Columbia Weather : Professional Weather Stations

Pegasus EX Portable Weather Station used by CRA Engineering Firm

2012-01-11T10:57:00.000-08:00

We recently received this photo and comments from Robert at Conestoga-Rovers & Associates:

“Thought you’d like to have this photo of the weather system we recently purchased from you. We had a rare December snow, so I took the opportunity to take this picture.

"The system has performed flawlessly. It’s easy to set up, easy to use, and easy to get data from. I’m very pleased.”

Founded in 1976, Conestoga-Rovers & Associates offers engineering, environmental, construction, and IT services worldwide.

Nice installation using the tie-down kit. Thanks for the photo!

Orion 420™ Weather Station Installed at Fish Barrier

2012-01-03T09:55:00.000-08:00

Engineering firm Smith-Root has installed an Orion 420 Weather Station at the Chicago 2A Fish Barrier on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal which feeds the Mississippi River into the Great Lakes. The weather station provides real time measurements of average wind speed, wind gusts, wind direction, air temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, rainfall, and solar radiation. Using a Weather MicroServer, data is automatically uploaded to the Weather Underground.

Read more...

Weather Buff 2012 Calendar - Gift Idea

2011-12-06T12:18:00.000-08:00

Looking for a gift for the weather buff in your life? Or a 2012 calendar for yourself?

Check out the photos in this calendar by Tyler Mode, member of the Oregon Chapter of the American Meteorological Society. The calendar features beautiful scenic shots including interesting sky and meteorological phenomena. Tyler uses the money to help fund his storm chasing expeditions -- a cause that resonates with any weather buff.

You can see and purchase individual images on the SmugMug website. To order a calendar, contact Tyler directly: weathercrazy82@yahoo.com or call 360-356-4888

New Weather Master™ Software with SQL database

2011-11-07T11:03:00.000-08:00

The new version of our proprietary WeatherMaster Software offers some significant "under-the-hood" improvements.

-The new "dot-net" platform speeds up development time, making it easier to add features and develop custom versions.
-With an expandable SQL database, WeatherMaster 4.0 can archive an even wider range of meteorological and calculated parameters.
-The database export feature, always compatible with Excel, now enables customer-selected units of measure and date ranges.
-WeatherMaster 4.0 is compatible with the Orion 420 (4-20mA) weather station.

WeatherMaster Software is optimized for CWS weather stations. It provides computer weather monitoring, calculated parameters, graphing and trend displays.

Additionally, WeatherMaster automates the processes of archiving weather data, alarm notification, interfacing with CAMEO/ALOHA, and updating weather web pages.

Old Wind Sensors Phased Out (Now selling only Capricorn 2000EX™)

2011-10-19T11:53:00.000-07:00

In a move toward increased cost-efficiency, the Capricorn 2000EX Weather Station will completely replace the older Capricorn 2000 model weather stations. Columbia Weather Systems will no longer be selling Capricorn 2000s.

"As higher-tech sensor technology has become more available, we have been phasing out our flagship wind-sensor design," said CWS president Nader Khoury. "We will continue to assist Capricorn 2000 customers with repairs and replacement parts, as well as technical support."

Capricorn 2000EX Weather Stations offer modular sensor components built around a central control module. The standard sensor package includes wind speed and direction with 360-degree resolution, barometric pressure, temperature, and humidity. Optional sensors include rain gauge, solar radiation, leaf wetness, visibility and up to three additional temperatures (ambient, soil and/or water temperature).

Capricorn 2000EX Weather Stations provide the reliability and affordability of proven mechanical wind sensor technology with the flexibility of sensor selection for application-specific requirements.

Weather Display at ATCA

2011-10-06T11:28:00.000-07:00

This color Weather Display Console was recently spotted in the FAA's (Federal Aviation Administration) new Emergency Communication Shelter which was on display at the Air Traffic Control Association Expo.

Thanks to Gabi Cohen of Sigmatek Advanced Technologies Ltd. for sending this photo. Gabi notes, "I checked with the FAA engineer and he was pleased with its performance."

An OEM customer, Sigmatek incorporates our Orion Weather Stations into their mobile air traffic control towers.

New Vela ™ Multi-Sensor Weather Station

2011-09-27T14:25:00.000-07:00

Our new Vela (pronounced Vay-luh) Weather Station combines the ease of an all-in-one sensor package with the reliability and affordability of mechanical wind sensors.

In addition to wind speed and direction, the sensor module incorporates barometric pressure, as well as temperature and humidity sensors in a radiation shield. A tipping-bucket rain gauge is optional.

The multi-sensor design provides easy installation with a single sensor cable.

"Adding the Vela extends our product line with proven technology at an even more affordable price point," says CWS president Nader Khoury.

Monitoring options for the Vela Weather Station include the touchscreen Weather Display, WeatherMaster Software, and/or the Weather MicroServer with Internet and industrial protocols.

