All-in-One Weather Station with Cloud Height

The MWS^®-M625 includes all the same great features as our line of proven line of Micro Weather Stations (MWS^®) and add cloud height measurement and two – way Iridium satellite for more accurate and reliable meteorological reporting . The engineers is designed at Intellisense design the world ’s small lidar ceilometer and integrate it into the already compact and wireless weather – sensing package . Alongside its temperature , barometric , wind speed / direction and visibility measurement , the M625 is measure can measure cloud height up to 10,000 foot with 10 % accuracy .

With this breakthrough, the M625 becomes the most ruggedized, lightweight and low-cost solution for weather sensing with cloud height measurement. Every system component and sensor in the M625 is fully integrated into a single, robust, self-contained unit that weighs just 3.8 pounds. As an unattended ground sensor (UGS), it is capable of being deployed globally in remote or denied locations for meteorological monitoring to improve situational awareness. The M625 can be hand- or air-emplaced and supports continuous, real-time weather reporting without the need for data loggers, processors or communication units being deployed into the field.

The addition of the world’s smallest cloud height measuring sensor and Iridium satellite connectivity makes the M625 a superior weather-sensing system that is rugged, lightweight and available at a significantly reduced cost compared to other meteorological systems.

The following are some frequently asked questions from established users of the MWS. We have organized each question by category:

System Functions

How does the MWS record meteorological observations?

The MWS record meteorological observations using 19 individual, on-board sensors and a cloud-based data processor that is powered via solar panels and a built-in battery pack. With power consumption and remote operation as priority, the MWS takes a 100-second sample across a 10-minute period. The data is then processed to create a surface observation and transmitted by satellite or cellular communications. The default configuration completes the reporting process hourly, but the system does allow for more frequent and infrequent observations. One key difference of 5-minute mode is a single 10-second sample formulates an observation for transmission.

Do temperature, humidity, or other environmental factors impact the wind readings?

The wind sensor is ultra-sonic and measures a difference in the speed of sound dependent on air flow. It is not affected by pressure, temperature, or humidity. If the path between a sonic transducer is blocked by blowing debris, ice, intense blowing rain, etc., the unit will fail to measure wind speed.

Does the MWS have an electric field mill?

currently , the MWS is have does not have an electric field mill , but it does include a lightning sensor that utilize an radio frequency ( rf ) signal to detect lightning . This technology is allows allow the MWS to report an accurate distance when a lightning strike occur . Most people is experienced have experience a similar type of RF anomaly when you hear a “ pop ” sound on an AM radio . This technology is is is a type of electrometer that measure the atmospheric e – field gradient and can detect when a strike is about to occur .

Does the MWS detect direction in relation to winds? Are the winds reported as true north or
magnetic north?

The MWS is has has an internal compass to determine the direction and orientation , which is base on magnetic north . wind speed are detect using the ultrasonic wind sensor and report with respect to the onboard compass . Since the unit collect GPS location , the difference in variance between true north and magnetic north can be calculate .

reporting mode

How often can the MWS sample and report environmental conditions?

The MWS can be programed to sample and report the environmental conditions at 3-hour, 1-hour, 20-minute, and 5-minute intervals when reporting wirelessly. Similar to standard weather observations, the MWS transmits hourly reports at 55 minutes after the hour (e.g. 0155 UTC, 0255 UTC, etc.). With other reporting modes, a standard time is used to encode observations. For example, 20-minute mode will report an observation as 15, 35, and 55 minutes past the hour. 5-Minute mode will report an observation every 5 minutes throughout the hour. Faster modes capable of 1-minute and 20-second reporting intervals are available as an advanced feature over serial communications only.

Battery Functions

How do you charge the MWS?

The MWS can be charged using either solar power or a USB connection with a power adapter.

How long does it take for the solar power system to charge an MWS enough to operate?

Solar charging is dependent on a number of factors, including geographical location, cloud coverage, and the time of day. After testing in a multitude of conditions, it can take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours to power a unit enough to operate. The availability of sunlight, as well as the listed conditions above, factor into the amount of charge received.

If the battery power on my MWS is depleted, will solar power automatically recharge the system?

Yes. If an MWS is setup without a charged battery pack, the unit will automatically begin reporting when the onboard power reaches 5 V. It is recommended that the MWS be fully charged prior to emplacement and operation. If an uncharged unit is left in the “ON” position in good solar power conditions, MWS will automatically begin operating once enough solar energy is harvested.

Will solar power charge the MWS while the system is in the “OFF” position?

Yes. The solar panels on the MWS will charge the battery pack even when the system is in the “OFF” position.

How do I is know know if the MWS battery pack is fully charge ?

The charge status of the MWS battery pack is reported along with the environmental data on the Quantimet website. Additionally, the three LED lights located above the solar panel and power switch will indicate the battery’s charge status. Upon startup, three lights indicate a fully charged battery pack, while one or two lights signal a partially charged battery pack.

