Airmar Ultrasonic Weather Station X2 Integration Guide

The Airmar WX-series weather stations measure a host of atmospheric and environmental parameters while maintaining a common GPS fix. The sensors are compatible with the X2 data logger via the NMEA0183 communication protocol and the RS-232 sensor interface. Below is information on the settings required for integration with an X2 data logger.

 

 

Wiring for Software Communication

In nearly all applications involving NexSens integration, a connectorized UW8 plug will be added to the included NMEA0183 weather station cable that comes with purchasing an Airmar weather station. Refer to the appropriate wiring diagram within the Airmar Owner’s Guide & Installation Instructions if purchased separately. For configuring within the Airmar WeatherCaster software (described below), NexSens utilizes the NMEA0183 weather station cable outlined on page 18 of the Owner’s Guide, along with an RS-232 serial connection.

NMEA0183 Cable Wire Color	NMEA0183 Cable Signal	RS-232 source signal
Black, Shield & Orange	Ground (V-)	Ground (V-)
White	RS-232 Tx	RS-232 Tx
Yellow	RS-232 Rx	RS-232 Rx
Red	WX models: 9-40VDC Heater models: 24VDC only*	No Connection

*Note: The X2 data logger is not able to provide 24VDC power to heater models of the Airmar weather station. It is recommended to use a separate power source.

 

NexSens UW8 Connector Wiring & Pin Information

In the event of connecting a NexSens UW8 connector into an external device that is not an X2 data logger, below is the pinout of the NexSens UW8 connecter, along with the signal associated with the communication, ground, and power pins.

 

NexSens UW8 Pin Number	Signal
1	RS-232 Tx
2	Ground
3	RS-232 Rx
5	12V+

 

Configure Communication

Enable NMEA0183 messages

NMEA0183 messages on the Airmar sensor can be configured using the Airmar WeatherCaster software. The pre-loaded X2 script for the Airmar weather stations includes the following NMEA0183 messages, which must be activated before the sensor detection:

• GGA
• VTG
• HDG
• HDT
• MDA
• MWV (R)
• XDR (A & B)

Follow the process below to enable only the appropriate NMEA0183 messages.

1. Open the Airmar WeatherCaster software and apply power to the weather station.
   • Allow the software to automatically detect the sensor and open the main interface.

 

2. Once data populates the various dials, click Advanced Setup at the top.
   • A new interface will appear.

 

3. Click the Enable/Disable Functionality to view the currently enabled NMEA0183 messages. Check the box next to the following NMEA0183 messages:
   • GGA
   • HDG
   • HDT
   • MDA
   • MWV (R)
   • VTG
   • XDR (A)
   • XDR (B)
     • Ensure to disable all other NMEA0183 messages not included within the list above and leave the intervals at default.

 

4. Click Save when finished.
   • Ensure the Self-Test Status on the following page states PASS.
5. Close out of the WeatherCaster software.

 

View live readings and adjust internal settings

Utilize a terminal emulator program such as Tera Term or Procomm to communicate with the device. The following communication settings must be matched in the program for new airmars:

• Baud rate: 4800
• Data: 8-bit
• Parity: None
• Stop bits: 1
• Flow control: None

During integration, NexSens makes the following adjustments to the internal settings on the Airmar weather station.

NMEA Command	NMEA Response	Description
$PAMTX,0*4C^M^J	—	Airmar weather stations output data continuously once powered. This command is sent to temporarily stop data transmission.
$PAMTC,WIND,FILTER,Q*22^M^J	$PAMTR,WIND,FILTER,1,10*7E	This command queries for the current IIR filter constant. The response shown should come from a new Airmar.
$PAMTC,WIND,FILTER,SET,1,1200*03^M^J	—	This command sets the IIR filter to 120 seconds. NexSens sets this filter to set wind averaging to 120 seconds. The unit is set in tenths of seconds, which is why a 1200 value corresponds to 120 seconds.
$PAMTC,WIND,FILTER,Q*22^M^J (After the IIR filter constant has been changed)	$PAMTR,WIND,FILTER,1,1200*7C	This example command and response displays the query for the adjusted IIR filter.
$PAMTX,1*4D^M^J	—	This command is sent to restart data transmission. This command must be sent before exiting the emulator program and powering down the weather station.

*Calculate the checksum for the command using the NMEA Checksum Calculator.

 

 

X2 Script Information

The X2 data logger includes a pre-loaded Airmar script. Use the CONNECT software to enable the script for sensor detection.

Configure Sensor Scripts

X2 Script Number	Communication Protocol	Baud Rate	Power Type	Warmup Period (sec)	Frame
3000	RS-232	4800	Continuous	180	N81

 

 

Script Parameters

NMEA 0183 Message	Description	X2 Parameters
$GPGGA	NMEA 0183 standard GPS Fix Data	UTC Time (hhmmss) Latitude (Degree) Longitude (Degree) Altitude (m)
$GPVTG	NMEA 0183 standard Course Over Ground and Ground Speed	Course Over Ground- COG (True Degree) Speed Over Ground- SOG (Magnetic Degree)
$WIMDA	NMEA 0183 Standard Meteorological Composite (Wind parameters based on internal GPS and compass)	Relative Barometric Pressure (inHg) Air Temperature (C) Relative Humidity (%) Dewpoint (C) Wind Direction (Degree) Magnetic Wind Direction (Degree) Wind Speed (m/s)
$HCHDT	NMEA 0183 standard Heading relative to True North	HeadingT (True Degree)
$HCHDG	NMEA 0183 standard Heading, based on internal GPS and compass	Heading (Magnetic Degree)
$WIMWV	NMEA 0183 standard Wind Speed and Angle, in relation to the vessel’s bow/centerline	Wind Direction (Degree) Wind Speed (Knots)
$YXXDR-A	NMEA 0183 Transducer Measurements. Used in the WX Series WeatherStation Sensor to provide wind chill, heat index, and barometric station pressure.	Aids in calculations measured by the $WIMDA message
$YXXDR-B	NMEA 0183 Transducer Measurements. Used in the WX Series WeatherStation Sensor to provide vessel attitude (pitch and roll) data.	Pitch (Degree) Roll (Degree)

 

Note: If any of the NMEA0183 messages are disabled upon sensor detection, the corresponding parameters will not upload to WQData Live.