METEOROLOGICAL INSTRUMENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

WIND MONITOR
MODEL 05103

R.M. YOUNG COMPANY 2801 AERO PARK DRIVE, TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN 49686, USA
TEL: (231) 946-3980 FAX: (231) 946-4772 WEB: www.youngusa.com
PN: 05103-90
REV: J110210
 INTRODUCTION
MODEL 05103
The Wind Monitor measures horizontal wind speed and direction.
WIND MONITOR Originally developed for ocean data buoy use, it is rugged and
corrosion resistant yet accurate and light weight. The main housing,
nose cone, propeller, and other internal parts are injection molded
U.V. stabilized plastic. Both the propeller and vertical shafts use
stainless steel precision grade ball bearings. Bearings have light
contacting teflon seals and are filled with a wide temperature range
grease to help exclude contamination and moisture.

Propeller rotation produces an AC sine wave signal with frequency

proportional to wind speed. This AC signal is induced in a
stationary coil by a six pole magnet mounted on the propeller
shaft. Three complete sine wave cycles are produced for each
propeller revolution.

Vane position is transmitted by a 10K ohm precision conductive

plastic potentiometer which requires a regulated excitation
voltage. With a constant voltage applied to the potentiometer,
the output signal is an analog voltage directly proportional to
wind direction angle.

The instrument mounts on standard one inch pipe, outside diameter

34 mm (1.34"). An orientation ring is provided so the instrument
can be removed for maintenance and reinstalled without loss of
wind direction reference. Both the mounting post assembly and
WIND SPEED SPECIFICATION SUMMARY the orientation ring are secured to the mounting pipe by stainless
steel band clamps. Electrical connections are made in a junction
Range 0 to 100 m/s (224 mph) box at the base. A variety of devices are available for signal
Sensor 18 cm diameter 4-blade helicoid conditioning, display, and recording of wind speed and direction.
propeller molded of polypropylene
Pitch 29.4 cm air passage per revolution
Distance Constant 2.7 m (8.9 ft.) for 63% recovery
INITIAL CHECKOUT
Threshold Sensitivity 1.0 m/s (2.2 mph)
Transducer Centrally mounted stationary coil, 2K Ohm
When the Wind Monitor is unpacked it should be checked carefully
nominal DC resistance
for any signs of shipping damage.
Transducer Output AC sine wave signal induced by rotating
magnet on propeller shaft. 80 mV p-p at Remove the plastic nut on the propeller shaft. Install the propeller
100 rpm. 8.0 V p-p at 10,000 rpm. on the shaft so the serial number on the propeller faces forward
Output Frequency 3 cycles per propeller revolution (into the wind). Engage the propeller into the molded ribs on the
(0.098 m/s per Hz) propeller shaft hub. The instrument is aligned, balanced and fully
calibrated before shipment, however, it should be checked both
WIND DIRECTION (AZIMUTH) SPECIFICATION SUMMARY mechanically and electrically before installation. The vane and
propeller should easily rotate 360° without friction. Check vane
Range 360° mechanical, 355° electrical (5° open) balance by holding the instrument base so the vane surface is
Sensor Balanced vane, 38 cm (15 in) turning radius. horizontal. It should have near neutral torque without any particular
Damping Ratio 0.3 tendency to rotate. A slight imbalance will not degrade performance.
Delay Distance 1.3 m (4.3 ft) for 50% recovery
Threshold Sensitivity 1.1 m/s (2.5 mph) at 10° displacement The potentiometer requires a stable DC excitation voltage. Do
Damped Natural not exceed 15 volts. When the potentiometer wiper is in the 5°
Wavelength 7.4 m (24.3 ft) deadband region, the output signal is "floating" and may show
Undamped Natural varying or unpredictable values. To prevent false readings, signal
Wavelength 7.2 m (23.6 ft) conditioning electronics should clamp the signal to excitation
Transducer Precision conductive plastic potentiometer, or reference level when this occurs. NOTE: Young signal
10K ohm resistance (±20%), 0.25% conditioning devices clamp the signal to excitation level. Avoid
linearity, life expectancy 50 million a short circuit between the wind direction signal line and either the
excitation or reference lines. Although there is a 1K ohm current
revolutions, rated 1 watt at 40° C, 0 watts
limiting resistor in series with the wiper for protection, damage
at 125° C
to the potentiometer may occur if a short circuit condition exists.
Transducer Excitation
Requirement Regulated DC voltage, 15 VDC max
Before installation, connect the instrument to an indicator as shown
Transducer Output Analog DC voltage proportional to azimuth in the wiring diagram and check for proper wind speed and wind
angle with regulated excitation voltage direction values. To check wind speed, temporarily remove the
applied across potentiometer. propeller and connect the shaft to an Anemometer Drive. Details
GENERAL appear in the CALIBRATION section of this manual.

