WeatherStation Powerboat Model PB100 Owner’s Guide Record the serial number found on the WeatherStation for future reference. Serial No.
Copyright © 2005, 2006 Airmar Technology Corp. All rights reserved.
Table of Contents Introduction Adding External Sensors Choosing the Mounting Location Tools & Materials Installing Cable Routing & Connecting Connecting to a Converter Connecting to a Combiner Connecting to a Generic NMEA Display Installing the Software Setting Up the WeatherCaster Program Using the WeatherCaster Program Maintenance & Updates Where to Purchase Parts Troubleshooting Appendix A—How the WeatherStation Works Appendix B—Technical Information Acronyms & Glossary 4 5 6 7 8 11 11 13 23 25 30 35 4
IMPORTANT: Please read the owner’s guide completely before proceeding with the installation. These instructions supersede any other instructions in your instrument manual if they differ. Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Airmar Ultrasonic WeatherStation. This exciting product is actually six different sensors in a single unit—without any moving parts. The compact housing is fully waterproof with a single removable cable. Data is output in digital NMEA 0183 format.
Adding External Sensors The WeatherStation can receive data from external sensors when they are connected through an optional Combiner. This device processes additional received data and transmits it to the WeatherStation for use in true wind calculations. The WeatherStation will automatically detect whether these sensors are internal, external, or not available at all. Simply connect the sensor(s) to the Combiner or other NMEA 0183 repeater hardware.
Min. 1m Figure 1. Antennas Courtesy of Northstar BNT, Acton, MA Choosing the Mounting Location For accurate readings and a reliable GPS signal, selecting the best location for the WeatherStation is very important. Easy access and appearance should be secondary considerations. Since each installation is unique, the best separation distances from other equipment on the boat will vary depending on the particular equipment and how it is configured.
Tools & Materials Antenna mount with standard 1” - 14 marine threads and a pass-through for the cable (see Figure 2) Hardware to install the antenna mount Extension tube (optional) Pencil Level Safety goggles Dust mask Electric drill Drill bits Phillips screwdrivers Plumber’s tape (optional) Cutting pliers (some installations) Wire strippers (some installations) Electrical tape (some installations) Converter (some installations) Combiner (some installations) Where to Purchase USA & Canada Gemeco Tel: Fax
Installing waterproof film wind channel metal plate Figure 3. The wind channel Copyright © 2005 Airmar Technology Corp. Caution: The blue metal plate and the blue film found in the wind channel of the WeatherStation are essential to its operation (see Figure 3). Be careful not to scratch the plate, puncture the film, or damage them in any way. Caution: Do not remove the connector(s) to ease cable routing.
Caution: The WeatherStation must be installed vertically—not tilted to one side. If the WeatherStation is tilted from the horizontal plane, it will introduce an error in the compass reading. WeatherStation alignment tabs face forward toward the bow and parallel to the centerline of the vessel wind channel where air travels through the sensor nut assembly extension tube (most installations) cable exit (some installation) antenna mount Figure 4. Installation Copyright © 2005 Airmar Technology Corp.
WeatherStation connector alignment key nut assembly captive nut Figure 5. Connecting Copyright © 2005 Airmar Technology Corp. 6. With the nut assembly on the cable near the WeatherStation connector, thread the cable through the extension tube (if used), antenna mount, and the cable exit. Allow several inches of cable topped by the connector above the nut assembly (see Figure 5). Caution: If you use a thread lock, use plumber’s tape.
Cable Routing & Connecting Depending on the equipment that you will be using, route the WeatherStation cable to a Converter, a Combiner, or directly to a NMEA 0183 display. Go to the section that is appropriate for your equipment. Caution: Do not remove the waterproof connector(s) to ease cable routing. If the cable must be cut and spliced, use Airmar’s splash-proof Junction Box No. 33-035 and follow the instructions provided.
Mounting Location of the Converter 1. Select a convenient, dry, mounting location for the water-resistant Converter, about 1 – 2 m (3' – 6') from the PC (see Figure 6). 2. Hold the Converter at the selected location and mark the position of the screw holes. If the Converter will be mounted on a vertical surface, face the cables downward to avoid water seeping into the box. Warning: Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask. 3. At the marked locations, drill the holes for the screws.
Connecting to a Combiner The Combiner allows the WeatherStation data to be displayed simultaneously on both an NMEA display and a PC. On the Combiner, the two auxiliary grommets labeled AUX NMEA OUT can be used to connect additional devices capable of displaying WeatherStation data (see Figure 7). All display devices must be NMEA 0183. PC additional display Airmar Smart™ Sensor or other sensor Weather Station power supply additional display NMEA display or additional sensor Figure 7.
