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Orion LX Weather Station ___________________________________________________________________ Orion LX Weather Station™ User Manual Version 1.04 All specifications subject to change without notice. Printed in U. S. A. Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.
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Systems, Inc. and their personnel. Reproduction of this material is forbidden without the express written consent of Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. Parts of the Orion LX Weather Station™ user manual were adapted from the Weather Transmitter WXT510 User’s Guide with permission from Vaisala Oyj.
Welcome to the Columbia Weather Systems family of users and congratulations on your purchase of the Orion LX Weather Station. The Orion LX Weather Station is quite easy to install and you may be tempted to skip the installation procedure or other portions of this manual.
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Orion LX Weather Station ____________________________________________________________________...
Damage BEFORE YOU READ ANY FURTHER, please inspect all system components for obvious shipping damage. The Orion LX is a high precision instrument and can be damaged by rough handling. Your unit was packaged to minimize the possibility of damage in transit. Therefore, we recommend that you save the shipping container for any future shipment of your Orion system.
Orion LX Weather Station ____________________________________________________________________ ESD Protection Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) can cause immediate or latent damage to electronic circuits. Vaisala products are adequately protected against ESD for their intended use. However, it is possible to damage the product by delivering electrostatic discharges when touching, removing, or inserting any objects inside the equipment housing.
The Orion LX Weather Station Utilizing cutting-edge ultrasonic technology at an amazingly affordable price, the Orion LX Weather Station offers an innovative weather monitoring systems that is Internet ready out of the box. The Orion 510 sensor transmitter includes ultrasonic wind direction and speed, impact rain, capacitive relative humidity, temperature and barometric pressure sensors –...
Orion LX Weather Station ____________________________________________________________________ Sensor Transmitter Specifications Temperature Range: -60 to 140° F (-52 to +60° C) Accuracy: ±-0.5° F (±0.3°C) at 68° F (+20° C) Resolution: 0.1° F (0.1° C) Units Available: ° F, °C Barometric Pressure Range: 17.50 to 32.50 InHg (600 to 1100 mbar) Accuracy: ±0.015 InHg (0.5 mbar) at +32 to 86°...
The Orion LX is supplied with a wall mount transformer. Input: 120 VAC, 60 HZ, 16 W Output: 12 VDC, 800 mA The Orion can also be powered directly using a DC voltage source. Input: 5 to 30 VDC (60 mA at 12 VDC) Heating Power Source Input: 5 to 30 VDC (1.1 A at 12 VDC)
Orion LX Weather Station ____________________________________________________________________ Principles of Measurement Wind Measurement Both wind speed and direction are measured using advanced ultrasonic technology. The sensor utilizes ultrasound to determine horizontal wind readings. The array of three equally-spaced ultrasonic transducers on a horizontal plane is an ideal design that ensures accurate wind measurement from all directions, without blind angles or corrupted readings.
Orion LX Weather Station ___________________________________________________________________ direction reported indicates the direction that the wind comes from. North is represented as 0° , east as 90° , south as 180° , and west as 270° . The wind direction is not calculated when the wind speed drops below 0.05 m/s.
Orion LX Weather Station ____________________________________________________________________ Rainfall Measurement Rainfall is measured with an impact sensor, which detects the size and impact of individual rain drops. The signals resulting from the impacts are proportional to the volume of the drops. Hence, the signal from each drop can be converted directly to the accumulated rainfall.
1. Orion 510 Sensor Transmitter 2. 50 ft sensor cable 3. Orion Interface Module with power supply 4. Orion LX MicroServer with Ethernet cable, RS-232 cable, and power supply 5. WeatherMaster software (optional) with RS-232 cable 6. Weather Display console (optional) with RS-232 cable and power supply.
Orion LX Weather Station ____________________________________________________________________ Orion 510 Sensor Transmitter The Orion 510 Sensor Transmitter is an all-in-one sensor unit containing ultrasonic wind speed and direction sensor, temperature sensor, relative humidity sensor, barometric pressure sensor and an impact rain sensor. The temperature, relative humidity and barometric pressure sensors are combined in a single module housed in a self-aspirating radiation shield.
