Gill Metpak PRO User manual

Base Station
User Manual
Weather Stations
Parts 1723-XA 1-11X (Firmware version 2436-4.01.01)
Parts 1723-XC 1-X1X (Firmware version 2436-4.01.01)
Parts 1723-XA X-11X (Firmware version 2436-4.02.04 Modbus units only)
Parts 1723-XC X-11X (Firmware version 2436-4.02.04 Modbus units only)
Doc No: 1723-PS-0023 Issue 1
Gill Instruments Limited
SaltmarshPark, 67 Gosport Street, Lymington,
Hampshire, SO41 9EG, UK
Tel:[phone], Fax:[phone]
Email: 1 Website: www.gillinstruments.com
MetPak
Base Station
MetPak RG Base Station
MetPak Pro
Base Station

Gill Instruments Ltd
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MetPak/MetPak RG and MetPak Pro Base Stations Page | 2 Issue 1
Doc. No. 1723-PS-0023 October 2018
Contents
1. FOREWORD............................................................................................5
2. INTRODUCTION......................................................................................5
2.1. MetPak Base Station Part Numbers and Parameters........................................ 6
2.1.1. MetPak Base Station Part Number Structure............................................6
2.1.2. MetPak Base Station Derived Parameters and Sensors...........................6
2.1.3. Wind Speed and Direction Sensors..........................................................7
2.1.4. Radiation Shield ......................................................................................9
2.1.5. Temperature, Relative Humidity and Dewpoint.........................................9
2.1.6. Barometric Pressure................................................................................9
2.1.7. Precipitation (Digital Input 1)..................................................................10
2.1.8 PRT Temperature (PRT Input)...............................................................10
2.1.9 Analogue Sensor 1................................................................................10
2.1.10 Analogue Sensor 2................................................................................10
2.1.11 Status of MetPak Sensors .....................................................................10
2.1.12 Supply Voltage......................................................................................10
2.2. MetPak Base Station Range default ASCII Output Summary.......................... 11
3. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION..............................................................12
4. PRE-INSTALLATION............................................................................15
4.1. Equipment supplied........................................................................................15
4.1.1. Optional Extras:.....................................................................................15
4.2. Base Station Anemometer 10 Metre Cable Assembly..................................... 16
4.2.1. WindSonic and WindMaster Clipper Connector Assembly Details ..........16
4.2.2. WindObserver (Non Heated units) Connector Assembly Details.............19
4.2.3. WindSonic M Heated units Connector Assembly Details........................19
4.2.4. WindObserver Heated units Connector Assembly Details ......................20
4.3. Communication Cabling.................................................................................. 20
4.3.1 Communication and Power Cable type ..................................................21
4.3.2 Cable Length.........................................................................................21
4.4. Cable Connections General............................................................................ 22
4.5. Earthing.......................................................................................................... 22
4.6. Power Supplies............................................................................................... 22
4.7. Power and Communication Connections........................................................ 23
4.8. Connecting to a PC using Gill RS232 to USB Configuration Cable.................24
4.9. Connecting to a PC using RS232 (Default setting).......................................... 27
4.10. Connecting to a PC using RS422 (Not a Default Setting)................................ 27
4.11. Using RS485 (2 wire point to point only, not a default setting.......................... 28
4.12. Using SDI-12 (2 wire network) not a default setting......................................... 28
4.13. Analogue, Digital and PRT Input Connections ................................................ 29
4.14. MetPak Pro Base Station Junction Box (Part 1723-PK-021)........................... 33
4.15. Set up requirements ....................................................................................... 37
4.15.1. Host System:........................................................................................37
4.15.2. Software:..............................................................................................37
4.15.3. Bench system test ................................................................................37
4.16. Packaging....................................................................................................... 37
5. INSTALLATION.....................................................................................38
5.1. Example System Installations.........................................................................38
5.1.1 Non Heated Wind Sensor System..........................................................38
5.1.2 Heated Wind Sensor System.................................................................40
5.2. Interference .................................................................................................... 42

