The MWS®-C500 is the professional-grade, wireless, all-in-one weather station designed for commercial applications and businesses that are in need of the most accurate meteorological data in a single, compact, and rugged package. Whereas other remote weather stations require a collection of instruments cabled to a data logger, processor, communications module, and solar power system, the MWS-C500 integrates every component into a single unit that weighs just 3.2 pounds.
The MWS®-C500 is the all-in-one weather station designed for commercial applications and businesses that need meteorological data from a single, wireless package. This latest innovation in compact weather sensing technology from Intellisense precisely and reliably interprets, processes, and transmits data of 27 environmental parameters at predefined intervals using just its solar power system and rechargeable batteries. This is the only professional-grade station that can give complete data-centric picture of weather conditions in a rugged unit that is small enough to fit inside a backpack. The C500 provides site imagery and accurate meteorological data without any wires or external devices, and it can be set up and start reporting in less than 60 seconds.
The C500 condenses 12 integrated sensors into a single compact package that is just 7.5 inches tall and weighs only 3.2 pounds. The built-in cellular LTE-M modem enables fully remote operations, and the solar power array and internal rechargeable batteries ensure sustained operations without the need for external power. The C500 also comes standard with 360° panoramic imaging for a total view of the area without having to visit the station’s site.
With its wireless, autonomous, and image-capturing capabilities, the C500 delivers a dependable and cost-effective solution to improve decision-making, efficiency, and operations.
| Temperature |
|
|---|---|
| Barometric Pressure |
|
| Humidity |
|
| Precipitation |
|
| Wind Speed |
|
| Wind Direction |
|
| Angular Tilt |
|
| Visibility |
|
| Lightning Distance |
|
| 360° Imaging Camera |
|
MWS-C500 two-page datasheet
MWS-C500 Datasheet
Micro Weather Station (MWS®) Commercial Series User Guide (16 pages)
MWS Commercial Series User Guide
Product Catalog for MWS Commercial Series Accessories
Weather Sensor Accessories Guide - Commercial Series
Microweather & Climate Guide (8 pages)
Microweather Guide
MWS Development History Case Study (8 pages)
MWS History Case Study
Wildfire Management Case Study (5 pages)
MWS Wildfire Case Study
Weather Sensing Needs for UAS/Flying Drone Applications (10 pages)
UAS/Drones White Paper
Visibility Solutions White Paper (5 pages)
Visibility White Paper
Weather Station Siting Guide (6 pages)
Weather Station Siting Guide
Auxiliary Power Module two-page datasheet
Aux Power Module Datasheet
MWS Annual Maintenance Plan two-page datasheet
MWS Annual Maintenance Plan Datasheet
Extended Warranty two-page datasheet
Extended Warranty Datasheet
| MWS Power & Data Cable (15 ft) |
|
|---|---|
| MWS Extension Cable (50 ft) |
|
| MWS Battery Pack Assembly |
|
| MWS Battery Charging Adapter |
|
| MWS Tripod |
|
| MWS Pole Mount |
|
| Pelican Case 1+0 |
|
| Pelican Case 2+0 |
|
| Pelican Case 2+1 |
|
| MWS Power Kit |
|
| MWS + Tripod Power Kit |
|
The following are some frequently asked questions from established users of the MWS. We have organized each question by category:
System Functions
How does the MWS record meteorological observations?
The MWS record meteorological observations using 19 individual, on-board sensors and a cloud-based data processor that is powered via solar panels and a built-in battery pack. With power consumption and remote operation as priority, the MWS takes a 100-second sample across a 10-minute period. The data is then processed to create a surface observation and transmitted by satellite or cellular communications. The default configuration completes the reporting process hourly, but the system does allow for more frequent and infrequent observations. One key difference of 5-minute mode is a single 10-second sample formulates an observation for transmission.
Do temperature, humidity, or other environmental factors impact the wind readings?
