Gill MetPak II User manual

Copyright © Gill Instruments 2010
Reg No. 3154453 Registered Office: The George Business Centre, Christchurch Road, New Milton, BH25 6QJ
MetPak II
Weather Station
Gill Instruments Limited
Saltmarsh Park,
67 Gosport Street,
Lymington,
Hampshire.
SO41 9EG
UK
User Manual
Doc No. 1723-PS-
0001
Issue 1
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: ane[email protected]
Website: www.gill.co.uk

Foreword
©2010 Gill Instruments Ltd. All rights reserved.
Thank you for purchasing the MetPak II 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.

MetPak II User Manual
Last Change ©Gill Instruments Ltd
20 August, 2010 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
1.3 Quick Start Guide............................................................................................................5
2. Installation...........................................................................................................7
2.1 Pre-Installation Checks...................................................................................................7
2.2 Installation.......................................................................................................................8
2.2.1 Bench system test............................................................................................. 8
2.2.2 Equipment Required..........................................................................................8
2.2.3 Cabling..............................................................................................................8
2.2.4 Communication connections............................................................................10
2.2.5 Mounting MetPak II .........................................................................................13
3. Operation...........................................................................................................15
3.1 MetView........................................................................................................................15
3.1.1 Opening MetView............................................................................................15
3.1.2 Scanning for Devices.......................................................................................16
3.1.3 The MetView Console .....................................................................................17
3.1.4 Console Display Options.................................................................................18
3.1.5 Define Configuration Settings..........................................................................19
3.1.6 Data logging....................................................................................................20
3.2 Configuring MetPak II....................................................................................................23
3.2.1 Configuring MetPak II using HyperTerminal ....................................................24
3.2.2 Configuring MetPak II for SDI-12.....................................................................27
3.2.3 SDI-12 Commands..........................................................................................28
4. Troubleshooting................................................................................................29
4.1 Fault-Finding.................................................................................................................29
4.2 Servicing.......................................................................................................................30
4.3 Bench Tests..................................................................................................................30
5. Maintenance ......................................................................................................31

Contents
MetPak II User Manual
©Gill Instruments Ltd Last Change
Page ii 20 August, 2010
6. Technical Information..........................................................................................i
6.1 Specification .................................................................................................................... i
6.2 MetPak II Hub PCB Connections....................................................................................iii
Figures
Figure 1 MetPak II................................................................................................................................................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 hub box................................................................................................................10
Figure 5 Connection of Gill USB Cable (Part No. 1723-10-051).....................................................................11
Figure 6 RS232 connections (COMMS set for RS232)...................................................................................11
Figure 7 RS422 connections (COMMS set for RS422)...................................................................................12
Figure 8 SDI-12 connections (COMMS set for SDI12)....................................................................................12
Figure 9 Correct mounting position for Metpak II.............................................................................................14
Figure 10 Scanning for MetPak II devices..........................................................................................................15
Figure 11 Scanning for MetPak II devices..........................................................................................................16
Figure 12 The MetView console..........................................................................................................................17
Figure 13 The Configure Sensor screen.............................................................................................................19
Figure 14 Reporting Format.................................................................................................................................19
Figure 15 Setting up data logging........................................................................................................................20
Figure 16 A typical data log (viewed in Windows Notepad) ..............................................................................22
Tables
Table 1 Abbreviations 4
Table 2 Recommended Belden cable types 9
Table 3 Maximum cable lengths for supported communication networks 9
Table 4 Connection status indicators 17
Table 5 MetView scale and unit options 18
Table 6 MetView averaging options 18
Table 7 Max/min markers 18
Table 8 Default configuration settings 23
Table 9 MetPak II configuration commands 25
Table 10 Abbreviations used in UNIT configuration command 27
Table 11 Common problems and their solution 29
Table 12 Status codes as output with the MetPak II data string 29
Table 13 HygroClip connections (6-way connector J1) iii
Table 14 WindSonic anemometer connections (8-way connector J4) iii
Table 15 PC communications (8-way connector, J5) iii

