Gill Instruments MetPak II User Manual
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Gill Instruments MetPak II User Manual

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MetPak II Part: 1723-PK-100
Serial Number 11270001 onwards
Firmware 2436 V2.01 and higher
User Manual
MetPak II ▪ MetPak II Remote
Doc No: 1723-PS-0001
MetPak II R Part: 1723-PK-150
Serial Number 11300011 onwards
Firmware 2436 V2.01 and higher
Issue 9

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Summary of Contents for Gill Instruments MetPak II

  • Page 1 Doc No: 1723-PS-0001 Issue 9 User Manual MetPak II ▪ MetPak II Remote MetPak II Part: 1723-PK-100 MetPak II R Part: 1723-PK-150 Serial Number 11270001 onwards Serial Number 11300011 onwards Firmware 2436 V2.01 and higher Firmware 2436 V2.01 and higher...
  • Page 2 2010 Gill Instruments Ltd. All rights reserved. © Thank you for purchasing the MetPak II/MetPak II R manufactured by Gill Instruments Ltd. To achieve optimum performance we recommend that you read the whole of this manual before proceeding with use.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Configuring MetPak II/MetPak II R using MetSet ..........35 3.2.2 MetSet Editing Screen ..................37 3.2.3 Configuring using HyperTerminal ..............39 3.2.4 Configuring MetPak II/MetPak II R for NMEA Output........43 3.2.5 Configuring MetPak II/MetPak II R for SDI-12..........44 3.2.6 SDI-12 Commands ..................44 3.2.7 Safe Mode .......................
  • Page 4 Setting up data logging Figure 20 A typical data log (viewed in Windows Notepad) Figure 21 Opening MetSet Screen Figure 22 Summary of MetPak II/MetPak II R Device Settings using MetSet Tables Table 1 Abbreviations Table 2 Recommended Belden cable types...

  • Page 5: Figure 1 Metpak

    Table 12 Common problems and their solution Table 13 Status codes as output with the MetPak II/MetPak II R data string Table 14 HygroClip connections (6-way connector J1) Table 15 MetPak II WindSonic anemometer connections (8-way connector J4) Table 16...

  • Page 7: Introduction

    1. Introduction MetPak II MetPak II is a compact and lightweight multi-sensor instrument that measures the most essential weather parameters. Gill ultrasonic technology, as used in the proven WindSonic instrument, measures wind speed and direction. Temperature and Humidity are measured and Dewpoint calculated using an industry standard probe housed in a naturally aspirated radiation shield.

  • Page 8: Figure 2 Metpak Ii R

    Introduction MetPak II R With all the features of the MetPak II the MetPak II R is a compact and lightweight multi-sensor instrument that measures the most essential weather parameters. Gill ultrasonic technology, as used in the proven WindSonic instrument, measures wind speed and direction at up to 10 metres from the Hub box and bracket assembly using a 10 metre extension cable.

  • Page 9: Principle Of Operation

    1.1.1 Wind Speed and Direction Sensor The MetPak II/MetPak II R uses the WindSonic wind speed and direction sensor. 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.

  • Page 10: Radiation Shield

    Barometric pressure output is provided by a solid-state device fitted on to the circuit ® board in the MetPak II/MetPak II R hub box. Vent to atmosphere is via a Gore-Tex filter, which protects the pressure sensor from the effects of wind and rain.

  • Page 11: Abbreviations

    Very High Frequency WIMWV Wind Instrument Mean Wind direction and Velocity WIXDR Wind Instrument Cross track error Dead Reckoning World Meteorological Organisation MetPak II and Met Pak II R User Manual © Last Change Gill Instruments Ltd 09 March, 2012 Page 5...

  • Page 12: Initial Test Guides

    Initial Test Guides 1.3.1 MetPak II (Part 1723-PK-100) This section provides an overview of the installation and operation of MetPak II. For more detailed information about any of the steps, use the references to other sections of this manual. Decide how you are going to connect MetPak II to your PC or communications network.
  • Page 13 Tighten the mounting bracket to hold the unit firmly in place. Connect the communications cable to your PC or network device. Place the MetPak II CD in your PC’s CD drive and install MetView. Run MetView. Click on the Scan button. MetView Software searches for the MetPak II connection.

