Instruments and Features

The weather station is solar powered and consists of a data logger and sensors mounted on a tripod. Most sensors scan ambient weather conditions every three seconds (The exception is the barometric pressure sensor which records one measurement every hour due to the relative constancy of atmospheric pressure). From these values, hourly averages and other calculations are computed and stored in the final storage area of the data logger. The data logger transmits the most recently archived data every hour to a computer in WRRI's office by radio telemetry. A data logger program processes and stores the data on the computer hard drive. The data is then read by real-time data monitoring software which produces graphs of the data which are regularly uploaded to this website. Since the data logger and sensors are solar powered, they are unaffected by AC power outages. The station can perform its programmed tasks using self-generated power and the data stored during an outage can be collected when possible.  

CR10X Data logger

The CR10X data logger consists of a measurement and control module and a detachable wiring panel. It is capable of storing 62000 data points (non-volatile) 32K for active and user-stored programs.

TE525 Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge

The TE525 is an adaptation of the standard Weather Bureau tipping bucket rain gage. Output is a momentary switch closure activated by each tip of the tipping bucket mechanism. Each switch closure measures 0.01 inches of rain.
Accuracy:
Up to 1 in./hour.......±1%
1 to 2 in./hr.............+0,-3%
2 to 3 in./hr.............+0,-5%

CS105 Barometric Pressure Sensor

This analog barometer uses a Barocap silicon capacitive pressure sensor. The CS105 outputs a linear 0 to 2.5 VDC signal that corresponds to a range of 600 to 1060mb. It can be operated in a continuous or power-saving power up mode.
Accuracy:
+20 °C.............±0.5 mb
0 to +40 °C......±2 mb
-20 to +45 °C...±4 mb
-40 to +60 °C...±6 mb

LI200X Pyranometer

The LI200X measures incoming sun plus sky radiation with a silicon photovoltaic detector mounted in a cosine-corrected head. The detector outputs current which is then converted to voltage by a shunt resistor in the sensor cable, allowing the LI200X to be measured directly by the data logger.
Accuracy: Absolute error in natural daylight is ±5% max; ±3% typical
Sensitivity: 0.2 kW m-2 mV-1
Light spectrum waveband: 400 to 1100 nm

HMP45C Temperature and Relative Humidity Probe

The HMP45C Temperature and Relative Humidity probe contains a Platinum Resistance Temperature detector and a Vaisala HUMICAP 180 capacitive relative humidity sensor.
Temperature range: -40 to +60 °C (-40 to +140°F)
Relative Humidity range: 0 to 100% non-condensing
RH Accuracy at 20 °C (68 °F): ±2% RH (0 tp 90% RH); ±3% RH (90 to 100% RH)

Met-One 0340-L Windset

The Met One 034A-L Windset is an integrated cup anemometer and wind vane. The anemometer consists of three cups that sense the wind speed. These cups rotate on a vertical shaft that magnetically activates a sealed reed switch that opens and closes at a rate proportional to wind speed. The wind direction is sensed by a vane that drives a 10 kilo-ohm potentiometer.
Wind speed range: 0-155 mph Wind direction range: 0-360°
Wind Speed Accuracy: <22.7 mph....... .25 mph | >22.7 mph....... ±1.1% of true
Wind Direction Accuracy: ±4°

CM-10 Tripod

The guyed CM-10 Tripod provides a support structure for mounting meteorological sensors and other components.
Height: 10 ft.
Wind load max:120 mph
Gust survival:150 mph

MSX20 Solar Panel

The MSX20 solar panel is a 20 watt photovoltaic power source for charging an external 12 volt lead acid battery.