Vela™ Weather Station

The Vela features a durable aluminum/stainless steel wind direction and speed sensor using a three-cup anemometer for accuracy, sensitivity, and durability and a lightweight vain tail for low starting threshold.

Barometric Pressure: A solid state pressure sensor built into the sensor electronics provides accurate measurement of barometric pressure changes over a wide range. Electronic temperature compensation is included for highest accuracy over the operating temperature of the sensor.

Accuracy: ± 2 mbar

Range: 500-1100 mbars

Resolution: 0.1 mbar

Both temperature and humidity are built into the temperature shield at the bottom of the sensor package. The integral shield limits errors due to solar radiation. The RH sensor is a capacitive element enclosed in a protective membrane.

The 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.

Wind Speed
Resolution: 0.1 m/sec
Range: 0 to 50 m/sec
Threshold: 1 m/sec

Temperature
Accuracy: ± 0.5°C
Resolution: 0.01°C/F
Range: -40 to +60°C (-40 to +140°F)

Relative Humidity
Accuracy: ± 4%
Reporting Resolution: 1% RH
Range: 0 to 100%

Wind Direction
Resolution: 1 degree
Range: 0 to 360 degrees
Accuracy: ± 5 degrees
Threshold: 1 m/sec

Barometric Pressure
Accuracy: ± 2 mbar
Range: 500 - 1100 mbars
Resolution: 0.1 mbar

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

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.

Additional software options are available including third-party software for PC and Mac.

Open Weather Software Page

The Vela 420 offers 4-20mA signal output to interface to PLC, DCS, and SCADA systems.

Included with the Vela Weather Station is a 50-foot section of sensor cable which connects to the Interface Module.

A standard 7-foot serial communication cable connects the Interface Module to a computer 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 Short Haul Modem 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, 2.4 GHz and 900MHz wireless transceiver options offer outdoor line-of-site range at one mile and 20 miles, respectively.

For the wireless Vela Weather Station, a transceiver is housed in a weatherproof enclosure near the sensor head. A single transceiver is connected to the Interface Module at the data display site, which then is connected to a Weather Display Console and/or computer.

These stations require power at the site of the weatherproof enclosure. This power can be AC, battery or solar. The Orion sensor head requires significantly less power and is a good choice for solar or battery-powered operation.

A wireless weather station system configuration would include the weather station itself with display or software, plus a weatherproof enclosure and transceivers.

Certifications
2.4 GHz: FCC (USA), IC (Canada) and ETSI (Europe).
900 MHz: FCC and IC

2.4 GHz Model, Catalog Number 8245

900 MHz Model, Catalog Number 8255

Catalog Number 8250

This device connects the weather station to a Local Area Network (LAN). At the monitoring computer a driver creates a virtual serial port and converts the data to be read by the available terminal program or weather software such as Weather Master or WeatherView 32.

For weather monitoring applications situated in a large facility 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 LAN cables to hook up.

This device provides for the flexibility of placing the weather station any where close to an Ethernet connection.

Includes a power supply, driver and Ethernet cable.

Catalog Number 8248

Two 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.

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 two clamps for mast of up to 3” diameter.

Catalog Number: 88022

(Does not include mast - User supplied)

Open Diagram PDF

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

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

For the Orion and Orion LX wireless weather stations the weatherproof enclosure houses the power supply and wireless transceiver.

Designed for use in either indoor or 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)

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

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