becomes full, the earliest data is overwritten in a continuous cycle. The Basic
Weather Station will store approximately three months of data if using the standard
program,

Figure 7 Data Collection Screen

11. Maintenance

The whole Basic Weather Station is designed for prolonged use in field conditions,
and so requires minimal maintenance. However, some recommendations for specific
items of equipment are given below. If your weather station site is subject to
particularly severe environmental conditions, you may wish to devise your own
maintenance schedule based on these conditions.

Installation Manual

19

11.1 Enclosure

The enclosure is made from fibreglass and is completely weatherproof. There is
minimal maintenance required, but particular care should be taken to the points
listed below.

11.1.1 Cable Entries

Care should be taken that all cable entries on the enclosure are properly sealed.
Ensure that the cable gland grips the cable tightly to ensure a proper seal. This is
particularly true of the gland on the top surface of the enclosure. Any unused
glands are blanked with the blanking plugs provided, which provide a good seal.

11.1.2 Desiccant

The enclosure contains packages of desiccant, which helps to reduce water vapour,
and should be regularly replaced. The frequency of replacement will depend on
how often, and for how long, the enclosure door is opened. In general the
desiccant will last for about 4-6 months if the enclosure door is opened for a few
minutes each week. More frequent changes of desiccant may be required in very
wet or humid conditions.

Some desiccant packs have an indicator which is blue when the desiccant is dry,
but which will turn pink as moisture is absorbed. When the desiccant fully changes
colour it should be replaced.

Used desiccant packs may be re-used if dried by placing in an oven at 120C for
16 hours.

Ensuring all cable entry ports are properly sealed, as described above, will help
prolong desiccant life.

11.2 Regular Inspection

The Basic Weather Station is designed to operate remotely, without attention, for
long periods of time. However, regular preventative maintenance will pay
dividends, and so the station should be visited at regular intervals depending on
environmental conditions, its usage and the accuracy of measurements required
from the station.

Suggested schedules are given below, but these can be modified to suit your own
circumstances.

11.2.1 General

Every six months or so (and at least once a year) check all parts for misalignment
and damage. Check for any corrosion and apply suitable rust inhibitors, and check
and /or change the desiccant pack in the enclosure as detailed above. More regular
inspections are advised in very wet or humid conditions, or after severe storms.

Do not allow any contact between rust proofing compounds
and the datalogger or sensors. In particular, avoid spraying
such compounds close to the humidity sensor.

CAUTION

Basic Weather Station BWS-200

20

11.2.2 Sensors

Inspect and carry out routine maintenance and calibration of sensors at regular
intervals. This frequency will depend on environmental conditions and the
accuracy you wish to achieve from your particular installation.

Individual sensor manuals will give further advice on maintenance and calibration
etc.

Weekly

 Visually inspect the wind sensors and the radiation shield.

Monthly

 Do a more thorough visual inspection of the wind sensors, and listen to the

anemometer bearings at low wind speeds for audible signs of bearing wear.

 Check, and clean if necessary, the CS215 sensor and its radiation shield.
 Check the (optional) rain gauge funnel for debris and ensure the gauge is level

and operating correctly.

Six-Monthly

 Clean the CS215 sensor.
 Clean the radiation shield.

Yearly

 Thoroughly check anemometer bearings and replace if any signs of wear.
 Calibrate the (optional) ARG100 Raingauge.

Every Two Years

 Thoroughly check the wind vane potentiometer and bearings, and replace as

necessary.

 Consider replacing the CS215 humidity chip. This should be replaced at a

maximum of 3 years.

Every Four to Five Years

Thoroughly check all sensor cables for abrasion or other damage and replace as
necessary.

Should it be necessary to remove the CS215 sensor for replacement the four wires
of the CS215 will need to be disconnected as follows:-

1. *Red - Battery +

2. *Black - Battery -

3. Green - C1/SDI-12

4. White - G

5. Screen - G

Installation Manual

21

*It is essential to ensure that these wires are re-connected in the same
configuration in order to maintain the correct polarity.

