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Capricorn FLX™ Weather Station
Features
- – Modular weather station design for sensor selection and optimal location
- – Reliable mechanical wind sensor options
- – Temperature and/or humidity in self-aspirating radiation shield
- – Many other meteorological sensor options
- – Two additional general-purpose analog channels
- – Low power consumption
- – One-year warranty
Modular Weather Station Sensors
- – Mechanical wind speed and direction sensor options
- – Relative humidity
- – Temperature (up to four total; air, soil and/or water)
- – Barometric pressure (internal to Control Module)
- – Rain gauge (tipping bucket)
- – Solar radiation (up to two total)
- – General purpose analog channels (two)
Designed around a Control Module which is housed in a compact, utility-grade enclosure. RS-232 or RS-485 communication to various monitoring options.
“The Capricorn weather station, in conjunction with the MicroServer and WeatherMaster Software, are an integral part of our LEED platinum certified visitor center here at Lassen Volcanic National Park. ... Thank you for providing such outstanding customer service for a superior product.”
Capricorn FLX Weather Monitoring System Diagram
Modular Sensor Options
Standard Capricorn FLX includes the Control Module with internal barometric pressure sensor, wind speed and direction, temperature and humidity sensor housed in a solar radiation shield. A custom sensor package can be built using any sensor combination including up to four temperature sensors and two solar radiation sensors.
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.
| Wind Speed: | Wind Direction: |
| Accuracy: ± 0.25 mph from 0 to 23 mph, ± 1% from 24 to 160 mph | Resolution: 2 degrees |
| Range: 0 to 160 mph | Accuracy: ± 4 degrees |
| Resolution:1 mph | Type: Potentiometer |
| Starting threshold: 0.9 mph | |
| Type: Reed switch |
Capricorn FLX Mark II
Lightweight material that is durable even at the highest wind speeds. Increased performance in snow and icy conditions.
| Wind Speed: | Wind Direction: |
| Accuracy: (<= 10 m/s) ± 0.3 m/s (> 10 m/s) error < 2 % | Accuracy: better than ± 3 degrees |
| Range: 0.5 ... 60 m/s | Type: Potentiometer |
| Starting Threshold: < 0.4 m/s | |
| Type: Reed switch |
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.
ISO 9060:2018 Class C (previously known as second class)
Range: 0 to 2000 W mˉ²
Calibration Uncertainty: ± 5 %
Measurement Repeatability: Less than 1 %
Non-stability (Long-term Drift): Less than 2 % per year
Non-linearity: Less than 1 %
Response Time: Less than 1 ms
Field of View: 180˚
Spectral Range: 360 to 1120 nm (wavelengths where response is 10 % of maximum)
Directional (Cosine) Response: ± 5 % at 75˚ zenith angle
Temperature Response: 0.04 ± 0.04 % per C
Operating Environment: -40 to 70 C; 0 to 100 % relative humidity
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%
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
ISO 9060:2018 Class C (previously known as second class)
Range: 0 to 2000 W mˉ²
Calibration Uncertainty: ± 5 %
Measurement Repeatability: Less than 1 %
Non-stability (Long-term Drift): Less than 2 % per year
Non-linearity: Less than 1 %
Response Time: Less than 1 ms
Field of View: 180˚
Spectral Range: 360 to 1120 nm (wavelengths where response is 10 % of maximum)
Directional (Cosine) Response: ± 5 % at 75˚ zenith angle
Temperature Response: 0.04 ± 0.04 % per C
Operating Environment: -40 to 70 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
Data Viewing & Monitoring
Select your desired method of data viewing and monitoring. 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.
The Capricorn FLX 420 offers 4-20mA signal output to interface to PLC, DCS, and SCADA systems.
Connection between sensor head and monitoring device
The Capricorn FLX Weather Station includes standard cable lengths for each sensor which connect to the Control Module.
A standard 7-foot serial communication cable connects the Control Module to the monitoring device whether a computer, MicroServer or Display Console. Extra length RS-232 cable is available up to 200 feet, catalog number 8233.
For lengths from 200 to 4000 feet, refer to the RS-485 Converter option below.
Wireless transceivers offer a cable-free means to remotely monitor weather information when hardwire installations are not feasible or practical.
For fixed-mount weather stations, the 900MHz wireless transceiver offers outdoor line-of-site with 2.1 DB antenna at 9 miles (14 km).
For Capricorn FLX weather stations, weather sensors are connected to the Control Module which is housed with a transceiver in a weatherproof enclosure. The other transceiver is connected to the Weather MicroServer.
These stations require power at the site of the weatherproof enclosure. This power can be AC, battery or solar.
A wireless weather station system configuration would include the weather station itself with display or software, plus a weatherproof enclosure and transceivers.
Certifications:
FCC and IC
900 MHz Model, Catalog Number 8255
Catalog Number 8250-1
Serial to Ethernet Converter transmits the serial data from the sensor transmitter to the monitoring computer using the existing Ethernet Local Area Network. The device driver will create a virtual serial port that can be used by Weather Master software. The serial to Ethernet converter is useful for large facilities such as an industrial plant or hospital. Instead of running miles of cable from the weather station on the roof to a computer on the first floor, users can take advantage of existing Ethernet cables to connect.
Includes a power supply, driver, and Ethernet cable.
For TCP/IP communication over a LAN, the Weather MicroServer can make weather data available to any computer or device on the network.
Catalog Number 8248
RS-485 converters are used to extend the RS-232 range from 200 feet to 4000 feet. Includes power supplies.
Order cable by the foot, catalog number 8230.
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.
10-ft steel mast comes in two five-foot sections that pressure-fit together, galvanized with a polymer clear coating.
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 two clamps for mast of up to 3” diameter.
Catalog Number: 88022-1
(Does not include mast - User supplied)
Universal Mount for Tower/Mast (shown above with Orion Weather Station)
Accessories
The following accessories are available. Click a title to expand text for additional information.
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
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)
A weatherproof enclosure is available to house the Weather MicroServer and protect it from the elements.
Designed for use in indoor and outdoor settings, the enclosure can be used in highly 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 10 x W 8 x H 6 inches (254 x 203 x 152mm)
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
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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