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.

MetPak II User Manual
Last Change ©Gill Instruments Ltd
20 August, 2010 Page 7
2. Installation
MetPak II has been designed to meet and exceed the stringent standards listed in
its specification (see page i).
2.1 Pre-Installation Checks
As with any sophisticated electronics, good engineering practice should be
followed to ensure correct operation:
 Ensure the MetPak II 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 II 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 page 8). 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 II specification (see
page i) 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.

Installation
MetPak II User Manual
©Gill Instruments Ltd Last Change
Page 8 20 August, 2010
2.2 Installation
2.2.1 Bench system test
Prior to physically mounting the MetPak II 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-PK-100 MetPak II set for RS232 communication (factory default setting).
1723-10-051 MetPak II 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 II CD or download from
.http://www.gill.co.uk/main/software.html
2.2.3 Cabling
MetPak II has four communication connection options:
 USB (using the 1.8m Gill USB cable, Part No. 1723-10-051).
 RS232
 RS422
 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 or SDI-12 communication is available from Gill Instruments (Part
No. 1723-10-053).
Cable Type
Wire type: 24AWG
Wire size: 7x32 AWG.
Cable outer diameter: 6-8mm (to match the hub box gland).
For RS422 operation the cable should contain twisted pairs screened to match the
application.

Installation
MetPak II User Manual
Last Change ©Gill Instruments Ltd
20 August, 2010 Page 9
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 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
RS422
SDI-12
19200
19200
1200
6.5M
1000M
90m (300ft)
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 U 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.
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 II through its mountings or by connecting a
grounding cable (minimum of 6mm² copper wire) to a spare MetPak II metalwork
bolt hole. Clean off any paint that might prevent a good connection.
When you connect the communications cable ensure that the screen wires are
attached to the terminal post in the connection box (see Figure 4).

Installation
MetPak II User Manual
©Gill Instruments Ltd Last Change
Page 10 20 August, 2010
2.2.4 Communication connections
To connect MetPak II:
1. Open MetPak II’s connector 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
 SDI-12 Figure 8
6. Attach the cable’s screen wires to the terminal post (see Figure 4).
7. After connection, securely tighten the gland nut to prevent moisture ingress.
NOTE. Ensure that MetPak II is configured for the chosen communications method
(see page 25)
Figure 4 Internal view of the hub box
J4 J5 Pin 8 J5 Pin 1 Hex Terminal
Post
J1 J5, showing RS232 to USB
Configuration Cable Wires

Installation
MetPak II User Manual
Last Change ©Gill Instruments Ltd
20 August, 2010 Page 11
USB Lead Connection (COMMS set for RS232)
Connect MetPak II 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)
Digital Output RS232 Connections (COMMS set for RS232)
J5 Junction 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 Gnd
Not Applicable No
Connection Screen wires NA Chassis
Gnd
V supply –
V supply + 7 8 – + DC Power
supply
Figure 6 RS232 connections
Connect to
Hub box J5

Installation
MetPak II User Manual
©Gill Instruments Ltd Last Change
Page 12 20 August, 2010
Digital Output RS422 Connections (COMMS set for RS422)
J5 Junction 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 0v 2 Signal Ground
No
Connection Screen wires Chassis ground
V Supply –
V Supply + 7 8 – + DC Power
Supply
Figure 7 RS422 connections
Digital Output SDI-12 Connections (COMMS set for SDI12)
Figure 8 SDI-12 connections
J5 Junction 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
Screen wires
Chassis ground
V Supply –
V Supply + 7 8 – + DC Power
Supply

Installation
MetPak II User Manual
Last Change ©Gill Instruments Ltd
20 August, 2010 Page 13
2.2.5 Mounting MetPak II
MetPak II uses a U-bolt mounting clamp suitable for attaching to a vertical pipe
with a diameter of 25-50mm. When mounting MetPak II, consider the position,
orientation and alignment of the unit.
Position
It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that the MetPak II is mounted in a
position clear of any structure, including the mounting post, which may obstruct the
airflow or induce turbulence.
CAUTION. Do NOT mount the MetPak II 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.
The temperature and humidity probe is mounted inside the radiation shield as
shown in Figure 3.
Orientation
Normally, the MetPak II is mounted on a vertical pole, ensuring a horizontal
Measuring Plane (see Figure 9).
For indoor use the unit may be mounted with the Measurement Plane set to any
required orientation.
Alignment
The MetPak II 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.

Installation
MetPak II User Manual
©Gill Instruments Ltd Last Change
Page 14 20 August, 2010
Figure 9 Correct mounting position for MetPak II

MetPak II User Manual
Last Change ©Gill Instruments Ltd
20 August, 2010 Page 15
3. Operation
There are several ways in which you can retrieve weather information from the
MetPak II:
 MetView (Graphically View Data and Log)
 Using an MS Windows Terminal (View Data and Configure the MetPak II)
 SDI-12 command set (Retrieve Data)
3.1 MetView
Before you can use MetView, check that MetPak II is correctly connected to a COM
or USB port on your PC (see page 10).
3.1.1 Opening MetView
Click on the MetView button on your PC’s desktop or choose:
Start > Programs > MetView > MetView
The MetView Control Centre window is displayed. If you have more than one
MetPak II connected to your PC, MetView, by default, connects to the first device
detected. If you want to choose which device to monitor, clear the Connect to first
device found box.
Figure 10 Opening MetView Screen

Operation
MetPak II User Manual
©Gill Instruments Ltd Last Change
Page 16 20 August, 2010
3.1.2 Scanning for Devices
To set up communicate between MetView and a connected MetPak II:
1. Click on the Scan button to search the available COM ports for MetPak II
devices.
Figure 11 Scanning for MetPak II devices
2. When a device is found, MetView displays the console (see Figure 12),
obtains the MetPak II configuration settings and then retrieves and displays
MetPak II data.