1. INTRODUCTION Thank you for choosing the ATMOS 41W from METER Group. The ATMOS 41W is part of the ZENTRA System, a collection of data loggers, software, and compatible sensors to measure environmental parameters accurately and cost effectively. The ATMOS 41W All-in-One Wireless Weather Station is designed for continuous monitoring of environmental variables, including all standard weather measurements (Section 3).
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• ZENTRA Cloud Device Subscription information (orange card) • 6 AA batteries, installed (NiMH rechargeable) When evaluating where to install the ATMOS 41W, METER recommends verifying adequate cellular signal for the chosen location. The cellular signal must be strong enough for data to...
PRECAUTION METER sensors are built to the highest standards, but misuse, improper protection, or improper installation may damage the sensor and possibly void the manufacturer’s warranty. Before integrating the ATMOS 41W into a system, make sure to follow the recommended installation instructions and have the proper protections in place to safeguard sensors from damage.
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The ATMOS 41W requires a paid subscription to use ZENTRA Cloud. Save the orange Device Subscription card included with the ATMOS 41W in a safe location. This card contains the following information for the subscription: Preparation •...
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Test Bluetooth Module Mobile (continued) With the ZENTRA Utility Mobile app open and the ATMOS 41W rain funnel removed, push the TEST button on the blue overlay (see image below). The status lights located on the blue overlay will eventually settle to a single, short, green flash approximately every 5 s.
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Table 1 Installation (continued) Connect the ATMOS 41W In ZENTRA Utility Mobile (Section 2.2), tap Connect. Select the desired device. Bluetooth connection will be established and ATMOS 41W and sensor information will be retrieved. Replace Rain Funnel Replace the rain funnel by lining up the recesses, press down, and twist clockwise until the padlock icons align and the funnel locks (Figure 17).
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ATMOS 41W Table 1 Installation (continued) Select the Sign Up button. Enter a valid email address and user information. Add ATMOS 41W to ZENTRA Cloud Accept the Terms and Conditions. Verify User Account Select the Sign Up botton to generate a confirmation email.
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• Select Create Organization. • Enter Organization name. • Enter Role. • Select Accept. Add Device Add ATMOS 41W Click on Add New button. to ZENTRA Cloud Select the desired Device from the menu. (continued) Enter the Device Serial Number and the Device Password from the orange Device Subscription card (remove from funnel and store in safe location).
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If adhering to World Meteorological Organization (WMO) siting standards, make sure the mount location has minimal slope and low vegetation height so the pyranometer found on top of the rain funnel will not be covered by shade. Add ATMOS 41W to ZENTRA Cloud Identify Mounting Location—Interferences (continued)
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OPERATION Table 1 Installation (continued) Check Cellular Signal Once at the field site, check that the cellular signal is strong enough to collect and transfer data to ZENTRA Cloud. • Remove the rain funnel. • Press the TEST button. • Connect to device in ZENTRA Utility Mobile. •...
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ATMOS 41W Table 1 Installation (continued) Mount Toward True North Place the top of the mounting post under the mounting shelf in the mounting bracket. Orient the N engraved on the side of the instrument to point true north (not magnetic north).
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(continued) Press Test in ZENTRA Utility Mobile to check the quality of the cellular signal before finalizing installation. The ATMOS 41W is now installed and active. Data should be available after the first upload.
ATMOS 41W 2.2 CONNECTING Connect to the ATMOS 41W via bluetooth with smartphone or tablet and ZENTRA Utility Mobile. Download ZENTRA Utility Mobile from an app store before going to the field. • Apple iPhone (iOS 11.0 or newer) ® ®...
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OPERATION Once connected, the ZENTRA Utility Mobile screen will show the sensor information and instantaneous sensor readings (Figure 3). Figure 3 Information and current sensor readings...
ATMOS 41W 2.2.2 CONFIGURATION The measurement interval and upload increments can be adjusted here. On the mobile device, open ZENTRA Utility Mobile. Select the ATMOS 41W. Select Configure on the Actions panel (Figure 4). Figure 4 Select Configure...