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4: Humidity and temperature sensor inside the Sensor Module Bottom of the Transmitter 1: Alignment direction sign 2: Service port 3: Water tight cable gland 4: Unused cable gland, covered 5: Connector (not available with Orion) Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.
Orion LX Weather Station ____________________________________________________________________ Mounting Adapter To facilitate easy installation and north alignment, the Orion 510 Sensor Transmitter comes standard with a mounting adapter. The mounting adapter is easily connected on the end of the mast and the sensor transmitter simply snaps into it.
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Orion LX Weather Station ___________________________________________________________________ Terminal Number Signal Color Orange Black SGND Green VIN- White VIN+ For heated sensor transmitters, terminal 17 (HTG-) is connected to the Blue wire and terminal 18 (HTG+) is connected to the Brown wire. RS-422 wiring is also available for longer communication cable lengths.
Orion LX Weather Station ____________________________________________________________________ Heating (Optional) Heating elements located below the precipitation sensor and inside the wind transducers keeps the precipitation and wind sensors free from snow and ice. A heating temperature sensor (T ) underneath the precipitation sensor controls the heating.
Orion LX Weather Station ___________________________________________________________________ Orion Interface Module The Orion Interface Module is used to supply power to the sensor transmitter and to provide two RS-232 communication ports. The RS-232 ports can be connected to the Orion LX MicroServer, computers, display consoles, transceivers, and other such devices.
Orion LX Weather Station ____________________________________________________________________ Orion Weather MicroServer The Orion Weather MicroServer uses a small computer board that runs the Linux operating system. The MicroServer has 512MB flash memory for datalogging and operation. The Orion 510 transmitter connects to the MicroServer via COM1.
Orion LX Weather Station ___________________________________________________________________ WeatherMaster 2000™ ™ ™ ™ Software (Optional) WeatherMaster 2000 is a professional grade weather monitoring software. This software package is designed for specialized markets that require robust weather calculations, interoperability with computer models, and data interfaces to other industrial systems. WeatherMaster 2000 utilizes Microsoft Access database for easy data access and manipulation.
Orion LX Weather Station ____________________________________________________________________ Weather Display Console (Optional) The Weather Display uses “intelligent” touch-screen technology. With its programmable microprocessor and abundant memory, the Weather Display can display weather information, perform complex computations, and store relatively large amounts of weather data.
Orion LX Weather Station ___________________________________________________________________ SECTION 3: INSTALLATION Weather Station System Configurations The Orion LX Weather Station can be installed in multiple configurations depending on the communication options, power availability and viewing options. The above diagram illustrates a typical installation.
Orion LX Weather Station ____________________________________________________________________ Tools Needed Allen wrench (provided with sensor transmitter) Small straight blade (1/8") Screwdriver Power Drill and 3/8" bit Wire Cutter Compass Materials Needed (See also Optional Sensor Mounting Hardware.) Black PVC Electrical Tape Plastic Wall Bushings Mast: Height above structure: Minimum 5 ft., recommended 10 ft.
Dropping the device can break or damage the transducers. If the antenna bends or twists, re-aligning can be difficult or impossible. Unpack the Orion weather station and verify that all parts are included. 1. Standard system includes: Orion LX MicroServer...
Orion LX Weather Station ____________________________________________________________________ Installing the Orion 510 Sensor Transmitter Site Selection: Finding a suitable site for the sensor transmitter is important for obtaining representative ambient measurements. The site should represent the general area of interest. The sensor transmitter should be installed in a location that is free from turbulence caused by nearby objects, such as trees or buildings.
Orion LX Weather Station ___________________________________________________________________ North Alignment To help the alignment, there is an arrow and text North on the bottom of the transmitter. The transmitter should be aligned in such a way that this arrow points to the north.
