Gill WindSonic User manual

APPLIES TO WINDSONIC OPTION 1-3 UNITS SUPPLIED FROM MARCH 2016
WITH SERIAL NUMBERS 16110001 ONWARDS AND
WITH FIRMWARE 2368-110-01 ONWARDS.
APPLIES TO WINDSONIC 75 OPTION 1 AND 2 UNITS
SUPPLIED WITH FIRMWARE 2368-107-01
APPLIES TO WINDSONIC 75 OPTION 3 UNITS
SUPPLIED WITH FIRMWARE 2816-100
APPLIES TO OPTION 4 SDI-12 UNITS FROM JUNE 2011
WITH SERIAL NUMBERS 11220007 ONWARDS.

WindSonic Doc No 1405 PS 0019 Issue 28 November 2019
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WindSonic Doc No 1405 PS 0019 Issue 28 November 2019
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Contents
1FOREWORD 5
2INTRODUCTION 5
3FAST TRACK SET-UP 5
4PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION 6
5SPECIFICATION 8
6PRE-INSTALLATION 10
6.1 EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED 10
6.1.1 WindSonic Part Numbers 10
6.2 PACKAGING 11
6.3 INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS 11
6.4 CABLE ASSEMBLY 12
7INSTALLATION 16
7.1 INSTALLATION GUIDELINES 16
7.2 BENCH SYSTEM TEST 17
7.3 ELECTRICAL 17
7.3.1 Cable 17
7.3.2 Power supply 18
7.4 CONNECTING TO A PC USING RS232 (OPTION 1SENSOR) 19
7.5 CONNECTING WINDSONIC OPTION 2OR 3SET FOR DEFAULT RS422 TO A PC USING
AN RS232 SAFE MODE CONNECTION. 20
7.6 CHANGING AN OPTION 2OR 3SENSOR SET FOR RS232 BACK TO RS422. 20
7.7 CONNECTING TO A GILL WINDDISPLAY 21
7.8 CONNECTING TO A PC USING RS422 (OPTION 2OR 3) 22
7.9 USING RS485 (2 WIRE POINT TO POINT)WITH OPTION 2OR 3UNITS 23
7.10 USING THE ANALOGUE OUTPUT (OPTION 3) 24
8Mechanical 25
8.1 ORIENTATION 25
8.1.1 Alignment 25
8.1.2 Mounting 25
9MESSAGE FORMATS 27
9.1 GILL FORMAT–POLAR,CONTINUOUS (DEFAULT FORMAT) 27
9.2 GILL FORMAT –UV, CONTINUOUS 30
9.3 GILL FORMAT –POLLED (POLAR OR UV) 31
9.4 NMEA FORMAT (NMEA STATUS CODES) 32
9.5 NMEA FORMAT (GILL STATUS CODES) 33
9.6 GILL FORMAT –TUNNEL MODE (UU, CONTINUOUS) 33
9.7 ANALOGUE OUTPUTS AND OPTIONS 34
9.7.1 Voltage or Current output 34
9.7.2 Analogue Output Modes 34
9.7.3 Polar mode direction wraparound 34
9.7.4 Wind Speed scaling 35
9.7.5 Tunnel mode 35
9.7.6 Analogue Output Rate 35
9.7.7 Disabled outputs 35
9.7.8 Analogue Output Conditions 35
9.7.9 Low wind speeds (below 0.05 m/s). 36

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9.7.10 Error condition reporting 36
10 CONFIGURING 39
10.1 WIND 39
10.2 WINDVIEW 43
10.3 CONFIGURING USING HYPERTERMINAL 48
10.4 ENTERING CONFIGURATION MODE 48
10.5 RETURNING TO MEASUREMENT MODE 48
10.6 CHECKING THE CONFIGURATION 49
10.7 CHANGING A SETTING 49
10.7.1 Command List 50
Bx - Baud rate 51
Cx - Analogue settings 51
Dx - Diagnostic and Configuration Command (See Section 10.8) 51
Ex - Communications Protocol 51
Fx - Data and parity options 52
Gx - (To be allocated for future developments) 52
Hx - Power-up Message 52
Kxx to Kxxxx - Minimum Direction Velocity 53
Lx - Message Terminator 53
Mx to Mxx - Message Format 53
Nx - Node Address 53
Ox - ASCII Output Format 54
Px to Pxx - Output Rate 54
Q - Measurement Mode 54
Sx - Analogue Output Range 55
Tx - Analogue Output Type (Voltage or Current) 55
Ux - Output Units 55
Yx –Analogue Output, Error Status Condition 55
10.8 CONFIGURATION /DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION 56
11 MAINTENANCE & FAULT-FINDING 57
11.1 CLEANING 57
11.2 SERVICING 57
11.3 FAULT FINDING 57
11.4 RETURNING UNIT 58
11.5 STATUS 58
12 TESTS 58
12.1 BENCH TEST 58
12.2 SELF-TEST (STILL AIR) 59
12.3 USING SAFE MODE TO GET COMMUNICATION AND TO CHANGE SETTINGS 60
12.4 CALIBRATION 61
13 APPENDICES 62
13.1 GLOSSARY &ABBREVIATIONS 62
13.2 GUARANTEE 62
13.3 WINDSONIC OPTIONS 1, 2, 3AND 4 63
ELECTRICAL CONFORMITY 63
14 SDI-12 WindSonic 64
14.1 WINDSONIC OPTION 4SPECIFICATION 64
14.2 CABLE TYPE 65