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OPERATION The Configure Device screen will appear (Figure 5). Figure 5 Configure Device information screen OPTIONAL Change device name (Figure 5). This value is prepopulated with the device serial number. Consider changing the name to the field or plot where the ATMOS 41W is installed. OPTIONAL In the Configure Device window, set the measurement interval to the desired interval (Figure 5).
ATMOS 41W In the Selection menus, choose upload frequency (Figure 6). The default cellular configuration is set to upload data every 60 minutes. Figure 6 Configure Cellular upload frequency Select Done. 10. Select the time segments by clicking the arc segments for the hour intervals.
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OPERATION Select the Test button on the Actions panel (Figure 7). If additional tests are required, press the Start button show on the right side of Figure 8. If the ATMOS 41W cellular test fails, move to a new location and try again. Sometimes, moving just a few meters will provide a successful connection.
ATMOS 41W The screen shown on the left side of Figure 8 will automatically appear on the mobile device. Figure 8 Test status screen 2.2.4 INSTANTANEOUS SENSOR MEASUREMENTS (REFRESH) ZENTRA Utility Mobile will automatically scan the ATMOS 41W every 30 s and refresh the sensor readings.
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OPERATION Figure 9 Refresh function To force a new scan at any time, swipe down on the main screen or hit the Refresh button. The sensor measurement area will refresh.
ATMOS 41W 3. SYSTEM This section describes the ATMOS 41W All-in-One Wireless Weather Station system and reviews the ATMOS 41W data acquisition hardware features and configuration options. Use this information to help optimize each environmental monitoring setup. 3.1 SPECIFICATIONS MEASUREMENT SPECIFICATIONS Solar Radiation Range 0–1,750 W/m...
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SYSTEM Relative Humidity Range 0–100% RH (0.00–1.00) Resolution 0.1% RH Accuracy Sensor measurement accuracy is variable across a range of RH. Refer to the chart in Figure 11 Figure 11 RH sensor accuracy Humidity Sensor Temperature Range –63 to 80 °C Resolution 0.1 °C Accuracy ±0.2 °C...
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ATMOS 41W Horizontal Wind Speed Range 0–30 m/s Resolution 0.01 m/s Accuracy The greater of 0.3 m/s or 3% of measurement Wind Gust Range 0–30 m/s Resolution 0.01 m/s Accuracy The greater of 0.3 m/s or 3# of measurement Wind Direction Range 0°–359.9°...
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Specifications UMTS 3G 5-band cellular module with 2G fallback. Coverage 550+ global partner carriers. Cellular and data hosting service provided by METER. 4G LTE-M: USA, Canada, and slect other countries Contact Customer Support or a METER sales partner for more information.
ATMOS 41W Battery Capacity 6 AA NiMH or alkaline batteries Battery Life Alkaine 7 months typical for hourly uploads or 4 months with 15min data upgrade. NiMH 3+ years with an unobstructed view of the sun. Chargin through solar energy harvesting.
SYSTEM Flared hole Gold electrodes Tipping spoon Downspout & screen Figure 12 ATMOS 41W interior 3.2.1 PYRANOMETER (SOLAR RADIATION) Solar radiation is measured by a pyranometer embedded in the lip of the rain gauge funnel at the top of the ATMOS 41W. Designed, manufactured, and calibrated by experts at Apogee Instruments, Inc., the miniature pyranometer uses a silicon-cell sensor to measure the total incoming (direct and diffuse) solar radiation.
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ATMOS 41W 1000 1100 1200 Figure 13 Spectral response estimate of Apogee silicon-cell pyranometers Spectral response was estimated by multiplying the spectral response of the photodiode, diffuser, and adhesive. Spectral response measurements of diffuser and adhesive were made with a spectrometer, and spectral response data for the photodiode were obtained from the manufacturer.
SYSTEM When powered on, the ATMOS 41W measures the solar radiation once every 3 s and records the instantaneous values. At the end of the measurement interval, the ATMOS 41W outputs the average of the instantaneous values measured during that measurement interval. NOTE: Calibration of the pyranometer is recommended every 2 years.
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ATMOS 41W Spring Pyronometer Rain funnel Battery cap Flared hole Battery cap Drop count electrodes Status indicators Tipping spoon TEST button EC basin Screen Downspout Figure 14 Rain funnel and rain gauge...