Orion LX Weather Station ____________________________________________________________________ Installing the Mast The sensor transmitter measures wind speeds of up to 115 mph (60 m/s). However, unless the mast is properly mounted to withstand such high winds, this capability is useless. Please read these instructions carefully to insure a safe and reliable installation.
Orion LX Weather Station ___________________________________________________________________ Mounting Method Choose the appropriate mounting method for the installation and obtain the necessary mounting hardware. Refer to Section 4 for information on optional sensor mounting hardware and accessories which are available from the factory.
Orion LX Weather Station ____________________________________________________________________ c. thread the cable through the bushings or tube. Make sure that the exposed portion of the sensor cable that is beyond the mast will not be blown about by the wind. Use insulated eye bolt standoffs or other fasteners if necessary.
2. Connecting the MicroServer Using the provided RS-232 cable, connect serial port 1 or 2 on the Orion Interface Module to COM 1 of the MicroServer. Using the provided Ethernet cable, connect the Ethernet port on the MicroServer to the network (router).
Orion LX Weather Station ____________________________________________________________________ Section 4: Optional Sensor Mounting Hardware Fiberglass and steel 10-foot masts are available for use with either Roof Mounting Hardware Kit (Cat. No. 88002) or Wall Mounting Kit (Cat. No. 88003). A 10-foot free standing tripod is also available.
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Orion LX Weather Station ___________________________________________________________________ Description Pkg. Ref Catalog No. Mast, 10 ft. (steel or fiberglass) 88005 / 88004 *Universal Mast Mount 88010 Lag Screw, Roof Mast Mount 88020 1/4" x 4" (for shake roofs *Lag Screw, Roof Mast Mount 88030 1/4"...
Orion LX Weather Station ____________________________________________________________________ Wall Mounting The figure and table below illustrates and describes the individual parts in the Wall Mounting Kit (Catalog No. 88003). Items included in the kit are marked with an asterisk (*). Individual parts are also available.
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Orion LX Weather Station ___________________________________________________________________ Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.
Orion LX Weather Station ____________________________________________________________________ Tripod Tripod Model T-1000 is designed to provide up to 10 feet of stable, secure support for your meteorological sensors. The T-1000 is constructed from welded aluminum and is powder coated for appearance and longevity. The 15-pound tripod can easily support up...
Orion LX Weather Station ___________________________________________________________________ to 60 pounds of equipment. An optional tie-down kit allows for additional security in high-wind areas. Set up takes less than five minutes. Simply insert the legs into the main body and install the stainless steel retainer pins. Extend the mast to the desired height and insert another retainer pin.
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Orion LX Weather Station ____________________________________________________________________ Tripod T-1000 (Catalog No. 88007) Parts List: Item # Description Body/Mast Assembly Legs Retainer Pins Guy Wire Ring with 3 Wires and Turnbuckles Optional Tiedown Kit (Catalog No. 88008) Parts List: Item # Description Anchor Screw with Chain...
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Orion LX Weather Station ___________________________________________________________________ Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.
If this IP address is already being used by another device, contact customer support for more instructions. When the Orion LX User Interface is accessed user will be prompted to enter a user name and password. The default user name is admin and the default password is also admin.
The displayed time is the time generated by the real-time clock in the MicroServer. Be sure to refresh the browser for the current time. The MicroServer status is Running or Stopped. The Orion software starts automatically on power up. Shutdown Click on the Shutdown button to stop the software and User Interface.
Orion LX Weather Station ____________________________________________________________________ Latest Measurements The Latest Measurements page displays the current parameter values. Refreshing the browser will update the readings as needed. Only the selected parameters in the Select Measurements page will be displayed.
Orion LX Weather Station ___________________________________________________________________ Measurements Definition Sample Timestamp Definition: Time and date of measurement XML parameter: mtSampTime Windspeed Definition: 3 second rolling average of 250 millisecond samples XML parameter: mtWindspeed Units: MPH Raw Wind Direction Definition: 3 second rolling average of 250 millisecond samples...
