Campbell Scientific SkyVUE 8 User Manual

Revision:01/2021

Campbell Scientific, Inc.

1. General information 1

1.1 Packing list 1

1.2 General safety 1

1.3 Sensor unit safety 2

1.4 Laser safety 2

1.5 Electrical safety 4

2. Product overview 5

2.1 Introduction 6

2.1.1 Cloud height detection 6

2.1.2 Sky condition 7

2.1.3 Backscatter profile reporting 7

2.2 Optical measurement 8

2.2.1 Optical arrangement 8

2.3 Internal monitoring 8

2.4 Specifications 9

2.4.1 Measurement specifications 9

2.4.2 Mechanical specifications 9

2.4.3 Electrical specifications 10

2.4.4 Optical specifications 12

2.4.5 Environmental specifications 12

2.4.6 Communications specifications 12

2.4.7 Compliance and testing 13

3. Initial preparation and checks 14

4. Installation 15

4.1 Location and orientation 15

4.2 Grounding 15

4.3 Mounting the SkyVUE 8 16

4.4 Tilt angle 17

4.5 Connectors and wiring 18

4.5.1 Base connectors 18

4.5.2 Wiring using supplied Campbell Scientific cables 19

Table of Contents - i

4.5.2.1 Power connections 20

4.5.2.2 Communications connections 21

4.5.3 USB connection 21

4.5.4 I/O connection 22

4.6 Connecting the back-up battery 22

4.7 Bird spike kit 23

4.8 Storage information 24

5. Operation 25

5.1 Terminal mode 25

5.1.1 Entering/exiting the SkyVUE 8 terminal mode 26

5.1.2 Terminal mode commands general 26

5.1.3 Terminal mode command examples 27

5.1.4 Application command message types 41

5.1.5 MCFG command message types 43

5.1.6 Measurement and message intervals 44

5.1.7 Status command 46

5.1.8 Message polling 54

5.1.9 Loading a new operating system (OS) 55

5.1.10 Stratocumulus backscatter calibration 56

5.1.11 CRC-16 codes on terminal commands 58

5.1.12 Service command 58

5.1.13 Locked features 60

5.2 Restoring factory defaults 60

5.3 LED indicator 61

6. Messages 62

6.1 Data messages general 62

6.2 Checksums used in SkyVUE 8 messages 62

6.3 CS messages 63

6.3.1 MESSAGE 001 (no profile, no sky condition) 63

6.3.2 MESSAGE 002 (Profile, no sky condition) 67

6.3.3 MESSAGE 003 (no profile, sky condition) 70

6.3.4 MESSAGE 004 (profile, sky condition) — default message 72

6.4 CL31 messages 76

6.4.1 MESSAGES 101 - 106, (CL31 MESSAGE 1) 76

6.4.2 MESSAGE 005 (no profile, sky condition, mixing layer heights) 77

6.4.3 MESSAGES 107 - 112, CL31 Message 2 81

Table of Contents - ii

6.5 CT25K messages 85

6.5.1 MESSAGE 113, CT25K Data Message No. 1 85

6.5.2 MESSAGE 114, CT25K Data Message No. 6 88

7. Maintenance 90

7.1 General 90

7.2 Cleaning 90

7.3 Diagnostic LED indicators within the enclosure 91

7.4 Electrical safety testing 92

Appendix A. Measurement of the attenuated backscatter profile 93

A.1 Initial measurement 93 A.2 Backscatter onset height detection 93 A.3 Produce attenuated backscatter output message 94

Appendix B. Cloud height calculation 95

Appendix C. Sky condition algorithm description 96

Appendix D. Replacing the SkyVUE 8 PSU 98

Appendix E. SkyVUE 8 Laser/APD module replacement 100

List of figures

FIGURE 1-1. Location of laser warning label 4 FIGURE 2-1. Principle of operation 8 FIGURE 2-2. SkyVUE 8 dimensions 10 FIGURE 2-3. PSU types 11 FIGURE 4-1. Mounting base footprint 16 FIGURE 4-2. Setting the tilt angle 17 FIGURE 4-3. Connector layout 18 FIGURE 4-4. Cable connections 21 FIGURE 4-5. USB port 22 FIGURE 4-6. Connecting battery 22 FIGURE 4-7. Ceilometer bird spike kit installed 23 FIGURE 4-8. Preparing the SkyVUE 8 for installing the bird spikes 23 FIGURE 4-9. Attaching bird spikes to the SkyVUE 8 cowl 24 FIGURE 5-1. Restoring factory defaults 61 FIGURE 5-2. LED indicator 61 FIGURE 7-1. Diagnostic LED indicators 92