  • Page 14: Metpak Ii R (Part 1723-Pk-150)

    Introduction 1.3.2 MetPak II R (Part 1723-PK-150) This section provides an overview of the installation and operation of MetPak II R. For more detailed information about any of the steps, use the references to other sections of this manual. Decide how you are going to connect MetPak II R to your PC or communications network.
  • Page 15 Replace the top on the connection box. Tighten the gland on the connection port to seal the cable in place. Connect the communications cable to your PC or network device. Place the MetPak II/MetPak II R CD in your PC’s CD drive and install MetView. Run MetView.

  • Page 16: Installation

    Installation 2. Installation MetPak II/MetPak II R has been designed to meet and exceed the stringent standards listed in its specification (see Para 6.1). Pre-Installation Checks As with any sophisticated electronics, good engineering practice should be followed to ensure correct operation: ...

  • Page 17: Installation

    Cabling MetPak II R 10 Metre Cabling If using a MetPak II R unit this comes with an integral 10 metre, Belden 8104 cable fitted to the hub box connector J4 (see Table 16) and terminated in clipper connector solder contacts for installing into a WindSonic Connector (supplied).
  • Page 18 White/Orange wire to Connector Pin 2 Orange/White wire to Connector Pin 3 Blue/White wire to Connector Pin 4 White/Blue wire to Connector Pin 6 Rear View of Connector MetPak II and MetPak II R User Manual © Gill Instruments Ltd Last Change Page 12...
  • Page 19 Now screw the next part of the connector into place. 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. MetPak II and Met Pak II R User Manual © Last Change Gill Instruments Ltd...

  • Page 20: Table 2 Recommended Belden Cable Types

    Installation Communication Cabling MetPak II/MetPak II R has five communication connection options:  USB (using the 1.8m Gill USB cable, Part No. 1723-10-051).  RS232  RS422  RS485 (two wire point to point)  SDI-12 It is important that the cable is appropriate for the chosen communication network.
  • Page 21 You can also earth the MetPak II/MetPak II R through its mountings or by connecting a grounding cable (minimum of 6mm² copper wire) to a spare MetPak II/MetPak II R metalwork bolt hole. Clean off any paint that might prevent a good connection.

  • Page 22: Communication Connections

    2.2.4 Communication connections To connect MetPak II/MetPak II R: Open MetPak II/MetPak II R’s hub box by unfastening the four screws. Locate connector J5 (see Figure 5). Carefully pull the connector off its circuit board pins. Strip the cable wires to 8mm.

  • Page 23: Figure 6 Connection Of Gill Usb Cable (Part No. 1723-10-051)

    Installation USB Lead Connection (COMMS set for RS232) Connect to Hub box J5 Connect MetPak II/MetPak II R to a PC USB port using the Gill Configuration Cable 1723-10-051. J5 Pin Colour None None Yellow Orange None None Black Figure 6 Connection of Gill USB Cable (Part No.

  • Page 24: Figure 8 Rs422 Connections

    Installation Digital Output RS422 Connections (COMMS set for RS422) This is not the default communications setting; ensure the MetPak II/MetPak II R has been configured for this output requirement before wiring to a user device. J5 Hub Box RS422 to RS232...

  • Page 25: Figure 10 Sdi-12 Connections

    Installation Digital Output SDI-12 Connections (COMMS set for SDI12) This is not the default communications setting; ensure the MetPak II/MetPak II R has been configured for this output requirement before wiring to a user device. J5 Hub Box 8 Way Push fit Block...

  • Page 26: Mounting Metpak Ii And Metpak Ii R

    Position It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that the MetPak II is mounted in a position clear of any structure, including the mounting post, which may obstruct the airflow or induce turbulence.

