WeatherHawk Inversion User Manual

WeatherHawk

Temperature Inversion System

Site Installation Manual

Table of Contents

1. Overview................................................................................1

1.1. Power Sources .........................................................................................1

1.2. Site Selection............................................................................................1

1.3. Communications Considerations ..............................................................2

1.3.1 Direct Communications....................................................................................... 2

1.3.1.1 Cable Lengths..................................................................................... 2

1.3.1.2 Grounding Issues................................................................................ 2

1.3.2. Wireless Communications.................................................................................. 2

1.3.2.1. Transmission Ranges ........................................................................ 3

1.3.2.2. Line-of-Sight....................................................................................... 3

1.3.2.3. Testing Radio Transmissions............................................................. 4

2. Installation Procedures.........................................................4

2.1. Inversion System on Pre-Installed 30-foot Tower/Pole .............................4

2.1.1 Mounting Sensors and Enclosure....................................................................... 5

2.1.2 Cable Connections.............................................................................................. 6

2.1.3. Grounding the System ....................................................................................... 7

2.2. Installing CM375 Mast with the Inversion System.....................................8

2.2.1. Assembling CM375 Mast Sections .................................................................... 9

2.2.2. Mounting Top Temperature Sensor and Wind Set Sensor.............................. 14

2.2.3. Lightning Rod Assembly .................................................................................. 15

2.2.4. Guy-Anchor Kit Installation............................................................................... 16

2.2.5. Raise, Plumb Mast ........................................................................................... 19

2.2.6. Mounting Equipment to Lower Part of Mast..................................................... 20

2.2.7. Cable Connections........................................................................................... 21

2.2.8. Grounding Rod Installation............................................................................... 22

3. Maintenance.......................................................................23

Appendix A. Separately Purchased Equipment ......................26

A.1. Communications Options .......................................................................26

A.1.1 USB-AD Serial-to-USB Adapter........................................................................ 26

A.1.2. RS485-KT Communications Module Kit.......................................................... 26

A.2. Power Supply Options............................................................................27

A.2.1. SP2-KT Solar Panel Kit ................................................................................... 27

A.2.2. ACP1 AC Converter......................................................................................... 27

A.3. Instrument Mounts and Mounting Hardware...........................................27

A.3.1 Grounding Kit (pn. 21660) ................................................................................ 27

A.3.2. CM375 10-Meter Mast..................................................................................... 28

A.3.3. Heavy-Duty Duckbill Anchor Kit (pn. 25699) ................................................... 28

A.3.4. Standard Anchor Kit (pn. 19282)..................................................................... 28

A.3.5. Guy Tensioning Kit (pn. 22071)....................................................................... 29

Site Installation Guide

The WeatherHawk Temperature Inversion System is a meteorological platform designed for detecting the presence of a surface temperature inversion. A temperature inversion occurs when temperature increases with height within the lowest layer of the atmosphere (troposphere). This is called an inversion because normally within the troposphere, temperature decreases with height. Temperature inversions can effect human-environment interaction in different ways including agriculture, air quality, prescribed burns, and many others.

This guide includes procedures for installing your WeatherHawk Inversion system on a 30 foot tower for permanent or portable installations. For permanent installations, use the WeatherHawk CM375 Mast with the Heavy Duty Anchor Kit ( pn. 25699), UT30 Permanent Tower, or preinstalled user-supplied tower. For temporary installations, use the WeatherHawk CM375 mast with the Standard Anchor Kit (pn. 19282) or a user-supplied temporary mast. Before installing your WeatherHawk Inversion system read over the sections on power sources, site selection, and communications considerations. Equipment that is purchased separately is described in Appendix A.

1. Overview

1.1. Power Sources

WeatherHawk Inversion systems are provided with an internal sealed rechargeable lead acid battery that must be recharged to assure continued system function. To recharge the battery, WeatherHawk offers solar panels or an AC/DC power converter. If no power supply has been ordered, you must provide an external DC power source with an output of 18 V @ 1.2 A.

