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Gill Instruments MetPak RG User Manual

1723-3b-2-111
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Doc No. 1723-PS-0013
Issue 1
User Manual
MetPak RG
Weather Station
MetPak RG Part: 1723-3B-2-111

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  • Page 1 Doc No. 1723-PS-0013 Issue 1 User Manual MetPak RG Weather Station MetPak RG Part: 1723-3B-2-111...
  • Page 2 Foreword 2011 Gill Instruments Ltd. All rights reserved. © Thank you for purchasing the MetPak RG manufactured by Gill Instruments Ltd. To achieve optimum performance we recommend that you read the whole of this manual before proceeding with use. Gill products are in continuous development and therefore specifications may be subject to change and design improvements without prior notice.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Configuring MetPak RG with MetSet ................33 3.4.1 Opening MetSet ....................33 3.4.2 MetSet Editing Screen ..................35 3.4.3 Monitoring MetPak RG Output Data Using HyperTerminal......40 3.4.4 Configuring MetPak RG for SDI-12 ..............42 3.4.5 SDI-12 Commands ..................42 3.4.6 Safe Mode .......................
  • Page 4 Figure 8 RS485 Connections Figure 9 SDI-12 connections Figure 10 MetPak RG DIG 1 Rain Gauge Connections Figure 11 Correct Mounting Position for MetPak RG Figure 12 Opening MetView Screen Figure 13 Scanning for MetPak RG Devices Figure 14 The MetView Console...
  • Page 5 Default configuration settings Table 10 MetPak RG Commands Table 11 Common problems and their solution Table 12 Status codes as output with the MetPak RG data string Table 13 HygroClip connections (6-way connector J1) Table 14 WindSonic anemometer connections (8-way connector J4)
  • Page 6 Contents Intentionally Blank MetPak RG User Manual © Gill Instruments Ltd Last Change Page 4 12 March, 2013...

  • Page 7: Introduction

    The customer is able to add one supplied digital contact closure rain gauge. The MetPak RG combines all the instrument data into a single combined data string. This may be configured for digital ASCII RS232/RS422/RS485 (2 wire point to point) and digital SDI-12 outputs.

  • Page 8: Principle Of Operation

    1.1.1 Wind Speed and Direction Sensor The MetPak RG 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 9: Radiation Shield

    Barometric pressure output is provided by a solid-state device fitted on to the circuit board in the MetPak RG Hub box. Vent to atmosphere is via a Gortex filter which also protects the pressure sensor from the effects of wind and rain.

  • Page 10: Abbreviations

    Receive Received Data SDI-12 Serial – Data Interface standard for microprocessor based sensors Start of String Transmit Transmitted Data Very High Frequency World Meteorological Organisation MetPak RG User Manual © Gill Instruments Ltd Last Change Page 4 12 March, 2013...

  • Page 11: Installation

    As with any sophisticated electronics, good engineering practice should be followed to ensure correct operation:  Ensure the MetPak RG Wind Sensor will not be affected by other equipment operating locally, which may not conform to current standards, e.g. radio/radar transmitters, generators etc.

  • Page 12: Bench System Test

    Note that MetPak RG is supplied with a matching Rain Gauge and its tip calibration factors will have been pre-programmed into the MetPak hub box. If a replacement Rain gauge is used then the Hub box will need re-programming using Gill MetSet Software with the new tip calibration factor (if this has changed).

  • Page 13: Table 2 Recommended Belden Cable Types

    7x30 AWG. The cable should contain a twisted pair screened. NOTE: The Rain Gauge supplied with MetPak RG has a 6 Metre cable connected to it ready to wire into the MetPak RG hub box. The following table shows an example manufacturers’ reference; other manufacturers’...
  • Page 14 To ensure correct operation and for maximum protection from lightning, a separate lightning rod system is recommended to protect the system. You can also earth the MetPak RG through its mountings or by connecting a grounding cable (minimum of 6mm² copper wire) to a spare MetPak RG metalwork bolt hole.

  • Page 15: Communication And Power Connections

    Figure 9 Attach the cable’s screen wires to the terminal post (see Figure 3). After connection, securely tighten the gland nut to prevent moisture ingress. NOTE. Ensure that MetPak RG is configured for the chosen communications method J4 Pin 1...

  • Page 16: Figure 4 Hub Box With Digital Pec Fitted

    Figure 4 Hub Box with Digital Pec fitted. USB Lead Connection (COMMS set for RS232) Connect to Hub box J5 Connect MetPak RG to a PC USB port using the Gill Configuration Cable 1723-10-051. J5 Pin Colour None None Yellow...

