WeatherHawk Inversion - Wireless - Manual (Page 5)

WeatherHawk ® 2
815 W. 1800 N. Logan, Utah 84321-1784, Email: [email protected] Copyright © 2004, 2010
Toll free in USA: 866-670-5982, International: 435-750-1802, FAX: 435-750-1749 Printed November 2010
1.3. Communications Considerations
WeatherHawk offers a variety of communication options for use with the WeatherHawk Temperature Inversion
System. The best communication option to use is dependent on the end user’s application and location resources.
The most common options used are direct RS232 or wireless, spread spectrum radio. Other communication options
are available for the Temperature Inversion System. For information on other communications options, contact
WeatherHawk Customer Service.
1.3.1. Direct Communications
Direct communications simply use an RS232 cable connected directly to the WeatherHawk and a host computer. If
direct communications are used, an optical isolation kit is recommended to help protect the host computer in case of a
lightning strike.
1.3.1.1. Cable Lengths
The maximum length for an RS232 cable is 75 feet. For cable lengths longer than 75 feet, use an MD485-KT
Communications Module Kit and a user-supplied CAT 5 cable, or a StrikeGuard fiber optic modem kit.
1.3.1.2. Grounding Issues
The tower or mast must be properly grounded to protect the WeatherHawk Inversion system and/or any connected
Host device or computer from electrical surges caused by lightning or other environmental sources. The Grounding
Kit (pn. 21660) includes the equipment required to properly ground the system. This kit consists of a lightning rod,
lightning rod bracket, U-bolt with matching nuts, grounding rod, ground wire, ground wire clamp, and locking nut.
The Grounding Kit is included with the CM375 mast and can also be purchased separately.
1.3.2. Wireless Communications
Wireless communications use a spread spectrum radio to transmit data between the WeatherHawk Inversion System
and a host computer over short distances. In order for the wireless communications to work properly, line-of-site
between the WeatherHawk and the radio receiver attached to the host computer must be present.
If your WeatherHawk station will be inside a fence to discourage vandalism, the fence top
edge must be lower than the wind sensors even if the fence is chain-link. .
To minimize the possibility of equipment damage or personal hazard, we strongly recommend a
qualified electrician install the grounding and data isolation components of a directly wired
installation.