WXT520 Weather Transmitter
Revision: 8/12
Copyright © 2006-2012
Campbell Scientific, Inc.
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Table of Contents
PDF viewers: These page numbers refer to the printed version of this document. Use the
PDF reader bookmarks tab for links to specific sections.
1. Introduction.................................................................1
2. Cautionary Statements...............................................1
3. Initial Inspection .........................................................1
4. Overview......................................................................1
4.1 Wind Speed and Direction ...................................................................1
4.2 Precipitation .........................................................................................1
4.3 Barometric Pressure, Temperature, and Relative Humidity.................2
5. Specifications .............................................................2
5.1 Wind Speed..........................................................................................2
5.2 Wind Direction.....................................................................................2
5.3 Precipitation .........................................................................................2
5.4 Barometric Pressure .............................................................................2
5.5 Air Temperature...................................................................................3
5.6 Relative Humidity ................................................................................3
5.7 Assembly..............................................................................................3
6. Installation...................................................................3
6.1 Mounting to a Campbell Scientific Crossarm ......................................3
6.2 IP66 Mounting Device .........................................................................3
6.3 Bird Spike Kit ......................................................................................4
6.4 Wiring Table ........................................................................................5
6.5 Commands ...........................................................................................6
6.6 Programming........................................................................................6
6.6.1 CRBasic ........................................................................................6
6.6.1.1 Example CR1000 Program.................................................7
6.6.1.2 Example CR200(X) Program .............................................8
6.6.2 Edlog Programming ......................................................................9
6.6.2.1 CR10X Program.................................................................9
Appendix
Configuring the WXT520 ........................................ A-1
A.
i
Table of Contents
Figures
6-1. Optional WXT520 IP66 Mounting Kit................................................ 4
6-2. Optional bird spike device................................................................... 5
A-1. Connection Setup screen ................................................................. A-1
A-2. Device Settings screen..................................................................... A-2
A-3. Sensor Settings screen ..................................................................... A-3
A-4. Message Settings screen .................................................................. A-3
Tables
6-1. Connections to Campbell Scientific Dataloggers ................................ 5
6-2. SDI-12 Commands.............................................................................. 6
ii
WXT520 Weather Transmitter
1. Introduction
The WXT520 Weather Transmitter, manufactured by Vaisala, measures wind
speed and direction, precipitation, barometric pressure, temperature, and
relative humidity—all in a single device that has no moving parts. The
WXT520’s SDI-12 signal can be measured by any of our SDI-12 equipped
dataloggers. The WXT520 is about the size of our larger Gill radiation shield,
making it ideal for use with our CR200(X)-series dataloggers in applications
requiring quick, short-term deployment. However, the WXT520 is not
intended for weather stations that require research-grade performance.
Before installing the sensor, please study
• Section 2, Cautionary Statements
• Section 3, Initial Inspection
2. Cautionary Statements
• Although the WXT20 is rugged, it should be handled as precision
scientific instrument.
3. Initial Inspection
• Upon receipt of the WXT20, inspect the packaging and contents for
damage. File damage claims with the shipping company.
4. Overview
4.1 Wind Speed and Direction
The WXT520's wind sensor consists of three equally spaced transducers that
produce ultrasonic signals. Wind speed and direction are determined by
measuring the time it takes for the ultrasonic signal of one transducer to travel
to the other transducers. Wind direction is not calculated when the wind speed
drops below 0.05 m/s. In this case, the last calculated direction output remains
until wind speed increases. The computed wind speeds are independent of
altitude, temperature, and humidity. The WXT520 is preconfigured to provide
the minimum, average, and maximum values for both wind speed and
direction. Default wind speed units are m/s.
4.2 Precipitation
The WXT520 uses the RAINCAP® Sensor to measure accumulated rainfall,
rain intensity, and rain duration. Precipitation is measured one raindrop at a
time. Whenever a raindrop hits the precipitation sensor, an electrical signal is
produced that is proportional to the volume of the drop.
