Campbell SkyVUE Pro User manual

Revision:11/2020
Copyright © 2019 – 2020
Campbell Scientific, Inc.

Table of contents
1. General information 1
1.1 Packing list 1
1.2 General safety 1
1.3 Sensor unit safety 2
1.4 Laser safety 2
1.5 Electrical safety 3
2. Product overview 4
2.1 Introduction 5
2.1.1 Cloud height detection 6
2.1.2 Sky condition 6
2.1.3 Backscatter profile reporting 7
2.1.4 Mixing layer height 7
2.2 Optical measurement 8
2.2.1 Optical arrangement 8
2.3 Internal monitoring 8
2.4 Specifications 9
2.4.1 Measurement specifications 9
2.4.2 Mechanical specifications 9
2.4.3 Electrical specifications 10
2.4.4 Optical specifications 12
2.4.5 Environmental specifications 12
2.4.6 Communications specifications 12
3. Initial preparation and checks 13
4. Installation 14
4.1 Location and orientation 14
4.2 Grounding 15
4.3 Mounting the SkyVUE PRO 15
4.4 Tilt angle 16
4.5 Connectors and wiring 17
4.5.1 Base connectors 18
4.5.2 Wiring using supplied Campbell Scientific cables 19
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4.5.2.1 Power connections 20
4.5.2.2 Communications connections 21
4.5.3 USB connection 22
4.5.4 SDI-12 connection 22
4.6 Connecting the back-up battery 22
4.6.1 Removing the cover 23
4.6.2 Removing the enclosure lid 23
4.7 Bird spike kit 24
4.8 Storage information 26
5. Operation 27
5.1 Terminal mode 27
5.1.1 Entering/exiting the SkyVUE PRO terminal mode 27
5.1.2 Terminal mode commands general 28
5.1.3 Terminal mode command examples 29
5.1.4 Application command message types 44
5.1.5 MCFG command message types 46
5.1.6 Measurement and message intervals 47
5.1.7 Status command 49
5.1.8 Message polling 58
5.1.9 Loading a new operating system (OS) 59
5.1.10 Stratocumulus backscatter calibration 62
5.1.11 CRC-16 codes on terminal commands 64
5.1.12 Service command 65
5.1.13 Locked features 66
5.2 Restoring factory defaults 66
5.3 LED indicator 67
6. Messages 68
6.1 Data messages general 68
6.2 Checksums used in SkyVUE PRO messages 68
6.3 CS messages 69
6.3.1 MESSAGE 001 (no profile, no sky condition) 69
6.3.2 MESSAGE 002 (Profile, no sky condition) 73
6.3.3 MESSAGE 003 (no profile, sky condition) 76
6.3.4 MESSAGE 004 (profile, sky condition) — default message 78
6.3.5 MESSAGE 005 (no profile, sky condition, mixing layer heights) 82
6.3.6 MESSAGE 006 (profile, sky condition, mixing layer heights) 85
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6.4 CL31 messages 89
6.4.1 MESSAGES 101 - 106, (CL31 MESSAGE 1) 89
6.4.2 MESSAGE 005 (no profile, sky condition, mixing layer heights) 90
6.4.3 MESSAGES 107 - 112, CL31 Message 2 94
6.5 CT25K messages 98
6.5.1 MESSAGE 113, CT25K Data Message No. 1 98
6.5.2 MESSAGE 114, CT25K Data Message No. 6 101
7. Maintenance 103
7.1 General 103
7.2 Cleaning 103
7.3 Removing the cover 104
7.4 Removing the enclosure lid 105
7.5 Diagnostic LED indicators within the enclosure 105
7.6 Electrical safety testing 107
Appendix A. Measurement of the attenuated backscatter profile 108
A.1 Initial measurement 108
A.2 Backscatter onset height detection 108
A.3 Produce attenuated backscatter output message 109
Appendix B. Cloud height calculation 110
Appendix C. Sky condition algorithm description 111
Appendix D. Replacing the SkyVUE PRO PSU 113
Appendix E. SkyVUE PRO Laser/APD module replacement 115
Appendix F. SkyVUE PRO TOP board replacement 118
Appendix G. Self-diagnostic information 124
List of figures
FIGURE 2-1. Principle of operation 8
FIGURE 2-2. SkyVUE PRO dimensions 10
FIGURE 2-3. PSU types 11
FIGURE 4-1. Mounting base footprint 16
FIGURE 4-2. Setting the tilt angle 17
FIGURE 4-3. Connector layout 18
FIGURE 4-4. Cable connections 21
FIGURE 4-5. USB port 22
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FIGURE 4-6. Connecting battery 22
FIGURE 4-7. Removing the cover 23
FIGURE 4-8. Removing the enclosure lid 24
FIGURE 4-9. Ceilometer bird spike kit installed 25
FIGURE 4-10. Preparing the SkyVUE PRO for installing the bird spikes 25
FIGURE 4-11. Attaching bird spikes to the SkyVUE PRO cowl 26
FIGURE 5-1. Restoring factory defaults 67
FIGURE 5-2. LED indicator 67
FIGURE 7-1. Removing the cover 104
FIGURE 7-2. Removing the enclosure lid 105
FIGURE 7-3. Diagnostic LED indicators 106
List of tables
Table 1-1: Packing list 1
Table 4-1: Function of the connector pins for the mains connector 18
Table 4-2: Function of the connector pins for the blower/heater connector 19
Table 4-3: Function of the connector pins for the communications connector 19
Table 5-1: Summary of the terminal mode commands available 30
Table 5-2: Summary of applications and applied settings for SkyVUE PRO 45
Table 5-3: Summary of message ID and descriptions 46
Table 6-1: Most significant alarm word for CS messages 70
Table 6-2: Middle alarm word for CS messages 71
Table 6-3: Least significant alarm word for CS messages 72
Table 6-4: Most significant alarm word for CS31 messages 91
Table 6-5: Middle alarm word for CS31 messages 92
Table 6-6: Least significant alarm word for CS31 messages 92
Table 6-7: Most significant alarm word for CT25K messages 99
Table 6-8: Second alarm word for CT25K messages 100
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1. General information
1.1 Packing list 1
1.2 General safety 1
1.3 Sensor unit safety 2
1.4 Laser safety 2
1.5 Electrical safety 3
1.1 Packing list
The following table lists the products shipped with the SkyVUE PRO.
Table 1-1: Packing list
Description Quantity
Ceilometer 1
Power supply cable 1
Data cable 1
Bolt, sleeve anchor 4
Cable, USB type A plug to type B plug, 2 m 1
4 mm Allen key 1
Calibration plate 1
1.2 General safety
This manual provides important safety considerations for the installation, operation and
maintenance of the SkyVUE™PRO. These safety considerations are classified into three levels:
WARNING:
Warnings alert the installer or user to serious hazards. Ignoring these warnings could result in
injury or death and/or irrevocable damage to the sensor unit.
SkyVUE™PRO (CS135) LIDAR Ceilometer 1

