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Campbell ClimaVue 50 G2 Product Manual

Compact digital weather sensor
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PRODUCT MANUAL
ClimaVue™50 G2
Compact Digital Weather Sensor
03/2025
Copyright © 2018 – 2025
Campbell Scientific, Inc.

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Summary of Contents for Campbell ClimaVue 50 G2

  • Page 1 PRODUCT MANUAL ClimaVue™50 G2 Compact Digital Weather Sensor 03/2025 Copyright © 2018 – 2025 Campbell Scientific, Inc.

  • Page 2: Please Read First

    U.S. standard external power supply details where some information (for example the AC transformer input voltage) will not be applicable for British/European use. Please note, however, that when a power supply adapter is ordered from Campbell Scientific it will be suitable for use in your country.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of contents 1. Introduction 2. Precautions 3. Initial inspection 4. QuickStart 5. Overview 5.1 Liquid precipitation gauge 5.2 Pyranometer 5.3 Anemometer 5.4 Relative humidity sensor 5.5 Thermistor 5.6 Tilt sensor 5.7 Barometric pressure sensor 5.8 Lightning sensor 6. Specifications 7.
  • Page 4 8.5 Correcting pressure to sea level 8.6 Bird spike kit and solar radiation data 8.6.1 Proper installation 9. Troubleshooting and maintenance 9.1 Maintenance and calibration 9.2 Troubleshooting Appendix A. Importing Short Cut code into CRBasic Editor Appendix B. Determining True North and sensor orientation Appendix C.

  • Page 5: Introduction

    To avoid shock or damage to the instrument, never apply power while wiring. Ensure the ClimaVue 50 G2 is properly wired to the data logger before applying power. Applying power when incorrectly wired could damage the ClimaVue 50 G2 beyond repair.

  • Page 6: Initial Inspection

    Debris blocking the downspout screen can result in over reporting of rainfall. When attaching the extension cable to the ClimaVue 50 G2 cable, only hand tighten the connectors. Using tools to tighten the connectors can permanently weld the stainless steel connectors together.
  • Page 7 3. In the Available Sensors and Devices box, type ClimaVue or locate the sensor in the Sensors > Meteorological > Basic Weather folder. Double-click ClimaVue 50 G2. 4. Type the correct SDI-12 Address (default is zero). Type the elevation of the site in the same units as the Site elevation units.
  • Page 8 (C) and change it to an unused control terminal, then use the ClimaVue 50 G2 factory default address of 0 for the SDI-12 address. If an unused control terminal is not available, type a new SDI-12 address in the SDI-12 address box, then change...
  • Page 9 9. If the sensor is connected to the data logger, check the output of the sensor in the data display in LoggerNet, RTDAQ, or PC400 to make sure it is making reasonable measurements. ClimaVue 50 G2 Compact Digital Weather Sensor...

  • Page 10: Overview

    5. Overview All sensors are integrated into a single, small, form-factor unit, requiring minimal installation effort. With a robust design that prevents errors because of wear, the ClimaVue 50 G2 is ideal for long-term, remote installations. Features: All common meteorological measurements with one simple digital (SDI-12) output...

  • Page 11: Pyranometer

    The ClimaVue 50 G2 calculates wind speed by measuring differences in the time it takes for sound to travel back and forth between the transducers.

  • Page 12: Thermistor

    After initial leveling with a small level or the built-in bubble level, the internal tilt sensor helps users keep the ClimaVue 50 G2 level. Regularly check the X and Y tilt data. Adjust the ClimaVue 50 G2 leveling if it has tilted. More than two degrees off level can cause errors in the rain and solar radiation measurements.

  • Page 13: Specifications

    0 to 100% Varies with temperature and humidity, ±3% RH typical. Figure 6-2 (p. 11) shows accuracies for different temperature and humidity. Barometric pressure 10 to 1200hPa 0.1 hPa ±5 hPa at 25 °C ClimaVue 50 G2 Compact Digital Weather Sensor...
  • Page 14 Lightning strike count 0 to 65535 strikes 1 strike Variable with distance, >25% detection at <10 km, typical Lightning average 0 to 40 km 3 km Variable distance Figure 6-1. Vapor pressure accuracy at different temperatures and relative humidity ClimaVue 50 G2 Compact Digital Weather Sensor...

  • Page 15: Installation

    (p. 12). See QuickStart (p. 2) for a Short Cut tutorial. Refer to the Aspen 10 manual, available at www.campbellsci.com/aspen10 , for information about using the Aspen 10 with the ClimaVue 50 G2. ClimaVue 50 G2 Compact Digital Weather Sensor...