  • Page 17: Figure 6 Rs232 Connections

    Figure 6 RS232 connections Digital Output RS422 Connections (COMMS set for RS422) This is not the default communications setting; ensure the MetPak RG has been configured for this output requirement before wiring to a user device. J5 Hub Box RS422 to RS232 or...

  • Page 18: Figure 8 Rs485 Connections

    Digital Output RS485S 2 Wire Point to Point Connections (COMMS set for RS485P2W) This is not the default communications setting; ensure the MetPak RG has been configured for this output requirement before wiring to a user device. Note that it is not possible to network other devices on this 2-wire RS485 link.

  • Page 19: Digital Rain Gauge Connections

    Attach the cable’s screen wire to a terminal post. After connection, securely tighten the gland nut to prevent moisture ingress. NOTE: The MetPak RG Hub Box cable glands contain spring loaded metal leaves that are designed to make a ground contact with cables that have an overall braid screen.

  • Page 20: Mounting Metpak Rg

    Contents 2.2.6 Mounting MetPak RG MetPak RG uses a mounting clamp suitable for attaching to a vertical pipe with a diameter of 30-58mm (1.2 to 2.3 inches). When mounting MetPak RG, consider the position, orientation and alignment of the unit.

  • Page 21: Figure 11 Correct Mounting Position For Metpak Rg

    Contents Position It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that the MetPak RG is mounted in a position clear of any structure, including the mounting post, which may obstruct the airflow or induce turbulence. Orientation Normally, the MetPak RG is mounted on a vertical pole, ensuring a horizontal Measuring Plane (see Figure 11).

  • Page 22: Mounting The Rain Gauge

    This foam may be saved and used whenever the rain gauge is moved. The MetPak RG mounting arrangement options: - Baseplate Mounting Due to the low weight of the rain gauge (1kg approximately) it must be mounted securely, the use of the Baseplate is recommended for this.
  • Page 23 Customers with 2 or more sets of equipment must not swap around rain gauges with MetPaks without using MetSet to change the calibration figure. MetPak RG User Manual © Last Change...
  • Page 24 Contents Intentionally Blank MetPak RG User Manual © Gill Instruments Ltd Last Change Page 18 12 March, 2013...

  • Page 25: Operation

    Contents 3. Operation This section provides an overview of the operation of the MetPak RG. For more detailed information about any of the steps, use the references to other sections of this manual. Start Guide Decide how you are going to connect MetPak RG to your PC or communications network.
  • Page 26 Tighten the mounting bracket nuts evenly to a toque figure of 3Nm to hold the unit firmly in place. Connect the communications cable to your PC or network device. Place the MetPak RG CD in your PC’s CD drive and install MetSet and MetView. MetPak RG User Manual ©...

  • Page 27: Metview

    Scan Button– If MetPak RG transmit and receive wires are connected to the PC then use the Scan button to connect to MetView. Connection is Receive Only Tick Box – Use if the MetPak RG connection to the PC has only transmit wires connected and a MetSet version of its current device settings is available to upload to MetView.

  • Page 28: Scanning For Devices

    Contents 3.2.2 Scanning for Devices To set up communicate between MetView and a connected MetPak RG. Click on the Scan button to search the available COM ports for MetPak RG devices. Figure 13 Scanning for MetPak RG Devices When a device is found, MetView obtains the MetPak RG configuration settings and then retrieves and displays MetPak RG data.

  • Page 29: The Metview Console

    MetView along with reading the MetPak RG firmware version. Red Background Cross Indicates MetPak RG not logging. Indicates the output rate of the MetPak RG when connected. 1.00Hz Reads when the unit is communicating correctly with MetView. Wed 14 Nov 2012 12:12:22 Real Time PC date and time indication.
  • Page 30 MetView reading and recommence a new total count. Note. The order in which the instruments are shown in the MetView display reflects the order in which the instrument data appears in the MetPak RG data string. MetPak RG User Manual ©...

  • Page 31: Metview Console Display Options

    Contents 3.2.4 MetView Console Display Options MetView Console buttons can convert data from the MetPak RG to read different units or scale settings. This does not alter the actual MetPak RG configuration. Units shown in bold denote default settings Table 5...

  • Page 32: Metview Gauge Ranges And Graphs

    MetView Pressure, Humidity, Temperature and Rainfall Gauge ranges may be altered to view changes in conditions more visibly. Note, these changes only affect MetView settings and do not affect the MetPak RG 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 33: Figure 16 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 RG. Double Click on the reading to bring up the graph.

