Campbell ClimaVUE 50 User manual

Revision: 10/2020
Copyright © 2018– 2020
Campbell Scientific, Inc.

Table of contents
1. Introduction 1
2. Precautions 1
3. Initial inspection 2
4. QuickStart 2
5. Overview 6
5.1 Drip counter rain gage 7
5.2 Pyranometer 8
5.3 Anemometer 8
5.4 Relative humidity sensor 8
5.5 Thermistor 9
5.6 Tilt sensor 9
5.7 Barometric pressure sensor 9
5.8 Lightning sensor 9
6. Specifications 10
7. Installation 13
7.1 Siting 13
7.2 Mounting 13
7.2.1 Required tools 13
7.2.2 Mounting procedure 14
7.2.3 Optional bird spike kit 17
7.3 Wiring to the data logger 19
7.4 Programming 20
7.4.1 SDI-12 programming 20
8. Operation 21
8.1 Sensor measurements 21
8.1.1 Measurements at fast scan rates 25
8.2 Snow and ice accumulation 25
8.3 Heavy rain and strong wind 25
8.4 Correcting pressure to sea level 26
Table of Contents - i

8.5 Effects of bird spike kit on solar radiation data 26
8.5.1 Proper installation 28
9. Troubleshooting and maintenance 30
9.1 Maintenance and calibration 30
9.2 Troubleshooting 35
Appendix A. Importing Short Cut code into CRBasic Editor 37
Appendix B. Determining True North and sensor orientation 38
Appendix C. SDI-12 sensor support 41
C.1 SDI-12 command basics 41
C.1.1 Acknowledge active command (a!) 42
C.1.2 Send identification command (al!) 42
C.1.3 Start verification command (aV!) 43
C.1.4 Address query command (?!) 43
C.1.5 Change address command (aAb!) 43
C.1.6 Start measurement commands (aM!) 43
C.1.7 Start concurrent measurement commands (aC!) 44
C.1.8 Stopping a measurement command 46
C.1.9 Send data command (aD0! … aD9!) 46
C.1.10 Continuous measurement command (aR0! … aR9!) 46
C.1.11 Extended commands 47
C.2 SDI-12 transparent mode 47
C.2.1 Changing an SDI-12 address 48
C.3 References 49
Table of Contents - ii

1. Introduction
The ClimaVUE™50 is an affordable all-in-one meteorological sensor that fulfills your common
weather monitoring needs with simplicity when paired with the flexible and scalable Campbell
Scientific data-acquisition platforms. This sensor uses the SDI-12 serial protocol to report air
temperature, relative humidity, vapor pressure, barometric pressure, wind (speed, gust, and
direction), solar radiation, precipitation, and lightning strike (count and distance). It does this
with no moving parts, while consuming little power. A built-in tilt sensor indicates when the
mounting mast has tilted. This diverse product is great for quick deployment, for remote
locations, to fill gaps in large networks, as part of a more complex system, or if you just need
something simple.
NOTE:
This manual provides information only for CRBasic data loggers. For retired Edlog data logger
support, contact Campbell Scientific.
2. Precautions
lREAD AND UNDERSTAND the Safety section at the back of this manual.
lCare should be taken when opening the shipping package to not damage or cut the cable
jacket. If damage to the cable is suspected, consult with a Campbell Scientific support and
implementation engineer.
lThe ClimaVUE 50 is a precision instrument. Please handle it with care.
lTo avoid shock or damage to the instrument, never apply power while wiring.
lEnsure that the ClimaVUE 50 is properly wired to the data logger before applying power.
Applying power when incorrectly wired could damage the ClimaVUE 50 beyond repair.
lWhen mounting the ClimaVUE 50 to the mast, do not over-tighten the V bolt as it will
cause the plastic to break.
ClimaVUE 50 Compact Digital Weather Sensor 1

