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Orion 420™ PLC Weather Station
The Orion 420 Weather Station offers a complete weather station with 4-20 mA output for industrial PLC interface.
With ultrasonic wind measurement technology, the Orion 420 offers high accuracy and stability with 4-20 mA signal output for interface to PLC, DCS, and SCADA systems.
(Modbus/OPCcommunication is available with the Weather MicroServer monitoring any CWS weather station.)
Additionally, real time monitoring, data logging, and graphing are available with a stand-alone Weather Display Console and/or Weather Master Software. The Weather MicroServer can also be connected to offer Internet-ready data as well as additional industrial protocols.
Features
- – Six most essential weather sensors in one unit (temperature, humidity, pressure, wind speed, wind direction, rain)
- – 4-20 mA current output for parameters (see list below)
- – Accurate and stable measurements
- – Ultrasonic wind sensor, no moving parts
- – Advanced impact rainfall sensor
- – Fast and simple to install
- – Low maintenance
- – One-year warranty
“The ease of use, simple installation, and ruggedized hardware are second to none. Our units have been installed for many years, and we expect them to continue to provide good reliable service for years to come. It is a perfect fit when integrating with PLCs.”
Orion 420 Weather Station Includes
- – Orion 536 All-in-One Sensor Transmitter (with 50-foot cable and mounting adapter) including:
- – Radiation shield with temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure
- – Ultrasonic wind speed and direction sensors with alignment adaptor
- – Impact rainfall
- – Weatherproof enclosure with:
- – Two 4-20 mA converter modulesPower supplyAC surge protectorRecommended: Surge Protector
- – Power supplyAC surge protectorRecommended: Surge Protector
- – AC surge protector
4-20mA Outputs
Channel | Range | ||
| 1: Wind Direction | 0 to 360 degrees | ||
| 2: Wind Speed | 0 to 135 mph | ||
| 3: Temperature | -60 to +140°F | ||
| 4: Relative Humidity | 0 to %100 | ||
| 5: Barometric Pressure | 17 to 33 inches Hg | ||
| 6: Peak Wind Speed | 0 to 135 mph | ||
| 7: Rainfall | 0 to 10 inches | ||
| 8: Rain Intensity | 0 to 8 inches/hour |
Orion 420 Weather Station System Diagram
Sensor Measurement & Specification
The Orion 420 Weather Station incorporates the following sensors in a compact, all-in-one sensor head. Click to expand for specific sensor and measurement details.
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 134 mph (0 to 60 m/s) and for wind direction from 0 to 360°.
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 with negligible 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.
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.
The Orion is a maintenance-free weather station that will provide you with years of operation. However, there are some simple steps you can take to extend the life of your sensor module.
• Periodic cleaning - To ensure the accuracy of measurement results, the sensor module should be cleaned when it gets contaminated. Leaves and other such particles should be removed from the precipitation sensor and the transmitter should be cleaned carefully with a soft, lint-free cloth moistened with a mild detergent. Be careful when cleaning the wind sensors as they should not be rubbed or twisted.
• Replacing the PTU module - The PTU module contains separate sensors for pressure, temperature and humidity. Sensors can drift over time and the manufacturer recommends replacing the PTU module once every two years to ensure that your unit meets its stated accuracy. This can be done in the field.
Wind Speed
Range: 0-135mph (0-60 m/s)
Accuracy: ±3% at 10 m/s
Resolution: 0.1 mph (0.1 m/s)
Units Available: knots, mph, km/hr, m/s
Temperature
Range: -60 to 140°F (-52 to +60°C)
Accuracy: ±0.5°F (±0.3°C) at 68°F (+20°C)
Resolution: 0.1°F
Units Available: °F, °C
Relative Humidity
Range: 0 - 100%
Accuracy: ±3% (0-90%), 5% (90-100%)
Resolution: 1%
Units Available: %RH
Wind Direction
Azimuth: 0-360°
Accuracy: ±3°
Resolution: 1°
Units Available: ° Azimuth
Barometric Pressure
Range: 17.50 to 32.50 InHg (600 to 1100 hPa)
Accuracy: ±0.015 InHg (0.5 hPa) at +32 to 86°F (0 to 30°C)
±0.03 InHg (1 hPa) at -60 to 140°F (-52 to 60°C)
Resolution: 0.01 InHg (0.1 hPa)
Units Available: Kpa, mbar, InHg
Precipitation
Range: cumulative
Collection Area: 60 cm2
Accuracy: ±5% (spatial variations may exist)
Resolution 0.001 in. (0.0254mm )
Units Available: mm, inches
Optional sensors of Solar Radiation, Photosynthetically Active Radiation, Visibility, and up to two additional Temperatures can be connected via the Weather MicroServer.
Data Viewing & Monitoring
With the Orion 420 Weather Station, monitoring is accomplished on the user's PLC device.
Additionally, dedicated weather monitoring is available with these proprietary options:Click a title to expand text for additional information.
FTP output (XML and CSV) • XML web service • Internet browser user interface
SNMP, Modbus/OPC and RTU communication protocols are standard for Industrial Management applications.
Compatible with CWOP (Citizen Weather Observer Program) and Weather Underground, the MicroServer can automatically post data from your weather station to these network websites.
Industrial grade WVGA touchscreen displays current weather data, trends, min/max.
Computes and displays wind chill, heat index and other calculated parameters.
Seven-inch color LCD panel with 800 x 480 pixel resolution.