Operating Temperature: -50 to 50°C (-58 to 122°F)

05103-90(J)

Page 1
INSTALLATION CALIBRATION
Proper placement of the instrument is very important. Eddies from The Wind Monitor is fully calibrated before shipment and should
trees, buildings, or other structures can greatly influence wind require no adjustments. Recalibration may be necessary after
speed and wind direction observations. To get meaningful data some maintenance operations. Periodic calibration checks are
for most applications locate the instrument well above or upwind desirable and may be necessary where the instrument is used in
from obstructions. As a general rule, the air flow around a structure programs which require auditing of sensor performance.
is disturbed to twice the height of the structure upwind, six times
the height downwind, and up to twice the height of the structure Accurate wind direction calibration requires a Model 18112 Vane
above ground. For some applications it may not be practical or Angle Bench Stand. Begin by connecting the instrument to a
necessary to meet these requirements. signal conditioning circuit which has some method of indicating
wind direction value. This may be a display which shows wind
FAILURE TO PROPERLY GROUND THE WIND MONITOR direction values in angular degrees or simply a voltmeter
MAY RESULT IN ERRONEOUS SIGNALS monitoring the output. Orient the base so the junction box faces
OR TRANSDUCER DAMAGE. due south. Visually align the vane with the crossmarkings and
observe the indicator output. If the vane position and indicator
Grounding the Wind Monitor is vitally important. Without proper do not agree within 5°, adjust the potentiometer coupling inside
grounding, static electrical charge can build up during certain the main housing. Details for making this adjustment appear
atmospheric conditions and discharge through the transducers. in the MAINTENANCE, POTENTIOMETER REPLACEMENT,
This discharge can cause erroneous signals or transducer failure. outline, step 7.
To direct the discharge away from the transducers, the mounting
post assembly is made with a special antistatic plastic. It is very It is important to note that, while the sensor mechanically rotates
important that the mounting post be connected to a good earth through 360°, the full scale wind direction signal from the signal
ground. There are two ways this may be accomplished. First, conditioning occurs at 355°. The signal conditioning electronics
the Wind Monitor may be mounted on a metal pipe which is must be adjusted accordingly. For example, in a circuit where 0
connected to earth ground. The mounting pipe should not be to 1.000 VDC represents 0° to 360°, the output must be adjusted
painted where the Wind Monitor is mounted. Towers or masts for 0.986 VDC when the instrument is at 355°. (355°/360° X 1.000
set in concrete should be connected to one or more grounding volts = 0.986 volts)
rods. If it is difficult to ground the mounting post in this manner,
the following method should be used. Inside the junction box Wind speed calibration is determined by propeller pitch and the
the terminal labeled EARTH GND is internally connected to the output characteristics of the transducer. Calibration formulas
antistatic mounting post. This terminal should be connected to showing wind speed vs. propeller rpm and output frequency are
an earth ground (Refer to wiring diagram). included below. Standard accuracy is ± 0.3 m/s (0.6mph). For
greater accuracy, the sensor must be individually calibrated in
Initial installation is most easily done with two people; one to adjust comparison with a wind speed standard. Contact the factory or
the instrument position and the other to observe the indicating your supplier to schedule a NIST (National Institute of Standards
device. After initial installation, the instrument can be removed & Technology) traceable wind tunnel calibration in our facility.
and returned to its mounting without realigning the vane since
the orientation ring preserves the wind direction reference. Install To calibrate wind system electronics using a signal from the
the Wind Monitor following these steps: instrument, temporarily remove the propeller and connect an
Anemometer Drive (18802 or equivalent) to the propeller shaft.
1. MOUNT WIND MONITOR Apply the appropriate calibration formula to the calibrating motor
a) Place orientation ring on mounting post. Do Not tighten rpm and adjust the electronics for the proper value. For example,
band clamp yet. with the propeller shaft turning at 3600 rpm, adjust an indicator to
b) Place Wind Monitor on mounting post. Do Not tighten display 17.6 meters per second [3600 rpm X 0.00490 (m/s)/rpm
band clamp yet. =17.6 m/s]

2. CONNECT SENSOR CABLE Details on checking bearing torque, which affects wind speed and
a) Refer to wiring diagram located at back of manual. direction threshold, appear in the following section.