lThe ClimaVUE 50 must be mounted within 2 degrees of level on a mast that will not tilt in
the wind for the rain sensor to work. The built-in bubble level and the internal tilt sensor
can be used during installation to level the ClimaVUE 50 to within these specifications.
Recording and monitoring the tilt sensor readings can spot when the sensor is no longer
level. Refer to Tilt sensor (p. 9) and Mounting procedure (p. 14) for more information.
lRoutine maintenance is essential for accurate rainfall measurements. Debris blocking the
inlet (funnel, spring, downspout, and flared hole) can result in under reporting of rainfall.
Debris blocking the downspout screen can result in over reporting of rainfall.
lWhen attaching the extension cable to the ClimaVUE 50 cable, only hand tighten the
connectors. Using tools to tighten the connectors can permanently weld the stainless steel
connectors together.
lWhen cleaning or handling, avoid more than light pressure on the sonic transducers.
lWhen cleaning, do not immerse the sensor in water and do not touch the temperature
sensor needle.
lBefore integrating the ClimaVUE 50 into a system, make sure to follow the recommended
installation instructions and have the proper protections in place to safeguard sensors from
damage.
lThis non-heated sensor is not suitable for solid precipitation or riming environments (Snow
and ice accumulation (p. 25)).
lHeavy rains and strong winds can temporarily affect the accuracy of the measurements
(Heavy rain and strong wind (p. 25)).
3. Initial inspection
Upon receipt of the ClimaVUE 50, inspect the packaging and contents for damage. File damage
claims with the shipping company.
4. QuickStart
A video that describes data logger programming using Short Cut is available at:
www.campbellsci.com/videos/cr1000x-data logger-getting-started-program-part-3 .Short Cut
is an easy way to program your data logger to measure the sensor and assign data logger wiring
ClimaVUE 50 Compact Digital Weather Sensor 2

terminals. Short Cut is available as a download on www.campbellsci.com. It is included in
installations of LoggerNet,RTDAQ,PC400, and PC200W.
The following procedure also shows using Short Cut to program the ClimaVUE 50.
1. Open Short Cut and click Create New Program.
2. Double-click the data logger model.
3. In the Available Sensors and Devices box, type ClimaVUE or locate the sensor in the
Sensors > Meteorological >Basic Weather folder. Double-click ClimaVUE 50.
ClimaVUE 50 Compact Digital Weather Sensor 3

4. Type the correct SDI-12 Address (default is zero). Type the elevation of the site in the same
units as the Site elevation units. Default units are meters, which can be changed by clicking
on the Site elevation units box and selecting Feet.
5. Click on the Wiring tab to see how the sensor is to be wired to the data logger. If
measuring additional SDI-12 sensors and an unused control terminal is available on the
data logger, click on the control terminal (C) and change it to an unused control terminal,
then use the ClimaVUE 50 factory default address of 0 for the SDI-12 address. If an unused
control terminal is not available, type a new SDI-12 address in the SDI-12 address box, then
change the SDI-12 address in the ClimaVUE 50 (Change address command (aAb!) (p. 43)).
Click OK after wiring the sensor.
ClimaVUE 50 Compact Digital Weather Sensor 4

6. In Output Setup, type the scan rate (60 seconds recommended), meaningful table names,
and Data Output Storage Interval. Click Next.
NOTE:
If your scan rate is longer than 10 seconds (s), the ClimaVUE 50 will be measured every
scan. If it's less than 10 s, the ClimaVUE 50 will be measured every 10 s and your scan
rate must be evenly divisible into 10 s.
ClimaVUE 50 Compact Digital Weather Sensor 5

7. Select the measurement and its associated output option.
8. Click Finish and save the program. Send the program to the data logger if the data logger
is connected to the computer.
9. If the sensor is connected to the data logger, check the output of the sensor in the data
display in LoggerNet,RTDAQ,PC400, or PC200W to make sure it is making reasonable
measurements.
5. Overview
All sensors are integrated into a single, small form-factor unit, requiring minimal installation
effort. With a robust, no-moving-parts design that prevents errors because of wear or fouling, the
ClimaVUE 50 is ideal for long-term, remote installations.
Upon power up, the ClimaVUE 50 initializes an internal timer to 55. This internal timer is
incremented by 1 every second and resets to 0 after incrementing to 59. In addition, issuing an
averaging command (M!,R0!,R3!,R7!, and C!) resets this timer to 55.
While powered up, the ClimaVUE 50 takes solar radiation, precipitation, wind, and air
temperature measurements every 10 s at internal time intervals of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 s, then
logs the values internally. By default, tilt, atmospheric pressure, relative humidity, and the
temperature of the RH sensor are measured every 60 s at the internal timer interval of 4 s, and
ClimaVUE 50 Compact Digital Weather Sensor 6

