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Columbia Weather Systems CAPRICORN II PLUS User Manual

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C
II P
™ W
S
APRICORN
LUS
EATHER
TATION
USER MANUAL
Version 3.0
Cat. No. 81621
Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.
2240 NE Griffin Oaks Street, Suite 100
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone (503) 629-0887 - Fax (503) 629-0898
www.columbiaweather.com
info@columbiaweather.com
All specifications subject to change without notice.
Printed in U.S.A.
© Copyright 1998 Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Proprietary Notice: Capricorn II Plus is a trademark of Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. The
information and drawings contained herein are the sole property of Columbia Weather
Systems, Inc. Use of this publication is reserved exclusively for customers of Columbia
Weather Systems and their personnel. Reproduction of this material is forbidden without the
express written consent of Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.

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  • Page 1 Printed in U.S.A. © Copyright 1998 Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Proprietary Notice: Capricorn II Plus is a trademark of Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. The information and drawings contained herein are the sole property of Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. Use of this publication is reserved exclusively for customers of Columbia Weather Systems and their personnel.
  • Page 2 Capricorn II Plus User Manual...

  • Page 3: Welcome

    Please be sure to fill in and return the Capricorn Product Registration Card located in the front of the manual. The Capricorn II Plus has been in use since 1982, during which time it has earned a reputation as a rugged, reliable product. It is a precision instrument, however, and requires proper installation and a certain amount of regu- lar maintenance.
  • Page 4 Capricorn II Plus User Manual...

  • Page 5: Important Notice: Shipping Damage

    AMAGE BEFORE YOU READ ANY FURTHER, please inspect all system components for obvious shipping damage. The Capricorn II Plus is a 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 specially de- signed shipping container for any future shipment of your Capricorn unit.
  • Page 6 Capricorn II Plus User Manual...

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents WELCOME! ..........................3 IMPORTANT NOTICE: SHIPPING DAMAGE ................ 5 SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION ....................9 A. The Capricorn II Plus System ..................9 B. Specifications ......................10 SECTION 2: PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION ................13 A. Console ........................13 B. List of Parts ......................... 15 SECTION 3: INSTALLATION ....................
  • Page 8 Capricorn II Plus User Manual E. Barometric Pressure Display Problems..............50 F. Wind Speed Display Problems..................50 F. Wind Speed Display Problems (Continued) ..............51 G. Wind Direction Display problems ................52 H. Wind Sensor Tests ..................... 53 SECTION 9: REPLACEMENT PARTS ................. 56 SECTION 10: USER SUPPORT INFORMATION ..............

  • Page 9: Section 1: Introduction

    SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION A. THE CAPRICORN II PLUS SYSTEM The Capricorn II Plus weather station provides at-a-glance display of temperature, wind chill temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, wind speed and wind direction. Temperature may be displayed in Fahrenheit or Celsius. Barometric pressure may be displayed in inches of mercury (in.

  • Page 10: Specifications

    Capricorn II Plus User Manual B. SPECIFICATIONS Temperature Display: Either Fahrenheit or Celsius via a slide switch on the front panel for three Function Modes; indoor only, outdoor only, or four-second alternating. Sample Rate: “Indoor” and “outdoor” temperatures are sampled for 0.5 seconds every 1.5 seconds, followed by a comparison of two sequential readings.
  • Page 11 Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. In the Operate Mode the display is updated every 12 seconds. The Calibrate Mode does not average, so the display is updated every 1.5 seconds. Display Resolution: 0.01 in. Hg; 1 mbar. Range: Sea Level Total Range Inches of Mercury (In.
  • Page 12 Capricorn II Plus User Manual Memory Feature The following values may be displayed (and output via the Capricorn RS232C Interface Option) on command: Highest outdoor temperature Lowest outdoor temperature Highest barometric pressure Lowest barometric pressure Peak wind gust Highest average wind speed (four-second...

  • Page 13: Section 2: Physical Description

    Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. SECTION 2: PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION A. CONSOLE The Capricorn II Plus Console is designed to display all it's weather parameters on individual displays in a finely crafted wooden cabinet so that all readings can be seen at a glance.
  • Page 14 9V Battery Humidity Sensor Chassis Ground 115 or 230V Power 0.5 or 0.25 Amp Connector Cable Connectors Terminal Connector Fuse Temperature Sensor 12V Relay Connector RS232C Interface Cable Connectors (Alarm Controlled Connector Output) Figure 2: Capricorn II Plus, Back Panel...

