Gill MetPak 1723-1B-2-111 User manual

Doc No: 1723
-
PS
-
0014
Issue 1
User Manual
MetPak
MetPak Part: 1723-1B-2-111

Foreword
©2010 Gill Instruments Ltd. All rights reserved.
Thank you for purchasing the MetPak manufactured by Gill Instruments Ltd. To
achieve optimum performance we recommend that you read the whole of this
manual before proceeding with use.
Gill products are in continuous development and therefore specifications may be
subject to change and design improvements without prior notice.
The information contained in this manual remains the property of Gill Instruments
and should not be copied or reproduced for commercial gain.
Guarantee
For terms of guarantee, please contact your supplier.
Warranty is void if the coloured Wind Sensor security seal is damaged or broken,
or the Wind Sensor transducer caps have been damaged.
Trademarks
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
All other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective owners.
Cautions and Notes
The following symbols are used in this guide:
CAUTION. This indicates an important operating instruction that should be
followed to avoid any potential damage to hardware or property, loss of data,
or personal injury.
NOTE. This indicates important information to help you make the best use of this
product.
Applicable Parts
MetPak Part 1723-1B-2-111

MetPak User Manual
Last Change ©Gill Instruments Ltd
12 March, 2013 Page i
Contents
1. Introduction .........................................................................................................1
1.1 Principle of Operation...................................................................................................... 2
1.1.1 Wind Speed and Direction Sensor..................................................................... 2
1.1.2 Radiation Shield ................................................................................................ 3
1.1.3 Temperature and Relative Humidity Sensor with Dewpoint Output.................... 3
1.1.4 Barometric Pressure.......................................................................................... 3
1.2 Abbreviations .................................................................................................................. 4
2. Installation ..........................................................................................................5
2.1 Pre-Installation Checks ................................................................................................... 5
2.1.1 Spare Parts ....................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Installation....................................................................................................................... 6
2.2.1 Bench system test ............................................................................................. 6
2.2.2 Equipment Required.......................................................................................... 6
2.2.3 Cabling.............................................................................................................. 6
2.2.4 Communication connections.............................................................................. 9
2.2.5 Mounting MetPak ............................................................................................ 13
3. Operation ...........................................................................................................15
3.1 Start Guide.................................................................................................................... 15
3.2 MetView........................................................................................................................ 16
3.2.1 Opening MetView............................................................................................ 16
3.2.2 Scanning for Devices....................................................................................... 17
3.2.3 The MetView Console ..................................................................................... 18
3.2.4 MetView Console Display Options................................................................... 19
3.2.5 MetView Gauge Ranges and Graphs .............................................................. 20
3.2.6 Data logging .................................................................................................... 22
3.3 Configuring MetPak....................................................................................................... 25
3.3.1 Configuring MetPak using MetSet ................................................................... 27
3.3.2 MetSet Editing Screen..................................................................................... 29
3.3.3 Configuring MetPak using HyperTerminal ....................................................... 34
3.3.4 Configuring MetPak for NMEA Output. ........................................................... 39
3.3.5 Configuring MetPak for SDI-12....................................................................... 40
3.3.6 SDI-12 Commands.......................................................................................... 40
3.3.7 Safe Mode....................................................................................................... 43

Contents
MetPak User Manual
©Gill Instruments Ltd Last Change
Page ii 12 March, 2013
4. Troubleshooting................................................................................................45
4.1 Fault-Finding................................................................................................................. 45
4.2 Servicing ....................................................................................................................... 46
4.3 Bench Tests.................................................................................................................. 46
5. Maintenance ......................................................................................................47
6. Technical Information.......................................................................................49
6.1 Specification ................................................................................................................. 49
6.2 Hub PCB Connections .................................................................................................. 51
6.3 Electrical Conformity Certificate .................................................................................... 52
Figures
Figure 1 MetPak 1
Figure 2 Compass points 2
Figure 3 Position of Temperature and Relative Humidity Probe in the Radiation Shield 3
Figure 4 Internal view of the MetPak 9
Figure 5 Connection of Gill USB Cable (Part No. 1723-10-051) 10
Figure 6 RS232 connections 10
Figure 7 RS422 connections 11
Figure 8 RS485 Connections 11
Figure 9 SDI-12 connections 12
Figure 10 Correct Mounting Position for MetPak 14
Figure 11 Opening MetView Screen 16
Figure 12 Scanning for MetPak Devices 17
Figure 13 The MetView Console 18
Figure 14 MetView Gauge Range 20
Figure 15 MetView Graph 21
Figure 16 Setting up data logging 22
Figure 17 A typical data log (viewed in Windows Notepad) 24
Figure 18 Opening MetSet Screen 27
Figure 19 Summary of MetPak Device Settings using MetSet 28
Tables
Table 1 Abbreviations 4
Table 2 Recommended Belden cable types 7
Table 3 Maximum cable lengths for supported communication networks 7
Table 4 Connection status indicators 18
Table 5 MetView scale and unit options 19
Table 6 MetView averaging options 19
Table 7 Max/min markers 19
Table 8 MetView Screen Settings Options 19
Table 9 Default configuration settings 25
Table 10 MetPak configuration commands 35

