PASCO PS-3209 User manual

Wireless Weather Sensor with GPS (PS-3209)
Weather Resistant
Gasket
Included Equipment:
Wireless Weather Sensor with GPS
USB-to-Micro-USB Cable
Required Equipment:
•Data collection software (PASCO Capstone or SPARKvue)
Recommended Equipment:
•Weather Vane Accessory (PS-3553)
Features:
Turbine for Anemometer
Temperature, Pressure, and Humidity Sensor
Device ID
GPS Status LED
Bluetooth Status LED
Drain hole
Battery Status LED
ON/OFF button
Threaded hole for Weather Vane (accessory)
Flexible cover for USB port
Light Sensor
Hole for Pivot Post (accessory)
Introduction
The Wireless Weather Sensor with GPS is a versatile instrument
with multiple sensors, including a Global Positioning System
(GPS) module. The sensor is durable and weather-resistant, and
it can connect wirelessly via Bluetooth to a computing device
such as a tablet or computer using PASCO Capstone or
SPARKvue. The software supports data logging when the
instrument is not connected to a computing device. The Wireless
Weather Sensor has a rechargeable battery pack.
The sensor measures wind speed, barometric pressure, relative
humidity, ambient temperature, illuminance, UV index, solar
irradiance, solar PAR, magnetic heading, and wind direction.
The GPS module reports latitude, longitude, altitude, horizontal
velocity, and satellite count. The software can calculate dew
point, true heading, wind chill, absolute humidity, and heat stress
index.
First step: charge the battery
Charge the battery by connecting the micro USB port on the
back of the sensor to any standard USB charger. To access the
micro USB port, gently pull the tab of the flexible cover to the
right. The Battery Status LED is solid yellow while charging.
When fully charged, the light changes to solid green.
Get the software
You can use the sensor with SPARKvue or PASCO Capstone
software. If you’re not sure which to use, visit
pasco.com/products/guides/software-comparison.
SPARKvue is available as a free app for Chromebook, iOS, and
Android devices. We offer a free trial of SPARKvue and
Capstone for Windows and Mac. To get the software, go to
pasco.com/downloads or search for SPARKvue in your device’s
app store.
If you have installed the software previously, check that you have
the latest update:
SPARKvue
Go to Main Menu > Check for Updates
PASCO Capstone
Go to Help > Check for Updates.
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Check for a firmware update
SPARKvue
1. Press the power button until the lights turn on.
2. Open SPARKvue.
3. Select Sensor Data on the Welcome Screen.
4. Select the sensor that matches its device ID. A notification
appears if a firmware update is available. Click Yes to
update the firmware.
5. Close SPARKvue.
PASCO Capstone
1. Press and hold the power button until the lights turn on.
2. Open PASCO Capstone.
3. Click Hardware Setup.
4. Select the sensor that matches its device ID. A notification
appears if a firmware update is available. Click Yes to
update the firmware.
5. Close Capstone.
Status LED information
The Bluetooth, GPS, and Battery Status LEDs operate as
follows:
Bluetooth/GPS LED Status
Red blink Ready to pair
Green blink Connected
Yellow blink Remotely logging data
(Bluetooth only)
NOTE: When the Wireless Weather Sensor is
connected to a computer via the provided micro
USB cable, the Bluetooth LED will be disabled.
For information on using remote data logging
with PASCO sensors, see the PASCO Capstone
or SPARKvue online help.
Battery LED Status
Red blink Low power
Yellow ON Charging
Green ON Charged
Turn on the sensor
To turn on the sensor, press the ON/OFF button. All three status
LEDs will shine momentarily. If the battery is charged, the
Battery Status LED will stop shining; the GPS Status and
Bluetooth Status LEDs will continue to blink red. This indicates
that the device is ready to connect to GPS satellites and connect
wirelessly via Bluetooth to a computing device such as a
computer or tablet.
To turn off the sensor, press and hold the ON/OFF button until
the Battery Status LED shines red momentarily and the other
status LEDs stop shining.
Connecting to the software
The Wireless Weather Sensor can connect to either PASCO
Capstone or SPARKvue using a wireless Bluetooth connection
or the provided micro USB cable.
