Orion Car Audio 420 User Manual

Orion 420 Weather Station 1

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Orion 420 Weather Station™

User Manual

Version 1.04

All specifications subject to change without notice.

Printed in U. S. A.

Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.

2 Orion 420 Weather Station

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© Copyright 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Proprietary Notice: Orion, Orion 420, Orion 510, Capricorn 2000, Capricorn 2000MP and Capricorn
2000EX are trademarks of Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. The information and drawings contained
herein are the sole property of Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. Use of this publication is reserved
exclusively for customers of Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. and their personnel. Reproduction of this
material is forbidden without the express written consent of Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.

Parts of the Orion 420 Weather Station™ user manual were adapted from the Weather Transmitter
WXT510 User’s Guide with permission from Vaisala Oyj.

WINDCAP®, RAINCAP®, HUMICAP®, BAROCAP® and THERMOCAP® are registered trademarks of
Vaisala.

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Welcome!

Welcome to the Columbia Weather Systems family of users and congratulations on your purchase of the
Orion Weather Station.

The Orion 420 Weather Station is quite easy to install and you may be tempted to skip the installation
procedure or other portions of this manual. We recommend that you resist that urge. A thorough
knowledge of these installation and calibration procedures will greatly increase the usefulness and the
accuracy of your instrument. In particular, a proper installation will help prevent problems with both
operation and maintenance.

Please read this manual completely prior to installation.

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Important Notice: Shipping Damage

BEFORE YOU READ ANY FURTHER, please inspect all system components for obvious shipping
damage. The Orion 420 is a high precision instrument and can be damaged by rough handling. Your unit

was packaged to minimize the possibility of damage in transit. Therefore, we recommend that you save
the shipping container for any future shipment of your Orion unit.

In the event your order arrives in damaged condition, it is important that the following steps be taken
immediately. The title transfers automatically to you, the customer, once the material is entrusted to the
transport company.

NOTE: DO NOT RETURN THE INSTRUMENT TO COLUMBIA WEATHER SYSTEMS until the following
steps are completed. Failure to follow this request will jeopardize your claim.

1. Open the container and inspect the contents. Do not throw away the container or any damaged
parts. Try to keep items in the same condition as originally received.

2. Notify the transport company immediately in writing, preferably by facsimile, about the shipping
damage.

3. Wait for the transport company’s representative to inspect the shipment personally.

4. After inspection, request permission from Columbia Weather Systems for return of the damaged
instrument by calling the Service Department, [phone].

5. Return approved items to us at the following address:

Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.

2240 NE Griffin Oaks Street, Suite 100

Hillsboro, OR 97124

6. After return authorization is issued and we receive the instrument, an estimate of the cost of
repair will be sent to you for submittal to the transport company as a claim.

ESD Protection

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) can cause immediate or latent damage to electronic circuits. The Orion 420
is adequately protected against ESD for its intended use. However, it is possible to damage the product
by delivering electrostatic discharges when touching, removing, or inserting any objects inside the
equipment housing.

To make sure you are not delivering high static voltages yourself:

1. Handle ESD sensitive components on a properly grounded and protected ESD workbench. When
this is not possible, ground yourself with a wrist strap and a resistive connection cord to the
equipment chassis before touching the boards. When neither of the above is possible, at least
touch a conductive part of the equipment chassis with your other hand before touching the
boards.

2. Always hold the boards by the edges and avoid touching the component contacts.

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Table of Contents

WELCOME! .................................................................................................. 3

IMPORTANT NOTICE: SHIPPING DAMAGE ....................................... 5

ESD P

ROTECTION

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION .................................................................. 9

T

HE ORION

Features:........................................................................................................................ 10

S

PECIFICATIONS

Temperature .................................................................................................................. 10

Barometric Pressure ...................................................................................................... 10

Wind Speed .................................................................................................................... 10

Wind Direction .............................................................................................................. 10

Relative Humidity .......................................................................................................... 10

Rainfall .......................................................................................................................... 11

Input Voltage ................................................................................................................. 11

Serial to Analog Converters .......................................................................................... 11

C

URRENT CONSUMPTION: 30 MA TO

P

RINCIPLES OF MEASUREMENTS

Wind Measurement ........................................................................................................ 12