11.2.3 Power Supply

At every site visit check the solar panel for dirt and debris such as bird droppings
and clean. Frequency of visits may be site dependent – for instance, in the autumn
leaves may blow onto (and possibly stick to) the panel.

Keep an eye on the battery voltage (the daily minimums are stored by default in
Table2) to ensure that the voltage available continues to look healthy.

If the voltage drops below 11.5V then please consult the troubleshooting section
(Appendix C) for possible remedial action. Please note that a weather station
performing well in the height of summer may not be able to sustain its charge
during the middle of winter.

Whilst the Solar panel is sufficient for most operations, the addition of some
sensors or an increase in the periods of direct communication can affect the power
consumption over time.

12. And Finally

We hope that your Basic Weather Station will give you many years of accurate
data and trouble free use. If you have any problems with the weather station,
remember to first check out the troubleshooting guide in Appendix C. Further help
and advice is available from Campbell Scientific as shown below:

Campbell Scientific Ltd.
Campbell Park
80, Hathern Road
Shepshed
Leicestershire
LE12 9GX

Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]
World wide web: http://www.campbellsci.co.uk

Appendix A. Basic Weather Station
Program

The CR200X Series Datalogger, which is part of your Basic Weather Station, is pre-loaded
with an appropriate program, ready for immediate use. A backup copy of this program is
supplied on CD.

This Appendix gives details of the ‘standard’ program, along with guidance on how to modify
it to suit an alternative set of sensors or measurements.

A.1 Standard Program

The basic program supplied with the Basic Weather Station covers the standard
sensors – the 03002-5 Wind Sentry measuring Wind Direction and Wind Speed,
and the CS215 measuring Temperature and Relative Humidity.

The program also includes instructions for the optional ARG100 Raingauge,
CS100 Barometric Pressure Sensor, and CS300. If those sensors are not fitted
then the values should be disregarded.

The CS300 is required for ETo calculations.

The program executes and takes measurement s every 10 seconds, calculating
statistics based on that sample rate.

A.2 Wiring of Sensors

The program within the logger relies on the sensors being wired to the correct
locations. If the program is modified in any way then the program generator will
output a new wiring diagram. The program that the BWS-200 is pre-loaded with
requires the following wiring:

CS215 Temperature & Relative Humidity Sensor
Battery +: Red
C1/SDI-12: Green
G: White
G: Black
G: Clear

03002-5 “Wind Sentry” Wind Speed & Direction Sensor
EX1: Blue
G: Screen
G: Black
P_LL: Red
SE1: Green
Ground: White

ARG100 Rain Gauge (Optional)
G: Clear
P_SW: Black

A-1

Basic Weather Station BWS-200

CS300 Pyranometer (Optional - required for ETo Calculations)
G: Clear
Ground: Black
SE2: Red

CS100 Barometric Pressure Sensor (Optional)
Battery +: Red
G: Black
C2: Green
G: Clear
Ground: Yellow
SE3: Blue

A.3 Measurements

Each time a sensor is scanned, the result is stored as a Public variable. With each
scan, the value of each Public variable is processed then overwritten with the next
measurement result.

Variable Name Typical Value Explanation

The program measures the following raw signals:
Batt_Volt 12.794 Battery Voltage (Volts)
Air_TC 24.232 Air Temperature (Degrees Celsius)
RH 49.771 Relative Humidity (percent)
WS_ms 2.525 Wind Speed (ms-1)
Wind Dir 205.501 Wind Direction (Degrees clockwise from True

Rain_mm 0.00 Precipitation (mm) *
Solar_W 10.8 Solar Radiation (Watts) **
BP_mBar 1014 Barometric Pressure (Millibars) ***
It then calculates in real time the following derived values:
Solar_kJ 5 Total Solar Radiation (KiloJoules) **
WindRun_m 25.250 Run of wind passing sensor during scan period

