Campbell Scientific WindSonic1 User Manual

Revision: 01/2021
Copyright© 2014 – 2021
Campbell Scientific, Inc.

Table of contents

1. Introduction 1
2. Precautions 1
3. Initial inspection 2
4. QuickStart 2
5. Overview 5
6. Specifications 5
6.1 Wind direction 6
6.2 Wind speed 6
7. Installation 6
7.1 Data logger-to-WindSonic1 wiring 6
7.2 SDM-SIO1A/SDM-SIO4A wiring 7
7.3 Data logger programming 8
7.3.1 WindSonic1 programming 9
7.4 Siting 9
7.5 Mount the sensor 9
8. Operation 10
8.3 Sensor output 13
8.4 Long cables 14
9. Maintenance and troubleshooting 14
9.1 Troubleshooting 14
9.2 Maintenance 15
10. Siting references 15
Appendix A. Importing Short Cut code into CRBasic Editor 16
Appendix B. Determining True North and sensor orientation 17
B.1 Online magnetic declination calculator 19
Table of Contents - i
Appendix C. Updating an older program for the new WindSonic1 settings 21
Appendix D. Using the CPI/RS-232 port 23
Table of Contents - ii

1. Introduction

The WindSonic1 is a two-dimensional ultrasonic anemometer for measuring wind speed and wind direction. It provides an alternative to traditional mechanical cup and vane or propeller and vane anemometers. Unlike mechanical anemometers, the WindSonic1 has no moving parts that need to be periodically replaced—minimizing routine maintenance costs.
The WindSonic1 outputs an RS-232 signal.
NOTE: This manual provides information only for CRBasic data loggers. For retired Edlog data logger support, see an older manual at www.campbellsci.com/old-manuals.

2. Precautions

l READ AND UNDERSTAND the Safety section at the back of this manual.
l The WindSonic1 is not recommended for conditions where rime, ice, or horizontal snow
will occur. It is not heated.
l The WindSonic1 is a precision instrument. Please handle it with care.
l If the WindSonic1 is to be installed at heights over 2 m (6 ft), be familiar with tower safety
and follow safe tower climbing procedures.
l DANGER—Use extreme care when working near overhead electrical wires. Check for
overhead wires before mounting the WindSonic1 or before raising a tower.
l WindSonic1 default settings were changed in February 2013. WindSonic1 anemometers
with newer settings will not work with older programs and Short Cut 3.0 or older. See
Campbell Scientific factory default settings (p. 11) and Updating an older program for the new WindSonic1 settings (p. 21) for more information.
l The black outer jacket of the cable is Santoprene® rubber. This compound was chosen for
its resistance to temperature extremes, moisture, and UV degradation. However, this jacket will support combustion in air. It is rated as slow burning when tested according to U.L. 94 H.B. and will pass FMVSS302. Local fire codes may preclude its use inside buildings.
WindSonic1 Two-Dimensional Sonic Anemometer 1

3. Initial inspection

l Upon receipt of the WindSonic1, inspect the packaging and contents for damage. File
damage claims with the shipping company. Immediately check package contents against the shipping documentation. Contact Campbell Scientific about any discrepancies.
l The model number and cable length are printed on a label at the connection end of the
cable. Check this information against the shipping documents to ensure the expected product and cable length are received.

