Robust Ultrasonic Wind Sensor with Hard-Anodised Aluminium Alloy Construction

Gill Instruments (UK), manufacturer of anemometers, wind sensors and compact weather stations, has launched WindSonic M – a compact ultrasonic wind sensor with robust aluminium housing and optional anti-icing system.

The sensor incorporates many existing features of the hugely successful WindSonic and WindObserver II wind sensors, which are used worldwide to measure wind speed and direction in demanding applications. WindSonic M shares the same optimised aerodynamic profile as the original WindSonic, with further improvements to the internal systems to enhance performance. The robust aluminium alloy housing is hard-anodised to ensure suitability in harsh marine environments, and an optional anti-icing system allows operation down to -40ºC.

“The original WindSonic is hugely successful, recognised internationally for its innovative design and superb reliability record”, said Chris Stock, Sales Manager at Gill Instruments. “The introduction of the WindSonic M builds on this success, significantly opening up the technology to more extreme environments, even those where flying debris and falling ice are encountered”.

“The ‘pancake’ sensor configuration, which was first developed and
introduced by Gill in the form of the original WindSonic, is also used on WindSonic M giving unbeatable protection to the sensing transducers from debris, birds and other objects.”

The WindSonic M has been designed to comply with all the applicable sections of BS EN 60945 standard for ‘exposed equipment’. These include but are not limited to; corrosion (salt mist), vibration, radiated and conducted emissions and water ingress. In addition the unit has been designed to withstand hail or falling ice to UL 2218 Class 1.

WindSonic M provides a marine-standard NMEA 0183 output, with options for RS232, 422 and 485 outputs also available to ensure compatibility with most systems. A single 9-way connector and three mounting holes for attachment to a 1.75” pipe ensure installation is straightforward. With no moving parts to wear out and no routine calibration required, WindSonic M has a very low maintenance overhead.