The wind sensor is ultra-sonic and measures a difference in the speed of sound dependent on air flow. It is not affected by pressure, temperature, or humidity. If the path between a sonic transducer is blocked by blowing debris, ice, intense blowing rain, etc., the unit will fail to measure wind speed.
Does the MWS have an electric field mill?
Currently, the MWS does not have an electric field mill, but it does include a lightning sensor that utilizes an radio frequency (RF) signal to detect lightning. This technology allows the MWS to report an accurate distance when a lightning strike occurs. Most people have experienced a similar type of RF anomaly when you hear a “pop” sound on an AM radio. This technology is a type of electrometer that measures the atmospheric e-field gradient and can detect when a strike is about to occur.
Does the MWS detect direction in relation to winds? Are the winds reported as true north or
magnetic north?
The MWS has an internal compass to determine the direction and orientation, which is based on magnetic north. Wind speeds are detected using the ultrasonic wind sensors and reported with respect to the onboard compass. Since the unit collects GPS location, the difference in variance between true north and magnetic north can be calculated.
Reporting Modes
How often can the MWS sample and report environmental conditions?
The MWS can be programed to sample and report the environmental conditions at 3-hour, 1-hour, 20-minute, and 5-minute intervals when reporting wirelessly. Similar to standard weather observations, the MWS transmits hourly reports at 55 minutes after the hour (e.g. 0155 UTC, 0255 UTC, etc.). With other reporting modes, a standard time is used to encode observations. For example, 20-minute mode will report an observation as 15, 35, and 55 minutes past the hour. 5-Minute mode will report an observation every 5 minutes throughout the hour. Faster modes capable of 1-minute and 20-second reporting intervals are available as an advanced feature over serial communications only.
Battery Functions
How do you charge the MWS?
The MWS can be charged using either solar power or a USB connection with a power adapter.
How long does it take for the solar power system to charge an MWS enough to operate?
Solar charging is dependent on a number of factors, including geographical location, cloud coverage, and the time of day. After testing in a multitude of conditions, it can take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours to power a unit enough to operate. The availability of sunlight, as well as the listed conditions above, factor into the amount of charge received.
If the battery power on my MWS is depleted, will solar power automatically recharge the system?
Yes. If an MWS is setup without a charged battery pack, the unit will automatically begin reporting when the onboard power reaches 5 V. It is recommended that the MWS be fully charged prior to emplacement and operation. If an uncharged unit is left in the “ON” position in good solar power conditions, MWS will automatically begin operating once enough solar energy is harvested.
Will solar power charge the MWS while the system is in the “OFF” position?
Yes. The solar panels on the MWS will charge the battery pack even when the system is in the “OFF” position.
How do I know if the MWS battery pack is fully charged?
The charge status of the MWS battery pack is reported along with the environmental data on the Quantimet website. Additionally, the three LED lights located above the solar panel and power switch will indicate the battery’s charge status. Upon startup, three lights indicate a fully charged battery pack, while one or two lights signal a partially charged battery pack.
How long will the MWS stay charged while stored in the “OFF” position?
The battery should maintain a 5 V, or higher, charge for 90 days. The MWS is designed not to drain the battery while it is turned off. A function check prior to use is recommended to prevent operational delays due to battery charging.
When should the battery be replaced?
If the three LED lights identify system issues (e.g. one light or no lights flashing), the MWS is unable to maintain standard reporting mode, or operational situation does not permit time for the system to self-charge the battery may need to be changed. Battery pack replacements are rare and seldom required, and replacement is only recommended when USB and/or solar charging does not charge the battery to greater than 5 volts. Follow the instructions on page 6 of this user guide to properly replace the battery pack.
Preventitive Maintenance
How do you clean and/or weatherize the MWS?
To clean the MWS, follow these instructions:
- Use a soft cloth to clean the 360° panoramic camera and visibility sensors
- Remove any objects blocking airflow near the wind gap
- Pour water over the unit to remove any dust accumulation
- Wipe away any build-up in rain accumulation area
*Note: Water-repellent wipes are included with every station to clean the dust accumulation sensor, ultrasonic wind transceivers, visibility sensor, and ceilometer (if applicable).
