Overview
The transcript explains key sensors used in weather stations and demonstrates the best practices for mounting, wiring, and setup to ensure accurate and reliable data collection.
Weather Station Platform and System
- Use a robust platform like the CM106B tripod with a crossarm to withstand severe weather.
- Install an enclosure to house the CR1000Xe data logger and PS200 power supply; add a solar panel for power.
- Tripod orientation: One leg should point away from the equator for optimal solar exposure; crossarm should run East–West.
- The CR1000Xe operates sensors with a CRBasic program built in ShortCut software.
- ShortCut provides both the data collection program and a wiring diagram for assembly.
Sensors Included and Their Functions
- The weather station example features five sensors:
- :blue_circle: Barometer
- :green_circle: Anemometer
- :orange_circle: Temperature/Relative Humidity sensor
- :yellow_circle: Pyranometer
- :red_circle: Tipping bucket rain gauge
- Example sensor models: BaroVue 10, 03002 Wind Sentry, HygroVue 10, CS320, RainVue 20
- Campbell Scientific offers other sensor models as well.
Sensor Mounting and Placement
- :blue_circle: Barometer (BaroVue 10): MEMS sensor with SDI-12 output; mount flat or on its edge inside the enclosure with grommets and screws.
- :green_circle: Anemometer (03002 Wind Sentry): Measures wind speed (spinning cups, pulse) and direction (vane, resistive bridge).
- Place in an open area, clear of obstructions; mount on a vertical tube at one crossarm end using U-bolts or set screws.
- :orange_circle: Temperature/Relative Humidity (HygroVue 10): SDI-12 digital sensor, placed inside a radiation shield.
- Insert so sensor top is 1/3 down from shield top; mount shield to the mast with a U-bolt, nuts, and washers.
- :yellow_circle: Pyranometer (CS320): Measures solar radiation; SDI-12 output.
- Mount on a CM226 bracket at the opposite end of the crossarm from the anemometer.
- :red_circle: Rain Gauge (RainVue 20): Tipping bucket with SDI-12 output; measures precipitation total and intensity.
- Mount on CM241 atop a CM305 pole, clear of the tripod; ensure it is level.
Pre-Installation Testing and Field Assembly
- Test the full system in the lab before field installation to confirm all components work together.
- Follow the ShortCut wiring diagram to connect sensors to the data logger.
- Check operation of each sensor before installing in the field.
- At the field site:
- Confirm tripod orientation and East–West placement of the crossarm.
- Mount sensors in the order and positions tested in the lab.
Wiring and Cable Management
- Connect sensors in order: BaroVue 10, 03002 Wind Sentry, HygroVue 10, CS320, RainVue 20.
- Create drip loops under each sensor to keep water off connectors.
- Secure wires with zip ties down the mast; gather excess into a loop below the enclosure and secure to the mast leg.
- Protect ground-level cables with electrical conduit.
Data Collection and Communications
- The station is ready for data collection once installed and wired.
- Data can be retrieved:
- By manual site visits
- Remotely via Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, cellular, or satellite communications from Campbell Scientific.
Sensor and Hardware Summary
| Component | Model/Type | Measurement | Signal/Interface | Mounting Location/Hardware | Notes |
|---|
| :blue_circle: Barometer | BaroVue 10 (MEMS) | Barometric pressure | SDI-12 | Inside enclosure; grommets and screws | Flat or on edge |
| :green_circle: Anemometer | 03002 Wind Sentry | Wind speed (pulse), direction (bridge) | Pulse, resistive bridge | Vertical tube, crossarm end; U-bolts/set screws | Open, unobstructed area |
| :orange_circle: Temp/RH sensor | HygroVue 10 | Air temp., relative humidity | SDI-12 | Radiation shield on mast; U-bolt | Top 1/3 down from shield |
| :yellow_circle: Pyranometer | CS320 | Solar radiation | SDI-12 | CM226 bracket, crossarm end opposite anemometer | Clear sky view |
| :red_circle: Rain gauge | RainVue 20 | Precipitation | SDI-12 | CM241 on CM305 pole; clear of tripod | Must be level |
| Data logger | CR1000Xe | Data control | CRBasic program | In enclosure | Program via ShortCut |
| Power supply | PS200 | Power | — | In enclosure/solar panel | Tripod leg away from equator |
| Mount/base | CM106B tripod/crossarm | Support | — | On-site; crossarm East–West | — |
Best Practices
- Orient one tripod leg away from the equator for optimal solar panel exposure.
- Install wind and solar sensors in open, unobstructed locations.
- Use a radiation shield for the temp/RH sensor for better accuracy.
- Level the rain gauge for accurate readings.
- Add drip loops and secure cables with zip ties to prevent water damage.
Key Terms & Definitions
- SDI-12: Digital serial interface for sensors, allowing shared data lines.
- MEMS: Micro Electromechanical System, used in precise pressure sensors.
- CRBasic: Programming language for CR1000Xe data logger, created with ShortCut.
- Drip loop: Low point in cabling below a sensor to keep water off connectors.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Use ShortCut to create the CRBasic program and wiring diagram for your sensors.
- Bench-test the full system to verify that all sensors work.
- Deploy the tripod at the site; confirm correct crossarm orientation and tripod leg placement.
- Mount and align sensors as instructed.
- Wire sensors in order, make drip loops, and secure cables.
- Choose a data retrieval method: manual downloads or remote access (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, cellular, or satellite).