Barometric Pressure, Temperature, and Relative Humidity (PTU) Module ................. 12

Rainfall Measurement.................................................................................................... 13

................................................................................................................. 5

420 W

EATHER STATION

................................................................................................................. 10

.................................................................................... 9

110 MAP

........................................................................................ 12

RINCIPLES OF MEASUREMENTS

.................. 11

SECTION 2: PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION ............................................... 15

O

RION SENSOR TRANSMITTER

Sensor Transmitter Components.................................................................................... 15

Mounting Adapter.......................................................................................................... 16

Internal Terminal Block................................................................................................. 16

O

RION

420 W

EATHERPROOF ENCLOSURE

........................................................................................... 15

.......................................................................... 18

SECTION 3: INSTALLATION ................................................................. 19

W

EATHER STATION SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS

I

NSTALLATION OVERVIEW

T

OOLS NEEDED

M

ATERIALS NEEDED

U

NPACKING THE UNIT

Installing the Orion Sensor Transmitter ........................................................................ 22

Site Selection: ................................................................................................................ 22

Installing the Mounting Adapter.................................................................................... 22

North Alignment ............................................................................................................ 22

Installing the Mast ......................................................................................................... 23

Location ......................................................................................................................... 23

Mounting Method .......................................................................................................... 23

Routing Cable ................................................................................................................ 24

Connecting the Sensor Transmitter to the Orion Weatherproof Enclosure................... 24

Connecting the 420 Weatherproof Enclosure to the PLC.............................................. 25

.................................................................................................................. 20

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SECTION 4: OPTIONAL SENSOR MOUNTING HARDWARE ......... 27

R

OOF MOUNTING

W

ALL MOUNTING

T

RIPOD

............................................................................................................................... 30

Specifications................................................................................................................. 30

............................................................................................................... 27

.............................................................................................................. 28

SECTION 5: OPERATION ........................................................................ 33

SECTION 6: MAINTENANCE ................................................................. 35

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C

LEANING

R

EPLACING THE

F

ACTORY CALIBRATION AND REPAIR SERVICE

.......................................................................................................................... 35

PTU M

ODULE

.......................................................................................... 35

.................................................................. 35

SECTION 7: TROUBLESHOOTING ....................................................... 37

SECTION 8: USER SUPPORT INFORMATION ................................... 39

L

IMITED WARRANTY

EXCLUSIONS................................................................................................................ 39

R

ETURN FOR REPAIR PROCEDURE

......................................................................................................... 39

...................................................................................... 39

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SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

The Orion 420 Weather Station

Utilizing cutting-edged ultrasonic technology at an amazingly affordable price, the Orion 420 Weather
Station is the newest product in our family of innovative weather monitoring systems.

Orion provides ultrasonic wind direction and speed measurements, a highly-accurate impact rain sensor,
capacitive relative humidity, temperature and barometric pressure readings – all in a single sensor
module.

High accuracy and fine resolution make this new system ideal for precision weather monitoring. Orion
provides 4-20 mA current output for 8 weather parameters.

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Features:

• Six most essential weather parameters measured in one instrument

• Accurate and stable measurement

• Ultrasonic wind sensor and impact precipitation sensor

• No moving parts means virtually no maintenance

• Low power consumption improves reliability and longevity

• Compact and lightweight with a single cable for quick installation

Specifications

Temperature

Range: -60 to 140°F (-52 to +60°C)

Accuracy: ±-0.5°F (±0.3°C) at 68°F (+20°C)

Resolution: 0.1°F (0.1°C)

Units Available: °F, °C

Barometric Pressure

Range: 17.50 to 32.50 InHg (600 to 1100 mbar)

Accuracy: ±0.015 InHg (0.5 mbar) at +32 to 86°F

(0 to 30°C)

±0.03 InHg (1 mbar) at -60 to 140°F (-52 to 60°C)

Resolution: 0.01 InHg (0.1 mbar)

Units Available: Kpa, mbar, InHg

Wind Speed

Range: 0 - 115 mph (0 - 60 m/s)

Accuracy: ±0.7 mph (±0.3 m/s)

Resolution: 1 mph (1 m/s)