1
WXT520 Weather Transmitter
The sensor is also capable of distinguishing hail stones from raindrops. The
measured rain and hail parameters are cumulative amounts of rain or hail, rain
or hail intensity, and the duration of a shower.
4.3 Barometric Pressure, Temperature, and Relative Humidity
The WXT520 has a PTU module that contains a capacitive silicon
BAROCAP® sensor for barometric pressure measurements, a capacitive
ceramic THERMOCAP® sensor for air temperature measurements, and a
capacitive thin film polymer HUMICAP® sensor for relative humidity
measurements. The PTU is housed in a naturally aspirated radiation shield that
protects the PTU and reflects solar radiation. Default units are °Celsius for
temperature and hPa for barometric pressure.
5. Specifications
5.1 Wind Speed
Measurement Range: 0 to 60 m s-1
Accuracy: ±0.3 m s
Response Time: 0.25 s
5.2 Wind Direction
Measurement Range: 0° to 360°
Accuracy: ±3°
Output Resolution: 1°
5.3 Precipitation
Rainfall: cumulative accumulation after latest automatic or
Accuracy: 5% (Due to the nature of the phenomenon,
Collecting Area: 60 cm
Output Resolution: 0.01 mm (0.001 in)
Rain Duration: counting each ten second increment when droplet
Rain Intensity: one minute running average in ten second steps.
Rainfall Intensity Range: 0 to 200 mm hr
-1
or ±3% whichever is greater (0 to 35 m s-1);
±5% (36 to 60 m s
manual reset.
deviations caused by spatial variations may exist in
precipitation readings, especially in short time
scale. The accuracy specification does not include
possible wind induced error.)
2
detected.
reduced accuracy)
-1
)
-1
(broader range possible with
2
5.4 Barometric Pressure
Measurement Range: 600 to 1100 hPa (mbar)
Accuracy: ±0.5 hPa @ 0° to 30°C; ±1 hPa @ -52° to +60°C
Output Resolution: 0.1 hPa
5.5 Air Temperature
Measurement Range: -52° to +60°C
Accuracy: ±0.3°C @ +20°C
Output Resolution: 0.1°C
5.6 Relative Humidity
Measurement Range: 0 to 100% RH
Accuracy: ±3% RH @ 0 to 90% RH; ±5% RH @ 90 to 100% RH
Output Resolution: 0.1% RH
5.7 Assembly
Compatible Dataloggers: CR200(X)-series, CR800, CR850, CR1000,
Electromagnetic
Compatibility: Complies with EMC standard EN61326-1;
Input Voltage: 5 to 30 Vdc
Typical Current Drain
@ 12 Vdc: 3 mA with default measuring intervals;
Output: SDI-12 as configured by Campbell Scientific;
Operating Range: -52° to +60°C; 0 to 100% RH
Dimensions: 24.0 cm (9.4 in) height, 12.0 cm (4.7 in) diameter
Weight: 650 g (1.43 lb)
WXT520 Weather Transmitter
CR3000, CR5000, CR510, CR10(X), CR23X
IEC standards: IEC 60945/61000-4-4, IEC
60945/61000-4-2
0.1 mA (SDI-12 standby)
RS-292 and RS-485 also available
6. Installation
6.1 Mounting to a Campbell Scientific Crossarm
6.2 IP66 Mounting Device
The WXT520 is mounted to a CM202, CM204, or CM206 crossarm using the
18311 mounting tube, which is shipped with the WXT520.
The 18311 mounting tube fits in the bottom of the WXT520, and is fastened to
a crossarm via the CM220 Mounting Kit. Alternatively, the 17953
1-in. x 1-in. NU-RAIL fitting can be used instead of the CM220 for mounting
to a crossarm.
Campbell Scientific offers the 25299 mounting kit that provides better
protection from water intrusion. When using the 25299, the WXT520’s IP
classification is increased from IP65 to IP66.