Does the MWS work well in cold weather?
Properly cleaned and maintained, the MWS will perform properly in cold weather. Untreated stations, however, may experience problems in cold weather, particularly the reporting accuracies and power stability for the MWS. The sensing devices can operate in temperatures as low as -40° Celsius, while the cameras are limited to operating at temperatures -30° Celsius and above.
Freezing rain or other types of ice buildup will significantly degrade the four sensors (rain gauge, visibility sensor, 360° panoramic camera, and ceilometer) on top of the unit. Any ice accumulation can also be expected to degrade wind readings and solar charge if the collection area is blocked.
Snow buildup can have similar adverse effects to stations, but the most concerning impact would be limited solar charging. If snow levels rise above the 6 feet, a tripod-mounted MWS could have most incoming solar radiation blocked. With no direct source of power, the MWS battery pack would slowly drain. If heavy snow is expected, we recommend changing the reporting modes to hourly or every 3 hours to preserve power through such an event.
How should the MWS be stored?
The MWS should be stored in a dry area without exposure to the elements. Verify the station is set to the “OFF” position before storing the unit away.
System Setup
What mounting options are available for the MWS?
Intellisense Systems offers a pole-mounted and tripod solutions for installing your MWS. The MWS uses a quarter-inch 20-thread mount, which is standard on most camera tripods and mounts.
How should the MWS be set up?
Locate the MWS in an open area with a clear view of the sky. Do not place the MWS near objects that stand above the weather station on a mount that can lean more than 10 degrees off-center. Ensure that no foliage or other objects are taller than the MWS within a 30-foot radius. Use a mounting platform is at least 3 feet above the ground (6 feet or above is ideal) and that the power switch turned to the “ON” position.
Communications
What communications options are available for the MWS?
The MWS can transmit data using an LTE-M cellular or Iridium satellite connection.
Are WiFi options available?
A WiFi-enabled MWS is not currently available.
What cellular plans are available?
Intellisense Systems currently offers cellular LTE-M on Verizon, with accounts managed by Direct Communication Solutions (DCS).
Can rain or dust storms interfere with Iridium satellite transmissions?
No, environmental conditions should not interfere with Iridium satellite communications. The primary factor to Iridium-based communications are the locations of the satellites themselves at the time of transmission. One way to check for Iridium satellite locations in reference to your location is through the following website here.
Troubleshooting
Why isn’t my MWS reporting to Quantimet?
There are three requirements that must be met for the unit to report weather data wirelessly to a remote server:
- The unit must have power. Make sure at least one battery LED indicator turns on when first powering on the unit. If no LEDs turn on, charge the system prior to powering on using either a power cable or by setting the unit out in sunlight.
- The unit must have cellular connectivity. Ensure there is at least one cell signal strength LED indicator. The cell signal strength LED indication occurs approximately 30 seconds after the battery LED indicators activate. Rapid flashing of an LED approximately 30 seconds after power up indicates low to no cellular signal.
- The unit must be in a reporting mode that supports over the air communication. If reporting modes were changed previously via serial communication, ensure the unit is not in a reporting mode faster than 5 minutes.
Why is my unit changing reporting modes without commands?
The 5-minute reporting mode is designed only for instances when the station is connected to hardline power. In ideal conditions (under direct sunlight), the solar cells may generate enough energy to sustain this mode without hardline power. But in suboptimal conditions, this reporting mode will deplete the built-in battery pack. To prevent the unit from powering off, the MWS will automatically revert back to 1-hour reporting mode when the unit voltage drops to a low level. After 24 hours of a full battery, the unit will revert back to 5-minute mode. This 24-hour waiting period can by bypassed with a direct command to switch back into a faster reporting mode once it has been connected to an appropriate power source.