Novalynx 110-WS-25SP-20 User Manual

The Novalynx 110-WS-25SP-20 is a high-precision wind speed and direction sensor designed for professional meteorological applications. It features a durable construction for all-weather operation, low starting threshold, high accuracy measurements, and compatibility with standard data loggers. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Connections 6. Connecting to Data Systems 7. Operation and Data Reading 8. Calibration 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Three-cup anemometer for wind speed, vane for wind direction, sealed bearings, corrosion-resistant materials, and integrated cable with connector.

Feature	Description
Wind Speed Sensor	Three-cup design with low starting threshold (0.5 m/s)
Wind Direction Vane	Potentiometer-based, 360° measurement
Output Signals	Pulse (speed), Voltage or Resistance (direction)
Operating Range	-40°C to +70°C
Mounting	Standard 1-inch pipe mount
Cable Length	20 meters standard (integrated)
Connector	Weatherproof 8-pin connector
Material	UV-resistant plastic and stainless steel
Accuracy	Speed: ±0.3 m/s; Direction: ±3°
Maintenance	Designed for minimal maintenance

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure all parts are present and undamaged.

Select Site: Choose an open location, free from obstructions (trees, buildings) for accurate readings.
Mount Mast: Install a sturdy, vertical mast (1-inch outer diameter) at the desired height.
Attach Sensor: Slide the sensor's mounting base onto the mast and secure it using the provided U-bolt and nuts. Ensure it is level and tight.
Orientation: Align the direction vane to True North using a compass. Loosen the set screw, rotate, and re-tighten.
Route Cable: Secure the cable along the mast using cable ties. Avoid sharp bends.

WARNING! Installation at height requires proper safety equipment and procedures. Do not install during thunderstorms or high winds.

First-Time Setup

After physical installation, connect to your data acquisition system.

Electrical Connection: Connect the sensor's weatherproof connector to the mating connector on your data logger or interface box.
Power: Ensure your data system provides the correct excitation voltage (typically 5-15 VDC) as specified in the manual.
Configure Logger: Program your data logger to read the pulse frequency (wind speed) and voltage/resistance (wind direction) according to the sensor's output specifications.
Verify Operation: Gently spin the cups and rotate the vane. Check that your data logger registers changing values.

CAUTION! Do not apply voltage outside the specified range. Ensure all connections are dry and secure before powering.

Specifications

Model: 110-WS-25SP-20
Wind Speed Range: 0 to 50 m/s
Wind Speed Starting Threshold: 0.5 m/s
Wind Speed Accuracy: ±0.3 m/s or ±3% (whichever is greater)
Wind Direction Range: 0 to 360° mechanical, 355° electrical
Wind Direction Accuracy: ±3°
Wind Speed Output: Switch closure (reed switch), 1 pulse per revolution
Wind Direction Output: Potentiometer, 10K ohms (or specified voltage output)
Operating Temperature: -40°C to +70°C
Cable: 20 meters, shielded, 8-conductor
Weight: 0.9 kg

Controls and Connections

The sensor has no user controls. All operation is managed through the connected data system. The key interface is the 8-pin weatherproof connector.

Pinout (Typical):

Pin	Function	Wire Color
1	Wind Speed Signal	Red
2	Wind Speed Common	Black
3	Excitation Voltage (+)	White
4	Signal Ground (-)	Green
5	Wind Direction Wiper	Yellow
6	Wind Direction CCW	Blue
7	Wind Direction CW	Brown
8	Shield	Braid

Note: Always refer to the wiring diagram supplied with your specific unit.

Connecting to Data Systems

Compatible with most data loggers (Campbell Scientific, Onset, etc.) and PLCs.

Turn off power to the data logger.
Connect the sensor cable to the logger's terminal block or interface module according to the pinout.
For wind speed: Connect the pulse output to a digital input/counter channel.
For wind direction: Connect the potentiometer leads to an analog voltage or resistance measurement channel.
Apply power and verify sensor readings in the logger's software.

Tip: Use a multimeter to verify continuity and resistance values before connecting to expensive data equipment.

Operation and Data Reading

The sensor provides continuous real-time data.

Wind Speed Calculation: The data logger counts pulses over a defined interval. Speed (m/s) = (Pulses / Time) * Calibration Factor. The factor is typically provided (e.g., 1 pulse = 0.75 m/s).
Wind Direction Calculation: The logger measures the voltage across the potentiometer. Direction (°) = (Measured Voltage / Excitation Voltage) * 360. Apply offset for True North alignment.
Data Logging: Program your logger to record average speed and direction, maximum gust, and standard deviation at desired intervals (e.g., 1 minute, 10 minutes).
Unit Conversion: Most software can convert m/s to knots, mph, or km/h.

WARNING! Do not attempt to manually stop the spinning cups; allow them to rotate freely.

Calibration

Factory calibration is provided. Field verification is recommended annually.

Verification Procedure:

Compare readings with a trusted reference anemometer in a controlled wind tunnel or using a handheld calibrator.
For direction: Use a compass to check the vane's alignment to known cardinal points.
Record any offset. Adjustments are typically made in the data logger's software by applying an offset or new calibration coefficient.
The sensor itself has no user-adjustable calibration pots.

For formal recalibration, contact Novalynx or an authorized service center.

Care & Maintenance

Minimal maintenance is required for reliable operation.

Visual Inspection: Quarterly, check for physical damage, bird nests, ice accumulation, or corrosion.
Bearing Check: Annually, ensure cups and vane rotate smoothly without grating or stiffness.
Cleaning: Wipe the cups, vane, and body with a soft, damp cloth if dirty. Do not use solvents or abrasives.
Connection Check: Inspect the cable and connector for cracks, wear, or corrosion. Ensure the connection is tight and weather-sealed.

CAUTION! Do not lubricate the bearings unless specified. Use only approved methods for de-icing.

Regulatory Information

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.

For technical support, calibration services, or to order parts, contact:
Novalynx Corporation
Phone: 1-800-321-3577
Website: www.novalynx.com
Email: [email protected]

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Zero wind speed reading	No wind, blocked cups, faulty connection, dead logger channel	Check for free rotation. Verify cable continuity (pins 1-2). Check logger programming and power.
Erratic or noisy speed readings	Loose connection, damaged cable, electrical interference	Check all connections. Ensure cable shield is grounded at the logger. Route cable away from power lines.
Wind direction stuck or incorrect	Vane binding, potentiometer failure, misalignment, wiring error	Ensure vane moves freely. Check resistance across potentiometer pins (should vary smoothly). Verify True North alignment.
No direction reading	Open circuit in potentiometer or cable, incorrect excitation voltage	Check continuity for direction wires (pins 3,5,6,7). Verify voltage at the sensor connector.
All readings are zero or invalid	No power to sensor, complete cable fault, wrong logger configuration	Check for voltage at the sensor end of the cable. Review data logger setup for correct channel type and scaling.

Service: If problems persist, do not disassemble the sensor. Contact Novalynx Technical Support.