Vaisala WXT-53x Weather Sensor X-Series Integration Guide


Real-Time Atmospheric Measurements

Vaisala WXT-Series Weather Sensors provide six of the most important weather parameters, which are air pressure, temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind speed, and direction between the various models. The weather sensors are compatible with NexSens X-Series data loggers using the SDI-12 sensor interface and communication protocol. A pre-defined script on NexSens X-Series data loggers is able to detect, log, and transmit all parameters available on the sensors. Parameter data is transmitted, in real-time, at a user-specified interval (e.g., 10 minutes) to theĀ NexSens WQData LIVE Web Datacenter. There, data is stored on customizable dashboards with statistics and graphical interfaces for each parameter. Users can download and send data reports via Email, FTP, or an API. Below is information on the settings and wiring required to integrate these sensors with a NexSens X-Series data logger.

Vaisala WXT536 Multi-Parameter Weather Sensor product page.

Figure 1: Vaisala WXT-53x Weather Station integration with NexSens X-Series data loggers for real-time atmospheric measurements.

 

 


 

Compatible Models

All models within the Vaisala WXT53x-Series of weather sensors, shown below, are compatible with NexSens X-Series data loggers. The data logger will automatically determine the output of the sensor based on the model.Ā Settings on the sensor may be adjusted using the Vaisala WXT Configuration Tool along with the purchase of a USB service cable to fully integrate with the data loggers.

Vaisala WXT531 Rainfall Sensor product page.

Figure 2: Vaisala WXT531 Rainfall
Sensor

 

Vaisala WXT532 Wind Sensor product page.

Figure 3: Vaisala WXT532 Wind
Sensor

 

Vaisala WXT533 Rainfall & Wind Sensor product page

Figure 4: Vaisala WXT533 Rainfall & Wind Sensor

 

Vaisala WXT534 Multi-Parameter Weather Sensor product page.

Figure 5: Vaisala WXT534 Multi-Parameter Weather Sensor

WXT535 Multi-Parameter Weather Sensor product page.

Figure 6: Vaisala WXT535 Multi-Parameter Weather Sensor

Vaisala WXT536 Multi-Parameter Weather Sensor product page.

Figure 7: Vaisala WXT536 Multi-Parameter Weather Sensor

 

 


 

Vaisala WXT53x Integration

The user must begin by wiring in a NexSens flying lead cable into the weather station for power, ground, and SDI-12 communication. The flying lead cable has a NexSens waterproof UW8 plug that connects directly to the data logger. Parameter output from the weather station is dependent on the associated Vaisala model. The internal script on the data logger will begin by recognizing the model type and then map out the parameter list available. From there, the data logger will send commands to the sensor to enable the proper parameters and set data averaging intervals to enhance accuracy.

1. Wiring

In most applications, a connectorized NexSens UW8 plug to flying lead cable is wired internally within a Vaisala WXT weather station.

NexSens UW8 Plug Pin NexSens UW8-FLx Wire Color* Signal Vaisala Terminal Strip Identifier
2 Black Ground VIN –
5 Red 12V Power VIN +
6 Brown SDI-12 RXD (Jumped to TX-)**

*NexSens UW Plug to Flying Lead Cable
**A grey jumper cable is included with the purchase of a Vaisala weather station.

Figure 8: NexSens UW8 Plug pin numbers.

 

 

2. Configure Communication

Manual Configuration String via the WXT Configuration Tool

During sensor detection, the X-Series data logger sends configuration strings via the Vaisala WXT-series script to set up the weather station parameter output. Only one configuration string must be sent manually via the Vaisala WXT Configuration Tool and a USB service cable. The weather station must be set in Continuous SDI-12 mode to ensure the station is recording during precipitation events.

  1. Open the Vaisala WXT Configuration Tool.
  2. Go to Settings | Device Settings.
  3. Under Communication Protocol, check the box next to Continuous Measurements.
    1. The unit is now set to Continuous SDI-12 mode.

Figure 9: Setting continuous SDI-12 measurements.

 

  1. Click OK and exit the software.
  2. Allow the X2 to detect the sensor and apply the automatic configuration strings described below.

 

Manual Configuration String via the CONNECT Software

Setting Continuous SDI-12 mode can be accomplished using the CONNECT SDI-12 utility.

Read Current Configuration
Command Response Description
aXU! ACK:
aXU,……M=S,………..<CR><LF>*
a: sensor address…….
M= communication protocol………
<CR><LF>

*Default communication protocol is native SDI-12.

 

Write Continuous SDI-12 Mode
Command Response Description
aXU,M=R! ACK:
a<CR><LF>*
a: sensor address
<CR><LF>

*ACK displays an acknowledgment of the change in the communication protocol. It is recommended to read the configuration once more to confirm the setting has been changed. The updated configuration should show “M=R” for continuous SDI-12 mode.