SPARKvue
Connecting via Bluetooth:
1. Turn on the Wireless Weather Sensor. Check to make sure
the GPS and Bluetooth Status LEDs are blinking red.
2. Open SPARKvue, then select Sensor Data from the main
menu.
3. From the list of available wireless devices on the left, select
the sensor that matches the device ID printed on your
Wireless Weather Sensor.
Connecting via micro USB:
1. Turn on the Wireless Weather Sensor.
2. Start SPARKvue, then select Sensor Data from the main
menu.
3. Gently pull the tab of the flexible cover on the back of the
sensor to the right to access the micro USB port.
4. Use the provided micro USB cable to connect the micro
USB port on the Wireless Weather Sensor to a USB port or
powered USB hub connected to the computer. The sensor
will connect to SPARKvue automatically.
Once the sensor is connected to SPARKvue, a list of available
measurements will appear in the Select Measurements for
Templates column.
Collecting Data with SPARKvue:
1. Select the measurements you intend to record by clicking
the checkboxes next to those measurements' names in the
Select Measurements for Templates column.
2. Select an appropriate template from the Templates section
to open the Experiment Screen. The template will auto-
populate with the measurements you selected.
3. When you are ready, click Start to begin collecting data.
For more information on collecting and displaying data, see the
SPARKvue online help.
Wireless Weather Sensor with GPS | PS-3209
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PASCO Capstone
Connecting via Bluetooth:
1. Turn on the Wireless Weather Sensor. Check to make sure
the GPS and Bluetooth Status LEDs are blinking red.
2. Start Capstone, then select Hardware Setup from the
Tools palette.
3. From the list of Available Wireless Devices, select the
sensor which matches the device ID printed on your
Wireless Weather Sensor.
Connecting via micro USB cable:
1. Turn on the Wireless Weather Sensor.
2. Start Capstone. If desired, open Hardware Setup to
check the connection status of the sensor.
3. Gently pull the tab of the flexible cover on the back of the
sensor to the right to access the micro USB port.
4. Use the provided micro USB cable to connect the micro
USB port on the Wireless Weather Sensor to a USB port or
powered USB hub connected to the computer. The sensor
will connect to SPARKvue automatically.
Upon connecting to the Wireless Weather Sensor, all of the
sensor’s measurements are enabled in Capstone by default.
Undesired measurements can be disabled through the Data
Summary tool.
Collecting data with PASCO Capstone:
1. Double-click the appropriate template from the Displays
palette to create a display.
2. To add measurements to the template, click each <Select
Measurement> box and select the appropriate
measurement from the list.
3. When you are ready, click Record to begin collecting
data.
For more information on collecting and displaying data, see the
PASCO Capstone online help.
Measurement tips
Equilibration time
After a rapid change in temperature or humidity, the sensor may
take several seconds to come to equilibrium with the
environment. Observe the measurements and wait for them to
stabilize.
Alignment with wind
Hold the sensor so that wind blows straight into the front of the
anemometer.
Shade
The sensor, especially the temperature and humidity
transducers, must be out of direct sunlight to make accurate
measurements.
Moisture
Protect the sensor from liquid water. The sensor is rugged and
weather-resistant, but not waterproof. Exposure to liquid water is
likely to cause inaccuracies in collected data.
Weather Vane Accessory
When measuring weather conditions like wind speed and
direction, consider using the PS-3553 Weather Vane Accessory
to maximize accuracy of the data collected.
Wireless Weather Sensor
measurements
Primary measurements
The Wireless Weather Sensor’s primary measurements are
Wind Speed, Temperature, Relative Humidity, and Barometric
Pressure.
Wind Speed
The sensor determines Wind Speed from the rate of rotation of
the anemometer (wind turbine). It assumes that air is flowing
directly into the turbine. Wind speed must be at least 0.5 m/s to
be measured accurately. Wind Speed can be reported in units of
m/s, cm/s, mm/min, km/h, mph (miles per hour), knots, or ft/s
(feet per second).
