Description
The MTECH Systems 8200-CHS Ceilometer is a compact instrument designed for fixed and tactical installations where accurate and reliable cloud height information is required. The measurement is based on the LIDAR principle.
The light emitting component is a low power diode laser with the output power limited to an eye-safe level whilst advanced optics and signal processing techniques extend the range from near ground level to over 26000 ft.
Measurement Technique
The 8200-CHS uses a coaxial single lens design providing very low interference and enhanced near field performance. The well defined laser pulse shape and real time digitizing techniques utilise the latest high speed, high dynamic range scan converter. This, combined with interlaced scan techniques gives excellent resolution and accuracy. The 8200-CHS has a powerful 40 MIPS RISC microprocessor performing advanced signal processing algorithms to detect multiple cloud bases and sky condition.
Environmental Performance
The 8200-CHS performs in all environmental conditions from desert to the wet equatorial tropics. The heated windows and the double skinned design with internal heating and cooling maintain the internal systems at stable
temperature and eliminate internal condensation under all conditions. The internal optical components are protected from direct solar radiation by optical solar filters as standard. All electrical connections to the unit are surge protected. During rain and snow or in the absence of a detectable cloud base the vertical
visibility is reported.
Data Presentation
The Data port provides standard data formats via Ethernet, RS232, and RS422 standards. Cloud layer detection algorithms are built in to the instrument firmware and the 8200-CHS is supplied with Graphical Cloud analysis software for a workstation. Where required, the signal return profile can be obtained for each scan. The
internal RS-232C and Ethernet interfaces support local and remote control, test and data acquisition. Wireless radio, microwave, conventional or DSL modem options can also be used.
Maintenance
The 8200-CHS has an Ethernet maintenance port and windows based configuration software for ease of
setup either locally or remotely. Sloping windows fitted with a heater minimise build-up of dust and debris
(including condensation and ice), and the slope maximises the cleansing effect of rainfall. A built-in test
system indicates failures in the event of a malfunction. A key feature for field maintenance is the small
number of types of spare modules required compared with other designs. The key optical alignment is
inherent to the instrument, so the line replaceable modules can easily be replaced by spare parts without
adjustments or re-calibration.
Cloud Analysis Software (Option)
The MTECH MITAS application suite of software has the ability to display cloud data in textual and
graphical forms. Cloud data is stored in an SQL database and can be retrieved for analysis at a later
stage. Cloud displays are updated from the most recent data every minute. |
