There is a reason we don’t make plastic anemometers.

The following was emailed to me by Zach, who operates a Dyacon weather station network in Nebraska for the Vantage Agri Service agronomy business.

I always like to share when we have an extreme event. This one snuck up on me. 87 mph gust on our Elmwood station. The rest of our network registered gusts in the 60’s. The Lincoln Airport reported 67 mph. Our Palmyra station is actually closer to where the damage in the story below was, but not in the path of the storm damage.

I have a friend who is the chief meteorologist at NWS in Valley, NE. He checks our network page for storms in the county when they have to do storm assessments now; he’s very impressed with the data quality and measurements of the stations.

The specific remote weather station is located near Elmwood, Nebraska. You can see the wind spike on the public page by setting the date to 2023-07-04. The following is the chart from the short-duration wind event.

The storm caused major damage at a nearby raceway.

Dyacon wind sensors are constructed of aluminum components and can handle sever abuse.

Eugene

This article is part of a series entitled “Introduction to Industrial Weather Stations” (IIWS). The other parts are:

Part 1 – Definitions
Part 2 – Weather Station Construction
Part 3 – Who Makes Industrial Weather Stations
Part 4 – Installation and Accuracy
Conclusion – Finally…

—

There is no shortage of weather station manufacturers. Many indicate that they are “professional” or “accurate.”  The low end of the market (<$1,000 USD) is especially crowded with colorful, imported, plastic products. These are general-purpose instruments that are suitable for consumer applications.

Industrial weather stations operate in the middle price range, often designed as remote weather stations, operating autonomously with solar power and wireless data (cell or WiFi) upload to a cloud server. These offer more specialized functionality, knowledgeable support, better connectivity, and more durable instruments. Depending on the application, any of the companies discussed in prior sections (see Part 3) may be able to meet your needs. The two for which I hold the most competitor envy are Columbia Weather and Onset.

Larger companies can take advantage of economies of scale, producing sophisticated industrial designs (prettier products), leveraging trendy technologies (such as ultrasonic anemometers), and may offer a broader range of sensors.

While my treatment of each company and product type has been brief, I hope that I have been fair. Please contact me if you have any suggestions or need me to correct any of the information.

Over the last 10 years of weather instrument design and manufacturing, Dyacon has carved a niche around fully autonomous, remote weather stations, with web portal data access, and Modbus connectivity. We build most of our own products and offer a high level of customer support. Customer feedback is welcome and often results in product changes.

When you call or email Dyacon, you are talking to the people that are actually doing the product development and production. We know our products.

If you have made it through all five parts of this series, CONGRATULATIONS!! I apologize if you were expecting a recommendation for “The Best professional weather station,” I’m sorry. But hopefully you have a better scope of understanding for selecting the right tool for your weather monitoring needs.

We serve customers that paint bridges, fly airplanes, distill whiskey, monitor oil and gas wells, and build RADAR systems. No matter what application you have, drop us an email or give us a call. We would love to help.

And if Dyacon isn’t the right tool for your job, I’m happy to recommend alternatives.

— Eugene

This article is part of a series entitled “Introduction to Industrial Weather Stations” (IIWS). The other parts are:

Part 1 – Definitions
Part 2 – Weather Station Construction
Part 3 – Who Makes Industrial Weather Stations
Part 4 – Installation and Accuracy
Conclusion – Finally…

—

During initial product selection stages, weather station buyers may be immersed in comparing equipment specifications and features. This is an important phase of equipment selection. However, there are other factors to consider and data sheet specifications may be misleading because test conditions are typically not given.

After gathering some equipment options, it can be helpful to take a step back and look at the practical needs. The following is based on product development, testing, field, and customer support experiences. 

Measurement Accuracy

Documented instrument accuracy is only valid in a controlled environment.

Once you get out into the field, all the accuracy specs can get lost in the variables of the installation. This will make more sense as you continue to read.

This doesn’t mean that accuracy is unimportant for a given application, but if you don’t pay attention to other factors, your confidence may be misplaced.

