Campbell Scientific WEATHERPAK®M Owner's manual

11/2020

Campbell Scientific, Inc.

Product Manual

Table of contents

1. System description 1

2. Siting and setup 3

2.1 Siting considerations 3

2.1.1 Compass accuracy 3

2.1.2 Proper wind measurement 4

2.1.3 Radio transmission 4

2.1.4 GPS operation 4

2.2 System assembly 4

2.2.1 INTERCEPT display connections 4

2.2.2 Connecting to a computer with USB to serial converter 6

2.2.3 Connecting to a computer with the Ethernet port 6

2.2.4 Tripod and WEATHERPAKM setup 7

3. System operation 10

3.1 INTERCEPT display functions and operation 10

3.2 Observer section 10

3.2.1 Weather Summary 10

3.2.2 WEATHERPAK 11

3.2.3 Display theme 12

3.2.4 Help 13

3.2.5 Logs 14

3.2.6 Graphs 14

3.3 Maintenance 15

3.3.1 Maintenance Dashboard 15

3.3.2 Settings 16

4. WEATHERPAKM and plume modeling software 16

4.1 ALOHA data line interpretation 20

5. Maintenance 21

5.1 Periodic maintenance schedule 21

5.2 Troubleshooting 21

5.2.1 WEATHERPAKM 21

Table of Contents - i

5.2.2 Data receipt 22

5.2.3 Computer 22

5.3 Replacing tower batteries and fuse 23

5.3.1 Tower batteries 23

5.3.2 Tower fuse 24

Appendix A. Vehicle mounting a WEATHERPAKM 25

Appendix B. WEATHERPAKM USB connection and set up 27

Appendix C. Important information for North American users 29

Table of Contents - ii

1. System description

The WEATHERPAK

®

M

1

measures wind speed and wind direction, air temperature, relative

humidity, and barometric pressure. In addition, the WEATHERPAKM calculates the wind stability

class and provides location information. Atmospheric conditions are sampled every second and

the system computes a 5-minute running average. Data is then transmitted every 30 seconds to

the display and plume model.

FIGURE 1-1. WEATHERPAKM with INTERCEPT Display

1

WEATHERPAK is a registered trademark of Campbell Scientific.

WEATHERPAK M 1

WEATHERPAKM was specifically designed for use by Hazardous Materials Responders. The

following is a list of some of the features that make the WEATHERPAKM unique:

l WEATHERPAKM features an advanced electronic interface and unique automatic

networking capability. The advanced electronic interface allows the use of GPS and

SmartDetect™ and future enhancements.

l The ultrasonic wind sensor has no moving parts, is very accurate (particularly at very low

wind speeds), and does not require periodic calibration.

l WEATHERPAKM features a multi-function, 10.1-inch full color, flat panel touch screen

display (INTERCEPT®

1

Display). Multiple windows display data from different

WEATHERPAKM weather stations.

l

Automatically updates CAMEO®/ALOHA®

2

and most other plume modeling software

programs.

l Built-in electronic compass allows the WEATHERPAKM to be set up in any orientation –

will automatically determine True North and give you true wind direction.

l Set-up time is less than one minute.

l The electrical connections are designed to be intrinsically safe and the housing and tower

are constructed of 6061-T6 aluminum, a non-corrosive and non-sparking alloy.

l Designed to withstand decontamination procedures. The WEATHERPAKM housing is

double O-ring sealed and dried with a desiccant to protect the electronics against

moisture.

l All electronics are grounded at a single point to protect the WEATHERPAKM against EMI

(electro-magnetic interference) and RFI (radio frequency interference), thus assuring

reliable data and transmission.

This manual will familiarize you with the installation, operation, and maintenance of the

WEATHERPAKM. Please read all of the instructions before attempting to operate or troubleshoot

the system.

1

INTERCEPT is a registered trademark of Campbell Scientific.

2

Both ALOHA and CAMEO are registered by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) U.S.

Department of Commerce FEDERAL AGENCY UNITED STATES.

WEATHERPAK M 2

WEATHERPAKM components:

l Ultrasonic wind sensor

l Barometer

l Air temperature and relative sensor

l INTERCEPT display

l Display power supply and power cable

l Receiver/display box

l Communications options:

o

Wired serial—includes serial cable

o

UHF radio—includes two UHF radios, narrow band antenna, and cables

o

Spread spectrum radio—includes two spread spectrum radios, spread antenna, and

cable

l Mounting options:

o

Portable 3 meter quick-deploy tripod—includes tripod and carry case

o

Portable telescopic mast—includes mast and carry case

l WEATHERPAKM carry case

l WEATHERPAKM Quick Deploy Guide for assembly and ALOHA

2. Siting and setup

2.1 Siting considerations

The following siting considerations must be addressed:

2.1.1 Compass accuracy

The WEATHERPAKM contains an electronic compass for automatic alignment to True North. To

prevent erroneous compass readings, install the WEATHERPAKM at least 30 meters (99 feet)

laterally from large vans, buses, cranes, or other large magnetic objects. (The top of a van is

suitable, but next to it is not an ideal location).