  • Page 27: Figure 11 Correct Mounting Position For Metpak

    Installation Figure 11 Correct mounting position for MetPak II MetPak II and Met Pak II R User Manual © Last Change Gill Instruments Ltd 09 March, 2012 Page 21...
  • Page 28 Temperature, Humidity and Barometric Hub box assembly should be mounted between 1.25 metres and 2 metres above ground. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that the MetPak II R is mounted in a position clear of any structure, including the mounting post, which may obstruct the airflow or induce turbulence.

  • Page 29: Figure 12 Windsonic Sensor Mounting

    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. Figure 12 WindSonic Sensor Mounting MetPak II and Met Pak II R User Manual © Last Change Gill Instruments Ltd...

  • Page 30: Figure 13 Correct Mounting Position For Metpak Ii R Parts

    Installation Figure 13 Correct mounting position for MetPak II R parts MetPak II and MetPak II R User Manual © Gill Instruments Ltd Last Change Page 24 09 March, 2012...

  • Page 31: Operation

    Start > Programs > MetView > MetView The MetView Control Centre window is displayed Scan Button– If MetPak II/ MetPak II R transmit and receive wires are connected to the PC then use the Scan button to connect to MetView.

  • Page 32: Scanning For Devices

    Figure 15 Scanning for MetPak II/MetPak II R Devices When a device is found, MetView obtains the MetPak II/ MetPak II R configuration settings and then retrieves and displays MetPak II/MetPak II R data. MetPak II and MetPak II R User Manual ©...

  • Page 33: The Metview Console

    Indicates MetPak II/MetPak II logging or communicating correctly with MetView along with reading the MetPak II/MetPak II R firmware version. Red Background Cross Indicates MetPak II/MetPak II R not logging or not connected/communicating to MetView. Indicates the output rate of the MetPak II/MetPak II 1.00Hz R when connected.

  • Page 34: Metview Console Display Options

    Operation 3.1.4 MetView Console Display Options MetView Console buttons can convert data from the MetPak II/MetPak II R to read different units or scale settings. This does not alter the actual MetPak II/MetPak II R configuration. Units shown in bold denote default settings...

  • Page 35: Metview Gauge Ranges And Graphs

    MetView Pressure, Humidity and Temperature Gauge ranges may be changed to view changes in conditions more visibly. Note, These changes only affect MetView settings and do not affect the MetPak II or MetPak II R output. For instance if the typical temperature measurement range required is from +10 degrees to +40 deg C then the temperature gauge range can be adjusted to reflect this.

  • Page 36: Figure 18 Metview Graph

    Note. Data is only shown up to the time when the graph function is selected, the graph is not updated once opened. Data is collected from the time that MetView is opened and reading data from a MetPak II or MetPak II R. Double Click on the reading to bring up the graph.

  • Page 37: Data Logging

    NOTE. MetView logs data based on the MetPak II/MetPak II R configuration not on the MetView console settings. To log MetPak II/MetPak II R data, click on the Logging button on the MetView console. The Logging dialog box is displayed.
  • Page 38 Logging check box. Click on the OK button. If logging has stopped, the Logging button shows a red background cross instead of the green background tick (see above). MetPak II and MetPak II R User Manual © Gill Instruments Ltd...

  • Page 39: Figure 20 A Typical Data Log (Viewed In Windows Notepad)

    Wind direction  Wind speed  Pressure  Humidity  Temperature  Dewpoint  Supply voltage  Status code  Checksum MetPak II and Met Pak II R User Manual © Last Change Gill Instruments Ltd 09 March, 2012 Page 33...

  • Page 40: Configuring Metpak Ii/Metpak Ii R

    Operation Configuring MetPak II/MetPak II R MetPak II/MetPak II R can be configured using:  Gill MetSet or a terminal program such as Windows HyperTerminal.  Gill Wind software used as a Terminal Program only. The default configuration settings are listed in the following table.

  • Page 41: Configuring Metpak Ii/Metpak Ii R Using Metset

    3.2.1 Configuring MetPak II/MetPak II R using MetSet Before you use MetSet check that MetPak II/MetPak II R is correctly connected to a COM or USB port on your PC. NOTE: MetSet is compatible with RS232 and RS422 connected units only.

