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Orion Nomad™ Portable Weather Station

Orion Nomad Portable Weather Station

Orion Nomad Weather Station mounted on tripod shown with transportation case and optional Weather Master Software.

“Our team likes the easy-to-set-up system...we can deploy within minutes after arriving on scene. There are no moving parts, which makes the system virtually Firefighter-Proof!”

The Orion Nomad Portable Weather Station combines all-in-one, ultrasonic weather sensor technology with impact rain sensor for convenient, temporary weather monitoring.

Met Parameters Monitored:

  • Temperature
  •  Barometric Pressure
  • Relative Humidity
  • Wind Direction and Speed
  • Rainfall

Features

  • Compact sensor head with no moving parts, calibrated for accurate readings, tough enough for emergency environments
  • Ultrasonic wind sensor, advanced impact rain sensor
  • Tripod mast with "quick-connect" sensor head for rapid deployment
  • Sealed battery system with charger for continuous monitoring
  • Automatic interface with CAMEO, PEAC, and CERES Software
  • One-year Warranty included; Extended Warranty available

Available in Wireless and Datalogging configurations.

SYSTEM COMPONENTS WIRELESS DATALOGGING
Transportation Case X X
Orion Sensor / Transmitter X X
Transceivers X
MicroServer
X
Tripod with Bag X X

Wireless:

2.4 GHz Wireless Transceivers:

Gives the system remote capability within two (2) mile line-of-sight range. FCC approved and license free.

Datalogging:

Weather MicroServer:

A data logger and powerful communication device, the Weather MicroServer stores data at a 1-minute interval with a 1-year capacity. For shorter-term data collection, a 1-second interval can be used. A web browser user interface provides real-time dashboards, configuration, and data export.

Both Configurations Include:

Transportation Case:

Rugged polyethylene carrying case with roller wheels houses batteries and transceivers (for wireless) or MicroServer (for datalogging) with quick-connect sensor plug-in jack. Foam padded interior protects sensitive equipment. Keeps all components in a constant state of readiness.

Tripod Sensor Mast:

Made of powder coated heavy-gauge steel for added protection against the elements. The mast has three removable legs with locking pins. Telescoping extension elevates to 10 feet overall maximum height. Includes: Guy-wire ring collar, guy-wires, grounding stakes, compass for north orientation, and heavy duty canvas transportation bag.

Battery Power System with Charger:

Two 12 volt sealed lead acid (SLA) gel batteries. Quick-charging battery system keeps a fresh battery in supply. Comes with a plastic carrying case to protect against weather elements and contaminants. Operating times for each battery:

  • Wireless: 24 hours 
  • Datalogging: ​40 hours

Monitoring Options: Click above on the Monitoring tab.

Sensor Measurement & Specification

The Orion Nomad Portable 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

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.

For Datalogging configuration, the Weather MicroServer stores weather data at a 1-minute interval with a 1-year capacity. The data is stored in daily CSV files and can be exported using the MicroServer’s browser user interface for any date range and in user selected units. The MicroServer can also be set to store the data on a 1-second interval for short-term data collection.

Open Weather MicroServer Page

Weather MicroServer

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

Color Weather Display

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 Software Page

Weather Software

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

CWS Weather App

Communication between sensor head and monitoring device

Included in the Orion Nomad Portable Wireless configuration, 2.4 GHz wireless transceivers offer one-mile line-of-site range.

One transceiver is housed in the weatherproof carry-case near the sensor head.

The second transceiver is connected to the Interface Module at the data display site, which then is connected to a Weather Display Console and/or computer.

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

2.4 GHz Wireless Transceiver

A short cable connects the sensor head to the Weather MicroServer through the carrying case. Data is logged in the Weather MicroServer for the desired time period and downloaded or exported via the browser user interface. An ethernet port in the carrying case allows users to access the Weather MicroServer in the field.


Masts & Mounting Hardware

Orion Nomad Portable Weather Station comes standard with a tripod mast and tote bag.

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

Weather Station Tripod Mast
Tripod Leg Joint
Tripod TieDown Kit

Accessories

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


Open Portable Brochure PDF

Portable Brochure


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Open Orion User Manual PDF

Orion User Manual


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Open Orion Brochure PDF

Orion Brochure


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