Available in desktop/wall-mount chassis, 19" rack mount, or panel mount.
Weather Master™ is our proprietary software optimized for CWS weather stations. It provides computer weather monitoring, calculated parameters, graphing and trend displays, as well as automatic archiving of weather data, alarm notification, interface with CAMEO/ALOHA, and weather web page updates.
Check current conditions quickly from a hand-held mobile device for decision-making in the field. The CWS Weather Monitor App is compatible with all CWS weather stations that include the Weather MicroServer. The app includes three real-time monitoring screens which display standard meteorological parameters. Access to a Cloud Weather Server account is required.
Connections between sensor head and monitoring device
Included with the Orion 420 Weather Station is a 50-foot section of sensor cable which connects to the Weatherproof Enclosure.
Customer supplied 4-20 mA Signal Cables connect the Weatherproof Enclosure (screw terminal blocks) to the PLC device.
Additional monitoring options require their respective RS-232 Cable.
Masts & Mounting Hardware
Due to the wide variety of installations, masts and mounting hardware are sold separately. The following items are available from Columbia Weather Systems. Click to expand for details.
For mounting wind sensor assembly; includes two five-foot sections.
Catalog Number: 88005
(May be used with Roof or Wall Mount Kit below.)
Includes universal mast mount, guy wire clamp, guy wire, lag screws, and eye bolt screws.
Catalog Number: 88002
(Does not include mast - User supplied or select steel mast above)
Roof Mount Hardware Kit
(Catalog Number 88002)
Includes 4" wall mounts with lag screws.
Catalog Number: 88003
(Does not include mast - User supplied or select steel mast above)
Wall Mount Hardware Kit
(Catalog Number 88003)
This tripod mast is designed to provide 8 to 10 feet of stable, secure support for your weather station sensors or other instrumentation. Set up takes less than five minutes.
Competitively priced and sturdy, the tripod is constructed from welded aluminum and anodized for appearance and longevity. The 15-pound tripod can support up to 60 pounds of equipment such as weather sensors on a 1" (outside diameter) vertical pipe stub.
Operational Features
- – Sturdy construction supports up to 60 pounds of equipment.
- – Legs insert easily into body and fasten securely with stainless steel retainer pins.
- – Guy wires clip quickly to feet for increased stability.
- – Includes tiedown kit for optional optimized stability.
Tripod Specifications
Capacity: Supports up to 60 lbs.
Diameter: 1" OD
Shipping Weight: 17lbs
Shipping Box Dimensions: 70" x 8" x 8"
Order Information
Tripod with Tiedown Kit, Catalog Number: 88019
Tripod Tote for storage and transportation, Catalog Number: 88009
Universal mounting adapter to attach weather sensors to existing towers or alternate masts, even those with multiple instruments. Can be used vertically or horizontally. Aluminum construction. Includes three clamps for mast of up to 3” diameter.
Catalog Number: 88022-1
(Does not include mast - User supplied)
Universal Mount for Tower/Mast (Catalog Number 88022-1) shown above with Orion Weather Station sensor.
Accessories
The following accessories are available. Surge protection with the Lightning Arrestor is highly recommended. Click a title to expand text for additional information.
Three-stage surge protector, for data and power signals.
A nearby lightning strike may induce a high voltage surge which the internal suppressor of your weather instrument may not be able to withstand, causing significant damage to the weather station. Protect your weather station investment with a Lightning Arrestor.
This compact transient overvoltage suppressor is designed for weather stations in areas with an elevated risk of lightning strike.
- – Superior 3-stage surge protection
- – Tolerates up to 10kA surge currents
- – Both differential and common mode protection on each channel
- – Filtering against HF and RF noise
- – Two power channels and two data channels
- – Environmental protection class IP66
Catalog Number: 8355
Includes adjustable mounting clamp.
Plugs directly into the Ethernet Port on the Weather MicroServer.
Catalog Number: 8356
Plugs directly into Serial Port on a computer or Weather MicroServer.
Catalog Number: 8353
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. Most common are 20 and 40-watt systems.
Catalog Number: 83000
Includes:
- – Solar Panel
- – Controller
- – Mounting Adapter
- – Battery and Battery Enclosure
Seagulls seem to be inordinately fond of the ultrasonic transducers on the Orion Weather Stations.
To discourage pecking and nesting we offer this Bird Spike Kit.
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.
This option is highly recommended for coastal environments.
Catalog Number: 9584
In addition to the standard one-year warranty, which is included with the purchase price, we offer standard factory warranty extensions on all weather station components in additional one-year increments up to a maximum of five years.
The Free One-Year Standard Factory Warranty and the Extended Standard Factory Warranty do not cover damage due to normal wear and tear, exceptional operating conditions, negligent handling or installation, or unauthorized modifications.
Warranty options can only be purchased with new orders.
Catalog Number: 85110
The new battery back-up option provides continuous power to the weather station system in the event of an electrical outage. The 12VDC battery comes in a NEMA enclosure and can power a non-heated Orion LX Weather Station for up to three days. It is available for most weather station configurations.
Catalog Number: 8395-1
Enclosure Size: 12" x 10" x 6"
Enclosure: 16 gauge galvanized steel with polyester power finish
Industry Standards: NEMA/EEMAC Type 3R
Battery: 28 AHr Sealed Lead Acid Rechargeable
Power Input: 88 - 264VAC
Power Output: 12VDC
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