Click Vela Weather Station for more information.

A Visit to the Oregon Garden

2011-09-14T14:52:00.000-07:00

Ten Capricorn 2000 EX™ Weather Stations form an Environmental Monitoring Network operated by the Oregon Department of Agriculture. One weather station is situated at the Oregon Garden in Silverton. Earlier this summer, CWS president and amateur photographer Nader Khoury visited the garden. We've uploaded a few of his photos to our Flickr page. To see more click: Oregon Garden Photos

Orion 420 PLC Weather Station Upgrade for Monitoring

2011-08-19T15:49:00.000-07:00

CWS’s proprietary monitoring devices -- the Weather Display Console, WeatherMaster™ Software, and the Weather MicroServer™ -- are now compatible with the Orion 420 Weather Station.

The Orion 420 Weather Station offers a complete weather station for industrial PLC interface. It features 4-20 mA current output from ultrasonic wind direction and speed sensors, impact rain sensor, plus humidity, temperature and barometric pressure.

Weather data can be monitored and integrated with PLC software such as Wonderware®. The Orion 420 is used in facility management for companies such as Intel, DuPont and Bechtel.

How NOT to ship a weather sensor

2011-07-11T10:51:00.000-07:00

We don't ship your weather station like this and you shouldn't either! In the event a component needs to be returned, please use the original shipping box if available as well as antistatic packing material. And be sure to contact us for an RMA number prior to shipment.

This is an actual return for repair from an overseas customer. If the sensor wasn't damaged before, it probably is now!

Mac Software for Capricorn 2000EX Weather Station™

2011-06-09T12:09:00.000-07:00

Mac software WeatherSnoop is now compatible with Capricorn 2000EX weather stations. Besides graphical real-time monitoring, WeatherSnoop offers database, spreadsheet, graphing and data sharing with web-based networks such as Weather Underground and Citizen Weather Observer - all with the look and feel Mac users expect.

"We are pleased to provide Mac weather enthusiasts with support for the Capricorn 2000EX weather station," said Boisy Pitre of Tee-Boy. "Columbia Weather Systems readily provided their support and expertise in adapting their station to WeatherSnoop, and we're happy to partner with them."

For more information click: WeatherSnoop

New Italian Dealer Exhibits at WMO Expo

2011-05-24T14:49:00.000-07:00

We welcome Top Meteo of Italy as a new dealer. Owner Jonata Giorgini and sales manager Patrizio Turri visited our offices this spring looking for professional-grade weather stations to round out their product offerings.

Top Meteo signed on and got their website up and running just in time to exhibit in Geneva at Meteo Hydex 2011, the World Meteorological Organization's exhibition of meteorological and hydrological instruments and equipment.

Their booth displays WeatherMaster Software™ on the big screen with the Orion Weather Station™ demo model which is available to dealers for trade shows and demonstrations.

Panel Temperature Monitoring Optimizes Solar Panel Efficiency

2011-05-18T10:49:00.000-07:00

A panel temperature sensor is now available for Capricorn 2000EX Weather Stations or any CWS Weather Station using our Weather MicroServer. This specialized sensor was developed for a weather station application monitoring solar panel arrays.

photo by David Watts Jr.

Solar panel temperature affects maximum power output - generally, the warmer the solar panel, the less power it can produce. In an industry that focuses on energy efficiency, panel temperature is a critical parameter to monitor relative to performance.

Protective Case for Vehicle-Mounted Sensors

2011-04-25T13:53:00.000-07:00

No matter how rugged the housing, meteorological sensors are sensitive electronic instruments. A Sensor Protective Case can help protect your sensor head in the rough environment of an incident response vehicle.

These cases are constructed of ultra-high-impact structural copolymer, making them extremely strong and durable. They are unbreakable, watertight, airtight, dustproof, chemical resistant and corrosion proof, offering total protection for sensitive weather-monitoring instruments.

Part Number 88173

(shown with Orion sensor head and cable, not included)

Playing with SlideShare -- Presentation on Capricorn 2000EX™ at Madonna University

2011-04-06T11:27:00.000-07:00

When Madonna University purchased a Capricorn 2000EX, Professor Asaad Istephan requested a PowerPoint® presentation to help spread the word. We created this one to highlight all the features of their configuration which includes a Weather MicroServer and WeatherMaster Software.

While it is our business to be on the cutting-edge of weather monitoring technology, it is tough to keep pace with ever-changing social media. Today we are learning about SlideShare, a free website/application for sharing slide presentations on the Internet as well as embedding them on your own website. Check out our results.

Capricorn 2000EX™ Weather Station

Responsive Architecture and Weather Monitoring

2011-04-04T11:09:00.000-07:00

"Responsive Architecture optimizes energy use by adapting to changing environmental conditions while increasing the quality of space." This according to American-Architects.com in its write-up of LumenHAUS as Building of the Week.