Units Available: knots, mph, km/hr, m/s

Wind Direction

Azimuth: 0 - 360°

Accuracy: ±2°

Resolution: 1°

Relative Humidity

Range: 0 - 100%RH

Accuracy: ±3%RH (0-90%), ±5% (90-100%)

Resolution: 1%RH

Units Available: %RH

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Rainfall

Range: cumulative

Collection Area: 60 cm2

Accuracy: ±5% (spatial variations may exist)

Resolution 0.01 in. (0.254mm )

Units Available: mm, inches

Input Voltage

The Orion 420 is powered with an internal switching power supply

Input: 120/240 VAC, 60 HZ

Serial to Analog Converters

Analog Range: 4-20 mA

Accuracy at 25°C: 0.1% of range

Operating range: 0 – 22mA typ

Maximum load: 600 ohms

Output reaction time: 0 – 40 ms

DA Conversion: 12 bits (resolution 4096)

Current Consumption: 30 mA to 110 mA

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Principles of Measurements

Wind Measurement

Both wind speed and direction are measured using advanced ultrasonic technology. The sensor utilizes
ultrasound to determine horizontal wind readings. The array of three equally-spaced ultrasonic
transducers on a horizontal plane is an ideal design that ensures accurate wind measurement from all
directions, without blind angles or corrupted readings.

The wind sensor has no moving parts, which makes it virtually maintenance free.

Wind speed and wind directions are determined by measuring the time it takes the ultrasound to travel
from each transducer to the other two.

The wind sensor measures the transit time (in both directions) along the three paths established by the
array of transducers. This transit time depends on the wind speed along the ultrasonic path. For zero
wind speed, both the forward and reverse transit times are the same. With wind along the sound path, the
up-wind direction transit time increases and the down-wind transit time decreases.

The wind speed is calculated from the measured transit times using the following formula:

Vw = 0.5 x L x (1/ tf – 1/tr

where:

Vw = Wind speed

L = Distance between the two transducers

tf = Transit time in forward direction

tr = Transit time in reverse direction

Measuring the six transit times allows Vw to be computed for each of the three ultrasonic paths. The
computed wind speeds are independent of altitude, temperature and humidity, which are cancelled out
when the transit times are measured in both directions, although the individual transit times depend on
these parameters.

Using Vw values of two array paths is enough to compute wind speed and wind direction. A signal
processing technique is used so that wind speed and wind direction are calculated from the two array
paths of best quality.

The wind speed is represented as a scalar speed in selected units (m/s, kt, mph, km/h). The wind
direction is expressed in degrees (°). The wind direction reported indicates the direction that the wind
comes from. North is represented as 0°, east as 90°, south as 180°, and west as 270°.

The 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 the wind speed increases again to the level of 0.05 m/s.

The average values of wind speed and direction are calculated as a scalar average of all samples over
the selected averaging time (1 ... 900 s). The sample count is based on a 4 Hz sampling rate. The
minimum and maximum values of wind speed and direction represent the corresponding extremes during
the averaging time.

Barometric Pressure, Temperature, and Relative Humidity (PTU) Module

Barometric pressure, temperature, and humidity measurements are combined in an advanced sensor
module (PTU) utilizing a capacitive measurement method for each parameter. The PTU module contains
separate sensors for pressure, temperature, and humidity measurement.

The measurement principle of the pressure, temperature, and humidity sensors is based on an advanced
RC oscillator and two reference capacitors against which the capacitance of the sensors is continuously
measured. The microprocessor of the transmitter performs compensation for the temperature
dependency of the pressure and humidity sensors.

Barometric pressure is measured using a capacitive silicon BAROCAP® sensor. The sensor has
minimal hysteresis and excellent repeatability, as well as outstanding temperature and long-term stability.

Temperature is measured with a capacitive ceramic THERMOCAP® sensor.

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Relative humidity measurement is based on a capacitive thin film polymer HUMICAP®180 sensor. The
sensor is highly accurate with negligible hysteresis and excellent long-term stability in a wide range of
environments.

