Capricorn FLX 420™ PLC Weather Station

Features:

• – Low power consumption (10 mA at 12 VDC)
• – RS-232 or RS-485 communication to monitoring options
• – Easy to attach parameter sensor channels
• – Two additional general-purpose channels

Utilizing MEMS technology, the on-board barometric pressure sensor provides accurate pressure data with full temperature compensation. The sensor outputs are digitized by a high-resolution 24-bit analog to digital converter.

Accuracy: ± 0.03 in. Hg (1 hPa)

Range: 14.8 to 32.5 in. Hg (500 to 1100 hPa)

Resolution: 0.001 in. Hg (0.03 hPa)

Standard with one ambient temperature sensor with 50 feet of cable. Up to four temperature sensors can be connected with a maximum of 400 feet combined cable length. These digital, semiconductor-type probes all connect to a single port, reducing susceptibility to noise interference, reducing cost, and increasing accuracy. The sensors are calibrated at the factory.

Options include: Soil/Water Temperature, Panel Temperature, and Ambient Temperature Sensors

Accuracy: ± 0.9°F from +14° to 185°F (±0.5°C from -10° to 85°C), ± 3.6°F from -67° to 257°F (±2.0°C from -55° to 125°C)

Resolution: 0.01°F

The Capricorn FLX offers two reliable mechanical wind sensor options.

Capricorn FLX Mark I (Standard)

Durable aluminum/stainless steel wind direction and speed sensor. The sensor offers 360-degree wind direction resolution and high accuracy. For installations subject to extreme weather conditions, a heated option is available.

Capricorn FLX Mark II

Lightweight material that is durable even at the highest wind speeds. Increased performance in snow and icy conditions.

This capacitive relative humidity sensor is compact and easy to use. It can be easily installed in a self-aspirating radiation shield for protection from the sun and rain. This sensor offers long-term stability with minimal drift. Because the sensor is a capacitive device, it will not be affected by surface contamination in unclean environments. Since the sensor element is socketed and laser trimmed it can be easily replaced in the field without any additional calibration. The relative humidity sensor comes with a standard 50-foot cable and a quick disconnect connector.

Type: Capacitance

Accuracy: ± 3% (or better) from 10 to 90% RH at 68° F

Temperature Effect: less than <±1.5% RH from 14° F to 140° F

Stability: ±2% RH over 2 years

Reporting Resolution: 1% RH

Range: 0 to 100%

The optional tipping bucket electric rain gauge is composed of a complex spun collector funnel with a knife edge that diverts the water to a tipping bucket mechanism. For each tip, a magnet causes an electronic pulse that is recorded. The rainfall sensor is completely automatic - spent water drains out of the bottom of the housing, hence, the instrument requires no servicing.

Accuracy: ±1% at 2 in./hr or less

Resolution: 0.01 inch

Heated rain gauge is available.

The pyranometer or solar radiation sensor is calibrated to measure the shortwave radiation reaching the Earth's surface, measured in Watts per square meter.

Self-cleaning dome-shaped head prevents water accumulation.

Sensor head is potted solid to prevent internal condensation in humid environments.

Cosine Response: 45° zenith angle ± 1%, 75° zenith angle ± 5%

Absolute Accuracy: ± 5%

Uniformity: ± 3%

Repeatability: ± 1%

Output Responsivity: 0.200 mV per W m2

In full sunlight: 220 mV (1,100 W m2)

Linear Range: 0 - 350 mV (0 - 1,750 W m2)

Sensitivity: Custom calibrated to exactly 5.00 W m2 per mV

Input Power: None, self-powered

Operating Environment: - 40 to 55 °C; 0 to 100% relative humidity. Designed for continuous outdoor use. Can be submerged under water (with or without mounting screw).

Materials: Anodized aluminum with acrylic lens

Dimensions: 2.4 cm diameter, 2.75 cm high

Includes leveling plate, mounting bracket, and 50-foot cable.

Control Module
Dimensions: 5.8" L x 4.5" W x 2.4" H
Weight: 0.4 lbs
Input Voltage: 8-24VDC
Current Consumption: 10mA @ 12VDC

Temperature
Accuracy:
± 0.9°F from +14° to 185°F (±0.5°C from -10° to 85°C)
± 3.6°F from -67° to 257°F (±2.0°C from -55° to 125°C)
Resolution: 0.01°F

Rainfall
Accuracy: ±1% at 2 in./hr. or less
Resolution: 0.01 inch

Relative Humidity
Type: Capacitance
Accuracy: ± 3% (or better) from 10 to 90% RH at 68° F
Temperature Effect: less than <±1.5% RH from 14° F to 140° F
Stability: : ±2% RH over 2 years
Reporting Resolution: 1% RH
Range: 0 to 100%

Control Module
Dimensions: 10" L x 7.5" W x 3" H
Weight: 3 lbs
Power Requirement: +12 volt DC, 400mA (Supplied via a wall mount power supply)

Barometric Pressure
Accuracy: ± 0.03 in. Hg (1 hPa)
Range: 14.8 to 32.5 in. Hg (500 to 1100 hPa)
Resolution: 0.0001 in. Hg (0.01 hPa)

Solar Radiation
Cosine Response: 45° zenith angle ± 1%, 75° zenith angle ± 5%
Absolute Accuracy: ± 5%
Uniformity: ± 3%
Repeatability: ± 1%
Sensitivity: Custom calibrated to exactly 5.00 W m -2 per mV
Operating Environment: -40 to 55°C, 0 to 100% relative humidity

Wind Direction
Resolution: 2 degrees
Range: 0 to 360 degrees
Accuracy: ± 4 degrees

Wind Speed
Accuracy: ± 0.25 mph from 0 to 23 mph
± 1% from 24 to 160 mph
Range: 0 to 160 mph
Resolution:1 mph

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.

Open Weather MicroServer Page

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.

Open Weather Display Page

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.

Open Weather Master Software Page

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.

Open Weather Monitor App Page

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)

Open Hardware Kit PDF including diagrams

Includes 4" wall mounts with lag screws.
Catalog Number: 88003

(Does not include mast - User supplied or select steel mast above)

Open Hardware Kit PDF including diagrams

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

Open Tripod Data Bulletin PDF

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)

Open Diagram PDF

Universal Mount for Tower/Mast (Catalog Number 88022-1) shown above with Orion Weather Station sensor.

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

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

A weatherproof enclosure is available for the Capricorn FLX Control Module. The weatherproof enclosure can house the Control Module board, power supply and wireless transceiver.

Designed for use in both indoor and outdoor settings, the enclosure can be used to protect sensitive instrumentation from corrosive environments typically found in oil refineries, chemical processing plants, waste water treatment, and marine installations.

Cables are routed through liquid tight strain relief fittings.

Construction:

• – Molded fiberglass polyester has outstanding chemical and temperature resistance and exhibits excellent weatherability and physical properties.
• – Seamless foam-in-place gasket assures watertight and dust-tight seal.
• – Polyester mounting feet and stainless steel attachment screws are provided with each enclosure.
• – The quick-release, corrosion-resistant polyester latches are located in corners which allow unobstructed access to enclosure.

Overall Size:
L 12 x W 10 x H 6 inches (305 x 254 x 152mm)