Sensor “Personality”

Each weather instrument will have measurement idiosyncrasies. Some of these can be reasonably quantified, such as distance constant for an anemometer. Other characteristics are only evidenced when compared to devices from other manufacturers.

For example, different radiation shields will react differently to changes in sunlight and air flow. This doesn’t necessarily mean that one is bad and the other good. I merely point out that users should be aware that this is an issue. 

Large weather station networks will often consolidate on a system configuration, which helps them have confidence in comparative measurements within the accuracy range of the sensors.

Spatial Variability

When using our environmental test chamber, I have always found it fascinating that when two matched temperature sensors are within an inch of one another they will still differ far more than you would expect. We have to go relatively extreme lengths to create an environment that minimizes gradients during testing and calibration. 

If overcoming temperature gradients is difficult in a temperature controlled chamber, should we expect less spatial variability outdoors?

Even when two identical systems are sited near one another, there will be measurement differences that are greater than the instrument accuracy. The more distance between them, the greater the probability that you will see measurement differences. 

When comparing outdoor sensors, such as when testing two different radiation shields, we place them within inches of one another. Even then, we don’t expect the measurements to precisely match.

Measurement Noise

All instruments are subject to noise. A sensor in a tightly controlled environment will show fluctuations in the readings. In a highly stable environment, the differences from one measurement to another will be within the accuracy range.

Of course, outdoor environments are not tightly controlled. Air currents will carry momentary changes to temperature and humidity. Often the thermal properties of the instrument will dampen this noise. 

Averages as Better

As mentioned above, the mechanical and thermal properties of an instrument can actually be beneficial by integrating rapid changes.

Most weather monitoring systems will average measurement parameters over some period of time in order to provide a value that is more representative of the experienced conditions and trends. 10 min average is common.

Some remote weather stations sample temperature, pressure, and humidity every hour. Depending on the application, this may be adequate for some applications. But a 2 min sampling of wind every hour is only going to show the borders trends, missing gusts and weather fronts.

The default Dyacon configuration uses a 10 min report and logging rate. This is sufficient to show good measurement resolution and accurate trends. The gust-capture feature ensures that the transient event is reported.

Actionable Limits

If you are a meteorologist, good weather measurements are your end goal. However, in commercial and industrial environments, weather data may be an input to a process or management activity. As such, the weather values are combined with other inputs for decision making and process control. 

Users may benefit from asking: What are the actionable limits of the application?

For example, in aviation, wind direction is typically reported in 10 degree increments and operational changes are made on 10 knot values. Consequently, a wind vane that reports wind with a 1/10th degree accuracy may not add any functional value. Taking this into account may allow for the buyers to reduce the costs associated with the purchase, installation, and maintenance of the equipment.

When planning and evaluating the actionable limits, keep in mind that a momentary breach of a weather parameter may just be a passing butterfly. Using 10 min averages or successive 10 min averages may provide better trend information and decision stability.

Location Matters

While it may seem obvious, the first issue to recognize is that weather stations measure the conditions where they are placed. 

So where should you install a weather station?

The flippant answer is: Wherever you need it. 

If you need to know the conditions within your vineyard, mine, or sport facility, then the instruments should be placed within those boundaries or a representative location. 

Mounting a weather station on a roof may be the worst place, unless you actually want to measure the conditions on the roof. The structure will affect the wind, temperature, humidity, and possibly other parameters. Will the effects be significant? That depends on the installation conditions and your needs. 

If the intent is to monitor the general weather conditions, the weather station should be installed away from structures and non-natural conditions.

A site on irrigated turf will be influenced by the local environment. In some cases, this may actually be desirable. In other cases, the effects on humidity and temperature may be detrimental to user needs.

Mounting

Related to location is mounting. 

Keep in mind that the weather station will need to be serviced. Rain gauges should be inspected and cleaned regularly. The wind sensor will need service every 3 to 5 years. Other instruments will need cleaning and inspection. 

A field tripod can be useful for remote or autonomous installations. Other sites may already have mounting structures in place.

In the end, do the best you can and recognize the potential influences on the instruments.

