Obvius A89WS Installation And Operation Manual

Weather Station

Obvius, LLC

Installation and Operation Manual

Model A89WS

(3rd generation, systems manufactured after July 2010)

Date Jan 18, 2011

Page 1 Draft Copy A89WS Weather Station (gen 3)

Copyright Information

Copyright © 2007 - 2010 by Obvius

Obvius and AcquiSuite are trademarks of Obvius Holdings LLc

Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

U.S. Government Restricted Rights: Use, duplication or disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions set forth in subparagraph (a) through (d)
of the Commercial Computer Restricted Rights clause at FAR 52.227-19 when applicable, or subparagraph (c) (1) (ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and
Computer Software clause at DFARS 252.227-7013, and in similar clauses in the NASA FAR Supplement.

Limited Warranty

OBVIUS IS PROVIDING THIS WARRANTY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY
OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THIS WARRANTY IS BUYER'S EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR ALL
CLAIMS AGAINST OBVIUS. OBVIUS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES. OBVIUS'S TOTAL
LIABILITY FOR ALL CLAIMS SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE PRICE PAID FOR ITS PRODUCT.

Obvius promises buyer that any standard product manufactured by Obvius shall be free from all material defects in design, material, or manufacturing for
a period of 2 years from the manufacture date; provided, however, that the warranty shall not extend to ordinary wear and tear or to normally replaceable
components (e.g., batteries). During the warranty period, Obvius may repair or replace (in its sole discretion) any product suffering from a warranty defect
and returned freight prepaid by buyer, with no charge to buyer for any warranty repair or replacement. The warranty shall remain in full force and effect
for such 2 year period, provided that the product: (1) was installed, operated, and maintained properly; (2) has not been abused or misused; (3) has not
been repaired, altered, or modified outside of Obvius's authorized facilities; (4) has not been sold subject to other warranty terms specified at the time of
sale; and (5) is still owned by the original purchaser. This warranty provides specific legal rights that may be varied by state law. Obvius's products are
not designed for life or safety applications.

Product Application Limitation

Obvius products are not intended for use in critical applications such as nuclear facilities, human implantable devices or life support. Obvius is not liable,
in whole or in part, for any claims or damages arising from such uses.

Obvius strongly believes in continuous improvement, therefore we must reserve the right to change specifications and product offerings without notice.
Where possible, we will substitute products with equivalent functionality when necessary.

DANGER

Hazard of Electric Shock, Explosion or Arc Flash

● Follow safe electrical work practices. See NFPA 70E in the USA, or applicable local codes.

● This equipment must only be installed and serviced by qualified electrical personnel.

● Read, understand and follow the instructions before installing this product.

● Turn off all power supplying equipment before working on or inside the equipment. Use properly rated voltage sensing device to

confirm power is off. DO NOT DEPEND ON THIS PRODUCT FOR VOLTAGE INDICATION

● Only install this product on insulated conductors.

Failure to follow these instructions will result in death or serious injury.

NOTICE

● This product is not intended for life safety applications.

● Do not install this product in hazardous or classified locations.

● The installer is responsible for conformance to all applicable codes.

● Mount this product inside a suitable fire and electrical enclosure.

FCC Part 15 Information

Note: This equipment has been tested by the manufacturer and found to comply with the limits of a class A digital device, pursuant to part
15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Modifications of this product without the express authorization of Obvius nullify this statement.

Obvius
3300 NW 211th Terrace
Hillsboro, OR 97124
ph: 503-601-2099
www.obvius.com

Page 2 Draft Copy A89WS Weather Station (gen 3)

Table of Contents

Overview....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4

Installation Checklist..................................................................................................................................................................................... 4

Markings and Symbols.................................................................................................................................................................................. 4

Hardware Overview....................................................................................................................................................................................... 5

weather station Package Kits ..................................................................................................................................................................5

List of sub-assemblies.............................................................................................................................................................................. 6

Features and Specifications..................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Hardware Installation..................................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Overview................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8

A89WS-MK1: weather station Mounting kit........................................................................................................................................... 9

YWX0482: weather station Control Box...............................................................................................................................................10

YWX0483: weather station Control Box...............................................................................................................................................12