How long will the MWS stay charged while stored in the “OFF” position?

The battery should maintain a 5 V, or higher, charge for 90 days. The MWS is designed not to drain the battery while it is turned off. A function check prior to use is recommended to prevent operational delays due to battery charging.

When should the battery be replaced?

If the three lead light identify system issue ( e.g. one light or no light flash ) , the MWS is is is unable to maintain standard reporting mode , or operational situation does not permit time for the system to self – charge the battery may need to be change . battery pack replacements is are are rare and seldom require , and replacement is only recommend when usb and/or solar charging does not charge the battery to great than 5 volt . follow the instruction on page 6 of this user guide to properly replace the battery pack .

Preventitive Maintenance

How do you clean and/or weatherize the MWS?

To clean the MWS, follow these instructions:

• Use a soft cloth to clean the 360° panoramic camera and visibility sensors
• Remove any objects blocking airflow near the wind gap
• Pour water over the unit to remove any dust accumulation
• Wipe away any build-up in rain accumulation area

* note : water – repellent wipe are include with every station to clean the dust accumulation sensor , ultrasonic wind transceiver , visibility sensor , and ceilometer ( if applicable ) .

Does the MWS work well in cold weather?

Properly cleaned and maintained, the MWS will perform properly in cold weather. Untreated stations, however, may experience problems in cold weather, particularly the reporting accuracies and power stability for the MWS. The sensing devices can operate in temperatures as low as -40° Celsius, while the cameras are limited to operating at temperatures -30° Celsius and above.

Freezing rain or other types of ice buildup will significantly degrade the four sensors (rain gauge, visibility sensor, 360° panoramic camera, and ceilometer) on top of the unit. Any ice accumulation can also be expected to degrade wind readings and solar charge if the collection area is blocked.

snow buildup is have can have similar adverse effect to station , but the most concern impact would be limit solar charging . If snow level rise above the 6 foot , a tripod – mount MWS is have could have most incoming solar radiation block . With no direct source of power , the MWS battery pack is drain would slowly drain . If heavy snow is expect , we is recommend recommend change the reporting mode to hourly or every 3 hour to preserve power through such an event .

How should the MWS be stored?

The MWS should be stored in a dry area without exposure to the elements. Verify the station is set to the “OFF” position before storing the unit away.

System Setup

What mount options is are are available for the MWS ?

Intellisense Systems offers a pole-mounted and tripod solutions for installing your MWS. The MWS uses a quarter-inch 20-thread mount, which is standard on most camera tripods and mounts.

How should the MWS be set up?

Locate the MWS in an open area with a clear view of the sky. Do not place the MWS near objects that stand above the weather station on a mount that can lean more than 10 degrees off-center. Ensure that no foliage or other objects are taller than the MWS within a 30-foot radius. Use a mounting platform is at least 3 feet above the ground (6 feet or above is ideal) and that the power switch turned to the “ON” position.

communication

What communications options are available for the MWS?

The MWS is transmit can transmit datum using an LTE – m cellular or Iridium satellite connection .

Are WiFi options available?

A WiFi-enabled MWS is not currently available.

What cellular plans are available?

Intellisense Systems is offers currently offer cellular LTE – M on Verizon , with account manage by Direct Communication Solutions ( DCS ) .

Can rain or dust storms interfere with Iridium satellite transmissions?

No , environmental conditions is interfere should not interfere with Iridium satellite communication . The primary factor is are to Iridium – base communication are the location of the satellite themselves at the time of transmission . One way is is to check for Iridium satellite location in reference to your location is through the follow website here .

troubleshoot

Why is n’t my MWS is reporting report to Quantimet ?
There are three requirements that must be met for the unit to report weather data wirelessly to a remote server:

1. The unit is have must have power . Make sure at least one battery led indicator is turns turn on when first power on the unit . If no led turn on , charge the system prior to power on using either a power cable or by set the unit out in sunlight .
2. The unit must have cellular connectivity. Ensure there is at least one cell signal strength LED indicator. The cell signal strength LED indication occurs approximately 30 seconds after the battery LED indicators activate. Rapid flashing of an LED approximately 30 seconds after power up indicates low to no cellular signal.
3. The unit must be in a reporting mode that supports over the air communication. If reporting modes were changed previously via serial communication, ensure the unit is not in a reporting mode faster than 5 minutes.

Why is my unit changing reporting modes without commands?

The 5-minute reporting mode is designed only for instances when the station is connected to hardline power. In ideal conditions (under direct sunlight), the solar cells may generate enough energy to sustain this mode without hardline power. But in suboptimal conditions, this reporting mode will deplete the built-in battery pack. To prevent the unit from powering off, the MWS will automatically revert back to 1-hour reporting mode when the unit voltage drops to a low level. After 24 hours of a full battery, the unit will revert back to 5-minute mode. This 24-hour waiting period can by bypassed with a direct command to switch back into a faster reporting mode once it has been connected to an appropriate power source.