Also keep in mind that instrument accuracy and optimal siting might be less important than actually getting data to users. I’ll address that in the next post.

– Eugene

This article is part of a series entitled “Introduction to Industrial Weather Stations” (IIWS). The other parts are:

Part 1 – Definitions
Part 2 – Weather Station Construction
Part 3 – Who Makes Industrial Weather Stations
Part 4 – Installation and Accuracy
Conclusion – Finally…

—

Generally, industrial weather stations may be presumed to be turn-key systems that can be deployed by the end user.

Dyacon Solution

Dyacon is focused on this mid-range, turn-key weather stations, providing a robust product at a price that is viable for commercial, industrial, and small aviation users. 

The focus of Dyacon weather stations are fully-autonomous systems that can be deployed by users with basic technical skills. In order to provide a high-value solution, Dyacon designs and manufactures the weather station controller (data logger), all of the mounting hardware, and most of the basic sensors.

Data can be uploaded over WiFi or cell phone to the DyaconLive web portal, which provides real-time measurements, system operational information, forecast, and many other reports and features. The portal has a special aviation configuration for pilots. Weather station network users have access to a data API, to pull data into their own system.

Dyacon weather stations can be cable connected to external equipment through the Modbus RTU port. The RS-485 signal can be connected to a PC, PLC, BAS, SCADA, TCP gateway, or other automation devices.

Dyacon wind, temp-hum-pressure, and globe temperature sensors are also Modbus RTU devices and may be used independently; directly connecting them to automation systems.

Other Solutions

Of course, Dyacon is not the only company targeting commercial and industrial users. While the companies listed below may be competitors in some respects, each offers somewhat different functionality, usability, support model, and value proposition.

Onset manufactures a range of instruments for the mid-range market. Their Hobo product relies on integrations of sensors from other companies, including devices from Davis, Texas Electronics, Apogee Instruments, Maximum Weather Instruments, and others. Like Dyacon, the Hobo is designed for ease of use and fully autonomous applications.

Columbia Weather monitoring solutions are based on their MicroServer product, which is a Linux single-board computer. This makes MicroServer a very versatile solution for tethered or line-powered applications. The system architecture facilitates the integration of a wide variety of sensors from other manufacturers extending the range of application-specific solutions.

RainWise, now owned by NK, provides several turn-key weather stations options for very reasonable prices. Several models upload to a web portal through a computer connection or over a Zigbee link to a separate cell phone transceiver station. NK moved RainWise from Maine to Boothwyn, PA. It will be interesting to see where they go with the product line.

Meter Group developed a low-power, integrated weather instrument, Atmos 41. It is designed to be connected to their ZL6 data logger for a plug-n-play solution. The system uses some novel measurement methods and design priorities in order to achieve “no moving part,” minimize cost, and keep the total system power low. Now that Meter Group is fully under CSI management, it will be interesting to see where it goes. (Campbell Scientific sells the Atmos 41 as ClimaVU50.)

Vaisala’s Beacon product is similarly targeted to the requirements of commercial and industrial users. Their easy-to-use, plug-n-play solution packages their existing products into a turn-key solution. But like the WeatherHawk product that was once sold by Campbell Scientific, the functional boundary may be intentionally limited in order to not infringe on the traditional base products of the corporation.

Davis Instruments is one of the most prominent pro-sumer weather station manufacturers in the world. The plug-n-play operation and low initial cost has made the weather stations attractive for industrial applications as well. They have met this opportunity by developing expansion options such as wireless sensors, particulate matter sensors, and telemetry gateways. Davis sells individual components to industrial integrators such as Onset, further expanding their presence. (Remember, this is an incestuous business; competitors are often customers and suppliers.) Due to their large market presence, Davis products are a benchmark for both consumer and industrial weather station manufacturers.

Honorable Mentions

The above companies make turn-key weather monitoring solutions that should be reasonably easy to implement. The following are some sources of instruments that might be appropriate for some applications when the user wishes to perform the integration work.

Texas Electronics makes a very popular rain gauge. We buy a stripped down version and add our own mounting solution. They also make a “complete weather station,” but the user must add a data collection device, such as a PLC or data logger and then do all of the programming to complete the solution.