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Orion LX Weather Station ____________________________________________________________________ 10 Minute Rolling Average Wind Speed: Definition: 10 minute rolling average of wind speed reading XML parameter: mt10MinRollAvgWindSpeed Units: MPH 10 Minute Rolling Average Wind Direction: Definition: 10 minute rolling average of adjusted wind direction reading...
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Orion LX Weather Station ___________________________________________________________________ Relative Humidity: Definition: One second relative humidity reading XML parameter: mtRelHumidity Units: % Wind Chill: Definition: Calculated using temperature 1 and wind speed. XML parameter: mtWindChill Units: ° F Heat Index: Definition: Calculated using temperature 1 and relative humidity XML parameter: mtHeatIndex Units: °...
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Orion LX Weather Station ____________________________________________________________________ Definition: Raw barometric pressure with altitude and offset applied XML parameter: mtAdjBaromPress Units: Inches Hg Density Altitude: Definition: Calculated using adjusted barometric pressure, temperature 1, relative humidity and altitude. XML parameter: mtDensityAltitude Units: Feet Wet Bulb Globe Temperature...
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Orion LX Weather Station ___________________________________________________________________ Air Density Ratio Definition: Air Density Ratio XML parameter: mtAirDensityRatio Units: Inches Adjusted Altitude Definition: Adjusted Altitude XML parameter: mtAdjustedAltitude Units: Inches SAE Correction Factor Definition: SAE Correction Factor XML parameter: mtSAECorrectionFactor Units: Inches Rain Today: Definition: Accumulated rain for the day in 0.01 inches increments...
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Orion LX Weather Station ____________________________________________________________________ Rain Duration: Definition: Counting each 10-second increment whenever droplet detected, 10 second resolution XML parameter: mtRainDuration Units: Seconds Hail: Definition: Cumulative amount of hits against collecting surface XML parameter: mtHail Units: Hits/in Hail Duration: Definition: Counting each 10-second increment whenever hailstone...
Contact Network Administrator for assistance. 3. Browse the MicroServer at http://192.168.0.50 4. In the Orion User Interface, click on Network Setup and change the settings to match your network. 5. Click on Apply Changes. 6. Disconnect the MicroServer from the stand-alone computer and connect it to the network.
Orion LX Weather Station ____________________________________________________________________ Change Password Change Password page allows the user to change the Admin password. Date and Time Date and Time page allows the user to change the MicroServer date and time. The MicroServer date and time is used to date and time stamp all...
Orion LX Weather Station ___________________________________________________________________ Orion Output The Orion Output page allows the user to configure the type and location of data output. Station Name Change the station name, for example, to reflect the station location, company name or function.
Click on Show MIB file to view the MIB definitions and objects for the Orion LX MicroServer. Modbus TCP Output The Orion LX Weather MicroServer has a built-in Modbus TCP/IP slave interface for communication with industrial automation systems and OPC servers.
Orion LX Weather Station ___________________________________________________________________ Configuration File The Configuration File page displays the configuration file and allows the user to edit and apply changes. All User Interface configurations are stored in this file. Changes to the configuration file should be reserved for advanced users and customer service.
Orion LX Weather Station ____________________________________________________________________ Select Measurements The Select Measurements page allows the user to customize the measurements (parameters) displayed and included in output files.
___________________________________________________________________ Data Logs The Orion MicroServer automatically saves a complete record of all the selected parameters every minute. The data is saved in a daily record. If a change is made to the list of selected parameters, a new file for the day is generated.
Click on Update Firmware to install the new file. It is very important that the power is not disconnected from the Orion MicroServer during this process. Do not attempt firmware update during periods of power uncertainty.
Start Orion button to start the Orion software Stop Orion Click on Stop Orion to stop the software. The user will still have access to the User Interface after the software is stopped. Restart Orion Click on Restart Orion to stop the Orion software and then start it again.
Orion LX Weather Station ____________________________________________________________________ XML Web Server The Orion MicroServer includes an XML Web Server available for other programs to access weather data. The XML page address is: http://192.168.0.50/latestsampledata.xml With all the measurements selected, the XML file will be structured as follows: - <oriondata station="New Orion LX">...