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14.3 CABLE LENGTH 65
14.4 CONNECTING TO AN SDI-12 INTERFACE (OPTION 4) 65
14.5 SDI-12 COMMANDS 66
14.6 GILL OUTPUT MESSAGE FORMAT 69
14.7 SDI-12 STATUS CODES 69
14.8 SDI-12 SAFE MODE 70
14.9 WINDSONIC OPTION 4ELECTRICAL CONFORMITY 71

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1 FOREWORD
Thank you for purchasing the WindSonic manufactured by Gill Instruments Limited. The
unit has no customer serviceable parts and requires no calibration or maintenance. To
achieve optimum performance we recommend that you read the whole of this manual before
proceeding with use. Do NOT remove black “rubber” transducer caps.
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.
2 INTRODUCTION
The Gill WindSonic wind sensor is a very robust, lightweight unit with no moving parts,
outputting wind speed and direction. The units of wind speed, output rate and formats are all
user selectable.
The WindSonic can be used in conjunction with a PC, data logger or other device, provided
it is compatible with one of the standard communication formats provided by the
WindSonic.
WindSonic (option 2 or 3 only) is designed to connect directly to the Gill WindDisplay unit
to provide a complete wind speed direction system.
WindSonic (options 1, 2 and 3) may be configured using Wind software which is available,
free of charge, from the Gill website www.gillinstruments.com. The output message format
can be configured in Gill format, in Polar or UV (2-axis) format, and to either Polled
(requested by host system) or Continuous output. Alternatively, it can be configured in
NMEA (0183 Version 3). These are described in Section 9 MESSAGE FORMATS.
WindSonic (option 4) SDI-12 may not be re-configured in any Gill output format and format
is SDI-12 (V1.3) and described in Section 14 SDI-12 COMMANDS.
3 FAST TRACK SET-UP
If you are in a hurry to try out the WindSonic (options 1, 2 or 3) and are familiar with Gill
equipment and coupling to a PC using RS232, go to the following sections:
Section 7 INSTALLATION
Section 9 MESSAGE FORMATS
Section 10 CONFIGURING
After you have successfully set up the WindSonic, we strongly advise that you then go back
and read the rest of the manual to ensure that you get the best results from the WindSonic.

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4 PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
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 1 Time of Flight details

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Figure 2 Compass Points

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5 SPECIFICATION
This Specification relates to WindSonic Option 1, 2 and 3 WindSonic Sensors fitted
with a Red Tab and WindSonic 75 Option 1, 2 and 3 fitted with an Orange tab (fitted
adjacent to the North Marker arrow).
Output
Units of measure
Metres/second (m/s), Knots, Miles per hour (mph),
Kilometres per hour (kph), Feet per minute (fpm)
Output frequency
0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, or 4 outputs per second
Digital
Analogue
Parameters
Polar - Speed and Direction
UV - 2 axis, signed Speed
NMEA Speed and Direction
Tunnel - U speed & U Polarity
Polar - Speed and Direction
UV - U Speed and U Polarity
NMEA –Speed and Direction
Tunnel - U Speed & U Polarity
Wind Speed
0 –5m/s, 0 –10m/s, 0 –20m/s,
Range
0 –60m/s WindSonic
0 - 75m/s WindSonic 75
0 –30m/s, 0-40m/s, 0 –50m/s,
0 –60m/s, 0-80m/s.
Accuracy
2% (at 12m/s)
2% (at 12m/s)
Resolution
0.01 m/s
10 bits
Wind Direction
Range
0 - 359
0- 359 
Or 0 - 539(Wraparound mode)
Accuracy
2(at 12m/s)
2(at 12m/s)
Resolution
1
1
Analogue output
formats (not
Windsonic 75)
0-5V
4-20mA
0-20mA
1% of full scale N.B. Analogue output impedance = 1KΩ (V out)
Load resistance between the Analogue outputs (Pins 8 & 9) and Signal
Ground (Pin 1) must be <= 300 ohms, including cable resistance.
Digital output
formats
Gill
Continuous or Polled (output on request by host system)
Polar (Speed and Direction) or UV (2 axis, signed Speed)
Marine –NMEA
NMEA 0183 version 3
Communication
formats
WindSonic Option 1
RS232
WindSonic Option 2
RS232, RS422, RS485 (2 wire Point to Point)
WindSonic Option 3
Baud Rate
RS232, RS422, RS485 (2 wire Point to Point), and Analogue
2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400 Baud Rates
Anemometer status
Status OK and Error codes included in output message