A89WS-AN1, A89WS-AN2: Anemometer kit......................................................................................................................................14

A89WS-PY1: Pyranometer kit............................................................................................................................................................... 15

A89WS-MP1: PV Mounting Bracket – Pyranometer (Optional).........................................................................................................16

A89WS-TC1, A89WS-TC2: Cell Temperature Kit...............................................................................................................................17

A89WS-TH1: Air Temperature and Humidity Probe.............................................................................................................................18

A89WS-TO1: Air Temperature Probe................................................................................................................................................... 18

Software setup and configuration.................................................................................................................................................................19

Modbus Configuration ..........................................................................................................................................................................19

Modbus Address and Dipswitch Configuration.....................................................................................................................................19

Setup and testing with Obvius Config Console (OCC) (optional).........................................................................................................20

Setup with Obvius AcquiSuite............................................................................................................................................................... 21

Channel 1: A89WS-TH1, TO1: Air Temperature Probe.................................................................................................................. 21

Channel 2: A89WS-TH1: Air Humidity Probe................................................................................................................................ 22

Channel 3: A89WS-PY1: Pyranometer...........................................................................................................................................22

Channel 4: A89WS-TC1,TC2: Cell Temperature............................................................................................................................ 23

Channel 5: A89WS-AN1,AN2: Anemometer / wind speed............................................................................................................. 23

Channel 6: A89WS-AN1,AN2: Anemometer / wind direction........................................................................................................ 24

Channel 7, Channel 8...................................................................................................................................................................... 24

Setup with 3rd party Modbus master..................................................................................................................................................... 25

Recommended Maintenance of third party devices...................................................................................................................................... 25

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Overview

The Obvius weather station is designed to provide measurement options for environmental data points related to Solar/PV
generation sites. The weather station can provide readings for wind speed, direction, solar radiation, air temperature,
humidity, and solar panel temperature.

Installation Checklist

The installation of the Obvius weather station requires a number of tools and supplies to complete the installation. The
following list provides a representative sample of what may be required for installation, however site specific issues may
require additional tools or supplies.

The weather station power and communications connections require a licensed electrician or similarly qualified installer.

Required:

• Adjustable Crescent wrench

• Screw Drivers: Philips and flat-head, small and medium sizes.

• Weatherproof conduit for power and communications to the weather station control box.

• Drill and bit to install conduit connectors into the control box.

• Power: 120 ~ 240VAC, and appropriate wire.

• Communications RS485 wiring: twisted pair with shield.

• Compass or GPS to align wind sensor true North.

• Mounting screws or bolts to attach the tripod to the mounting location, such as nine 2”X1/4” bolts.

Markings and Symbols

WARNING: A potential risk exists if the operating instructions are not followed

General Warning Symbol: This symbol indicates the need to consult the operating instructions provided with the
product.

This symbol indicates the presence of electric shock hazards.

This symbol indicates: Do not apply to or remove from hazardous live conductors.

Direct Current symbol.

Page 4 Draft Copy A89WS Weather Station (gen 3)

Hardware Overview

weather station Package Kits

The Weather station may be ordered using the following kit part numbers. These kits include a number of components that
are listed below, to build a complete weather station.

A89WS-1

A89WS-2

A89WS-3

A89WS-4

weather station with Pyranometer, Temperature, Humidity, and Cell Temperature.
Includes:
A89WS-PY1 Pyranometer kit (Li-cor)
A89WS-TH1 Temperature Humidity kit (Veris)
A89WS-TC1 Cell Temperature kit (Veris)
YWX0482 NEMA 4x control box with 120v power supply, UCLC amplifier, Flex IO, and sensor
connectors.
Does not include mounting kit.

weather station with Pyranometer, Temperature Only, and Cell Temperature.
Includes:
A89WS-PY1 Pyranometer kit (Li-cor)
A89WS-TO1 Temperature only kit (Veris)
A89WS-TC1 Cell Temperature kit (Veris)
YWX0482 NEMA 4x control box with 120v power supply, UCLC amplifier, Flex IO, and sensor
connectors.
Does not include mounting kit.

