User Guide: Capricorn FLX™ Weather Station

TM
Capricorn FLX
Weather Station
User Guide

W: ColumbiaWeather.com P: 503-629-0887 E: info@ColumbiaWeather.com 2
Introduction
Components
Monitoring
Mounting
Options
Installation
Calibration
Operation
Maintenance
Support
Index
3
5
10
17
21
22
25
26
27
28
Section Page

Introduction
Designed around a Control Module that is housed in
a compact, utility grade enclosure. The Capricorn
FLX offers serial communication over RS-232 or RS-
485 to various monitoring options including display
console, software, Internet and industrial protocols.
Features:
• Modular design for sensor and location
selection
• Proven, reliable mechanical wind sensors
• Temperature and/or humidity in radiation shield
• Meteorological sensor options
• Two additional general-purpose analog
channels
• Low power consumption
• One-year limited warranty

4
Additional Info
This presentation is intended to provide a quick
overview of the Capricorn FLX Weather Station.
Additional detailed information and specifications
are provided on the website and in the User
Manual.
User Manuals are provided with each weather
station, and are also available on our website.
User Manual and Website
W: ColumbiaWeather.com P: 503-629-0887 E: info@ColumbiaWeather.com

Components
Control Module:
• Internal Barometric Pressure
Sensors:
• Temperature Sensor
• Relative Humidity Sensor
• Wind Speed and Direction Sensor
• Optional Sensors (Rain, Solar Radiation, additional
temperature)
Monitoring Device(s):
• WeatherMaster Software
• Weather MicroServer
• Display Console
• Weather Monitor Mobile App

Components
The Control Module includes an internal
Barometric Pressure Sensor, 12 channels for
sensor connections, a serial communication port,
a grounding lug and a power input connection.
The Control Module may be housed in an optional
weatherproof enclosure and include an internal
power supply and an optional wireless transceiver
or MicroServer.
Control Module

Components
The combined, mechanical Wind Sensor installs in
minutes and will provide accurate, long term,
continuous monitoring. A heated, heavy-duty wind
sensor is available for extreme environments.
Wind Speed & Direction Sensor
Features:
• Long field life
• Durable aluminum and stainless steel
construction
• Low starting threshold
• Stainless steel bearings
• Low power consumption
• Easy maintenance

Components
Standard systems include one each temperature and
humidity sensors with 50 feet of cable and a quick
disconnect connector pair. These are installed in the
Self-Aspirated Radiation Shield.
Up to three additional temperature sensors can be
connected to the Control Module.
Options Include:
• Soil/Water Temperature
• Panel Temperature
• Ambient Temperature Sensors
Temperature & Humidity Sensors

Components
Additional Optional Sensors
Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge:
The automatic rain gauge incrementally measures
rainfall accumulation while draining water from the
housing. It comes with a standard 50-foot cable and a
quick disconnect connector pair.
Solar Radiation:
Measures global hemispherical solar radiation under
all weather conditions. The solar radiation sensor
comes with a standard 50-foot cable, a quick
disconnect connector pair and a leveling plate for
obtaining more accurate measurements.

Monitoring
Monitoring
A complete weather station includes one or more
monitoring options. While based on the most
common requirements, CWS proprietary
monitoring options can all be customized for
specific applications.
Monitoring Options:
• Weather Display Console
• 4-20 mA Signal Interface

Monitoring
Weather Master is a professional-grade weather
software for robust meteorological calculations and
interoperability with computer models.
Features:
• Real-time monitoring + calculated parameters
• Data logging and reports
• Multi-station monitoring
• Alarm notification and relay control
• Email/text weather reports to multiple recipients
• Automatic CAMEO/ALOHA interface
• Automatic interface to Weather Underground
WeatherMaster Software

Monitoring
A hardware component that provides Internet and
industrial protocols for automated reporting via web
browser or industrial automation systems.
Features:
• FTP output (XML and CSV)
• XML web service Internet browser user interface
• SNMP, Modbus/OPC and RTU, DNP3 and BACnet
• Compatible with popular weather network
websites such as Weather Underground and CWOP
• Datalogging capability
• Optional monitoring with Weather Master, Display
• Three general-purpose analog channels
• Additional sensors: Snow level, Solar, UV, PAR,
Visibility, Particle Concentration, CO2
Weather MicroServerT M

Monitoring
Real-time web monitoring included free with the
Weather MicroServer to access weather data from
any Internet-enabled device.
Features:
• For one or multiple weather stations
• Data is automatically uploaded every 5 seconds
• A security solution for customers who are unable
to upload data (via FTP) to their website or
implement port forwarding for the MicroServer
• A no-hassle weather website for your
organization
• Customization available.
Cloud-based Weather Server