Met One makes some beautifully machined and anodized aluminum instruments. (I know. Engineers have an odd sense of beauty.) We used the Met One MSO integrated sensor suite as the basis for our first weather station design in 2013, adding data telemetry and solar power capability. We abandoned it before production release and designed our own instruments. Due to the digital interface, MSO would be easier to integrate than raw analog sensors.

Some other integrated sensor suites use ultrasonic anemometers. These are available from Lufft, Vaisala, Campbell Scientific, Lambrecht, Intellisense, Gill Instruments, and others. Zoglab represents the encroachment of several Chinese-made devices into the mid-range segment. Given the nature of the weather business and the modern world economy, it is likely that some of the offerings among those listed above are from Asian sources. This isn’t necessarily bad. After all, weather is a global phenomenon.

Side Note: I once received a call from a man that was adamant that he would only buy a weather station that was completely “Made in the USA.” As far as any electronic product can be made in the US, Dyacon products fit the bill. Unfortunately, he didn’t like that resistors, capacitors, and ICs in our product were manufactured offshore. I pointed out that the computer he was using did not meet his requirement. The call didn’t last much longer. I promise that I wasn’t rude. Sometimes you just can’t win.

While we would certainly like to support you weather station needs, we know we can’t do so for everything. If you have any questions, please let us know; we are happy to steer you in the right direction. If there is an important option that should be included in this post, please let me know.

Hopefully this has been helpful as you evaluate your weather station options.

– Eugene

This article is part of a series entitled “Introduction to Industrial Weather Stations” (IIWS). The other parts are:

Part 1 – Definitions
Part 2 – Weather Station Construction
Part 3 – Who Makes Industrial Weather Stations
Part 4 – Installation and Accuracy
Conclusion – Finally…

—

I generally divide weather stations into two types of construction, modular and integrated.

Modular Weather Stations

Whether mounted on a tripod, pole, or tower, a modular or component weather station can look like a strange skeleton with various boxes, panels, and curious contraptions hanging off in odd directions. Each device is dedicated to one or two functions or measurements. These disparate components are tied together in a central box that contains a data collection or processing device. This can be a data logger, SCADA device, Data Communication System, or any number of other initialisms. We call our device a “Weather Station Control Module” because it integrates the solar charge controller, data logger, radio transceiver, and sensor interfaces on a single circuit board.

Dyacon Weather Station

Wind sensors usually occupy the high-point of the structure, elevated as far as possible from surface turbulence. The meteorological standard is for wind to be measured at 10 m. Since most of us are not meteorologists, we do the best we can to mount the wind sensor as high as practicable or at a height which meets our monitoring needs.

Temperature and humidity are typically measured at about 2 m above the ground.

Rain gauges are often mounted low in order to take advantage of lower wind speeds near the ground and increased mounting stability. This also makes them easy to service, which must be done several times a year. (Rain gauges will catch everything that falls into them.)

Other instruments may occupy different elevations, driven by available tower height, snow depth, or other conditions.

Any one individual sensor is generally not dependent on others. Sensors can be repaired or replaced without disturbing ongoing monitoring from other inputs.

Cost may be higher for modular weather stations, but not necessarily. The system price will greatly depend on the incremental cost of each component.

The ability to add and remove sensors can allow for greater customization, optimizing for cost or function as the need requires.

Modular weather stations are typically not suitable for portable applications that might be carried from place to place, but they may be used for mobile (vehicle mounted) or seasonal deployments.

Integrated Sensor Suites

The trend over recent years has been to integrate as many sensors into a single physical package as possible. This can result in a system that is simple to mount and very portable.

Ambient Weather 2902

While convenient, the drawback to integrated sensor suites is that EVERYTHING is combined into a single unit. This prevents the ability to position sensors at preferred heights. In cases of one sensor failure, the whole system must be taken down for service. (Image: Ambient Weather)

These suites can also be quite expensive and require additional cost for the host device (data logger or PC software) and power system.

