The W200 series is a range of fixed reference wind direction vanes, i.e. wind direction is measured relative to the body of the instrument which is normally aligned with true north on installation. These windvanes are available in a 600 deg range analogue voltage (Porton Windvane), digital encoder, and a choice of 357 or 355 deg potentiometer outputs.

The Vane-Arm assembly (wind direction sensing element) is attached by means of a unique gravity sensitive fastener, similar to that used in the A100 series anemometers. This secures the vane to a pre-defined angular position on the spindle and will release only by first inverting the instrument and pressing on the hub. The vane arm and tail fin assembly are constructed of anodised aluminium alloys, and the counterbalance is of stainless steel.

Three versions of fin are available, a standard version, a short version for wind turbine control applications, and a long version for improved sensitivity. The stainless steel spindle runs in a hard plastic upper bearing and a lower thrust ball bearing, and is coupled to a choice of transducers.

In the W200 Porton Windvane, a permanent magnet sequentially operates a circular array of reed switches. These switches are connected to a potentiometer consisting of 12 discrete resistors and two semiconductor diodes. An encapsulated electronic module containing a bistable circuit provides power to two alternate positions on the potentiometer resulting in the 600 deg. output range (two overlapping 360 deg ranges). The 40 step analogue output over ±6.7V represents ±300 deg. from south and may be connected directly to a chart recorder with averaging as required.

The W200G Encoder Windvane uses a similar reed switch potentiometer to the above, but the encapsulated module now contains a matrix of semiconductor diodes, resulting in a Gray encoded output. The output resembles four switch closures and the instrument consumes virtually zero power, making it ideal for use in remote locations.

The Potentiometer Windvanes is available in two types, the standard W200P (357 degree, 1Kohm potentiometer) and the low-torque W200P/L (wider toleranced 355 degree, 2Kohm potentiometer). Both are wirewound for electrical robustness and long life, and are easily interfaced to electronic measuring equipment. If connecting to data loggers, the potentiometer need only be powered-up for a short time at the instant of measurement.

The standard instrument is designed to withstand all weather conditions and many thousands are in continuous use in all latitudes around the world. Marine versions and anti-icing heaters are available.

Mounting is by means of a single screw into the base, but if required, a range of standard fittings are available. These include a single mast-top adapter (the preferred method for accurate wind direction measurement), a single side mounting arm, or the windvane can be mounted at one end of mast-top cross arm (the opposite end usually being reserved for the anemometer).

W200 series instruments are fitted with a 3 metre length of cable as standard, but other stock lengths of 6, 10 or 15m (or any custom length) may be specified. For many installations (and particularly when longer lengths are required) it is advisable to use one of our weatherproof junction boxes and extension cables.

Self-Referencing Windvanes
(Wind Direction Sensors)
from

Other Related information:
• Windvane selection table
• Fixed Reference Windvanes
• Additional Windvane Information

The self-referencing windvanes use a powerful compass magnet to align the transducer so that the output is referenced to magnetic north. A vane turns the body of the instrument, power and signal lines being coupled by means of slip-rings.

Two transducer types are available, the SRW1 Porton type (effectively a self-referencing version of the W200 Porton windvane) and the SRW1G Encoder type (effectively a self-referencing version of the W200 Porton windvane), the latter in its marine version being popular in applications such as buoys at sea.

The standard instrument is designed to withstand all weather conditions and many thousands are in continuous use in all latitudes around the world. Marine versions are available.

Mounting is by means of a single screw into the base, but if required, a range of standard fittings are available. These include a single mast-top adapter (the preferred method for accurate wind direction measurement), a single side mounting arm, or the windvane can be mounted at one end of mast-top cross arm (the opposite end usually being reserved for the anemometer).

SRW1 series instruments are fitted with a 3 metre length of cable as standard, but other stock lengths of 6, 10 or 15m (or any custom length) may be specified. For many installations (and particularly when longer lengths are required) it is advisable to use one of our weatherproof junction boxes and extension cables.

Additional Windvane Information...

Other Related information:
• Windvane selection table
• Fixed Reference Windvanes
• Self-Referencing Windvanes
• Lightning Protection for Windvanes
• Siting Recommendations when installing Windvanes

　

　

WIND DIRECTION vs WIND HEADING

• Wind Direction is defined as the direction which the wind is blowing from.
• Wind Heading is defined as where the wind is blowing towards.
  

Wind Direction is normally specified. Note that Wind Direction and Wind Heading differ by 180 degrees.

　

WIND DIRECTION and WIND SPEED
Where wind direction is measured, it is generally necessary to measure windspeed as well (at zero wind speed, the direction vane can be left pointing in any direction).

INSTRUMENT EXPOSURE
These windvanes are designed for mounting outside with their axes vertical in order to measure wind direction in the horizontal plane (although non-vertical mounting has been used in a few research applications). Consult the siting guide for information about the best place/way to install a windvane.

---

Windvanes from

The table below shows a summary of each sensor's specifications. For detailed information, please refer to the individual sensor data sheets. To obtain a datasheet for a specific sensor, click the sensor 'Cat No.' in the leftmost column of the table below. Note: Vector Instruments' policy of continuous development means that these specifications may be altered without notice, however new product will (wherever possible) remain compatible with that previously supplied. If any specification parameter is critical to your application, our sales office will be pleased to confirm the current specification or discuss and advise on suitability of a particular sensor for your application.

Wind Direction Sensor Selection Table...

　

Cat. No.	Description	Calibration	Supply V	Supply A	Standard Cables	Mountings	Applications
W200	Porton Windvane	±6.7V = ±300°	10-30Vdc	@ 8mA	6-wire + screen	405, 405-1, 405-1L, 405E	Where direct connection to analogue meters or chart recorders is required
W200G	Encoder Windvane	4bit Gray code	3-30Vdc	"	"	405, 405-1, 405-1L, 405E	Low power logging applications
W200P	Potentiometer Windvane	357°	1Kohm pot.	up to 20V @ <20ma	"	405, 405-1, 405-1L, 405E	Input to intelligent systems and logging applications
W200P/L	Potentiometer Windvane	355°	2Kohm pot.	up to 24V @ <12ma	"	405, 405-1, 405-1L, 405E	"
SRW1	Self-Referencing Windvane	±6.5V = ±293°	10-30Vdc @ 8mA	"	"	405, 405-1L	Mobile platforms where analogue meters or chart recorders are to be used
SRW1G	Self-Referencing Encoder Windvane	4bit Gray code	3-30Vdc	"	"	405, 405-1L	Low power logging or transmission from mobile platforms such as buoys at sea