MetPak User Manual
©Gill Instruments Ltd Last Change
Page iii 12 March, 2013
Table 11 Abbreviations used in UNIT configuration command 38
Table 12 Common problems and their solution 45
Table 13 Status codes as output with the MetPak data string 46
Table 14 HygroClip connections (6-way connector J1) 51
Table 15 MetPak WindSonic anemometer connections (8-way connector J4) 51
Table 16 PC communications (8-way connector, J5) 51

MetPak User Manual
Last Change ©Gill Instruments Ltd
12 March, 2013 Page 1
1. Introduction
MetPak
MetPak is a compact and lightweight multi-sensor instrument that measures the
most essential weather parameters. Gill ultrasonic technology, as used in the
proven WindSonic instrument, measures wind speed and direction. Temperature
and Humidity are measured and Dewpoint calculated using an industry standard
probe housed in a naturally aspirated radiation shield. Barometric pressure is
measured using an industry standard sensor.
The instrument is supplied with digital ASCII RS232/RS422/485 (2 wire point to
point) and digital SDI-12 outputs. NMEA 0183 output is also configurable. An
electrical hub box is fitted to the mounting bracket allowing convenient termination
of all electrical cables.
The instrument uses a rugged mounting clamp that attaches to any vertical pipe
from 30mm to 58mm (2.3”) diameter.
An electrical hub box is fitted to the mounting bracket for termination of data and
power cables.
Figure 1 MetPak
Wind speed and
direction sensor
Radiation shield
Temperature and
Relative humidity
sensor
Hub box
Mounting
bracket
Gore-Tex Vent for
Barometric
Pressure Sensor

Introduction
MetPak User Manual
©Gill Instruments Ltd Last Change
Page 2 12 March, 2013
1.1 Principle of Operation
1.1.1 Wind Speed and Direction Sensor
The MetPak uses the WindSonic wind speed and direction sensor. The WindSonic
measures the times taken for an ultrasonic pulse of sound to travel from the North
transducer to the South transducer, and compares it with the time for a pulse to
travel from S to N transducer. Likewise times are compared between West and
East, and E and W transducer.
If, for example, a North wind is blowing, then the time taken for the pulse to travel
from N to S will be faster than from S to N, whereas the W to E, and E to W times
will be the same. The wind speed and direction can then be calculated from the
differences in the times of flight on each axis. This calculation is independent of
factors such as temperature.
Figure 2 Compass points
Figure 3 shows the compass point and polarity of U and V if the wind components
along the U and V axis are blowing in the direction of the respective arrows.

Introduction
MetPak User Manual
Last Change ©Gill Instruments Ltd
12 March, 2013 Page 3
1.1.2 Radiation Shield
The Multi-Plate Radiation Shield protects temperature and relative humidity
sensors from error-producing solar radiation and precipitation. This shield relies on
a combination of plate geometry, material and natural ventilation to provide
effective shielding.
1.1.3 Temperature and Relative Humidity Sensor with
Dewpoint Output
The Rotronic HygroClip module is a complete instrument, with integrated
temperature compensation. Calibration data is maintained within the integrated
electronics. It provides digital output signals for Relative Humidity, Temperature
and Dewpoint to the MetPak Hub box.
Figure 3 Position of Temperature and Relative Humidity Probe in the Radiation
Shield
1.1.4 Barometric Pressure
Barometric pressure output is provided by a solid-state device fitted on to the circuit
board in the MetPak hub box. Vent to atmosphere is via a Gore-Tex®filter, which
protects the pressure sensor from the effects of wind and rain.