4. QuickStart

A video that describes data logger programming using Short Cut is available at:
www.campbellsci.com/videos/cr1000x-data logger-getting-started-program-part-3 . Short Cut
is an easy way to program your data logger to measure the sensor and assign data logger wiring terminals. Short Cut is available as a download on www.campbellsci.com. It is included in installations of LoggerNet, RTDAQ, and PC400.
The following procedure also shows using Short Cut to program the WindSonic1.
1. Open Short Cut and click Create New Program.
2. Double-click the data logger model.
WindSonic1 Two-Dimensional Sonic Anemometer 2
3. In the Available Sensors and Devices box, type WindSonic1 or locate the sensor in the Sensors > Meteorological > Wind Speed & Direction folder. Double-click either WindSonic1 (RS-232 9.6K baud) or WindSonic1 (RS-232 38.4K baud); 9.6K baud is the factory-default setting. The wind speed defaults to meters per second. This can be changed by clicking the Wind Speed box and selecting one of the other options.
4. Click on the Wiring tab to see how the sensor is to be wired to the data logger. Click OK after wiring the sensor.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for other sensors.
WindSonic1 Two-Dimensional Sonic Anemometer 3
6. In Output Setup, type the scan rate, meaningful table names, and Data Output Storage Interval. Click Next.
7. Select the measurement and its associated output option.
8. Click Finish and save the program. Send the program to the data logger if the data logger is connected to the computer.
9. If the sensor is connected to the data logger, check the output of the sensor in the data display in LoggerNet, RTDAQ, PC400, or PC200W to make sure it is making reasonable measurements.
WindSonic1 Two-Dimensional Sonic Anemometer 4

5. Overview

The WindSonic1 is manufactured by Gill Instruments, Ltd. It is an ultrasonic anemometer for measuring wind direction and wind speed. Two pairs of orthogonally oriented transducers sense horizontal wind. The transducers bounce the ultrasonic signal from a hood, minimizing the effects of transducer shadowing and flow distortion.
The WindSonic1 outputs data using the RS-232 interface. It connects to two C or U terminals or to the CPI/RS-232 port by using an RJ45 terminal block adapter. The WindSonic1 is also compatible with the SDM-SIO1A and SDM-SIO4A devices, which increase the number of serial sensors one data logger can measure. The WindSonic1 is not compatible with the CR200(X)-series or CR5000 data loggers. A similar sensor, the Wind Sonic4, is compatible with the CR200(X)­series and CR5000; refer to www.campbellsci.com/windsonic4 for more information.
The WindSonic1 includes a user-specified cable to interface to a Campbell Scientific data logger. A serial cable (WINDSONICRCBL-L) is available for interfacing a WindSonic1 to a computer running the manufacturer’s computer support software. The cable and software are used during troubleshooting or to change settings for a specific application. A copy of this computer support software is available at www.gill.co.uk/main/software.html. WindView is used for WindSonic1 anemometers with serial numbers of 0810001 or greater, and WindCom is used for WindSonic1 anemometers with serial numbers that are less than 0810001.
Features:
l Low maintenance—no moving parts significantly reduces maintenance cost and time
l Minimum detectable wind speed of 0.01meters per second
l Compatible with Campbell Scientific CRBasic data loggers: CR6, CR3000, CR1000X, CR800
series, CR300 series, and CR1000
l Compatible with the SDM-SIO1A and SDM-SIO4A serial modules, which allows one data
logger to measure more WindSonic1 anemometers

6. Specifications

Output signal:
Measurement frequency:
RS-232
40Hz block averaged to a programmable output frequency, factory set to 1Hz
WindSonic1 Two-Dimensional Sonic Anemometer 5
Current drain:
~15 mA continuous
Operating temperature:
Storage temperature:
Dimensions:
Weight:
Operating humidity:
–35 to 70 °C
–40 to 80 °C
142 x 160 mm (5.6 x 6.3 in)
500 g (1.1 lb)
<5% to 100% RH

6.1 Wind direction

Operating range:
Accuracy:
Output resolution:
0 to 359° (no dead band)
±3°

6.2 Wind speed

Operating range:
0 to 60 m/s
Accuracy:
Output resolution:
±2% @ 12 m/s
0.01 m/s

7. Installation

If you are programming your data logger with Short Cut, skip Data logger-to-WindSonic1 wiring (p. 6) and Data logger programming (p. 8). Short Cut does this work for you. See QuickStart (p. 2) for a Short Cut tutorial.

7.1 Data logger-to-WindSonic1 wiring

The WindSonic1 supports serial communications with dedicated UART hardware on the data logger control or universal terminals. Two control or universal terminals are configured as a single communications (COMn) port.
WindSonic1 Two-Dimensional Sonic Anemometer 6
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