Table of Contents - iii

List of tables

Table 1-1: Packing list 1 Table 4-1: Function of the connector pins for the mains connector 18 Table 4-2: Function of the connector pins for the blower/heater connector 19 Table 4-3: Function of the connector pins for the communications connector 19 Table 5-1: Summary of the terminal mode commands available 28 Table 5-2: Summary of applications and applied settings for SkyVUE 8 42 Table 5-3: Summary of message ID and descriptions 43 Table 6-1: Most significant alarm word for CS messages 64 Table 6-2: Middle alarm word for CS messages 65 Table 6-3: Least significant alarm word for CS messages 66 Table 6-4: Most significant alarm word for CS31 messages 78 Table 6-5: Middle alarm word for CS31 messages 79 Table 6-6: Least significant alarm word for CS31 messages 79 Table 6-7: Most significant alarm word for CT25K messages 86 Table 6-8: Second alarm word for CT25K messages 87

Table of Contents - iv

1. General information

1.1 Packing list 1

1.2 General safety 1

1.3 Sensor unit safety 2

1.4 Laser safety 2

1.5 Electrical safety 4

1.1 Packing list

The following table lists the products shipped with the SkyVUE 8.

Table 1-1: Packing list

Description Quantity

Ceilometer 1

Power supply cable 1

Data cable 1

Bolt, sleeve anchor 4

Cable, USB type A plug to type B plug, 2 m 1

Triangle key 1

Calibration plate 1

1.2 General safety

This manual provides important safety considerations for the installation, operation and maintenance of the SkyVUE™8. These safety considerations are classified into three levels:

WARNING: Warnings alert the installer or user to serious hazards. Ignoring these warnings could result in injury or death and/or irrevocable damage to the sensor unit.

SkyVUE™8 (CS136) LIDAR Ceilometer 1

CAUTION: Cautions warn of potential hazards. Ignoring these cautions could result in the sensor being damaged and data being lost.

NOTE: Notes highlight useful information in the installation, use and maintenance of this product. These should be followed carefully in order to gain the maximum benefit from the use of this product.

1.3 Sensor unit safety

The SkyVUE 8 sensor has been checked for safety before leaving the factory and contains no internally replaceable or modifiable parts.

WARNING: Do not modify the SkyVUE 8 unit. Such modifications will lead to damage of the unit and could expose users to dangerous light levels and voltages.

WARNING: Do not attempt to repair the SkyVUE 8 unit without consulting Campbell Scientific.

CAUTION: Ensure that the correct voltage supply is provided to the sensor.

1.4 Laser safety

The SkyVUE 8 sensor incorporates an InGaAs laser diode which is rated as a class 3B device. This is an embedded laser where the output from the sensor unit, through the optics, is minimized to class 1M. This classification indicates that viewing of the beam with the naked eye is safe but looking directly into the beam with optical instruments, e.g. binoculars can be dangerous.

From the laser head the output has the following characteristics:

Maximum average power: 15.0 mW (through 50 mm)

Maximum pulse energy: 1500 nJ (through 50 mm)

Pulse duration: 100 ns

Pulse frequency: 10 kHz

Wavelength: 912 nm ± 5 nm

Tested to: EN 60825-1:2014

SkyVUE™8 (CS136) LIDAR Ceilometer 2

Half angle divergence: 0.44 mrad

The sensor is marked with the following warning information:

INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION

DO NOT VIEW DIRECTLY WITH OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS

CLASS 1M LASER PRODUCT

IEC/EN 60825-1:2014

WARNING: Removing the laser module with the power applied to the SkyVUE 8 or battery connected may expose the user to hazardous class 3B laser radiation.