WEATHERPAK M 3

2.1.2 Proper wind measurement

Locate the WEATHERPAKM away from obstructions such as trees and buildings. The distance

between wind sensors and the nearest obstruction should be ten times the height of the

obstruction.

2.1.3 Radio transmission

Deploy the WEATHERPAKM as close as safety permits to the hot zone. The WEATHERPAKM

UHF radio has a range of 5 to 7 miles line-of-sight.

CAUTION:

Do not attempt to transmit through structures containing steel, or through hills.

2.1.4 GPS operation

There is a GPS receiver inside the INTERCEPT display and a GPS receiver inside the

WEATHERPAKM. These GPS receivers work together and provide data to the SmartDetect™

firmware, which in turn furnishes direction and distance information for additional

WEATHERPAKM stations operating in the vicinity.

The GPS in the INTERCEPT display must be connected to an external GPS antenna. The receiver

will automatically begin to search for and track GPS satellite signals at power up. The antenna

must have good exposure to the sky.

The performance of a GPS receiver at power-up is determined largely by the availability and

accuracy of the satellite ephemeris data and the availability of a GPS system almanac. When the

WEATHERPAKM is powered-up, the GPS searches for satellites from a cold start (no almanac).

The GPS will begin to compute position solutions within the first two minutes.

NOTE:

Immediately power up the WEATHERPAKM system as soon as you arrive on site to allow the

GPS to find the satellite and computer position.

2.2 System assembly

2.2.1 INTERCEPT display connections

The INTERCEPT display is only available for the WEATHERPAKM. It contains the radio receiver.

The radio antenna receives the signal from the WEATHERPAKM using narrow band UHF or

spread spectrum. In addition, a GPS antenna and electronics allow the WEATHERPAKM location

to be shown in relation to the display location.

WEATHERPAK M 4

1. Connect the external GPS and radio antennas to the appropriate connectors on the side of

the INTERCEPT display (see FIGURE 2-1 (p. 5)).

FIGURE 2-1. Side of INTERCEPT display

2. When outputting data to the CAMEO/ALOHA plume modeling software, connect the USB

to serial data cable. (The Ethernet connection will only be used in rare instances where the

INTERCEPT display will be connected to a network).

3. Plug the INTERCEPT display power supply into an AC power source then insert the power

supply barrel connector into the power jack on the bottom of the display and tighten.

FIGURE 2-2. Bottom of INTERCEPT display

WEATHERPAK M 5

4. The power indicator light on the bezel illuminates as the display starts up. The INTERCEPT

application will automatically launch and begin receiving data from any WEATHERPAKM

units available.

FIGURE 2-3. Front of INTERCEPT display

2.2.2 Connecting to a computer with USB to serial

converter

The INTERCEPT display comes with a USB-to-serial converter cable. Use this cable to connect the

display to a computer or server. The INTERCEPT software can be configured to output ALOHA

messages to the display USB ports.

2.2.3 Connecting to a computer with the Ethernet port

This method is to be employed only if the INTERCEPT display must be connected to a network.

Please contact Campbell Scientific for further information. Refer to the Assistance page at the

end of this document for the procedure of returning components to Campbell Scientific.

WEATHERPAK M 6

2.2.4 Tripod and WEATHERPAKM setup

Assemble the tower in the following manner:

1. Insert and lock the legs onto the bottom section of the tower, forming the tower tripod

base.

2. Align the slot on the WEATHERPAKM with the guide pin on the quick release and push

straight in. The cam lock provides a precision sealed fit and may require an extra push to

seat the WEATHERPAKM properly.

CAUTION:

DO NOT screw the WEATHERPAKM onto the cam lock connector.

WEATHERPAK M 7

3. Once the weather station is properly seated, press the arms of the cam lock down to assure

a tight fit. The battery indicator light (on the tower junction box) should illuminate when

the WEATHERPAKM is properly seated into the cam lock.

4. Place the entire unit (upper tower section and WEATHERPAKM) onto the tripod, engage

the twist-lock and turn clockwise a quarter turn.

5. The WEATHERPAKM is now running and sampling data. When the WEATHERPAKM is

removed from the cam lock connector, it will stop sampling and shut itself off.