Radiation Shield: This module is mounted in a specially-designed radiation shield which protects the
sensors from both scattered and direct sunlight and precipitation. The composite material in the plates
offers excellent thermal characteristics and UV stabilized construction. The white outer surface reflects
radiation, while the black inside absorbs accumulated heat.

The internal sensor module is easily replaceable and readily available as a spare component. To order a
replacement module, please use catalog no. 9581.

Rainfall Measurement

Rainfall is measured with an impact sensor, which detects the size and impact of individual rain drops.
The signals resulting from the impacts are proportional to the volume of the drops. Hence, the signal from
each drop can be converted directly to the accumulated rainfall.

This measurement method eliminates flooding and clogging, as well as wetting and evaporation losses.

The sensor transmitter uses RAINCAP® sensor 2 technology in precipitation measurement.

The precipitation sensor is comprised of a steel cover and a piezoelectric sensor mounted on the bottom
surface of the cover.

The precipitation sensor detects the impact of individual raindrops. The signals from the impact are
proportional to the volume of the drops. Advanced noise filtering technique is used to filter out signals
originating from other sources than raindrops.

The measured parameter is accumulated rainfall. Detection of each individual drop enables computing of
rain amount with high resolution.

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SECTION 2: PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

Orion Sensor Transmitter

The Orion Sensor Transmitter is an all-in-one sensor unit containing ultrasonic wind speed and direction
sensor, temperature sensor, relative humidity sensor, barometric pressure sensor and an impact rain
sensor.

The temperature, relative humidity and barometric pressure sensors are combined in a single module
housed in a self-aspirating radiation shield.

Sensor Transmitter Components

1: Top of the transmitter

2: Radiation Shield

3: Bottom of the transmitter

4: Screw cover

Cut Away View

1: Wind Transducers (3 pcs)

2: Precipitation Sensor

3: Pressure sensor inside the Sensor Module

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4: Humidity and temperature sensor inside the Sensor Module

Bottom of the Transmitter

1: Alignment direction sign

2: Service port

3: Water tight cable gland

4: Unused cable gland, covered

Mounting Adapter

To facilitate easy installation and north alignment, the Orion 510 Sensor Transmitter comes standard with
a mounting adapter. The mounting adapter is easily connected on the end of the mast and the sensor
transmitter simply snaps into it. The north alignment needs to be performed only once.

Internal Terminal Block

The sensor transmitter is shipped with a one (1) foot cable terminated by an 8-pin connector half.

This cable is connected to the sensor transmitter (at the factory) via a terminal block.

The Orion sensor transmitter has a standard RS-232 wiring as shown below:

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Terminal

Number

Signal

Color

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3 TX- Orange
5 RXD Black
6 SGND Green
19 VIN- White
20 VIN+ Red

For heated sensor transmitters, terminal 17 (HTG-) is connected to the Blue wire and terminal 18 (HTG+)
is connected to the Brown wire.

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Heating (Optional)

Heating elements located below the precipitation sensor and inside the wind transducers keeps the
precipitation and wind sensors free from snow and ice. A heating temperature sensor (Th) underneath the
precipitation sensor controls the heating.

Three fixed temperature limits, namely +3 °C, -2 °C, and -4 °C (+37 °F, +38 °F, +25 °F) control the
heating power as follows:

Th > +3 °C heating is off

-2 °C < Th < +3 °C 50% heating power

-4 °C < Th < -2 °C 100% heating power

Th < -4 °C 50% heating power

Orion 420 Weatherproof Enclosure

The Orion 420 Weatherproof Enclosure contains the following:

1. AC power supply with +24 VDC output

2. AC power filter and suppressor

3. Two RS-232 to 4-20 mA converters

4. Sensor connection terminal block

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SECTION 3: INSTALLATION

Weather Station System Configurations

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Installation Overview

Unpacking the Unit

Installing Sensor Transmitter

Installing the Orion 420 Weatherproof Enclosure

Connecting the Sensor Transmitter to the enclosure

Connecting the enclosure to the PLC

Tools Needed

Allen wrench (provided with sensor transmitter)

Small straight blade (1/8") Screwdriver

Power Drill and 3/8"

Wire Cutter

Compass

Materials Needed

(See also Optional Sensor Mounting Hardware.)

