CS120

Atmospheric Visibility Sensor
CS120

CS120

End of lifeConfigurable

Atmospheric Visibility Sensor

Model:
CS120
Item Number:
CS120
Warranty:
1 year
Lead time:
21 days

Overview

OBSOLETE Atmospheric Visibility Sensor with Serial Output (-25 to +60C) (w/5M Signal & Power Cable)

The CS120 uses tried-and-tested, infrared forward-scatter technology, and uses the proven 42° scatter angle to report meteorological observable range (MOR) for fog and snow in the range 10 to 30,000 m. It combines a high specification with a very competitive price. The CS120 is ideal for stand-alone applications or in combination with automatic weather stations in road, aviation, solar-energy, and wind-energy environments.

Note: Campbell Scientific does not recommend using the CS120 for marine applications.

Key Advantages

High Performance Visibility Measurements
Competitive price

Technical Description

Compared to many such sensors the CS120 design means that visibility is being measured in a relatively clean space because the position of the heads and body minimize disturbance of the airflow at the measurement volume.

The CS120 uses continuous high-speed sampling, which improves the accuracy of the measurements taken during mixed weather such as rain and hail, while providing reliable readings during more stable events such as fog and mist. High speed sampling also allows the sensor to better respond to suddenly changing conditions.

The CS120 has several design features that keep its optics clean. Downward facing optics minimizes dirt and snow build up. Low powered heaters prevent the formation of dew, and a higher-powered heater prevents the formation of ice.

The sensor is very power efficient, drawing just 3 W during normal operation including the dew heaters; power can be reduced further by reducing the sample rate and manual control of the heaters.

Benefits

  • High-performance sensor at a competitive price
  • Incorporates automatic dew and hood heaters for all-weather operation
  • Simple field calibration using optional calibration kit
  • Low power - suitable for remote applications
  • Automatic status check for faults or window contamination
  • Sensor design minimizes airflow disruption at measurement volume

Specifications

Measurement Description
Meteorological Observable Range

(MOR)

Signal Type/Output
RS-232, RS-485
Maximum Reported Visibility
32 km

(~20 mi)

Minimum Reported Visibility
12 m

(~39 ft)

Accuracy (0 to 10,000 m)
±10%
Accuracy (10,000 to 20,000 m)
±20%
Operating Temperature
-25° to +60°C
Operating Humidity
0 to 100%
Wind Speed
Up to 60 m/s
Sensor Sealing
Rated to IP66
Mounting
Stainless-steel V-bolt mounting to pole with OD of 32 to 52.5 mm

(1.25 to 2 in.)

Dimensions
447 x 640 x 246 mm

(17.6 x 25.2 x 9.7 in.)

Weight
~3 kg

(6.6 lb) depending upon mounting system used

Electrical

-NOTE-
A low-voltage shutdown level can be set to prevent back-up batteries being damaged.
-NOTE-
Lower power states can be achieved by less frequent sampling and remote control of heaters.
Electronic Supply Voltage
8 to 30 Vdc
Hood Heater Supply Voltage
24 Vdc or Vac
Hood Heater Power
2 x 30 W

(total of 60 W)

Total Unit Power
< 3 W while sampling continuously

(including dew heaters)

Interface

Serial Interface
RS-232 or RS-485
Serial Data Rates
1200 to 115,200 bps

(38,400 bps default rate)

Alarm Outputs
2 x 0 to 5 V outputs, 32 mA (max)

Optical

Emitter Light Frequency
850 nm
Lens Contamination Circuitry
Monitors both the source and detector lenses for contamination/blockage at 1 s intervals.

Sensor adjusts its calibration for low to moderate window contamination.

Light Source Stability Control
Ensures stable operation through variations in temperature and with sensor aging.

Corrected at 1 s intervals.

Ships With

(2)
  • 5 m Sensor Cable from original mfg
  • 5 m Hood Heater Cable from original mfg

Related Resources

Connect With Us

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Phone Numbers
General: (435) 227-9000
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Corporate Address
815 W 1800 N
Logan, UT 84321
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Email Address
sales@campbellsci.com

As a trusted leader in measurement systems for more than 50 years, our top priority at Campbell Scientific has always been to provide the most accurate, reliable data for research and industry.