6. Installation
6.1 Introduction
The CSAT3BH includes the CSAT3BH sonic anemometer, CSAT3H heater controller box,
temp/RH sensor with 6-plate gill radiation shield mounting hardware, and USB cables to connect
the CSAT3BH to the CSAT3H heater controller box. All other cables are selected and purchased
separately for type of communication and size requirements of the site setting.
The customer will provide a data logger capable of RS-485 communications, such as a CR6 or
CR1000X. If a data logger with RS-485 is not available, an MD485 running in transparent mode
may be purchased to convert from RS-232 to RS-485 communications. RS-485 communications
between the controller and data logger are a requirement to pass environmental, diagnostic, and
operational variables in the CSAT3BH. If the communication link is not operating properly, the
controller will not turn on, and the heater will not operate.
The heater controller requires a reliable 22 to 32 VDC input voltage and up to 6.2 A (~150 W) for
proper operation of the heaters. The data logger and CSAT3BH require 12 VDC for operation.
6.2 Site considerations
The heater and power cables between the CSAT3BH and CSAT3H heater controller box are a
fixed 15-ft length; therefore, considerations should be made when mounting the controller box
within the proximity of the CSAT3BH sensor. Similarly, the CSAT3H heater controller box must be
within 30 ft of the 22 to 32 VDC power supply, as the power cable is 30 ft long. The CSAT3BCBL1-
L that enables communication between the controller box and the data logger can be up to 300
ft long, allowing the data logger to be up to 300 ft from the controller box.
If the CSAT3BH is to be used in a marine environment or in an environment where it is exposed to
corrosive chemicals (for example, the sulfur-containing compounds in viticulture), attempt to
mount the CSAT3BH in a way that reduces exposure of the sonic transducers to saltwater or
corrosive chemicals. In marine or viticulture environments, the sonic transducers are expected to
age more quickly and require replacement sooner than a unit deployed in an inland, chemical-
free environment. If the CSAT3BH is intended to be located in either of these environments,
coated transducers, which help prevent corrosion, can be purchased as an option.
Campbell Scientific recommends that the CSAT3BH and data acquisition system be set up in a
laboratory setting before field installation. This provides an opportunity to verify that settings and
programs are correct in a controlled environment. Prior to setup, the user needs to know
CSAT3BH Three-Dimensional Heated Sonic Anemometer
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