Columbia Weather Systems

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)

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 carbo...

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.nomadgcs.com

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

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 se...

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 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.

"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 Sen...

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. Read more about the ODA Weather Network

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.

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 websi...

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.

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 hi...

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