Connecting an incompatible power source to your WeatherHawk voids your Warranty. Please check with WeatherHawk Customer Service before connecting a third party power source.

1.2. Site Selection

WeatherHawk Inversion systems are designed for installations on a 30-foot mast or tower. The ideal WeatherHawk Inversion installation site is level and well away from obstructions such as buildings, trees and steep slopes. If obstructions do exist, use the “Ten Times the Height Rule”, which is illustrated in Figure 1.

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Figure 1: Ten Times the Height Rule. n example, if the height of the tree, T, is 37 feet and the height of the shed, H, is 24 feet then the WeatherHawk station should be placed at least 370 feet from the tree (i.e., 10T = 10 x 37 = 370 ft) and 240 feet away from the shed (i.e., 10H = 10 x 24 = 240 ft).

If your WeatherHawk station will be inside a fence to discourage vandalism, the fence top edge must be lower than the wind sensors even if the fence is chain-link. .

1.3. Communications Considerations

WeatherHawk offers a variety of communication options for use with the WeatherHawk Temperature Inversion System. The best communication option to use is dependent on the end user’s application and location resources. The most common options used are direct RS232 or wireless, spread spectrum radio. Other communication options are available for the Temperature Inversion System. For information on other communications options, contact WeatherHawk Customer Service.

1.3.1. Direct Communications

Direct communications simply use an RS232 cable connected directly to the WeatherHawk and a host computer. If direct communications are used, an optical isolation kit is recommended to help protect the host computer in case of a lightning strike.

1.3.1.1. Cable Lengths

The maximum length for an RS232 cable is 75 feet. For cable lengths longer than 75 feet, use an MD485-KT Communications Module Kit and a user-supplied CAT 5 cable, or a StrikeGuard fiber optic modem kit.

1.3.1.2. Grounding Issues

The tower or mast must be properly grounded to protect the WeatherHawk Inversion system and/or any connected Host device or computer from electrical surges caused by lightning or other environmental sources. The Grounding Kit (pn. 21660) includes the equipment required to properly ground the system. This kit consists of a lightning rod, lightning rod bracket, U-bolt with matching nuts, grounding rod, ground wire, ground wire clamp, and locking nut. The Grounding Kit is included with the CM375 mast and can also be purchased separately.

1.3.2. Wireless Communications

Wireless communications use a spread spectrum radio to transmit data between the WeatherHawk Inversion System and a host computer over short distances. In order for the wireless communications to work properly, line-of-site between the WeatherHawk and the radio receiver attached to the host computer must be present.

To minimize the possibility of equipment damage or personal hazard, we strongly recommend a qualified electrician install the grounding and data isolation components of a directly wired installation.

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The ranges assume no obstructions are in the line

-of-

sight. Line

-of-

sight is defined and described below.

1.3.2.1. Transmission Ranges

Site your WeatherHawk within the spread spectrum radio transmission range. Typical line-of-sight (LOS) transmission ranges are listed below:

• Standard WeatherHawk Antennas: up to ½ mile (0.8 km)

• Optional Higher Gain Antennas on Both the Weatherhawk Station and the Base Station: Up to 7

miles

1.3.2.2. Line-of-Sight

Line-of-sight is defined as a straight path between a transmitting and receiving antenna that is unobstructed by intermediate topography or obstructions (see Figure 2). A clear line-of-sight is required to achieve the optimum transmission range.

The affect of obstructions on the transmission range can vary. Generally, trees, foliage, metal siding, and metal roofing absorb or reflect radio frequency—reducing the direct transmission range of a WeatherHawk wireless system. Wood frame and brick buildings affect the radio frequency less significantly. Sometimes, radio frequencies find an indirect path by reflecting from the weather station to the base location. However, over-the-horizon sites must use repeaters or antennas mounted high on a tall mast to get a clear line-of-sight.