No attempt should be made to operate the laser module outside of the housing.

WARNING: Annually, check that the laser warning label on the sensor is still visible and can be clearly read.

When installing the sensor, avoid pointing the laser housing towards areas where binoculars are in common use.

WARNING: Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.

SkyVUE™8 (CS136) LIDAR Ceilometer 3

FIGURE 1-1. Location of laser warning label

Before removing the laser module, the sensor must be disconnected from both the mains supply and the battery to ensure that the laser is turned off.

1.5 Electrical safety

Because the sensor is powered from potentially hazardous mains voltages, the power-supply should be wired only by personnel qualified to install electrical equipment. For permanent outside installations, this usually requires a certified electrician who is also familiar with local electrical and safety legislation. Some general guidance is given in Connectors and wiring (p. 18), but the responsibility for the installation lies with the installer.

The unit is tested for electrical safety before dispatch but may need subsequent testing according to local practice.

NOTE: The unit should only be serviced by trained personnel.

SkyVUE™8 (CS136) LIDAR Ceilometer 4

WARNING: Removal of electronic module covers or connectors while the unit is powered will expose the operator to potentially hazardous voltages and risk damage to the sensor.

The SkyVUE 8 has electrical and laser warning labels on the exterior and interior of the unit.

It is fitted with a hex-key access panel. It is recommended that the hood and access panel door are not opened in conditions of rain, hail or snow.

Isolate the sensor before removing internal components, including the cover to the avalanche photodiode (APD) module. Only trained personnel should disassemble the instrument.

Mains connectors are shrouded to prevent touching of the contacts. The mains supply should be isolated when connecting and disconnecting the cables to the sensor.

Where an isolator switch is fitted, this shall be a two-pole isolator, located as near to the sensor as possible.

The SkyVUE 8 must be properly grounded by a licensed and qualified electrician to protect against voltage leakage shock risk (Grounding (p. 15)).

Campbell Scientific recommends that RCD protection units be used with all sensors. See Power

connections (p. 20) for further information.

Mains powered heaters are enclosed to prevent contact.

CAUTION: When powered, the heaters may operate automatically and without warning. They may remain hot when not powered. Follow the isolation precautions, to avoid shock and burn hazards.

The sealed battery has cables and protected connectors to prevent shorts. Avoid shorting the battery to protect it from damage and to avoid burns to personnel through contact with hot surfaces.

2. Product overview

2.1 Introduction 6

2.2 Optical measurement 8

2.3 Internal monitoring 8

2.4 Specifications 9

SkyVUE™8 (CS136) LIDAR Ceilometer 5

2.1 Introduction

The SkyVUE 8 is a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) ceilometer that emits short pulses of near infrared light into the atmosphere from a semiconductor laser. The pulses of infrared light are scattered back by aerosols including cloud droplets. The time between transmission of the pulse and the return signal gives the range, and therefore height, of the scattering aerosols. The variation in the strength of the back-scattered light signal with height gives a profile of scatter coefficients and allows identification of cloud bases. If significant scattering is detected without a defined cloud base, then a vertical visibility can be calculated.

The control system of the SkyVUE 8 is divided into three modules, DSP, TOP and PSU as follows:

DSP (Digital Signal Processor) is the main data processing and communications unit of the SkyVUE 8. It hosts two separate time keeping circuits that are cross checked. An alarm is triggered if the circuits disagree.

TOP (top of the unit) provides safety shutdown features such as over and under laser output level. It also contains the calibration circuitry and dirty windows system.

PSU (Power Supply Unit) controls the power supply including battery charging and deep discharge protection.

The SkyVUE 8 has a rugged environmental enclosure that protects the instrument from the harshest conditions and will measure the atmosphere with high stability and repeatability.

2.1.1 Cloud height detection

A scatter profile is measured as described in Measurement of the attenuated backscatter profile (p. 93).

Cloud height detection is carried out as described in Cloud height calculation (p. 95). Up to four cloud heights can be detected.