Monitoring
Touchscreen Weather Display
“The Display Console was easy for evaluators to read.
Graphs and settings were easy to use. The touch-
screen was a positive feature.”*
Features:
• Touchscreen operation displays current
conditions, trend graphs, min/max
• Secure, direct connection to a weather station
• Network option via Weather MicroServer allowing
multiple display consoles in different locations
• Alarm notification
• Visible from a distance
• Available in a Desktop, Panel Mount, and 19” Rack
Mount chassis
*SAVER PWS Assessment Report, US Department of Homeland Security

Weather Monitor Mobile App
Check current conditions quickly from a hand-held
mobile device for decision-making in the field.
The CWS Weather Monitor App is compatible with all
CWS weather stations that include the Weather
MicroServer.
Monitoring
Features:
• Real-time data from one or more weather stations
• Detailed NWS forecast for zip code or current location
• Historical data and graphs for Today and Yesterday
• Alarm notifications customizable in the Cloud Weather
Server
Access to a Cloud Weather Server account is required.

Monitoring
4-20 mA Signal Interface
The Capricorn FLX can be outfitted with 4-20 mA
signal converters for industrial interfaces such as:
PLC, DCS, and SCADA systems. Utilizes customer-
supplied cable from PLC to weatherproof enclosure.
Features:
• 4-20 mA current output for all parameters
• Weather-proof enclosure
• Serial interface for use with additional
monitoring options including Weather Display,
WeatherMaster Software, and Weather
MicroServer

Sensor Mounting
Due to the wide variety of applications, installation
mounting hardware and masts can be purchased
separately.
Mounting Options:
• Universal Mast Mount to your own mast
• Roof Mount
• Wall Mount
• Portable (Tripod)

Mounting
Attaches to existing towers or alternate masts, even
those with multiple instruments. Can be used
vertically or horizontally. It comes with three clamp
rings.
Universal Mount

Mounting
Roof Mount:
The Roof Mounting Kit is suitable for either slanted or
flat roof installation. Mast sold separately.
Wall Mount:
The Wall Mounting Kit consists of two 4-inch
Mounting Brackets with screws. Mast sold separately.
Roof & Wall Mounts
Roof Mount Wall Mount

Mounting
• Sturdy construction supports up to 60 pounds.
• Legs insert easily into body and fasten securely with
stainless steel retainer pins.
• Guy wires clip quickly to feet for increased stability.
Fixed: The Tripod Mast can be used for a fixed installation
on ground or roof.
Tripod Mast
Tripod

Options
Wireless Transceivers
• 2.4 GHz for one mile line of site
• 900 MHz for up to 20 miles line of site
Weatherproof Enclosure
• For corrosive environments indoors or outdoors
Solar Power
• Optimizes power supply during ideal conditions
Battery Backup
• Provides continuous power during electrical
outage

Installation
Place the Capricorn FLX Control Module in a clean,
dry location.
After powering the control module connect the
Chassis Ground terminal to a good earth ground.
Control Module

Install the temperature and relative humidity sensors
in a sheltered location. The Self-Aspirated Radiation
Shield mounts to a mast and protects the sensors
from incident radiation from either direct sunlight or
proximate surfaces.
Both sensors are supplied with a standard 50-foot
cable. Once the sensors have been placed, route the
cables and attach to the Control Module.
Humidity & Temperature Sensors
Installation

Installation
Assemble the sensor components and install on the
mast, aligning to north.
Route cable and connect to Control Module.
Capricorn FLX comes standard with 50 feet of wind
sensor cable. Additional cable lengths are available up
to 200 feet. Options are available for longer distances.
Wind Sensor

Calibration
Sensors
All sensors are calibrated at the factory. No field
calibration is required except for the altitude on the
barometric pressure sensor.
The barometric pressure sensor is sensitive to
changes in elevation of as little as 10 ft. (3 m).
Adding the local altitude for automatic pressure
adjustment is easily accomplished through the
monitoring device.

Operation
Once set up, the Capricorn FLX will operate
automatically by immediately recording and sending
data to the desired monitoring configuration.
Reviewing data, updating sensor parameters, and
checking station operation status can all be done
either remotely or on-location through the
monitoring options.
Monitoring Options:
• Cloud-based Weather Server
• Weather Display Console
• 4-20 mA Signal Interface

Maintenance
Sensors and Cables
The Capricorn FLX requires very little maintenance.
Troubleshooting and detailed support information
are available in the User Manual.
Sensors and cables should be periodically checked for
abnormalities and debris depending on the
environment.
Control Module
The Control Module contains sensitive electronic
components and should not be serviced by the user.

Support
The User Manual is a comprehensive source of
information with detailed instructions.
Personal, technical support is free via phone
and/or email.

Trusted By:

Thank You
We make professional weather monitoring easy
so you can do your job more effectively
with the right weather station for your
requirements and budget.
Call or email today!
30
“Professional Weather Stations.
Professional Weather Monitoring.”
W: ColumbiaWeather.com P: 503-629-0887 E: info@ColumbiaWeather.com

User Guide: Capricorn FLX™ Weather Station

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