  • Page 34: Data Logging

    Data logging NOTE. MetView logs data based on the MetPak RG configuration not on the MetView console settings. To log MetPak RG data, click on the Logging button on the MetView console. The Logging dialog box is displayed. Figure 17...
  • Page 35 Click on the Logging button on the MetView console. Clear the Enable 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 RG User Manual © Last Change Gill Instruments Ltd...
  • Page 36 Wind speed  Pressure  Humidity  Temperature  Dewpoint  Dig I/P (Rainfall)  Supply Voltage  Status Code  End character  Checksum MetPak RG User Manual © Gill Instruments Ltd Last Change Page 30 12 March, 2013...

  • Page 37: Metpak Rg Configuration

    Contents MetPak RG Configuration MetPak RG can be configured using Gill MetSet software. The default configuration settings are listed in the following table. Table 9 Default configuration settings Setting Function Comms Levels RS232 Baud Rate 19200 Data Connection Data Bits 8, Parity None, Stop Bits 1, Flow Control None.
  • Page 38 Contents Example MetPak RG Default Data String < STX>Q,014,000.06,1011.2,042.1,+023.0,+009.4,0000.000,+04.9,00,<ETX>40 & (CR,LF)   Node letter  Wind direction  Wind speed  Pressure  Humidity  Temperature  Dewpoint  Digital Input 1  Supply voltage  Status code ...

  • Page 39: Configuring Metpak Rg With Metset

    See Para 6.1 for Technical Specification. Configuring using MetSet. MetSet DIG1 Edit screen can be used to allow a MetPak RG count value to be input. The DIG1 Count value can be set from 0.001 to 10.000 in steps of 0.001 to represent one switch closure event taking place.

  • Page 40: Figure 18 Opening Metset Screen

    Figure 18 Opening MetSet Screen MetSet interrogates the MetPak RG and returns a summary of the device settings. Note that MetSet also saves a copy of this screen to the connected PC as a Session Report File that can be accessed from the following destination.

  • Page 41: Metset Editing Screen

    MetPak configuration settings to a PC file location, upload MetPak RG configuration settings from a PC file and view the MetPak RG raw data string output, MetSet Editing Pages Move mouse over MetPak RG exclamation or question...
  • Page 42 Restore Device When selected MetSet retrieves a MetPak RG configuration Settings setting from a PC file, loads it into the MetPak RG and updates the MetSet edit settings. Measurement Click on View Output to view the raw ASCII MetPak RG data Mode string scrolling at the output rate.
  • Page 43 NOTE: When COMMS or Baud Rate settings are changed and Saved to Device a warning is issued by MetSet. These setting changes will not become active until the MetPak RG power is turned off and turned on again. The connecting device will then also need its Comms and Baud rate settings changed to match the MetPak RG.
  • Page 44 Pressure Units HPA, MB, MMHG, INHG (HectoPascals,Milli-Bars, Millimetres Mercury, Inches Mercury). The Humidity Page can be used to select:- Humidity Sensor ON or OFF Humidity Units % MetPak RG User Manual © Gill Instruments Ltd Last Change Page 38 12 March, 2013...
  • Page 45 Substitute Name A field available for typing in a user name between 3 to 8 characters long. NOTE: Once all settings have been chosen then save Edited Page Settings to MetPak RG by clicking on ‘Save Settings to Device’ this will change the MetPak RG configuration to reflect the new MetSet settings.

  • Page 46: Monitoring Metpak Rg Output Data Using Hyperterminal

    MetPak RG has two reporting modes:  Continuous mode In continuous mode (the default) MetPak RG reports continuously. So, if you have set up the connection correctly, you should now see data strings scrolling across the HyperTerminal window. For example:  Q,262,000.04,1...

  • Page 47: Table 10 Metpak Rg Commands

    ?A-?Z ?A to ?Z ?A – ?Z Retrieves a line of data from a MetPak RG set for Polled mode with a Node identifier set to A to Z. EXIT Used to change the unit from Configuration mode to Measurement mode...

