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The information contained in this manual (including all illustrations, drawings, schematics and parts lists) is proprietary to BIRAL. It is provided for the sole purpose of aiding the buyer or user in operating and maintaining the instrument. This information is not to be used for the manufacture or sale of similar items without written permission.
The sensors covered in this manual ............iv Features of the SWS Lightweight sensors ..........v Customer satisfaction and After Sales Support ........vi Contacting Biral..................vi Two year warranty ................vii If you need to return the sensor ............vii CE Certification - safety ...............
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Present Weather Definition ............50 Automated Measurements ............50 Sensor Specifications ..............56 Instrument Characteristics ............57 Digital Communication Interface ..........59 6.10 Sensor Remote Self-Test Capabilities .......... 60 6.11 SWS Lightweight – external dimensions ........61 7 INDEX ..................62 Index Of Figures Figure 1-1 SWS –...
General Information The sensors covered in this manual are as follows: Sensor Model Capability SWS-100 – LW Visibility Precipitation type identification SWS-200 – LW Visibility Precipitation type identification This model has an extra backscatter receiver for: Rain rate Snowfall rate Precipitation accumulation...
Thank you for choosing Biral as your supplier of present weather sensors A great deal of time has been invested at Biral to offer the best combination of sensor performance and value and almost three decades of experience and knowledge have been incorporated into the SWS series. We are confident that they will provide you with many years of accurate operation.
(equally, if you have any positive experiences you would like to share). After Sales Support Biral offers support by telephone and email for the lifetime of these sensors, even if there has been a change of ownership, so please get in touch if you require help.
NOTE: the customer is responsible for the shipping costs. CE Certification - Safety All Biral’s SWS - LW sensors comply with the requirements for CE marking. Once installed, it is the user’s responsibility to ensure that all connections made to the...
NOTE: Many of the tests specified within this manual require the use of a PC or equivalent. To achieve the two-way serial communication required, Biral recommends the use of a PC running the Biral Sensor Interface Software. If this software is not available, use a terminal program - for example Windows® Hyper Terminal™. The Biral Sensor Interface Software is available from our website (www.Biral.com), or contact...
Sensor Set-up Section 1 1.1 STEP 1 - Unpacking the sensor The sensor is packed in a foam filled shipping container and is fully assembled ready for use. The sensor is delivered with: U-bolts for pole mounting Power and Data cable Documentation Other optional items...
Section 1 Sensor Set-up 1.2 STEP 2 - Electrical Connections ALL ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS SHOULD BE COMPLETED BEFORE APPLYING POWER TO THE SENSOR 1.2.1 Cable The SWSLW series sensors are supplied as standard with a 6m cable. This cable is a 3 twisted pair cable all wires, 22awg (7/30) with over-all foil screen and drain wire and a nominal diameter of 8.1mm.
Sensor Set-up Section 1 The connections are as follows: Supplied Cable Function Number Colour N.C. N.C. White Signal Ground Black RS232 – Tx (sensor output) White Signal Ground Brown RS232 – Rx (sensor input) N.C. N.C. White Power – Negative Power –...
Section 1 Sensor Set-up The connections are as follows: Pin Number Function Power to ALS-2 – Negative Power to ALS-2 – Positive RS232 Ground RS232 – Tx (sensor output) RS232 – Rx (sensor input) N.C. N.C. Table 1-2 ALS-2 Connections If the ALS-2 option has not been specified, a blanking plug may be located in this position.
Connect sensor earth lug to earth (this may not be necessary but can help prevent communication errors with certain PCs). 2. Connect the signal cable to a PC running the Biral Sensor Interface Software. If this is not available, use a terminal program - for example Windows® Hyper Terminal™.
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Section 1 Sensor Set-up If communications are working the sensor will respond with “Biral Sensor Startup”. 5. Check Data Transmission To Sensor: Send the command from the PC terminal to the sensor: The sensor will respond with its Remote Self-Test & Monitoring Message.