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SYSTEM The drop counter adds robustness and resolution to the precipitation measurement in the following ways: • The drop counter does not have moving parts and is not subject to mechanical wear and particulate contamination issues that can cause inaccuracy or complete failure. The tipping spoon mechanisms do have moving parts with friction surfaces and are subject to mechanical wear and particulate contamination issues.
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ATMOS 41W Twist counter-clockwise to unlock from the ATMOS 41W base until the lock/unlock graphic located on the side of the rain gauge funnel is lined up with the notch on the interface plate (Figure 15). Carefully lift off the rain funnel.
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SYSTEM Use a sharp point to push down on the tab to release the connectors Figure 16 Disconnect pyranometer connector 3.2.2.3 REATTACH PYRANOMETER AND RAIN FUNNEL The following instructions explain how to replace the rain funnel. Before replacing the funnel, do the following: Reattach the pyranometer connector by mating the two halves of the white connector and seating them firmly together until the tabs lock (Figure 17).
SYSTEM 3.2.3 ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY (EC) The ATMOS 41W has a small basin that collects a sample of the precipitation stream as the tipping spoon empties. Two small sensing electrodes measure the electrical conductivity (EC) of the water in this basin every time the rainfall tipping spoon tips and records the instantaneous values.
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ATMOS 41W Vapor pressure sensor Teflon screen Figure 19 Vapor pressure sensor If the relative humidity of the air is desired, it can be computed using Equation 1 r ,air Equation 1 where e is the vapor pressure of the air, from the ATMOS 41W, and e ) is saturation vapor pressure at the air temperature given by the ATMOS 41W.
(e.g., evaporation, transpiration, and distribution of water vapor). Therefore, vapor pressure is a much more useful measure of atmospheric moisture than relative humidity. The METER ZENTRA system calculates and outputs vapor pressure deficit (VPD) in the standard data stream. VPD is simply e )–e...
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ATMOS 41W When powered on, the ATMOS 41W measures the air temperature once every 3 s and records the instantaneous values. At the end of the measurement interval, the ATMOS 41W outputs the average of the instantaneous values measured during that measurement interval and the minimum and maximum instantaneous air temperature measurements.
SYSTEM Table 2 Optimized values for air temperature correction (J mol (W/m –1 –1 0.295 0.00083 0.0984 29.3 352.3 Figure 21 Corrected air temperature comparison with the aspirated radiation shield using 1-min measurement intervals Figure 21 shows the results from the temperature correction compared to the aspirated temperature, which shows data sampled at 1 min and not averaged over time.
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ATMOS 41W Anemometer convex surface Figure 22 Anemometer When powered on, the ATMOS 41W measures the wind speed and direction once every 3 s and records the instantaneous wind vector components. At the end of the measurement interval, the ATMOS 41W outputs the average of the instantaneous values for wind speed and direction and the maximum instantaneous wind speed value for wind gusts.
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SYSTEM For a given sound path length, d (m), the number of wavelengths, n, in still air is determined with Equation 5. Equation 5 Here v is the frequency of the sound (Hz). When the air is moving, the speed of sound is the sum of the wind speed and the speed of sound in still air.
ATMOS 41W Where the overbar indicates an average of the values sampled every 10 s, wind direction is computed with Equation 11. θ = tan ( v / u ) −1 Equation 11 The wind measurement through more frequent SDI-12 commands requires 42 ms to complete.
SYSTEM that the solar panels allow for long term recharge under most natural light conditions. There may be local obstructions that make another orientation more favorable, however, failure to orient the instrument to true north will result in erroneous wind direction measurements. The ATMOS 41W will charge the batteries even during periods of low light levels (e.g., winter time or heavy overcast conditions) When considering install location, take into consideration mature vegetation that could...
ATMOS 41W 3.2.11 TIMEKEEPING The ATMOS 41W keeps track of time using Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) s. All models can synchronize time using ZENTRA Utility Mobile. Additionally, the ATMOS 41W synchronizes time using the GPS receiver or the cellular network. The ATMOS 41W prioritizes using GPS time since this will be the most accurate;...