To attach the 25299 to the WXT520, place the L-shaped tabs into the notches
on the bottom of the WXT520 (see FIGURE 6-1). Turn the WXT520 until the
mount is locked into place. Once the 25299 is in place, the WXT520 is
mounted to a mast or crossarm using the method described in Section 6.1,
Mounting to a Campbell Scientific Crossarm.
3
WXT520 Weather Transmitter
FIGURE 6-1. Optional WXT520 IP66 Mounting Kit
6.3 Bird Spike Kit
The 25300 Bird Spike device is fastened on top of the WXT520 using the set
screw provided (see FIGURE 6-2). This device is used to discourage birds
from roosting on the WXT520. It consists of a metallic band with spikes
pointing upward. The spike’s shape and location ensure minimal interference
of wind and rain measurements.
NOTES:
(1) The spikes are designed not to hurt the birds.
(2) While the use of this device does discourage interference
from birds, absolute protection cannot be guaranteed.
(3) When this device is attached, snow may be more prone to
accumulate on the head of the WXT520. In addition, the snow
may melt away more slowly during periods of thaw.
4
FIGURE 6-2. Optional bird spike device
WXT520 Weather Transmitter
6.4 Wiring Table
TABLE 6-1. Connections to Campbell Scientific Dataloggers
Color
Brown Power 12 V 12 V +12 SW Battery
Clear
(silver)
or Red
Blue SDI-12 Signal C1 C2 C2 C1
White SDI-12 Signal C1 C2 C2 C1
Green data ground G G G G
Yellow Optional heater
Pink Optional heater
Grey Not used Not used Not used Not used
Description
Power ground G G G G
power (see note)
ground (see note)
NOTE
Unless special ordered, the heater will not be operational for
WXT520s purchased from Campbell Scientific. Although the
heater is not operational, the WXT520 will have a pink and
yellow wire. Do not connect the pink and yellow wire unless the
heater is operational.
CR1000, CR800,
CR850, CR3000,
CR5000,
CR9000(X)
12V 12V +12 SW Battery
G G G G
CR10(X),
CR510
21X, CR23X,
CR7
CR200(X)
5
WXT520 Weather Transmitter
6.5 Commands
Campbell Scientific uses the SDI-12 protocol to communicate with the
WXT520. Both "aM!" and "aR!" commands are supported (where "a" is the
sensor address). The preferred command is "aR!", since the communication is
done in fewer steps. The WXT520 is configured to run continuously so the
output is identical. TABLE 6-2 contains the outputs as configured by Campbell
Scientific. All outputs are in SI units.
TABLE 6-2. SDI-12 Commands
SDI-12
Command
aR! or aM! Composite
aR1! or
aM1!
aR2! or
aM2!
aR3! or
aM3!
aR5! or
aM5!
6.6 Programming
Command
Function Values Returned
Wind Direction Average, Wind Speed
Message
Wind Message Wind Direction Minimum, Wind Direction
PTU Message Air Temperature, Relative Humidity,
Precipitation
Message
Self Diagnostic
Message
Average, Air Temperature, Relative
Humidity, Barometric Pressure, Rainfall
Amount, Hail Amount
Average, Wind Direction Maximum, Wind
Speed Minimum, Wind Speed Average,
Wind Speed Maximum
Barometric Pressure
Rainfall Amount, rainfall Duration, Rainfall
Intensity, Hail Amount, Hail Duration, Hail
Intensity
Supply Voltage, Internal Reference Voltage
6
6.6.1 CRBasic
Dataloggers that use CRBasic include our CR200(X)-series, CR800, CR850,
CR1000, CR3000, and CR5000. These dataloggers use the SDI12Recorder()
instruction to read the WXT520.
The SDI12Recorder() instruction has the following form:
SDI12Recorder(Destination, Output String, Multiplier, Offset)
6.6.1.1 Example CR1000 Program
Although the following program is for the CR1000, the CR800, CR850,
CR3000, and CR5000 are programmed similarly. This program uses the “aR!”
command.
