Columbia Weather Systems

We created this new video. CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO Use a smartphone compass app to orient wind direction vane during installation. www.columbiaweather.com

CWS has integrated a dual barometric pressure sensor option for the Weather MicroServer . Developed in collaboration with one of our international representatives for a small airport application, this installation will be a Capricorn FLX Weather Station. The Weather MicroServer can be used with any of our weather station models . (While CWS weather stations are not FAA certified, they are used by many small airports in the US and around the world that are not subject to FAA certification.) Dual barometer measurements are used to report the two (redundant) pressure readings, the difference between them, and calculated QNH and QFE based on average value of the two sensors. The dual barometer sensor unit includes a weather shield outdoor installation kit. Depending on accuracy requirements, Class A or Class B barometers can be specified. Weather MicroServer Realtime Display monitoring screen. Inset: Dual barometric pressure sensor option installed with weather shield.

We are reorganizing our Resources page to include Frequently Asked Questions – generally based on feedback through our technical service department. A newly added post addresses a question about how to establish network communication with the Weather MicroServer™. Be sure to let us know if you have any questions – frequently asked or not! Click here to access our FAQ page.

In response to requirements from the building automation industry, the Weather MicroServer now has BACnet interface protocol available through Ethernet.  Click here to go to the Weather MicroServer page.

We are growing and moving!  Effective December 15, our new address is: Columbia Weather Systems 5285 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite C100 Hillsboro OR 97124-6640 All other contact information remains the same. We appreciate your patience as we transition. Annual Closure:  Our facilities will be closed December 25 through January 1. Phone and email messages will be monitored in case of emergency. Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and prosperous New Year!

The relatively new field of DCIM (data center infrastructure management) employs weather monitoring to help manage operations, improve efficiency, and plan for the future. GoDaddy, a leader in internet domain sales and web hosting, and Vantage Data Centers both use weather stations from Columbia Weather Systems to accomplish these objectives. Justin Harp, Director of Operations Engineering for Vantage, reports, “In the Data Center industry, accurate monitoring of weather conditions is crucial to operate the facility within ASHRAE specifications, while maintaining low PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness.)” Read more.....

Two sensor options have been added for the Weather MicroServer. 1)  Particle Concentration : A laser optical sensor is used to detect and measure particulate concentrations up to 100 milligrams per cubic meter. The continuous flow optical sensor is combined with purge air to ensure accurate measurements in adverse environments. 2)  UV Radiation : Measures ultraviolet radiation between 250 and 400 nanometers. The measurement includes both UV-A and UV-B radiation to provide a total combined measurement. The Weather MicroServer can be used with any CWS weather station model.

As a global company, it’s not often that we get to meet our customers face-to-face.  Last week we had a visit from Aaron Randall of Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue with their HazMat vehicle which boasts a nine-year-old Orion VM™ Weather Station.  This particular truck crew is part of the Oregon Fire Marshal’s HazMat team and is responsible for Western Washington County through to the coast which includes a section of an important pipeline as well as several large manufacturing plants.  Randall reported that the HazMat crew conducts drills and responds to incidents about twice a month, the most recent being a semi-truck fire with fuel spill on Hwy 26 between Hillsboro and Beaverton. For additional information: Vehicle Mount Weather Stations

Introducing the Capricorn FLX™ – the new generation modular weather station from Columbia Weather Systems. Replacing the Capricorn 2000EX model, the “Flex” maintains the modular system of individual sensors with mechanical wind speed and direction. Sensor options include: wind speed and direction temperature (up to four ambient air, soil, and/or water) humidity rain gauge (tipping bucket) solar radiation sensors (up to two) barometric pressure (in Control Module) two general purpose analog channels for additional sensors. The updated control module takes advantage of new technology to minimize power consumption. Its automated output does not require polling. The new model also allows for 4-20 mA signal output for applications that require it. The Capricorn FLX Weather Station is available in fixed-mount, vehicle-mount, and portable configurations. The Flex continues the Capricorn tradition, our flagship brand of reliable weather stations for over 35 years. The new we...