  • Page 16: Wiring To The Data Logger

    For the CR6 and CR1000X, triggering conflicts may occur when a companion terminal is used for a triggering instruction such as TimerInput(), PulseCount(), or WaitDigTrig(). For example, if the ClimaVue 50 G2 is connected to C3 on a CR1000X, C4 cannot be used in the TimerInput(), PulseCount(), or WaitDigTrig() instructions.

  • Page 17: Crbasic Programming

    Ensure that the solar radiation sensor is not shaded. 7.4 Mounting The ClimaVue 50 G2 includes a V-bolt for mounting to a pipe with a nominal outer diameter of 31.8 to 50.8 mm (1.25 to 2.0 in). The CM310 mounting pole is recommended to mount the ClimaVue 50 G2 with a small enclosure and solar panel (no other sensors).

  • Page 18: Required Tools

    1. If using a crossarm, attach the mounting tube to the crossarm by using the CM220 Right Angle Mounting Kit, then mount the crossarm to the tripod or tower (Figure 7-1 [p. 14]). Figure 7-1. ClimaVue50, MetSENS, or WindSonic Mounting Pipe Kit and crossarm ClimaVue 50 G2 Compact Digital Weather Sensor...
  • Page 19 2. Loosely mount the ClimaVue 50 G2 to the tripod mast, CM300-series pole, or mounting tube by using the V-bolt, washers, and nuts (Figure 7-2 [p. 15]). Figure 7-2. ClimaVue 50 G2 mounted to a pole with V-bolt and nuts 3.
  • Page 20 Figure 7-4 (p. 16), and hand tighten the connectors. NOTE: Aspen10 applications do not require an extension cable because the ClimaVue 50 G2 includes a 1.5 m cable with an 8-pin connector that directly connects to the Aspen10. CAUTION: Hand tighten only! Using tools to tighten the connectors can permanently weld the stainless steel connectors together.

  • Page 21: Optional Bird Spike Kit

    Bird spike kit and solar radiation data (p. 26). The optional bird-spike kit helps discourage birds from roosting on the ClimaVue 50 G2. The kit consists of a plastic ring with flexible spikes. When installed, the spikes point upwards and extend 10.2 cm (4 in) above the funnel.
  • Page 22 Figure 7-5. Spikes inserted into the plastic ring slots 5. Tug upward on each spike to make sure the spike is pressed in. 6. Position the ring on top of the ClimaVue 50 G2 with the pyranometer aligned with the triangle between two spikes (Figure 7-6 [p.

  • Page 23: Operation

    7. Press finished bird deterrent onto the ClimaVue 50 G2 funnel to at least the depth shown in Figure 7-6 (p. 18). NOTE: You can bend the spikes to minimize the shadow on the pyranometer. 8. Operation 8.1 Sensor measurements 8.1.1 Measurements at fast scan rates...
  • Page 24 , or the videos SDI-12 Sensors | Watch or Sniffer Mode SDI-12 Sensors | Transparent Mode Table 8-1: Standard ClimaVue 50 G2 SDI-12 commands SDI-12 command Values returned (units) or function aR7! 1. Solar flux density (W/m 2. Precipitation (mm) 3.
  • Page 25 Table 8-1: Standard ClimaVue 50 G2 SDI-12 commands SDI-12 command Values returned (units) or function aM1! 1. Tilt North(+)/South(–) orientation (°) 2. Tilt West(+)/East(–) orientation (°) 3. Compass heading, disabled (°) aM3! 1. Strike distance (km) 2. Relative humidity (fraction [0 to 1]) 3.
  • Page 26 Table 8-1: Standard ClimaVue 50 G2 SDI-12 commands SDI-12 command Values returned (units) or function Error flag where: No issue present Sensor misorientation error will likely affect readings. Reorient the sensor. Sensor thermistor is broken and sensor is using a backup measurement Contact Customer Support.

  • Page 27: Measurements At Fast Scan Rates

    If a compatible data logger is not available to update the sensor, send the sensor to the factory to have Campbell Scientific update the OS. A returned material authorization (RMA) and completion of the “Statement of Product Cleanliness and Decontamination” form are required.
  • Page 28 OS. 1. Download the update file from the Campbell Scientific website and run the self-extracting executable. The extraction takes only a moment, and a dialog box will indicate that the OS file has been saved on the computer in the C:\Campbellsci\Lib\OperatingSystems directory.

  • Page 29: Snow And Ice Accumulation

    8.3 Snow and ice accumulation The ClimaVue 50 G2 is not heated, so it will not measure frozen precipitation until snow and ice that have accumulated in the funnel melt. In locations with heavy snowfall or long periods below freezing, snow will fill the funnel and no longer accumulate, leading to inaccurate precipitation measurements even when the precipitation melts.