CAUTION:
Cautions warn of potential hazards. Ignoring these cautions could result in the sensor being
damaged and data being lost.
NOTE:
Notes highlight useful information in the installation, use and maintenance of this product.
These should be followed carefully in order to gain the maximum benefit from the use of this
product.
1.3 Sensor unit safety
The SkyVUE PRO sensor has been checked for safety before leaving the factory and contains no
internally replaceable or modifiable parts.
WARNING:
Do not modify the SkyVUE PRO unit. Such modifications will lead to damage of the unit and
could expose users to dangerous light levels and voltages.
WARNING:
Do not attempt to repair the SkyVUE PRO unit without consulting Campbell Scientific.
CAUTION:
Ensure that the correct voltage supply is provided to the sensor.
1.4 Laser safety
The SkyVUE PRO sensor incorporates an InGaAs laser diode which is rated as a class 3B device.
This is an embedded laser where the output from the sensor unit, through the optics, is
minimized to class 1M. This classification indicates that viewing of the beam with the naked eye is
safe but looking directly into the beam with optical instruments, e.g. binoculars can be
dangerous.
From the laser head the output has the following characteristics:
Maximum average power: 15.0 mW (through 50 mm)
Maximum pulse energy: 1500 nJ (through 50 mm)
Pulse duration: 100 ns
Pulse frequency: 10 kHz
Wavelength: 912 nm ± 5 nm
SkyVUE™PRO (CS135) LIDAR Ceilometer 2