Sensor Set-up Section 1 1.4 STEP 4 - Configuration Options There are a number of configuration options available for the user to select. Two options (date and time enable and checksum enable) are set using a configuration byte of the Options Word, detailed in sections 1.4.1 to 1.4.3. The remaining options are set using a configuration byte of the Operating State word.
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Section 1 Sensor Set-up To set this word, send command CO to enable changes and then command OP00a0000b to set the Option Word as required. For example, send OP100000 to enable the checksum with no date and time stamp. Bit 1 (Date and Time Stamp enable) and Bit 6 (Checksum enable) are the only bits which may be set to ‘1’by the user.
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Sensor Set-up Section 1 To set the current Date and Time There are two commands required to set the current date and time: %SD sets the real time clock date. The format of the command is: %SDWDDMMYY where: - is the day of the week (1..7) with Sunday being 7 - is the date (01..31) - is the month (01..12) - is the year (00..99)
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Section 1 Sensor Set-up 1.4.3 Checksum to verify message A checksum byte can be included with messages sent by the sensor to verify that noise in the communications link has not changed the message. Generally noise is not a problem and checksum verification is not required. This is controlled by the Options Word setting;...
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Sensor Set-up Section 1 For Message: C1 ... Cm <cksum><crlf> The calculation is as follows: cksum IF <cksum> = 8 THEN <cksum> = 119 IF <cksum> = 10 THEN <cksum> = 117 IF <cksum>...
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Section 1 Sensor Set-up 1.4.5 Automatic message setting The sensor can be set to send a data message automatically after each data collection period, or to send a data message only when requested (polled sensor). The default setting is for automatic data transmission. To check which method is programmed send the message: OSAM? The sensor will send the reply:...
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Sensor Set-up Section 1 1.4.7 Baud Rate Configuration Default communication parameters are 9600 Baud, 8 data bit, 1 stop bit, no parity, and no flow control. The baud rate may be changed if required as follows. Send %B(Number) Just typing %B will bring up the different baud rate options: SELECT REQUIRED BAUDRATE BY TYPING %B(NUMBER) 1..1200 BAUD 2..2400 BAUD...
Section 1 Sensor Set-up 1.5 STEP 5 - Installation Please consider the following factors when installing the sensor: (1) Siting considerations. (2) Height of the sensor above ground. (3) Orientation of the sensor. (4) Mounting the sensor. (5) Electrical grounding. Each of these factors is covered in more detail below: 1.5.1 Siting Considerations Pollutants –...
Sensor Set-up Section 1 1.5.2 Height Above Ground: The optimum height at which to mount the sensor depends on the application. The table below shows recommended heights. Application Typical height Comment Highway fog-warning 1.5 to 2 meters Recommended height for the systems (4.9 to 6.6 feet) sensor sample volume is the...
Section 1 Sensor Set-up For sensors located in the Southern hemisphere, 180˚ should be added to the above directions. That is, for the SWS-200 – LW point the backscatter head 34˚West of South, and for the SWS-100 – LW, point the forward scatter receiver directly due South.
Sensor Set-up Section 1 1.5.4 Mounting the Sensor: On a pole Two stainless steel U-bolts and saddles are provided for securing the sensor to the top of the mast. The two V-block saddles oppose the U-bolt, thus providing a secure grip on the mast. The sensor can be mounted on a galvanised steel pipe or heavy walled aluminium tube with an outer diameter between 40 to 64 mm.
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Section 1 Sensor Set-up On a wall The sensor can be bolted directly to a flat surface using the four mounting holes provided. Every effort should be made to ensure that the mounting surface has minimal effect on the air flow and the precipitation flow through the sample volume.
1. Connect the cable to a local power source (do not turn power source on). 2. Connect the signal wires to a PC running the Biral Sensor Interface Software. If this is not available, use a terminal program - for example Windows® Hyper Terminal™.
