Omega WMS-16 Tripod Tower, Lightning Protection and Grounding, Power Connections, Standard Outlet

Tripod Tower

The five foot tripod tower provided for the

WMS-16 is constructed of steel tubing for durability and strength. Horizontal bracing is a feature of the tripod tower. The tower’s foot brackets can be bolted onto a concrete foundation or a wooden platform. The wind speed and direction sensor mounts on top of the mast. The solar radiation shield with 6” mast and coupling are made to clamp on the five-foot aluminum mast. The rain gauge mounting arm is supplied with a u-bolt to clamp onto this mast. For stability, it is recommended that the mast be inserted into both of the collar clamps. Guy kits are recommended for areas of high winds and ground kits are recommended for areas with lightning activity.

Lightning Protection and Grounding

Caution: When installing the wind sensor, make sure that the sensor and cable are well clear of any power lines.

A lightning protection ground screw is located on the control module’s rear panel. It is the path to ground for all of the lightning protection circuitry in the WMS-16. Connect this screw to a grounded outlet or water pipe. In areas subject to sever lightning activity, we recommend that you install a grounding rod.

Power Connections

The WMS-16 can be operated from either standard 110VAC outlet, or from an external 12V battery.

Standard Outlet

A wall transformer is provided with the unit for operating from an 110VAC outlet. An optional wall transformer is available for operating from a 220V/50Hz power source. The wall transformer provides a nominal 12VDC.

External Battery Power

An auxiliary power connection is provided on the rear panel of the control module for connecting an external 12VDC battery. This battery can be used as the main power source. Remember though, that if the auxiliary power connector is used for main power, there will be no backup power source. A fully charged 12V, 7 amp-hour battery will run the WMS-16 for three to four days. With the backup battery in place, the WMS-16 will continue collecting and logging data during a power outage. The WMS-16’s main memory has a lithium battery back up and the setup parameters and any stored data will be saved if the primary power source is interrupted.

RS-232 Interface

The WMS-16 is an interactive device that not only outputs data but is capable of responding to user commands. These commands are entered through the computer which also displays the current data and any additional data requested by the user. Communications between the user and the WMS-16 is accomplished using RS-232 communications protocol designed for short-distance use.

The interface cable that connects the control module to the computer is terminated with a sub-miniature “D” connector. Depending on the connectors available on your computer’s serial port a 25-pin to 9-pin adapter may be required.

Connect the RS-232 cable between the control module and the computer’s serial port. (number 1 or 2)

Certain communications parameters (number of data bits, parity, etc.) must be specified in the computer to enable the two devices to communicate with one another. They should be set as follows:

Baud rate	9600
Data Bits	8
Stop Bits	1
Parity	None
Handshaking	Xon/Xoff

Under this protocol the computer sends ASCII character DC3 (19 decimal, 13H) to the WMS-16 to halt its transmission, and DC1 (17 decimal, 11H) to resume.

Testing the Connection

Once the WMS-16 is connected to the computer, the connection can be tested by briefly disconnecting and then re- connecting the main power at the control module.

1.Unplug the wall transformer from the control module’s rear panel.

2.Leave power disconnected for several seconds, then plug the power cable in again.

If the RS-232 connection is sound, an Omega header and/or the Software version will appear on the screen (Figure 2).

Omega WMS-16 Modular Weather Station

© Omega 2000

Software Version: 2.3.000102

Figure 2

WMS-16 Weather Station Operator’s Manual 4