Lufft WS700

Temperature, pressure, precipitation, solar, wind, and other sensors may be optimized to fit within the integrated package rather than for accuracy. Impact rain gauges or small rain gauge orifices are an example of integration compromises. (Small collection orifice decreases the sample size.) One sensor suite I know of includes a temperature sensor that is significantly influenced by solar heating. The developers used the integrated solar sensor to numerically compensate for the temperature error. This may be reasonable with a sufficiently complex model and adequate inputs from other direct measurements.

Hybrid Weather Stations

Several consumer and pro-sumer weather stations, such as Davis Instruments and RainWise, use a hybrid construction. Usually the wind sensor can be mounted separately from the rest of the system.

Some modular sensors may measure multiple parameters. Combination wind speed and wind direction are commonly combined in one device.

Humidity measurement must include temperature, so this will typically be provided by the same device. The Dyacon TPH-1 combines three common parameters in one, temperature, barometric pressure, and relative humidity. This saves cost, power, and installation complexity.

In the end, whether you select a sensor suite or modular construction, it must be evaluated for suitability for the application, installation limitations, serviceability, support, and cost. As I stated at the beginning of the first installment of this series, a weather station is a tool and should be selected for the job to be done.

Now that we have some basics covered, I’ll give you some sources for industrial weather stations in part three.

– Eugene

This article is part of a series entitled “Introduction to Industrial Weather Stations” (IIWS). The other parts are:

Part 1 – Definitions
Part 2 – Weather Station Construction
Part 3 – Who Makes Industrial Weather Stations
Part 4 – Installation and Accuracy
Conclusion – Finally…

—

Are you looking for a weather station for a commercial, industrial, agricultural, or aviation application?

Weather stations are often used for quality control, facility management, industrial safety, power substations, worker safety, environmental compliance, and many other applications. 

Our intent is to help introduce engineers, pilots, technicians, and other professionals as they navigate the wide range of weather instruments, integrators, resellers, and manufacturers. 

So, grab something to drink and sit back. This article might be a bit long.

I assume that the reader has some basic knowledge of weather instruments and the measurements they need for their application. As such, this first article is intended to address the “system” level rather than the nuances of each sensor.

The Weather Station Market

For professionals, a weather station is a tool. And, like any tool, it must be suitable for the job at hand. This is easier said than done. Once an industrial, pilot, or engineer clears through the clutter of consumer weather stations, the landscape quickly becomes complicated … and often very expensive.

Weather station prices range from $30 department store plastic systems to $20,000 to $30,000 systems. 

What I classify as the industrial or mid-range space ranges from $2,000 to $6,000. This price range will usually provide high-value, robust, and capable equipment from a company with good service and support.

Weather Station Definitions

Before going any further, it may be helpful to define a few terms. These are in no way standard definitions and the applications, functions, and capabilities may overlap. But this should give you a good footing.

Automatic (or Automated) Weather Station – This can cover just about any equipment that collects weather data without human observation. A tipping bucket rain gauge would be an automatic sensor whereas a graduated cylinder would require a manual observation. Electronic equipment might log the data from an automated instrument, then wirelessly transmit it to another device. Automated weather stations may be battery, solar, or line (AC) powered.

Remote Weather Station or Remote Monitoring Station – This would be similar to the automatic weather station, but implies some autonomy. Mostly, the name indicates that the weather station is placed at a significant distance from the user. Power may be internal to the system or external. It may also be wired or wireless.

Kestrel 3500

Handheld Weather Station – A few years ago there was an explosion of handheld weather instruments. These compact devices provided wind, temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT), and other direct and calculated measurements. While the devices may employ accurate sensors, they are subject to high measurement variability in the field and should only be used for “rough” measurements. (Image: Kestrel 2500)

Columbia Weather Storm Chaser

Mobile Weather Station – Mobile implies that the equipment is designed to be mounted on a vehicle. Integrators or users may package common instruments with a read-out device, data logger, or radio transceivers for use in emergency response or storm chaser situations. Equipment is likely to be battery or vehicle powered. (Image: Columbia Weather)

Portable Weather Station – Seasonal activities or short-term events may require that the weather station be quickly and easily deployed. Portable systems may combine a quick-deployment tripod and carrying case. The specific application will determine the power source and connectivity.