logged internally. Vapor pressure is computed from the relative humidity and air temperature
every 60 s and logged internally.
The R7! command will force the instantaneous return of all the previous parameters, but must
be used at intervals of 10 s or greater. When R7! is executed at a 10 s rate, the sensor returns
samples. When the R7! or other SDI-12 measurement commands are issued slower than two
times their default measurement interval, the sensor returns averages, accumulations, or
maximums of the values it logged internally. It then resets its internal averaging counters and
accumulators. Hence, oversampling is not necessary. Less frequent sampling decreases power
consumption. For example, 10 s polling frequency requires 1 mA current compared to 0.4 mA at
the recommended polling frequency of 60 s. The ClimaVUE 50 has two error codes available—
general error code –9999 and invalid wind measurement error code –9990.
Features:
lAll the common meteorological measurements with one simple digital (SDI-12) output
lLess than 1 mA average current at 12 VDC consumption making it ideal for solar-powered
sites
lIntegrated tilt sensor helps assure that the sensor stays level over time
lNo sensor configuration required
lCompact design for quick, low impact installation
lLow maintenance—no moving parts significantly reduces maintenance cost and time
lDetachable cable from sensor for fast sensor swap / servicing
lCompatible with Campbell Scientific CRBasic data loggers: CR6 series, CR1000X series,
CR800 series, CR300 series, and CR1000
5.1 Drip counter rain gage
The ClimaVUE 50 has a 9.31-cm diameter rain-collection funnel. A spring in the funnel acts as a
filter to keep out large particles while allowing enough flow so water does not back up. Rain
collected by the funnel exits the funnel through a precision flared hole that forms the rain into
drops of a known size. The falling drops hit and momentarily bridge the gap between two gold
pins, creating an electrical pulse.
The ClimaVUE 50 counts the pulses (drops) and calculates the water volume based on 0.017 mm
of rain per drop. Due to the high resolution of the drip counter, light precipitation events and
heavy dew accumulations are recorded.
ClimaVUE 50 Compact Digital Weather Sensor 7

NOTE:
To test the rain sensor before installation, slowly drip water into the funnel to mimic rainfall.
Pouring water too fast will get inaccurate pulse measurements.
5.2 Pyranometer
A silicon-cell pyranometer integrated into the lip of the rain gage funnel measures total
incoming (direct and diffuse) solar radiation. The pyranometer has a cosine-corrected head to
ensure accurate readings regardless of sun angle. Accurate solar radiation measurements require
the sensor to be level and clean.
5.3 Anemometer
An ultrasonic anemometer underneath the rain gage measures wind speed. Two pairs of
orthogonally oriented transducers emit ultrasonic signals that bounce off the porous sintered
glass plate and back up to the opposite sensor. The ClimaVUE 50 calculates wind speed by
measuring differences in the time it takes for sound to travel back and forth between the
transducers.
Wind speed and direction are measured every 10 seconds. The wind measurement takes 42
milliseconds followed by 60 milliseconds of processing. The processed speed and direction
outputs are vector averages. If an instantaneous measurement is more than eight times the
running average, the instantaneous measurement is rejected. It is not reported as the maximum
gust or included in the data that are averaged over the output interval.
5.4 Relative humidity sensor
The relative humidity sensor is located behind the circular Teflon® screen in the same housing as
the sonic transducers. The screen protects the sensor from liquid water and dust while allowing
water vapor to freely pass to the sensor. The sensor measures relative humidity and temperature
of the cavity, then uses those measurements to calculate vapor pressure. Vapor pressure doesn't
change with temperature, but relative humidity does. Because the true air temperature
(measured by the thermistor needle and corrected using wind and solar measurements) differs
from the cavity temperature, the true relative humidity is computed using the true air
temperature and the calculated vapor pressure.
ClimaVUE 50 Compact Digital Weather Sensor 8

5.5 Thermistor
A small stainless steel needle containing a thermistor extends from the middle of the four sonic
transducers in the center of the anemometer. The thermistor sits in open air. Instead of using a
radiation shield to prevent solar loading, the temperature measurement is corrected by an energy
balance equation that uses solar radiation and wind speed measurements. The equation
calculates the true air temperature based on the solar load on the needle and the convective
cooling of the thermistor to an accuracy of ±0.6 °C. Compare this error to the combined
temperature and radiation shield errors of competitive units. For more information, refer to the
ClimaVUE™50—Correction of air temperature measurements from a radiation-exposed sensor
White Paper available at: www.campbellsci.com/app-notes.
5.6 Tilt sensor
After initial leveling with a small level or the built-in bubble level, the internal tilt sensor helps
users keep the ClimaVUE 50 level. Regularly check the X and Y tilt data. Adjust the ClimaVUE 50
leveling if it has tilted. More than two degrees off level can cause errors in the rain and solar
radiation measurements. Although this tilt sensor may be used to level the instrument, it is much
easier to use the small bubble level on the bottom of the anemometer plate.
The tilt sensor is an accelerometer that reads whatever acceleration it is experiencing. Under
static conditions, this is the gravitational acceleration, and therefore provides an accurate
indication of tilt. However, if the sensor is not securely mounted, the tilt sensor measures a
combination of gravity and vibration.
5.7 Barometric pressure sensor
The barometric pressure sensor is located behind the Teflon screen next to the relative humidity
sensor on the same circuit board. It measures the atmospheric pressure in the range of 500 to
1100 hPa.
5.8 Lightning sensor
The lightning sensor uses AM radio signals, which are disrupted by lightning. Circuitry inside the
sensor detects disrupted AM signal. The ClimaVUE 50 records the time of the disruption and
determines strike distance based on the intensity of the signal.
ClimaVUE 50 Compact Digital Weather Sensor 9