That means monitoring environmental -- weather -- conditions and manipulating environmental controls such as HVAC, but also insulating panels, windows and shades.

See how it's done by LumenHAUS. Is it a house of the future, or is such architecture realistic now?

Storm Report from Dixon Weather

2011-03-08T13:46:00.000-08:00

We received a report with photos from a Capricorn 2000 user, Dixon Weather Service in Missouri:

Wind damage in and around Dixon February 19 from supercells thunderstorm with strong meso. No tornado reports confirmed, but a lot of funnel clouds were witnessed.

The pictures show the kind of weather we have here. 80+ mph as measured by your equipment. Keep up the good work! I am glad we went with your equipment -- just as good if not better than surrounding ASOS systems.

View additional photos on Flickr

New Interoperability with Popular Automation Platforms

2011-02-18T13:22:00.000-08:00

All weather stations manufactured by Columbia Weather Systems can now be integrated into PROFIBUS®, PROFINET® and LonWorks® networks.

Interoperability is critical in many applications where weather monitoring is one component of a large automation control system such as process control, building or industrial automation,

Adding these popular communication options allows managers invested with these systems to optimize their use of meteorological data for environmental monitoring and device control.

AMS Honors Weather Wiz

2011-01-24T12:00:00.000-08:00

Free weather curriculum for grades K-12 is available online thanks to meteorologist Jim Witt. The WeatherWiz program teaches students to use freely available information to make forecasts like professional meteorologists.

This week, Witt will receive a special award from the American Meteorological Society: "For innovative leadership in teaching high school meteorology, mentoring, and inspiring his students to accomplishments in the meteorological community and in life."

Offering long-range forecasting services, Witt is dedicated to education and charity. Each year he offers a Hudson Valley Weather Calendar which has raised over $2 million for the Hope for Youth Foundation.

Congratulations to Jim Witt and the other AMS Award Recipients!

Photo from the 2011 Hudson Valley Weather Calendar

New Color Weather Display Console

2011-01-12T13:11:00.000-08:00

We are now shipping the new Color Weather Display with no price increase over the previous monochrome Weather Display. The Color Weather Display Console displays weather data from your CWS weather station and performs complex computations to display calculated parameters such as wind chill and heat index.

The new console contains an industrial-grade, 7-inch WVGA LCD touchscreen panel and is powered by a Single Board Computer with a 200MHz ARM9 CPU.

A singular advantage is the addition of Ethernet connectivity. The Weather Display can connect directly to a weather station with the serial port or connect to a Weather MicroServer over a network utilizing an existing Ethernet infrastructure - no extra wiring. The MicroServer configuration also allows for data from one weather station to be monitored from multiple display consoles at various locations.

The main viewing screen can be factory-customized for special industry-specific requirements.
The new display works with any CWS weather station and is available in three formats: desktop, 19" rack mount, and panel mount.

Dual-Mount Weather Station Used by Oregon Hazmat Team

2010-12-15T10:23:00.000-08:00

Gresham Fire and Emergency Services, Oregon's Region 3 Hazmat Team, utilizes a unique dual-mount option from Columbia Weather Systems. Their weather station can be used for both vehicle-mount and portable weather station configurations.

On a dual-mount weather monitoring system, mounting hardware is installed permanently on a vehicle and the portable mounting system is stowed. The portable installation includes a tripod mast as well as a weatherproof enclosure with battery pack and transceivers.

Weather sensors are easily mounted to either mast depending on the situation. Quick-cable connectors provide sensitive electronic wiring with maximum protection from harsh environmental elements as well as easy installation of the weather station sensor array.

For monitoring weather parameters, Gresham uses a Weather Display console mounted inside the vehicle as well as WeatherMaster Software with automatic interface to CAMEO/ALOHA.

Dual-mount weather station options are available for all CWS models.

Eglin AFB: Featured Customer with Four Orion LX Weather Stations™

2010-11-22T12:34:00.000-08:00

Four Orion LX Weather Stations are used for "isolated weather monitoring for security equipment" at Test Site C-3 of the 46th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. Eglin AFB is the premier test and evaluation center for Air Force air delivered weapons, navigation/guidance systems and Command and Control systems.

Orion LX Weather Stations utilize the all-in-one sensor head with ultrasonic wind speed and direction, impact rainfall, temperature, humidity and barometric pressure in conjunction with the Weather MicroServer. The Weather MicroServer offers XML, FTP and common industrial interfaces.

New photos from LumenHAUS™ with the Orion 420 Weather Station

2010-11-17T11:27:00.000-08:00

Under the hood of LumenHAUS, Virginia Tech's winning entry in the Solar Decathlon Europe. The Orion sensor head is mounted on a tower shown at right. Virginia Tech uses the 4-20 mA option to connect the weather station to a PLC (programmable logic controller).