  • Page 42: Figure 22 Summary Of Metpak Ii/Metpak Ii R Device Settings Using Metset

    Session Report File that can be accessed from the following destination. C:\Program Files\Gill Instruments\MetSet\SessionReports Close Summary of Device Settings screen to go to the Editing screens. Figure 22 Summary of MetPak II/MetPak II R Device Settings using MetSet MetPak II and MetPak II R User Manual © Gill Instruments Ltd...

  • Page 43: Metset Editing Screen

    MetPak II/MetPak II R configuration settings to a PC file location, upload MetPak II/MetPak II R configuration settings from a PC file and view the MetPak II/MetPak II R raw data string output. MetPak II/MetPak II R Editing Screens...
  • Page 44 Save Edited Screen Click on ‘Save Settings to Device’ this will change the MetPak Unit configuration Settings to MetPak to reflect the new MetSet settings. MetPak II and MetPak II R User Manual © Gill Instruments Ltd Last Change Page 38...

  • Page 45: Configuring Using Hyperterminal

    6. Setting Up HyperTerminal To configure MetPak II/MetPak II R using HyperTerminal: Select an available Com port and connect the MetPak II/MetPak II R unit. Run Hypertrm.exe (Typically accessed via Start | All Programs | Accessories | Communications | Hyperterminal).

  • Page 46: Table 10 Metpak Ii/Metpak Ii R Configuration Commands

    ?A-Z A | ?B | to ?Z Retrieves a line of data from a MetPak II/MetPak II R set for Polled mode with a Node identifier set to A to Z. Note. The unit MUST be allowed 9.5 seconds from switch on to be operational before the ? is used to enable polling, or it will be missed.
  • Page 47 REPORT STATUS - reports MetPak Unit status codes and Checksum only. NMEA. REPORT NMEA – reports Wind (WIMWV data), Temperature, Relative Humidity and Barometric pressure (WIXDR data) in NMEA 0183 format. MetPak II and Met Pak II R User Manual © Last Change Gill Instruments Ltd...

  • Page 48: Table 11 Abbreviations Used In Unit Configuration Command

    Gives 1023.4,319,000.05,+023.5,038.3,00,1D NOTE. A Hex Checksum figure will always be reported. SENSOR Command not used. SERIAL Used to report the MetPak II/MetPak II R serial number. e.g. 00000008 SWVER Returns the MetPak Unit Firmware version e.g. SWVER = 2436 V2.01 UNITS Valid values are dependent on sensor type.

  • Page 49: Configuring Metpak Ii/Metpak Ii R For Nmea Output

    3.2.4 Configuring MetPak II/MetPak II R for NMEA Output. To configure a MetPak II/MetPak II R for RS422, 4800 Baud and NMEA 0183 output: Place the MetPak II/MetPak II R into SETUP MODE as detailed on page 39. Type REPORT NMEA and press Enter.

  • Page 50: Configuring Metpak Ii/Metpak Ii R For Sdi-12

    Configuring MetPak II/MetPak II R for SDI-12 To configure a MetPak II/MetPak II R unit for SDI-12: Place the MetPak II/MetPak II R into SETUP MODE as detailed on page 39. Type COMMS SDI12 and press Enter. Until the unit is restarted, the COMMS setting will remain unchanged.
  • Page 51 0+1013.0<CR><LF> above data. aM9! Power Voltage (Volts) atttn<CR><LF> 00011<CR><LF> 0D0! Retrieve a line of the a<voltage><CR><LF> 0+12.5<CR><LF> above data. MetPak II and Met Pak II R User Manual © Last Change Gill Instruments Ltd 09 March, 2012 Page 45...
  • Page 52 0+1017.8GM <CR><LF> above data. aMC9! Power Voltage (Volts) and atttn<CR><LF> 00011<CR><LF> 0D0! Retrieve a line of the a<voltage><CRC><CR><LF> 0+12.2K@R<CR><LF> above data. MetPak II and MetPak II R User Manual © Gill Instruments Ltd Last Change Page 46 09 March, 2012...