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Section 1 Sensor Set-up 4. Turn the local power source "ON". If communications are working the sensor will respond with “Biral Sensor Startup”. 5. Check Data Transmission To Sensor: Send the command R? from the PC terminal to the sensor: The sensor will respond with its Remote Self-Test &...
Sensor Set-up Section 1 1.6.3 Remote Self-Test Check Check that the values in the Remote Self-Test & Monitoring Message from the previous Data Link check are within the ranges indicated below, in Table 1-5 Remote maintenance check fields. Field 1: Space Message starts with a space Field 2: 100 or 108 Heater state and error flags...
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Sensor Set-up 1.6.4 Calibration Check The sensor is fully calibrated before it leaves Biral. However, if you would like to carry out a user confidence calibration check please follow the calibration check procedure in section 5 page 40 to ensure that the MOR value changes i.e. the sensor responds to changes in visibility.
Standard Operating Data Section 2 2 STANDARD OPERATING DATA When in standard mode a data message will be output from the sensor every measurement period (default 60 seconds). When in polled mode the same message is output only in response to the D? command. The operating mode is checked by sending command “OSAM?”.
Section 2 Standard Operating Data MESSAGE MEANING Present weather codes. From WMO Table 4680 (Automatic Weather Station). Not Ready (first 5 measurement periods from restart). No Significant weather observed. Haze or smoke. Fog. Indeterminate precipitation type. Drizzle. Rain. Snow. DD.D C Not used in the SWS-100 –...
Standard Operating Data Section 2 2.2 Standard Operating Data Message for the SWS-200 – LW The data message format is: <Date>,<Time>,SWS200,NNN,XXX,AA.AA KM,BB.BBB,CC,DD.D C,EE.EE KM,FFF<cs><crlf> MESSAGE MEANING <Date> Optional Date string in the form DD/MM/YY. <Time> Optional Time string in the form HH:MM:SS. SWS200 SWS200 message prefix.
Section 2 Standard Operating Data MESSAGE MEANING Self-test and Monitoring (see section 4.2): F F F O = other self-test values OK. X = other self-test faults exist. O = windows not contaminated. X = window contamination warning – cleaning recommended. F = Window contamination fault –...
Standard Operating Data Section 2 2.3 Data Message Variations For ALS For SWS – LW sensors fitted with an Ambient Light Sensor, the data output strings are identical to the standard message with the following appended to the message, prior to the optional checksum <cs> and the carriage return and line feed <crlf>.
Section 3 Commands and Responses 3 COMMANDS AND RESPONSES 3.1 Sensor Commands NOTE: All commands should be terminated with <Carriage Return> and <Line Feed> (<crlf>, see section 1.3). Applicability SWS- Command Function Response Send accumulated precipitation message. xxx.xx (xxxx.x) √ (Accumulated precipitation in mm) ,xxxx ,(Accumulation time in minutes).
Commands and Responses Section 3 Applicability SWS- Command Function Response See section OSWH? Check window heater setting. √ √ 1.4.6 Set window heater setting. See OSWHx √ √ section 1.4.6. Send program version message. SI xxxx.yy √ √ Send remote self-test and See section √...
Section 3 Commands and Responses 3.1.1 Command R? - Send Remote Self-Test and Monitoring Message Example response: 100,2.509,24.1,12.3,5.01,12.5,00.00,00.00,100,105,107,00,00,00,+021. 0,4063 The various fields in the response are as follows: Field 1: Space The message starts with a space. Field 2: ABC Heater state and error flags.
Commands and Responses Section 3 3.1.2 Command T? - Send Instrument Times Message Response: aaaa,bbbb,ccccc,dddd aaaa: Measurement interval for each operational data message (10 to 300 seconds) (default = 60). bbbb: Auxiliary measurement sample period - time between measurement of peripheral signals during measurement interval.