TdC 13.101 Dew point (degrees Celsius)

Public Variables

North)

(metres)

* Must have ARG100 Tipping bucket rain gauge connected for valid reading

** Must have CS300 Solar radiation Sensor connected for valid reading

*** Must have CS100 Setra Barometric pressure Sensor connected for valid reading

A-2

A.4 Recorded Data

The Standard Program saves the data under two tables.
Table1 is an hourly summary of recorded data. Table1 is recorded every 60

minutes on the hour.

Variable Name Explanation

RH Relative Humidity (%)
TdC_AVG Average Dewpoint (Celcius)
WS_ms_S_WVT Average Wind Speed (Meters per Second)
WindDir_D1_WVT Unit vector Wind Direction (Degrees)
WindDir_SD1_WVT Standard Deviation of Wind Direction
WS_ms_MAX Maximum Wind Speed (Meters per Second)
Rain_mm_TOT Total Rainfall (millimetres) *
WindRun_m_TOT Total Wind Run (Metres)
AirTC_Avg Average Air Temp (Celcius)
RH_Avg Average Relative Humidity (%)
WS_ms_Avg Average Wind Speed (Meters per Second)
Solar_W_Avg Average Solar Radiation (Watts) **
ETo Calculated Evapotranspiration for the period (millimeters) **
BP_mBar_AVG Average Barometric pressure (Millibars) ***

Appendix A. Basic Weather Station Program

Derived Data Recorded in Table1

Table2 is a daily summary of maxima and minima. Table2 is recorded every 24
hrs at midnight

Derived Data Recorded in Table2

Variable Name Explanation

Batt_Volt_MIN Minimum Battery Voltage (Volts)
AirTC_MAX Maximum Air temperature (Celcius)

AirTC_MIN Minimum Air temperature (Celcius)
TdC_AVG Average Dew point Temperature (Celcius)
TdC_MAX Maximum Dew point Temperature (Celcius)
TdC_MIN Minimum Dew point Temperature (Celcius)
WS_ms_MAX Maximum Wind Speed (Meters per Second)
WindRun_m_TOT Total Wind Run (Metres)
Rain_mm_TOT Total Rainfall (millimetres) *
Solar_kJ_TOT Total Solar Radiation (KiloJoules) **
AirTC_Avg Average Air Temperature (Celcius)
RH_Avg Average Relative Humidity (%)
WS_ms_Avg Average Wind Speed (Meters per Second)
Solar_W_Avg Average Solar Radiation (Watts) **
AirTC_Avg Average Air Temperature (Celcius)
ETo Calculated Evapotranspiration for the period (millimeters) **
BP_mBar_AVG Average Barometric pressure (Millibars) ***

* Must have ARG100 Tipping bucket rain gauge connected for valid reading

** Must have CS300 Solar radiation Sensor connected for valid reading

*** Must have CS100 Setra Barometric pressure Sensor Connected for valid reading

A-3

Basic Weather Station BWS-200

A.5 Modifying the Program

A copy of the standard program (BWS200.scw) is supplied to you on disk with
your BWS-200 for your convenience. It has been written using a program called
SCWIN (ShortCut for Windows) which is a module of the PC200W accessible
from the “Short cut” button in the top right hand corner of you r PC200W screen.

To edit it please copy the BWS200.scw file to C:\Campbellsci\PC200W on your
hard drive, open PC200W, click on the “Short Cut” Editor button and open the
file from there. A separate file with a .CR2 ending will be generated. This should
be loaded onto the datalogger. Please note that programs cannot be retrieved from
the datalogger so a copy should be kept secure at all times.