Introduction
MetPak User Manual
©Gill Instruments Ltd Last Change
Page 4 12 March, 2013
1.2 Abbreviations
Table 1 Abbreviations
Item
Meaning
ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange
C Centigrade
CAL Calibration
CD Compact Disc
COM Communications
CR Carriage Return
CSV Comma Separated Variable
ETX End of String
F Fahrenheight
FPM Feet per Minute
HF High Frequency
HPA Hecto-Pascals
HTML Hyper Text Markup Language
Hz Hertz
IMM International Maritime Mobile
In Hg Inches of Mercury
K Kelvin
KPH Kilometres per Hour
KTS Knots
LF Line Feed
M Bar Milli Bars
Max Maximum
MF Medium Frequency
Min Minimum
Mm Hg Millimetres of Mercury
MPH Miles per Hour
MS Microsoft
MS Metres per Second
NMEA National Marine Electronics Association
NSEW North South East West
NVM Non-Volatile Memory
PC IBM compatible Personal Computer
ROM Read Only Memory
RS232 Communications standard
RS422 Communications standard
Rx Receive
RXD Received Data
SDI-12 Serial – Data Interface standard for microprocessor based
sensors
STX Start of String
Tx Transmit
TXD Transmitted Data
VHF Very High Frequency
WIMWV Wind Instrument Mean Wind direction and Velocity
WIXDR Wind Instrument Cross track error Dead Reckoning
WMO World Meteorological Organisation

Installation
MetPak User Manual
Last Change ©Gill Instruments Ltd
12 March, 2013 Page 5
2. Installation
MetPak has been designed to meet and exceed the stringent standards listed in its
specification (see Para 6.1).
2.1 Pre-Installation Checks
As with any sophisticated electronics, good engineering practice should be
followed to ensure correct operation:
Ensure the MetPak will not be affected by other equipment operating
locally, which may not conform to current standards, e.g. radio/radar
transmitters, generators etc.
Avoid mounting in the plane of any radar scanner – a vertical separation of
at least 2m should be achieved.
When installing MetPak near radio transmitting antennas, ensure that the
mounting position fulfills the following minimum separations (all round):
VHF IMM – 1m
MF/HF – 5m
Satcom – 5m (avoid likely lines of sight)
Use cables recommended by Gill (see Para 2.2.3). If cables are cut and re-
connected incorrectly (perhaps in a junction box) then EMC performance
may be compromised if cable screen integrity is not maintained.
Avoid earth loops – wire the system in accordance with these installation
guidelines.
Ensure that the power supply operates to the MetPak specification (see
Para 6.1) at all times.
Avoid turbulence caused by surrounding structures that will affect the
accuracy of the sensors such as trees, masts and buildings. The WMO
make the following recommendations. The standard exposure of wind
instruments over level open terrain is 10m above the ground. Open terrain
is defined as an area where the distance between the sensor and any
obstruction is at least 10 times the height of the obstruction.
Keep away from building exhaust vents, machinery and motors.
2.1.1 Spare Parts
1723-10-051 RS232 to USB 1.8M configuration cable.
1723-PK-024 Pressure Sensor Filter Spares kit.
1723-PK-025 Hygroclip Filter Replacement Kit (2 Filters).

Installation
MetPak User Manual
©Gill Instruments Ltd Last Change
Page 6 12 March, 2013
2.2 Installation
2.2.1 Bench system test
Prior to physically mounting the MetPak in its final location, we strongly
recommend that a bench system test is carried out to confirm the system is
configured correctly, is fully functional and electrically compatible with the selected
host system and cabling (preferably utilising the final cable length). The required
data format, units, output rate, and other options should also all be set up at this
stage.
2.2.2 Equipment Required
1723-1B-2-111 MetPak set for RS232 communication (factory default setting).
1723-10-051 MetPak RS232 to USB 1.8M configuration cable with integral 5v
power or alternatively use RS232, RS232 converter and separate
5v to 30 dc power supply.
ES-U-1001-A EasySynch RS232 to USB adaptor or equivalent (if not using Gill
part 1723-10-051) or connect directly to an RS232 COM port.
Power Supply 5V to 30Vdc at 50mA if required.
Belden 9503 3 pair cable (if not using Gill Part 1723-10-051), length as required.
Gill MetView Software supplied on the MetPak CD or download from
.http://www.gill.co.uk/main/software.html
2.2.3 Cabling
Communication Cabling
MetPak has five communication connection options:
USB (using the 1.8m Gill USB cable, Part No. 1723-10-051).
RS232
RS422
RS485 (two wire point to point)
SDI-12
It is important that the cable is appropriate for the chosen communication network.
The following sections describe the recommended types and maximum lengths of
cable in each case.
NOTE. A 15-metre, 6-pair cable (wires stripped at each end) suitable for
RS232/RS422/485 or SDI-12 communication is available from Gill Instruments
(Part No. 1723-10-053).

