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Solar 1 Weather Station
Orion Sensor Module and Weather MicroServer
“I would recommend theses products. High quality. In addition to providing an easy to work with interface, the MicroServer allows for polling by multiple clients using various protocols. The webserver/webpage function makes setup and commissioning straightforward.” ~Sr Technical Advisor, Zort Services
High resolution and accuracy make the Solar 1 weather monitoring system ideal for high-precision, solar project weather monitoring.
All-in-one sensor module provides easy installation.
System Includes
- – Orion Sensor Module with 50-ft cable: Radiation shield with temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure; Ultrasonic wind speed and direction sensors with alignment adaptor; Impact rainfall
- – Weather MicroServer with weatherproof enclosure
- – Panel Temperature Sensor with 50-foot cable
- – Solar Radiation Sensor(s) with 50-foot cable
Click the Sensor tab to view solar radiation sensor options.
Visit the Weather MicroServer page for more information and to view additional sensor options.
Sensor Measurement & Specification
The Solar 1 Weather Station incorporates the sensors in a compact, all-in-one sensor module, in addition to panel temperature and solar radiation sensors connected directly to the Weather MicroServer. 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.
Catalog No. 82601: This silicon photovoltaic 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
Linear Range: 0 - 350 mV (0 - 1,750 W/m²)
Sensitivity: Custom calibrated to exactly 0.5 W/m² per mV
Input Power: 5 volts DC
Operating Environment: - 40 to 55 °C; 0 to 100% relative humidity. Designed for continuous outdoor use.
Materials: Anodized aluminum with acrylic lens
Dimensions: 2.4 cm diameter, 2.75 cm high
Includes leveling plate, mounting bracket, and 50-foot cable.
Catalog No. 82605: This thermopile sensor meets ISO 9060 second class requirements. It measures solar radiation received by a plane surface, in W/m², from a 180° field of view angle. SR05 is ideal for general solar radiation measurements in meteorological networks and PV monitoring. The pyranometer is easy to mount and install, in particular with its ball levelling mechanism. The sensor outputs 0 to 1 VDC signal and can be interfaced directly to the Weather MicroServer’s analog channels.
ISO classification: ISO 9060 Second Class
Spectral range: 280 to 3000 nm
Calibration Uncertainty: < 1.8% (k=2)
Operating Temperature Range: -40 to +80°C
Output: 0 to 1VDC
Includes a tube mounting bracket and 50-foot cable. Additional mounting brackets are available.
Catalog No. 82603-6A: This thermopile sensor meets ISO 9060:1990 First Class requirements and features a sixty-four thermocouple junction (series connected) sensing element. The sensing element is coated with a highly stable carbon based non-organic coating, which delivers excellent spectral absorption and long term stability characteristics. It has improved performance due to the increased thermal mass and the double glass dome construction. The integral bubble level is raised to the top of the housing and can be viewed without removing the redesigned snap-on sun shield, which also covers the connector. The connector with gold-plated contacts allows for easy exchange and re-calibration.
The screw-in drying cartridge is easy to remove and the replacement desiccant is supplied in convenient refill packets.
The sensor outputs 0 to 1 VDC signal and can be interfaced directly to the MicroServer’s analog channels.
ISO classification: ISO 9060:1990 First Class
Spectral range (20% point): 280 to 3000 nm
Spectral range (50% point): 285 to 2800 nm
Response time (63%): <1.5 s
Response time (95%): <12 s
Zero offset A: <10 W/m²
Zero offset B: <4 W/m²
Directional response (up to 80° with 1000 W/m² beam): <15 W/m²
Temperature dependence of sensitivity (-40°C to +70°C): <3%
Output: 0 to 1VDC
Includes 50-foot cable. Optional mounting brackets available.
Catalog No. 82603-10A: This thermopile sensor meets ISO 9060:1990 Secondary Standard requirements (highest possible ISO pyranometer performance category). The SMP10 extends this quality to applications where maintenance is difficult and/or forms a major part of the cost of ownership. The Internal drying cartridge is rated to 10 years if the housing is not opened.
The SMP10 uses a temperature compensated detector and has better linearity and long-term stability, lower thermal offset and faster response than a first class pyranometer.
The faster response time meets the requirements for solar energy monitoring.
ISO classification: ISO 9060 Secondary Standard
Spectral range (50% point): 285 to 2800 nm
Response time (63%): <0.7 s
Response time (95%): <2 s
Zero offset A: <7 W/m²
Zero offset B: <2 W/m²
Directional response (up to 80° with 1000 W/m² beam): <10 W/m²
Temperature dependence of sensitivity (-40°C to +70°C): <1%
Output: 0 to 1VDC
Includes 50-foot cable. Optional mounting brackets available.
Connected directly to the MicroServer.
Range: -40 to +125° C (-40 to + 257° F)
Accuracy: ± 1° C typical at 25° C
Linearity: 0.5°C
Long-Term Stability: 0.4°C
Resolution: ± 0.1° C (0.1° F)
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
Depends on sensor selected (see options above)
Panel Temperature
Range: -40 to +125° C (-40 to + 257° F)
Accuracy: ± 0.5° C ( ± 0.9° F)
Resolution: ± 0.1° C (0.1° F)
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 Photosynthetically Active Radiation, Visibility, and up to two additional Temperatures can be connected via the Weather MicroServer.
Data Viewing & Monitoring
Solar 1 Weather Station includes a Weather MicroServer which can be used independently or in conjunction with the Weather Display Console and/or Weather Master Software.
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 Orion 420 offers 4-20mA signal output to interface to PLC, DCS, and SCADA systems.
Connection between sensor head and monitoring device
Included with the Orion Weather Station is a 50-foot section of sensor cable which connects to the weatherproof enclosure. Customer supplied cable (either RS-485 or Ethernet) connects the weatherproof enclosure to the SCADA system.
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 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
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.
PN 82606: Adjustable Angle Mounting Stand for POA Pyranometers mounts on the end of a horizontal arm or vertical pole.
PN 82606-1: Instrumentation Cross Arm, 2 ft Aluminum, for Pyranometer.
- – 1" IPS anodized aluminum Crossarm, 1.31" OD
- – Mounting bracket and u-bolts, 304 stainless steel
- – Mounts to 1.0" to 2.1" OD pole
PN 82607: Solar Sensor Mounting Stand for GHI Pyranometers. Works with SMP6 and SMP10 sensors.
For POA installations, include the Instrumentation Cross Arm, PN 82606-1, and the Adjustable Angle Mounting Stand, PN 82606.
PN 82606: Adjustable Angle Mounting Stand
PN 82606-1: Instrumentation Cross Arm
PN 82607: Solar Sensor Mounting Stand for GHI Pyranometers
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
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
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
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