Gill WindSonic User Manual
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Gill WindSonic User Manual

Ultrasonic anemometer
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APPLIES TO WINDSONIC OPTION 1-3 UNITS SUPPLIED FROM MARCH 2016
WITH SERIAL NUMBERS 16110001 ONWARDS AND
WITH FIRMWARE 2368-110-01 ONWARDS.
APPLIES TO WINDSONIC 75 OPTION 1 AND 2 UNITS
SUPPLIED WITH FIRMWARE 2368-107-01
APPLIES TO WINDSONIC 75 OPTION 3 UNITS
SUPPLIED WITH FIRMWARE 2816-100
APPLIES TO OPTION 4 SDI-12 UNITS FROM JUNE 2011
WITH SERIAL NUMBERS 11220007 ONWARDS.

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  • Page 1 APPLIES TO WINDSONIC OPTION 1-3 UNITS SUPPLIED FROM MARCH 2016 WITH SERIAL NUMBERS 16110001 ONWARDS AND WITH FIRMWARE 2368-110-01 ONWARDS. APPLIES TO WINDSONIC 75 OPTION 1 AND 2 UNITS SUPPLIED WITH FIRMWARE 2368-107-01 APPLIES TO WINDSONIC 75 OPTION 3 UNITS...
  • Page 2 WindSonic Doc No 1405 PS 0019 Issue 28 November 2019...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Doc No 1405 PS 0019 Issue 28 November 2019 Contents FOREWORD INTRODUCTION FAST TRACK SET-UP PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION SPECIFICATION PRE-INSTALLATION QUIPMENT SUPPLIED 6.1.1 WindSonic Part Numbers ACKAGING NSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS ABLE SSEMBLY INSTALLATION NSTALLATION UIDELINES ENCH SYSTEM TEST LECTRICAL 7.3.1 Cable 7.3.2...
  • Page 4 12.2 TILL 12.3 SING ODE TO GET OMMUNICATION AND TO CHANGE ETTINGS 12.4 ALIBRATION 13 APPENDICES 13.1 & A LOSSARY BBREVIATIONS 13.2 UARANTEE 13.3 1, 2, 3 ONIC PTIONS LECTRICAL ONFORMITY 14 SDI-12 WindSonic 14.1 ONIC PTION PECIFICATION 14.2 ABLE...
  • Page 5 WindSonic Doc No 1405 PS 0019 Issue 28 November 2019 14.3 ABLE ENGTH 14.4 SDI-12 I ONNECTING TO AN NTERFACE PTION 14.5 SDI-12 C OMMANDS 14.6 UTPUT ESSAGE ORMAT 14.7 SDI-12 S TATUS ODES 14.8 SDI-12 S 14.9 ONIC PTION...

  • Page 6: Foreword

    SDI-12 (V1.3) and described in Section 14 SDI-12 COMMANDS. 3 FAST TRACK SET-UP If you are in a hurry to try out the WindSonic (options 1, 2 or 3) and are familiar with Gill equipment and coupling to a PC using RS232, go to the following sections: ...

  • Page 7: Principle Of Operation

    November 2019 4 PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION The WindSonic measures the times taken for an ultrasonic pulse of sound to travel from the North transducer to the South transducer, and compares it with the time for a pulse to travel from S to N transducer. Likewise times are compared between West and East, and E and W transducer.
  • Page 8 WindSonic Doc No 1405 PS 0019 Issue 28 November 2019 Figure 2 Compass Points...

  • Page 9: Specification

    5 SPECIFICATION This Specification relates to WindSonic Option 1, 2 and 3 WindSonic Sensors fitted with a Red Tab and WindSonic 75 Option 1, 2 and 3 fitted with an Orange tab (fitted adjacent to the North Marker arrow). Output...
  • Page 10 Lowest power consumption is obtained with the following configuration: - M2, P20, B3, S9 (approximately 5.5mA at 12v). 12 – 30 V DC Option 1, 2and 3 units (WindSonic 75). Current drain i.e. RS232 approximately 13mA at 12v dc. Mechanical...

  • Page 11: Pre-Installation

    Black WindSonic 75 Option 1- RS232 output only 1405-PK-420 Black WindSonic 75 Option 2 RS 232, 422 & 485 (point to point) output 1405-PK-430 Black WindSonic 75 Option 3 RS 232, 422 & 485 p to p & analogue op. Optional extras: Item Part No...