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Environmental
Moisture protection
IP66
Temperature
Operating -35C to +70C Storage -40C to +80C
Humidity
Operating <5% to 100%
EMC
EN 61326
Standards
Manufactured within ISO9001: 2008 quality system
Power requirement
5 –30 V DC Option 1 and 2 units (WindSonic).
7 –30 V DC. Option 3 units (WindSonic).
Current drain depends on variant i.e. RS232 approximately 9mA rising
to 44mA for Analogue variant.
Lowest power consumption is obtained with the following
configuration: -
M2, P20, B3, S9 (approximately 5.5mA at 12v).
12 –30 V DC Option 1, 2and 3 units (WindSonic 75).
Current drain i.e. RS232 approximately 13mA at 12v dc.
Mechanical
Size / weight
142mm diameter x 163mm 0.5kg
Mounting
Pipe mounting 1.75 inches (44.45mm) diameter
Material
External - Acrylate Styrene Acrylonitrile, Polycarbonate blend.
The Specification for the Option 4 SDI-12 unit is detailed in Section 14.

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6 PRE-INSTALLATION
6.1Equipment supplied
Item
Quantity
WindSonic
1
Connector and Mounting Screws comprising:-
9 Way connector
Connector Contacts
Sealing Gland
Sealing Washer
1
9
1
1
Washer shake proof
3
Screws –M5 stainless steel
3
User Manual, Wind and WindView Software on the CD
1
Wind and WindView software is available free of charge from the Gill website –
http://gillinstruments.com/main/software.html
6.1.1 WindSonic Part Numbers
1405-PK-021 Black WindSonic Option 1 –RS 232 output only
1405-PK-068 White WindSonic Option 1 –RS 232 output only
1405-PK-038 Black WindSonic Option 2 –RS 232, 422 & 485 (point to point) output
1405-PK-072 White WindSonic Option 2 –RS 232, 422 & 485 (point to point) output
1405-PK-040 Black WindSonic Option 3 –RS 232, 422, 485 p to p & analogue output
1405-PK-073 White WindSonic Option 3 –RS 232, 422, 485 p to p & analogue output
1405-PK-100 Black WindSonic Option 4 –SDI-12 output only
1405-PK-110 White WindSonic Option 4 –SDI-12 output only
1405-PK-400 Black WindSonic 75 Option 1- RS232 output only
1405-PK-420 Black WindSonic 75 Option 2 RS 232, 422 & 485 (point to point) output
1405-PK-430 Black WindSonic 75 Option 3 RS 232, 422 & 485 p to p & analogue op.
Optional extras:
Item
Part No
Cable 4 Pair, twisted and shielded 24 AWG
026-03156
Cable 3 Pair, twisted and shielded 24AWG
Cable 15 metres (4 twisted pairs (seven contact wires), shielded
24AWG –Seven Connector pins attached to one end and eight
stripped wires the other).
WindSonic connector (1 supplied as standard see above)
WindSonic Support Tube 0.5 metre (Aluminium)
026-02660
1405-10-080
1405-PK-069
1405-30-056
Bracket for mounting to a Pole, includes a WindSonic Adaptor
1771-PK-115