'CR1000 Series Datalogger
'Declarations
Public PTemp, batt_volt
Public WXT520(7)
Alias WXT520(1)=WindDir
Alias WXT520(2)=WindSpd
Alias WXT520(3)=AirTemp
Alias WXT520(4)=RelHumidity
Alias WXT520(5)=AirPressure
Alias WXT520(6)=Ramount
Alias WXT520(7)=Hamount
Units WindDir = Degrees
Units WindSpd = m/s
Units AirTemp = Celcius
Units RelHumidity = %
Units AirPressure = hPa
Units Ramount = mm
Units Hamount = hits/cm2
'Define Data Tables
DataTable (Test,1,-1)
DataInterval (0,60,Min,10)
WindVector (1,WindSpd,WindDir,FP2,False,900,0,0)
FieldNames("Ws_Mean,Wd_MeanUnitVector,Wd_StdDev")
Average (1,AirTemp,FP2,False)
Sample (1,RelHumidity,FP2)
Sample (1,AirPressure,IEEE4)
Totalize (1,Ramount,FP2,False)
Totalize (1,Hamount,FP2,False)
EndTable
'Main Program
BeginProg
'Running a 5 second scan to coincide with 5 second
'update interval of the WXT520
Scan (5,Sec,0,0)
PanelTemp (PTemp,250)
Battery (batt_volt)
'WXT520 connected to SDI12 port 1
SDI12Recorder (WXT520(1),1,0,"R!",1.0,0)
CallTable Test
NextScan
EndProg
WXT520 Weather Transmitter
7
WXT520 Weather Transmitter
6.6.1.2 Example CR200(X) Program
'CR200/CR200X Series
'Declare Variables and Units
Public BattV
Public SDI12(7)
Alias SDI12(1)=WindDir
Alias SDI12(2)=WindSpd
Alias SDI12(3)=AirTemp
Alias SDI12(4)=RelHumidity
Alias SDI12(5)=AirPressure
Alias SDI12(6)=Ramount
Alias SDI12(7)=Hamount
Units BattV=Volts
Units WindDir=Degrees
Units WindSpd=m/s
Units AirTemp=Celcius
Units RelHumidity=%
Units AirPressure=hPa
Units Ramount=mm
Units Hamount=hits/cm2
'Define Data Tables
DataTable(Hourly,True,-1)
DataInterval(0,60,Min)
WindVector (WindSpd,WindDir,False,0,0)
FieldNames("WindSpd_S_WVT,WindDir_D1_WVT,WindDir_SD1_WVT")
Average(1,AirTemp,False)
Sample(1,RelHumidity)
Sample(1,AirPressure)
Totalize(1,Ramount,False)
Totalize(1,Hamount,False)
EndTable
DataTable(Daily,True,-1)
DataInterval(0,1440,Min)
Minimum(1,BattV,False,False)
EndTable
'Main Program
BeginProg
SWBatt(1)
'Main Scan
Scan(10,Sec)
'Default Datalogger Battery Voltage measurement
Battery(BattV)
'WXT520
SDI12Recorder(SDI12(),"0R!",1,0)
'Call Data Tables and Store Data
CallTable(Hourly)
CallTable(Daily)
NextScan
EndProg
8
WXT520 Weather Transmitter
6.6.2 Edlog Programming
Our CR500, CR510, CR10(X), and CR23X dataloggers are programmed with
Edlog.
These dataloggers use Instruction 105 to read the WXT520. Your datalogger
manual has a detailed explanation of Instruction 105.
Please note that Edlog only allocates one input location for Instruction 105.
Additional input locations need to be inserted manually using the Input
Location Editor.
6.6.2.1 CR10X Program
The following example is the portion of a CR10X program that measures the
WXT520. A complete program will include output processing instructions.