 

3. Automatic Sensor Detection

After wiring in the sensor cable and setting the station to continuous SDI-12 measurements, the weather sensor can be programmed onto the logger via automatic detection.

X-Series Logger Detection and Script Information

The X-Series data loggers include a pre-loaded Vaisala WXT-Series script, which is enabled by default upon shipment. For new data loggers, connecting the sonde and providing power will force the data logger to run through an automatic detection process.

Run a Sensor Detection

For loggers with adjusted settings, use the link below to confirm the script is enabled before running a sensor detection.

Configure Sensor Scripts

Logger Script Number Communication Protocol Baud Rate Power Type Warmup Period (sec) Frame
2002 SDI-12 1200 Continuous 0 E71

 

Automatic Configuration Strings Sent During Detection

Upon sensor detection, the configuration strings will be sent to the sensor for proper setup and communication.

Module Configuration Strings Description
First string Second string Third string
PTU (Temperature, Pressure & Humidity) XTU,R=1111000011010000!

XTU,I=60,P=H,T=C!

Enables temperature, pressure & humidity parameters -60 second update interval
-hPA pressure unit
-Celsius temperature unit
Wind XWU,R=1111100001011100,G=1!

XWU,I=120,A=120,U=M,D=0,F=4!

Enables wind direction and wind speed parameters. -120 second update interval
-120 second averaging interval
-m/s wind speed unit
-Zero degree direction offset
-4 Hz wind sampling frequency
Precipitation XRU,R=1111110011111100!

XRU,I=60,U=M,S=M,M=R!

XRU,Z=M,X=100,Y=100!

Enables rain and hail parameters. -60 second update interval
-Metric precipitation units (mm)
-Metric hail units (hits/cm2)
-Auto-on/off precipitation mode
-Manual precipitation reset mode
-Rain accumulation counter limit (100mm or 3.9 in)
-Hail accumulation counter limit (10 hits/cm2)
Supervisor XSU,R=1111100011100000!

XSU,I=15,S=Y,H=Y!

XSU,I=15,S=Y,H=N!

Enables heater and supply voltage parameters (If heating is equipped):
-60 second update interval
-Error messaging enabled
-Heating control enabled
(If heating is not equipped):
-60 second update interval
-Error messaging enabled
-Heating control disabled

 

Script Parameters

The following parameters are available according to the associated WXT model.

Parameter Unit Description Associated WXT models
Wind direction deg Scalar average of wind direction values over selected averaging time.* 520, 532, 533, 536
Wind direction correction deg Corrected wind direction value based on user-defined offset. 520, 532, 533, 536
Minimum wind speed m/s Minimum wind speed over selected averaging time.* 520, 532, 533, 536
Average wind speed m/s Scalar average of wind speed values over selected averaging time.* 520, 532, 533, 536
Maximum wind speed m/s Maximum wind speed over selected averaging time.* 520, 532, 533, 536
Air temperature C 520, 534, 535, 536
Humidity % 520, 534, 535, 536
Pressure hPa 520, 534, 535, 536
Rain interval mm Cumulative rain. (Resets during power cycle) 520, 531, 533, 535, 536
Rain duration seconds Duration of latest rain event. 520, 531, 533, 535, 536
Rain intensity mm/h Rain intensity during one-minute period before the X2 requests a measurement. 520, 531, 533, 535, 536
Hail interval hits/cm2 Cumulative hail. (Resets during power cycle) 520, 531, 533, 535, 536
Hail duration seconds Duration of latest hail event. 520, 531, 533, 535, 536
Hail intensity hits/cm2/hr Hail intensity during one-minute period before the X2 requests a measurement. 520, 531, 533, 535, 536
Heater temperature C Temperature of internal heater. All models
Heating voltage V Voltage supplied for heating operation. All models
Supply voltage V Voltage supplied for normal operation. All models

*Wind averaging time following detection is 120 seconds.

 

4. Setting up WQData LIVE

Once an X-Series data logger has finished a new sensor detection, it will automatically push the sensor configuration to the WQData LIVE web data center. Follow the three articles below to create a WQData LIVE account and a project/site. Then add the data logger to the project using the included claim code.

 


 

Real-Time System Application

Real-time atmospheric measurements from the Vaisala WXT53x-Series of weather sensors are useful in various environmental monitoring applications.

Applicable Systems

Discover applicable uses of Vaisala WXT53x-Series of weather sensors.

 

Case Studies

Read about specific applications using Vaisala WXT53x-Series of weather sensors.

 

Weather and Atmospheric Measurements

Learn more about weather and atmospheric measurements on theĀ NexSens Blog Page.

 

Sensor Manual

More information on the Vaisala WXT53x-series of weather sensors can be found in the Vaisala WXT530-Series User Guide.