Campbell Scientific has added the CS125 Visibility and Present Weather Sensor and the CS120A Visibility Sensor to our product line. The CS125 is ideal for applications that need both visibility and present weather data. The CS120A provides the same functionality as its predecessor, the CS120, but has a more powerful processor and is better suited for marine applications. The new processor allows the CS120A to be upgraded to a CS125 if it becomes desirable to monitor both visibility and present weather.
These new sensors measure visibility using infrared forward-scatter technology with a 42° scatter angle. The FAA determined, after extensive testing, that a 42° scatter angle provides the most accurate measurements in fog and snow. The 42° scatter angle allows the sensors to accurately measure atmospheric visibility for the range of 10 to 30,000 m.
To monitor present weather, the CS125 identifies precipitation particles from their scattering properties and fall speeds, and combines this with a temperature measurement to determine the weather type. Continuous high-speed sampling reduces errors during mixed weather events and events that return intermittent signals such as rain and hail, while still providing reliable readings during more stable events such as fog and mist. The CS125 also has high immunity to interference from the visible and infrared warning lights used to mark obstructions such as wind turbines.
The CS120A and CS125 have several design features that keep their optics clean. Downward facing optics minimize dirt and snow buildup. Low-powered heaters prevent the formation of dew, and a higher-powered heater prevents the formation of ice.
The CS120A and CS125 are high-performance sensors available at economical prices. They can be used as stand-alone products or as components of road, marine, and airport-based weather stations. These features make them ideal solutions for transport as well as many other applications.