Black PVC Electrical Tape

Plastic Wall Bushings

Mast: Height above structure: Minimum 5 ft., recommended 10 ft.

For Roof Mount

“Cold Patch” Roofing Tar

50' Guy Wire

Roof Anchor Mount

Guy Ring & Collar

(3-4) Eye Bolt Screws

For Wall Mount

(2) 4" Wall Mount Bracket Assembly.

(4) Bracket Mounting Screws

Unpacking the Unit

The sensor transmitter comes in a custom shipping container. Be careful when removing the device.

CAUTION: Beware of damaging any of the wind transducers located at the top of the three antennas.
Dropping the device can break or damage the transducers. If the antenna bends or twists, the re-aligning
can be difficult or impossible.

Unpack the Orion weather station and verify that all parts are included.

1. Standard system includes:

 Orion Sensor Transmitter

 50 ft sensor cable + additional cable length if ordered

 Orion Weatherproof Enclosure

 User Manual

Inspect all system components for obvious shipping damage (Refer to “Important Notice: Shipping
Damage” in case of damage).

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Save the shipping carton and packing material in case the unit needs to be returned to the factory. If the
system does not operate or calibrate properly, see Section 6: Maintenance and Section 7:
Troubleshooting, for further instructions.

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Installing the Orion Sensor Transmitter

Site Selection:

Finding a suitable site for the sensor transmitter is important for getting representative ambient
measurements. The site should represent the general area of interest.

The sensor transmitter should be installed in a location that is free from turbulence caused by nearby
objects, such as trees or buildings.

WARNING: To protect personnel (and the device), a lightning rod should be installed with the tip at least
40 inches (one meter) above the sensor transmitter. The rod must be properly grounded, compliant with
all local applicable safety regulations.

Installing the Mounting Adapter

NOTE: The sensor transmitter must be installed to an upright, vertical position.

1. Insert the mounting adapter  in the transmitter lower side as shown in the diagram above.

2. Turn the adapter firmly until you feel that it has snaped into the locked position.

3. Align the transmitter in such a way that the arrow (at the bottom of the transmitter) points to north
(see North Alignment).

4. Tighten the fixing screw  to fix the adapter firmly to the mast.

North Alignment

To help the alignment, there is an arrow and text North on the bottom of the transmitter. The transmitter
should be aligned in such a way that this arrow points to the north.

Wind direction can be referred either the true north, which uses the earth’s geographic meridians, or to
magnetic north, which is read with a magnetic compass. The magnetic declination is the difference in
degrees between the true north and magnetic north.

Compass Alignment

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1. If the sensor transmitter is already mounted, loosen the fixing screw on the mounting adapter.

2. Use a compass to determine that the transducer heads are exactly in line with the compass and
that the arrow on the bottom of the transmitter points to north.

3. Tighten the fixing screw on the mounting adapter when done.

Once the sensor transmitter is aligned to north, the transmitter can be removed from the mounting
adapter without loosing the north orientation.

Installing the Mast

The sensor transmitter measures wind speeds of up to 115 mph (60 m/s). However, unless the mast is
properly mounted to withstand such high winds, this capability is useless. Please read these instructions
carefully to insure a safe and reliable installation. Mounting the mast and the sensor transmitter should be
comparable in scope to installing a TV antenna.

There are three acceptable methods for mounting the mast to a roof or building structure: Sloped roof
mounting, flat roof mounting or wall mounting. See Optional Sensor Mounting Hardware for more
information.

Location

Do not attach the sensor transmitter to a chimney or a TV or radio transmitting mast or tower.

Select a mounting location that will allow the sensor cable to be routed away from TV antenna cables and
other data cables to avoid interference.

Do not mount sensors close to power lines or telephone lines. For normal roof mounting, the
recommended minimum distance from power or telephone lines is 25 ft. (8 m). Use extreme caution when
working close to power lines.

Never route sensor cables in tall trees.

Mounting Method

Choose the appropriate mounting method for the installation and obtain the necessary mounting
hardware. Refer to Section 4 for information on optional sensor mounting hardware and accessories
which are available from the factory.

If the mounting hardware is not obtained from the factory, be certain to use metal parts which are plated
or galvanized to assure maximum longevity.