Gill Instruments Ltd
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5.3. Wind Sensor Installation................................................................................. 42
5.4. MetPak Base Station Range Mounting and Dimensions (in mm).................... 43
5.5. MetPak Pro Base Station Junction Box Mounting (1723-PK-021)................... 45
5.6. Solar Installation............................................................................................. 46
5.7. Rain Gauge Installation................................................................................... 46
6. CONFIGURING WITH METSET............................................................49
6.1. MetPak Base Station Default Configurations ..................................................49
6.2. Configuring MetPak Range Base Stations with MetSet................................... 53
6.3. Configuring a Base Station for Polled Mode....................................................64
6.3.1 To Configure a Base Station Unit for Polled Mode:.................................64
6.3.2 Using Polled Mode:................................................................................64
6.4. Configuring a Base Station for SDI-12............................................................ 65
6.4.1. SDI-12 Units of Measure........................................................................65
6.4.2. SDI-12 Commands................................................................................66
6.4.3. SDI-12 Commands with CRC ................................................................68
6.5. Configuring a Base Station for MODBUS........................................................ 70
6.5.1 Base Station Supported Modbus Specification......................................70
6.6. Configuring a MetPak Base Station for NMEA Output..................................... 75
6.7. Safe Mode...................................................................................................... 77
6.7.1. Safe Mode Method 1.............................................................................77
6.7.2. Safe Mode Method 2.............................................................................81
7. VIEWING METPAK BASE STATION DATA.........................................82
7.1. Use MetView to View the Base Station Data...................................................82
7.1.1. Opening MetView..................................................................................82
7.1.2. Scanning for Devices.............................................................................83
7.1.3. The MetView Console............................................................................84
7.1.4. MetPak Pro Base Station User External Sensor Display Example..........85
7.1.5. MetView Console Display Options.........................................................86
7.1.6. MetView Gauge Ranges and Graphs.....................................................87
7.1.7. Data logging..........................................................................................89
7.2. Use a Terminal Program to View the Base Station Data.................................91
7.2.1. Setting up a logging file..........................................................................93
7.2.2. To stop logging......................................................................................93
8. MAINTENANCE & FAULT-FINDING ....................................................94
8.1. Cleaning and Handling....................................................................................94
8.2. Servicing.........................................................................................................94
8.2.1. Wind Sensors........................................................................................94
8.2.2. UV Radiation Shield (MetSpec)..............................................................94
8.2.3. Barometer .............................................................................................95
8.2.4. Temperature, Humidity and Dewpoint Probe (Rotronic HC2-S3-GI)........95
8.2.5. Tipping Bucket Precipitation Sensor.......................................................96
8.2.6. Tipping Bucket Spare Parts...................................................................98
8.2.7. Solar Sensor..........................................................................................98
8.2.8. Calibration.............................................................................................99
8.2.9. Returning the Base Station....................................................................99
8.3. Fault-finding....................................................................................................99
8.3.1. Fault Symptoms/Solutions.....................................................................99
8.3.2. MetPak Base Station Range Sensor Status Codes..............................100
8.4. Safe Mode.................................................................................................... 101
8.5. Bench Test ................................................................................................... 101
8.6. Returning Units............................................................................................. 101

Gill Instruments Ltd
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8.7. Guarantee..................................................................................................... 101
9. APPENDICES......................................................................................102
9.1. Glossary & Abbreviations.............................................................................. 102
9.2. Electrical Conformity..................................................................................... 103

