CS125
CS125 Present Weather Sensor (Visibility)

The CS125 uses the well-established forward scatter system for visibility measurement, using a 42° scatter angle, which gives accurate estimates of Meteorological Observable Range (M.O.R.) for fog and snow.

It identifies precipitation particles from their scattering properties and fall speeds, and combines this with a temperature measurement to identify the weather type. It has downward-pointing optics that reduce the risk of contamination of the optics and blockage with snow. Interference to the sample volume from the sensor by flow distortion or heat is minimized.

The CS125 uses continuous high-speed sampling to reduce 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 has high immunity to interference from the visible and infrared warning lights used to mark obstructions, such as wind turbines.

  • High performance sensor at a competitive price
  • Sensor design minimizes airflow disruption at measurement volume
  • Simple field calibration using optional calibration kit
  • Low power - suitable for remote application
  • Automatic status check for faults or window contamination
  • Incorporates automatic dew and hood heaters for all-weather operation
  • Type certified for aviation use by the German Meteorological Service, Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD)

Operational

Maximum Reported Visibility 75 km (46.6 mi)
Minimum Reported Visibility 5 m (16.4 ft)
Resolution 1 m (3.28 ft)
Outputs Present and past weather: identifies as standard mist, fog, drizzle, freezing drizzle, drizzle and snow, rain, freezing rain, rain and drizzle, rain and snow, and snow. 56 SYNOP present weather codes and associated METAR and NWS present weather codes - hail detection option; past weather code option.
Accuracy
  • ±8% (up to 600 m [1968.5 ft])
  • ±10% (600 to 10,000 m [1968.5 to 32,808.4 ft])
  • ±15% (10,000 to 15,000 m [32,808.4 to 49,212.6 ft])
  • ±20% (above 15,000 m [49,212.6 ft])
Precipitation Detection Sensitivity 0.05 mm/h
Accumulation Reporting Range 0 to 999.9 mm (0 to 39.37 in.)
Accumulation Accuracy ±15% (against factory calibration standards in the laboratory, for liquid precipitation)
Accumulation Resolution 0.1 mm (0.0039 in.)
Rain Intensity Range 0 to 999.9 mm/h (0 to 39.37 in./h)
(The maximum intensity reported is dependent on the mixture of precipitation falling.)
Intensity Accuracy ±15% (against factory calibration standards in the laboratory, for liquid precipitation)
Intensity Resolution 0.01 mm/h (0.00039 in./h)
Operating Temperature Range -25° to +60°C (standard)
Extended Operating Temperature Range -50° to +70°C or -40° to +70°C (These extended versions are available as a special. Contact Campbell Scientific for more information.)
Operating Humidity 0 . . . 100%
Operating Wind Speed Up to 60 m/s
Sensor Sealing Rated to IP66
Total Unit Power Less than 3 W while sampling continuously (including dew heaters)

Mechanical

Material Stainless steel and hard-anodized aluminum powder-coated
Mountings Stainless-steel clip on V-bolt mounting to pole with diameter of 32 to 52.5 mm (1.26 to 2.07 in.)
Mounting Pole An optical mounting pole is available to place the sample volume at 1.5 m (4.9 ft), as recommended by the WMO.
Frangible Mast Frangible masts are available to customer requirements to meet ICAO recommendations (typically placing the sample volume at 2.5 m [8.2 ft]).
Visibility Sensor Dimensions 540 x 640 x 246 mm (21.26 x 25.2 x 9.7 in.) including mount
Cable Length 5 m (16.4 ft)
Sensor Weight ~3 kg (6.61 lb) dependent upon mounting system

Electrical

-NOTE- Lower power states can be achieved by less frequent sampling and remote control of heaters.

Optional power supplies with battery backup available.

Connectors in place of flying leads are available.

A low-voltage shutdown level can be set to prevent backup batteries from being damaged.

Electronics Supply Voltage 7 to 30 Vdc
Hood Heater Supply Voltage 24 V (dc or ac)
Hood Heater Power 2 x 30 W (total of 60 W)
Dew Heater Power 2 x 0.6 W (total of 1.2 W)

Interface

Serial Interface RS-232 or RS-485
Serial Data Rates 1200 to 115,200 bps (38,400 bps default rate)
Alarm Outputs 2 x 0 to 5 V outputs, 32 mA (max)

Optical

-NOTE- Lens contamination circuity monitors both the source and detector lenses for contamination/blockage at 1 s intervals.

The sensor can be configured to adjust calibration for low to moderate window contamination.

Light source stability control ensures stable operation through variations in temperature and with sensor aging.

Corrected at 1 s intervals.

Emitter Light Frequency 850 nm

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