Windspeed/Direction
Designed for professional use, maritime wind speed and direction sensors are well suited for a wide range of demanding wind-related applications. Most wind speed and direction sensors feature separate speed & direction sensors, propeller-type anemometer with fuselage and tail wind vanes, and rugged design for use in a variety of climates worldwide.
A wind speed sensor is a multi-blade helicoid propeller. Propeller rotation produces an AC sine wave voltage signal with frequency directly proportional to wind speed. Slip rings and brushes are eliminated for increased reliability.
Wind Direction
A wind direction sensor is a rugged yet lightweight vane with a sufficiently low aspect ratio to assure good fidelity in fluctuating wind conditions. Vane angle is sensed by a precision potentiometer housed in a sealed chamber. With a known excitation voltage applied to the potentiometer, the output voltage is directly proportional to vane angle. A mounting orientation ring assures correct realignment of the wind direction reference when the instrument is removed for maintenance.
Construction and Mounting
Most instruments are made of UV stabilized plastic with stainless steel and anodized aluminum fittings. Precision grade, stainless steel ball bearings are used. An alignment ring maintains wind direction reference orientation during maintenance.
Wind Indicators
Many wind speed and wind direction indicators offer big performance in a compact display. Wind speed is usually displayed in your choice of units: KNOTS, MPH, KM/H, MIS. Maximum wind speed can be saved on some displays until reset by the operator. Wind direction information is sometimes displayed on a circular compass pattern of LEDs. Multicolored segments give a quick visual indication of current direction and direction variability. A variety of inputs and outputs including 4-20 mA, Serial (RS-485), and Voltage are usually featured on Wind Indicators. Alarms for both wind speed and wind direction are also featured.
Rice Electronics provides maritime industry customers with cost effective marine navigation, video, & communication systems.