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Reference Guide
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Weather Resistant Gasket
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Wireless Weather Sensor with GPS
PS-3209
Included Equipment Item Included Equipment Item
Wireless Weather Sensor with GPS 1 USB-to-Micro-USB Cable 2
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Wireless Weather Sensor with GPS Introduction
A
B
A
B
Drain hole
Battery
status
Device ID
GPS status
Bluetooth status
ON/OFF button
Threaded hole for
Weather Vane
(accessory)
Flexible cover for
USB port
Temperature,
Pressure, Humidity
Sensor
Turbine for
Anemometer
Hole for Pivot Post
(accessory)
Light Sensor
Introduction
This Wireless Weather Sensor with GPS is a versatile instrument with multiple sensors, including a global positioning
system (GPS) module. It is durable and weather-resistant (IP-64) and can connect wirelessly via Bluetooth to a computing device such as a tablet or computer using PASCO data collection software (see www.pasco.com). The software supports data logging when the instrument is not connected to a computing device. The Wireless Weather Sensor has a
rechargeable battery pack.
The sensor measures wind speed, wind direction, barometric pressure, humidity, ambient temperature, light level, UV
index, and magnetic heading. The GPS module reports latitude, longitude, altitude, speed, and satellite count. The software can calculate dew point, wind direction, wind chill, absolute humidity, and heat stress index.
Features
The included one-meter long USB cable has a “Micro-B” type plug at one end and a Type A plug at the other end.
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PS-3209 Operation
Tripod
Rod
Vane
Pivot Post
Flexible
cover
USB
port
Pull the
tab to the
right.
PASCO Capstone Hardware Setup
Recommended Items
• Weather Vane Accessory (PS-3553)
• PASCO data collection software
(see www.pasco.com/downloads)
Operation
Turn on the Sensor
Press the ON/OFF button. All three status LEDs will
shine momentarily. If the battery is charged, the Battery
status LED will stop shining. The GPS status and the
Bluetooth status LEDs will continue to blink red. This
indicates that the device is ready to connect to GPS satellites and connect wirelessly via Bluetooth to a computing device such as a computer or tablet.
To turn off the sensor, press and HOLD the ON/OFF
button until the Battery status LED shines red momentarily and the other status LEDs stop shining.
Software Help
NOTE: See the SPARKvue Help or PASCO Capstone
Help for information about collecting, displaying, and
analyzing data.
• In SPARKvue, select the HELP button in any screen
including the Home Screen.
• In PASCO Capstone, select PASCO Capstone Help
from the Help menu, or press F1.
Charge the Battery
• Connect the USB Cable: Gently pull the tab of the
flexible cover to the right to gain access to the USB
port.
• Use the Micro USB Cable to connect the micro USB
port on the back of the Wireless Weather Sensor to
a USB port on a USB charger (or a computing
device). Charging begins automatically. The battery
status LED shines yellow while the unit is charging,
and will shine green when the battery is charged.
The charger circuit inside the Weather Sensor turns
itself off when the unit is fully charged. The battery is
partially charged at the factory. Initial charging time
may be three hours or longer. Press the flexible
cover back in place after removing the USB cable.
Connect the Sensor Wirelessly
Start the PASCO data collection software (such as
PASCO Capstone or SPARKvue).
PASCO Capstone: Select “Hardware Setup” in the Tools
palette. When the software detects the Wireless
Weather Sensor, the Bluetooth status LED on the sensor blinks green. In the Hardware Setup window, select
the sensor that has a six-digit Device ID that matches
the Device ID on the sensor itself. After searching, the
software should display the Weather Sensor, GPS Position Sensor, and Light Sensor in Hardware Setup.
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Wireless Weather Sensor with GPS Operation
SPARKvue Wireless Devices Window
SPARKvue Sensors Window Measurement List (partial view)
Example: Graph display of Temperature versus Time
SPARKvue: In the Home screen, select the “Bluetooth”
icon at the top of the screen. The Wireless Sensors window opens.
Select a measurement to automatically open a Graph
display or pick a QuickStart template.
Status LED Information
The Bluetooth, GPS. and the Battery Status LEDs
operate as follows depending on the type of connection:
Select the “Available Device” that has the same six-digit
Device ID as the one on the sensor. Select “Done”.
The SPARKvue Sensors window opens with a list of all
the available measurements possible with the sensor.
For a connection to the USB Charger or a USB Port
:
Bluetooth/GPS Status Battery Status
Red blink Ready to pair Yellow ON Charging
Green blink Connected Green ON Charged
For a wireless Bluetooth connection
Bluetooth/GPS Status Battery Status
Red blink Ready to pair Red blink Low power
Green blink Connected
Using the Weather Sensor
The Wireless Weather Sensor is weather resistant, so it
is useful for outdoor measurements. Remember that the
sensor is weather resistant but not waterproof.
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PS-3209 Wireless Weather Sensor
Wireless Weather Sensor and Weather Vane Accessory
Consider using the PS-3553 Weather Vane Accessory
when measuring weather conditions including wind
speed and direction.