  • Page 30: Correcting Pressure To Sea Level

    That value (dP) is then added to the absolute pressure measurement returned by the ClimaVue 50 G2 as seen in the example program. Once that is done, the program shows the pressure conversion to hPa. U. S. Standard Atmosphere and dry air were assumed when Eq.
  • Page 31 On a mostly clear sky day, the error caused by the bird spike kit was a decrease in total solar radiation by 3.0% and 4.7% for two ClimaVue 50 G2 pyranometer sensors. On a cloudy day, the error caused by the bird spike kit was less than 1%. On a clear sky day, the error caused by the bird spike kit was a decrease in total solar radiation by 2.6% and 5.7%.

  • Page 32: Proper Installation

    Figure 8-2. ClimaVue 50 G2 solar radiation data for 3/9/2019 8.6.1 Proper installation The pyranometer sensor should be in the middle of two wires, indicated by the triangle (Figure 8- [p. 28]). Expect increased errors when bird spike kits are not correctly installed (Figure 8-4 29]).
  • Page 33 Figure 8-4. Incorrect installation: sensor is slightly offset from the triangle Table 8-2 (p. 29) shows solar radiation data from a ClimaVue 50 G2 with a properly installed bird spike kit and another ClimaVue 50 G2 with an improperly installed bird spike kit. The measurements were made when there was no snow cover.

  • Page 34: Troubleshooting And Maintenance

    NOTE: The ClimaVue 50 G2 with a properly installed bird spike kit was about 1% higher than the control when compared to the baseline data with no bird spike; the other ClimaVue 50 G2 was about–1% lower than the control when comparing baseline data with no bird spike (for summed daily radiation on a clear sky day).
  • Page 35 Figure 9-1. Temperature sensor and ultrasonic transducer openings Figure 9-2. Top view of ClimaVue 50 G2 ClimaVue 50 G2 Compact Digital Weather Sensor...
  • Page 36 [p. 33]). Use a pipe cleaner or small soft brush to clean the downspout. d. If needed, clean the spring after twisting it loose. Ensure the gold electrodes are free of debris and contamination. e. Reattach the pyranometer connector. ClimaVue 50 G2 Compact Digital Weather Sensor...
  • Page 37 Press the funnel down against the spring and turn clockwise until it clicks in place. i. Check the level of the ClimaVue 50 G2 (either with a torpedo level, bubble level, or the built-in tilt sensor).
  • Page 38 Figure 9-5. Rain gauge expanded view ClimaVue 50 G2 Compact Digital Weather Sensor...

  • Page 39: Troubleshooting

    [p. 17]). Calibrate or replace the pyranometer every two years. The pyranometer calibration number needs to be changed when the funnel containing the pyranometer is replaced. Campbell Scientific will send a calibration certificate listing the new number with the recalibrated or replaced pyranometer.
  • Page 40 Maintenance and calibration [p. 30]). 2. Check the sensor level. The ClimaVue 50 G2 must be within approximately ±2 degrees of dead level (0, 0) in both the X and Y directions to accurately measure rainfall. If not within this range, drops from the flared hole can miss the gold electrodes entirely. Use a torpedo level, the bubble level, or the internal tilt measurements to confirm the ClimaVue 50 G2 is level.

  • Page 41: Appendix A. Importing Short Cut Code Into Crbasic Editor

    Block. This adds an apostrophe (') to the beginning of each of the highlighted lines, which instructs the data logger compiler to ignore those lines when compiling. The Comment Block feature is demonstrated at about 5:10 in the CRBasic | Features video ClimaVue 50 G2 Compact Digital Weather Sensor...

  • Page 42: Appendix B. Determining True North And Sensor Orientation

    1. Establish a reference point on the horizon for True North. 2. Sighting down one pair of the ClimaVue 50 G2 north south posts, aim the pair at True North. If the wind is blowing and a flag or banner can be used to determine the true wind direction, the data logger displayed wind direction reading can be compared to the true wind direction.
  • Page 43 Figure B-1. Magnetic declination for the conterminous United States (2015) Figure B-2. Declination angles east of True North are subtracted from 360 to get True North ClimaVue 50 G2 Compact Digital Weather Sensor...
  • Page 44 Figure B-3. Declination angles west of True North are added to 0 to get True North ClimaVue 50 G2 Compact Digital Weather Sensor...

  • Page 45: Appendix C. Sdi-12 Sensor Support

    Serial Data Interface at 1200 baud (SDI-12) is a protocol developed to simplify sensor and data logger compatibility. Only three wires are necessary—serial data, ground, and 12 V. With unique addresses, multiple SDI-12 sensors can connect to a single SDI-12 terminal on a Campbell Scientific data logger.

  • Page 46: Acknowledge Active Command (A!)