Station 2

Station 1

Figure 2: Line-of-sight examples. As the dotted line indicates, Station 1 has a clear line-of-sight with the Computer Site. The mountain obstructs Station 2's line-of-sight and would attenuate the RF signal or prevent the communications completely. Station 1 can be used as a repeater for Station 2.

If obstructions lie within the line-of-sight, you should test radio transmission range before permanently installing your WeatherHawk station (see Testing Radio Transmissions below).

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1.3.2.3. Testing Radio Transmissions

Test the radio transmission of your WeatherHawk Inversion system by doing the following:

1. Connect your WeatherHawk Inversion System to the Host computer using the RS-232 cable or the RS-232 cable/USB adapter combination.

2. Initiate communications using WeatherHawk Inversion software. If the Inversion system is not properly communicating with the computer, check the settings and connections. You can also contact WeatherHawk Customer Service for help.

3. After establishing communications with the computer via the hard-wired connection, disconnect the cable from the WeatherHawk and the host computer.

4. Initiate wireless communications between with the WeatherHawk and the host computer. If the Inversion system is not properly communicating with the computer, check the settings and connections. You can also contact WeatherHawk Customer Service for help.

5. After successfully establishing wireless communications in the office, move the WeatherHawk station to the field site.

6. Initiate wireless communications with the WeatherHawk station using the Host computer. If the station is not properly communicating with the computer, obstructions in the line-of-sight may be preventing communications.

If obstructions in the line of sight are preventing the WeatherHawk from communicating, try the following:

• Relocate your WeatherHawk away from obstructions.

• Remove the obstructions.

• Mount the computer base station antenna outside of the building by running the antenna cable through a

window or cable run.

• Use a higher gain antenna at the computer site.

• Install a higher gain antenna on the roof of the computer site’s building and align it above the obstructions.

If you experience problems with RF communications, you can contact WeatherHawk Customer Service. To allow us to effectively help you, please be prepared to describe, in detail, your installation and site conditions.

2. Installation Procedures

This document provides installation procedures for two standard configurations. Other configurations for the WeatherHawk are possible. For questions about configurations not described in this document, contact WeatherHawk Customer Service.

2.1. Inversion System on Pre-Installed Tower/Pole at Least

30-feet Tall

This procedure is for customers who are using a pre-existing tower or pole that is at least 30 feet tall. If the tower/pole is not collapsible or foldable to ground level, a lift bucket will be required to mount the equipment at the 30 feet level. The user will need a cross-arm with which to mount the wind sensor on. The cross-arm should mount perpendicular to the tower/pole, extend at least 3 feet away from the tower, and have a diameter of 1 inch. The user will also need a grounding rod and cable with which to ground the system. A compass should be used to ensure proper alignment of instrumentation. These items are available for purchase from WeatherHawk if needed.

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If you are installing the CM375 mast at the same time as the Inversion System, go to Section 2.2.

The following tables list the equipment that is included with an inversion system for mounting on a pre-existing tower/pole. It is advisable to inventory the system for completeness before beginning installation. Power supply options are listed in Appendix A.

Inversion System Common Components

Equipment Description Part Number Quantity

Temperature Probe, Top 21414 1

Temperature/RH Probe, Bottom 21415 1

6-Plate Gill Solar Radiation Shield 4020 2

Lead Acid Battery, 12 Volt, 2.9 AHr 18860 1

Wind Sensor Set w/Mounting Hardware 21413 1

Cable Tie, Black, UV Resistant 17592 12

Direct Connect System Specific Components

Equipment Description Part # Qty

Enclosure Assembly – 232 21379 1

RS – 232 Optical Isolator, 9 – pin 21429 1

RS – 232 Optical Isolator Power

Supply

RS – 232 Data Cable 10873 1

21435 1

Wireless System Specific Components

Equipment Description Part # Qty

Enclosure Assembly – 916 21380 1 900MHz Spread Spectrum

Radio

900MHz Dipole Antenna 15970 1

Radio Power Adapter 15966 1

18102 1

The top temperature probe and the bottom temperature/RH probe should already be mounted inside the solar radiation shields. The following table lists the hand tools necessary to install a WeatherHawk Temperature Inversion System.