Autonomous Weather Station – This type of equipment is expected to be solar powered. Systems typically include a battery to support some period of operation without solar input. Given current technologies, data will most certainly be logged and transmitted to a server using cell phone, WiFi, or satellite data connections.

Mesotech AWOS

AWOS and ASOS – These are acronyms associated with FAA certified weather stations in the US. These are costly systems that are used at commercial airports. Cost ranges from $50,000 to over $250,000 USD. There is also an ongoing burden to maintain the certification. These are beyond the scope of this article. (Image: Mesotech)

La Crosse Technology 328-96087

Consumer or Pro-sumer Weather Station – Some of the first weather stations that a buyer is likely to encounter will be low-cost, plastic weather stations. These consumer appliances may be as low as $30. Consumer devices may include a simple wireless temperature-humidity sensor and a nice color display for your home. Nicer systems will be as much as $600 and include several different instruments. Limited connectivity, fragility, and configuration may limit their utility for many applications. More about this later. (Image: La Crosse Technology 328-96087)

La Crosse Technology, AcuRite, Ambient Weather are examples of consumer weather stations. Davis crosses into the pro-sumer space with a more robust design and may meet some industrial applications.

Professional Weather Station – “Professional” has become a meaningless descriptor that is applied to everything from department store plastic equipment to high-end meteorological instruments. Similarly, “quality,” “accurate,” “precision,” or “The Best” are used for marketing purposes to make us feel good about the product we are evaluating.

Research-grade Weather Station – This descriptor implies that the instruments may be designed to perform to the highest precision standards or are intended for specialized applications. Often equipment that uses this name is quite expensive and specialized, such as water turbidity and eddy covariance. The sensors are typically used with programmable data loggers, which require specialized skills to configure, deploy, and maintain. This classification would also include highly specialized sensors.

Many weather equipment companies are primarily focused on serving government-funded and public sector applications with “research-grade” equipment. Often these devices are designed to conform to government regulatory requirements and may be linked to large-scale data collection systems. Think National Weather Service and state mesonets.

Texas Weather Station

Industrial Weather Station – This is the classification that we target with Dyacon equipment. Industrial weather stations are typically turn-key solutions that provide information to people responsible for processes, operations, and resource management. In other words, the weather station is just one more thing to do, rather than the primary job.

Given this case, the sensors and equipment of an industrial system should be designed to be relatively easy to use, mechanically robust, provide good data accessibility, and perform reliably. These private applications also expect a high-value product and a high-level of support.

A question that I use when we are weighing design decisions for Dyacon equipment: “Is this function or feature approachable?” By this I mean, can someone with basic technical skills configure, deploy, maintain, and use the weather station with minimal training or instruction?

In part two, I’ll discuss the difference between different types of weather station construction. 

– Eugene

Introduction

DyaconLive is an access-controlled weather station web portal for Dyacon weather stations. It shows real-time conditions, log charts, and local weather forecast. System status, alert emails, maintenance management system, specialized reports, and operational information are also available.

Quick-Read Summary

We are updating DyaconLive and segmenting it into a free, basic version and an advanced, paid version. DyaconLivePlus(+) will only be $2 per month for those using DyaconLive with a Dyacon cell phone service. Those uploading through secondary measures will also have access to DyaconLivePlus for $7 per month.

The Proposition

Over the years, we have invested tremendous resources into building a useful web portal for professional users. One of the challenges in business is knowing when to release a new product and at what price.

It’s now time for the delicate dance of segmenting DyaconLive into a Basic (free) version and a Plus version. If we do this right (and with your input), most users may not notice any difference. Our hope is that the more sophisticated features of DyaconLivePlus provide sufficient value to justify the minimal price increase.

The following is the proposal to be effective for the next billing cycle.

• Cell phone with basic DyaconLive will remain unchanged at $23/mo
• Cell phone with DyaconLivePlus will increase slightly to $25/mo
• Secondary upload with DyaconLivePlus will be $7/mo.

