Campbell Scientific, Inc. Weather Sensor WXT520

The WXT520 is a solid-state, all-in-one weather instrument that measures wind speed and direction, precipitation, barometric pressure, temperature, and relative humidity. It puts out an SDI-12 signal that can be measured by many of our dataloggers. Its small size makes it ideal for quick, short-term deployments.

(The WXT520 is not intended for projects requiring research-grade performance.)

Features

• No moving parts—low maintenance
• Compact and lightweight
• Low power consumption
• Fast and simple to install

The WXT520 Weather Sensor, manufactured by Vaisala, measures wind speed and direction, precipitation, barometric pressure, temperature, and relative humidity—all in a single device that has no moving parts. The WXT520 outputs an SDI-12 signal that can be measured by many of our dataloggers (see compatibility). This sensor is about the size of a larger Gill radiation shield, making it ideal for use with our CR200-series dataloggers in applications requiring quick, short-term deployment. However, the WXT520 is not intended for weather stations that require research-grade performance.

The WXT520's wind sensor consists of three equally spaced transducers that produce ultrasonic signals. Wind speed and direction are determined by measuring the time it takes for the ultrasonic signal of one transducer to travel to the other transducers.
Precipitation is measured one raindrop at a time. Whenever a raindrop hits the precipitation sensor, an electrical signal is produced that is proportional to the volume of the drop.
The WXT520 has a PTU module that contains a capacitive silicon BAROCAP® sensor for barometric pressure measurements, a capacitive ceramic THERMOCAP® sensor for air temperature measurements, and a capacitive thin film polymer HUMICAP® sensor for relative humidity measurements. The PTU is housed in a naturally-aspirated radiation shield that protects it and reflects solar radiation.