Vectors most popular wind vane the W200P Potentiometer Windvane, is designed to withstand all weather conditions. It incorporates a precision wire-wound potentiometer as a shaft angle transducer, enabling wind direction sensed by the F20 fin to be accurately determined when connected to suitable measuring equipment, such as a data logger or PLC. The potentiometer has the lowest possible torque consistent with long life and reliability, the small gap at north being filled with an insulating material to ensure smooth operation over the full 360°°.
This windvane is Fixed Reference, that is to say that it must be aligned with north during installation and fixed in that position/orientation during operation. For mobile platforms or situations where the orentation of the platform is unknown, a self-referencing windvane such as our SRW1G would be appropriate. The low 1K Ohm resistance of the potentiometer is no barrier to low power operation as most applications where power is critical use data loggers which are capable of energising the potentiometer only for a short interval during the actual measurement. The standard F20 vane-arm (fin) assembly is attached using the unique Porton gravity fastener allowing good alignment and rapid attachment and release. A large alternative vane-arm (fin), type F20/LV is available where improved sensitivity is required.
The high specification precision potentiometer used in this windvane has been extensively tested by Vector, both in the lab and in the field, and has been found to be the most robust and reliable of all the types they have examined. It is connected with 2-wires to each end of the track and one to the wiper enabling it's use in a variety of bridge and potentiometric measurement configurations (Note: for best results, it is not recommended that this instrument be configured as a variable resistance). This instrument is commonly used in conjunction with Vectors A100L2 and A100R anemometers. The recommended mounting adaptors for use with this instrument are our type 405 and 405-1 series.
Material
Construction is from anodised aluminium alloys and stainless steels for exposed parts. Combined with a hard plastic (upper) bearing and precision ball-races, the result is an instrument suitable for continuous exposure to the weather, with a long service interval. A marine version is available with enhanced body / fin sealing and a touching shaft-seal above the upper plastic bearing for extra protection against the elements.
Connections: 6 wire screened cable. Screen insulated at instrument end, black connects to body. Red & White connect to 360° end and Blue & Yellow connect to 0° end of pot. Green connects to wiper.
Fin (Vane-Arm): type F20 as standard.
Dimensions: This instrument is constructed using our standard fin and windvane body design and dimensions.