If clouds are not detected, the SkyVUE 8 will give one of these reports:

l No significant backscatter.

l Full obscuration determined but no cloud base detected. This is reported if the criteria for

detecting cloud base is not met but the integrated scattering coefficient reaches the limit of vertical visibility below a set height limit. The default value is 2000m (6560ft) but can be changed by the user. The height at which this occurs is given as vertical visibility.

l Some obscuration detected but determined to be transparent is reported if scattering is

detected but no cloud is detected and the calculated vertical visibility exceeds a set height limit.

SkyVUE™8 (CS136) LIDAR Ceilometer 6

If no cloud is detected but significant scattering is detected below 50m (160ft), then vertical visibility is set to 0.

2.1.2 Sky condition

Sky condition is an assessment of cloud cover measured in units of eighths known as oktas. The number of oktas is the density of cloud in eighths of that layer. The SkyVUE 8 can report up to five layers of cloud when reporting sky condition. The algorithm used in the SkyVUE 8 follows guidance in the ICAO 9837, Manual on Automatic Meteorological Observing Systems at Aerodromes.

Sky condition is not an instantaneous measurement. It is based on cloud data for the previous 30 minutes, with cloud detection in the previous 10 minutes given an extra weighting. Therefore, sky condition is not available until sufficient data has been collected. See Sky condition algorithm

description (p. 96) for more detail.

2.1.3 Backscatter profile reporting

Several possible data messages give the two-way attenuated backscatter profile. This consists of 2048 groups of five-character values (10,240 characters in total). Each character is 8 bits long and therefore each 5 figure group is 40 bits. They are given as signed two complement integers and numbers greater than 239–1 represent negative integers.

NOTE: After 1600, the remaining groups are all of 00000.

Therefore, each group actually represents negative, a value between –239to +(239–1), rather than 0 to (240–1), which would be the case for unsigned, positive, 40-bit integers.

Apply the following two-stage process to correct the decimal value:

1. Convert the hexidecimal characters to a decimal number.

2. If the number resulting from this conversion is greater than 1048575, subtract 1,099,511,627,776, which is 240.

To use this backscatter coefficient in units of sr-1m-1, the sensor multiplies the calculated decimal number by a factor of 10-8. The values are scaled by the Attenuated_SCALE parameter, see

Table 5-1 (p. 28).

NOTE: The profile is not corrected for tilt angle even if cloud heights are corrected.

SkyVUE™8 (CS136) LIDAR Ceilometer 7

2.2 Optical measurement

FIGURE 2-1. Principle of operation

2.2.1 Optical arrangement

The SkyVUE 8 uses a single biaxial lens design that increases optical signal-to-noise ratio, while maintaining Class 1M eye safety by integrating larger optics into a compact package (see FIGURE

2-1 (p. 8)). Half of the lens is used by the transmitter, and the other half is used by the receiver.

This design provides an alternative to traditional two lens or common-optics designs. The optical isolation of traditional biaxial systems is maintained to increase detector sensitivity, while the low overlap onset height of common-optics systems is incorporated to allow measurements at close ranges.

2.3 Internal monitoring

The SkyVUE 8 monitors window contamination, key voltages and currents, internal temperature and relative humidity, and other parameters relevant to its performance. Data messages (see

Operation (p. 25)) include this information allowing remote diagnosis of the SkyVUE 8 condition.

In addition, a special status message can be polled.

SkyVUE™8 (CS136) LIDAR Ceilometer 8

2.4 Specifications

2.4.1 Measurement specifications 9

2.4.2 Mechanical specifications 9

2.4.3 Electrical specifications 10

2.4.4 Optical specifications 12

2.4.5 Environmental specifications 12

2.4.6 Communications specifications 12

2.4.7 Compliance and testing 13

2.4.1 Measurement specifications

Maximum reporting range: 8 km (26,250 ft)

Minimum reporting resolution:

Hard target range accuracy:

Reporting cycle:

Cloud layers reported:

5 m (15 ft)

± 0.25% ± 4.6 m (15 ft)

2 to 600 s

Up to four layers reported reported in Sky Condition.