  • Page 15: List Of Parts

    Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. B. LIST OF PARTS Figure 3: Wind Sensor Assembly Figure 4: Hardware Assembly Kit SHEET METAL SCREW FOR CROSS-ARM SUPPORT, STAINLESS STEEL (QTY 2) TOP SCREW FOR DIRECTION VANE, STAINLESS STEEL TOP LOCK NUT FOR WIND SPEED SENSOR,...
  • Page 16 Capricorn II Plus User Manual Refer to Figures 3 & 4 for key references. The following parts should be included in the shipping carton: Ref. Qty Description (1) User Manual (1) Cross Arm Support (1) Wind Cup Hub Assembly (with spare top lock nut)

  • Page 17: Section 3: Installation

    Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. SECTION 3: INSTALLATION Tools Needed #3 (med.) Phillips Screwdriver #2 (small) Phillips Screwdriver Power Drill and 3/8" or 1/2" Bit (1/2" bit needed to thread temperature and wind sensor cables through same hole.) 3/8" or Adjustable Wrench...

  • Page 18: Unpacking The Unit

    B. INSTALLING THE CONSOLE The Capricorn II Plus will operate on 98 VAC to 130 VAC or 196 VAC to 250 VAC at 50 or 60 Hz. Many international standard power outlets can be accommodated with available power cords that are compatible with the IEC 320 standard power recep- tacle on the rear of the console.

  • Page 19: Backup Battery

    If the display does not light up within 30 seconds unplug the unit, wait 15 seconds and plug it in again. The Capricorn II Plus should warm up at least one hour to achieve the specified sensor and display accuracies. The temperatures displayed should be around room temperature.

  • Page 20: Installing The Barometric Pressure Sensor

    Capricorn II Plus User Manual Power source Alarm controlled output relay 12 volt DC or less (normally open) (to energize external relay) Contanct rated at 12 VDC, 100 mA maximum Relay SPST (normally open) Source voltage Motor AC or DC for motor Figure 5: Typical Wiring Diagram for Alarm Controlled Output C.
  • Page 21 Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. As a general precaution, avoid placing or routing the temperature sensors or cable near cables from other systems in order to decrease the possibility of picking up disruptive signals and of interfering with other systems. Also, avoid placing and routing sensors on or near metal gutters, metal windows, metal door frames, or directly on a metal tower.

  • Page 22: Installing The Humidity Sensor

    Capricorn II Plus User Manual E. INSTALLING THE HUMIDITY SENSOR Figure 6: Humidity Sensor Mounting The Relative Humidity sensor should be mounted in a sheltered area, preferably on the north side of a building under the eaves to prevent sun-heated air from rising up the side of the building and affecting the relative humidity at the sensor.

  • Page 23: Installing The Wind Sensors

    Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. E. INSTALLING THE WIND SENSORS Assembling the Wind Speed Sensor Figure 7: Wind Speed Sensor Locate the wind speed sensor body. (It has one cable attached.) Remove and discard the red vinyl shipping bumper from the threaded shaft. (The...
  • Page 24 Capricorn II Plus User Manual Assembling the Wind Direction Sensor Figure 8: Wind Direction Sensor Remove and discard the red vinyl shipping bumper from the threaded direction shaft. Place the internal star washer from the Hardware Kit onto the shaft of the wind direction sensor body so that the washer sits on the inverted nut.
  • Page 25 Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. Attaching the Wind Sensors to the Cross Arm Support Refer to Figure 3 as the individual wind sensors are assembled to the cross arm support. Set the wind speed and direction sensor bodies onto their respective ends of the cross arm support.

  • Page 26: Installing The Mast

    Wind Sensor Assembly to the roof for the final installation procedure. Installing the Mast The Capricorn II Plus will measure wind speeds of up to 125 mph (200 km/h). However, unless the Wind Sensor Assembly is properly mounted to withstand such high winds, this capability is useless.

  • Page 27: Routing Cable

    Tighten the tie wraps securely and clip off any excess length with a wire cutter tool. Route the cable back to the Capricorn II Plus Console. If mounting on a roof, route the sensors through a vent or other opening into an attic or crawl space.

  • Page 28: Lightning Earth Ground

    See Figure 2. F. LIGHTNING EARTH GROUND Customers who desire to provide a lightning earth ground for the Capricorn II Plus console are encouraged to do so. Drive a 5/8" x 8 foot solid copper ground into the earth. Use a suitable ground rod wire clamp and connect a #12 AWG.

