Author Topic: Vaisala Weather Station (Read 8383 times)

einzack · « **on:** October 15, 2012, 08:31:26 PM »

We're getting a Vaisala WXT520 Weather Station for a prism monitoring setup at work. Has anyone used these before?
I wasn't involved in the decision to buy this particular brand/model - pretty sure it was recommended by the monitoring manufacturer (Leica), but I will be quite involved in using and running it etc, so am curious to hear of anything to look out for.
Look very nice.
http://www.vaisala.com/en/products/multiweathersensors/Pages/WXT520.aspx

TokWW · « **Reply #1 on:** October 15, 2012, 08:50:58 PM »

They can give far more accurate wind speeds than most if not all other stations, and a lot of detail of rain and hail (hail size etc). I don't know how sensitive they are to mould and growths on the meniscus/drum skin if you are in a cloudy shady environment.

To my mind, I would prefer one of these over the Davis stations as they are more accurate and far less prone to birds perching and debris blocking a normal funnel rain measurment system. They are used in remote stations eg skifields, where access is limited and have a great ability to withstand the extremes of weather as there are no moving parts. Not sure if they have a heating element to keep the skin clear of snow and ice?

It is my next purchase!!

einzack · « **Reply #2 on:** October 15, 2012, 09:42:02 PM »

thanks Graeme,
that's all good info.
It's location will be not conducive to man-made shade - of the natural variety, however, i'm not so certain...
I believe they do have heating elements.
it'll be run off solar-panels as it's location is not near a power supply. I believe this was a contributing factor for the selection.

I'll keep you posted on it's progress. I think it should be installed in a few weeks/months.

beteljuice · « **Reply #3 on:** October 15, 2012, 10:57:41 PM »

What data aquisition / processing software(s) will you be using ?

It has always been a disappointment that they have never provided or recommended any for their kit. They used to seem to think that everrthing went to data loggers then processed by serious kit, although more recently these are being used for 'realtime' roadside / bridge conditions in the UK.

As an aside; There was talk at one time of making data available to Joe P, and I think one website actually did it - but it all seems to have been forgotten somehow !

TokWW · « **Reply #4 on:** October 16, 2012, 07:28:31 AM »

Weather Display will process the data and handle everything of the XT510 and XT520. Author is a member of this forum. There is usually need for a wireless connection to handle the data stream. Not sure about datalogger or how many datasets the standard RAM holds. Commonly used by Regional Councils for river catchment areas warning of floods etc.