2.4.2 Mechanical specifications

Height: 737 mm (29 in)

Width: 294 mm (11.6 in)

Depth: 240 mm (9.5 in)

Total weight: 18 kg (40 lb)

Shipping weight: 24.6 kg (54 lb)

Base plate:

316 x 316 mm (12.4 in x 12.4 in)

, excluding cables

, instantaneously. Up to five layers

SkyVUE™8 (CS136) LIDAR Ceilometer 9

FIGURE 2-2. SkyVUE 8 dimensions

2.4.3 Electrical specifications

Power required: Nominal 115 VAC (106 to 137 VAC) or nominal 230 VAC (216

to 253 VAC) (automatic selection), 47 to 63 Hz, 380 maximum

W total

DSP:

12V OUT: 12 VDC /

Heater: Input not used with AC heaters.

Hood heater: 220

Internal heater: 110

Fuses:

DSP fuse:

10 to 40 VDC input;1A at 12 VDC;

1.7 A for optional or external equipment (if the SkyVUE 8 14VDC for this to be available

W, maximum

HBC 5A (T)

is using a DC supply,

W, maximum

(not available in DC operation)

SkyVUE™8 (CS136) LIDAR Ceilometer 10

0.5

A at 24 VDC

this must be greater than

PSU fuse:

HBC5A(T)

All fuses are 5 x 20 mm slow blow (T) and are the same for both 115VAC and 230VAC.

Battery:

The heaters are resistive, which is advantageous when connected to generators or when current consumption is important.

Internal 12V, 7Ah sealed lead-acid battery. The power supply is equipped with a system to prevent deep discharge of the battery.

FIGURE 2-3. PSU types

SkyVUE™8 (CS136) LIDAR Ceilometer 11

2.4.4 Optical specifications

Pulse duration:

Pulse frequency:

Wavelength:

Half-angle laser divergence: 0.44

Field of view: 2.0

Laser lifetime:

Eye safety class:

100 ns

10 kHz

912 ± 5 nm

mrad

10 years typical

2.4.5 Environmental specifications

Standard operating temperature range:

Battery temperature range:

Relative humidity range:

IP rating:

–40 to 60 °C

–20 to 50 °C (alternative battery types available)

0 to 100%

IP 66

(excluding battery)

Maximum wind speed:

55 m/s

2.4.6 Communications specifications

Supported serial settings:

Supported data rates: 300 baud 19200 baud

Supported standards:

8 bits, no parity, 1 stop bit (default)

7 bits, even parity, 1 stop bit

7 bits, odd parity, 1 stop bit

600 baud 38400 baud

1200 baud 57600 baud

2400 baud 76800 baud

4800 baud 115200 baud (default)

9600 baud

RS-232 (default)

RS-485 full duplex

RS-485 half duplex

SkyVUE™8 (CS136) LIDAR Ceilometer 12

Signal voltage levels:

Minimum value Nominal value Maximum value

RS-232 communications

RS-232 input threshold low 0.8 V 1.5 V –

RS-232 input threshold high – 2.0 V 2.4 V

RS-232 input absolute maximum –15 V – +15 V

RS-232 input resistance 12 KΩ – –

RS-232 output voltage low – – 0.4 V

RS-232 output voltage high (into 3 KΩ) 4.4 V – –

RS-485/422 communications

RS-485/422 input threshold voltage –0.2 V – +0.2 V

RS-485/422 output (unloaded) – – 5V

RS-485/422 output (load 50 Ω) 2 V – –

Maximum voltage at any terminal –7 V – +7 V

USB Service Port USB1.1 and 2.0 compatible, fixed 115200 baud.

2.4.7 Compliance and testing

NOTE: Further details regarding compliance and testing are available upon request.

EMC compliance:

Electrical safety compliance:

Laser safety compliance:

Eye safety standard:

Vibration:

Frequency range:

EN 61326-1:2013

EN 61010-1:2010

EN 60825-1:2014

Class 1M

BS EN 60068-2-6:2008 Test Fc: Vibration (Sinusoidal)

5 to 150 Hz (exceeds Lloyd's Register test levels)

SkyVUE™8 (CS136) LIDAR Ceilometer 13

3. Initial preparation and checks

The following steps will provide basic familiarization with the SkyVUE 8 and perform basic functionality checks. To do these, open the door and connect the battery (see Connecting the

back-up battery (p. 22)).