These changes will help support the maintenance and ongoing DyaconLive service.

Compare DyaconLive and DyaconLivePlus

The following feature table compares the two versions. In general, most users of a single station will have the same functionality they are accustomed to. Users with 10 weather stations or more that are using cell phone connectivity and users of the white-label will not see a change.

* Resolution may not be limited until Jan 2024.

** Data archiving may cause some access delays.

*** To be implemented in 2023.

Transition to DyaconLivePlus

To minimize the disruption to our customers, DyaconLivePlus will transition over several months.

We welcome any feedback. Our intent is to balance user needs with Dyacon needs in a way that is mutually beneficial.

November 2022

DyaconLive and DyaconLivePlus will be activated.

Weather stations with cell phone service purchased through Dyacon will move to DyaconLivePlus.

Weather stations that upload to DyaconLive through secondary methods AND that have only one user, will be moved to DyaconLive (Basic). This category represents most users.

Stations using secondary upload methods that have more than one user will be handled individually. The administrators will be contacted and given the option.

January 2023

Annual billing will differentiate the three options

1- Cell phone with basic DyaconLive $23/mo

2- Cell phone with DyaconLivePlus at $25/mo

3- Secondary upload with DyaconLivePlus at $7/mo.

Previous users that were billed for cell phone service and data forwarding will be converted to the DyaconLive+ service, reducing their total cost.

February 2023

Final account configuration for DyaconLive and DyaconLivePlus users.

March 2023

Addition of open-water evaporation report. (Affecting DyaconLivePlus)

May 2023

Implementation of Data Retention and Data Resolution limits. (Affecting only DyaconLive basic users.)

Conclusion

Segmenting the DyaconLive weather station web portal will take some time. We appreciate your patience as we update the site and related information. We will try to make the transition as seamless as possible and maximize the value for all parties.

If you encounter any issues or have any feedback, please contact me.

— Eugene

Dyacon UA-1 is a professional ultrasonic anemometer is now available for new weather stations and for swapping with existing weather stations. We are excited about this new product and its benefits for users.

Both UA-1 and the WSD-1 have unique characteristics that users should evaluate for their circumstances. General differences between the measurement technologies are discussed in an earlier article which you might find interesting, 3-Cup vs. Propeller vs. Ultrasonic – Which Wind Sensor is Right for You?

Advantages of Ultrasonic Anemometers

Ultrasonic anemometers are prized for their mechanical simplicity. Since they have no moving parts they can be completely sealed, protecting them from water and dust.

In the case of UA-1 the electronics are fully potted (encapsulated with epoxy). This doesn’t necessarily mean it is waterproof, but it should be at least keep the rain out and protect the electronics from condensation.

Ultrasonic Anemometer Considerations

While the technology is fascinating, there are a couple of downsides. The lack of moving parts may make UA-1 susceptible to contamination by birds and insects. So, depending on your environment, it will still need routine inspection and cleaning.

The other issue is the operating temperature. The speed of sound changes with air temperature. Ultrasonic anemometers must adjust for this in order to calculate the correct wind speed. UA-1 is specified to operate down to -15°C (5°F), which is quite cold but may not be sufficient for some environments. Keep in mind that UA-1 won’t break below those temperatures, but the wind speed may not be correct.

UA-1 Convenient Features

UA-1 is directly replaceable with Dyacon WSD-1. Any user wishing to swap sensors, just needs to unplug the 3-cup sensor and plug in UA-1. Of course, you still have to align north.

We have a designed the UA-1 mounting system so that it slips over the end of a 3/4″ pipe. The mounting adapter includes a compartment with a pluggable terminal block connector. This can be disconnected to removed UA-1 from an installation without pulling the full ca

ble length. It also makes the cable field replaceable.

One other convenient little feature in UA-1 is the north alignment hole. Temporarily inserting a straw or stick into the hole helps users orient the north position.

UA-1 is a great little sensor for those needed and professional ultrasonic anemometer. Please call us with any questions.

— Eugene