  • Page 12: Packaging

    November 2019 6.2 Packaging Whilst the WindSonic is being moved to its installation site, the unit should be kept in its inner packaging. All the packaging should be retained for use if the unit has to be returned at any time, or if a self-test is performed.

  • Page 13: Cable Assembly

    November 2019 6.4 Cable Assembly Preparation. Open the pack of parts provided with the WindSonic or as part 1405-PK-069. Note that the connector supplies the correct strain relief for cables with an outside diameter of 6-12mm). Trim back the screened cable outer and screen sleeves 40mm.
  • Page 14 WindSonic Doc No 1405 PS 0019 Issue 28 November 2019 Connector Assembly. Put the parts on the cable in the order as shown below. Whilst squeezing the red retainer in the direction of ARROWS A, pull in the direction of ARROW B.
  • Page 15 NB. The retainer can only be pushed back into place if the contacts are fully engaged. Fit the connector to the WindSonic so that you can finish assembling the connector. Screw the back shell onto the connector until it is fully in place. Please note that the final...
  • Page 16 Now screw the cable-clamping nut into place. The connector can now be removed from the WindSonic. NOTE: To disassemble the connector, reverse this procedure. Spares. For spares purposes the complete WindSonic Souriau Clipper connector comprises of:- 9 way Connector CL1F1201. Connector female contact CM10SC10MQ (size 20 contact).

  • Page 17: Installation

    7.1 Installation Guidelines The WindSonic has been designed to meet and exceed the stringent standards listed in its specification. Operating in diverse environments all over the world, WindSonic requires no calibration and adjustment whatsoever.

  • Page 18: Bench System Test

    November 2019 7.2 Bench system test Note: Prior to physically mounting the WindSonic in its final location, we strongly recommend that a bench system test is carried out to confirm the system is configured correctly, is fully functional and electrically compatible with the selected host system and cabling (preferably utilising the final cable length).

  • Page 19: Power Supply

    Resistance dependent (max 300 Ω) 7.3.2 Power supply WindSonic Option 1 and 2 Units; Require a DC supply of between 5V – 30 V DC (30V DC max). WindSonic Option 3 Units; Require a DC supply of between 7V– 30 V DC (30V DC max).
  • Page 20 (See Section 7.3.1 Cable length.) For longer cable runs, we recommend using the WindSonic configured with RS422 output, and a RS422/232 converter at the PC. Wiring connections below are not applicable to WindSonic Options 2 and 3 set for RS232 operation. WindSonic...
  • Page 21 Baud rate set to 19200 (this can be at variance with the original WindSonic Baud rate setting). Hold down the * character (shift 8) and then apply power to the WindSonic. After approximately 3 seconds the unit will respond with Safe Mode.

  • Page 22: Connecting To A

    The WindSonic is designed to interface with the Gill WindDisplay unit to provide a complete wind speed and direction system. To interface to a non NMEA WindDisplay the WindSonic is set by default for Polar (M2) and 9600 (B3) configuration settings.

  • Page 23: Connecting

    Analogue Outputs are also simultaneously available from the Option 3 unit. Default Settings The WindSonic Option 2 and 3 unit is factory configured with the following default settings: M2, U1, O1, L1, P1, B3, H1, NQ, F1, E2, T1, S4, C2, G0, K50...

  • Page 24: Using Rs485

    WindSonics must be set in Polled mode, a node address letter may be given if required. See Section 9.1 WindSonic node address. Customers may poll using terminal software (NOT supplied). As unit is point to point only it cannot be networked with other RS485 2 wire devices.

  • Page 25: Using Thea

    WindSonic Doc No 1405 PS 0019 Issue 28 November 2019 7.10 Using the Analogue Output (Option 3) Notes If the Current output is used, the total output load MUST be below 300 ohms, including the cable resistance. The current output loads must be returned to Signal Ground.

  • Page 26: Mechanical

    1.5 Nm for aluminium and 3 Nm for stainless steel.) It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that the WindSonic is mounted in a position clear of any structure, which may obstruct the airflow or induce turbulence.
  • Page 27 WindSonic Doc No 1405 PS 0019 Issue 28 November 2019 NOTE: Gill Instruments can supply a 0.5 metre Aluminium support tube with drilled and tapped M5 holes as above, part number 1405-30-056. Figure 3 Alignment & Mounting details...

