Campbell WindSonic User manual

Revision: 08/2021
Copyright© 2014 – 2021
Campbell Scientific, Inc.

Table of contents
1. Introduction 1
2. Precautions 1
3. Initial inspection 2
4. QuickStart 2
5. Overview 5
6. Specifications 5
6.1 Wind direction 6
6.2 Wind speed 6
7. Installation 6
7.1 Data logger-to-WindSonic1 wiring 6
7.2 SDM-SIO1A/SDM-SIO4A wiring 7
7.3 Data logger programming 8
7.3.1 CRBasic programming 9
7.4 Siting 9
7.5 Mount the sensor 9
8. Operation 10
8.1 Sensor configuration 11
8.2 Campbell Scientific factory default settings 11
8.3 Sensor output 13
8.4 Long cables 14
9. Maintenance and troubleshooting 14
9.1 Troubleshooting 14
9.2 Maintenance 15
10. Siting references 15
Appendix A. Importing Short Cut code into CRBasic Editor 16
Appendix B. Determining True North and sensor orientation 17
B.1 Online magnetic declination calculator 19
Table of Contents - i

Appendix C. Updating an older program for the new WindSonic1 settings 21
Appendix D. Using the CPI/RS-232 port 23
Table of Contents - ii

1. Introduction
The WindSonic1 is a two-dimensional ultrasonic anemometer for measuring wind speed and
wind direction. It provides an alternative to traditional mechanical cup and vane or propeller and
vane anemometers. Unlike mechanical anemometers, the WindSonic1 has no moving parts that
need to be periodically replaced—minimizing routine maintenance costs.
The WindSonic1 outputs an RS-232 signal.
NOTE:
This manual provides information only for CRBasic data loggers. For retired Edlog data logger
support, see an older manual at www.campbellsci.com/old-manuals .
2. Precautions
lREAD AND UNDERSTAND the Safety section at the back of this manual.
lThe WindSonic1 is not recommended for conditions where rime, ice, or horizontal snow will
occur. It is not heated.
lThe WindSonic1 is a precision instrument. Please handle it with care.
lIf the WindSonic1 is to be installed at heights over 2 m (6 ft), be familiar with tower safety
and follow safe tower climbing procedures.
lDANGER—Use extreme care when working near overhead electrical wires. Check for
overhead wires before mounting the WindSonic1 or before raising a tower.
lWindSonic1 default settings were changed in February 2013. WindSonic1 anemometers
with newer settings will not work with older programs and Short Cut 3.0 or older. See
Campbell Scientific factory default settings (p. 11) and Updating an older program for the
new WindSonic1 settings (p. 21) for more information.
lThe black outer jacket of the cable is Santoprene® rubber. This compound was chosen for
its resistance to temperature extremes, moisture, and UV degradation. However, this jacket
will support combustion in air. It is rated as slow burning when tested according to U.L. 94
H.B. and will pass FMVSS302. Local fire codes may preclude its use inside buildings.
WindSonic1 Two-Dimensional Sonic Anemometer 1

3. Initial inspection
lUpon receipt of the WindSonic1, inspect the packaging and contents for damage. File
damage claims with the shipping company. Immediately check package contents against
the shipping documentation. Contact Campbell Scientific about any discrepancies.
lThe model number and cable length are printed on a label at the connection end of the
cable. Check this information against the shipping documents to ensure the expected
product and cable length are received.
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 terminals. Short Cut is available as a download on www.campbellsci.com . It is included
in installations of LoggerNet,RTDAQ, and PC400.
The following procedure also shows using Short Cut to program the WindSonic1.
1. Open Short Cut and click Create New Program.
2. Double-click the data logger model.
WindSonic1 Two-Dimensional Sonic Anemometer 2

3. In the Available Sensors and Devices box, type WindSonic1 or locate the sensor in the
Sensors >Meteorological >Wind Speed & Direction folder. Double-click either
WindSonic1 (RS-232 9.6K baud) or WindSonic1 (RS-232 38.4K baud); 9.6K baud is the
factory-default setting. The wind speed defaults to meters per second. This can be changed
by clicking the Wind Speed box and selecting one of the other options.
4. Click on the Wiring tab to see how the sensor is to be wired to the data logger. Click OK
after wiring the sensor.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for other sensors.
WindSonic1 Two-Dimensional Sonic Anemometer 3

6. In Output Setup, type the scan rate, meaningful table names, and Data Output Storage
Interval. Click Next.
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, or PC400 to make sure it is making reasonable
measurements.
WindSonic1 Two-Dimensional Sonic Anemometer 4

