WXT520

The WXT520 Weather Sensor, manufactured by Vaisala, measures wind speed and direction, precipitation, barometric pressure, temperature, and relative humidity—all in a single device that has no moving parts. The WXT520 outputs an SDI-12 signal that can be measured by many of our dataloggers (see compatibility). This sensor is about the size of a larger Gill radiation shield, making it ideal for use with our CR200-series dataloggers in applications requiring quick, short-term deployment. However, the WXT520 is not intended for weather stations that require research-grade performance.

The WXT520's wind sensor consists of three equally spaced transducers that produce ultrasonic signals. Wind speed and direction are determined by measuring the time it takes for the ultrasonic signal of one transducer to travel to the other transducers.

Precipitation is measured one raindrop at a time. Whenever a raindrop hits the precipitation sensor, an electrical signal is produced that is proportional to the volume of the drop.

The WXT520 has a PTU module that contains a capacitive silicon BAROCAP® sensor for barometric pressure measurements, a capacitive ceramic THERMOCAP® sensor for air temperature measurements, and a capacitive thin film polymer HUMICAP® sensor for relative humidity measurements. The PTU is housed in a naturally-aspirated radiation shield that protects it and reflects solar radiation.

WXT520

Features

Combines the six most essential weather parameters in one instrument: wind speed and direction, liquid precipitation, barometric pressure, temperature and relative humidity
Compact and lightweight
No moving parts—low maintenance
Low power consumption
Fast and simple to install

Specifications

Electromagnectic Compatibility: Complies with EMC standard EN61326-1
IEC Standards: IEC 60945/61000-4-4, IEC 60945/61000-4-2
Input Voltage: 5 to 30 Vdc (below 5.3 V the measurement performance for high wind speeds may be degraded)
Typical Current Drain @ 12 Vdc: 0.1 mA (SDI-12 standby); 3 mA (Default Measuring Intervals)

Air Temperature

Measurement Range: -52° to +60°C
Accuracy: ±0.3°C @ +20°C
Output Resolution: 0.1°C

Barometric Pressure

Measurement Range: 600 to 1100 hPa
Accuracy: ±0.5 hPa @ 0° to 30°C; ±1 hPa @ -52° to +60°C
Output Resolution: 0.1 hPa

Relative Humidity

Measurement Range: 0 to 100% RH
Accuracy: ±3% RH @ 0 to 90% RH; ±5% RH @ 90 to 100% RH
Output Resolution: 0.1% RH

Wind Speed

Measurement Range: 0 to 60 m s-1
Response Time: 0.25 s
Accuracy
0 to 35 m s-1: ±0.3 m s-1 or ±3% whichever is greater
36 to 60 m s-1: ±5%

Wind Direction

Measurement Range: 0° to 360°
Accuracy: ±3°
Output Resolution: 1°

Precipitation

Rainfall Measurement: Cumulative accumulation after latest automatic or manual reset.
Field Accuracy for Daily Accumulation: Better than 5% (weather dependent; does not include possible wind induced error)
Output Resolution: 0.01 mm (0.001 in)

Producing Area:USA