Secure the mast to the roof, using guy wires with sufficient tensile strength. The Wall Mounting Method
should utilize a mast of no more than 5 ft. maximum height, unless it can be secured with guy wires.

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Routing Cable

Use plastic tie wraps secure the cable to mast. Be sure that one is used at the mast base. Tighten the tie
wraps securely and clip off any excess length with a wire cutter tool.

Route the cable back to the weatherproof enclosure. If mounting on a roof, route the sensors through a
vent or other opening into an attic or crawl space.

Avoid routing the cable near metal windows, metal door frames, metal gutters, or on a metal tower.

Any mast or tower should always be properly earth grounded to minimize electrical storm damage. The
use of a properly grounded metal mast or tower, however, does not insure protection from electrostatic
discharge. These items could become electrically charged resulting in damage to the sensors and/or
console. This could damage the system in the event of an electrical storm. Use insulated standoffs (user
supplied, see Section 4) when routing cable to help avoid this problem.

CAUTION: There may be electric wires in the wall. We recommend that you shut off the electricity in the
room(s) where you are drilling.

For best results when routing the cable through the exterior wall adjacent to the console:

a. drill a 3/8" hole though the wall (1/2" if combined with the temperature sensor cable);

b. insert a pair of small plastic wall bushings (available as an option; see Section 4) on either side of the
wall (or, insert a wall feed-through tube, also optionally available); and

c. thread the cable through the bushings or tube.

Make sure that the exposed portion of the sensor cable that is beyond the mast will not be blown about by
the wind. Use insulated eye bolt standoffs or other fasteners if necessary. (See Section 4 for information
on mounting options)

Note: If the standard 50 ft. cable provided with the sensor transmitter is not long enough, it may be
extended by splicing on an appropriate length of 22-gauge, stranded, five conductor shielded cable with
the same color code. When cutting and splicing, insure good contacts, proper color coding of the terminal
leads, and a good seal. (A good solder splice, and water proof insulation are essential; merely twisting the
respective wires together is not adequate.) Additional cable (Catalog No. 81545) and a water tight splice
kit (Cat. No. 81580) are available from the factory.

Once the sensor transmitter has been placed, route the cable back to the weatherproof enclosure. Extra
cable may be coiled up out of site.

Connecting the Sensor Transmitter to the Orion Weatherproof Enclosure

Using a #1 Straight Slot screwdriver, attach the wires from the end of the sensor cable to the terminal
block screws as shown below:

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For heated sensor transmitters, connect the brown wire along with the red wire to position 1 and connect
the blue wire along with the white and bare to terminal 2.

Connecting the 420 Weatherproof Enclosure to the PLC

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Section 4: Optional Sensor Mounting
Hardware

Fiberglass and steel 10-foot masts are available for use with either Roof Mounting Hardware Kit (Cat. No.

88002) or Wall Mounting Kit (Cat. No. 88003). A 10-foot free standing tripod is also available.

Roof Mounting

The Roof Mounting Kit (Cat. No. 88002) is suitable for both a slanted and flat roof installation. The figure
and table below illustrates and describes the individual parts. Items included in the kit are marked with an
asterisk (*). Individual parts are also available.

Description Pkg. Ref Catalog No.

Mast, 10 ft. (steel or fiberglass) 1 1 88005 / 88004
*Universal Mast Mount 1 2 88010
Lag Screw, Roof Mast Mount 3 3 88020
1/4" x 4" (for shake roofs
*Lag Screw, Roof Mast Mount 4 3 88030
1/4" x 2 1/4" (for comp. roofs)
*Guy Ring and Collar 1 4 88040
*Cable Standoffs, Wood Screw 4 5 88050
Cable Standoffs, Nail-In 2 5 88060

(for masonry application)
Guy Wire Clamps, 1/8" 3 (not shown) 88070
*Steel Guy Wire, Galvanized 50 ft. 6 88080
*Eye Bolt Wood Screws, 1/4" x 3" 4 7 88090
Turnbuckles, 6" open x 4" closed 2 (not shown) 88100
*Cable Nail Clips 20 8 88110
Wall Feed Through Tube 1 10 88130
*Cable Feed Through Bushings 4 10 88140
Watertight Rubberized Coating 17oz (not shown) 83500

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Wall Mounting

The figure and table below illustrates and describes the individual parts in the Wall Mounting Kit (Catalog
No. 88003). Items included in the kit are marked with an asterisk (*). Individual parts are also available.