3. ALIGN VANE
a) Connect instrument to an indicator. CALIBRATION FORMULAS
b) Choose a known wind direction reference point on the
horizon. Model 05103 Wind Monitor w / 08234 Propeller
c) Sighting down instrument centerline, point nose cone at
reference point on horizon. WIND SPEED vs PROPELLER RPM
d) While holding vane in position, slowly turn base until m/s = 0.00490 x rpm
indicator shows proper value. knots = 0.00952 x rpm
e) Tighten mounting post band clamp. mph = 0.01096 x rpm
f) Engage orientation ring indexing pin in notch at km/h = 0.01764 x rpm
instrument base.
g) Tighten orientation ring band clamp.
WIND SPEED vs OUTPUT FREQUENCY
m/s = 0.0980 x Hz
knots = 0.1904 x Hz
mph = 0.2192 x Hz
km/h = 0.3528 x Hz

05103-90(J)

Page 2
MAINTENANCE 5. RECONNECT TRANSDUCER WIRES
a) Using needle-nose pliers or a paper clip bent to form a
Given proper care, the Wind Monitor should provide years of small hook, gently pull transducer wires through hole in
service. The only components likely to need replacement due to junction box.
normal wear are the precision ball bearings and the wind direction b) Solder wires to circuit board according to wiring diagram.
potentiometer. Only a qualified instrument technician should Observe color code.
perform the replacement. If service facilities are not available, c) Secure circuit board in junction box using two screws
return the instrument to the company. Refer to the drawings to removed in step 2b. Do not overtighten.
become familiar with part names and locations. The asterisk *
which appears in the following outlines is a reminder that maximum 6. REPLACE MAIN HOUSING
torque on all set screws is 80 oz-in. a) Place main housing over vertical shaft bearing rotor. Be
careful to align indexing key and channel in these two
assemblies.
POTENTIOMETER REPLACEMENT b) Place main housing over vertical shaft bearing rotor until
potentiometer coupling is near top of main housing.
The potentiometer has a life expectancy of fifty million revolutions.
c) Turn potentiometer adjust thumbwheel until
As it becomes worn, the element may begin to produce noisy
potentiometer coupling is oriented to engage ridge in top
signals or become nonlinear. When signal noise or non-linearity
of main housing. Set screw on potentiometer coupling
becomes unacceptable, replace the potentiometer. Refer to
should be facing the front opening.
exploded view drawing and proceed as follows:
d) With potentiometer coupling properly oriented, continue
pushing main housing onto vertical shaft bearing rotor
1. REMOVE MAIN HOUSING
until main housing latch locks into position with a “click”.
a) Unscrew nose cone from main housing. Set o-ring aside
for later use.
7. ALIGN VANE
b) Gently push main housing latch.
a) Connect excitation voltage and signal conditioning
c) While pushing latch, lift main housing up and remove it
electronics to terminal strip according to wiring diagram.
from vertical shaft bearing rotor.
b) With mounting post held in position so junction box
is facing due south, orient vane to a known angular
2. UNSOLDER TRANSDUCER WIRE
reference. Details appear in CALIBRATION section.
a) Remove junction box cover, exposing circuit board.
c) Reach in through front of main housing and turn
b) Remove screws holding circuit board.
potentiometer adjust thumbwheel until signal conditioning
c) Unsolder three potentiometer wires (white, green, black),
system indicates proper value.
two wind speed coil wires (red, black) and earth ground
d) Tighten set screw* on potentiometer coupling.
wire (red) from board.
8. REPLACE NOSE CONE
3. REMOVE POTENTIOMETER
a) Screw nose cone into main housing until o-ring seal is
a) Loosen set screw on potentiometer coupling and remove
seated. Be certain threads are properly engaged to avoid
it from potentiometer adjust thumbwheel.
cross-threading.
b) Loosen set screw on potentiometer adjust thumbwheel
and remove it from potentiometer shaft extension.
c) Loosen two set screws at base of transducer assembly
and remove assembly from vertical shaft.
FLANGE BEARING REPLACEMENT
d) Unscrew potentiometer housing from potentiometer
If anemometer bearings become noisy or wind speed threshold
mounting & coil assembly.
increases above an acceptable level, bearings may need
e) Push potentiometer out of potentiometer mounting & coil
replacement. Check anemometer bearing condition using a Model
assembly by applying firm but gentle pressure on poten-
18310 Propeller Torque Disc. If needed, bearings are replaced
tiometer shaft extension. Set o-ring aside for later use.
as follows.
f) Loosen set screw on potentiometer shaft extension
and remove it from potentiometer shaft.
1. REMOVE OLD BEARINGS
a) Unscrew nose cone. Set o-ring aside for later use.
4. INSTALL NEW POTENTIOMETER
b) Loosen set screw on magnet shaft collar and remove
a) Place potentiometer shaft extension with o-ring on new
magnet.
potentiometer (Gap 0.040") and tighten set screw*.
c) Slide propeller shaft out of nose cone assembly.
Regrease o-ring if necessary.
d) Remove front bearing cap which covers front bearing.
b) Push new potentiometer into potentiometer mounting &
e) Remove both front and rear bearings from nose cone
coil assembly.
assembly. Insert edge of a pocket knife under bearing
c) Feed potentiometer and coil wires through hole in bottom
flange and lift it out.
of potentiometer housing.
d) Screw potentiometer housing onto potentiometer
2.INSTALL NEW BEARINGS
mounting & coil assembly.
a) Insert new front and rear bearings into nose cone.
e) Gently pull transducer wires through bottom of
b) Replace front bearing cap.
potentiometer housing to take up any slack. Apply a
c) Carefully slide propeller shaft thru bearings.
small amount of silicone sealant around hole.
d) Place magnet on propeller shaft allowing 0.5 mm
f) Install transducer assembly on vertical shaft allowing
(0.020") clearance from rear bearing.
0.5 mm (0.020") clearance from vertical bearing.
e) Tighten set screw* on magnet shaft collar.
Tighten set screws* at bottom of transducer assembly.
f) Screw nose cone into main housing until o-ring seal
g) Place potentiometer adjust thumbwheel on potentiometer
is seated. Be certain threads are properly engaged to
shaft extension and tighten set screw*.
avoid cross-threading.
h) Place potentiometer coupling on potentiometer
adjust thumbwheel. Do Not tighten set screw yet.