WARNING: The laser begins operating as soon as the battery is connected. Do not point the laser in any direction where it could be viewed with magnifying optics.

The green LED visible from above should flash once every 10 seconds (see FIGURE 5-2 (p. 61)).

Connect the SkyVUE 8 USB port (see FIGURE 4-5 (p. 22)) to a computer and use a terminal emulation program to set to 115200 baud, 8N1 bits/parity settings.

The computer should identify the USB connection and allocate a port number. Enter the port setting in the terminal emulator program. Older computer operating systems may need upgrading or additional software.

The SkyVUE 8 will output message type 004 (default) every 30 seconds (see CS messages (p. 63)).

Use the open 0 command to open the terminal mode. You should now see the prompt CS136>. Type Status to see the sensor status information described in Status command (p. 46). If using date/time information, checked it since the date/time can drift up to ±14 seconds per day.

If the unit has been in storage or transit for more than a few months, the clock battery may be discharged. However, it will charge from the back-up battery or mains power.

Use the Close command to exit the terminal mode. It will close automatically after 10 minutes of inactivity.

If you are not installing the unit and connecting mains power, you should disconnect the battery to avoid it being discharged.

SkyVUE™8 (CS136) LIDAR Ceilometer 14

4. Installation

4.1 Location and orientation 15

4.2 Grounding 15

4.3 Mounting the SkyVUE 8 16

4.4 Tilt angle 17

4.5 Connectors and wiring 18

4.6 Connecting the back-up battery 22

4.7 Bird spike kit 23

4.8 Storage information 24

4.1 Location and orientation

The SkyVUE 8 measures environmental variables and is designed to be located in harsh weather conditions. However, there are a few considerations to take into account if accurate and representative data from a site are to be obtained.

To reduce the service frequency with the unit, place the SkyVUE 8 away from sources of contamination. More regular maintenance will be required when the instrument is placed in areas where contamination is unavoidable or where measurements may be safety related.

Take care that the orientation allows tilting in whatever direction is desired.

WARNING: If installing at an airport, check and follow local guidance for allowed locations for a nonfrangible object 1 m (3.2 ft) tall. Please contact Campbell Scientific if frangible fittings are required.

4.2 Grounding

The SkyVUE 8 must be properly grounded by taking a ground wire with a minimum cross sectional area of 16mm2(0.62in) and maximum length of 10m (32.8ft) from the brass grounding boss to an adequate grounding point. FIGURE 2-2 (p. 10)) shows the location of the grounding boss.

SkyVUE™8 (CS136) LIDAR Ceilometer 15

4.3 Mounting the SkyVUE 8

Mount the SkyVUE 8 by bolting to a firm, level foundation. When bolting down, ensure the SkyVUE 8 can tilt in all desired directions. FIGURE 4-1 (p. 16) shows the mounting footprint. If a suitable surface does not already exist, construct a concrete foundation, at least 600mm (23.6in) square and 600mm (23.6in) deep, by using the following procedure:

1. Drill four 12mm (0.47in) diameter holes using the mount base as a template (see FIGURE

4-1 (p. 16)) to a depth of 77mm (3.03in).

2. Clean the holes of all debris.

3. Place washers and nuts on the ends of the wedge anchors supplied (to protect the threads during installation).

4. Hammer the wedge anchors into the holes until the start of the threads are below the surface.

5. Tighten the nuts until about 25mm (0.98in) of thread protrudes above the surface.

6. Remove the washers and nuts from the protruding length screw, then lower the SkyVUE 8 into place.

7. Secure the SkyVUE 8 with the washers and nuts.

8. If the surface is not level and flat, add washers under the base on one or more of the foundation screws.

FIGURE 4-1. Mounting base footprint

SkyVUE™8 (CS136) LIDAR Ceilometer 16

4.4 Tilt angle

The SkyVUE 8 can be tilted 6°, 12°, 18° or 24° from vertical. In tropical regions, tilting the sensor north in the northern hemisphere and south in the southern hemisphere can prevent the sun from shining directly into the sensor. The tilt angle also can reduce problems caused by direct specular reflections from ice crystals, and prevent rain or snow from falling onto the window. To adjust the tilt angle, remove the bolts shown in FIGURE 4-2 (p. 17), move the SkyVUE 8 to the required tilt angle, and replace the bolts.