Installation
MetPak User Manual
Last Change ©Gill Instruments Ltd
12 March, 2013 Page 7
Cable Type
Wire type: 24AWG
Wire size: 7x32 AWG.
Cable outer diameter: 6-8mm (to match the hub box gland).
For RS422/485 operation the cable should contain twisted pairs screened to match
the application.
The following table shows an example manufacturers’ reference; other
manufacturers’ equivalents can be used.
Table 2 Recommended Belden cable types
Application No. of Pairs Belden Ref.
SDI-12 or RS485 2 9729
Digital RS232 3 9503
Digital RS422 4 9504
Cable length
The maximum cable length is dependent on the chosen communication method.
The following table shows the maximum cable lengths for the supported
communication protocols at the given baud rates, using the recommended cable. If
any problems of data corruption etc are experienced, then a slower baud rate
should be used. Alternatively, a higher specification cable can be tried.
Table 3 Maximum cable lengths for supported communication networks
Communication format Baud rate Max. cable length
RS232 19200 6.5M
RS422/RS485 19200 1000M
SDI-12 1200 90M
Cabling (unused wires)
Any unused wires in the connecting cables should be connected to ground
preferably at the user equipment end.
Cabling protection
The Cable should be secured:
With cable clamps or equivalent at regular intervals such that the hub
box cable gland does not support the cable weight.
Away from the mounting bolts to prevent chaffing of the cable.
NOTE. Install appropriate strain relief support to the cable. If possible, pass the
cable through the mounting pole.

Installation
MetPak User Manual
©Gill Instruments Ltd Last Change
Page 8 12 March, 2013
Earthing
To ensure correct operation and for maximum protection from lightning, a separate
lightning rod system is recommended to protect the system.
You can also earth the MetPak through its mountings or by connecting a grounding
cable (minimum of 6mm² copper wire) to a spare MetPak metalwork bolt hole.
Clean off any paint that might prevent a good connection.
When you connect the communications cable ensure that the screen has a
connection to the hub box case.
Routing Cables through the Hub Box Glands
NOTE: The MetPak Hub Box cable glands contain spring loaded metal leaves that
are designed to make a ground contact with cables that have an overall braid
screen. Care is therefore required when inserting and removing cables through the
glands to prevent damage to the metal leaves.

Installation
MetPak User Manual
Last Change ©Gill Instruments Ltd
12 March, 2013 Page 9
2.2.4 Communication connections
To connect MetPak:
1. Open MetPak hub box by unfastening the four screws.
2. Locate connector J5 (see Figure 4). Carefully pull the connector off its circuit
board pins.
3. Strip the cable wires to 8mm.
4. Pass the cable through one of the gland nuts.
5. Connect your cable as shown in the following diagrams:
Gill USB Cable Figure 5
RS232 Figure 6
RS422 Figure 7
RS485 Figure 8
SDI-12 Figure 9
6. Ensure the cable screen is grounded through the hub box gland metalwork.
7. After connection, securely tighten the gland nut to prevent moisture ingress.
NOTE. Ensure that MetPak is configured for the chosen communications method.
Figure 4 Internal view of the MetPak
J4 Pin 1 J5 Pin 8 J5 Pin 1 Hex Terminal
Post
J1 Pin 6 J5, showing RS232 to USB
Configuration Cable Wires

Installation
MetPak User Manual
©Gill Instruments Ltd Last Change
Page 10 12 March, 2013
USB Lead Connection (COMMS set for RS232)
Connecting MetPak to a PC USB port using the Gill Configuration Cable 1723-10-051.
J5 Pin 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Colour None None Yellow Orange None None Black Red
Figure 5 Connection of Gill USB Cable (Part No. 1723-10-051)
NOTE:- If upon connecting the USB lead to a PC the driver is not found by the PC, then
the appropriate driver to match the PC Windows version may be downloaded from:-
http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm
Digital Output RS232 Connections (COMMS set for RS232)
This is the MetPak default communication configuration setting.
J5 Hub Box
8 Way Push fit Block PC 9 Way D Type
Connector
Signal names Pin nos. 3 Pair Cable Pin
No’s
Signal
Names
RS232 TX
RS232 RX
3
4
2
3
RXD
TXD
Signal Ground 2 5 Sig Gnd
Chassis
Ground
Terminal
Post
Screen wires NA Chassis
Gnd
Supply -ve
Supply +ve
7
8
–
+
DC Power
supply
Figure 6 RS232 connections
Connect to
Hub box J5