CAUTION: Do not try to measure high-speed
wind, such as from leaf-blowers or severe
storms.
Temperature
Temperature is measured by the thermistor temperature
transducer. To work accurately, the transducer must be in shade.
Temperature can be reported in °F, °C, or K.
Relative Humidity
Relative Humidity is measured by the humidity transducer. To
work accurately, the transducer must be in shade and at air
temperature. Relative Humidity is reported as a percentage
representing the ratio of the partial pressure of water vapor to
the saturated vapor pressure.
Barometric Pressure
Barometric Pressure is measured by a pressure transducer in
the sensor’s "window". The reported Barometric Pressure is the
actual air pressure, not the sea-level corrected pressure.
Barometric Pressure can be reported in units of kPa (default),
psi, N/m2, atm, torr, hPa, inHg, mmHg, mbar, Pa, or inH2O.
Secondary measurements
Each secondary measurement is a calculation based on one or
more of the primary measurements.
Absolute Humidity
Absolute Humidity (or water vapor density) is a measure of the
mass of water vapor present in a given volume. It is reported in
units of g/m3. The sensor calculates Absolute Humidity with the
following formula:
where RH is the Relative Humidity (as a percentage) and Tis
Temperature in °C.
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Dew Point
Dew Point is the temperature to which air must be cooled at
constant pressure for water vapor to condense. Dew Point is
reported as a temperature in °C or °F. The sensor calculates
Dew Point (in °C) with the formula:
In this formula, RH is the Relative Humidity (as a percentage),
Tis Temperature in °C, and SatVP is the saturation water vapor
pressure, given by:
Wind Chill
Wind Chill (or Wind Chill Index) indicates a combined effect of
temperature and wind speed. It is reported as an apparent
temperature in °F or °C. The sensor calculates Wind Chill (in °F)
using the formula:
where Tis air temperature (in °F) and vis wind speed (in mph).
Wind Chill is defined for temperatures at or below 50 °F and
wind speed above 3 miles per hour; outside of those limits, the
sensor reports a value equal to Temperature.
Heat Stress Index (Humidex)
Heat Stress Index (or Humidex) indicates a combined effect of
temperature and humidity. It is reported as an apparent
temperature in °F or °C. The sensor calculates Humidex (in °C)
using the formula:
where Tis the ambient air temperature in °C and eis the water
vapor pressure in kPa.
Sea-level corrected pressure
A typical weather station does not report the actual measured
barometric pressure. Rather, it reports a "sea-level corrected"
value. The sea-level corrected pressure is not calculated
automatically but can be found using this equation:
where his the sensor’s elevation in meters and BP is the
Barometric Pressure in mbar. To have this calculation done
automatically, type this equation into the Calculator tool in
PASCO Capstone or SPARKvue.
Wireless GPS Sensor
The Wireless GPS Sensor uses signals received from the Global
Positioning System (GPS) to determine its latitude, longitude,
altitude, and horizontal velocity anywhere on Earth. This sensor
can be used alone or in conjunction with other sensors for
outdoor experiments in environmental science, physics, and
other subjects. Data from the Wireless GPS Sensor can be
relayed via Bluetooth or micro USB cable to PASCO Capstone
or SPARKvue.
Theory of operation The Wireless GPS Sensor must
receive data from at least three
GPS satellites to determine its
position. When the sensor is first
powered on, it searches the sky
for available satellites. This
process typically takes between
30 seconds and 2 minutes. Once
satellites have been identified,
the sensor actively tracks them
and acquires new satellites as
they come into view.
The Wireless GPS Sensor
performs best outdoors, with a
clear view of the sky.
Sensor set-up
Orientation and positioning
It is important to orient the sensor properly to receive signals
from satellites overhead, especially during initial search mode
(when the GPS Status LED is blinking red). The antenna detects
signals through the top side of the sensor. The antenna is
located above the rectangular window which houses the
temperature, pressure, and humidity sensing elements. Hold the
sensor with the top side up and approximately horizontal, facing
the sky. Do not cover the antenna area.