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6.2Packaging
Whilst the WindSonic is being moved to its installation site, the unit should be kept in its
inner packaging. All the packaging should be retained for use if the unit has to be returned at
any time, or if a self-test is performed.
6.3Installation requirements
Host system - One of the following:
PC fitted with a suitable interface to match the chosen communication format
(RS232, RS422, or RS485 (point to point), compatible with the WindSonic option
selected,
and a suitable Terminal Emulation software package. For example HyperTerminal for
Windows or Wind Software that is available from the Gill website at
http://gillinstruments.com/main/software.html.
Gill WindDisplay (WindSonic option 2 or 3 only).
Other equipment with input/output compatibility to the WindSonic Option selected.
For example, Data loggers.
Cable - To connect between the WindSonic and the host system
See Section 7.3.1 Cable type for cable specification.
There are restrictions on the maximum cable lengths for correct operation.
The cable should be routed up the inside of the mounting tube.
Mounting tube (e.g. 0.5 metre long Gill part 1405-30-056)
Standard tube 1.75 inches (44.45mm) Outside Diameter x 3mm wall thickness. Note it is
important that the correct diameter tube is used to prevent damage to the
WindSonic lower moulding when tightening the screws.
See Figure 3, Alignment & Mounting Details on page 26.
For non-hostile environments, Aluminium tube can be used.
For hostile environments, you should select a material suitable for the intended
environment. For example, stainless steel 316 for marine use.
Mounting Bracket (Gill Part 1771-PK-115)

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6.4Cable Assembly
Preparation.
Open the pack of parts provided with the WindSonic or as part 1405-PK-069.
Note that the connector supplies the correct strain relief for cables with an outside diameter
of 6-12mm).
Trim back the screened cable outer and screen sleeves 40mm.
Trim back the screen drain wires flush with the outer sleeve.
Strip back the connection wires by 5mm.
Soldering Contacts.
Note that the supplied size 20 contacts are suitable for wire gauges 20 AWG to 24 AWG.
Tin solder the stripped wires.
Solder the contact pins to the wires.
Crimping Contacts.
Note that the supplied size 20 contacts are suitable for wire gauges 20 AWG to 24 AWG.
Example crimp tools are:-
Daniels Manufacturing Corporation Tool AF8 and Turret TH1A.
https://www.dmctools.com/oscar/catalogue/af8-th1a_276/
or
Astro Tool Corporation Crimp tool 615708 and Turret 615709.
https://www.astrotool.com/615708-m22520-1-01-direct-equivalent-to-dmc-af8
https://www.astrotool.com/615709-m22520-1-02-astro-tool-turret-head-th1a
Lightly twist the stripped wires (do not solder the wires).
Insert the wire into the supplied contact barrel and ensure that it can be seen through the
contact inspection hole.
With the crimp tool fully open place the contact and wire into the crimp tool barrel.
Fully close the crimp tool allowing it to re-open on its own.
Visibly check that the wire is visible through the inspection hole.
Screen Twisted Pair Cable
5 mm
40 mm
Screen drain wires cut flush

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Connector Assembly.
Put the parts on the cable in the order as shown below.
Whilst squeezing the red retainer in the direction of ARROWS A, pull in the direction of
ARROW B. A A
B
Your connector should now resemble the connector in the picture below.
Insert each contact pin until you feel a slight click. If you have inserted the contact into the
incorrect hole it can be removed at this point by simply pulling it out. Please note there will
be some resistance.
Rear View of Connector

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Continue to insert all of the contacts you require. Once all of the contacts are inserted push
the red retainer into place. NB. The retainer can only be pushed back into place if the
contacts are fully engaged.
Fit the connector to the WindSonic so that you can finish assembling the connector.
Screw the back shell onto the connector until it is fully in place. Please note that the final
rotations can be slightly stiff.

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Now screw the next part of the connector into place.
Now screw the cable-clamping nut into place.
The connector can now be removed from the WindSonic.
NOTE: To disassemble the connector, reverse this procedure.
Spares.
For spares purposes the complete WindSonic Souriau Clipper connector comprises of:-
9 way Connector CL1F1201.
Connector female contact CM10SC10MQ (size 20 contact).
Sealing Gland Clipper size1 CL101021 (suitable for cables 6-12mm outer diameter).