The SkyVUE 8 has tilt sensors in both axes to compensate the cloud height when the base is not level. Set or disable cloud height compensation by using the UNITS command (Terminal mode

command examples (p. 27)). This feature is useful for mobile or marine applications. Profile data

is NOT compensated but tilt angles are included in data messages.

NOTE: Increasing the tilt angle beyond 24° can cause significant errors in vertical visibility measurements if scatter coefficients vary significantly with height.

FIGURE 4-2. Setting the tilt angle

SkyVUE™8 (CS136) LIDAR Ceilometer 17

4.5 Connectors and wiring

4.5.1 Base connectors 18

4.5.2 Wiring using supplied Campbell Scientific cables 19

4.5.3 USB connection 21

4.5.4 I/O connection 22

4.5.1 Base connectors

The SkyVUE 8 has two connectors on its base. One connector (6 pins) is for communications; another connector (4 pins) provides power to the unit.

NOTE: Tilting the unit provides better access to these connectors.

FIGURE 4-3. Connector layout

The function of the connector pins is shown in Table 4-1 (p. 18), Table 4-2 (p. 19), and Table 4-3 (p. 19).

Table 4-1: Function of the connector pins for the mains connector

Pin Function Color of supplied cable cores

1 Live Brown

2 Not connected NA

3 Neutral Blue

4 Earth Green/yellow

SkyVUE™8 (CS136) LIDAR Ceilometer 18

Table 4-2: Function of the connector pins for the blower/heater connector

Pin Function Color of supplied cable cores

1 Neutral Black (1)

2 Fan + 12 VDC Black (2)

3 Thermistor Black (3)

4 Thermistor (0 V) Black (4)

E Earth Green/yellow

Table 4-3: Function of the connector pins for the communications connector

Pin on

connector on

SkyVUE 8

1 Red 8

2 Yellow 7

3 Green 5 Gnd

Color of

supplied cable

cores

Switched 230/115 VAC

high voltage heater

Switched 230/115 VAC

low voltage heater

9-pin D

connector

Black (5)

Black (6)

RS-485 half

RS-232

duplex

CTS (DCE)

B/D+

output

RTS (DCE)

input

RS-485 full

duplex/

RS-422

Y/TXD

non-inverting

B/RXD

non-inverting

4 Black Gnd Gnd

5 White 2

6 Blue 3

E Screen

RXD (DCE)

A/D–

output

TXD (DCE)

input

Z/TXD

inverting

A/RXD

inverting

4.5.2 Wiring using supplied Campbell Scientific cables

Two cables are supplied, each 10m (32.8ft) long. One is for the mains power supply and the other is for communications.

SkyVUE™8 (CS136) LIDAR Ceilometer 19

WARNING: Incorrectly wiring the power cable can cause irrevocable damage to the unit and can cause serious injury or death.

WARNING: The power cable must not be carrying mains voltage when it is being connected or disconnected.

4.5.2.1 Power connections

The following is a guide for wiring and installing a permanent power supply.

As the sensor is used outside, a qualified electrician should install the power cables. Please check local safety regulations.

Ensure that the termination type, cable type, and cable run of the mains power source complies with local regulations and fits the installationrequirements.

The power source needs to provide the correct voltage, frequency, and current in excess of the power requirement of the system.

Voltage requirements: 106 to 137 VAC or 216 to 253 VAC (auto select)

Power requirements: 380 W

Input frequency: 47 to 63 Hz

The power source needs fuses with ratings of 5A or larger and a slow-blow design. Cable extensions or replacement cables should be capable of carrying current in excess of that fuse rating.

Include a two-pole isolator as close to the sensor as is possible.

The power cable needs three conductors (live, neutral, and a protective earth), normally with IEC wiring colors to match those used.

The equipment requires the connection of earth ground using the earth wire of the power connector/cable or via the earth stud on the sensor base. Ensure the earth connection at the power source is suitable for this purpose.

This equipment also requires correct connection of the live and neutral conductors — make sure these are identified and wired correctly at the power source.