  • Page 29: Section 4: Optional Sensor Mounting Hardware

    Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. SECTION 4: OPTIONAL SENSOR MOUNTING HARDWARE A complete Wind Sensor Mounting Hardware Kit is available for roof mounting (Cat. No. 88002) or wall mounting (Cat. No. 88003). A. ROOF MOUNTING The roof mounting kit (Cat. No. 88002) is suitable for both a slanted and flat roof installation.

  • Page 30: Wall Mounting

    Capricorn II Plus User Manual *Guy Ring and Collar 88040 *Cable Standoffs, Wood Screw 88050 Cable Standoffs, Nail-In 88060 (for masonry application) Guy Wire Clamps, 1/8" (not shown) 88070 *Steel Guy Wire, Galvanized 50 ft. 88080 *Eye Bolt Wood Screws, 1/4" x 3"...
  • Page 31 Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. Description Per Pkg Catalog No. *Mast, 10 ft. (two 5 ft. sections) 88005 *4" Wall Mount 88120 Lag Screw, 1/4" x 2 1/4" 88030 *Cable Nail Clips 88110 Wall Feed Through Tube 88130 *Cable Feed Through Bushings 88140 Watertight Rubberized Spray Coating 17.75oz (not shown)
  • Page 32 Capricorn II Plus User Manual...

  • Page 33: Section 5: Calibration

    Water A. CALIBRATING THE TEMPERATURE SENSORS The Capricorn II Plus temperature probe is carefully calibrated at the factory and should not require any re-calibration for sometime. In any event, the probe should not be calibrated until the unit has had a sufficient warm-up time, at least one hour.

  • Page 34: Calibrating The Barometric Pressure Sensor

    Capricorn II Plus site. The most accurate calibration would involve a precise determination of the elevation of the Capricorn II Plus installation by consulting the original building/ site construction plans (or, alternatively, by consulting a civil engineer), fol- lowed by determination of the actual barometric pressure at the site under stable conditions with an accurate mercury column or aneroid barometer.

  • Page 35: Calibrating The Wind Sensors

    Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. was taken, and use the most current information you can obtain. If you do not have a local barometric pressure reference (within 10 miles), but know your elevation (mean sea level), you can use the factory calibration and correct for your elevation.
  • Page 36 Capricorn II Plus User Manual...

  • Page 37: Section 6: Operation

    Relative Humidity is displayed in the range 0 to 99% RH in a non condensing -40° to 130° F or -40° to 55° C temperature range. The Capricorn II Plus averages the continuous relative humidity readings from the sensor and updates the display approximately every 12 seconds.

  • Page 38: Barometric Pressure

    Note that the rate and direction of change are normally more significant than the actual barometric pressure level itself. During each measuring cycle, the Capricorn II Plus will read the barometric pressure eight times, compute the average, and update the Barometric Pressure display. The display update will occur approximately every 12 seconds.

  • Page 39: Wind Speed

    Since the barometric pressure readings broadcast on radio and television are frequently several hours old, it is likely that the Capricorn II Plus will not agree with the broadcast readings during changing weather conditions. Additionally, the Capri- corn II Plus will differ from broadcast readings if it is not located in the immediate vicinity or elevation of the broadcast pressure site.

  • Page 40: Wind Direction

    Capricorn II Plus User Manual The Capricorn II Plus also records (but does not display) the average wind speed. The average wind speed is determined by averaging wind gusts over a four-second period. Average wind speed has three purposes. It is used to calculate the wind chill factor.
  • Page 41 Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. In the “Silent” mode, only the LED light(s) corresponding to the sensor that is set, either “Temperature” or “Speed” or both, will illuminate upon detection of the set condition. The LEDs will remain lit until the condition ceases or the Alarm switch is moved to the “Off”...
  • Page 42 Capricorn II Plus User Manual move the Alarm switch on the front panel to the “Silent” or “Audible” sition, as desired. To set alarm conditions equal to or greater than 32 F (0 C), move the scale selector switch to the up position. To set alarm conditions of less...
  • Page 43 The Alarm Controlled Output terminal on the rear panel makes it possible to attach a relay device rated 12V (or less) to the Capricorn II Plus so that independent electri- cal equipment such as external speakers, fans, heaters and pumps can be con- trolled by the alarm output.