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7 INSTALLATION
Do NOT remove the black “rubber” transducer caps. Warranty is void if the coloured
security seal is damaged or removed.
7.1Installation Guidelines
The WindSonic has been designed to meet and exceed the stringent standards listed in its
specification. Operating in diverse environments all over the world, WindSonic requires no
calibration and adjustment whatsoever.
As with any sophisticated electronics, good engineering practice should be followed to
ensure correct operation.
Always check the installation to ensure the WindSonic is not affected by other
equipment operating locally, which may not conform to current standards, e.g.
radio/radar transmitters, boat engines, generators etc.
Guidelines –
oAvoid mounting in the plane of any radar scanner –a vertical separation
of at least 2m should be achieved.
oRadio transmitting antennas, the following minimum separations (all
round) are suggested
VHF IMM –1m
MF/HF –5m
Satcom –5m (avoid likely lines of sight)
Use cables recommended by Gill. 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.
Earth loops should not be created –wire the system in accordance with the
installation guidelines.
Ensure the power supply operates to the WindSonic specification at all times.
Avoid turbulence caused by surrounding structures that will affect the accuracy of the
WindSonic such as trees, masts and buildings. Ideally sensors should be mounted on the
prevailing wind side of the site.
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.
If mounting on a building then theoretically the sensor should be mounted at a height of 1.5
times the height of the building.
If the sensor is to be mounted on a mast boom, part way up a tower or mast, then the boom
should be at least twice as long as the minimum diameter or diagonal of the tower. The
boom should be positioned on the prevailing wind side of the tower.

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7.2Bench system test
Note: Prior to physically mounting the WindSonic 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.
7.3Electrical
7.3.1 Cable
Cable type
A RS422 compatible cable should be used, with the number of twisted pairs matching the
application.
Generic description –Twisted pairs with drain wire, screened with aluminised tape,
with an overall PVC sheath of 6mm-12mm outer diameter. Wire size 7/0.2mm (24 AWG).
The table shows some suitable manufacturers’ references; other manufacturers’ equivalents
can be used.
Application
No. of pairs
Gill ref.
24 AWG
Belden ref.
24 AWG
Batt
electronics
ref.
24 AWG
WindDisplay
2
-
9729
-
RS 232
3
026-02660
9730
91030
RS 422
4
026-03156
9728
91199

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Cable length
The maximum cable length is dependent on the chosen communication format (RS232,
RS422 or RS485 (point to point), the baud rate, and, to a lesser extent, on the cable type and
the local electrical ‘noise’ level.
The table shows the typical maximum lengths 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 thicker or higher specification cable can be tried.
WindSonic
Option
Communication format
Baud rate
Max. cable length
Option 1, 2 and 3
RS232
9600
6.5 m (20 ft)
Option 2 and 3
RS422 or RS485 point to
point
9600
1 km (3200 ft)
Option 3
Analogue –Voltage o/p
N/A
6.5 m (20 ft)
Analogue –Current o/p
N/A
Resistance dependent
(max 300 Ω)
7.3.2 Power supply
WindSonic Option 1 and 2 Units; Require a DC supply of between 5V –30 V DC (30V DC
max).
WindSonic Option 3 Units; Require a DC supply of between 7V–30 V DC (30V DC
max).
WindSonic current drain depends on variant i.e. Option 1, RS232 approximately 9mA at 12v
dc rising to 44mA for Analogue variant.
Lowest power consumption is obtained with the following configuration: -
M2, P20, B3, S9 (approximately 5.5mA at 12v).
WindSonic 75 Option 1, 2 and 3 Units; Require a DC supply of between 12V –30 V
DC (30V DC max).
WindSonic 75 Option 1 and 2 current drain is typically approximately 13mA at 12v dc.

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7.4Connecting to a PC using RS232 (Option 1 Sensor)
Notes
1. The cable length for reliable operation is limited to 6.5m (20ft).
(See Section 7.3.1 Cable length.)
2. For longer cable runs, we recommend using the WindSonic configured with RS422
output, and a RS422/232 converter at the PC.
3. Wiring connections below are not applicable to WindSonic Options 2 and 3 set for
RS232 operation.
WindSonic
9 Way circular connector
Typical PC or RS232 to USB
Converter Serial Port
9 Way ‘D’ Connector
Signal names
Pin nos.
Cable –3 twisted
pairs
Signal names
Pin no's
TXD
RXD
5
7
RXD
TXD
2
3
Signal
Ground
1
Signal Ground
5
Do NOT
connect
at this end
N/A
Screen and drain
wires
Chassis
ground
N/A
V supply -
V supply +
2
3
–
+
DC Power supply
(See Para 7.3.2)
Default Settings
The WindSonic Option 1 unit is factory configured with the following default settings:
M2, U1, O1, L1, P1, B3, H1, NQ, F1, E3, T1, S4, C2, G0, K50,