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SYSTEM The ATMOS 41W stores encoded data for each sensor to make data storage and transmitting convenient. ZENTRA software automatically decodes the sensor data to display them correctly. 3.2.12.2 INTERNAL SENSOR MEASUREMENT FREQUENCY The ATMOS 41W has a data acquisition system that records measurements from the individual sensors at predefined frequencies as described in Table 3 below.
ATMOS 41W 3.2.13 BATTERIES The ATMOS 41W is designed to use either AA NiMH rechargeable batteries or AA alkaline nonrechargeable batteries. The instrument auto detects the type of batteries installed and automatically adjusts the internal thresholds to represent 100% and 0% battery power.
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SYSTEM 3.2.13.1 REMOVE BATTERY COVER AND PACK Remove the rain funnel (Section 3.2.2.1). Locate the battery cap. Remove the two screws with a Phillips screwdriver. Life off the cap (Figure 24) The battery pack will most likely come up with the cap. NOTE: Be careful not to damage the battery pack wire when disconnecting as the battery pack is removed.
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ATMOS 41W Slide the battery pack out of the battery cap (Figure 25). Battery cap Battery pack w/6 batteries Figure 25 Battery pack removed from cap Replace batteries. NOTE: Make sure replaced battery polarity and battery pack orientation are correct. The wire connecting the battery pack to the unit will be oriented up (Figure 26).
SYSTEM 3.2.13.2 REPLACE BATTERY PACK AND COVER Hold the battery pack with the cable as shown in Figure 27. Figure 27 Battery pack with cable oriented for replacement Attach the cable connector to the 2-pin connection inside the battery compartment. Place the battery pack into the battery compartment. Replace the battery cap over the battery pack.
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ATMOS 41W To access the TEST button, remove the rain funnel (Section 3.2.2.1) and press the TEST button (Figure 28) to initiate the self-test sequence. The self-test can take 60 s or more if testing communications over the cellular network. TEST button Figure 28 TEST button...
SYSTEM Table 4 Internal System Functionality Testing (continued) Internal Tests Light Indication Test failure Red light solid Possible failure reasons: • corrupt ATMOS 41W firmware • low battery power • unsuccessful cellular communications Use ZENTRA Utility Mobile to identify where the self-tests may have failed (Section 4.1) or consult troubleshooting (Table 7) to resolve sensor errors.
NOTE: Contact Customer Support or a METER sales partner for more information if more frequent uploads are needed. The ATMOS 41W is available with either a 3G or 4G LTE-M cellular communication module and is configured to operate with more than 550 roaming partner networks in 190 countries.
How does the ATMOS 41W perform under below freezing and snowy conditions (meter.ly/41w-freezing-snow) for more information on ATMOS 41W performance in high-latitude winter. 3.3.2 HEAVY RAIN AND STRONG WIND During strong storm events, water can splash off of the convex bottom surface of the anemometer envelope and interrupt the signal passing between the sonic transducers.
4.2 ZENTRA CLOUD ATMOS 41W data are accessed online via ZENTRA Cloud, a web application used to download, view, and share data as well as to change configurations. The ATMOS 41W requires a paid subscription to use ZENTRA Cloud. See Add ATMOS 41W to ZENTRA Cloud on page 7...
(two instruments each year) at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado. NREL reference standards are calibrated to the World Radiometric Reference (WRR) in Davos, Switzerland. • METER recommends using the model from the Clear Sky Calculator (clearskycalculator.
• A custom pyranometer calibration factor can be calculated using the Clear Sky Calculator. Neither Apogee Instruments nor METER guarantee this method is as accurate as a new unit that has recently been calibrated, but, if done properly, it should result in better than 5% accuracy in the solar radiation measurements.
Relative humidity (RH) <0.25% RH/year Every 2 years All other sensors Not needed Calibrated, field-swappable replacement pyranometers are available from METER. Contact Customer Support purchase a new funnel and consult Instructions for Swapping ATMOS 41W Funnel (meter.ly/41W-funnel-replace) for instructions on field swapping the pyranometer.