Gill Instruments Ltd
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MetPak/MetPak RG and MetPak Pro Base Stations Page | 5 Issue 1
Doc. No. 1723-PS-0023 October 2018
1. FOREWORD
Thank you for purchasing a MetPak Base Station unit 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.
2. INTRODUCTION
All the MetPak Base Station range equipments are Professional multi-sensor instruments that
measure the most essential weather parameters. They also provide a data collection system that
allows customers to add their own selection of sensors to meet local requirements.
Wind Measurement can be chosen from a variety of 2 and 3 axis Gill anemometers, please refer to
section 2.1.3 for the full list of compatible sensors.
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 MetPak RG Base Station allows in addition for the customer to use a tipping bucket for Rain
measurements.
The MetPak Pro Base Station allows in addition for the customer to add up to four sensors. One
PRT (temperature sensor), one digital (contact closure rain gauge) and two analogue inputs (4-
20mA or 0-5V) e.g. water level sensor, Pyranometer, pressure sensor, soil temperature etc. Other
types of sensors may be added limited by the number of inputs available.
MetPak Range Base Stations combine all the instrument data into a single combined data string.
They may be configured for digital ASCII RS232/RS422/RS485 (2 wire point to point), digital
MODBUS RTU/ASCII and SDI-12 outputs.
The Base Station electrical Hub box comes with a pre-installed 10 Metre cable to connect to a Gill
Wind Sensor. There is one cable glasn for the installed Temperature/Humidity sebnsor.There is
one cable gland allocated to provide entry for termination of other sensors and one cable gland for
data/power cables.
A separate Junction box (optional accessory) is available for termination of external sensors,
power and communication cables.
A separate Heater Interface box (optional accessory) allows for termination of the Base Station 10
Metre cable to a heated Wind Sensor and Heater power supply.
The instrument uses a rugged mounting clamp that attaches to any vertical pipe upfrom 30mm to
58mm diameter.
Base Station (10 Metre cable not shown)

Gill Instruments Ltd
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2.1. MetPak Base Station Part Numbers and Parameters
2.1.1. MetPak Base Station Part Number Structure.
2.1.2. MetPak Base Station Derived Parameters and Sensors.

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2.1.3. Wind Speed and Direction Sensors
The MetPak Range Base Stations can be used with Gill 2 axis (WindSonic or WindObserver) or 3
axis (WindMaster or WindMaster Pro) wind speed and direction sensors. They are connected via
the supplied MetPak Hub Box RS422 communication and power 10 Metre cable.
MetPak Base Station Wind Sensors measure the times taken for an ultrasonic pulse of sound to
travel from the North (N) transducer to the South (S) transducer, and compares it with the time for
a pulse to travel from S to N transducer. Likewise times are compared between West (W) and East
(E), 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.
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.
Wind Sensor Base Station units output Relative wind – wind speed and/or direction relative to the
north marker.
WindSonic Range North Marker and UV Wind Components
WindObserver Range North Marker and UV Wind Components
Align the WindObserver using the North Transducer Arm.

Gill Instruments Ltd
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WindMaster Range North Marker and UVW Components
2 Axis Base Station using WindSonics and required Configuration Settings:-
1405-PK-038 WindSonic Option 2 Black
1405-PK-040 WindSonic Option 3 Black
1405-PK-072 WindSonic Option 2 White
1405-PK-073 WindSonic Option 3 White
1405-PK-420 WindSonic 75 Option 2 Black
1405-PK-423 WindSonic 75 Option 3 Black
Configuration Setting M4,U1,O1,L1,P1,B4,H2,NQ,F1,E2,T1,S4,C2,G0,K0,
2 Axis Base Station using WindSonic M and required Configuration Settings:-
1405-PK-200 WindSonic M Heated
1405-PK-201 WindSonic M Heated
1405-PK-300 WindSonic M Unheated
1405-PK-301 WindSonic M Unheated
Configuration Setting M4,U1,O1,L1,P1,B4,H2,NQ,F1,E2,T1,S4,C2,G0,K0,
2 Axis Base Station using WindObservers and required Configuration Settings:-
1390-65-X-XXX WindObserver 65
1390-70-X-XXX WindObserver 70
1390-75-X-XXX WindObserver 75
1390-90-X-XXX WindObserver 90
Configuration for Non-Heated WindObserver is:-
A0,B4,C1,E1,F1,G0000,H1,J1,K1,L1,M4,NQ,O1,P1,T1,U1,V1,X1,Y1,Z1
Configuration for Heated WindObservers is:-
A0,B4,C1,E1,F1,G0000,H2,J1,K1,L1,M4,NQ,O1,P1,T1,U1,V1,X1,Y1,Z1
Note – Applies to Firmware Version 2387 V6.02 onwards.
3 Axis Base Station using WindMasters and required Configuration Settings:-
1590-PK-020 WindMaster
1561-PK-020 WindMaster Pro
1590-PK-050 WindMaster Pipe Mount
1590-PK-130 WindMaster RA
M4,U1,O1,L1,P1,B4,H2,NQ,E1,T1,S1,C2,A4,I1,J1,V1,X1,G0,K0,F1 1,F2 0,F3 1