weather station with Pyranometer, Temperature, Humidity, Cell Temperature and Anemometer.
Includes:
A89WS-PY1 Pyranometer kit (Li-cor)
A89WS-AN1 Anemometer kit (NovaLynx)
A89WS-TH1 Temperature Humidity kit (Veris)
A89WS-TC1 Cell Temperature kit (Veris)
YWX0483 NEMA 4x control box with 120v power supply, UCLC amplifier, Anemometer Amplifier,
Flex IO, and sensor connectors.
Does not include mounting kit.

weather station with Pyranometer, Temperature, Cell Temperature and Anemometer.
Includes:
A89WS-PY1 Pyranometer kit (Li-cor)
A89WS-AN1 Anemometer kit (NovaLynx)
A89WS-TO1 Temperature Only kit (Veris)
A89WS-TC1 Cell Temperature kit (Veris)
YWX0483 NEMA 4x control box with 120v power supply, UCLC amplifier, Anemometer Amplifier,
Flex IO, and sensor connectors.
Does not include mounting kit.

Note: Weather station kits do not include a mounting kit (mast, tripod, etc). If a mounting kit is required, be sure to order
the weather station mounting kit package A89WS-MK1.

Note: The pyranometer kit is intended to be mounted vertically on the weather station. The optional kit A89WS-MP1
should be ordered separately for sites that require the pyranometer to be mounted on the solar panel to match the panel's
angle.

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List of sub-assemblies

Weather station sub-assemblies may be ordered from the following list of components. Each section of this manual will deal
with these sub-assemblies separately as well.

A89WS-AN1

A89WS-AN2

A89WS-MK1

A89WS-MP1

A89WS-PY1

A89WS-TC1

A89WS-TC2

A89WS-TH1

A89WS-TO1

YWX0482

YWX0483

Anemometer kit.
Includes: wind speed and direction, 40' cable, and plug. (NovaLynx 200-WS-02)

Anemometer kit.
Includes: wind speed and direction, custom length 105' cable, and plug. (NovaLynx 200-WS-02)

weather station Mounting kit.
Includes: Tripod, Mast and Arm

PV Mounting Bracket - Pyranometer

Pyranometer kit.
Li-Cor LI-200SZ sensor with leveling mounting plate, screws, calibration certificate, 50' cable and
plug adapter.

Cell Temperature kit
Includes: 10k type 2 thermistor with 50' cable and plug adapter (Veris TRASPC01331)

Cell Temperature kit
Includes: 10k type 2 thermistor with 150' cable and plug adapter (Veris TRASPC01331)

Temperature/Humidity Probe kit.
4-20mA output, -40F to 122F range, 0-100% RH range, with 9ft cable, plug, and mounting screws.
(Veris HO2XMSTA1-02)

Temperature only probe kit.
4-20mA output, -40F to 122F range, with 9ft cable, plug, and mounting screws. (Veris TOAM10-02)

Weather station control box- NEMA 4x, 24VDC power supply, UCLC amplifier, 2 plug receptacles­Pyranometer control box, Cell temperature, water tight gasket.

Weather station- NEMA 4x, 24VDC power supply, UCLC amplifier, 3 plug receptacles- Pyranometer,
Anemometer, water tight gasket.

Page 6 Draft Copy A89WS Weather Station (gen 3)

Features and Specifications

List of sub-assemblies

A89WS-AN1, AN2 Anemometer kit

Direction Sensor range: 0 – 360 degrees. Azimuth: 360
Direction Accuracy: +/- 3º
Speed Sensor range: 0 – 100 MPH. Gusts up to 220 MPH
Speed Accuracy: 1 mph or +/- 3%
Operating temperature: -50C ~ +50C

A89WS-PY1 Pyranometer kit

Sensor range: 0 ~ 1400W/m
Accuracy: +/- 5%
Operating temperature: -40 ~ +65C

2

o

mechanical, 355o electrical (5o open) 360o/0o=North 90o=East 180o=South 270o=West

A89WS-TC1, TC2 Cell Temperature Kit

Sensor range: -13 ~ +221F. 10K Type 2 resistive sensor.

Accuracy: +/- 1.8°C typical; +/- 3.0°C max. over 0° to 70°C
Operating temperature: -25 ~ +125C

A89WS-TH1 Air Temperature and Humidity Probe.

