SWS-050 Visibility Sensor

SWS-050 Visibility Sensor

SWS-050 Visibility Sensor

Product catalog summary
Overview
The SWS-050 is a visibility sensor optimized for applications requiring accurate and reliable visibility measurements. It features a compact forward scatter design, a measurement range of 10m to 40km, and is unaffected by local lights. The sensor is easily installed by one person and includes hood heating for extreme environments. It integrates seamlessly with the Biral ALS-2 ambient light sensor and comes with a comprehensive self-test and maintenance data system, backed by a 3-year warranty.
Visibility Measurement
The SWS-050 uses forward scatter technology, which is widely accepted for its advantages over traditional methods like transmissometers and backscatter sensors. It offers a measurement range of 10m to 40km with a resolution of 1m or 10m. The sensor is calibrated according to ICAO 9328 standards and is traceable to a national weather service transmissometer.
Applications
The sensor is suitable for various applications, including weather stations and aviation systems. It complies with ICAO and WMO specifications for aviation use, including instrumented Runway Visual Range (RVR) systems. The sensor's advanced self-test and window contamination monitoring ensure accurate results even in challenging conditions.
Interfacing and Connectivity
The SWS-050 is designed for easy integration with intelligent systems, offering RS232, RS422, and RS485 serial outputs. It can output both Meteorological Optical Range (MOR) and atmospheric Extinction Coefficient (EXCO). The sensor can interface with the ALS-2 Ambient Light Sensor for aviation applications.
Maintenance and Cost of Ownership
The sensor includes advanced self-test capabilities and window contamination monitoring, reducing maintenance needs. Calibration checks are simple and infrequent due to the stability of the light source and receiver circuitry. The sensor is DC powered, with separate supplies for electronics and hood heaters, which activate in cold conditions to conserve power.
Advanced Functional Test Mode
The sensor can output specific data in a test mode for Factory or Site Acceptance Testing (FAT or SAT), allowing users to define visibility, window contamination, and fault conditions.
Specifications
The SWS-050 is CE certified, EMC compliant, and RoHS and WEEE compliant. It is made of aluminium with a powder paint finish and optional hard anodize base layer. The sensor weighs 4.3kg and measures 811mm in length. It operates in temperatures from -40°C to +60°C and has an IP66/IP67 protection rating.
Included and Optional Accessories
The sensor comes with a pole mounting kit, user manual, and calibration certificates. Optional accessories include data and power cables, a calibration kit, a transit case, a spares kit, an extended warranty, and a mains power adaptor.
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Catalog excerpts

SWS-050 Visibility Sensor-1

SWS-050 Visibility Sensor Datasheet Monitors visibility and obstruction to vision caused by dust, fog, rain, drizzle, snow and hail Designed for easy integration with intelligent systems such as weather stations and aviation applications KEY FEATURES & BENEFITS 9 10m to 40km measurement range • Selectable measurement resolution of lm or 10m (default) • Compact forward scatter design 9 Not affected by local lights 9 Easily installed by one person 9 Hood heating for use in extreme environments 9 Easy integration of Biral ALS-2 ambient light sensor 9 Comprehensive self-test and maintenance data 9 3 Years warranty The SWS-050 is optimised for use in applications where accurate and reliable visibility measurements are required. The forward scatter measurement principle and compact design ensure the output is both accurate and reliable in all weather conditions. The inclusion of hood heating and advanced self-test features as standard makes the SWS-050 Biral's most cost effective solution for visibility measurement. Visibility Measurement The measurement of visibility by forward scatter as used by the SWS-050 is now widely accepted and seen as having significant advantages over more traditional techniques such as the use of transmissometers or backscatter sensors. Backscatter sensors share the SWS-050's advantage of being compact however the backscatter signal is strongly dependent on the type of obstruction to vision resulting in poor accuracy and limited upper range. Transmissometers were once considered the standard method for visibility measurement due to their direct measurement of visibility however, their limited measurement range, high cost of acquisition, large size and significant maintenance costs have resulted in their use being limited to a few specialist applications. The SWS-050 by contrast is compact, requires little maintenance and has a visibility range of 10m to 40km, whilst its measurement performance is proven to be comparable to that of a transmissometer. The calibration of the SWS sensor family was undertaken in accordance with the recommendations of ICAO 9328 and is traceable to a national weather service transmissometer. The standard data message reports both averaged Meteorological Optical Range (MOR) with a fixed measurement

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SWS-050 Visibility Sensor-2

range of 10m to 40km, and atmospheric Extinction Coefficient (EXCO). The features, accuracy and resolution of the SWS-050 ensure it complies with ICAO and WMO specifications for aviation use including use in instrumented Runway Visual Range (RVR) systems. aviation applications where RVR information is required. The ALS-2 Ambient Light Sensor data is appended to the standard sensor data message simplifying both the installation and data processing. Maintenance and Cost of Ownership To keep track of the operational status of the sensor, abbreviated self-test information is included in every data...

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SWS-050 Visibility Sensor-3

Sensor Configuration Information For a detailed explanation of the configuration options please refer to the table below. SWS-050 Sensor Housing: 05 - Powder paint coated aluminium (standard) 05A - Hard coat anodized, powder coated Hood Heating: HV - With heating Data Output: J - Standard outputs Self-Test and Monitoring: A - Advanced self-test and monitoring Ambient Light Sensor Interface (ALS-2): NA - Without ALS-2 Interface WA - With ALS-2 Interface Configuration: iRC - Regular configuration SC - Special configuration © Biral - Bristol Industrial & Research Associates Ltd. 2019 For more information,...

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SWS-050 Visibility Sensor-4

Visibility Measurement Certification & Compliance_ CE Certified EMC compliance with EN61326-1997, 1998, 2001 RoHS and WEEE compliant Power Requirements Output rate (seconds) Sensor Power Self-test capability Additional Features Included with Sensor_ The sensor is delivered in sturdy recyclable foam filled packaging with: - Pole mounting kit (2 x U-bolt) - User manual and calibration certificates Accessories - Optional Hood heaters Operating temperature © Biral - Bristol Industrial & Research Associates Ltd. 2019 For more information, visit www.biral.com or contact us at [email protected]

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*Prices are pre-tax. They exclude delivery charges and customs duties and do not include additional charges for installation or activation options. Prices are indicative only and may vary by country, with changes to the cost of raw materials and exchange rates.