Tested to: EN 60825-1:2014
Half angle divergence: 0.44 mrad
The sensor is marked with the following warning information:
INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION
DO NOT VIEW DIRECTLY WITH OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS
CLASS 1M LASER PRODUCT
WARNING:
Removing the laser module with the power applied to the SkyVUE PRO may expose the user
to hazardous class 3B laser radiation.
No attempt should be made to operate the laser module outside of the housing.
WARNING:
Annually, check that the laser warning label on the sensor is still visible and can be clearly
read.
When installing the sensor, avoid pointing the laser housing towards areas where binoculars
are in common use.
WARNING:
Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified
herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
1.5 Electrical safety
Because the sensor is powered from potentially hazardous mains voltages, the power-supply
should be wired only by personnel qualified to install electrical equipment. For permanent
outside installations, this usually requires a certified electrician who is also familiar with local
electrical and safety legislation. Some general guidance is given in Connectors and wiring (p. 17),
but the responsibility for the installation lies with the installer.
The unit is tested for electrical safety before dispatch but may need subsequent testing according
to local practice.
NOTE:
The unit should only be serviced by trained personnel.
SkyVUE™PRO (CS135) LIDAR Ceilometer 3

WARNING:
Removal of electronic module covers or connectors while the unit is powered will expose the
operator to potentially hazardous voltages and risk damage to the sensor.
The SkyVUE PRO has electrical and laser warning labels on the exterior and interior of the unit.
It is recommended that the hood and access panel door are not opened in conditions of rain,
hail or snow.
Isolate the sensor before removing internal components, including the cover to the avalanche
photodiode (APD) module. Only trained personnel should disassemble the instrument.
Mains connectors are shrouded to prevent touching of the contacts. The mains supply should be
isolated when connecting and disconnecting the cables to the sensor.
Where an isolator switch is fitted, this shall be a two-pole isolator, located as near to the sensor
as possible.
The SkyVUE PRO must be properly grounded by a licensed and qualified electrician to protect
against voltage leakage shock risk (Grounding (p. 15)).
Campbell Scientific recommends that RCD protection units be used with all sensors. See Power
connections (p. 20) for further information.
Mains powered heaters are enclosed to prevent contact.
CAUTION:
When powered, the heaters may operate automatically and without warning. They may
remain hot when not powered. Follow the isolation precautions, to avoid shock and burn
hazards.
The sealed battery has cables and protected connectors to prevent shorts. Avoid shorting the
battery to protect it from damage and to avoid burns to personnel through contact with hot
surfaces.
2. Product overview
2.1 Introduction 5
2.2 Optical measurement 8
2.3 Internal monitoring 8
2.4 Specifications 9
SkyVUE™PRO (CS135) LIDAR Ceilometer 4

2.1 Introduction
The SkyVUE PRO is a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) ceilometer that emits short pulses of
near infrared light into the atmosphere from a semiconductor laser. The pulses of infrared light
are scattered back by aerosols including cloud droplets. The time between transmission of the
pulse and the return signal gives the range, and therefore height, of the scattering aerosols. The
variation in the strength of the back-scattered light signal with height gives a profile of scatter
coefficients and allows identification of cloud bases. If significant scattering is detected without a
defined cloud base, then a vertical visibility can be calculated.
The control system of the SkyVUE PRO is divided into three modules, DSP, TOP and PSU as
follows:
DSP (Digital Signal Processor) is the main data processing and communications unit of the
SkyVUE PRO. It hosts two separate time keeping circuits that are cross checked. An alarm is
triggered if the circuits disagree.
SkyVUE™PRO (CS135) LIDAR Ceilometer 5