Description Pkg. Ref Catalog No.

Mast, 10 ft. 1 1 88005

*4" Wall Mount 2 9 88120

Lag Screw, 1/4" x 2 1/4" 4 3 88030

*Cable Nail Clips 20 8 88110

Wall Feed Through Tube 1 10 88130

*Cable Feed Through Bushings 4 10 88140

Watertight Rubberized Coating 17oz. (not shown) 83500

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Tripod

Tripod Model T-1000 is designed to provide up to 10 feet of stable, secure support for your
meteorological sensors.

The T-1000 is constructed from welded aluminum and is powder coated for appearance and longevity.
The 15-pound tripod can easily support up to 60 pounds of equipment. An optional tie-down kit allows for
additional security in high-wind areas.

Set up takes less than five minutes. Simply insert the legs into the main body and install the stainless
steel retainer pins. Extend the mast to the desired height and insert another retainer pin. Install the guy
wires and you’re ready to go!

Specifications

Capacity: Supports up to 60 lbs.

Shipping Weight: 17 lbs

Shipping Box Dimensions: 63" x 8" x 8"

Tripod Model T-1000, Catalog Number: 88007

Tiedown Kit, Catalog Number: 88008

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Tripod T-1000 (Catalog No. 88007) Parts List:

Item # Description Qty

1 Body/Mast Assembly 1

2 Legs 3

3 Retainer Pins 4

4 Guy Wire Ring with 1
3 Wires and Turnbuckles

Optional Tiedown Kit (Catalog No. 88008) Parts List:

Item # Description Qty

5 Anchor Screw with Chain 1

6 Spring Clamp 1

7 Retainer Pin 1

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Section 5: Operation

The Orion 420 outputs the following 8 parameters in 4-20 mA current signals:

Channel 1: Wind Direction

Description: Instantaneous wind direction.

Range: 0 to 360 degrees

Channel 2: Wind Speed

Description: Instantaneous wind speed.

Range: 0 to 135 mph

Channel 3: Temperature

Description: Instantaneous temperature.

Range: -60 to +140°F

Channel 4: Relative Humidity

Description: Instantaneous relative humidity.

Range: 0 to 100%

Channel 5: Barometric Pressure

Description: Instantaneous barometric pressure.

Range: 17 to 33 inches Hg.

Channel 6: Peak Wind Speed

Description: Peak wind speed in the last 1 second interval.

Range: 0 to 135 mph

Channel 7: Rainfall

Description: 0.001 inches rain accumulation. The sensor internal counter will reset to zero inches when
rainfall accumulation reaches 10.00 inches or when power to the sensor is lost.

Range: 0 to 10.00 inches

Channel 8: Rain Intensity

Description: Instantaneous rain intensity. Running one minute average in 10-second steps.

Range: 0 to 8 inches/hour

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SECTION 6: MAINTENANCE

This chapter contains instructions for the basic maintenance of the sensor transmitter.

Cleaning

To ensure the accuracy of measurement results, the sensor transmitter should be cleaned when it gets
contaminated. Leaves and other such particles should be removed from the precipitation sensor and the
transmitter should be cleaned carefully with a soft, lint-free cloth moistened with mild detergent.

Replacing the PTU Module

Note: Avoid contacting the white filter cap with your hands. Handle the PTU module from the plastic
connector base (5).

1. Disconnect Orion sensor connector from cable and remove from mounting adapter.

2. Loosen the three screws at the bottom of sensor and slide out completely as shown below.

3. Remove the base section and disconnect the flat ribbon cable.

4. Pull out the top of the sensor.

5. Release the small white flap and remove the PTU module.

6. Connect a new PTU module, replace the top, re-connect the flat ribbon cable, replace the base
and tighten the three bottom screws.

7. Re-install on mounting adapter and reconnect cable connector.

Factory Calibration and Repair Service

Send the device to Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. for calibration and adjustment, see Section 9: USER
SUPPORT INFORMATION for more information.