Robert Schubert, Associate Dean of Research, College of Architecture and Urban Studies, reports that "weather station information is used for monitoring outside conditions, as well as taking reactive and anticipatory actions." Such actions might include closing shades and insulating panels based on temperature and/or wind conditions.

LumenHAUS is on display at the GreenBuild Convention, Millenium Park in Chicago November 17 - 20.

See more pictures on Flickr or Facebook

For more information:
Orion 420 Weather Station

LumenHAUS

Oregon AMS Hosts Record Winter Weather Event

2010-11-03T10:53:00.000-07:00

Our local Oregon Chapter of the American Meteorological Society is the largest non-student chapter with over 125 members. A record crowd turned out for the annual October Winter Weather predictions -- 350 capacity in the OMSI Auditorium with overflow in the foyer.

View the Presentations

GSA Contract Renewed and Updated

2010-10-20T12:39:00.000-07:00

Good news for US federal government agencies! We have successfully renewed our Government Services Administration (GSA) contract. Our first Capricorn weather station was awarded a GSA contract about 20 years ago. Contracts are reviewed every five years.

This recent contract modification includes updating our GSA products to include all our latest weather stations and accessories such as the Magellan Weather Station™ with internal compass, the Orion 420 Weather Station™ with 4-20 mA output, and the Internet-ready Weather MicroServer™.

GSA Contract Number: GS-07F-5454R

Virginia Tech Wins SDEurope with Orion 420™

2010-09-27T11:59:00.000-07:00

In case you've been wondering, results of the Solar Decathlon Europe are in and "lumenHAUS" won!

In the photo, the team celebrates their victory with trophy in hand. Congratulations!

(Scroll down for more details on the entry.)

Photo courtesy of SDEurope.

Iowa Hazmat Outfits with Magellan Portable Weather Stations

2010-09-16T13:37:00.001-07:00

Columbia Weather Systems is shipping eight Magellan portable weather stations™ to the Des Moines Fire Department. According to Captain Robert Cox, the state of Iowa has set up seven WMD Hazmat teams to respond to WMD events anywhere in the state.

Apparatus for each team will be outfitted with a portable weather station and WeatherMaster Software™ for use on all hazmat runs to support decisions such as evacuation of downwind areas.

Magellan weather stations offer sonic wind speed and direction, temperature, pressure and humidity measurements with an internal compass for automatic alignment of wind direction. Rugged metal construction makes them ideal for installation or deployment in hazardous conditions.

WeatherMaster Software provides computer weather monitoring with automatic interface to CAMEO/ALOHA and hazmat plume dispersion software.

Canadian Coast Guard Trained for Arctic Weather Station Installation

2010-07-12T14:37:00.001-07:00

CWS President Nader Khoury recently travelled to Prescott, ON, Canada to train members of the Canadian Coast Guard on the Orion Weather Station in preparation for their installation in Killiniq, Nunavut at the extreme northern tip of Labrador.

A heated Orion weather station with visibility sensor will be used to monitor weather conditions in this remote outpost in the Canadian Arctic.

Data will be collected with a Weather MicroServer and monitored remotely with WeatherMaster Software from the Prescott Station.

Orion Weather Station

MicroServer with Visibility Sensor

WeatherMaster Software

Orion 420™ Weather Station Travels to Spain with Lumenhaus

2010-06-22T15:44:00.000-07:00

The Solar Decathlon - Europe begins in Madrid this month and the Virginia Tech Solar House is competing using an Orion 420 weather station with Weather MicroServer and WeatherMaster Software to help optimize energy usage.

"Lumenhaus" was originally designed and built for the 2009 U.S. Solar Decathlon. At the turn of the New Year, the house was on Times Square in New York for four days exhibit and an appearance on Good Morning America.

For more information:

Photo courtesy of Virginia Tech School of Architecture + Design.

Searching for the weather

2010-06-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

Remember the Superbowl ad that told a love story through Google Search? Well, in honor of Small Business Week, Google offered us the chance to write our own search story.

Turn on the audio and click here or on the image to view the result: Weather Here and Now

The morale of our story? Professional weather monitoring – right where you need it, right when you need it.

(And here is the love story ad in case you've forgotten: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnsSUqgkDwU )

Magellan Weather Station Working in Gulf: Scientists Monitor Effects of Oil Spill

2010-05-25T13:34:00.000-07:00

While crews in the Gulf of Mexico are working to mitigate the damage caused by the recent Deepwater Horizon oil spill, scientists aboard the R/V Pelican research vessel are taking samples from the sea floor to analyze for changes in chemicals and marine organisms. (HoumaToday.com)

The Magellan Weather Station by Columbia Weather Systems provides weather data aboard the R/V Pelican. With its internal compass and rugged metal construction, the Magellan is well-suited to mobile weather monitoring.