  • Page 28: Message Formats

    Doc No 1405 PS 0019 Issue 28 November 2019 9 MESSAGE FORMATS On applying power to the WindSonic, it will provide wind measurements in one of the following formats:  Gill – Polar, Continuous (default format)  Gill - UV, Continuous ...
  • Page 29 November 2019 WindSonic node address The default setting is ‘Q’. If required the WindSonic M can be configured to show a different alphabetical node letter (A to Z), so as to identify the WindSonic M. It is recommended that ID’s A to F and K, M, N and P are not used, as these characters can be present in the data string.
  • Page 30 This enables the host system to check that the data has been correctly received. This is the EXCLUSIVE – OR of the bytes between (and not including) the <STX> and <ETX> characters. Output rate (not displayed) The WindSonic samples continuously and delivers wind information at ¼, ½, 1 (default setting), 2, or 4 outputs / second.

  • Page 31: Gill Format

    (and not including) the <STX> and <ETX> characters The WindSonic unit identifier, Units, and Checksum are as described in Section 0 above. Figure 5 shows the polarity of U and V if the wind components along the U and V axis are blowing in the direction of the respective arrows.
  • Page 32 9.3 Gill format – Polled (Polar or UV) When in the Polled mode, an output is only generated when the host system sends a Poll signal to the WindSonic consisting of the WindSonic Unit Identifier – that is, the relevant letter A – Z.

  • Page 33: Nmea Format

    Consult specification NMEA 0183 version 3 (available on the web) for complete interface details. The WindSonic can also be set for the alternative start of string NMEA format WIMWV (Mode 14, which is a Mnemonic for: - Wind Instrument Mean Wind direction and Velocity.

  • Page 34: Nmea Format

    & Velocity (alternative start of string format WIMWV can be selected). The Gill Status codes are as described in Para 11.5. A typical WindSonic configuration suitable for NMEA (See Section 10): M16, U1, O1, L1, P1, B3, H1, NQ, F1, E2, T1, S4, C2, G0, K50 Consult specification NMEA 0183 version 3 (available on the web) for complete interface details.

  • Page 35: Analogue O

    Notes: Analogue outputs are only available from WindSonic Option 3. Analogue Wind Speed output is in Metres/Second only. 9.7.1 Voltage or Current output The WindSonic (Option 3) can be configured for either Voltage (0 – 5 V) or Current (0 – 20mA and 4 – 20 mA) outputs. Important: When using the current outputs, the load resistance between the Analogue outputs (Pins 8 &...

  • Page 36: Wind Speed Scaling

    Analogue signals are output together with Digital Outputs signals. Analogue signals are output continuously when in Digital Polled Mode. Note: - The WindSonic provides the power for current output loads. Do not connect the WindSonic output to instruments where power for the current loop is provided by the...

  • Page 37: Low Wind Speeds (Below 0.05 M/S

    2 can report a digital error status condition depending on the Y command setting. NOTE: The Y command is not applicable to WindSonic 75 Analogue output units. WindSonic 75 units will report Error conditions as though set for Y1 below.
  • Page 38 WindSonic Doc No 1405 PS 0019 Issue 28 November 2019 Y2 nnn Setting, User Set Fixed Analogue Output level in an error mode. The unit will output a fixed Voltage (T1 setting) or fixed milli-amp (T5/T3 settings) signal on the analogue output with a value depending on the Y2 nnn setting.
  • Page 39 For instance if the unit is set for 0-5v analogue outputs and it is required to report a fixed voltage level of 3.75v under error conditions (Y2 150) then:- Open a terminal program (e.g. HyperTerminal, Tera Term or Gill Wind Software (Wind Wizard not applicable)) at the matching COM Port connection and Baud rate.
  • Page 40 Windows HyperTerminal. This section describes the commands used to change User and Communications settings. 10.1 Wind Wind software is available on the supplied CD or to download, free of charge, from the Gill Instruments Limited website http://gillinstruments.com/main/software.html Wind software allows the unit configuration to be changed and to be able to display the Digital Data String on a PC screen.
  • Page 41 WindSonic Doc No 1405 PS 0019 Issue 28 November 2019 If you wish to review the Sensor Settings click on Tools/Report Config. When selected a similar message to that below will be seen.
  • Page 42 WindSonic Doc No 1405 PS 0019 Issue 28 November 2019 To review and change the WindSonic configuration click on Tools/Wizard Typical Screen is shown following:-...
  • Page 43 WindSonic Doc No 1405 PS 0019 Issue 28 November 2019 To change a setting i.e. change from M2 (Polar) to M1 (UV), select M1 from the Wizard drop down list then click on Next. The following screen will show settings that will be changed.