Temp Sensor range: -40 ~ +122 degrees Fahrenheit
Temp Accuracy: +/-1 degree F
Humidity Sensor range: 0 ~ 100 % Relative Humidity
Humidity Accuracy: +/- 2% (replaceable sensor)
Operating temperature: -40 ~ +122

A89WS-TO1 Air Temperature Probe.

Sensor range: -40 ~ +122 degrees Fahrenheit
Accuracy: +/-1 degree F
Operating temperature: -40 ~ +122

YWX0431, YWX0432 weather station Control Box

Control Box

Operating Temperature: -30 ~ +50c, 0-95% RH, non-condensing.

Power Supply: Weidmuller 8739140000

Power input: 120-240VAC, 24W, 50-60Hz
Operating temperature: -10 ~ +70c

IO module: A8332-8F2D

Accuracy: +/- 0.25% (4-20mA mode inputs) +/- 1% for cell temperature sensor (resistive mode inputs)
Operating temperature: -30 ~ +70c
Protocol: Modbus/RTU, RS-485, 9600, N81

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Hardware Installation

Overview

The weather station assembly takes several steps, and should be performed in the following order.

1) Assemble the mounting kit. Tripod, mast, and arm.

2) Attach the weather station control box. Run appropriate conduit for power and communications to the control box.

3) Attach individual sensors to the weather station.

4) Using a computer or laptop, configure the weather station and the AcquiSuite (or other Modbus data acquisition
server).

The following sections of the manual cover hardware installation and component details for each of the steps listed above.

Page 8 Draft Copy A89WS Weather Station (gen 3)

A89WS-MK1: weather station Mounting kit

Kit contains: Tripod, Mast, and Arm.

Location: Before installing the weather station, a suitable location for the sensors must be selected. Ensure that the
weather station is located in as open and unobstructed area as possible such as a rooftop location or a parking lot shade
structure. Use extreme care to prevent contact with electrical power lines while installing the weather station.

• The pyranometer measures solar radiation. The main concern during installation is an unobstructed view of the sky,

clear of all walls, trees, or other objects which might cast a shadow over the sensor.

• The wind speed and direction sensor must be installed in a location away from walls or other objects that can

obstruct the flow of the wind. Vertically position the sensor twice the height above adjacent obstructions, and
horizontally position the sensor away from adjacent obstructions six times times the height of the obstruction. For
best performance, position the wind sensor approximately 33 feet (10 meters) above the highest obstacle within a
990 foot (300 meter) radius of the mounting location.

• It is critical to avoid placing the weather station near HVAC units, or exhaust systems from other mechanical

equipment to avoid interference with the sensors.

Tripod: Remove the tripod from the packaging. Expand the tripod legs until
the legs are fully extended.

Mast: Install the mast in the hole in the center of the tripod, and secure using
the bolts in the tripod collars. Tighten the bolt into the mast, and the secure
the bolt by tightening the lock nut against the collar. The nut and bolt require
a ½” wrench.

Arm: The arm of the weather station
should be positioned on the mast about 8”
from the top, and pointing towards the
equator to prevent the mast from casting a
shadow on the pyranometer.

Use the two u-bolts provided to attach the
arm to the mast. Place the u-bolt around
the back of the mast, then add the metal
adapter bracket. Next, pass the bolts
through the back of the arm. Add the lock
washer and nut on the inside of the arm.

The mast and tripod should be electrically grounded to minimize the probability of any lightning damage.

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YWX0482: weather station Control Box

Kit includes: control box, 2 u-bolts.

The weather station control box mounts on the back of the mast using the two u-bolts provided in the kit. The box should be
mounted with the connectors on the bottom.

Separate holes will need to be drilled into the side or bottom of the box by the installer, to provide an attachment point for a
weatherproof conduit or cable for power and communications. (power and communications wire and conduit are not
included with the weather station.)

With the mains off, connect the Line, Neutral and Ground wires to the screw terminals provided. Proper grounding is
required.

It is important to observe all electrical codes and safety practices when wiring the weather station.

WARNING: After wiring the system, remove all scraps of wire or foil shield from the electrical panel. This
could be dangerous if wire scraps come into contact with high voltage wires.

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