Lufft WS502 Multi-Parameter Weather Sensor
Features
- Integrated pyranometer for solar radiation measurements
- Easily mounts to 2" diameter pipe with integrated bracket mount & U-bolts
- SDI-12 output for integration with NexSens and other data loggers
- Free ground shipping
- Expedited repair and warranty service
- Lifetime technical support
- More
Overview
The Lufft family of multi-parameter weather sensors offer a cost-effective, compact alternative for the acquisition of a variety of measurement parameters on land- and buoy-based weather stations. Depending on the model, each sensor will measure a different combination of weather parameters to meet a wide variety of applications. The Lufft WS502 Multi-Parameter Weather Sensor simultaneously measures air temperature, humidity, pressure, solar radiation & wind with an integrated electronic compass for corrected wind direction on moving platforms.
Air Temperature & Humidity
Temperature is measured using a highly accurate NTC-resistor, while humidity is measured using a capacitive humidity sensor. Both sensors are located in a ventilated radiation shield to reduce the effects of solar radiation.
Pressure
Absolute air pressure is measured using a built-in MEMS sensor. The relative air pressure referenced to sea level is calculated using the barometric formula with the aid of the local altitude, which is user-configurable on the equipment.
Wind Speed & Direction
The wind sensor uses four ultrasound sensors which take cyclical measurements in all directions. The resulting wind speed and direction are calculated from the measured run-time sound differential.
Compass
The integrated electronic compass can be used to check the north-south adjustment of the sensor housing for wind direction measurement. It is also used to calculate the compass-corrected wind direction.
Solar Radiation
The pyranometer is intended for shortwave global solar radiation measurements in the spectral range from 300 to 1100nm. The thermopile sensor construction measures the solar energy that is received from the total solar spectrum and the whole hemisphere. The output is expressed in Watts per square meter.
- Air Temperature
- Principle: NTC
- Measuring Range: -50 to +60 C
- Resolution: 0.1 C (-20 to +50 C); otherwise 0.2 C
- Accuracy: +/-0.2 C (-20 to +50 C); otherwise +/-0.5 C
- Units: C; F
- Humidity
- Principle: Capacitive
- Measuring Range: 0 to 100% RH
- Resolution: 0.1% RH
- Accuracy: +/-2% RH
- Units: % RH; g/m3; g/kg
- Pressure
- Principle: Capacitive
- Measuring Range: 300 to 1200hPa
- Resolution: 0.1hPa
- Accuracy: +/-1.5hPa
- Unit: hPa
- Radiation
- Response Time (95%): <1s
- Spectral Range: 300 to 1100 nm
- Measuring Range: 1400 W/m2
- Wind Speed
- Principle: Ultrasonic
- Measuring Range: 0 to 60m/s
- Resolution: 0.1m/s
- Accuracy: +/-0.3m/s or 3% (0 to 35m/s); +/-5% (>35m/s)
- Response Threshold: 0.3m/s
- Units: m/s; km/h; mph; kts
- Wind Direction
- Principle: Ultrasonic
- Measuring Range: 0 to 359.9 degrees
- Resolution: 0.1 degrees
- Accuracy: +/-3 degrees
- Response Threshold: 0.3m/s
- Compass
- Principle: Integrated Electronic Compass
- Measuring Range: 0 to 359.9 degrees
- Resolution: 1.0 degree
- Technical Data
- Interface: SDI-12, Modbus
- Operating Temperature: -50 to +60 C
- Operating Humidity: 0 to 100% RH
- Included Cable Length: 10m
- (1) WS502 Multi-Parameter Weather Sensor
- (1) 10m sensor cable
- (1) Operations manual
In The News
Building Reliable Systems: Hydroelectric Dam Monitoring in Western Pennsylvania
Hydroelectric dams are a source of renewable energy, and many have taken the place of fossil fuel reliance across the United States. While they provide green energy to the grid, they also impact the environment above and below the dam. 
 
In order to protect these habitats and mitigate any potential harm, hydroelectric dam operators monitor water quality conditions above and below the dam to ensure conditions meet ecosystem needs. Eagle Creek Renewable Energy has several hydroelectric plants positioned throughout Pennsylvania, and each is managed and monitored by a team of professionals. 
 
One of these managers is Craig Goldinger, a regional manager with Eagle Creek Renewable Energy in Western Pennsylvania.
Read MoreSustainable Data Collection: Climate Monitoring in the Caribbean
Environmental monitoring in the Caribbean may be essential, but it has also historically been placed on the back burner. Albert Jones, Instrumentation Officer for the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), explains, “Data collection itself is not what is considered one of those sexy activities where you can easily get funding.” 
 
Still, monitoring the water surrounding island nations is necessary to protect residents and the environment. The CCCCC works to establish environmental monitoring networks and systems in the Caribbean. One aspect of Jones’ work centers around data buoy instrumentation and deployment,—equipment that will be used to support Ecoforecasts for Coral Health Monitoring and to provide valuable environmental data to the public.
Read MoreProtecting Chicago's Lakefront: Freshwater Beach Monitoring
Thousands of people flock to the Great Lakes every year to enjoy the freshwater beaches along the coast. As an urban hub with over 2.5 million residents, beachfronts in Chicago have regular visitors as well as tourists that recreate in the bordering Lake Michigan. 
 
According to the Chicago Park District, it is estimated that more than 100,000 residents and visitors per day use Chicago’s Lakefront trail during summer weekends. 
 
Proximity to the Lake is not only a recreational activity for Chicagoans, but also a part of the city’s history due to its role in domestic and international shipping routes. In addition, the Lake serves as a drinking water source and as an essential climate regulator in the region that acts as a natural air conditioning affect.
Read More