This product is no longer available and has been replaced by: CS120A. Some accessories, replacement parts, or services may still be available.
| Services Available | |
|---|---|
| Repair | Yes |
| Calibration | Yes |
| Free Support | Yes |
Overview
The CS120A is an infrared forward scatter visibility sensor for stand alone use or for use with an automatic weather station including those for road and airport applications. The CS120A uses the well established forward scatter system for visibility measurement, utilising a 42° scatter angle which gives accurate estimates of Meteorological Observable Range (M.O.R.) for fog and snow.
For aviation applications users can be assured that the CS120A complies with CAA and ICAO guidance and meets or exceeds all recommendations and specifications (this includes CAP437, CAP670 and CAP746).
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Benefits and Features
- High performance visibility sensor at a competitive price
- High performance visibility sensor at a competitive price
- Incorporates automatic dew and hood heaters for all-weather operation
- Incorporates automatic dew and hood heaters for all-weather operation
- Simple field calibration using optional calibration kit
- Simple field calibration using optional calibration kit
- Low power - suitable for remote application
- Low power - suitable for remote applications
- Automatic status check for faults or window contamination
- Automatic status check for faults or window contamination
- Sensor design minimizes airflow disruption at measurement volume
Images
Technical Description
The CS120 Visibility Sensor uses tried and tested infra-red forward scatter technology and utilises the proven 42° scatter angle to report Meteorological Observable Range (MOR) for fog and snow in the range 10 – 32,000 m. It combines a high specification with a very competitive price and is ideal for stand alone applications or in combination with automatic weather stations in road, aviation and wind energy environments.
Compared to many such sensors the CS120 design means that visibility is being measured in a relatively 'clean' space because the position of the heads and body minimise disturbance of the airflow at the measurement volume.
High speed sampling improves the accuracy of measurements taken during mixed weather and during events which return intermittent signals such as rain and hail – both known weaknesses of some competing systems.
Integrated low power heaters prevent the build up of dew and higher powered anti-icing heater are also included. All heaters are automatically controlled for simple operation in all weathers.
The sensor is very power efficient drawing just 3W during normal operation including the dew heaters, power can be reduced further by reducing the sample rate and manual control of the heaters.
Two configurable alarm outputs are provided and, via relays, these can drive external warning systems such as lights and fog-horns, they can also be used to switch the intensity of wind turbine warning lights depending upon current visibility levels.
Specifications
| Measurement Description | Meteorological Observable Range (MOR) |
| Signal Type/Output | RS-232, RS-485 |
| Maximum Reported Visibility | 32 km (~20 mi) |
| Minimum Reported Visibility | 12 m (~39 ft) |
| Accuracy (0 to 10,000 m) | ±10% |
| Accuracy (10,000 to 20,000 m) | ±20% |
| Operating Temperature | -25° to +60°C |
| Operating Humidity | 0 to 100% |
| Wind Speed | Up to 60 m/s |
| Sensor Sealing | Rated to IP66 |
| Mounting | Stainless-steel V-bolt mounting to pole with OD of 32 to 52.5 mm (1.25 to 2 in.) |
| Dimensions | 447 x 640 x 246 mm (17.6 x 25.2 x 9.7 in.) |
| Weight | ~3 kg (6.6 lb) depending upon mounting system used |
Electrical |
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| -NOTE- |
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| Electronic Supply Voltage | 8 to 30 Vdc |
| Hood Heater Supply Voltage | 24 Vdc or Vac |
| Hood Heater Power | 2 x 30 W (total of 60 W) |
| Total Unit Power | < 3 W while sampling continuously (including dew heaters) |
Interface |
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| 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 |
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| Emitter Light Frequency | 850 nm |
| Lens Contamination Circuitry | Monitors both the source and detector lenses for contamination/blockage at 1 s intervals. Sensor adjusts its 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. |
Compatibility
Please note: The following shows notable compatibility information. It is not a comprehensive list of all compatible products.
Related Documents
Product Brochures
Case Studies
Downloads
CS120 Firmware v.6 (1.51 MB) 10-08-2012
Includes the current CS120 firmware and the CS120 support files for the Device Configuration Utility.
Related FAQs
Number of FAQs related to CS120: 2
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Most Campbell Scientific sensors are available as an –L, which indicates a user-specified cable length. If a sensor is listed as an –LX model (where “X” is some other character), that sensor’s cable has a user-specified length, but it terminates with a specific connector for a unique system:
- An –LC model has a user-specified cable length for connection to an ET107, CS110, or retired Metdata1.
- An –LQ model has a user-specified cable length for connection to a RAWS-P weather station.
If a sensor does not have an –L or other –LX designation after the main model number, the sensor has a set cable length. The cable length is listed at the end of the Description field on the product’s Ordering tab. For example, the 034B-ET model has a description of “Met One Wind Set for ET Station, 67 inch Cable.” Products with a set cable length terminate, as a default, with pigtails.
If a cable terminates with a special connector for a unique system, the end of the model number designates which system. For example, the 034B-ET model designates the sensor as a 034B for an ET107 system.
- –ET models terminate with the connector for an ET107 weather station.
- –ETM models terminate with the connector for an ET107 weather station, but they also include a special system mounting, which is often convenient when purchasing a replacement part.
- –QD models terminate with the connector for a RAWS-F Quick Deployment Station.
- –PW models terminate with the connector for a PWENC or pre-wired system.
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Many Campbell Scientific sensors are available with different cable termination options. These options include the following:
- The –PT (–PT w/Tinned Wires) option is the default option and does not display on the product line as the other options do. The cable terminates in pigtails that connect directly to a datalogger.
- In the –C (–C w/ET/CS110 Connector) option, the cable terminates in a connector that attaches to a CS110 Electric Field Meter or an ET-series weather station.
- In the –CWS (–CWS w/CWS900 Connector) option, the cable terminates in a connector that attaches to a CWS900-series interface. Connection to a CWS900-series interface allows the sensor to be used in a wireless sensor network.
- In the –PW (–PW w/Pre-Wire Connector) option, the cable terminates in a connector that attaches to a prewired enclosure.
- In the –RQ (–RQ w/RAWS Connector) option, the cable terminates in a connector that attaches to a RAWS-P Permanent Remote Automated Weather Station.
Note: The availability of cable termination options varies by sensor. For example, sensors may have none, two, or several options to choose from. If a desired option is not listed for a specific sensor, contact an application engineer at Campbell Scientific for assistance.
Articles and Press Releases
Case Studies
The Utah Department Of Transportation (UDOT) operates a network of roadside weather stations across the state.......read more
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