05103-45-L

The 05103-45 Wind Monitor is a lightweight instrument that measures wind speed and wind direction. It is designed to prevent ice buildup, allowing the sensor to provide accurate measurements in harsh alpine conditions. Manufactured by R. M. Young, this wind monitor is cabled for use with Campbell Scientific data loggers.

The 05103-45 is constructed from rigid UV-stabilized thermoplastic, and has stainless steel and anodized aluminum fittings. The thermoplastic material resists corrosion from sea air environments and atmospheric pollutants. It uses stainless-steel precision-grade ball bearings for the propeller shaft and vertical shaft bearings.

Designed for harsh alpine conditions, the 05103-45 has a smaller propeller diameter than the other wind monitor models, which minimizes vibration at high wind speeds. To discourage ice buildup, the sensor's housing is black and covered with an ice-resistant coating.

The 05103-45 measures wind speed with a helicoid-shaped, four-blade propeller. Rotation of the propeller produces an ac sine wave that has a frequency directly proportional to wind speed. The ac signal is induced in a transducer coil by a six-pole magnet mounted on the propeller shaft. The coil resides on the non-rotating central portion of the main mounting assembly, eliminating the need for slip rings and brushes.

Wind direction is sensed by the orientation of the fuselage-shaped sensor body, which is connected to an internal potentiometer. The data logger applies a known precision excitation voltage to the potentiometer element. The output is an analog voltage signal directly proportional to the azimuth angle.