*Max set screw torque 80 oz-in

05103-90(J)

Page 3
VERTICAL SHAFT BEARING REPLACEMENT WARRANTY
Vertical shaft bearings are much larger than the anemometer This product is warranted to be free of defects in materials and
bearings. Ordinarily, these bearings require replacement less construction for a period of 12 months from date of initial purchase.
frequently than anemometer bearings. Check bearing condition Liability is limited to repair or replacement of defective item. A copy
using a Model 18331 Vane Torque Gauge. of the warranty policy may be obtained from R. M. Young Company.

Since this procedure is similar to POTENTIOMETER

REPLACEMENT, only the major steps are listed here.
CE Compliance
This product has been tested and shown to comply with European
1. REMOVE MAIN HOUSING CE requirements for the EMC Directive (see Declaration of
2. UNSOLDER TRANSDUCER WIRES AND REMOVE Conformity below). Please note that shielded cable must be used.
TRANSDUCER ASSEMBLY
Loosen set screws at base of transducer assembly and
remove entire assembly from vertical shaft.
3. REMOVE VERTICAL SHAFT BEARING ROTOR by sliding
it upward off vertical shaft. Declaration of Conformity
4. REMOVE OLD VERTICAL BEARINGS AND INSTALL
NEW BEARINGS. When inserting new bearings, be careful R. M. Young Company
not to apply pressure to bearing shields. 2801 Aero Park Drive
5. REPLACE VERTICAL SHAFT BEARING ROTOR. Traverse City, MI 49686 USA
6. REPLACE TRANSDUCER & RECONNECT WIRES
7. REPLACE MAIN HOUSING Model 05103 Wind Monitor
8. ALIGN VANE
9. REPLACE NOSE CONE The undersigned hereby declares on behalf of R. M.
Young Company that the above-referenced product, to
which this declaration relates, is in conformity with the
provisions of:

Council Directive 2004/108/EC (December 15, 2004)

on Electromagnetic Compatibility

David Poinsett
R&D Manager

05103-90(J)

Page 4
CABLE & WIRING DIAGRAM

05103-90(J)

Page 5
 BEARING REPLACEMENT & POTENTIOMETER ADJUSTMENT

05103-90(J)

Page 6
GENERAL ASSEMBLY & REPLACEMENT PARTS

05103-90(J)