6. Specifications
Table 6-1: Measurement specifications
Measurement Range Resolution Accuracy or repeatability
Air temperature –50 to 60 °C 0.1 °C ±0.6 °C
Vapor pressure 0 to 47 kPa 0.01 kPa
Varies with temperature and humidity,
±0.2kPa typical below 40 °C.
FIGURE 6-1 (p. 11) shows accuracies for
different temperature and humidity values.
Relative
humidity 0 to 100% 0.1
Varies with temperature and humidity,
±3%RH typical. FIGURE 6-2 (p. 11) shows
accuracies for different temperature
and humidity.
Barometric
pressure 500to1100hPa 0.1 hPa ±1 hPa (–10 to 50 °C); ±5 hPa (–40 to 60 °C)
Wind speed 0 to 30 m s–1 0.01 m s–1 0.3 m s–1 or 3%, whichever is greater
Wind speed
max – 10 s gust 0 to 30 m s–1 0.1 m s–1 0.3 m s–1 or 3%, whichever is greater
Wind direction 0 to 359° 1° ±5°
Solar radiation 0to1750Wm–2 1 W m–2 Accuracy: ±5% of measurement typical;
Stability: <2% per year
Precipitation 0 to 400 mm hr–1 0.017 mm ±5% of measurement from
0 to 50 mm hr–1
Tilt ±90 0.1° ±1°
Lightning strike
count 0 to 65535 strikes 1 strike variable with distance, >25% detection at <10 km, typical
Lightning
average
distance
0 to 40 km 3 km variable
ClimaVUE 50 Compact Digital Weather Sensor 10

FIGURE 6-1. Vapor pressure accuracy at different temperatures and relative humidity
FIGURE 6-2. Relative humidity accuracy at different temperatures and relative humidity
ClimaVUE 50 Compact Digital Weather Sensor 11

Output: SDI-12 Version 1.3 compliant
Operating temperature range: –50 to 60 °C (except barometer and RH, which are –40 to 60 °C)
Supply voltage: 3.6 to 15.0 VDC (continuous)
Power consumption
Quiescent: 0.3 mA
Maximum peak current: 33 mA
Average: 1.0 mA (using R7! every 10 s),
0.4 mA (using R7! every 60 s or slower)
Digitalvoltage(logichigh): 2.8 V (minimum), 3.0 V (typical), 5.5 V (maximum)
Digital voltage (logic low): –0.3 V (minimum), 0.0 V (typical), 0.8 V (maximum)
Measurement duration: 110 ms (typical), 3000 ms (maximum)
Diameter (includes rain gage
filter): 10 cm (4 in)
Height: 34 cm (13.4 in)
Application of Council
Directive
2011/65/EU: Restrictions of Substances Directive (RoHs2)
2014/30/EU: Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)
Standards to which conformity
is declared
EN 61326-1:2013: Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory
use—EMC requirements—for use in industrial locations
EN 50581:2012: Technical documentation for the assessment of electrical and
electronic product with respect to the restriction of hazardous
substances
EU Declaration of Conformity: View at: www.campbellsci.com/climavue-50
Power line slew rate: 1.0 V/ms (use an oscilloscope to measure the voltage at the
power input to the sensor as it is turned on to ensure it is
supplying 1 V per millisecond or faster)
ClimaVUE 50 Compact Digital Weather Sensor 12

