Campbell Scientific WINDSONIC 2-D Sonic Wind Sensors - Manual (Page 9)

WindSonic Two-Dimensional Sonic
Anemometer
1. Introduction
The WindSonic1 and WindSonic4 are two-dimensional ultrasonic anemometers
for measuring wind speed and wind direction. They provide an alternative to
traditional mechanical cup and vane or propeller and vane anemometers. Unlike
mechanical anemometers, there are no moving parts to be periodically replaced—
minimizing routine maintenance costs. These two-dimensional anemometers are
manufactured by Gill Instruments, Ltd.
The WindSonic1 and WindSonic4 differ in their output signal. The WindSonic1
outputs an RS-232 signal that can be read by the CR800, CR850, CR1000, or
CR3000 dataloggers. The WindSonic4 outputs an SDI-12 signal that can be read
by the CR200(X)-series, CR510, CR10X, CR800, CR850, CR1000, CR3000, or
CR5000 dataloggers.
Before installing the WindSonic, please study
• Section 2, Cautionary Statements
• Section 3, Initial Inspection
• Section 4, Quickstart
2. Cautionary Statements
• The WindSonic is a precision instrument. Please handle it with care.
• If the WindSonic is to be installed at heights over 2 m (6 ft), be familiar
with tower safety and follow safe tower climbing procedures.
• DANGER—Use extreme care when working near overhead electrical
wires. Check for overhead wires before mounting the WindSonic or
before raising a tower.
• WindSonic1’s default settings were changed in February 2013.
WindSonic1s with newer settings will not work with older programs and
Short Cut 3.0 or older. See Section 6.4, Campbell Scientific Factory
Default Settings for the WindSonic1, and Appendix B for more
information.
• Communications between the WindSonic1 and the datalogger will most
likely fail if its cable is extended beyond 50 feet.
• For the WindSonic4, the maximum cable length tested by Gill is 91 m
(300 ft). The SDI-12 standard specifies that an SDI-12 sensor must be
able to use at least 61 m (200 ft) of signal cable. Greater SDI-12 cable
lengths are acceptable.
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