Section 3 Commands and Responses 3.2 Sensor Responses RESPONSE MEANING Your command was not understood by the sensor. Check the text BAD CMD of the command and re-send. An error was detected in a character in the command. Re-send the COMM ERR command.
Maintenance Procedures Section 4 4 MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES The SWS Lightweight sensors require very little maintenance. The following sections detail the checks that are advisable to ensure continued good operation of the sensor. The frequency of these checks depends upon the location and environmental conditions under which the sensor operates.
Section 4 Maintenance Procedures 4.1.2 Window Cleaning The SWS – LW is an optical instrument and is therefore susceptible to accumulation of contaminants on the windows in the hoods. The windows should be cleaned by gently wiping the windows using a pure alcohol (propanol) and a (appropriate safety precautions must be taken when using pure soft cloth alcohol)
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Maintenance Procedures Section 4 10% (default value) or 30%. This Self-test code can be one of three characters, O, X or F dependent on the contamination reading received. These have the following meaning: “O”: Window contamination is less than 10% (Default value; can be adjusted by the user, see command WTx, section 3.1).
Maintenance Procedures 4.3 User Confidence Checks The following user confidence checks require bi-directional communications with a PC running the Biral Sensor Interface Software. If this is not available, use a terminal program - for example Windows Hyper Terminal. It is suggested that these should be carried out at least every year, to provide continuing confidence in the correct operation of the system.
Maintenance Procedures Section 4 Step 5. Send the command: R? Step 6. Verify that the 'Transmitter Window Contamination' field value is much greater than 10 (eg 99). white card Figure 4-1 Transmitter hood with white card Step 7. Remove the white card. 4.3.3 Receiver Background Brightness Measurement Checks The receiver background brightness value measures the optical signal detected by the receiver caused by the intensity of the ambient background.
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Section 4 Maintenance Procedures Step 5. While shining a flashlight directly into the receiver window send the command: R? NOTE: This test requires the use of a filament bulb flashlight. There is insufficient IR radiation from a visible LED source to carry out this test successfully. Step 6.
Calibration Procedures Section 5 5 CALIBRATION PROCEDURES This section explains how to CHECK the calibration of the sensor and ONLY IF NECESSARY how to recalibrate it. ALL THE PROCEDURES IN THIS SECTION REQUIRE A SWS – LW CALIBRATION KIT The Meteorological Optical Range (MOR) calibration of the forward scatter channel and the backscatter channel are checked by the procedure outlined below.
Lightweight sensor. This procedure can only be completed with: A SWS – LW Calibration Kit. Connection to a PC running the Biral Sensor Interface Software, or, if this is not available, terminal emulation software (such as Windows ® Hyper . If you need help with this Terminal™) using the serial data connector...
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Calibration Procedures Section 5 CALIBRATION CHECK NOTES PLEASE READ THESE NOTES BEFORE CONTINUING The MOR (Meteorological Optical Range or visibility) values depend heavily on the location and prevailing weather conditions and should only be carried out with the sensor: 1. MOUNTED OUTSIDE AND ON A CLEAR DAY (VISIBILITY>10KM) 2.
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Section 5 Calibration Procedures STEP 6: Wait for the fifth (5 ) data message from the sensor. Verify that the forward-scatter MOR (located in 4 field) is the maximum range set for the sensor under test. STEP 7: SWS-200 – LW Only. Send the command “BB? <crlf>”. Verify that the response value is 000.00 ±...
Calibration Procedures Section 5 5.2 Sensor Re-calibration RE-CALIBRATING THE METEOROLOGICAL OPTICAL RANGE SHOULD ONLY BE CARRIED OUT IF THE SENSOR HAS FAILED A CORRECTLY PERFORMED USER CONFIDENCE CHECK WARNING ERRORS DURING THIS RE- CALIBRATION PROCEDURE WILL CAUSE THE SENSOR TO GIVE INCORRECT DATA BEFORE CONTINUING ENSURE THAT THE SENSOR: 1.