Gill Instruments Ltd
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2.1.4. Radiation Shield
2.1.5. Temperature, Relative Humidity and Dewpoint
2.1.6. Barometric Pressure
Barometric pressure output is provided by a solid-state device fitted on to the circuit board in the
MetPak Base Station Unit Hub box. Vent to atmosphere is via a Gore-Tex type filter which also
protects the pressure sensor from the effects of wind and rain.
A MetSpec Base Station Multi-Plate Radiation Shield provides excellent
protection to the Rotronics temperature and relative humidity sensor,
shielding the probe from unwanted errors, especially from secondary upward
reflecting solar radiation and/or wind blown precipitation/airborne
contaminants. The special shield plate geometry, with its double louvre
design, provides excellent response time performance of quick ambient
temperature changes while still working effectively as a baffle to stop larger
contaminants such as salt or dirt from reaching the Rotronics probe. Due to
the increased protection offered to the Rotronics probe by the MetSpec
shield, the maintenance cycle can be extended. The shield benefits from very
robust material choice and extremely high UV protection requiring no
maintenance. A further benefit of the MetSpec shield design is that the
measured temperature is now even closer to reference temperature
measurements made using artificially aspirated motors without the drawbacks
of such systems (power and the maintenance of moving parts).
Hygroclip
The MetPak Base Station MetSpec
shield contains a Rotronic Hygroclip
module. It 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.
Gore-Tex
type filter

Gill Instruments Ltd
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Doc. No. 1723-PS-0023 October 2018
2.1.7. Precipitation (Digital Input 1).
MetPak RG and MetPak Pro Base Stations:–
Rainfall can be measured by the well-proven tipping bucket method. Rain is collected by a funnel
and is passed to one of the two buckets situated at either end of a short balance arm. The balance
arm tips when the first bucket is full, emptying this bucket and positioning the second bucket under
the funnel. The tipping process repeats indefinitely as long as the rain continues to fall, with each
tip corresponding to a fixed quantity of rainfall; at each tip the moving arm forces a magnet past a
reed switch, causing contact to be made for a few milliseconds.
The Digital input (DIG1), detects when two dedicated terminals are short circuited (less than 1k
ohm). Rain levels are provided by reading the number of switch closures taking place over each
output rate time period (default one reading per second). Then multiplying this number by the Rain
Gauge count figure set using MetSet (e.g. 0.2mm per switch closure) and outputting the result in
the data string.
2.1.8 PRT Temperature (PRT Input)
An external 2 or 4 wire PT100 device can be connected to a MetPak Pro Base Station to provide
an additional remote temperature measurement.
2.1.9 Analogue Sensor 1
An external remote analogue sensor, 0-5v/4-20mA output, can be connected to a MetPak
Pro Base Station AN1 input.
2.1.10 Analogue Sensor 2
An external remote analogue sensor, 0-5v/4-20mA output, can be connected to MetPak
Pro Base Station AN2 input.
2.1.11 Status of MetPak Sensors
Outputs the MetPak Base Station Sensors Status Code (see para 8.3.2).
2.1.12 Supply Voltage
The DC Supply voltage measured at the MetPak Base Station unit is output in the Base Station
Digital Data Output string.