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ATMOS 41W Ultrasonic transducers Ultrasonic transducers Temperature sensor Figure 30 Temperature sensor and ultrasonic transducers Check the following areas to make sure they are clear of miscellaneous environmental, animal (specifically bird droppings) and insect debris, or spider webs: Ultrasonic transducer openings (Figure 30) Rain funnel (Figure 31)
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SERVICE Anemometer convex surface Figure 32 Convex base plate Clean the ATMOS 41W body. Scrub with light to medium pressure using a warm, damp cloth. Clean around posts and between crevices using a dry brush. Check the downspout (Figure 33) for debris. If there is debris in the downspout, remove the debris.
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ATMOS 41W Downspout Figure 33 Downspout Observe the Teflon screen (Figure 34) If the screen is dirty, METER recommends replacing it with a new screen. Contact Customer Support for a replacement Teflon screen.
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SERVICE Vapor pressure sensor Teflon screen Figure 34 Teflon screen Clean the precipitation basin and EC sensor. Remove the rain funnel (Section 3.2.2.1). Detach the rain funnel (Section 3.2.2.2). Locate the precipitation basin and EC Sensor (Figure 35). NOTE: Do not touch the screws without gloved hands and never contact the sensors with any source of oil or other nonconducting residue.
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ATMOS 41W EC basin EC sensors Figure 35 EC basin and EC sensor Clean out any residue inthe basin including the back of the downspout screen. Clean the screws using a mild detergent such as liquid dish soap and a nonabrasive sponge or cloth.
METER. Contact Customer Support for more information. ZENTRA Utility mobile makes it easy to send feedback, bug reports, and feature requests to METER (Section 4.1). The ATMOS 41W requires little maintenance when installed correctly. Be sure to check the ATMOS 41W and sensor data periodically:...
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ATMOS 41W Table 7 Troubleshooting the ATMOS 41W Problem Possible Solutions Press the TEST button (Section 3.2.15) on to reset the ATMOS 41W. Check device batteries. Replace alkaline batteries if close to 0%. Recharge NiMH batteries if close to 0%. ATMOS 41W not responding Check for corrosion or water damage.
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SERVICE Table 7 Troubleshooting the ATMOS 41W (continued) Problem Possible Solutions Carefully remove the funnel Section 3.2.2.1 Section 3.2.2.2. NOTE: BE CAREFUL TO UNPLUG THE PYRANOMETER CONNECTOR INSIDE THE FUNNEL BEFORE DETACHING THE FUNNEL. No pyranometer reading Make sure the pyranometer plug (Section 3.2.2.3) is plugged in.
ATMOS 41W Table 7 Troubleshooting the ATMOS 41W (continued) Problem Possible Solutions Check instrument batteries. Red ERROR light and/or green Press the TEST button to reset the ATMOS 41W. OK light are always on If the problem persists, contact Customer Support.
NOTE: For products purchased through a distributor, please contact the distributor directly for assistance. 5.8 TERMS AND CONDITIONS By using METER instruments and documentation, you agree to abide by the METER Group, Inc. USA Terms and Conditions. Please refer to metergroup.com/terms-conditions...
• SH6MDBT40 (all ZL6 series) • XPY2AGQN4NNN • XPYLISAU201 or XPYLISAU200 Changes or modifications to the ZL6 series loggers or antenna not expressly approved by METER Group, Inc. could void FCC compliance and thus the user’s authority to operate the equipment. A.2 CANADA Industry Canada (IC) Notices This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian CAN ICES-3(B) / NMB-3(B) and RSS-210.
This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter except as authorized in the certification of the product. A full CE declaration of conformity for the ZL6 is available on request from METER Group.
ATMOS 41W A.4 JAPAN TELEC (Japan) The ZL6 series loggers contain one or more of the following radio modules that are TELEC/ JATE certified. All ZL6 series (Bluetooth module) • Technical Requirements certified type number: 201-160496 ZL6 with TELEC-approved 3G UMTS cellular module •...
REFERENCES REFERENCES Campbell GS, Unsworth MH. 1979. An inexpensive sonic anemometer for eddy correlation. J Appl Meteor. 18:1072–1077. Buck AL. 1981. New equations for computing vapor pressure and enhancement factor. J Appl Meteor. 20:1527–1432. Robinson RA, Stokes RH. 1970. Electrolyte Solutions. 2nd ed. New York (NY). Dover Publications.
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