The R/V Pelican is operated by LUMCON, the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium. Formed in 1979, LUMCON provides coastal laboratory facilities to Louisiana universities, and conducts research and educational programs in the marine sciences. (R/V Pelican photo courtesy of LUMCON)

True North for Magellan Wind Direction

2010-05-11T13:13:00.000-07:00

Standard factory setup for the Magellan Weather Station provides wind direction alignment to True North. The internal compass reading is aligned to Magnetic North. At the factory, the declination angle is entered to offset wind direction output to True North based on the "Ship To" address.

A new tutorial on our Resources page describes how to easily reset the declination angle. This would need to be done only if the weather station was installed in a significantly different geographic location, or if alignment to Magnetic North was desired.

Click here for Magellan Weather Station Tutorial: Aligning Wind Direction to True North.

New Collapsible Roof Mount Mast for Vehicle-Mount Weather Stations

2010-04-14T10:40:00.000-07:00

If your vehicle doesn't have a place for the standard side-mount pole, this new collapsible roof mount mast may be just the ticket. The pole is designed to be permanently mounted on a flat surface (such as a vehicle roof) and folded away into the stored position.

Shown at right with the Magellan Weather Station sensor, the collapsible roof mount mast is suitable for any CWS weather station.

New Netbook Package with Weather Master™ Software

2010-03-30T13:25:00.000-07:00

Taking advantage of the affordable netbook computers, Weather Master™ Netbook Edition is a new weather monitoring option for use with any CWS weather station. Ideal for applications requiring a dedicated computer or mobile applications where size and weight are an issue. The display screens are optimized for the smaller monitor size.

Full featured Weather Master Software with

* Real-time sensor monitoring plus calculated parameters
* Data logging and reports
* Email/text weather reports to multiple recipients
* Alarm notification and relay control
* CAMEO/ALOHA auto-interface for HazMat
* Multi-station monitoring
* Auto-update weather data for web page

$1199 package price includes netbook computer, Weather Master Software with setup and configuration to your weather station parameters including cables. (Note: Price does NOT include the weather station.)

Got your own netbook? Simply specify the Weather Master Software-Only Netbook Edition for $395.

Click for more information on Weather Master Software.

"Potentially life-saving" weather information

2010-03-17T13:00:00.000-07:00

Using a fully-loaded Capricorn 2000 weather station, Dixon Weather Service, Inc. provides weather forecasts, current readings, and warnings to Central Missouri. Administrator Tim Brandt explains, "Our mission is to provide the citizens of the Dixon, MO area a source to obtain the most accurate, real time and potentially life saving weather warnings as issued by the National Weather Service."

"Our relationship with CWS has been an excellent experience for us!" Brandt says. "We have received excellent support and services from CWS and we highly recommend CWS."

Photo by Colleen Collyer, courtesy of Dixon Weather.

Click to find out more on their CWS Applications page: Dixon Weather Service

Which Weather Station Is Right for You?

2010-02-25T12:48:00.000-08:00

Thinking about an Orion all-in-one weather station? What about that new Magellan with internal compass? Don't need a compass, but maybe you need three different temperature readings? Are you wondering which CWS weather station is best for your weather monitoring requirements?

We've implemented a new comparison chart to help you make an informed decision.

From any page on our website, click on the Products tab (or click to go there directly). Scroll down a bit to see the chart that compares Orion,™ Magellan™ and Capricorn 2000EX™ Weather Stations:

Meteorological sensors, standard and optional
Display options
Warranty
Starting price

And, as always, if you have additional questions, please contact us.
Toll-free: 1-866-625-8620 (US and Canada)
Phone: (503) 629-0887
Email: sales@columbiaweather.com

Green Roof - Facility Management

2010-02-11T13:55:00.000-08:00

An innovative building project in the community of Omaha, Nebraska incorporates a green roof on one section of the building. Two Capricorn 2000 EX™ Weather Stations monitor the differences in meteorological parameters for the two different roofs using a customized WeatherMaster Software.™

The facility incorporates an elementary school, a public library and community center.

Click for the full story Saddlebrook Joint Facility

Photo by Kessler Photography / courtesy BCDM Achitects.

How to Display Weather Data on Your Website

2010-01-28T13:59:00.000-08:00

A new tutorial is available for uploading weather data to your website.

Displaying your weather station’s data on the Internet is a great way to disseminate it — whether for general public information or to make it available simultaneously to multiple parties involved in an Incident Response for example, responders, dispatchers, and commanders.

Columbia Weather Systems offers two options for posting weather data to the Internet – WeatherMaster Software™ and the Weather MicroServer.™ Both of these options can automatically upload weather data to your website. Additionally, the MicroServer offers automatic upload to CWOP and Weather Underground websites.

The new tutorial gives step-by-step instructions for setting up your web page and configuring the Weather MicroServer to automatically FTP XML files to it.