  • Page 48: Configuring Metpak Rg For Sdi-12

    Configuring MetPak RG for SDI-12 To configure a MetPak RG unit for SDI-12: Connect a MetPak RG to a PC as described in Para 2.2.4. Open MetSet as described on Page 33. Click on the Edit Comms page and select SDI-12 from the drop down menu.
  • Page 49 (Direction, Speed, Humidity. Measurement command to Temperature, Pressure and retrieve a reading of the Humidity). maximum time the MetPak RG will take to complete a measurement, have data ready and the number of data values. 0D0! Retrieve a line of the a<dir><mag><temp><pressure>...
  • Page 50 Metres/Sec ), Temperature (degrees C), Pressure (Hecto Pascals/millibars), Dewpoint (degrees C) and CRC. a<dir><mag><temp><pressure> 0D0! Retrieve a line of the 0+140+000.06+022.2+1017.7 <dewpoint><CRC><CR><LF above data. +009.0+00D{Z<CR><LF> MetPak RG User Manual © Gill Instruments Ltd Last Change Page 44 12 March, 2013...
  • Page 51 Retrieve a line of the a<dig1><CRC><CR><LF> 0+0000.000EgO<CR><LF> above data. aMC9! Power Voltage (Volts) atttn<CR><LF> 00011<CR><LF> and CRC 0D0! Retrieve a line of the a<voltage><CRC><CR> 0+12.2K@R<CR><LF> above data. <LF> MetPak RG User Manual © Last Change Gill Instruments Ltd 12 March, 2013 Page 45...

  • Page 52: Safe Mode

    SDI-12 operation Safe Mode can be used to change the communication option back to RS232 or RS422. Connection Connect the MetPak RG for RS232 communication as detailed on Page 11, Fig. 6. Method Note at this stage the MetPak RG supply to be switched off.
  • Page 53 Open a new Wind or HyperTerminal program at 19200 baud rate. RS232 data will now scroll on screen at the MetPak RG 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 RG configuration.

  • Page 54: Troubleshooting

    Table 11 Common problems and their solution Symptom Solution Check DC power to MetPak RG, cable and connections. Check communications settings of the MetPak RG and host system match, including correct Com port. Check that the unit is in Continuous mode.

  • Page 55: Servicing

    Bench Tests Carry out MetPak RG bench test as follows: Connect the MetPak RG 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 40).
  • Page 56 47 ohms. As the arm moves away from the upright position to a rest position in either direction the resistance should change to Greater than 1M ohms (open circuit). MetPak RG User Manual © Gill Instruments Ltd...

  • Page 57: 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 RG User Manual © Last Change Gill Instruments Ltd...

  • Page 58: Barometer (On Hub Pcb)

    2. Unscrew the 3 nylon screws securing the funnel to the case assembly and remove the funnel. 3. Remove the end cap from the filter tube; remove the gauze filter material carefully. End Cap Gauze MetPak RG User Manual © Gill Instruments Ltd Last Change Page 52...
  • Page 59 Any wear will require the unit to be repaired/replaced. MetPak RG User Manual © Last Change...

  • Page 60: Spare Parts

    13. Internal parts require no lubrication. NOTES MetPak RG is supplied with a matching Rain Gauge and its tip calibration factors will have been pre-programmed into the MetPak hub box. If a replacement or re- calibrated Rain Gauge is used then the Hub box will need programming using MetSet with the new tip calibration factor if this has changed.

  • Page 61: Technical Information

    -35C to + 70C Accuracy 0.1C Resolution 0.1C (0.1F) Units of Measure C or F Relative Humidity Range 0-100% Accuracy 0.8%@23C Resolution 0.1% Units of Measure % RH MetPak RG User Manual © Last Change Gill Instruments Ltd 12 March, 2013 Page i...
  • Page 62 Data Output 0.25, 0.5, 1 Hz or Polled Mode. MetPak RG Status Status codes provided within the data message string * RS485 2 wire point to point only. MetPak RG User Manual © Gill Instruments Ltd Last Change Page ii...
  • Page 63 Rain Gauge Environment Protection Class Not applicable EN 61326 Operating Temperature +35C to +70C Storage Temperature -40C to +80C Operating Humidity 0% to 100% Humidity MetPak RG User Manual © Last Change Gill Instruments Ltd 12 March, 2013 Page iii...
  • Page 64  WindSonic anemometer (factory connection)  RS232/RS422/RS485/SDI-12 communications (User connection)  Digital Input (user connection) Connection details are also found within the MetPak RG Hub box. Factory Connections Table 13 HygroClip connections (6-way connector J1) Connector J1 Wire Colour Signal Name...
  • Page 65 Supply +ve (4.5v to 30v dc) Table 16 Digital Switch Input (2-way connector, J8) Connector J8 Signal Name DIG1 (Digital Switch Contact Input) GND (Ground) MetPak RG User Manual © Last Change Gill Instruments Ltd 12 March, 2013 Page v...

  • Page 66: Issue

    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 RG Weather Station 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 67 SO41 9EG Tel: +44 (0) 1590 613500 Fax: +44 (0) 1590 613501 E-mail: anem@gill.co.uk Website: www.gill.co.uk Copyright  Gill Instruments 2011 Reg No: 3154453 Registered Office: The George Business Centre, Christchurch Road, New Milton, BH25 6QJ MetPak RG User Manual ©...

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