Orion LX Weather Station ____________________________________________________________________ SECTION 7: MAINTENANCE This chapter contains instructions for the basic maintenance of sensor transmitter. Cleaning To ensure the accuracy of measurement results, the sensor transmitter should be cleaned when it becomes contaminated. Leaves and other...
Orion LX Weather Station ___________________________________________________________________ Factory Calibration and Repair Service Send the device to Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. for calibration and adjustment, see Section 9: USER SUPPORT INFORMATION for more information. Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.
Orion LX Weather Station ____________________________________________________________________ Section 8: Troubleshooting This chapter describes common problems, their probable causes and remedies. Problem Possible Cause Action Wind measurement Blockage (trash, Remove the failure. Both the leaves, branches, blockage. speed and direction bird nests) between...
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Orion LX Weather Station ___________________________________________________________________ Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.
1. One-Year Limited Warranty: Please read this document carefully. 2. Return for Repair Procedure: This procedure is for your convenience in the event you must return your Orion for repair or replacement. Follow the packing instructions carefully to protect your instrument in transit.
(Return Merchandise Authorization) to help us identify the package when received. Please place that number on the outside of the box. In the event factory service is required, return your Orion Weather Station as follows: Packing Wrap the Sensor Transmitter in a plastic bag first.
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Orion LX Weather Station ____________________________________________________________________ Send to: Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. 2240 NE Griffin Oaks Street, Suite 100 Hillsboro, Oregon 97124 C.O.D. shipments will not be accepted. If your unit is under warranty, after repair or replacement has been completed, it will be returned by a carrier and method chosen by Columbia Weather, Inc.
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Orion LX Weather Station ___________________________________________________________________ Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.
Orion LX Weather Station ____________________________________________________________________ Reference Glossary Aspirating Radiation Shield A device used to shield a sensor such as a temperature probe from direct and indirect radiation and rain while providing access for ventilation. Barometric Pressure The pressure exerted by the atmosphere as a consequence of gravitational attraction exerted upon the “column”...
Orion LX Weather Station ___________________________________________________________________ Relative Humidity Popularly called humidity. The ratio of the actual vapor pressure of the air to the saturation vapor pressure. Sea Level Pressure The atmospheric pressure at mean sea level, either directly measured or, most commonly, empirically determined from the observed station pressure.
Orion LX Weather Station ____________________________________________________________________ Unit Conversion Speed Kilometers per hour = 1.610 x miles per hour Knots = 0.869 x miles per hour Meters per second = 0.448 x miles per hour Feet per second = 1.467 x miles per hour Temperature Temperature in °...
Orion LX Weather Station ___________________________________________________________________ Tables and Formulas Wind Chill Chart In 2001, NWS implemented an updated Wind chill Temperature (WCT) index. The change improves upon the former WCT Index used by the NWS and the Meteorological Services of Canada, which was based on the 1945 Siple and Passel Index.
Orion LX Weather Station ____________________________________________________________________ Wind Chill Equation 0.16 0.16 WC = 35.74 + 0.6215 T -35.75(V ) + 0.4275 T(V Where: WC = wind chill temperature in ° F V = wind velocity in mph T = air temperature in ° F Note: Wind chill Temperature is only defined for temperatures at or below 50 degrees F and wind speeds above 3 mph.
Orion LX Weather Station ____________________________________________________________________ Dew Point B = (ln (RH/100) + ((17.2694*T) / (238.3+T))) / 17.2694 Dew Point in °C = (238.3 * B) / (1-B) Where: RH = Relative Humidity T = Temperature in °C Ln = Natural logarithm...
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Orion LX Weather Station ___________________________________________________________________ Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. 2240 NE Griffin Oaks Street, Suite 100 Hillsboro, OR 97124-6463 Telephone (503) 629-0887 (503) 629-0898 Web Site http://www.columbiaweather.com Email info@columbiaweather.com Version 1.04 Printed in U.S.A. Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.
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