Installation
MetPak User Manual
Last Change ©Gill Instruments Ltd
12 March, 2013 Page 11
Digital Output RS422 Connections (COMMS set for RS422)
This is not the default communications setting; ensure the MetPak has been
configured for this output requirement before wiring to a user device.
J5 Hub Box
8 Way Push fit Block RS422 to RS232
or USB Converter
Signal Names Terminal
Nos. 4 Pair Cable Signal Names
RS422 TX +
RS422 TX –
6
3
RX +
RX –
RS422 RX +
RS422 RX –
5
4
TX +
TX –
Signal Ground 2 Signal Ground
Chassis
Ground
Terminal
Post
Screen wires Chassis ground
Supply –ve
Supply +ve
7
8
–
+
DC Power
Supply
Figure 7 RS422 connections
Digital Output RS485S 2 Wire Point to Point Connections
(COMMS set for RS485P2W)
This is not the default communications setting; ensure the MetPak has been
configured for this output requirement before wiring to a user device.
Note that is not possible to network other devices on this 2-wire RS485 link.
J5 Hub Box
8 Way Push fit Block RS485 to RS232
or USB Converter
Signal Names Terminal
Nos. 2 Pair Cable Signal Names
RS485 TX +
RS485 RX+
6
5
RS485TX/RX+
RS485 TX –
RS485 RX –
3
4
RS485TX/RX–
Signal Ground 2 Signal Ground
Chassis
Ground
Terminal
Post
Screen wires Chassis ground
Supply -ve
Supply +ve
7
8
–
+
DC Power
Supply
Figure 8 RS485 Connections

Installation
MetPak User Manual
©Gill Instruments Ltd Last Change
Page 12 12 March, 2013
Digital Output SDI-12 Connections (COMMS set for SDI-12)
This is not the default communications setting; ensure the MetPak has been
configured for this output requirement before wiring to a user device.
Figure 9 SDI-12 connections
J5 Hub Box
8 Way Push fit Block SDI-12 Device
Signal Names Terminal
Nos. 2 Pair Cable Signal Names
SDI-12 1 SDI-12
Signal Ground 2 Signal Ground
Chassis Ground Terminal
Post
Screen wires Chassis ground
Supply -ve
Supply +ve
7
8
–
+
DC Power
Supply

Installation
MetPak User Manual
Last Change ©Gill Instruments Ltd
12 March, 2013 Page 13
2.2.5 Mounting MetPak
MetPak uses a mounting clamp suitable for attaching to a vertical pipe with a
diameter of 30-58mm. When mounting the MetPak, consider the position,
orientation and alignment of the unit.
Note that the mounting pipe should first be degreased and when assembling the
MetPak clamp assembly the outer clamp nuts need to be tightened evenly to a
torque figure of 3 Nm.
The moving plate part of the clamp needs to be reversed for poles below 38 mm
diameter.
Mounting Bracket Assembly Exploded View
Mounting Bracket Assembled View
Earthing Point for supplied
screw/washer/tag

Installation
MetPak User Manual
©Gill Instruments Ltd Last Change
Page 14 12 March, 2013
Position
It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that the MetPak is mounted in a
position clear of any structure, including the mounting post, which may obstruct the
airflow or induce turbulence.
Orientation
Normally, the MetPak is mounted on a vertical pole, ensuring a horizontal
Measuring Plane, (see Figure 10).
For indoor use the unit may be mounted with the Measurement Plane set to any
required orientation.
Alignment
The MetPak Wind Sensor should be aligned to point to North, or any other
reference direction – for example, the bow of a boat.
There are two arrows, a coloured rectangle, and an alignment notch to aid
alignment.
Note. It is usually simpler to work first with a compass at ground level and identify a
suitable landmark and its bearing.
Figure 10 Correct Mounting Position for MetPak
Interference
Always check the installation to ensure the MetPak is not affected by other
equipment operating locally, which may not conform to current standards, e.g.
radio/radar transmitters, boat engines, generators etc.
See Para 2.1 for guideline details.
CAUTION. Do NOT mount the MetPak in close proximity to high-powered
radar or radio transmitters. A site survey may be required if there is any
doubt about the strength of external electrical noise.