Modes
The color of the GPS Status LED indicates whether or not the
sensor is ready to make measurements. At initial power on, the
sensor enters "search mode", in which it searches the sky for
available satellites. During "search mode", the LED blinks red.
When the sensor is actively tracking three or more satellites, the
LED blinks green.
If the sensor cannot track at least three satellites, it enters "lost
mode". In this mode, the sensor continues to report its most
recent position measurements. Use this "stale" data with
caution, as it is incorrect if the sensor has moved since its last
valid measurement. In lost mode, the GPS Status LED blinks
red and the sensor searches for available satellites again.
If the Wireless GPS Sensor is turned off in the data collection
software, or if there is a hardware problem, the GPS Status LED
does not shine.
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Wireless Light Sensor
The Wireless Light Sensor measures four quantities:
Illuminance, Ultraviolet Index, Solar Irradiance, and Solar PAR.
•Illuminance is a measure of the amount of light that
reaches a surface. It is reported in lux (lx), also called
lumens per square meter.
•The Ultraviolet Index, or UV Index, is a linear scale
measurement proportional to the amount of ultraviolet
radiation the sensor detects; this value indicates the time it
takes for harm to occur due to ultraviolet radiation in the
vicinity of the sensor. The UV Index does not include a unit.
•Solar Irradiance refers to the amount of power the sun’s
light delivers to a given area. Solar irradiance can be
reported in W/m2(watts per square meter), mW/m2, µW/m2,
or µW/cm2.
•Solar PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation)
measures the number of photons within the range of
wavelengths conducive to photosynthesis which fall on a
given surface area per second. Solar PAR can be reported
in µmol/m2/s (micromoles per square meter per second) or
mol/m2/s.
For greatest accuracy when using the Wireless Light Sensor,
ensure that the white disk on top of the sensor is clean and dry.
Wireless Compass
The Wireless Compass measures Magnetic Heading and
reports it in either degrees (°) or radians (rad). In addition, the
Wireless Compass provides two calculations based on the
magnetic heading: Wind Direction and True Heading, both of
which have the same unit options for reporting data.
•Wind Direction: When used with the PS-3553 Weather
Vane Accessory, this calculation accurately measures the
direction of the wind relative to magnetic north.
•True Heading: This calculation combines the Wind
Direction with the GPS position data to measure the
direction of the wind relative to true north.
Battery life
Battery usage
Battery life is very important to making the Wireless Weather
Sensor simple and always ready to use. Therefore, this sensor,
like all PASCO wireless products, is designed for long battery
life. For example, after a brief time of inactivity, the Weather
Sensor turns itself off to conserve battery life.
The battery life between charges for the Weather Sensor ranges
from two days to more than a week, depending on active
sensors and sample rate.
If the Battery Status LED blinks red, connect the Weather
Sensor to the USB Charger or a USB port.
Maximizing battery life
One of the factors that affects battery life is the storage
temperature. Therefore, avoid storing the Weather Sensor in
very cold or very hot environments.
If the battery will not hold a charge, contact PASCO Technical
Support.
Replacement items
The wind turbine of the Wireless Weather Sensor with GPS can
be replaced with the PS-9879 Impeller Replacement
Anemometer. Check with Technical Support regarding possible
replacement items.
Software help
The SPARKvue and PASCO Capstone Help provide additional
information on how to use this product with the software. You
can access the help within the software or online.
SPARKvue
Software: Main Menu > Help
Online: help.pasco.com/sparkvue
PASCO Capstone
Software: Help > PASCO Capstone Help
Online: help.pasco.com/capstone
Specifications and accessories
Visit the product page at pasco.com/product/PS-3209 to view
the specifications and explore accessories. You can also
download experiment files and support documents from the
product page.
Experiment files
Download one of several student-ready activities from the
PASCO Experiment Library. Experiments include editable
student handouts and teacher notes. Visit
pasco.com/freelabs/PS-3209.
Technical support
Need more help? Our knowledgeable and friendly Technical
Support staff is ready to answer your questions or walk you
through any issues.
Chat pasco.com
Phone [phone] x1004 (USA)
[phone] (outside USA)
Email [e-mail]
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