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36 Orion 420 Weather Station

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Section 7: Troubleshooting

This chapter describes common problems, their probable causes and remedies.

Problem Possible Cause Action

Wind measurement
failure. Both the
speed and direction
sensors are not
reporting correct
data

Pressure, humidity
or temperature
measurement
failure.

Blockage (trash,
leaves, branches,
bird nests) between
the wind
transducers.

Check that the wind
transducers are not
damaged.

PTU module may
not be properly
connected. There
may be water in the
PTU module.

Remove the
blockage.

Ensure the proper
connection of the
PTU module.

Remove and dry the
module.

Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.

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SECTION 8: USER SUPPORT INFORMATION

This section consists of the following items:

1. One-Year Limited Warranty: Please read this document carefully.

2. Return for Repair Procedure: This procedure is for your convenience in the event you must return
your Orion for repair or replacement. Follow the packing instructions carefully to protect your
instrument in transit.

Limited Warranty

Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. (CWS), warrants the Orion 510 Weather Station to be free from defects
in materials and/or workmanship when operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s operating
instructions, for one (1) years from date of purchase, subject to the provisions contained herein. CWS
warranty shall extend to the original purchaser only and shall be limited to factory repair or replacement of
defective parts.

EXCLUSIONS

Certain parts are not manufactured by CWS (i.e., certain purchased options, etc.) and are therefore not
covered by this warranty. These parts may be covered by warranties issued by their respective
manufacturers and although CWS will not warrant these parts, CWS will act as agent for the
administration of any such independent warranties during the term of this warranty. This warranty does
not cover normal maintenance, damage resulting from improper use or repair, or abuse by the operator.
Damage caused by lightning or other electrical discharge is specifically excluded. This warranty extends
only to repair or replacement, and shall in no event extend to consequential damages. In the event of
operator repair or replacement, this warranty shall cover neither the advisability of the repair undertaken,
nor the sufficiency of the repair itself.

THIS DOCUMENT REFLECTS THE ENTIRE AND EXCLUSIVE UNDERSTANDING OF THE PARTIES,
AND EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED HEREIN, ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, PARTICULARLY THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANT ABILITY AND/OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXCLUDED.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to
state.

Return for Repair Procedure

1. In the event of defects or damage to your unit, first call the Service Department Monday through

Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm PST, [phone] to determine the advisability of factory repair.
The Service Depatment will issue an RMA number (Return Merchandise Authorization) to help us
identify the package when received. Please place that number on the outside of the box.

2. In the event factory service is required, return your Orion Weather Station as follows:

A. Packing

 Wrap the Sensor Transmitter in a plastic bag first.

 Pack in original shipping carton or a sturdy oversized carton.

 Use plenty of packing material.

B. Include:

 A brief description of the problem with all known symptoms.

 Your phone number.

 Your return street shipping address (UPS will not deliver to a P.O. box).

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 Write the RMA number on the outside of the box.

C. Shipping

 Send freight prepaid (UPS recommended).

 Insurance is recommended. (The factory can provide the current replacement value of

the item being shipped for insurance purposes.)

D. Send to:

Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.
2240 NE Griffin Oaks Street, Suite 100
Hillsboro, Oregon 97124

E. C.O.D. shipments will not be accepted.

3. If your unit is under warranty, after repair or replacement has been completed, it will be returned

by a carrier and method chosen by Columbia Weather, Inc. to any destination within the
continental U.S.A. If you desire some other specific form of conveyance or if you are located
beyond these borders, then you must bear the additional cost of return shipment.

4. If your unit is not under warranty, we will call you with an estimate of the charges. If approved,

your repaired unit will be returned after all charges, including parts, labor and return shipping and
handling, have been paid. If not approved, your unit will be returned as is via UPS COD for the
amount of the UPS COD freight charges.

Orion 420 Weather Station 41

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Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.

2240 NE Griffin Oaks Street, Suite 100

Hillsboro, OR 97124-6463

Telephone

[phone]

Fax

[phone]

Web Site

http://www.columbiaweather.com

Email

[e-mail]

Catalog Number: 81655

Version 1.04

Printed in U.S.A.

Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.