Product Review: Davis Instruments Sonic Anemometer
The Benefits of Sonic Anemometers
Traditional anemometers use an array of moving parts to obtain wind speed and direction measurements. The moving parts of traditional anemometers have two main pitfalls. These are;
- Inertia impacting accuracy. Wind cups and vanes are almost always moving. When there's a sudden drop in wind speed or change in wind direction, the moving parts will need to adjust. The need for the moving parts to stop and adapt will result in a slight lag in measurements. This mechanism makes accurately capturing wind gusts nearly impossible. The technology behind sonic anemometers facilitates real-time measured values.
- Wear and tear.With no moving parts, ultrasonic sensors cost less to maintain and therefore have longer life cycles than traditional cup and vane sensors.
Sonic anemometers are appropriate for long-term use in;
- Open or exposed areas,
- Weather buoys, or
- Environments where salty air or large amounts of dust could affect the accuracy and reliability of traditional cup-and-vane anemometers.
The Davis Instruments Sonic Anemometer (Product Code: IC-6415)
The Davis Instruments sonic anemometer precisely measures wind conditions through its pairs of electro-acoustic transducers. The transducers send sonic pulses back and forth and measure the time taken for the pulse to travel between each transducer. The movement of wind will impact the time taken, and the anemometer uses this information to calculate wind speed and direction, calibrated by temperature measurements.
Different uses for sonic anemometers include:
- When used with an EnviroMonitor node, to add wind data to an EnviroMonitor system
- To act as a replacement anemometer to your pre-existing Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2; and
- A sonic anemometer can be added as an additional wind station to you Vantage Pro2 or Vantage Vue when installed with a Sensor Transmitter and WeatherLink Live.
Summary Features and Benefits of the Davis Instruments Sonic Anemometer
- Measures wind speed and direction using no moving parts, which enhances the device's ruggedness and reliability and reduces maintenance to a minimum.
- The sonic anemometer has a solar panel and requires no external power.
- Sonic pulses reliably and accurately detect air movement.
- With several setup options to suit individual needs, you can use the IC-6415 as a replacement anemometer for a wireless or cabled Vantage Pro2, or couple it with a Sensor Transmitter or EnviroMonitor Node.
- The unit can act as an additional wind station to your Vantage Pro2 or Vantage Vue system in a system linked with a Sensor Transmitter and WeatherLink Live.
- The IC-6415 package includes mounting hardware, battery, an aligning tool, and a 12m cable.
Specifications
Wind Direction |
|
| Display Resolution | 16 points (22.5°) on the compass rose, 1° in the numeric display |
| Accuracy | ±2 degrees at wind speeds ≥ 110 km/h (6 kts, 7 mph, 3 m/s) ±4 degrees at wind speeds < 110 km/h (6 kts, 7 mph, 3 m/s) |
Wind Speed |
|
| Range | 0 to 78 knots, 0 to 40 m/s, 0 to 144 km/h, 0 to 89 mph |
| Accuracy | ±2 mph (2 kts, 3 km/h, 1 m/s) or ±4% whichever is greater |
| Resolution/Units | Measured in 1 mph. Other units are converted from mph and rounded to the nearest 1 km/h, 0.1 m/s or 1 knot. |
General Specifications |
|
| Operating Temperature | −15°C to +55°C |
| Sensor Type | Ultrasonic sensor |
| Attached Cable Length | 12 metres |
| Cable Type | 4-conductor, 26 AWG |
| Connector | Modular connector (RJ-11) |
| Maximum Cable Length | 73 metres. Note: The maximum displayable wind speed decreases as the cable length increases. |
| Control Head Material | Polyacetal |
| Anemometer Arm Material | Clear-anodized aluminium |
| Dimensions | 380 mm x 60 mm |
| Weight | 200g |
| Wind Speed Translation Formula | V = P(2.25/T) (V = speed in mph, P = no. of pulses per sample period, T = sample period in seconds)) |
| Wind Direction Translation | Variable resistance 0 - 20KΩ; 10KΩ = south, 180° |
Conclusion
Davis Instruments is a leading expert in the manufacture of professional weather monitoring equipment. Its new sonic anemometer is a powerful, noteworthy addition to this already impressive product series.
View the 6415 Sonic Anemometer here.
Want more information on the sonic anemometer or our extensive range of Davis Instruments? Speak with an Instrument Choice Scientist! We're here to help! Call 1300 737 871 or email [email protected].
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