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Section 5 Calibration Procedures STEP 1. Set up the sensor with the calibration reference plaque in place - see section 5.1 (power to the sensor need not be removed). STEP 2. Send command CO. Sensor replies: OK. STEP 3. Send command: CE. Sensor replies: CLEAN WINDOWS, BLOCK FWD SCAT RCVR OPTICS,...
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Calibration Procedures Section 5 Sensor replies: CAL COMPLETE REMOVE REF STD Note: Do not remove the calibration reference plaque at this point. STEP 10. Wait for the third data message to be received at the PC. STEP 11. Note the forward-scatter MOR (located in 4 field) in the sensor data message.
Section 5 Calibration Procedures 5.3 Precipitation Amount Calibration Note: All commands should be terminated with <Carriage Return> and <Line Feed> <crlf>, (see section 1.3). This section is only applicable to model SWS-200 – LW. This process provides for adjusting the calibration factor of the sensor precipitation measurement.
Product Overview Section 6 PRODUCT OVERVIEW 6.1 SWS – LW Present Weather Sensor The SWS Lightweight Present Weather Sensor is a special version of the SWS series of sensors, designed for lower weight and lower power consumption. Two models are available in the range, with the following measurement capabilities: Sensor Model Capability...
Section 6 Product Overview 6.2 Instrument Components Each sensor has been engineered and manufactured with high-reliability components to provide accurate measurements under all weather conditions. Its rugged aluminium powder-coated construction is intended to serve you in the severest of environmental conditions throughout the long life of the instrument. Both models are shipped fully assembled.
Product Overview Section 6 In addition to its optimal and unique measurement capabilities, the SWS – LW sensor has a number of distinctive physical features: Compactness: The sensor is a single package, small in size and particularly light in weight. It can be readily installed by one person and can be used in portable or fixed installations.
Section 6 Product Overview employed to identify precipitation and to determine the presence of fog during episodes of precipitation. 6.6.2 Visibility Related Measurements The measurement capabilities of the sensor are summarised in Table 6-1 Visibility Measurement Capabilities. Determination of visual range is based on measurements of the atmospheric extinction coefficient (EXCO).
Note: If a sensor is intended for installation in a country where the definitions of precipitation intensity differ from the U.K. definitions, it is possible for the sensor to be produced with the appropriate definitions installed. BIRAL must be informed of this requirement at the time of order.
Product Overview Section 6 US Precipitation Definitions Drizzle Slight A trace to 0.01 inches (0.3 mm)/hour. Moderate 0.01 inches (0.3mm) to 0.02 inches (0.5 mm)/hour. Heavy More than 0.02 inches (0.5 mm)/hour. Rain Slight A trace to 0.10 inches (2.5 mm)/hour. Moderate 0.10 to 0.30 inches (2.6 to 7.6 mm)/hour.
Product Overview Section 6 6.7 Sensor Specifications The specifications for the SWS lightweight sensor is summarised in the following pages. Visibility Measurements (MOR) and Precipitation Measurements Function Details Selectable from the following options at time of order: 10m to 2Km 10m to 10Km Measurement Range –...
Product Overview Section 6 Temperature Sensor Function Details Type Circuit mounted IC. Range -60°C to 100°C. Power Requirements Function Details Power Source (Voltage) 9V to 36V DC (24V typical). Power Source (Wattage) 2.9 W. Additional Power for: 1.7W. No-Dew Window Heaters 1.2 W no window heater.
Section 6 Product Overview 6.9 Digital Communication Interface Communication Protocol Function Details Interface Type RS232C, (Full Duplex) . Communication Parameters: Function Details Baud Rates 1200 Baud to 57K6 Baud, selectable. Data Bits Parity None Stop Bits Flow Control None Message Termination CR-LF Message Checksum: Selectable...
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