Normally, fit the power source with its own or system wide earth leakage breaker (also known as an RCD).

For short term testing of the sensor, fit the power cable with a suitable plug can be fitted to the end of the power cable and the sensor plugged into a standard mains supply capable of

SkyVUE™8 (CS136) LIDAR Ceilometer 20

providing 5A at the rated voltage. If this is done, the earth wire of the sensor must be connected to a suitable protective earth point.

For DC operation, the SkyVUE 8 requires a 10 to 40VDC supply capable of 1A at 12VDC or 0.5A at 24VDC.

4.5.2.2 Communications connections

The communications cable terminates at one end with a removable 9-pin, D-connector (DB9). The D-connector connects directly to a computer or data logger such as the Campbell Scientific CR1000X using a suitable interconnecting cable such as the SC110. FIGURE 4-4 (p. 21). The connector can easily be removed for direct connection to screw terminals.

See www.campbellsci.com/downloads/skyvue-example-programs for CRBasic programs that connect the SkyVUE 8 to a Campbell Scientific data logger.

CAUTION: The supplied cable is not recommended for lengths greater than 10m (32.8ft). Longer RS-485 cables should incorporate twisted pairs. Contact Campbell Scientific if needing longer cable lengths.

FIGURE 4-4. Cable connections

4.5.3 USB connection

The USB port provided inside the enclosure is for on-site maintenance. It supports communication of commands to the SkyVUE 8 and responses in the same form as the main serial port, except the baud rate is fixed at 115200 (see FIGURE 4-5 (p. 22)).

SkyVUE™8 (CS136) LIDAR Ceilometer 21

FIGURE 4-5. USB port

4.5.4 I/O connection

The I/O port is only used for factory setting of the instrument.

4.6 Connecting the back-up battery

The SkyVUE 8 is shipped with the back-up battery disconnected and includes desiccant used for transport. Before using the unit, open the door, connect the internal battery (FIGURE 4-6 (p. 22), remove the desiccant, and close the door.

FIGURE 4-6. Connecting battery

SkyVUE™8 (CS136) LIDAR Ceilometer 22

4.7 Bird spike kit

The optional bird spike kit deters birds from sitting on the SkyVUE 8. It includes four stainlesssteel spikes with rounded ends and a small reel of stainless-steel wire. The following figure shows installed bird spikes.

FIGURE 4-7. Ceilometer bird spike kit installed

To install the bird spikes, remove the cowl and blanking plugs from the cowl (FIGURE 4-8 (p. 23). If the SkyVUE 8 is an older unit without pre-existing holes, then drill four holes each 4.5mm (0.17in) diameter, evenly spaced around the aperture and 10mm (0.39in) in from the edge. For each hole, place a nut and washer then thread the spike into the hole. Tighten the nuts and washers (see FIGURE 4-9 (p. 24)). Replace the cowl on the SkyVUE 8.

FIGURE 4-8. Preparing the SkyVUE 8 for installing the bird spikes

SkyVUE™8 (CS136) LIDAR Ceilometer 23

FIGURE 4-9. Attaching bird spikes to the SkyVUE 8 cowl

Wrap the stainless steel wire around each spike using the grooves in the spike then wrap it back on itself.

CAUTION: Do not tighten the wire too much as it may pull the spikes inwards and obscure the field of view of the SkyVUE 8 optics.

Only use one strand of wire to reduce the possibility of water drops being collected.

Check the wire during maintenance and replace if necessary.

4.8 Storage information

Store the SkyVUE 8 in a dry place at –40 to 70 °C, preferably with the enclosures securely fastened. Protect the optics from possible accidental damage. Disconnect the back-up battery when storing the SkyVUE 8.

NOTE: If the battery remains connected during storage, the unit will be powered until the battery voltage falls below a shut-down threshold.

SkyVUE™8 (CS136) LIDAR Ceilometer 24

NOTE: Storing the SkyVUE 8 below 0.0 °C will increase the start-up time by up to ten minutes. At –20 °C, the SkyVUE 8 will not achieve full accuracy for an hour.

NOTE: Remove the battery if the SkyVUE 8 is to be stored outside the –20 to 50 °C temperature range.

5. Operation