User manual VAISALA FD12P BROCHURE

[. . . ] Vaisala Weather Sensor FD12P Field-proven visibility, precipitation and present weather measurement The Flexible Weather Sensor The Vaisala Weather Sensor FD12P is an economical, multi-variable weather sensor used to carry out weather observation duties that normally require a human observer and an assortment of special instruments. The Vaisala Weather Sensor FD12P can be substituted for a range of weather observation instruments that are expensive and difficult to maintain. It automates many timeconsuming weather observation and reporting duties by means of: · An optical forward-scatter sensor that senses fog and also distinguishes between precipitation types · An analog capacitive surface sensor that "feels" the amount of water falling on it · A temperature sensor · A special algorithm, running in the microprocessor, that calcu lates accurate present weather and visibility values using data collected from all the sensors The FD12P approximates the human senses of sight and touch as closely as possible in order to generate accurate visbility, precipitation and present weather values. Frozen and liquid precipitation is distinguished according to the ratio of the optical measurement value vs. [. . . ] 99 INSTANT PRESENT WEATHER, NWS CODES VISIBILITY 10-MINUTE AVERAGE, MAX. 50 000 m INSTRUMENT STATUS: - 1 = HARDWARE ERROR, 2 = HARDWARE WARNING - 1 = VISIBILITY ALARM 1 (HIGHER VISIBILITY), 2 = VISIBILITY ALARM 2 (LOWER VISIBILITY) The Vaisala Weather Sensor FD12P outputs data in seven standard message formats. Pictured here: a message commonly used for automatic weather stations. Distinguishes accurately between precipitation types The Vaisala Weather Sensor FD12P reliably detects a wide range of precipitation types. By analyzing the combined measurements, the FD12P can also distinguish between fog, mist and haze. In international field tests, the FD12P's ability to detect light precipitation has proven exceptional. Accurate visibility measurement The Vaisala forward scatter technology implemented in the Vaisala Weather Sensor FD12P has demonstrated unparalleled accuracy in international comparisons. The excellent accuracy of the optical sensor has been achieved with a well thought-out electro-optical design and sophisticated signal analysis. The FD12P automatically compensates for visibility measurement during precipitation. Minimizing maintenance All the hardware used in the Vaisala Weather Sensor FD12P, from the electronic components to the optical surfaces, has stood the test of time in the field. "Housekeeping" sensors detect the presence of contaminating particles on the optical pathways. Internal diagnostics test the electronics at regular intervals. The surface of the capacitive precipitation sensor "feels" the amount of water that falls on it. When frozen precipitation collects on the surface it is heated in a carefully controlled manner. The resulting water is measured to find the water equivalent of the frozen precipitation. Technical Information Present weather Detects Measures Reports 11 different precipitation types Precipitation intensity 52 codes from WMO code table 4680 and 4678 and NWS codes Environmental Operating temperature Operating humidity -40. . . +55 °C Up to 100 % RH Mechanical Height Width Weight 230 cm 160 cm 35 kg Visibility measurement MOR measurement range 10 . . . 50 000 m Instrument consistency Visibility measurement consistency +4 % Accessories FD12MODEM FDA13 LM21 FD TERMBOX-1200 Fixed line modem, 300 baud Calibration set Background luminance sensor Surge protector device for mains and signal lines Precipitation measurement Precipitation detection Precipitation intensity above 0. 05 mm/h, within 10 minutes range 0. 00 . . . [. . . ] +61 3 9818 4200 Fax +61 3 9818 4522 Vaisala Beijing Representative Office P. R. China Tel. +86 10 6522 4041 Fax +86 10 6522 4051 Vaisala Regional Office Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel. +60 3 2169 7776 Fax +60 3 2169 7775 For more detailed contact information and for other Vaisala locations visit us at: www. vaisala. com B210345EN-A [. . . ]