MetPak II User Manual
Last Change ©Gill Instruments Ltd
20 August, 2010 Page 1
1. Introduction
MetPak II 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
undertaken using an industry standard sensor. The instrument uses a rugged U-
bolt mounting clamp that attaches to any vertical pipe up to 50mm diameter.
The instrument is supplied with digital ASCII RS232/RS422 and digital SDI-12
outputs. An electrical junction box is fitted to the mounting bracket allowing
convenient termination of all electrical cables.
Figure 1 MetPak II
Wind speed and
direction sensor
Radiation shield
Temperature and
Relative humidity
sensor
Connection box
Mounting
bracket

Introduction
MetPak II User Manual
©Gill Instruments Ltd Last Change
Page 2 20 August, 2010
1.1 Principle of Operation
1.1.1 Wind Speed and Direction Sensor
The MetPak II 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 2 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 II User Manual
Last Change ©Gill Instruments Ltd
20 August, 2010 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 modules are complete instruments, with integrated
temperature compensation and highly flexible power requirements. Calibration data
is maintained within the integrated electronics. It provides digital output signals for
Relative Humidity, Temperature and Dewpoint to the MetPak II interface 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 II connection box.

Introduction
MetPak II User Manual
©Gill Instruments Ltd Last Change
Page 4 20 August, 2010
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
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 Frequency1
WMO World Meteorological Organisation

Introduction
MetPak II User Manual
Last Change ©Gill Instruments Ltd
20 August, 2010 Page 5
1.3 Quick Start Guide
This section provides an overview of the installation and operation of MetPak II.
For more detailed information about any of the steps, use the references to other
sections of this manual.
1. Decide how you are going to connect MetPak II to your PC or
communications network. MetPak II supports the following options:
 USB connection using Gill’s RS232 to USB 1.8M configuration cable
(includes integral 5V power supply). To order, contact your dealer
quoting part number: 1723-10-051).
NOTE. You could use an equivalent RS232-USB adapter such as
EasySynch RS232 to USB adaptor.
 RS232 connection using standard cable and PC COMs port. Separate
5V to 30V dc power supply also required.
 RS422 using RS232 converter.
 SDI-12 connection (note SDI-12 is not compatible with MetView
Software).
NOTE. MetPak II is pre-configured for RS232 communication (factory
setting). If you want to use an alternative communication protocol, you
will need to set up the unit using an RS232 connection (with an
appropriately wired cable), change the setting (see page 25), shut the
unit down, attach a cable for the new communication type, and then
restart the unit.
2. Unpack MetPak II. Check that you have the following:
 MetPak II unit (Part No.1723-PK-100).
 Gill MetView Software and Manual supplied on the CD.
If any parts are missing, please contact your dealer.
3. Open the connection box by unfastening the four retaining screws. Locate
the connector: J5 (see Page 10, Figure 4). Carefully pull the connector block
from its pins.
4. Prepare the communications cable by stripping the wires to a length of 8mm.
Feed the prepared cable through one of the two available ports on the side
of the connection box.
5. Connect the cable to J5 as described on page 10 for your chosen
communications method.
6. Carefully press J5 onto its circuit board pins.
7. Replace the top on the connection box. Tighten the gland on the connection
port to seal the cable in place.
8. If you are carrying out a bench test, continue to step 13. When you have
finished testing, return to Step 9.
9. Unfasten the mounting bracket. Position the MetPak II against the mounting
post (see page 13), replace the mounting bracket and tighten sufficiently to
hold the unit in place but allowing it to be rotated or moved up and down the
pole.
10. Check the orientation and alignment of the unit (see page 13).

Introduction
MetPak II User Manual
©Gill Instruments Ltd Last Change
Page 6 20 August, 2010
11. Check the height of the unit and ensure it is clear of any obstructions,
including the mounting post, that could interfere with MetPak II’s
measurements (see page 13).
12. Tighten the mounting bracket to hold the unit firmly in place.
13. Connect the communications cable to your PC or network device.
14. Place the MetPak II CD in your PC’s CD drive and install MetView.
15. Run MetView.
16. Select the Connect to the first device found check box. Click on the Scan
button. MetView Software searches for the MetPak II connection.
17. Allow the software to search for the MetPak II unit through the available
COM ports. If you have more than one unit configured, you may have to
select the unit based on the COM port assignments.
18. MetView reads the unit and reports its wind, temperature, humidity,dewpoint
and pressure measurements (see below). If you have any problems, please
read the Installation chapter for full details of these steps.