Gill Instruments · Wind sensors
WindObserver from Gill Instruments
Distributor for Gill Instruments in SwedenWindObserver is Gill Instruments’ stainless steel wind sensor for demanding environments: ships, platforms, airports, wind turbines and mountains. It is available for winds up to 90 m/s, with powerful heating and in an intrinsically safe version for hazardous areas.
The models
Six models with the same basic design. They differ in range, heating and outputs.
Marine and offshore
WindObserver 65
The basic model for ships, harbours and platforms.
- 0–65 m/s, up to 10 readings per second.
- Optional heating. Lloyd’s Register type approval.
With analogue outputs
WindObserver II
As the WindObserver 65, with analogue outputs in addition to the digital ones.
- ±2.5 V, 0–5 V or 4–20 mA.
- Lloyd’s Register type approval.
Airports
WindObserver 70
A model for wind measurement at airports and helicopter landing pads, with powerful heating as an option.
- 0–70 m/s.
- Heating up to 7 A at 24 V.
Wind power and mountains
WindObserver 75
A model for winds up to 75 m/s, for wind turbine control among other uses.
- Optional heating, 150 W in the sensor head.
- Available with Modbus RTU.
Extreme winds
WindObserver 90
Gill’s widest range for wind in two dimensions.
- 0–90 m/s.
- Heating up to 7 A at 24 V. Lloyd’s Register type approval.
Hazardous areas
WindObserver IS
An intrinsically safe sensor for platforms, tankers and petrochemical plants, for example.
- Certified to ATEX, IECEx and UKEX.
- Used with Gill’s power and communications interface in the safe area.
Compare the WindObserver models
The main differences at a glance. The WindObserver 75 resembles the 70 but measures up to 75 m/s.
| 65 | II | 70 | 90 | IS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind speed | 0–65 m/s | 0–65 m/s | 0–70 m/s | 0–90 m/s | 0–75 m/s |
| Readings per second | Up to 10 | Up to 10 | 1–4 | 1–4 | 1, 2 or 4 |
| Outputs | RS-422 and RS-485 | RS-422 and RS-485, and three analogue channels | RS-422 and RS-485 | RS-422 and RS-485 | RS-232 and RS-422 from the unit in the safe area |
| Heating | Optional, 3 A at 24 V | Optional, 3 A at 24 V | Optional, up to 7 A at 24 V | Up to 7 A at 24 V | No |
| Approvals | Lloyd’s Register | Lloyd’s Register and ABS | Lloyd’s Register | Lloyd’s Register | ATEX, IECEx and UKEX |
| Operating temperature | −55 to +70 °C with heating | −55 to +70 °C with heating | −55 to +70 °C with heating | −55 to +70 °C with heating | −30 to +70 °C |
| Weight | 1.4 kg | 1.4 kg | 1.3–1.7 kg | 1.3–1.7 kg | 1.9 kg |
Swipe sideways to see the whole table. Simplified figures. Full specifications and datasheets are available from Gill Instruments ↗.
WindObserver IS for hazardous areas
The WindObserver IS is intrinsically safe and certified to ATEX, IECEx and UKEX, marked Ex ia IIC T4 Ga for ambient temperatures between −30 and +70 °C. The certification applies when the sensor is used together with Gill’s power and communications interface. The interface is mounted in the safe area and provides RS-232 and RS-422 to your system.
The sensor is not heated. Tell us early if the wind is to be measured in a classified area, and we will go through the installation with you.
- ATEXSira 15ATEX2014
- IECExIECEx SIR 15.0013
- UKEXCSAE 21UKEX2364
- MarkingEx ia IIC T4 Ga
Suited to
Harbours and ships
Stainless steel, NMEA output and Lloyd’s Register type approval.
Mountains and cold
Powerful heating in the sensor head as an option. According to Gill the sensors are icing tested to MIL-STD-810F.
Airports and helicopter pads
The WindObserver 70 is designed for wind measurement in aviation weather systems.
Industry with explosion risk
The WindObserver IS for classified areas, with ATEX and IECEx certificates.
What we do
Choice and quote
We help you choose model, output, heating and cable and send you a quote.
Wiring
The sensor is connected to a Campbell Scientific data logger or directly to your system.
Installation
Mounting, alignment and commissioning on site, on a mast, roof or quay.
Service
Troubleshooting, checks and spare parts, and help when a sensor has to go back to Gill.
Frequently asked questions about WindObserver
Which WindObserver should we choose?
The WindObserver 65 suits most marine installations, and the WindObserver II when the system needs analogue signals. For severe icing we choose the 70, 75 or 90 with powerful heating, and for classified areas the WindObserver IS.
How much power does the heating draw?
Up to 3 A at 24 V on the WindObserver 65 and II, and up to 7 A at 24 V on the 70, 75 and 90. So the sensor needs a power supply that can deliver this, usually mains power.
Is WindObserver ATEX certified?
The WindObserver IS is certified to ATEX, IECEx and UKEX when used with Gill’s power and communications interface. The other models have no Ex certification.
Can the sensor be connected to the ship’s systems?
Yes. WindObserver provides NMEA over RS-422 or RS-485.
When is a WindSonic enough?
At most weather stations on land. Read more about WindSonic.
More from Gill Instruments
Would you like a quote for a WindObserver?
Tell us where the sensor will be, whether the area is classified and what it will connect to, and we will suggest a model.