SWS-100LW Visibility Sensor

SWS-100LW Visibility Sensor

SWS-100LW Visibility Sensor

Product catalog summary
Overview
The SWS-100LW is a low power, lightweight visibility sensor designed for transportable and solar/battery applications. It monitors visibility and obstructions caused by dust, fog, rain, drizzle, snow, and hail. It is optimized for use in remote solar-powered weather stations and portable tactical Automated Weather Observing Systems (AWOS).
Key Features & Benefits
  • Power consumption of 2.9W.
  • Lightweight at 2.7kg.
  • Selectable measurement range from 10m to 75km.
  • Digital outputs with RS232 interface.
  • Compatible with ALS-2 Ambient Light Sensor.
  • Comprehensive self-test and maintenance data.
  • 2-year warranty.
  • Selectable measurement resolution of 1m or 10m.
Visibility Measurement
The SWS-100LW uses forward scatter technology for visibility measurement, offering advantages over backscatter sensors and transmissometers. It provides a maximum visibility range of 10m to 75km and complies with ICAO and WMO specifications for aviation use, including Runway Visual Range systems.
Present Weather Reporting
The sensor can identify and report the presence of drizzle, rain, and snow using WMO Table 4680 codes. It also reports fog, haze, and unidentified precipitation codes.
Interfacing and Connectivity
The sensor transmits data via RS232 interface and can be configured to connect with the ALS-2 Ambient Light Sensor for aviation applications. It includes self-test features and window contamination monitoring for efficient maintenance.
Configuration Options
  • No hood heating due to low power nature.
  • Standard RS232 serial output.
  • Standard self-test and monitoring.
  • Optional ALS-2 Ambient Light Sensor interface.
  • Available in Desert Tan, NATO Green, and White colors.
Specifications
  • Measurement error: ≤4.5% at 600m, ≤5.1% at 2km, ≤20% at 30km.
  • Measurement resolution: 1m or 10m.
  • Operating temperature: -40°C to +60°C.
  • Operating humidity: 0 – 100% RH.
  • Protection rating: IP66.
Additional Features
Includes window heaters and contamination monitoring, with environmental operating conditions ranging from -40°C to +60°C and 0 – 100% RH.
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Catalog excerpts

SWS-100LW Visibility Sensor-1

SWS-100LW Visibility Sensor Datasheet Low power and light weight sensor optimised for transportable and solar/battery applications Monitors visibility and obstruction to vision caused by dust, fog, rain, drizzle, snow and hail KEY FEATURES & BENEFITS > 2.9W Power consumption 9 Light weight 2.7kg 9 Selectable measurement range from 10m to 75km ’ 9 Selectable measurement resolution of lm or 10m (default) • Limited WMO 4680 present weather codes • Digital outputs 9 Compatible with ALS-2 Ambient Light Sensor • Comprehensive self-test and maintenance data • 2 Years Warranty The SWS-100LW is optimised for use in applications where accurate and reliable visibility measurements are required from a low power, light weight sensor. Typical applications include solar powered weather stations and highly portable tactical AWOS. Applications The SWS-100LW has a power consumption of just 2.9W and yet unlike other low power sensors it retains the measurement range and accuracy expected of a fully featured visibility sensor. This combination of low power and high performance makes the sensor particularly suited for use in remote solar powered weather stations or networked observing sites. Where power is particularly limited the sensor can be intermittently powered for even lower overall consumption. The SWS-100LW may also be used in remote signage applications where solar power stored in batteries must be conserved to power the warning sign. As well as being low powered the sensor is also light weight, having been developed as part of a man portable tactical Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) for the US military. Despite its low weight, the SWS-100LW remains a rugged and reliable sensor well suited to use in portable or transportable weather stations, whilst the measurement range and accuracy allow it to be used in aviation weather systems, including those reporting Runway Visual Range. Visibility Measurement The measurement of visibility by forward scatter as used by the SWS-100LW is now widely accepted and seen as having significant advantages over more traditional techniques such

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SWS-100LW Visibility Sensor-2

as the use of backscatter sensors or transmissometers. Backscatter sensors can be very compact, but the backscatter signal is strongly dependent on the type of obstruction to vision, resulting in poor accuracy and limited upper range. The SWS-100LW by contrast is also compact, requires little maintenance and has a maximum visibility range of 10m to 75km, with a choice of either 1 or 10m resolution. Transmissometers cannot be considered for applications where the SWS-100LW would be used due to their size, although their direct measurement of visibility is still thought to be the most valid method....

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SWS-100LW Visibility Sensor-3

Sensor Configuration Information For a detailed explanation of the configuration options please refer to the table below. 10LW - SWS-100LW Visibility Sensor Hood Heating: NH - Without heating Data Output: J - Standard outputs Self-test and Monitoring: S - Standard self-test and monitoring Ambient Light Sensor Interface: NA - Without ALS-2 Interface WA - With ALS-2 Interface Cable options: 06 - 6m Cable with mating connector Colour TN - Desert Tan GN - NATO Green WT - White Configuration RC - Regular Configuration SC - Special Configuration Example: 10LW.NH.J.S.NA.06.GN.RC (Please use this code...

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SWS-100LW Visibility Sensor-4

Visibility Measurement Certification & Compliance_ CE Certified EMC compliance with EN61326-1997, 1998, 2001 RoHS and WEEE compliant Output rate (seconds) Power Requirements Self-test capability Sensor Power 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 Window heaters Accessories - Optional Specifications are subject to review and change without notice. E&OE. Operating temperature © Biral - Bristol Industrial & Research Associates Ltd. 2018 For more information,...

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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.