Orion LX™ Internet-Ready Weather Station - Fixed-Mount

MicroServer

The powerful Orion Weather MicroServer provides FTP output, as well as a browser user interface for network applications. It includes two serial communication ports and datalogging capability.

• 200 MHz ARM9 Processor
• 32 MB SDRAM, 512 MB Flash Memory
• 2 Communication Serial Ports, 1 Ethernet Port

Web page example

XML output example

Text output example

Wind Measurement

Both wind speed and direction are measured using an advance ultrasonic sensor. The sensor uses ultrasound to determine horizontal wind speed and direction. The array of three equally spaced ultrasonic transducers on a horizontal plane is an ideal design which ensures accurate wind measurement from all wind directions, without blind angles or corrupted readings.

The wind sensor has no moving parts, which makes it maintenance free. The measurement range for wind speed is from 0 to 134 mph (0 to 60 m/s) and for wind direction from 0 to 360°.

Barometric Pressure, Temperature, and Humidity Module

Barometric pressure, temperature, and humidity measurements are combined in an advanced sensor module utilizing capacitive measurement method for each parameter.

Barometric pressure is measured using a silicon-based sensor. The sensor has minimal hysteresis and excellent repeatability, as well as outstanding temperature and long-term stability. The measurement range is from 17.72 to 32.48 in. Hg (600 to 1100 millibars)

Temperature measurement is based on a ceramic sensor. The measurement range is from -61.6 to 140 °F (-52 to +60 °C).

Humidity measurement is based on a capacitive technology. The sensor is highly accurate and it offers excellent long-term stability in a wide range of environments withnegligible hysteresis. The measurement range for humidity is 0 to 100% RH.

This tri-sensor module is mounted in a specially designed radiation shield and is easily replaceable and available as a spare component.

The shield protects the sensors form both scattered and direct solar radiation and precipitation. The plastic material in the plates offers excellent thermal characteristics and UV stabilized construction. The white outer surface reflects radiation, while the black inside absorbs accumulated heat.

Rainfall Measurement

The rainfall measurement is based on an impact sensor, which detects the impact of individual rain drops. The signals exerting from the impacts are proportional to the volume of the drops. Hence, the signal from each drop can be converted directly to the accumulated rainfall. Due to the measurement method, flooding, clogging as well as wetting and evaporation losses in rain measurement are eliminated.

Features

Specifications

Visibility Range: 30m - 16 km standard
Extinction Range: 100 - 0.1863 km-1 standard
Accuracy: +/- 10% RMSE
Time Constant: 60 sec
Scatter Angle: 42 deg nominal
Source: 880 nm LED
Output: Serial RS-232
Power: 100-240 VAC, 24 VA Nominal
Operating Temperature: -40 to 60 C
Operating Humidity: 0-100%
Protection: IP66 (NEMA-4X)
Weight: 8 kg (18 lb)
Dimensions: 889 mm W x 292 mm H x 305 mm D
(35 in x 11.5 in x 12 in)
Mounting: Nominal 40 mm ISO pipe, 48 mm OD max
(1-1/2" IPS pipe, 1.9 inch OD max)

Visibility Sensor Option (requires Weather MicroServer)

Measures atmospheric visibility, also known as meteorological optical range (MOR) by determining the amount of light scattered by particles (smoke, dust, haze, fog, rain, & snow) in the air that passes through the optical sample volume. A 42-degree forward scatter angle ensures performance over a wide range of particle sizes.

An integrated, one-piece housing design keeps all cabling internal to the sensor for protection against the elements. The sensor housing is made from anodized aluminum and the enclosures are rugged, UV-resistant fiberglass rated to IP66.

Based on the proven experience of the NWS and FAA, the sensor uses a "look down" geometry to reduce window contamination and clogging from blowing snow. The windows use continuous duty anti-dew heaters.

Surge and EMI filtering on all power and signal lines help ensure uninterrupted service for the life of the sensor.

This equipment is in compliance with the essential requirements and other provisions of Low Voltage Directives 73/23/EEC and 89/336/ EEC as amended by Directive 93/68/EEC.

Installation and maintenance: A 1-1/2 inch IPS pipe or optional 1 inch IPS pipe flange located on the bottom of the Main Electronics Box mates with a user supplied pipe. Power and signal connections are made through waterproof cable glands to terminal boards in the Box.

Field Calibration: Connect the factory-supplied calibration fixture (included) and follow a simple procedure that takes less than 30 minutes. Annual calibration is recommended.

Optional:

• External Hood Heaters - thermostatically controlled for protection in extreme snowy environments.
• Photometer for Aviation applications - used to determine day/night condition for airport weather systems. Automatically switches between Koschmeider’s Law (Day) and Allard’s Law (Night) when this option is used. Outputs ambient light intensity in LUX as well as “D” for day and “N” for night. A low wattage heater on the inside of the window keeps dew from forming on the optics and an external hood reduces stray light. It installs on the mounting pole, just below the visibility sensor.

The pyranometer or solar radiation sensor is calibrated to measure the shortwave radiation reaching the Earth's surface, measured in Watts m-2.

Self-cleaning dome-shaped head prevents water accumulation.

Sensor head is potted solid to prevent internal condensation in humid environments.

This sensor can be connected directly through the MicroServer, or as a component of the modular Capricorn 2000EX Weather Station.

Cosine Response: 45° zenith angle ± 1%, 75° zenith angle ± 5%

Absolute Accuracy: ± 5%

Uniformity: ± 3%

Repeatability: ± 1%

Output Responsivity: 0.200 mV per W m-2

In full sunlight: 220 mV (1,100 W m-2)

Linear Range: 0 - 350 mV (0 - 1,750 W m-2)

Sensitivity: Custom calibrated to exactly 5.00 W m-2 per mV

Input Power: None, self-powered

Operating Environment: - 40 to 55 °C; 0 to 100% relative humidity. Designed for continuous outdoor use. Can be submerged under water (with or without mounting screw).

Materials: Anodized aluminum with acrylic lens

Dimensions: 2.4 cm diameter, 2.75 cm high

Available as an additional sensor option, or as its own weather station - the Orion LT Wind Monitor.

Both wind speed and direction are measured using an advanced ultrasonic sensor. The sensor uses ultrasound to determine horizontal wind speed and direction. The array of three equally spaced ultrasonic transducers on a horizontal plane is an ideal design which ensures accurate wind measurement from all wind directions, without blind angles or corrupted readings.

The wind sensor has no moving parts, which makes it maintenance free. The measurement range for wind speed is from 0 to 135 mph (0 to 60 m/s) and for wind direction from 0 to 360°.

Wind Speed
Range: 0-135mph (0-60 m/s)
Accuracy: ±0.7 mph (+/-0.3 m/s)
Resolution: 1 mph (1 m/s)
Units Available: knots, mph, km/hr, m/s

Wind Direction
Azimuth: 0-360°
Accuracy: ±2°
Resolution: 1°
Units Available: ° Azimuth

Dimensions
Height: 139 mm (5.17")
Diameter: 127 mm (5.00")
Weight: 510 g (1.12 lbs)
Housing: IP65