Mounting Location of the Combiner 1. Select a convenient, dry, mounting location for the water-resistant Combiner, about 1 – 2 m (3' – 6') from the NMEA device and the PC. 2. Hold the Combiner at the selected location and mark the position of the screw holes. Note—If the Combiner will be mounted on a vertical surface, face the grommets to the sides to avoid water seeping into the box. Warning: Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask. 3. At the marked locations, drill the holes.
4. Using a small Phillips screwdriver, puncture the grommet that corresponds to NMEA Display on the cover (see Figure 7). Be careful not to damage the circuit board. 5. Push approximately 200mm (8") of the cable through the grommet (see Figure 9). To ease sliding, apply alcohol to the cable jacket.
10.Connect each wire in turn into the designated NMEA Display terminal. Loosen the screw, insert the stripped end of the wire into the square hole, and retighten the screw. Be sure the stripped end of the wire is inserted up to its insulation only. Do not include any insulation inside the terminal. Gently tug on the wire to ensure that it is securely fastened. Repeat this process until all the wires are connected.
Auxiliary NMEA IN Grommet. Use the AUX NMEA IN grommet to connect an external NMEA 0183 sensor such as: an Airmar Smart™ Sensor, an external GPS, an external compass, or other sensor. An “IN” device will supply additional data to the WeatherStation. The WeatherStation software (WeatherCaster) will automatically detect a Smart™ Sensor and display the appropriate data. Airmar recommends installing the DST800V to receive water depth, boat speed, and water temperature data.
1. Route the cable coming from the external sensor to the Combiner. Do not fasten the cable in place at this time. 2. Allowing an extra 25 cm (10") for wiring ease, cut the cable to length. 3. Remove the cover of the Combiner to expose the terminals inside (see Figure 11). Using a small Phillips screwdriver, puncture the grommet that corresponds to AUX NMEA IN on the cover (see Figure 7). Be careful not to damage the circuit board. 4.
9. Connect each wire in turn into the designated NMEA IN terminal. Loosen the screw, insert the stripped end of the wire into the square hole and retighten the screw. Be sure the stripped end of the wire is inserted up to its insulation only. Do not include any insulation inside the terminal. Gently tug on the wire to ensure that it is securely fastened. Repeat this process until all the wires are connected. Refer to the owner’s manual that came with the sensor and the wiring diagram below (see Figure 12).
Auxiliary NMEA OUT Grommets Use the AUX NMEA OUT grommets to connect one or two additional devices to receive and display data from the WeatherStation. To wire a device(s) through the AUX NMEA OUT grommet(s), use the NMEA OUT terminals on the printed circuit board (see Figure 13). Note: If you will be connecting two devices, wire both devices to the same designated terminals—on top of one another.
5. Push approximately 200mm (8") of the cable through the grommet(s) (see Figure 13). 6. Strip 60mm (2-1/2") of the outer jacket and foil shielding from the cut end of the cable (s). 7. Strip 10 mm (3/8") of conductor insulation from the end of each colored wire. 8. Protect the cable’s foil shielding from causing a short by wrapping electrical tape around the jacket where the wires emerge from the cable. The tape must overlap the wires a minimum of 6 mm (1/4"). 9.
Power Cable Warning: The power panel must have a 2 amp fast-blow fuse or circuit breaker. 1. Route the power cable from the Combiner to the power supply (see Figure 13). Do not fasten the cable in place at this time. 2. Allowing an extra 25 cm (10") for wiring ease, cut the cable to length. 3. Strip 60mm (2-1/2") of the outer jacket and foil shielding from the cut end of the cable (s). 4. Cut off the bare wire flush with the cable jacket. 5.
Connecting to a Generic NMEA 0183 Display 1. Route the WeatherStation cable to the display. Do not fasten the cable in place at this time. 2. Connect the WeatherStation to the display. • Connector—If your WeatherStation came with a connector, and it can be plugged into the port on your NMEA 0183 display, do so now. Coil any excess cable and secure it with a zip-tie to prevent damage. Fasten the cable in place.
Figure 15. Wiring diagram to connect to a generic NMEA display Copyright © 2005 Airmar Technology Corp. Wiring Warning: The power panel must have a 1 amp fast-blow fuse or circuit breaker. 1. Route the power cable from the WeatherStation to the power supply. Do not fasten the power cable in place at this time. 2. Allowing an extra 25 cm (10") for wiring ease, cut the cable to length. 3. Cut off the bare wire flush with the cable jacket. 4.