7. Installation
If you are programming the data logger with Short Cut, skip Wiring to the data logger (p. 19) and
Programming (p. 20). Short Cut does this work for you. See QuickStart (p. 2) for a Short Cut
tutorial.
7.1 Siting
Locate the sensor away from obstructions such as trees and buildings. The horizontal distance
from an obstruction should be at least ten times the height of the obstruction. If mounting the
sensor on the roof of a building, the height of the sensor above the roof, should be at least 1.5
times the height of the building.
Ensure that the solar radiation sensor is not shaded.
7.2 Mounting
The ClimaVUE 50 includes a V-bolt for mounting to a pipe with a nominal outer diameter of 31.8
to 50.8mm (1.25 to 2.0in). The CM310 mounting pole is recommended to mount the ClimaVUE
50 with a small enclosure and solar panel (no other sensors). The ClimaVUE 50 can mount to a
crossarm by using the ClimaVUE50, MetSENS, or WindSonic Mounting Pipe Kit, which includes a
mounting tube and a CM220 Right Angle Mounting Kit (includes bracket, two U-bolts, and four
nuts).
7.2.1 Required tools
l1/2-in open-end wrench
lTorpedo level
lUV-resistant cable ties
lCompass
lLadder
ClimaVUE 50 Compact Digital Weather Sensor 13

7.2.2 Mounting procedure
1. If using a crossarm, attach the mounting tube to the crossarm by using the CM220 Right
Angle Mounting Kit, then mount the crossarm to the tripod or tower (FIGURE 7-1 (p. 14)).
FIGURE 7-1. ClimaVUE50, MetSENS, or WindSonic Mounting Pipe Kit and crossarm
2. Loosely mount the ClimaVUE 50 to the tripod mast, CM300-series pole, or mounting tube
by using the V-bolt, washers, and nuts (FIGURE 7-2 (p. 14)).
FIGURE 7-2. ClimaVUE 50 mounted to a pole with V-bolt and nuts
ClimaVUE 50 Compact Digital Weather Sensor 14

3. Orient the ClimaVUE 50 so that the engraved Npoints to True North (FIGURE 7-3 (p. 15)).
Determining True North and sensor orientation (p. 38) contains detailed information on
determining True North using a compass and the magnetic declination for the site.
FIGURE 7-3. Engraved N on the ClimaVUE 50
4. Use a torpedo level or the bubble level underneath the sensor to level it (FIGURE 7-4 (p.
15)). The angle of the instrument mount may need to be adjusted if the mast is not vertical.
Shims can be added between the top of the mast and the bottom of the ClimaVUE 50 to
achieve level. The sensor must be within ±2° of dead level (0, 0) in both the X and Y
directions to accurately measure rainfall and solar radiation. The ±2° can be confirmed by
viewing the Tilt North(+)/South(–) and Tilt West(+)/East(–) orientation values returned by
the R7! command.
FIGURE 7-4. Bubble level on the ClimaVUE 50
ClimaVUE 50 Compact Digital Weather Sensor 15

5. Once level, tighten the V-bolt nuts by hand until hand-tight, then gently tighten with a
wrench and recheck the level (FIGURE 7-5 (p. 16)).
CAUTION:
Do not over-tighten V-bolt as it will cause the plastic to break.
FIGURE 7-5. ClimaVUE 50 with connector cable
6. Mate the extension cable connector to the cable connector shown in FIGURE 7-5 (p. 16).
Only hand tighten the connectors.
CAUTION:
Hand tighten only! Using tools to tighten the connectors can permanently weld the
stainless steel connectors together.
7. Route the cable down the pole to the instrument enclosure.
8. Secure the cable to the crossarm (if applicable) and tripod or pole by using cable ties.
ClimaVUE 50 Compact Digital Weather Sensor 16

7.2.3 Optional bird spike kit
NOTE:
With the bird spike kit installed, dips in the pyranometer data may occur (<6% error in total
daily solar radiation during clear sky conditions). Correct installation reduces possible errors.
For more information, refer to Effects of bird spike kit on solar radiation data (p. 26).
The optional bird-spike kit helps discourage birds from roosting on the ClimaVUE 50. The kit
consists of a plastic ring with flexible spikes. When installed, the spikes point upwards and
extend 10.2 cm (4 in) above the funnel. Their shape and location minimize interference with rain
and solar measurements. The spikes are designed not to hurt the birds.
The plastic ring includes secondary spike positions that can be drilled by the user to install
additional short spikes. The additional spikes are to be provided by the user.
Items included in kit:
(13) Spikes (includes one spare)
(1) Spike ring
Required tools (not included):
(1) Pliers
Bird-spike kit installation procedure:
1. Count all parts to ensure nothing was lost in shipping.
2. Gently press a bird spike into a slot on the bird spike ring by hand.
3. Using pliers, pinch the bird spike near its base and press down until it is fully seated.
ClimaVUE 50 Compact Digital Weather Sensor 17