5. Overview
The WindSonic1 is manufactured by Gill Instruments, Ltd. It is an ultrasonic anemometer for
measuring wind direction and wind speed. Two pairs of orthogonally oriented transducers sense
horizontal wind. The transducers bounce the ultrasonic signal from a hood, minimizing the
effects of transducer shadowing and flow distortion.
The WindSonic1 outputs data using the RS-232 interface. It connects to two Cor Uterminals or to
the CPI/RS-232 port by using an RJ45 terminal block adapter. The WindSonic1 is also compatible
with the SDM-SIO1A and SDM-SIO4A devices, which increase the number of serial sensors one
data logger can measure. The WindSonic1 is not compatible with the CR200(X)-series or CR5000
data loggers. A similar sensor, the Wind Sonic4, is compatible with the CR200(X)-series and
CR5000; refer to www.campbellsci.com/windsonic4 for more information.
The WindSonic1 includes a user-specified cable to interface to a Campbell Scientific data logger.
A serial cable (WINDSONICRCBL-L) is available for interfacing a WindSonic1 to a computer
running the manufacturer’s computer support software. The cable and software are used during
troubleshooting or to change settings for a specific application. A copy of this computer support
software is available at www.gill.co.uk/main/software.html . WindView is used for WindSonic1
anemometers with serial numbers of 0810001 or greater, and WindCom is used for WindSonic1
anemometers with serial numbers that are less than 0810001.
Features:
lLow maintenance—no moving parts significantly reduces maintenance cost and time
lMinimum detectable wind speed of 0.01meters per second
lCompatible with Campbell Scientific CRBasic data loggers: CR6, CR3000, CR1000X, CR800
series, CR300 series, and CR1000
lCompatible with the SDM-SIO1A and SDM-SIO4A serial modules, which allows one data
logger to measure more WindSonic1 anemometers
6. Specifications
Output signal: RS-232
Measurement frequency: 40Hz block averaged to a programmable output frequency,
factory set to 1Hz
WindSonic1 Two-Dimensional Sonic Anemometer 5

Current drain: ~15 mA continuous
Operating temperature: –35 to 70 °C
Storage temperature: –40 to 80 °C
Dimensions: 142 x 160 mm (5.6 x 6.3 in)
Weight: 500 g (1.1 lb)
Operating humidity: <5% to 100% RH
6.1 Wind direction
Operating range: 0 to 359° (no dead band)
Accuracy: ±3°
Output resolution: 1°
6.2 Wind speed
Operating range: 0 to 60 m/s
Accuracy: ±2% @ 12 m/s
Output resolution: 0.01 m/s
7. Installation
If you are programming your data logger with Short Cut, skip Data logger-to-WindSonic1 wiring
(p. 6) and Data logger programming (p. 8). Short Cut does this work for you. See QuickStart (p. 2)
for a Short Cut tutorial.
7.1 Data logger-to-WindSonic1 wiring
The WindSonic1 supports serial communications with dedicated UART hardware on the data
logger control or universal terminals. Two control or universal terminals are configured as a
single communications (COMn) port.
WindSonic1 Two-Dimensional Sonic Anemometer 6

NOTE:
The WindSonic1 can also connect to the CPI/RS-232 port on a CR6 or CR1000X by using an
RJ45 terminal block adapter. Information about using this adapter is provided in Using the
CPI/RS-232 port (p. 23).
The WindSonic1 serial interface uses four wires as shown in Table 7-1 (p. 7).
Table 7-1: WindSonic1 to data logger connections
Description Color Data logger
WindSonic RxD Green C,Uconfigured for RS-232 Tx1
WindSonic TxD White C,Uconfigured for RS-232 Rx1
Power Red 12V
Serial/power reference Black G
Shield Clear G
1Uand Cterminals are automatically configured by the measurement instruction for Campbell Scientific CR6 data
logger.
NOTE:
The maximum cable length depends on the baud rate, the nominal resistance of the wire, the
capacitance between conductors, and the capacitance between the conductors and shield.
The Electronic Industries Association RS-232D standard suggests limiting the RS-232 cable
lengths to 15.2m (50ft) or less at 9600bps.
7.2 SDM-SIO1A/SDM-SIO4A wiring
The SDM-SIO1A and SDM-SIO4A allow one data logger to measure more serial sensors. The
SDM-SIO1A/SDM-SIO4A converts RS-232 signals into synchronous device for measurements
(SDM) signals. SDM is a Campbell Scientific digital communications protocol used between
Campbell Scientific data loggers and SDM peripherals. At a 1Hz measurement rate, a maximum
of four WindSonic1 sensors can be measured by a data logger. Table 7-2 (p. 8) describes the
connections between the devices. The SDM-SIO1A and SDM-SIO4A are not compatible with the
CR300-series data loggers.
WindSonic1 Two-Dimensional Sonic Anemometer 7