Our sample webpage, illustrated above: www.columbiaweather.com/orionweather_3.php

Product Development Connects at Columbia Weather

2010-01-19T13:25:00.000-08:00

Evidence of our commitment to product development takes several forms at Columbia Weather. One is responding to expressed customer requests - for example the portable and vehicle-mount system configurations. Another is taking advantage of the latest new technology 1) to create new products like the Magellan Weather Station and the Weather MicroServer, and 2) to improve our existing meteorological products. This announcement falls into the latter category.

For Orion and Magellan exterior cable connections, CWS has upgraded to an IP68 connector ~ the maximum level of Ingress Protection. These connectors are even more resistant to dust, oil and salt water, making them ideal for use in hostile environments such as hazmat, marine, process industries and manufacturing.

Additionally, these new connectors improve the ease of installing your weather station. The connectors are keyed for easy alignment. A screw-on collar secures the connection and provides additional protection from the elements.

High Winds in Oregon

2010-01-14T13:55:00.000-08:00

Some additional extreme weather reported by Steve Pierce, fellow AMS member and weather aficionado: "Here is a quick video I edited together after an amazing day at Crown Point (just east of Portland) last week. It was supposed to be windy that day. We had no idea how windy it would actually be! I think you will get a good laugh out of this. I am calling it, The Crown Point 100mph Experiment. For those of us who were there in person, it was an amazing experience."

Click here to see the video

Winter Weather: Extreme Colds Mark December

2010-01-08T11:00:00.001-08:00

Jan. 2010 --Thankfully our offices were closed on December 29, so our employees didn't get stuck on their homebound commute when an unexpected snowstorm hit the Portland metro area.

How is your winter shaping up? Email your winter weather stories to info@columbiaweather.com.

We had unusual weather throughout the month of December with extra cold temperatures earlier in the month. Fellow Oregon AMS* member Steve Pierce has compiled the following data as recorded at the Portland International Airport (PDX) ---

December 2009's monthly mean temperature was 35.6 degrees, nearly 5 degrees below normal.

December 2009 also saw the coldest stretch of overnight low temperatures in Portland Airport history, this early in the winter season, averaging 13.25 degrees from 12/8 to 12/11. This barely edges out the exact same timeframe in 1972 (12/8/72 to 12/11/72) when PDX averaged 13.75 degrees.

PDX recorded the single highest number of sub-freezing (32 or colder) December overnight low temperatures in nearly 25 years. There were 19 days with overnight lows at or below 32 degrees at PDX in December of 2009. The last time PDX saw more sub-freezing overnight lows in the month of December was in December 1985 when PDX recorded 25 days at or below 32 degrees.

(Note - The period of record used for this analysis is 1940-2009.)

Steve Pierce is an Executive Councilor on the board of the Oregon Chapter of the American Meteorological Society (*AMS).

The graphs below show December 2009 as recorded at our Hillsboro, Oregon office. Data was acquired from our Capricorn 2000 Weather Station and graphed using WeatherMaster Software.

Internet Weather Monitoring and Network Auto-Updates

2009-11-24T14:41:00.000-08:00

Internet weather monitoring. The Weather MicroServer now has a real-time display screen serving up live weather data in a graphical user interface. (Viewable on Mozilla Firefox, Chrome and Opera web browsers.) The R-T display does not require a screen refresh. It displays the main weather parameters and can be customized if required. Measurement units can be configured by the user.

Automatic network updates. The Weather MicroServer is now compatible with CWOP and Weather Underground weather networks. CWS weather stations with a MicroServer can now automatically update their data to these network sites.

(CWOP = Citizen Weather Observer Program)

Refract House Wins Third Place with OrionLX Weather Station

2009-11-17T11:04:00.000-08:00

Net-zero energy consumption is the dream of every environmentally-conscious homeowner - a goal that is closer to becoming reality helped along by the U.S. Department of Energy (D.O.E.) Solar Decathlon.

Every other year, the D.O.E. brings together 20 teams from universities around the world to design and construct houses with a goal of net-zero energy consumption. The homes are displayed on the Mall in Washington DC, tested and ranked.

For the October 2009 competition, two U.S. teams elected to use Orion Weather Stations to monitor weather parameters for their houses.The weather stations are used for environmental monitoring to improve energy efficiency. With the Weather MicroServer, weather parameters are also used to control automated functions like window shades.

Third place winner was Refract House, a combined effort from Santa Clara University and California College of the Arts. Its theme was "promoting the idea of living light" - harnessing sunlight, lightening the carbon footprint, and enlightening today's consumers.

See more photos and read comments by a participant by clicking on the title link.

Sheriff Command Trailer Big Screen Weather Monitor

2009-10-30T10:06:00.000-07:00

Nomad Global Communication Solutions took “big screen” to the next level when they built an emergency command trailer for Grafton County Sheriff’s Department (NH). Weather data is available for all to see on the side of the vehicle. The system uses a Capricorn 2000 Vehicle-Mount Weather Station with WeatherMaster Software.