NOTE

Short Cut automatically allocates the wiring on a first come first
served basis. Since your datalogger has come pre-wired it is
important that, if you generate a new program from scratch, or edit
the standard program, that you add the sensors in a consistent
manner with a view to maintaining the original wiring associated
with the Standard program. The order in which the sensors have
been added is as follows:

CS215
03002-5 (CSL)
ARG100 (CSL)
CS300
CS100

A.6 Calculating ETo

To calculate Evapotransporation The Penman-Montei th calculation method is
used. ETo is calculated on an hourly and daily basis. The daily ETo is reset at
0100 hours each day.

Because the calculation relies on meteorological data, the sensors for air
temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and solar radiation must all be present
and recorded before ETo can be calculated . Solar radiation, meas ured wit h the
CS300 is an optional extra sensor.

A-4

The ETo Calculation additionally relies on the following site specific data:
Site Latitude
Site Longitude
Site Elevation

By default your Weather Station is programmed to assume a mid European
latitude of 50 degrees north on the Greenwich Meridian (ie Longitude 0 degrees
E) at sea level. For most purposes this assumption is perfectly adequat e. However
you can customise these values should you wish to.

To do so open the program in ShortCut. Click on the Outputs menu item on the
left hand side, click on the “ETo” field in the “Processing” column on the left
hand window of the screen and click on the “Edit” button at the bottom. A
dialogue box will open up and the values can be altered to suit, saved as a new
program and downloaded to the logger.

B-1

Appendix B. Wind Direction Sensor
Orientation

B.1 Determining True North and Sensor Orientation

Orientation of the wind direction sensor is done after the datalogger has been
programmed, and the location of True North has been determined. True North is
usually found by reading a magnetic compass and applying the correction for
magnetic declination; where magnetic declination is the number of degrees between
True North and Magnetic North. Magnetic declination for a specific site can be
obtained from a USGS map, local airport, or through a computer service offered by
the USGS at www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomag. A general map showing magnetic
declination for the contiguous United States is shown in Figure B-1.

Declination angles east of True North are considered negative, and are subtracted
from 0 degrees to get True North as shown Figure B-2. Declination angles west of
True North are considered positive, and are added to 0 degrees to get True North as
shown in Figure B-3. For example, the declination for Logan, Utah is 14 East. True
North is 360 - 14, or 346 as read on a compass.

Orientation is most easily done with two people, one to aim and adjust the sensor,
while the other observes the wind direction displayed by the datalogger.

1. Establish a reference point on the horizon for True North.

2. Sighting down the instrument centre line, aim the nose cone, or counterweight at
True North. Display the input location or variable for wind direction using a
hand-held keyboard display, PC, or palm.

3. Loosen the u-bolt on the CM220 or the set screws on the Nu-Rail that secure the
base of the sensor to the crossarm. While holding the vane position, slowly
rotate the sensor base until the datalogger indicates 0 degrees. Tighten the set
screws.

Basic Weather Station BWS-200

B-2

Figure B-1. Magnetic Declination at 2012.5 (degrees relative to true north,

positive is east)

Figure B-2. Declination Angles East of True North Are Subtracted From 0

to Get True North

Appendix B. Wind Direction Sensor Orientation

B-3

Figure B-3. Declination Angles West of True North Are Added to 0 to Get

True North

Basic Weather Station BWS-200

B-4

Appendix C. Troubleshooting

If your Basic Weather Station seems to be operating incorrectly, there are a number of checks
you can make to help isolate the problem. These checks may enable you to solve the problem,
but, in any case, will give you some basic facts to pass on to an engineer if you need to contact
Campbell Scientific.

C.1 Loss of Battery Power

If you are operating the station in conditions of low solar irradiance (far
North/South for instance) the power consumption may not be balanced by charge
from the solar panel. To prevent the battery discharging, carefully monitor the
battery voltage in Table 2. If it is seen to decline continuously over a period of
several days steps should be taken to redress the balance. These may include
reducing the scan rate to, say, once every sixty seconds, which will reduce the
average power consumption of the system to meet the available charge.

