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Individual output scaling of the measuring ranges is possible; see
Command OL, Output Link
.
These outputs are either active or inactive depending on the model.
Serial and analogue output of the data can take the form of an instantaneous value or a sliding
mean.
Device models without GPS nevertheless have a battery-backed real-time clock, which can be
used to output a date and time stamp in the data telegrams.
The WEATHER STATION is equipped with a built-in heating system, so more or less stopping ice
or snow from building up on the device.
3 Mode of operation
3.1 Wind measurement:
The wind speed measuring module of the
WEATHER STATION
consists of 4 ultrasonic converters,
arranged in pairs of two facing each other via a reflector. The two resulting measurement paths are
at right angles to each other. The converters function both as acoustic transmitters and acoustic
receivers.
The electronic control system is used to select the respective measurement path and its measuring
direction. When measurement starts, a sequence of 4 individual measurements is performed in all
4 directions of the measurement paths in a basic measuring cycle of one millisecond.
The measuring directions (sound propagation directions) rotate clockwise. Mean values are
calculated from the 4 individual measurements of the path directions and then used for further
calculations. The time required for a measuring sequence at the maximum measuring speed is
exactly 10.0 milliseconds (measuring sequence 8ms + 2ms for analysis).
3.1.1 Measuring principle: Wind speed and direction
The propagation speed of sound in calm air is superposed by the speed components of an airflow
in the direction of the wind. A wind speed component in the propagation direction of the sound
supports its speed of propagation, so causing it to increase. On the other hand, a wind speed
component against the propagation direction reduces the speed of propagation. The propagation
speed resulting from superposition results in different propagation times of the sound at different
wind speeds and directions over a fixed measurement path.
As the speed of sound greatly depends on the temperature of the air, the sound propagation time is
measured on each of the two measurement paths in both directions. These rules out the
measurement result being influenced by temperature.
By combining two measuring paths at right angles to each other, the sum and angle of the wind
speed vector are obtained in the form of rectangular components. After the rectangular speed
components have been measured, they are converted to polar coordinates by the WEATHER
STATION microprocessor and then output as a sum and angle of wind speed.