Nomad GCS is a Montana-based specialty vehicle manufacturer with an innovative and extensive product line designed to support emergency personnel and first responders when they need it the most.

www.nomadtechs.com

Gastronomical Weather Monitoring

2009-10-08T13:30:00.000-07:00

In the event of a meatball shower, you won't miss out on collecting the weather data with CWS's Orion Weather Station. The Orion's impact rain sensor measures precipitation including water turned to food by Flint Lockwood's brilliant invention in the new movie "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs."

So whether weathergirl Sam Sparks predicts an ice cream snowfall or a spaghetti tornado, you can feel confident that your meteorological parameters will be measured with accuracy and culinary precision.

"Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" is now showing in theaters around the nation. Check it out: www.CloudyWithAChanceofMeatballs.com

Don't Let This Happen to You!

2009-09-21T13:08:00.001-07:00

Here are a few more options to help protect your investment in weather-monitoring technology.

Heated Sensors

To prevent the possible disruption of weather data during an ice storm we offer a couple of options.

For Capricorn 2000 Weather Stations, we recommend a heated rain gauge and the heavy-duty EX wind sensor with the heated option.

Additionally, the Orion Weather Station is available with a heated all-in-one sensor head.

Sensor Storage Case for Vehicle-Mount Weather Stations

For Orion and Magellan Vehicle-Mount Weather Stations, a sensor storage case may come in handy if your vehicle does not have built-in sensor storage. These cases are constructed of ultra-high-impact structural copolymer, making them extremely strong and durable. They are unbreakable, watertight, airtight, dustproof, chemical resistant and corrosion proof, offering total protection for sensitive weather-monitoring equipment.

Orion Goes to Washington

2009-09-09T13:07:00.000-07:00

Two teams have elected to use Orion Weather Stations to monitor weather parameters for their houses submitted for the 2009 Solar Decathlon in Washington DC. With a goal of net-zero energy consumption, weather conditions will directly affect the homes' operational systems.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Solar Decathlon brings together 20 teams from universities around the world to design and build zero-energy houses.

Virginia Tech's entry is called "lumenHAUS" -- lumen for "the power of light" and "haus" being German for both house and home with a nod to the BauHaus movement .

The Refract House, a combined effort from Santa Clara University and California College of the Arts, is dedicated to "promoting the idea of living light" -- harnessing sunlight, lightening the carbon footprint, and enlightening today's consumers.

Solar Decathlon • lumenHAUS • Refract House

Solar Powered Weather Stations + Additional Warranties

2009-08-31T14:54:00.000-07:00

Solar Powered Weather Stations

To fully power weather stations in applications that do not have access to electricity, we offer solar panels. These are custom per installation based on geographical location.

This photo shows a Capricorn 2000EX Weather Station. And while the solar panels can be used with any CWS weather station, the Orion and Magellan Weather Stations consume the least energy and are the best-suited for solar-powered weather monitoring systems.

Extended Warranties for Orion Sensor Module

The sensor head is one of the most fragile components of an all-in-one weather station, and frequently the one subject to the most abuse -- especially in portable and mobile installations.

In addition to our standard one-year warranty which is included with the purchase price, we offer Extended Standard and "No-Fault" Warranties on the Orion Sensor Module.

French Fries, Bird Spikes and Surge Suppression

2009-08-12T14:23:00.000-07:00

"Would you like fries with that?" You might cringe when you hear those words, or you might say, "Of course!"

When someone buys a weather station from Columbia Weather, we try to help them protect their investment by recommending accessories that will be useful to their particular installation.

This article highlights some options for CWS weather stations. We will address more in a future article.

Orion Bird Spike Kit, Catalog Number 9584

Seagulls seem to be inordinately fond of the Orion ultrasonic transducers. To discourage pecking and nesting we offer this Bird Spike Kit. Specifically designed not to hurt the birds, the spikes provide a barrier to make it more difficult for birds to land on top of the transmitter.

Surge Arrestors To protect your weather station from power surges such as those caused by nearby lightning strikes or electrical storms.

Surge Protector for Orion and Magellan Sensor Modules, Catalog Number 8355 Quickly installed between the sensor head and the computer or display console.
Ethernet Surge Arrestor, Catalog Number 8356 Plugs directly into the Ethernet port on the Weather MicroServer.
RS232 (Serial) Surge Arrestor, Catalog Number 8353 Plugs directly into the Serial port on a computer.
For Capricorn Weather Stations, standard electrical surge suppressors can be purchased at your local electronics store such as Radio Shack or Best Buy.