Measurement Tips
Equilibration Time
After a rapid change in temperature or humidity, the
sensor may take several seconds to come to equilibrium
with the environment. Observe the measurements and
wait for them to stabilize.
Alignment with Wind
Hold the sensor so that wind blows straight into the front
of the anemometer.
Shade
The sensor, especially the temperature and humidity
transducers, must be out of direct sunlight to make
accurate measurements.
Moisture
Protect the sensor from liquid water. The sensor is rugged and weather-resistant, but not waterproof.
Wireless Weather Sensor
Primary Measurements
The primary measurements are wind speed,
temperature, relative humidity, and barometric pressure.
Wind Speed
The sensor determines Wind Speed from the rate of
rotation of the anemometer (wind turbine). It assumes
that air is flowing straight into the turbine. Wind speed
must be at least 0.5 m/s to be measured accurately.
Wind speed is measured in units of m/s, cm/s, mm/min,
km/h, mph (miles per hour), knots, and ft/s (feet per
second).
CAUTION: Do not try to measure high-speed wind such
as from leaf-blowers or severe storms.
Temperature
Temperature is measured by the thermistor temperature
transducer. To work accurately, the transducer must be
in shade. Temperature is measured on the Celsius,
Fahrenheit, and Kelvin scales.
Relative Humidity
Relative humidity is measured by the humidity
transducer. To work accurately, the transducer must be
in shade and at air temperature. Relative humidity is
reported as a percentage representing the ratio of the
partial pressure of water vapor to the saturated vapor
pressure. Relative humidity is reported as “%”.
Barometric Pressure
Barometric Pressure is measured by a pressure
transducer in the sensor’s “window”. The reported
Barometric Pressure is the actual air pressure, not
sea-level corrected pressure. Barometric Pressure is
measured in units of kPa (default), psi, N/m
hPa, inHg, mmHg, mbar, Pa, and inH
Secondary Measurements
Each secondary measurement is a calculation based on
one or more of the primary measurements.
Absolute Humidity
2
, atm, torr,
O
2
Absolute Humidity (or water vapor density) is a measure
of the mass of water vapor present in a given volume. It
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Wireless Weather Sensor with GPS Wireless GPS Sensor
Absolute Humidity
13.24 RH
T 273.15+
----------------------------
17.42T
T 239.7+
-----------------------
exp=
Dew Point
430.22–237.7
SatVP RH
100
-----------------------------
ln+
SatVP RH
100
-----------------------------
ln– 19.08+
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
=
SatVP 6.11
7.75 T 237.7 T+
10=
Wind Chill (°F) 35.74 0.6215T 35.75V
0.16
– 0.4275T
0.16
++=
A C
1.3–0.92T+
2.2e
-------------------------------------
=
is reported in units of g/m
3
. The sensor calculates
Absolute Humidity with the formula:
where RH is Relative Humidity (as a percentage), and T
is Temperature in °C.
Dew Point
Dew Point is the temperature to which air must be
cooled at constant pressure for water vapor to
condense. Dew Point is reported as a temperature on
the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales. The sensor
calculates Dew Point (in °C) with the formula:
In this formula, is the
saturation water vapor pressure, RH is Relative
Humidity (as a percentage), and T is Temperature in °C.
Wind Chill
Wind Chill (or Wind Chill Index) indicates a combined
effect of temperature and wind speed. It is reported as
an apparent temperature on the Celsius and Fahrenheit
scales. The sensor calculates Wind Chill (in °F) using
the formula:
where T is air temperature (in °F) and V is wind speed
(in miles per hour).
Wind Chill is defined for temperatures at or below 50° F
and wind speed above 3 miles per hour; outside of those
limits, the sensor reports a value equal to Air
Temperature.
Heat Stress Index (Humidex)
Heat Stress Index (Humidex) indicates a combined
effect of temperature and humidity. It is reported as an
apparent temperature on the Celsius and Fahrenheit
scales. The sensor calculates Humidex (in °C) using the
formula:
where T is ambient air temperature in °C, and e is the
water vapor pressure in kPa.
Sea-level Corrected Pressure
A typical weather station does not report the actual
measured barometric pressure. Rather, it reports a
“sea-level corrected” value. Use this formula to calculate
the sea-level corrected pressure (in mbar):
[Barometric Pressure (mbar)]+1013*(1-exp(-h/7000))
where h is the sensor’s elevation in m. To have this
calculation done automatically, enter it in the calculator
of the data collection software.
Wireless GPS Sensor
The Wireless GPS Sensor uses signals received from
the Global Positioning System (GPS) to determine its
latitude, longitude, altitude and horizontal velocity
anywhere on earth. Use it alone or in conjunction with
other sensors for outdoor experiments in environmental
science, physics, and other subjects.
Data from the Wireless GPS Sensor is relayed by Bluetooth to the PASCO data collection software on a computing device such as a computer or tablet.
Theory of Operation
To determine its
position, the sensor
must receive data from
at least three satellites.
When the sensor is first
powered on, it searches
the sky for available
satellites. This process
typically takes between
30 seconds and 2
minutes. Once
satellites have been
identified, the sensor
actively tracks them
and acquires new
satellites as they come
into view.