Page 7
 Calibration Accessories

Model 18802
Anemometer Drive

Model 18112
Vane Angle Bench Stand

Model 18331 Vane Torque Gauge

Model 18212
Vane Angle Fixture-Tower Mount
Model 18310
Propeller Torque Disc
Model 18301
Vane Alignment Rod
YOUNG Calibration Accessories

Model 18802 Anemometer Drive provides a convenient and accurate way to rotate an anemometer shaft at
a known rate. The motor may be set to rotate clockwise or counter-clockwise at any rate between 200 and
Specifications
15,000 RPM in 100 RPM increments. The LCD display is referenced to an accurate and stable quartz timebase.
For completely portable operation, the unit can be operated on internal batteries. For extended operation, an MODEL 18802 ANEMOMETER DRIVE
AC wall adapter is included. (Replaces 18801)
Range:
Model 18811 Anemometer Drive is identical to Model 18802 except the drive motor incorporates a 200 to 15,000 RPM in 100 RPM increments
gear reducer for operation in the range of 20 to 990 RPM in 10 RPM increments. The lower range
Rotation:
is recommended for cup anemometer calibration. Clockwise or Counter-Clockwise

Model 18112 Vane Angle Bench Stand is used for benchtop wind direction calibration of the Wind Monitor Display Resolution:
1 RPM
family of sensors. The mounting post engages the direction orientation notch on the Wind Monitor. An easy to
read pointer indicates 0 to 360 degrees with 1/2 degree resolution. Quartz Timebase Reference:
0.1 RPM
Model 18212 Vane Angle Fixture - Tower Mount similar to the Model 18112, the tower mount feature allows use Power Requirement:
on the tower as well as the bench top. The fixture is temporarily placed on the tower between the Wind Monitor 2x9 V (alkaline or lithium) batteries
and its tower mounting. Index keys and notches are engaged to preserve direction reference. 115 VAC wall adapter included
(230 VAC – add suffix H)

Model 18310 Propeller Torque Disc checks anemometer bearing torque with 0.1 gm/cm resolu-
tion. The disc temporarily replaces the propeller for torque measurement or simple yet accurate pass/fail MODEL 18811 ANEMOMETER DRIVE
(Replaces 18810)
checks. Charts included with the unit relate torque to propeller threshold with limits for acceptable
bearing performance. Range:
20 to 990 RPM in 10 RPM increments

Model 18312 Cup-Wheel Torque Disc checks cup anemometer bearing torque. Display Resolution:
0.1 RPM
Model 18331 Vane Torque Gauge checks vane bearing torque of the Wind Monitor family sensors. Slip the
fixture over the main housing and make simple yet accurate vane torque measurements. Charts relating vane MODEL 18112, 18212 VANE ANGLE
torque to vane threshold provide limits for acceptable bearing performance. CALIBRATION DEVICES
Range:
Model 18301 Vane Alignment Rod helps align the vane of a wind sensor to a known direction reference during 0 to 360 degrees

installation. The base of the device has an index key that engages the direction orientation notch in the sensor Resolution:
allowing the sensor to be removed without losing wind direction reference. 0.5 degree

MODEL 18310, 18312 TORQUE DISC DEVICES

Range:
0 to 5.4 gm-cm

Ordering Information MODEL Resolution:

0.1 gm-cm
ANEMOMETER DRIVE 200 to 15,000 RPM .............................................. 18802
ANEMOMETER DRIVE 20 TO 990 RPM .................................................. 18811 MODEL 18331 VANE TORQUE GAUGE

230V / 50-60 HZ INPUT POWER ................................................... ADD SUFFIX “H” Range:

0 to 50 gm-cm
VANE ANGLE BENCH STAND .......................................................... 18112
Resolution:
VANE ANGLE FIXTURE - TOWER MOUNT ........................................... 18212 5 gm-cm
PROPELLER TORQUE DISC............................................................ 18310
CUP-WHEEL TORQUE DISC ........................................................... 18312
VANE TORQUE GAUGE ................................................................. 18331
VANE ALIGNMENT ROD ................................................................ 18301 Specifications subject to change without notice.

Copyright © 2000 R.M. Young Company, Printed in U.S.A. 11/00

R.M. YOUNG COMPANY
2801 Aero Park Drive
Traverse City, Michigan 49686 USA
TEL: (231) 946-3980 FAX: (231) 946-4772
E-mail: met.sales@youngusa.com
Web Site: www.youngusa.com