  • Page 44: Windview

    WindSonic Doc No 1405 PS 0019 Issue 28 November 2019 10.2 WindView Gill WindView software is available on the supplied CD or as a download, free of charge from the Gill Instruments Limited website http://gillinstruments.com/main/software.html WindView features include: - ...
  • Page 45 WindSonic Doc No 1405 PS 0019 Issue 28 November 2019 Select the required COM Port from the drop down list. Select the required Baud rate from the drop down list. Parity should be set to None. If the Baud rate setting of the Anemometer is unknown then the Auto Find button can be used to interrogate the Anemometer and detect the required setting.
  • Page 46 WindSonic Doc No 1405 PS 0019 Issue 28 November 2019 Clicking on the Anemometer 1 Windsock button gives the following display. To Change WindView Display Settings Click on the top of Screen menu Settings. To change displayed units select and click on required measurement units. If for instance the sensor data was outputting metres per second data then WindView performs the calculation to convert and display the output in knots/mph/kph etc.
  • Page 47 WindSonic Doc No 1405 PS 0019 Issue 28 November 2019 For Logging Facilities. Click on Settings/Logging to reach the logging screen. If segmented logging is required this will create and save individual files of length set by the figure in the mins box. Otherwise a continuous log file will be recorded.
  • Page 48 WindSonic Doc No 1405 PS 0019 Issue 28 November 2019 To Start Logging select File/Log/Start. To Stop logging select File/Log/Stop. Example saved data opened in Notepad.
  • Page 49 Enter a Name (eg WindSonic 1) . Change ‘Connect Using’ to ‘Direct to Com 1’ (or other Com port as required) Adjust the Port settings to match WindSonic settings. WindSonic default settings are : Bits per second 9600 Data bits 8...

  • Page 50: Hecking The Configuration

    10.7 Changing a setting To change a setting, refer to the sections below, enter the command of the new setting required, followed by ENTER. The new setting will be sent as a message by the WindSonic. ENTER For example, to change the message format to NMEA, Type...

  • Page 51: Command List

    WindSonic Doc No 1405 PS 0019 Issue 28 November 2019 10.7.1 Command List COMMAND USER Baud rate Analogue angle wrapping Diagnostic and Configuration Set Physical Comms Data and Parity Options Not currently used Power-Up message Minimum Direction Velocity Message Terminator...

  • Page 52: Bx - Baud Rate

    Type B and press ENTER, the letter B will be shown followed by Capitol B2 Type Q and press ENTER, data will scroll at the new baud rate. Cx - Analogue settings The following command is only valid for the WindSonic Option 3: Item Options Command 0 –...

  • Page 53: Fx - Data And Parity Options

    If the power up message is On, then a message similar to that below is output, whenever the unit goes into Measurement mode (i.e. when power is first applied to the unit, or unit returns to Measurement mode from Configuration mode). WINDSONIC (Gill Instruments Ltd) 2368-110-01 RS485/RS422 (CFG)

  • Page 54: Kxx To Kxxxx - Minimum Direction Velocity

    Gill, UV, Polled Gill, Polar, Polled Message NMEA, IIMWV (NMEA status code) Format Tunnel Continuous NMEA, WIMWV (NMEA status code) NMEA, WIMWV (Gill status code) NMEA, IIMWV (Gill status code) Nx - Node Address Item Options Command Q… -(A to Z) Node Address N<Q>...

  • Page 55: Ox - Ascii Output Format

    WindSonic Doc No 1405 PS 0019 Issue 28 November 2019 Ox - ASCII Output Format Item Options Command Comma separated format (CSV) ASCII output format Fixed field Example data string for CSV data changing to low wind less than 0.05m/s (set for K50) and error status code condition.

  • Page 56: Sx - Analogue Output Range

    Yx – Analogue Output, Error Status Condition Item Options Command Full Scale level toggling Output Level Fixed Steady level Y2 nnn Pre-Set level toggling Y3 nnn Where nnn =000 to 200 see Para 9.7.10. NOTE: This command is not applicable to WindSonic 75 analogue output units.
  • Page 57 WindSonic Doc No 1405 PS 0019 Issue 28 November 2019 10.8 Configuration / Diagnostic Information Each of these commands causes a response from the WindSonic. Item Command Response Type and serial No. Y16120001 Software 2368-110-01 version Unit M2,U1,O1,L1,P1,B3,H1,NQ,F1,E2,T1,S4,C2,G0,K50, configuration Supply +11.7v...