The Wireless GPS Sensor performs best outdoors with a
clear view of the sky.
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PS-3209 Wireless Light Sensor
Sensor Set-up
Orientation and Positioning
It is important to orient the sensor properly to receive
signals from satellites overhead, especially during initial
search mode (when the GPS status LED is blinking).
The antenna detects signals through the top side of the
sensor. The antenna is located above the rectangular
window that houses the temperature, pressure, and
humidity sensing elements. Hold the sensor with the top
side up and approximately horizontal and facing the sky.
Do no cover the antenna area.
Modes
The color of the GPS status LED indicates whether or
not the sensor is ready to make measurements. At initial
power on, the sensor enters “search mode”, in which it
searches the sky for available satellites. Initial search
mode typically lasts between 30 seconds and 2 minutes.
During “search mode”, the LED blinks red.
When the sensor is actively tracking three or more satellites, the LED blinks green.
If the Wireless GPS Sensor is turned off in the data collection software, or there is a hardware problem, the
GPS status LED does not shine.
If the sensor cannot track at least three satellites, it
enters GPS “lost mode”. In this mode it continues to
report its most recent position measurements. Use this
“stale” data with caution; it is incorrect if the sensor has
moved since its last valid measurement. In GPS lost
mode, the status LED blinks red and the sensor
searches for available satellites again.
Wind Direction (True)
The Wireless GPS Sensor’s coordinates combined with
the declination/variation for the sensor’s location produces a calculated corrected/true wind direction.
Battery Life
Battery Usage
Battery life is very important to making the Wireless
Weather Sensor simple and always ready to use, so all
of the PASCO wireless products are designed for long
battery life. For example, the Weather Sensor turns itself
off after a brief time of inactivity to conserve battery life.
The battery life between charges for the Weather Sensor
ranges from two days to more than a week depending
on active sensors and sample rate.
If the battery status LED blinks red, connect the Weather
Source to the USB Charger or to a USB port.
Maximizing Battery Life
One of the factors that affects battery life is the storage
temperature. Therefore, avoid storing the Weather
Source in very cold or very hot environments.
If the battery will not hold a charge, contact PASCO
Technical Support.
Replacement Items
The Wireless Weather Sensor with GPS wind turbine
can be replaced with the PS-9879 Impeller Replacement-Anemometer. Check with Technical Support
regarding possible replacement items.
Wireless Light Sensor
The Wireless Light Sensor measures illuminance (measured in lux or lumen per square meter) and ultra-violet
index (UVI). For greatest accuracy, make sure that the
white disk on the top of the sensor is clean and dry.
Wireless Compass
The Wireless Compass measures magnetic heading in
degrees and radians.
Wind Direction (Magnetic)
When used with the PS-3553 Wireless Weather Accessories, the Wireless Compass gives wind direction.
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Wireless Weather Sensor with GPS Technical Support
Technical Support
For assistance with any PASCO product, contact
PASCO at:
Address:
PASCO scientific
10101 Foothills Blvd.
Roseville, CA 95747-7100
Phone:
916-462-8384 (worldwide)
800-772-8700 (U.S)
Email:
Web:
Limited Warranty
For a description of the product warranty, see the PASCO catalog.
Copyright
This PASCO scientific reference guide is copyrighted with all rights
reserved. Permission is granted to non-profit educational institutions for
reproduction of any part of this manual, providing the reproductions are
used only in their laboratories and classrooms, and are not sold for profit.
Reproduction under any other circumstances, without the written consent
of PASCO scientific, is prohibited. Rev: 12/17
Trademarks
PASCO, PASCO scientific, PASCO Capstone, PASPORT and
SPARKvue are trademarks or registered trademarks of PASCO scientific,
in the United States and/or in other countries. All other brands, products,
or service names are or may be trademarks or service marks of, and are
used to identify, products or services of, their respective owners. For more
information visit www.pasco.com/legal.
techsupp@pasco.com
www.pasco.com/support
Product End of Life Disposal Instructions:
This electronic product is subject to disposal and recycling regulations that
vary by country and region. It is your responsibility to recycle your
electronic equipment per your local environmental laws and regulations to
ensure that it will be recycled in a manner that protects human health and
the environment. To find out where you can drop off your waste equipment
for recycling, please contact your local waste recycle/disposal service, or
the place where you purchased the product.
The European Union WEEE (Waste Electronic and
Electrical Equipment) symbol (to the right) and on the
product or its packaging indicates that this product
must not be disposed of in a standard waste
container.
Battery Disposal Instructions:
Batteries contain chemicals that, if released, may affect the environment
and human health. Batteries should be collected separately for recycling,
and recycled at a local hazardous material disposal location adhering to
your country and local government regulations. To find out where you can
drop off your waste battery for recycling, please contact your local waste
disposal service, or the product representative.
The Lithium Polymer (Li-Poly) rechargeable battery used in this product is
marked with the International symbols to indicate the need for the
separate collection and recycling of batteries.
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