  • Page 53: Safe Mode

    A blank HyperTerminal screen will be opened. Hold down the * key on the keypad. With the * key still held down, apply power to the MetPak II/MetPak II R. This will result in placing the unit into SAFE MODE.
  • Page 54 Power down the MetPak II/MetPak II R and re-apply power. Open a new HyperTerminal program at 19200-baud rate. RS232 data will now scroll on screen at the MetPak II/MetPak II R default 19200- baud rate. The * command can now be used if required to place the unit into SETUP mode and make any other changes to the MetPak II/MetPak II R configuration.

  • Page 55: Fault-Finding

    No output Check that in-line communication devices are wired correctly. NOTE: It is usual for the MetPak II/MetPak II R TX + to be connected to converter device RX +. If appropriate use Safe Mode to attempt to obtain communication with the MetPak II/MetPak II R.

  • Page 56: Bench Tests

    Bench Tests Carry out a bench test as follows: Connect the MetPak II/MetPak II R unit to the host PC and power supply, using a known working test cable. Check that the unit is correctly configured by going into Set Up mode (see page 39).
  • Page 57 NOTE: The WindSonic used on the MetPak II R is specifically built to interface with a MetPak II R. It cannot be used for other applications . Option1 to 3 WindSonics cannot be configured or be used with MetPak II R.
  • Page 58 Alternatively to check the Anemometer Output with Wind Software opened as previously or with an opened HyperTerminal connection:- Type ? Type Q The WindSensor should respond with one line of Wind data. MetPak II and MetPak II R User Manual © Gill Instruments Ltd Last Change Page 52...

  • Page 59: Maintenance

    Rotronic for calibration. Refer to the Rotronic Website for more details: http://www.rotronic-humidity.com/content/meta/kontakt.php NOTE. If you return the sensor to a HygroClip supplier for exchange, please request that the return unit has the dewpoint feature enabled. MetPak II and Met Pak II R User Manual © Last Change Gill Instruments Ltd...
  • Page 60 If the unit has to be returned, it should be carefully packed in the original packaging and returned to your authorised Gill distributor, with a full description of the fault condition. An RMA number should be obtained from Gill Instruments first if returning directly to Gill Instruments.

  • Page 61: Technical Information

    % RH Dew Point Resolution 0.1C (0.1F) Accuracy 0.15C (23C ambient temp @20C dew point) Units of Measure C or F MetPak II and Met Pak II R User Manual © Last Change Gill Instruments Ltd 09 March, 2012 Page 55...
  • Page 62 25mm to 50mm. WindSonic mount on pipe 44.45mm diameter with 3mm wall thickness (MetPak II R). Weight 1.1kg (including bracket) MetPak II and Met Pak II R User Manual © Last Change Gill Instruments Ltd 09 March, 2012...

  • Page 63: Hub Pcb Connections

     HygroClip (Factory connections).  WindSonic Anemometer (Factory connections MetPak II)  WindSonic 10 Metre Cable (Factory connections MetPak II R).  RS232/RS422/RS485 and SDI-12 communications (User Connections) Connection details are also found on the hub box lid. Table 14...
  • Page 64 Supply +ve (4.5v to 30v dc) NOTE. J2, a 12-way expansion board connector and J3, a 5-way connector are not used in the current version MetPak II and Met Pak II R User Manual © Last Change Gill Instruments Ltd...

  • Page 65: Electrical Conformity Certificate

    Electrical Conformity Certificate EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ACCORDING TO COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 2004/108/EC We, Gill Instruments Ltd., declare under our sole responsibility that the products: MetPak II and MetPak II R Weather Stations Manufactured by: Gill Instruments Ltd to which this declaration relates, are in conformity with the protection requirements of Council Directive 2004/108/EC on the approximation of the laws relating to electromagnetic compatibility.
  • Page 66 Fax: +44 (0) 1590 613501 E-mail: anem@gill.co.uk Website: www.gill.co.uk Copyright  Gill Instruments 2011 Reg No: 3154453 MetPak II and Met Pak II R User Manual Registered Office: The George Business Centre, Christchurch Road, New Milton, BH25 6QJ © Last Change Gill Instruments Ltd...

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