This will of course mean that real-time values are not updated so often and
reported peak wind speed measurements may be lower due to the longer averaging
period. If making this change, please take note of the comment above about
amending the wind-run calculation.

C.2 No Response from the Datalogger

Do the following step s:

1. Make sure that the main power supply battery has been installed and

connected properly. Ensure that the spade connectors are attached to the
correct battery terminals and that the green connector is fully inserted into the
power connector point on the datalogger – see Section 7.

2. Use a voltmeter t o measure the voltage between the terminals on the Battery.

The voltage must be greater than 11.5V lower than this means that the batt ery
is either faulty or not getting enough charge. The logger will opertate between
7V and 16V DC.

3. Make sure that the correct interface and cables are used and securely

connected to the RS232 port on the datalogger and to the RS232 port of the
computer – see Section 5.

4. Make sure that the PC200W software is correctly installed and the station file

is configured on the computer. See the PC200W Manual.

If you still cannot communicate with the datalogger, please contact Campbell
Scientific. See Section 12.

C.3 Unreasonable or Unexpected Results are

Displayed by the Datalogger

This indicates an incorrect response from one of the sensors. Note this may be the
case where an optional sensor has not been ordered and the input channel remains
unused.

C-1

Basic Weather Station BWS-200

Check the following:

1. Ensure that the value is one that should be returned by the attached sensors.

2. Ensure that the battery voltage is between greater that 11.5V DC. The logger

will opertate between 7V and 16V DC.

3. Check that the Wind Sentry, CS215 (and the ARG100 raingauge, if fitted) is

wired to the correct datalogger channel as shown in the sensor wiring table.
See Appendix A of this manual.

4. If you have modified the original datalogger program in any way, ensure that

the correct range code parameters have been used – see the Sensor and
Datalogger manuals for details.

5. Check the appropriate sensor for damage and/or contamination.

NOTE

If you have modified the original datalogger program you should
connect the sensors as described in Appendix A and download the
original program to eliminate program errors etc. before seeking
advice.

C-2

CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC COMPANIES

Campbell Scientific, Inc. (CSI)

815 West 1800 North

Logan, Utah 84321
UNITED STATES

www.campbellsci.com

Campbell Scientific Africa Pty. Ltd. (CSAf)

Somerset West 7129

www.csafrica.co.za

Campbell Scientific Australia Pty. Ltd. (CSA)

QLD 4814 AUSTRALIA

www.campbellsci.com.au

Campbell Scientific do Brazil Ltda. (CSB)

Rua Luisa Crapsi Orsi, 15 Butantã

CEP: 005543-000 São Paulo SP BRAZIL

www.campbellsci.com.br

Campbell Scientific Canada Corp. (CSC)

11564 - 149th Street NW

Edmonton, Alberta T5M 1W7

www.campbellsci.ca

Campbell Scientific Centro Caribe S.A. (CSCC)

300N Cementerio, Edificio Breller

Santo Domingo, Heredia 40305

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Campbell Scientific Ltd. (CSL)

Shepshed, Loughborough LE12 9GX

UNITED KINGDOM

www.campbellsci.co.uk

Campbell Scientific Ltd. (France)

3 Avenue de la Division Leclerc

www.campbellsci.fr

Campbell Scientific Spain, S. L.

Avda. Pompeu Fabra 7-9

Local 1 - 08024 BARCELONA

www.campbellsci.es

Campbell Scientific Ltd. (Germany)

Fahrenheitstrasse13, D-28359 Bremen

www.campbellsci.de

Please visit www.campbellsci.com to obtain contact information for your local US or Intern ational representative.

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PO Box 2450

SOUTH AFRICA

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PO Box 8108

Garbutt Post Shop

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CANADA

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COSTA RICA

Campbell Park

80 Hathern Road

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92160 ANTONY

FRANCE

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SPAIN

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GERMANY

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