  • Page 58: Maintenance & Fault-Finding

    There are no moving parts or user-serviceable parts requiring routine maintenance. Opening the unit or breaking the security seal will void the warranty and the calibration. In the event of failure, prior to returning the unit to your authorised Gill distributor, it is recommended that: All cables and connectors are checked for continuity, bad contacts, corrosion etc.
  • Page 59 NMEA data Void 12 TESTS 12.1 Bench test Couple the WindSonic to the host system and power supply, using a known working test cable. Check that the unit is correctly configured by going into Configuration mode and using D3 See Section 10.6 Checking the configuration.
  • Page 60 If a “refer to manual” message appears please see Section 11.3 Fault Finding. Note that it will only pass if the specified temperature and zero wind conditions are met. Check that there are no visible obstructions or damage to the unit before contacting Gill or your authorised distributor for further advice.
  • Page 61 Connect the Option 2 or 3 WindSonic as per the above connection diagram. With WindSonic power off, set up a Terminal connection but with the Baud rate set to 19200 (this can be at variance with the original WindSonic Baud rate setting).

  • Page 62: Alibration

    WindSonic to view data. 12.4 Calibration A Custom calibration is available from Gill Instruments. This must be specified at the time of order or the unit must be returned to Gill Instruments for retrospective calibration.

  • Page 63: Appendices

    WindSonic Doc No 1405 PS 0019 Issue 28 November 2019 APPENDICES 13.1 Glossary & Abbreviations Item Meaning Calibration Carriage Return Comma Separated Variable Engineering Factory Kilometres per Hour Line Feed Miles per Hour NMEA 0183 National Marine Electronics Association standard for interfacing...
  • Page 64 WindSonic Doc No 1405 PS 0019 Issue 28 November 2019 13.3 WindSonic Options 1, 2, 3 and 4 Electrical Conformity...

  • Page 65: Sdi-12 Windsonic

    November 2019 14 SDI-12 WindSonic WindSonic option 4 SDI-12 is factory configured in SDI-12 mode and complies with SDI-12 Interface Standard V1.3, see Section 14.5, SDI-12 Commands for details. Note: WindSonic Option 4 is not compatible with Gill Wind or WindView Software.

  • Page 66: Cable Type

    WindSonic Doc No 1405 PS 0019 Issue 28 November 2019 14.2 Cable Type Batt electronics Application No. of pairs Gill ref. Belden ref. ref. SDI-12 9729 14.3 Cable Length WindSonic Communication Baud Rate Max. Cable Length Option Format Option 4...
  • Page 67 Doc No 1405 PS 0019 Issue 28 November 2019 14.5 SDI-12 Commands WindSonic Option 4 complies with SDI-12 Interface Standard V1.3 We advise that you download the full SDI-12 specification from www.sdi-12.org All other commands not defined below respond with a ‘zero data values ready’ response.
  • Page 68 WindSonic Doc No 1405 PS 0019 Issue 28 November 2019 Name Command Gill Output U and V values from the ARC3! a<U_vectorav><V_vectorav><U_from_scalarmax>< averaged vector (UV) data. V_from_scalarmax><status><checksum><CR><LF> Scalar magnitude maximum and direction associated with e.g. that maximum converted 0+000.00+000.02+000.07+000.10+00JMJ<CR><LF> into U and V components...
  • Page 69 WindSonic Doc No 1405 PS 0019 Issue 28 November 2019 Commands and Returns in Low Power Mode (aXLPM!) Note:- Rolling average data not available. Use of the aR2!, aR3!, aR4! and aR5! (and their associated aRCn!) commands when the device is in aXLPM! (low power - continuous) mode, will return a "zero data values ready"...
  • Page 70 0+083+000.02+00<CR><LF> e.g. Unit ID, Direction, Speed, Status Code. Under error conditions e.g. blocked paths error code 04 the unit will pad the wind data with 9’s as follows (Gill Fixed Field setting):-. 0+999+999.9+04<CR><LF> e.g. Unit ID, Direction, Speed, Status Code.
  • Page 71 Connector Com 1 Connection Port V+ PSU V- PSU Power to the WindSonic is turned off at this stage. Open up a Terminal Program e.g. Tera Term or HyperTerminal etc. The Safe Mode settings are: Baud Rate 4800 Data bits...
  • Page 72 If the 2 digit Status Code is other than 00 refer to Para 14.7. Note: Once the unit is turned off and back on again it will return to SDI-12 mode. If you need to get back into Gill continuous data then you have to perform the safe mode steps again.

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