  • Page 44: Memory Feature

    Memory Display: To activate the Memory feature, move the Memory switch on the front panel up to the “Display” position. The Capricorn II Plus will then display for four seconds each the highest temperature, the highest barometric pressure reading, and the highest wind gust.

  • Page 45: Section 7: Maintenance

    Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. SECTION 7: MAINTENANCE In normal use, the Capricorn II Plus should require very little maintenance, other than normal care of the hardwood cabinet and a periodic check of the sensor cali- bration. In the event of any problems, follow the procedures contained in Section 8: Trouble‚...

  • Page 46: Wind Sensor Maintenance

    Capricorn II Plus User Manual E. WIND SENSOR MAINTENANCE Do not attempt to oil, grease or otherwise lubricate the wind sensors. The wind speed and direction bearings are permanently sealed and should not be tampered with. If it appears that the displayed wind speed values are substantially less than existing conditions, or that the wind direction display is sluggish in responding to changes in wind direction, it may be that the bearings need service.

  • Page 47: Section 8: Troubleshooting

    Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. 8: T ECTION ROUBLESHOOTING A. CONSOLE OPERATION PROBLEMS u l l g i l . s t . n i c i l . s l , t i . n i l l i v i t c i t .

  • Page 48: Temperature Display Problems

    Capricorn II Plus User Manual C. TEMPERATURE DISPLAY PROBLEMS F ° ° 3 l t n . t c t i u v i t o l l y l r e l l . e l v i t .

  • Page 49: Barometric Pressure Display Problems

    Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. E. BAROMETRIC PRESSURE DISPLAY PROBLEMS l a f n i l g i l i t c . t s o l f . y l l F. WIND SPEED DISPLAY PROBLEMS t n i i r c...

  • Page 50: Wind Speed Display Problems (Continued)

    Capricorn II Plus User Manual F. WIND SPEED DISPLAY PROBLEMS (CONTINUED) . y l . e l t l u . f l e l l l a t . t n t l u . y l . y l...

  • Page 51: Wind Direction Display Problems

    Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. G. WIND DIRECTION DISPLAY PROBLEMS " " N g i l y l r u l l . y l . e l l l a . l a o l l g i l y l l...

  • Page 52: Wind Sensor Tests

    Connect one end of the jumper wire to the wind sensor terminal marked "Red" on the back panel of the console. Reconnect the power supply cord to the Capricorn II Plus. If the dot is flashing in the lower right corner of the wind speed display on the front panel, you are ready to proceed with the individual tests for speed and direction.
  • Page 53 Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. that the appropriate direction light appears as its respective terminal is touched. Terminal Direction Blue Green Orange Brown If all the direction lights perform as indicated, the console is functioning prop- erly. Check the entire length of the cable for any cuts, kinks or other abnormali- ties.
  • Page 54 Capricorn II Plus User Manual...

  • Page 55: Section 9: Replacement Parts

    Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. SECTION 9: REPLACEMENT PARTS Refer to Figure 14. Consult factory for price and availability. Description Ref. Catalog No. Complete Wind Sensor Assembly 81500 Partial Wind Sensor Assembly 81440 Includes Speed and Direction Sensor bodies and connector only.
  • Page 56 Capricorn II Plus User Manual Sensor Cable Connector Option 81585 Allows quick disconnect of cables from temperature sensor; watertight. Factory installed. Sensor Cable Connector Option 81590 Allows quick disconnect of cables from humidity sensor; watertight. Factory installed. Figure 14: Wind Sensor Assembly Parts...

  • Page 57: Section 10: User Support Information

    Two-Year Limited Warranty: Please read this document carefully. Return for Repair Procedure: This procedure is for your convenience in the event you must return your Capricorn II Plus for repair or replacement. Follow the packing instructions carefully to protect your instrument in transit.

  • Page 58: Return For Repair Procedure

    In the event of defects or damage to your unit, first call the factory Capricorn Service Department Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm PST, (503) 690-2000 to determine the advisability of factory repair. In the event factory service is required, return your Capricorn II Plus as fol- lows: Packing - wrap console in plastic bag first.

  • Page 59: Addendum: Wind Chill Algorithm

    Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. DDENDUM HILL LGORITHM To compute the wind chill, first calculate the CORRECTION FACTOR (CF) from the following table and formulas: Using the wind speed in mph, calculate the wind speed index. (Range is 5 to 50 mph.)

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