; wind direction wind speed
; Get WXT520 Values 1 - 6 (Dn=Wd min, Dm=Wd avg, Dx=Wd max, Sn=Ws min, Sm=Ws avg, Sx=Ws max)
22: SDI-12 Recorder (P105) ;
1: 0 SDI-12 Address
2: 1 Start Measurement (aM1!) ; corresponds with Wind message Command R1
3: 2 Port ; control port for SDI-12 comms
4: 15 Loc [ Value1 ]
5: 1.0 Mult
6: 0.0 Offset
23: Excitation with Delay (P22)
1: 1 Ex Channel
2: 0 Delay W/Ex (0.01 sec units)
3: 50 Delay After Ex (0.01 sec units)
4: 0 mV Excitation
; Get WXT520 Values 7 - 9 (Ta= air temp, Ua= rel humidity, Pa= air pressure)
24: SDI-12 Recorder (P105)
1: 0 SDI-12 Address
2: 2 Start Measurement (aM2!) ; corresponds with Pressure Humidity and
3: 2 Port Temp Message Command R2
4: 21 Loc [ Value7 ]
5: 1.0 Multiplier
6: 0.0 Offset
25: Excitation with Delay (P22)
1: 1 Ex Channel
2: 0 Delay W/Ex (0.01 sec units)
3: 50 Delay After Ex (0.01 sec units)
4: 0 mV Excitation
; rain hail
; Get WXT520 Values 10 - 15 (Rc= amount, Rd= duration, Ri= intensity, Hc= amount, Hd= duration, Hi = intensity)
26: SDI-12 Recorder (P105)
1: 0 SDI-12 Address
2: 3 Start Measurement (aM3!) ; corresponds with Precip Message Command R3
3: 2 Port
4: 24 Loc [ Value10 ]
5: 1.0 Multiplier
6: 0.0 Offset
9
WXT520 Weather Transmitter
10
Appendix A. Configuring the WXT520
NOTE
Modifying the default configuration of the WXT520 requires the
purchase of a grey configuration cable; contact Campbell
Scientific for more information.
1. Connect one end of the grey Configuration Cable to a COM port on the PC
and the other end of the cable to the “Service” connector on the WXT520.
2. Connect a 9 V battery to the Configuration Cable’s battery clip. The
female contact of the battery clip is (+).
3. On your PC, run Vaisala’s WXT Configuration Tool Software and go to
the Connection Setup Screen.
4. Enter the settings for each of the Connection Setup Screen’s parameters
(see FIGURE A-1). The default settings are:
• Connect using: enter the COM Port in which the Configuration
Cable is connected.
• Bits per second: 19200
• Parity: 8-N-1
5. Click on the OK button.
FIGURE A-1. Connection Setup screen
A-1
Appendix A. Configuring the WXT520
6. Go to the Device Settings Screen and enter the settings for each of the
parameters (see FIGURE A-2). Default settings are:
• Device—Address: 0
• Heating and self diagnostic—verify Enable Heating is NOT
selected.
• Heating and self diagnostics—Update Interval: 15 s
• Communication protocol—select SDI-12 v1.3
• User port settings—Port type: SDI-12, select continuous
measurements
A-2
FIGURE A-2. Device Settings screen
7. Click on the OK button.
8. Go to the Sensor Settings Screen (see FIGURE A-3). The default Wind
and PTU Update intervals are set to 5 s.
Appendix A. Configuring the WXT520
FIGURE A-3. Sensor Settings screen
9. Click on the OK button.
10. Go to the Message Settings Screen and verify that Message Settings are as
desired. The default settings are shown in FIGURE A-4.
Note: Hail accumulation should be checked.
FIGURE A-4. Message Settings screen
A-3
Appendix A. Configuring the WXT520
11. Click on the OK button.
12. Close the WXT Configuration Tool.
13. Remove the 9 V battery.
14. Disconnect the Configuration Cable.
15. Secure protective service port cap on PTU.
A-4
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