Campbell SkyVUE 8M User manual

Revision:11/2020
Copyright © 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 4
2. Product overview 5
2.1 Introduction 6
2.1.1 Cloud height detection 6
2.1.2 Sky condition 7
2.1.3 Backscatter profile reporting 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
2.4.7 Transport, shock, and vibration certification 13
2.4.8 Compliance and testing 13
3. Initial preparation and checks 14
4. Installation 15
4.1 Location and orientation 15
4.2 Grounding 15
4.3 Mounting the SkyVUE 8M 16
4.4 Tilt angle 17
4.5 Connectors and wiring 17
4.5.1 Base connectors 18
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4.5.2 Wiring using supplied Campbell Scientific cables 19
4.5.2.1 Power connections 20
4.5.2.2 Communications connections 20
4.5.3 USB connection 21
4.5.4 I/O connection 21
4.6 Military transport case 22
4.7 Bird spike kit 22
4.8 Storage information 24
4.9 Fitting the camouflage cover 24
5. Operation 24
5.1 Terminal mode 24
5.1.1 Entering/exiting the SkyVUE 8M terminal mode 25
5.1.2 Terminal mode commands general 25
5.1.3 Terminal mode command examples 26
5.1.4 Application command message types 41
5.1.5 MCFG command message types 42
5.1.6 Measurement and message intervals 43
5.1.7 Status command 46
5.1.8 Message polling 55
5.1.9 Loading a new operating system (OS) 56
5.1.10 Stratocumulus backscatter calibration 57
5.1.11 CRC-16 codes on terminal commands 59
5.1.12 Service command 59
5.1.13 Locked features 60
5.2 Restoring factory defaults 61
5.3 LED indicator 62
6. Messages 62
6.1 Data messages general 63
6.2 Checksums used in SkyVUE 8M messages 63
6.3 CS messages 64
6.3.1 MESSAGE 001 (no profile, no sky condition) 64
6.3.2 MESSAGE 002 (Profile, no sky condition) 68
6.3.3 MESSAGE 003 (no profile, sky condition) 71
6.3.4 MESSAGE 004 (profile, sky condition) — default message 73
6.4 CL31 messages 77
6.4.1 MESSAGES 101 - 106, (CL31 MESSAGE 1) 77
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6.4.2 MESSAGE 005 (no profile, sky condition, mixing layer heights) 78
6.4.3 MESSAGES 107 - 112, CL31 Message 2 82
6.5 CT25K messages 86
6.5.1 MESSAGE 113, CT25K Data Message No. 1 86
6.5.2 MESSAGE 114, CT25K Data Message No. 6 89
7. Maintenance 91
7.1 General 91
7.2 Cleaning 91
7.3 Diagnostic LED indicators within the enclosure 92
Appendix A. Measurement of the attenuated backscatter profile 94
A.1 Initial measurement 94
A.2 Backscatter onset height detection 94
A.3 Produce attenuated backscatter output message 95
Appendix B. Cloud height calculation 96
Appendix C. Sky condition algorithm description 97
Appendix D. Replacing the SkyVUE 8M PSU 99
Appendix E. SkyVUE 8M Laser/APD module replacement 101
List of figures
FIGURE 1-1. Location of laser warning label 4
FIGURE 2-1. Principle of operation 8
FIGURE 2-2. SkyVUE 8M dimensions 10
FIGURE 2-3. PSU types 11
FIGURE 4-1. Military base 17
FIGURE 4-2. Connector layout 18
FIGURE 4-3. Cable connections 21
FIGURE 4-4. USB port 21
FIGURE 4-5. Ceilometer bird spike kit installed 22
FIGURE 4-6. Preparing the SkyVUE 8M for installing the bird spikes 23
FIGURE 4-7. Attaching bird spikes to the SkyVUE 8M cowl 23
FIGURE 5-1. Restoring factory defaults 61
FIGURE 5-2. LED indicator 62
FIGURE 7-1. Diagnostic LED indicators 93
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List of tables
Table 1-1: Packing list 1
Table 4-1: Power and communications connectors 18
Table 4-2: Function of the connector pins for the blower/heater connector 19
Table 5-1: Summary of the terminal mode commands available 27
Table 5-2: Summary of applications and applied settings for SkyVUE 8M 41
Table 5-3: Summary of message ID and descriptions 43
Table 6-1: Most significant alarm word for CS messages 65
Table 6-2: Middle alarm word for CS messages 66
Table 6-3: Least significant alarm word for CS messages 67
Table 6-4: Most significant alarm word for CS31 messages 79
Table 6-5: Middle alarm word for CS31 messages 80
Table 6-6: Least significant alarm word for CS31 messages 80
Table 6-7: Most significant alarm word for CT25K messages 87
Table 6-8: Second alarm word for CT25K messages 88
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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 4
1.1 Packing list
The following table lists the products shipped with the SkyVUE 8M.
Table 1-1: Packing list
Description Quantity
Ceilometer 1
Cable, USB type A plug to type B plug, 2 m 1
Triangle key 1
Calibration plate 1
Canvas cover, white 1
Canvas cover, olive green 1
T-shaped heavy duty stakes 5
Power and communications cable 1
1.2 General safety
This manual provides important safety considerations for the installation, operation and
maintenance of the SkyVUE™8M. 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™8M Tactical 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 8M sensor has been checked for safety before leaving the factory and contains no
parts that need to be changed during normal use.
WARNING:
Do not modify the SkyVUE 8M 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 8M unit without consulting Campbell Scientific.
CAUTION:
Ensure that the correct voltage supply is provided to the sensor.
1.4 Laser safety
The SkyVUE 8M 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™8M Tactical 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 8M 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.
SkyVUE™8M Tactical LIDAR Ceilometer 3

FIGURE 1-1. Location of laser warning label
Before removing the laser module, the sensor must be physically disconnected from its power
supply to ensure that the laser is turned off.
1.5 Electrical safety
The sensor is powered from a low voltage supply (Electrical specifications (p. 10)), but potentially
hazardous voltages are generated within the internal electronics. Wiring of the power and data
cable should only be done by personnel qualified to install electrical equipment. For outside
installations, this usually requires a certified electrician who is 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.
SkyVUE™8M Tactical LIDAR Ceilometer 4

NOTE:
The unit should only be serviced by trained personnel.
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 8M 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.
Power connectors are shrouded to prevent touching of the contacts. The power supply should be
isolated when connecting and disconnecting the cables to the sensor.
The SkyVUE 8M 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.
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.
2. Product overview
2.1 Introduction 6
2.2 Optical measurement 8
2.3 Internal monitoring 8
2.4 Specifications 9
SkyVUE™8M Tactical LIDAR Ceilometer 5