Installing the Software—Converter or Combiner Installation Only If your installation includes a Converter or a Combiner, you will need to install the WeatherCaster software on your PC. WeatherCaster is designed to work with Windows™ XP. Caution: The screen resolution must be set at 1024 x 768 pixels per square inch for WeatherCaster to operate properly. Installing WeatherCaster 1. Power your PC. 2. Insert the WeatherStation CD into the CD-ROM drive on your PC.
4. Click the Install Application button. The WeatherStation InstallShield Wizard window will appear (see Figure 18). Figure 18. InstallShield Wizard window Copyright © 2005 Airmar Technology Corp. 5. Click Next to continue. 6. Accept the License Agreement, then click Next. 7. Enter a user name and organization. Click Next. 8. Verify that the destination folder is correct. Click Next. 9. Click Install. The Installing Airmar WeatherStation window will appear (see Figure 19). Figure 19.
Installing the USB Serial Converter Driver Caution: THE DRIVER INSTALLATION IS IN TWO PARTS. Both drivers must be installed for WeatherCaster to function. The first driver is called the USB Serial Converter. It converts the USB data packets to a serial data stream. The second driver, called the USB SERIAL PORT driver, makes the USB connection appear as a COM port in the Windows™ Device Manager.
6. The Found New Hardware Wizard window will appear (see Figure 21). Click the NO, not this time button to allow the driver installation. Figure 21. Found New Hardware Wizard window Copyright © 2005 Airmar Technology Corp. 7. Click Next to continue. 8. Another “Found New Hardware Wizard” window will appear (see Figure 22). Click the Install the software automatically button. Figure 22. Found New Hardware Wizard window continued Copyright © 2005 Airmar Technology Corp. 9. Click Next to continue.
11.The USB Serial Converter driver is being installed (see Figure 23). Click Finish and wait for the Found New Hardware Wizard window to appear again. Figure 23. Completing the Found New Hardware Wizard window Copyright © 2005 Airmar Technology Corp. IMPORTANT: THE NEW HARDWARE WIZARD MUST RUN TWICE FOR A COMPLETE INSTALLATION. Installing the COM Port Driver 1. When the Found New Hardware Wizard window appears again, it will guide you through the USB Serial Port driver installation (see Figure 21).
Setting Up WeatherCaster After WeatherCaster is successfully installed, click the WeatherStation icon on your PC’s desktop. When WeatherCaster opens, you will see a setup page with gauges in the middle and dials on the left and right sides (see Figure 25). The center gauges display the data being sent from the WeatherStation in both analog and digital format. The dials on the sides are settings that can be changed by the user. This page is for setup only. Figure 25.
Background Color Dial This dial allows you to choose the background color of the screen. •Steel •Burled Wood •Fiberglass To change the setting, click the text to the right of the dial. Temperature Setting Dial This dial allows you to display all of the temperature readings in the following units of measure. •Fahrenheit •Celsius To change the setting, click the text to the right of the dial. Compass Orientation Dial This dial allows you to orient the compass display one of two ways.
Barometric Pressure Setting Dial This dial allows you to display the barometric pressure in the following units of measure. •inHg—Inches of Mercury •mBars—Millibars To change the setting, click the text to the right of the dial. Wind Chill Setting Dial This dial allows the WeatherStation to calculate the wind chill temperature based on: •Apparent wind speed •True wind speed To change the setting, click the text to the right of the dial.
Data Boxes at the Top of the Screen There are six Data Boxes that appear at the top of each page (see Figures 25, 26, and 27). These boxes display information from the WeatherStation. Their functions are as follows from left to right (see Figure 26): 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Figure 26. Boxes at top of screen Copyright © 2005 Airmar Technology Corp. Box 1. Firmware Version This box displays the Firmware version of the software that is installed on your PC and in the WeatherStation. Box 2.
Box 5. GPS Connection Indicator This icon indicates if the GPS inside the WeatherStation has a satellite fix. When the icon is red, there is no GPS fix. When the icon is blue, there is a GPS fix. Box 6. Freezing Point Indicator This icon will display how close the actual temperature is relative to the freezing point. Previous Page Arrow This returns you to the previous screen. (WeatherCaster has three pages.) To change the display page, click the arrow.
Using the WeatherCaster Program WeatherCaster has three pages/display screens. To move between pages, click the Next Page or Prev Page arrow. • Setup Page—This page contains gauges in the center and dials on the sides. The dials are settings that can be changed by the user (see Figure 25). • Analog Gauge Screen—This page displays the data being sent from the WeatherStation on gauges in both analog and digital format (see Figure 28).
High and Low Readings Some gauges display a colored arc. A blue arc shows the lowest reading in a 24 hour period. A red arc show the highest reading in a 24 hour period. And white space between a blue and a red arc show the range of the reading in a 24 hour period. Blue and red lines may appear on all gages except the Compass, Barometer, and Clock Displaying Historical Data You can view historical data for each gauge except the compass and the clock. When you click on a gauge, a graph will appear.
Apparent Wind Gauge This gauge uses needles to indicate the apparent wind speed and direction. The long needle points to the wind speed, and the short needle points to the wind direction. There is also a digital readout at the bottom. To view historical apparent wind speed data, click the gauge. A graph will appear as shown on the right. To return to the Apparent Wind Gauge, click the graph. True Wind Gauge This gauge uses needles to indicate the true wind speed and direction.
Compass The Compass displays true and apparent wind direction along with vessel heading. The Compass does not collect historical data. • Apparent wind direction is indicated by a black needle and a black digital readout on the left of the gauge. • True wind direction is indicated by a red needle and a red digital readout on the right of the gauge. • Vessel heading is displayed as a blue boat icon in the center of the gauge and indicates the direction in which the boat is traveling.
Relative Humidity Gauge This gauge uses a needle to indicate the relative humidity as a percentage. There is also a digital readout at the bottom. To view historical humidity data, click the gauge. A graph will appear as shown on the right. To return to the Relative Humidity Gauge, click the graph. Dew Point Gauge This gauge uses a needle to indicate the dew point temperature. There is also a digital readout at the bottom. To view historical dew point data, click the gauge.
True Wind Speed Relative to Speed Through Water This gauge will appear only if you have installed a paddlewheel sensor measuring boat speed through the water, and the sensor is connected to an optional Combiner. True wind speed relative to speed through water cannot be calculated using GPS readings. This gauge uses needles to indicate true wind speed and direction relative to speed through water. The long needle points to the wind speed, and the short needle points to the wind direction.
The Large Compass and Digital Display Page Click the Next Page arrow at the top right of the screen to go to the Large Compass and Digital Display Page. This page shows a large compass on the left side of the screen and weather readings in digital format on the right (see Figure 29). This page does not display historical data. Figure 29. Large compass and digital display page Copyright © 2005 Airmar Technology Corp.
Weather Readings The right side of the screen displays the following (see Figure 29): • • • • • • • • • Apparent wind speed and direction True wind speed and direction Air temperature Wind chill temperature Relative humidity Dew point temperature Barometric pressure Time—Displayed in a 12 and a 24 hour format Water speed—It will appear only if you have installed a paddlewheel sensor measuring boat speed through the water, and it is connected through an optional Combiner.
Maintenance & Updates WeatherCaster Updates Download WeatherCaster updates from Airmar’s web site, www.airmar.com. Calibration The WeatherStation is calibrated at the factory and does not require any calibration after purchase. Maintenance Since the WeatherStation has no moving parts, it requires minimal maintenance. Caution: The blue metal plate and the blue waterproof film found in the wind channel of the WeatherStation are essential to its operation (see Figure 30).
Troubleshooting • • • • • Is there power to the WeatherStation? Are all the connections tight? Is the cable-run free of kinks? Is the wiring correct? Are there any obstructions in the wind channel of the WeatherStation? Keep it free of spider webs, insects, dirt, and other debris. Be careful not to puncture the blue waterproof film or scratch the blue plate.
WeatherCaster Software Problems Identify the WeatherCaster Version The WeatherCaster version number is located on the top left corner of each WeatherCaster page. The latest version of WeatherCaster is available for download at www.airmar.com. Setting the Display Resolution to 1024 X 768 When using WeatherCaster on a computer with a display resolution less than 1024 x 768 (e.g. 800x600), the window will be truncated on the right side and bottom edges. The EXIT controls will therefore be hidden from view.
Auto-Detecting COM Ports If you install more than one instance of the drivers for the Combiner/Converter, WeatherCaster may not automatically detect the appropriate COM port. In this case, you will need to manually select the COM port and the baud rate upon launching WeatherCaster. Manually selecting the COM port and baud rate 1. After launching WeatherCaster, you will see the screen below. Click Cancel. 2. You will then see the screen below. Click Yes to manually set the COM port and baud rate. 3.
that matches the COM port shown in brackets on the Auto-Detecting WeatherStation Data window. 4. Select the appropriate Baud Rate from the drop-down menu. • If you have a: USB Converter, set the baud rate to 4800. • If you have a Combiner, set the baud rate to 57600. 5. Click OK, and WeatherCaster will start. 6. Exit WeatherCaster; then start the program again. The next time WeatherCaster runs, it will automatically select the proper COM port.
1. Launch WeatherCaster again. You will see the screen below. Click Cancel. 2. You will then see the screen below. Click Yes to manually set the COM port and baud rate. 3. In the Manual Communications Port Setup window, select the appropriate COM port from the Comm. Port drop-down menu. Be sure to select the Comm. Port that matches the COM port shown in brackets on the Auto-Detecting WeatherStation Data window.
4. Select the appropriate Baud Rate from the drop-down menu. • If you have a: USB Converter, set the baud rate to 4800. • If you have a Combiner, set the baud rate to 57600. 5. Click OK, and WeatherCaster will start. 6. Exit WeatherCaster; then start the program again. The next time WeatherCaster runs, it will automatically select the proper COM port.
6. Set the bits-per-second to 4800. Do not change any other selection. Click OK. You will see the data sentences from the WeatherStation scrolling on the screen, similar to the example below. To identify the sentence commands, refer to the Technical Manual on the WeatherStation CD. The data can be saved by going to the File drop-down menu and selecting Save As.
Appendix A—How the WeatherStation Works About the Ultrasonic Wind Sensor The ultrasonic wind sensor (an ultrasonic anemometer) measures apparent wind speed and direction. The WeatherStation contains four ultrasonic transducers, visible through the four holes in the top of the sensor’s wind channel (see Figure 31). These transducers operate in pairs—one transducer injects a pulse into the air, and the other (directly opposite to it) listens for the arrival of that pulse.
Consider the case of a vessel proceeding at a speed of 15 knots in calm air. An observer on-board would experience a wind of 15 knots from dead ahead. This apparent wind would be due solely to the motion of the boat. If a true wind of 15 knots was blowing from the stern, an observer would experience dead calm—no apparent wind. That is because the boat is moving at the same speed and in the same direction as the surrounding air.
About the Electronic Compass The WeatherStation includes a pair of magnetoinductive sensors that measure magnetic field strength in two axes on the horizontal plane of the WeatherStation. From these measurements, it calculates the resultant magnetic heading angle, thereby providing a built-in electronic compass. Like all magnetic compasses, the WeatherStation compass will be affected by any ferrous or magnetic materials in the vicinity, such as metal structures, motors, speakers, etc.
About the Air Temperature Sensor The WeatherStation includes a built-in negative temperature coefficient thermistor that measures the ambient air temperature. This NTC thermistor is located in a thermally isolated region of the WeatherStation housing that is open to the outside air. About the Relative Humidity Sensor The WeatherStation contains a capacitive cell humidity sensor that measures the relative humidity of the air. Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor in the air.
About the Barometric Pressure Sensor The WeatherStation contains a temperature-compensated silicon piezoresistive pressure sensor. It measures atmospheric pressure for use as a digital barometer. While a single measurement of air pressure at a given location has little value, the trend of changing pressure and wind over time can be a useful tool in performing basic weather forecasting.
About True Wind Relative to Water If a fix from a GPS receiver is not available, it is still possible for the WeatherStation to determine a value for true wind, if the speed of the vessel through the water is known. In this case, it is necessary that a water speed sensor with an NMEA output (such as an Airmar® Smart™ Sensor) be connected to the NMEA input on the WeatherStation (or to the optional Combiner).
Appendix B—Technical Information Specifications Wind Speed Range Wind Speed Resolution Wind Direction Resolution Wind Direction Sensitivity Temperature Range Temperature Accuracy Compass Sensing Barometric Pressure Range Barometric Pressure Accuracy Relative Humidity Range Relative Humidity Accuracy Supply Voltage Supply Current Weight 0.5 – 99.5knots 0.1knot 1º ± 1.5º – 30ºC – +50ºC ±1.5ºC ± 1º typically 850 – 1150mb (25" – 34"Hg) ± 1.5% 10 – 95% RH ± 5% RH 10 – 16VDC 0.
Additional Data Available from the WeatherStation There are parameters that the WeatherStation can make available to the user. Usually, more data is available from the WeatherStation than can be displayed in a reasonable format on a screen. Also, if all the data was continuously transmitted to the display, the update rate would be too slow and could not keep up with WeatherStation measurements.
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