For more information: Accessories

Oregon Department of Agriculture Weather Network

2009-08-06T11:50:00.000-07:00

In 1988 a fatal multi-car accident was caused when smoke from field burning obstructed visibility on Interstate 5 in Oregon's Willamette Valley.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture implemented an extensive weather monitoring network to help regulate field burning. They chose Capricorn 2000EX Weather Stations to supplement the already existing AWOS stations at local airports (which were few and far between).

Most recently, Columbia Weather Systems has been working with ODA meteorologist Pete Parsons to update their weather network in conjunction with their new computer systems.

New Weather Station with Built-in Compass

2009-07-22T15:26:00.000-07:00

The all-new Magellan Weather Station™ from Columbia Weather Systems combines a rugged, multi-parameter weather sensor with an internal compass for critical weather monitoring with automatic wind direction alignment.

The Magellan sensor module integrates an internal fluxgate compass with a sonic anemometer and sensors for temperature, relative humidity, and barometric pressure.

With no moving parts, the all-in-one sensor head is housed in a powder-coated metal radiation shield for durability, making it ideal for mobile and portable applications. With low power consumption, the Magellan Weather Station performs well for battery or solar-powered installations.

National Park Chooses Green Building, Assisted by Weather Monitoring

2009-06-27T23:24:00.000-07:00

When Lassen Volcanic National Park, in northern California, decided to build a LEED certified Visitor Center, they chose the Capricorn 2000EX Weather Station™ to be an integral component.

The Park's Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center uses the weather station to retrieve and store data in the event of an audit by the U.S. Green Building Council. The center's electric and heating system automatically adjusts to temperature and daylight, and the Capricorn 2000EX generates data to confirm the system's proper functionality.

Amanda Whitty, in Natural Resources for the park, said, "During the development process of the new visitor center, our project manager selected the Capricorn Weather Station in part for...such outstanding customer service for a superior product." Park officials also appreciate the "easy to use web interface and WeatherMaster software."

The Park has further plans to create a system that will feature the weather station's data on its website. In addition, it is in the process of developing an avalanche forecast system for use by both ski patrol and backcountry users.

The Visitor Center plans to offer a variety of features including interpretive exhibits and displays as well as an auditorium for showing a park film and holding special events. This facility anticipates serving 400,000 visitors each year with its attractions, increased accessibility and park orientation.

One of the earliest national parks to be designated by Congress, Lassen Volcanic is situated within mountain forests where hissing fumaroles and boiling mud pots continue to shape the land. Park visitors enjoy camping, Drakesbad Guest Ranch and a variety of summer activities. The guest ranch offers a variety of activities such as wildlife viewing, hiking, canoeing, several trails and a number of games. Summer activities include kayaking and boating, horseback riding, fishing, bird watching and more.

New Solar Radiation Feature Available with Weather MicroServer

2009-06-02T12:52:00.000-07:00

The addition of the Solar Radiation sensor option to Columbia Weather Systems' Weather MicroServer adds this new capability to the Orion line of weather stations. (Previously solar radiation measurement was available only with the Capricorn 2000MP/EX Weather Stations.)

The pyranometer or solar radiation sensor is calibrated to measure the shortwave radiation reaching the Earth's surface, measured in Watts/m-2.

The self-cleaning convex lens is designed to accurately measure even low-angle radiation coming directly from the sun in the morning and evening. The dome-shaped head prevents water accumulation.

Columbia Weather Systems manufactures professional weather stations for industries and organizations where weather conditions affect safety and profit. Weather monitoring systems are available in fixed, vehicle-mount and portable configurations.

Alternative Energy Project Uses Orion Weather Station

2009-05-07T14:30:00.001-07:00

W2 Energy Development Corporation has selected Columbia Weather Systems' Orion Weather Station to provide meteorological data as they develop their latest project to capture wind energy.

The WindWing utilizes a lever principle and an airplane-like wing for capturing the force of the wind. This results in a significant mechanical advantage for converting the wind's kinetic energy into electricity, compressed air, or direct applications such as pumping water.

Currently, the Orion weather station is used with a custom-designed display with large LCD readouts. In the next phase, the weather data will be used to control the WindWing directly.

WindWing incorporates a sensor system designed to measure the variables of wind direction and speed, with the ability to automatically shift the "angle of attack", thereby allowing for maximum wind power conversion. WindWing automatically adjusts for variable wind conditions thereby minimizing the threat of any mechanical damage at high wind speeds.

Using airplane technology, the WindWing offers several advantages over wind turbine power generation. The WindWing costs less, offers much higher efficiency, and can operate at significantly lower wind speeds. An added advantage is that the WindWing is not a noisy neighbor as it operates almost silently.

New to Social Media

2009-04-17T11:24:00.000-07:00

Columbia Weather Systems is trying to improve our Search Engine Optimization by setting up social media networking. If you are interested in our products as a dealer, competitor, or customer, or prospective customer, subscribe to our blog for periodic product updates and customer applications stories. Thanks!