WEATHERPAK M 8

FIGURE 2-4. Tower setup

WEATHERPAK M 9

3. System operation

Once set up, the WEATHERPAKM automatically begins sampling weather conditions and

transmits data to the INTERCEPT display every 30 seconds. The INTERCEPT display takes

approximately 20 to 30 seconds to complete a startup routine. When this process is complete, the

plume modeling software requires five minutes of data before a valid plume can be presented.

3.1 INTERCEPT display functions and

operation

The INTERCEPT display is configured at the factory with the ID of the accompanying

WEATHERPAKM and display units. The display can receive and display data from multiple

WEATHERPAKM units, but the factory configured ID will act as the primary WEATHERPAKM.

The touch screen provides access to multiple windows that display weather data in a variety of

ways. There are two sections: Observer and Maintenance (click on either at the upper right

corner). The Observer section is where weather data is displayed. The Maintenance section is

where system status can be checked. In the Observer section there is a tab for Weather Summary

and WEATHERPAK. Additional WEATHERPAKM stations may be added by the user, and a new

tab would be added.

3.2 Observer section

3.2.1 Weather Summary

The Weather Summary tab shows the current, instantaneous values from all reporting

WEATHERPAKM systems available to the INTERCEPT display.

WEATHERPAK M 10

FIGURE 3-1. Weather summary

3.2.2 WEATHERPAK

The WEATHERPAK tab is where current values from the primary WEATHERPAKM system are

displayed. Data from additional WEATHERPAKM systems are displayed in subsequent tabs,

identified by the WEATHERPAKM ID.

FIGURE 3-2. Current values from the primary WEATHERPAKM system

WEATHERPAK M 11

3.2.3 Display theme

The display can be viewed in night or day theme. To change theme, click Display in the upper left

corner. A pop-up window will appear. Choose the desired theme then click Submit.

FIGURE 3-3. Display pop-up window

WEATHERPAK M 12

3.2.4 Help

Click the Help tab and select Contents to display the Help Contents. Navigate to any section to

get instructions and explanations of the software.

FIGURE 3-4. Help contents

WEATHERPAK M 13

3.2.5 Logs

Click the Logs tab and select View Logs. The Log View pop-up will display system data logs.

FIGURE 3-5. Logs

3.2.6 Graphs

Click the Graphs tab and select WEATHERPAK to display the desired graph.

FIGURE 3-6. Graphs

WEATHERPAK M 14

3.3 Maintenance

3.3.1 Maintenance Dashboard

Select the Maintenance Dashboard tab to see a graphical display of the overall system status.

Green lights indicate normal conditions. A red light indicates an alarm for that particular item.

Click the icon for detailed information about the alarm.

FIGURE 3-7. Maintenance Dashboard

FIGURE 3-8. Maintenance Dashboard with message displayed

WEATHERPAK M 15

3.3.2 Settings

Select the Settings tab to adjust specific system information.

FIGURE 3-9. Settings

4. WEATHERPAKM and plume

modeling software

When the WEATHERPAKM is assembled and operational and a computer is connected to the

INTERCEPT display, real-time data is available to run air dispersion plume modeling software.

The following shows of the steps taken to produce an ALOHA plume model on a computer. This

section assumes the user is familiar with ALOHA and that the program is properly loaded onto

the computer. Campbell Scientific recommends consulting the ALOHA website and/or a certified

CAMEO/ALOHA instructor for training, program details, and limitations.

1. Click the ALOHA desktop icon or select ALOHA from the Windows® Programs menu. An

Air Model Limitations dialog box will appear with important notes on program limitations.

Read and click OK.

WEATHERPAK M 16

2. Confirm that your Site Data information provided in the Text Summary window is correct. If

required, use the SiteData drop-down menu to change data.

3. Go to SetUp > Chemical and select the appropriate chemical.

4. Select SetUp > Atmospheric > SAM Station to display series of dialog boxes that require

user observations or assumptions.

NOTE:

Relative humidity is not captured automatically by the ALOHA model but may be

entered manually using data from the WEATHERPAKM display.

5. (Optional) To confirm that WEATHERPAKM data is being delivered to ALOHA, go to SAM

Options > Processed Data and the Processed SAM Data window will display the data

delivered to ALOHA.

NOTE:

The user gets a warning message in both the Text Summary and Processed SAM Data

windows if the WEATHERPAKM has been collecting data for less than five minutes.

6. ALOHA requires the SAM station to be operating for five minutes before selecting the

source of release (tank, pipe, direct, etc.). Go to SetUp > Source and select the leak source

such as tank. A series of dialog boxes will appear requiring user observations or

assumptions.

7. Select Display > Threat Zone and the Level of Concern window will display the default

ERPG ranges. Select OK to show the plume footprint. Displaying the footprint in ALOHA is

essential before the plume can be overlaid on a MARPLOT® or other street map.

WEATHERPAK M 17

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