½ inch wrench Compass

#2 Phillips Screwdriver Post Level

Small Wire Cutters Tape Measure

Hand Tools List

2.1.1. Mounting Sensors and Enclosure

1. Mount the top Temperature Sensor (pn. 21414) at a height of 30 feet on the south side of the tower/pole. Place the provided U-bolt in the side holes of the radiation shield (see Figure 5) and tighten the nuts.

Figure 5: Temperature radiation shield (pn 21414).

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2. Mount the wind speed and direction sensors onto the crossarm using the provided U-bolts (see Figure 6). The cross-arm should be mounted to the tower such that the wind sensors are at a height of 11 feet, on the south side of the tower with the direction sensor to the west and the speed sensor to the east. There is a reference mark on the wind direction sensor that should face north when mounted correctly.

Wind Speed Sensor

Wind Direction Sensor

Figure 6: Wind speed and direction sensors.

A compass is included in the Tensioning Kit (pn. 22071) to help you properly align the sensors. The tensioning kit is purchased separately from WeatherHawk.

3. Secure the sensor cables to the mast using UV-tolerant plastic cable ties (supplied).

4. At a height of 3 feet , use the supplied U-bolt to mount the Temperature/RH sensor (pn. 21415), on the south side of the tower/pole . The U-bolt is placed in the side holes of the radiation shield and then the nuts tightened.

5. Open the enclosure and retrieve the mounting U-bolts from the battery mounting bracket (wrapped in bubble wrap). At a height of 4 feet, mount the enclosure to the tower/pole so that it’s facing NORTH.

6. If applicable, mount the solar panel to the mast using the provided U-bolts. The solar panel should be mounted 1 foot above the enclosure and facing SOUTH.

2.1.2. Cable Connections

1. Connect the sensor cables to the underside of the enclosure (see Table 1).

WeatherHawk Inversion sensor cables and enclosure connectors are color coded to assist with correct installation (see Table 1).

Table 1. Connections

Sensor/Device Color

21414 Top Temperature Sensor Blue

Lower Temperature/RH sensor Brown

Wind Direction Sensor Purple

Wind Speed Sensor Yellow

Power/Charge Red

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2. Secure the sensor cables to the mast with the provided cable ties.

3. If your system is direct communications, attach the serial cable connector to the WeatherHawk 9-pin RS232 connector.

4. If your system is wireless, attach the antenna to the enclosure connector labeled ANTENNA (antenna is taped to the inside of enclosure).

5. Open the enclosure and install battery on battery mounting bracket using strap to secure battery to bracket. Remove plastic protective caps from battery posts and attach battery cables making sure to connect the red cable to the red battery post and the black cable to the black battery post.

6. Attach the AC power converter or solar panel cable to the enclosure connector labeled CHARGE (Red).

7. Open the enclosure and turn the system power switch to the ON position, making sure the green light is illuminated.

a. If using a serial connection, ensure that the serial port on host computer is not already assigned to

an open program.

b. Connection to a computer’s USB port is possible via the USB-AD serial-to-USB converter cable.

The USB-AD (pn. 16878) can be purchased separately from WeatherHawk.

2.1.3. Grounding the System

If not already present, drive ground rod into ground within 1 foot of tower and attach ground cable to rod.

1. Insert the grounding cable into the ground lug on the bottom of the system enclosure, and tighten the lug (see Figure 8).

Figure 8: Ground Cable connected to enclosure ground lug (upper left).

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+ 22 hidden pages

WeatherHawk Inversion User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual