CWS Weather Station

Transition

2010-02-11T13:52:00.000-08:00

Blogger is changing how they do things, so if you are following this blog, please re-subscribe to: www.columbiaweather.blogspot.com

As always, thanks for your interest in our weather stations.

How to Display Weather Data on Your Website

2010-01-28T13:13:00.000-08:00

A new tutorial is available for uploading weather data to your website.

Displaying your weather station’s data on the Internet is a great way to disseminate it — whether for general public information or to make it available simultaneously to multiple parties involved in an Incident Response for example, responders, dispatchers, and commanders.

Columbia Weather Systems offers two options for posting weather data to the Internet – WeatherMaster Software™ and the Weather MicroServer.™ Both of these options can automatically upload weather data to your website. Additionally, the MicroServer offers automatic upload to CWOP and Weather Underground websites.

The new tutorial gives step-by-step instructions for setting up your web page and configuring the Weather MicroServer to automatically FTP XML files to it.

Our sample webpage, illustrated above: www.columbiaweather.com/orionweather_3.php

Product Development Connects at Columbia Weather

2010-01-19T13:28:00.000-08:00

Continuing Commitment to Product Development: Large and Small

Evidence of our commitment to product development takes several forms at Columbia Weather. One is responding to expressed customer requests - for example the portable and vehicle-mount system configurations. Another is taking advantage of the latest new technology 1) to create new products like the Magellan Weather Station and the Weather MicroServer, and 2) to improve our existing meteorological products. This announcement falls into the latter category.

For Orion and Magellan exterior cable connections, CWS has upgraded to an IP68 connector ~ the maximum level of Ingress Protection. These connectors are even more resistant to dust, oil and salt water, making them ideal for use in hostile environments such as hazmat, marine, process industries and manufacturing.

Additionally, these new connectors improve the ease of installing your weather station. The connectors are keyed for easy alignment. A screw-on collar secures the connection and provides additional protection from the elements.

High Winds -- Say no more

2010-01-14T13:32:00.000-08:00

Some additional extreme weather reported by Steve Pierce, fellow AMS member and weather aficionado: "Here is a quick video I edited together after an amazing day at Crown Point (just east of Portland) last week. It was supposed to be windy that day. We had no idea how windy it would actually be! I think you will get a good laugh out of this. I am calling it, The Crown Point 100mph Experiment. For those of us who were there in person, it was an amazing experience."

Click here to see the video

Winter Weather: Extreme Colds Mark December

2010-01-08T10:43:00.000-08:00

Jan. 2010 --Thankfully our offices were closed on December 29, so our employees didn't get stuck on their homebound commute when an unexpected snowstorm hit the Portland metro area.

How is your winter shaping up? Email your winter weather stories to info@columbiaweather.com.

We had unusual weather throughout the month of December with extra cold temperatures earlier in the month. Fellow Oregon AMS* member Steve Pierce has compiled the following data as recorded at the Portland International Airport (PDX) ---

December 2009's monthly mean temperature was 35.6 degrees, nearly 5 degrees below normal.

December 2009 also saw the coldest stretch of overnight low temperatures in Portland Airport history, this early in the winter season, averaging 13.25 degrees from 12/8 to 12/11. This barely edges out the exact same timeframe in 1972 (12/8/72 to 12/11/72) when PDX averaged 13.75 degrees.

PDX recorded the single highest number of sub-freezing (32 or colder) December overnight low temperatures in nearly 25 years. There were 19 days with overnight lows at or below 32 degrees at PDX in December of 2009. The last time PDX saw more sub-freezing overnight lows in the month of December was in December 1985 when PDX recorded 25 days at or below 32 degrees.

(Note - The period of record used for this analysis is 1940-2009.)

Steve Pierce is an Executive Councilor on the board of the Oregon Chapter of the American Meteorological Society (*AMS).

The graphs below show December 2009 as recorded at our Hillsboro, Oregon office. Data was acquired from our Capricorn 2000 Weather Station and graphed using WeatherMaster Software.

Internet Weather Monitoring and Auto-Updates for CWOP and WeatherUnderground Networks

2009-11-24T14:35:00.000-08:00

Internet weather monitoring. The Weather MicroServer now has a real-time display screen serving up live weather data in a graphical user interface. (Viewable on Mozilla Firefox, Chrome and Opera web browsers.) The R-T display does not require a screen refresh. It displays the main weather parameters and can be customized if required. Measurement units can be configured by the user.

Automatic network updates. The Weather MicroServer is now compatible with CWOP and Weather Underground weather networks. CWS weather stations with a MicroServer can now automatically update their data to these network sites.

(CWOP = Citizen Weather Observer Program)

Refract House Wins Third Place with Orion Weather Station

2009-11-17T10:52:00.000-08:00

Net-zero energy consumption is the dream of every environmentally-conscious homeowner - a goal that is closer to becoming reality helped along by the U.S. Department of Energy (D.O.E.) Solar Decathlon.

Every other year, the D.O.E. brings together 20 teams from universities around the world to design and construct houses with a goal of net-zero energy consumption. The homes are displayed on the Mall in Washington DC, tested and ranked.

For the October 2009 competition, two U.S. teams elected to use Orion Weather Stations to monitor weather parameters for their houses.The weather stations are used for environmental monitoring to improve energy efficiency. With the Weather MicroServer, weather parameters are also used to control automated functions like window shades.

Third place winner was Refract House, a combined effort from Santa Clara University and California College of the Arts. Its theme was "promoting the idea of living light" - harnessing sunlight, lightening the carbon footprint, and enlightening today's consumers.

See more photos and read comments by a participant by clicking on the title link.

Sheriff Dept. Uses Big Screen Weather Monitor

2009-10-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

Nomad Global Communication Solutions took “big screen” to the next level when they built an emergency command trailer for Grafton County Sheriff’s Department (NH). Weather data is available for all to see on the side of the vehicle. The system uses a Capricorn 2000 Vehicle-Mount Weather Station with WeatherMaster Software.

Nomad GCS is a Montana-based specialty vehicle manufacturer with an innovative and extensive product line designed to support emergency personnel and first responders when they need it the most.

www.nomadtechs.com

Gastronomical Weather Monitoring

2009-10-08T13:33:00.001-07:00

In the event of a meatball shower, you won't miss out on collecting the weather data with our Orion Weather Station. The Orion's impact rain sensor measures precipitation including water turned to food by Flint Lockwood's brilliant invention in the new movie "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs."

So whether weathergirl Sam Sparks predicts an ice cream snowfall or a spaghetti tornado, you can feel confident that your meteorological parameters will be measured with accuracy and culinary precision.

"Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" is now showing in theaters around the nation. Check it out: www.CloudyWithAChanceofMeatballs.com

Don't Let This Happen to You!

2009-09-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more options to help protect your weather technology investment.

Heated Sensors

To prevent the possible disruption of weather data during an ice storm we offer a couple of options.

For Capricorn 2000 Weather Stations, we recommend a heated rain gauge and the heavy-duty EX wind sensor with the heated option.

Additionally, the Orion Weather Station is available with a heated all-in-one sensor head.

Sensor Storage Case for Vehicle-Mount Weather Stations

For Orion and Magellan Vehicle-Mount Weather Stations, a sensor storage case may come in handy if your vehicle does not have built-in sensor storage. These cases are constructed of ultra-high-impact structural copolymer, making them extremely strong and durable. They are unbreakable, watertight, airtight, dustproof, chemical resistant and corrosion proof, offering total protection for sensitive weather-monitoring equipment.

Orion Goes to Washington

2009-09-09T13:02:00.001-07:00

Two teams have elected to use Orion Weather Stations to monitor weather parameters for their houses submitted for the 2009 Solar Decathlon in Washington DC. With a goal of net-zero energy consumption, weather conditions will directly affect the homes' operational systems.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Solar Decathlon brings together 20 teams from universities around the world to design and build zero-energy houses.

Virginia Tech's entry is called "lumenHAUS" -- lumen for "the power of light" and "haus" being German for both house and home with a nod to the BauHaus movement .

The Refract House, a combined effort from Santa Clara University and California College of the Arts, is dedicated to "promoting the idea of living light" -- harnessing sunlight, lightening the carbon footprint, and enlightening today's consumers.

Solar Decathlon • lumenHAUS • Refract House

Solar Powered Weather Stations + Additional Warranties

2009-08-31T15:03:00.001-07:00

Solar Powered Weather Stations

To fully power weather stations in applications that do not have access to electricity, we offer solar panels. These are custom per installation based on geographical location.

This photo shows a Capricorn 2000EX Weather Station. And while the solar panels can be used with any CWS weather station, the Orion and Magellan Weather Stations consume the least energy and are the best-suited for solar-powered weather monitoring systems.

Extended Warranties for Orion Sensor Module

The sensor head is one of the most fragile components of an all-in-one weather station, and frequently the one subject to the most abuse -- especially in portable and mobile installations.

In addition to our standard one-year warranty which is included with the purchase price, we offer Extended Standard and "No-Fault" Warranties on the Orion Sensor Module.

French Fries, Bird Spikes and Surge Suppression

2009-08-12T13:58:00.000-07:00

"Would you like fries with that?" You might cringe when you hear those words, or you might say, "Of course!"

When someone buys a weather station from Columbia Weather, we try to help them protect their investment by recommending accessories that will be useful to their particular installation.

This article highlights some options for CWS weather stations. We will address more in a future article.

Surge Arrestors To protect your weather station from power surges such as those caused by nearby lightning strikes or electrical storms. "

Surge Protector for Orion and Magellan Sensor Modules, Catalog Number 8355 Quickly installed between the sensor head and the computer or display console. "
Ethernet Surge Arrestor, Catalog Number 8356 Plugs directly into the Ethernet port on the Weather MicroServer. "
RS232 (Serial) Surge Arrestor, Catalog Number 8353 Plugs directly into the Serial port on a computer. "
For Capricorn Weather Stations, standard electrical surge suppressors can be purchased at your local electronics store such as Radio Shack or Best Buy.

Orion Bird Spike Kit, Catalog Number 9584

Seagulls seem to be inordinately fond of the Orion ultrasonic transducers. To discourage pecking and nesting we offer this Bird Spike Kit. Specifically designed not to hurt the birds, the spikes provide a barrier to make it more difficult for birds to land on top of the transmitter.

For more information: Accessories

ODA Weather Network

2009-08-06T11:55:00.000-07:00

In 1988 a fatal multi-car accident was caused when smoke from field burning obstructed visibility on Interstate 5 in Oregon's Willamette Valley.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture implemented an extensive weather monitoring network to help regulate field burning. They chose Capricorn 2000EX Weather Stations to supplement the already existing AWOS stations at local airports (which were few and far between).

Most recently, Columbia Weather Systems has been working with ODA meteorologist Pete Parsons to update their weather network in conjunction with their new computer systems.

New Weather Station with Built-in Compass

2009-07-22T15:18:00.000-07:00

The all-new Magellan Weather Station™ from Columbia Weather Systems combines a rugged, multi-parameter weather sensor with an internal compass for critical weather monitoring with automatic wind direction alignment.

The Magellan sensor module integrates an internal fluxgate compass with a sonic anemometer and sensors for temperature, relative humidity, and barometric pressure.

With no moving parts, the all-in-one sensor head is housed in a powder-coated metal radiation shield for durability, making it ideal for mobile and portable applications. With low power consumption, the Magellan Weather Station performs well for battery or solar-powered installations.

National Park Chooses Green Building, Assisted by Weather Monitoring

2009-06-29T16:04:00.000-07:00

When Lassen Volcanic National Park, in northern California, decided to build a LEED certified Visitor Center, they chose the Capricorn 2000EX Weather Station™ to be an integral component.

The Park's Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center uses the weather station to retrieve and store data in the event of an audit by the U.S. Green Building Council. The center's electric and heating system automatically adjusts to temperature and daylight, and the Capricorn 2000EX generates data to confirm the system's proper functionality.

Amanda Whitty, in Natural Resources for the park, said, "During the development process of the new visitor center, our project manager selected the Capricorn Weather Station in part for...such outstanding customer service for a superior product." Park officials also appreciate the "easy to use web interface and WeatherMaster software."

The Park has further plans to create a system that will feature the weather station's data on its website. In addition, it is in the process of developing an avalanche forecast system for use by both ski patrol and backcountry users.

The Visitor Center plans to offer a variety of features including interpretive exhibits and displays as well as an auditorium for showing a park film and holding special events. This facility anticipates serving 400,000 visitors each year with its attractions, increased accessibility and park orientation.

One of the earliest national parks to be designated by Congress, Lassen Volcanic is situated within mountain forests where hissing fumaroles and boiling mud pots continue to shape the land. Park visitors enjoy camping, Drakesbad Guest Ranch and a variety of summer activities. The guest ranch offers a variety of activities such as wildlife viewing, hiking, canoeing, several trails and a number of games. Summer activities include kayaking and boating, horseback riding, fishing, bird watching and more.

New Solar Radiation Feature Available with Weather MicroServer

2009-06-02T12:43:00.001-07:00

The addition of the Solar Radiation sensor option to Columbia Weather Systems' Weather MicroServer adds this new capability to the Orion line of weather stations. (Previously solar radiation measurement was available only with the Capricorn 2000MP/EX Weather Stations.)

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

The self-cleaning convex lens is designed to accurately measure even low-angle radiation coming directly from the sun in the morning and evening. The dome-shaped head prevents water accumulation.

Columbia Weather Systems manufactures professional weather stations for industries and organizations where weather conditions affect safety and profit. Weather monitoring systems are available in fixed, vehicle-mount and portable configurations.

Alternative Energy Project Uses Orion Weather Station

2009-05-07T14:15:00.000-07:00

W2 Energy Development Corporation has selected Columbia Weather Systems' Orion Weather Station to provide meteorological data as they develop their latest project to capture wind energy.

The WindWing utilizes a lever principle and an airplane-like wing for capturing the force of the wind. This results in a significant mechanical advantage for converting the wind's kinetic energy into electricity, compressed air, or direct applications such as pumping water.

Currently, the Orion weather station is used with a custom-designed display with large LCD readouts. In the next phase, the weather data will be used to control the WindWing directly.

WindWing incorporates a sensor system designed to measure the variables of wind direction and speed, with the ability to automatically shift the "angle of attack", thereby allowing for maximum wind power conversion. WindWing automatically adjusts for variable wind conditions thereby minimizing the threat of any mechanical damage at high wind speeds.

Using airplane technology, the WindWing offers several advantages over wind turbine power generation. The WindWing costs less, offers much higher efficiency, and can operate at significantly lower wind speeds. An added advantage is that the WindWing is not a noisy neighbor as it operates almost silently.

Columbia Weather Systems Partners with Kepware

2009-04-14T12:58:00.000-07:00

Columbia Weather Systems has partnered with Kepware, a leader in communication software for automation, to provide OPC communications for CWS weather stations. Our microprocessor-based weather station interface, the Weather MicroServer offers data communications through both Modbus and SNMP protocols enabling integration with automation systems. We offer the KepServerEX Modbus Server Suite.

CWS jumps into social media networking

2009-04-14T11:58:00.000-07:00

In an effort to reach out to the weather monitoring community where they are, Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. is changing our news format to a blog format.

We have also established a Facebook account. Do us a favor and become a fan of Columbia Weather if you are a Facebook user.

This is new to us and we would be grateful for any suggestions.

Of course, we would also appreciate links.