    Table C-1: Campbell Scientific sensor SDI-12 command and response set Command Name Response Start verification atttn<CR><LF> Address query a<CR><LF> aAb! Change address b<CR><LF> Start measurement atttn<CR><LF> aM1!...aM9! Start concurrent atttnn<CR><LF> aC1!...aC9! measurement a<values><CR><LF> or aD0!...aD9! Send data a<values><CRC><CR><LF> aR0!...aR9! Continuous measurement a<values><CR><LF>...

  • Page 47: Start Verification Command (Av!)

    For example, to change an address from 0 to 2, the command is 0A2!. The sensor responds with the new address b, which in this case is 2. NOTE: Only one sensor should be connected to a particular terminal at a time when changing addresses. ClimaVue 50 G2 Compact Digital Weather Sensor...

  • Page 48: Start Measurement Commands (Am!)

    To use this command, the scan interval should be 10 seconds or less. The response to each command has the form atttn<CR><LF>, where a = sensor address ttt = time, in seconds, until measurement data is available ClimaVue 50 G2 Compact Digital Weather Sensor...
  • Page 49 XD0! collecting data from sensor X by issuing the first D command. The sensor immediately responds with the sensor X+1+2+3+4+5<CR><LF> address and the five values. ClimaVue 50 G2 Compact Digital Weather Sensor...

  • Page 50: Stopping A Measurement Command

    Data values are separated by plus or minus signs. Command: aD0! (aD1! … aD9!) Response: a<values><CR><LF> or a<values><CRC><CR><LF> where a = sensor address <values> = values returned with a polarity sign (+ or –) <CR><LF> = terminates the response ClimaVue 50 G2 Compact Digital Weather Sensor...

  • Page 51: Continuous Measurement Command (Ar0

    Transparent mode is entered while the computer is communicating with the data logger through a terminal emulator program. It is accessed through Campbell Scientific data logger support software or other terminal emulator programs. Data logger keyboards and displays cannot be used.

  • Page 52: Changing An Sdi-12 Address

    3. Under Device Type, type the data logger model and double-click on the model type. This example uses a CR1000X directly connected to the computer USB port. 4. Select the correct Communication Port and click Connect. 5. Click the Terminal tab. 6. Select All Caps Mode. ClimaVue 50 G2 Compact Digital Weather Sensor...
  • Page 53 Press Enter. The sensor changes its address and responds with the new address. In the following example, the sensor address is changed from 0 to B. 12. To exit SDI-12 transparent mode, click Close Terminal. ClimaVue 50 G2 Compact Digital Weather Sensor...

  • Page 54: References

    CR1000X. C.3 References SDI-12 Support Group. 2023. SDI-12: A Serial-Digital Interface Standard for Microprocessor-Based Sensors – Version 1.4. River Heights, UT: SDI-12 Support Group. https://www.sdi- 12.org/specification ClimaVue 50 G2 Compact Digital Weather Sensor...

  • Page 55: Limited Warranty

    2. The defect cannot be the result of misuse. 3. The defect must have occurred within a specified period of time; and 4. The determination must be made by a qualified technician at a Campbell Scientific Service Center/ repair facility.
  • Page 56 Campbell Scientific’s Terms, the provisions of Campbell Scientific’s Terms shall prevail. Furthermore, Campbell Scientific’s Terms are hereby incorporated by reference into this Warranty. To view Terms and conditions that apply to Campbell Scientific, Logan, UT, USA, see Terms and Conditions ...
  • Page 57 Please state the faults as clearly as possible. Quotations for repairs can be given on request. It is the policy of Campbell Scientific to protect the health of its employees and provide a safe working environment. In support of this policy, when equipment is returned to Campbell Scientific, Logan, UT, USA, it is mandatory that a “Declaration of Hazardous Material and...
  • Page 58 Comply with all electrical codes. Electrical equipment and related grounding devices should be installed by a licensed and qualified electrician. Only use power sources approved for use in the country of installation to power Campbell Scientific devices. Elevated Work and Weather Exercise extreme caution when performing elevated work.
  • Page 59 Periodically (at least yearly) check electrical ground connections. WHILE EVERY ATTEMPT IS MADE TO EMBODY THE HIGHEST DEGREE OF SAFETY IN ALL CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC PRODUCTS, THE CUSTOMER ASSUMES ALL RISK FROM ANY INJURY RESULTING FROM IMPROPER INSTALLATION, USE, OR MAINTENANCE OF TRIPODS,...
  • Page 60 Campbell Scientific Regional Offices Australia France Spain Location: Garbutt, QLD Australia Location: Montrouge, France Location: Barcelona, Spain Phone: 61.7.4401.7700 Phone: 0033.0.1.56.45.15.20 Phone: 34.93.2323938 Email: info@campbellsci.com.au Email: info@campbellsci.fr Email: info@campbellsci.es Website: www.campbellsci.com.au Website: www.campbellsci.fr Website: www.campbellsci.es Brazil Germany Thailand Location: São Paulo, SP Brazil...

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