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Tips for the Weatherwise
WHEN BUYING A WIND INSTRUMENT
WIND WATCHING
Wind can be the most dynamic of weather forces. Hurricanes, typhoons, and tornadoes represent the extreme, and we know they have awesome power to destroy both manmade and natural structures. They are very exciting to think about, provided we don't have to worry about being victims!
Having an anemometer (anemos is Greek for wind) to measure the wind can be useful as well as fun. It is useful to know wind speed and direction for boating, beach activities, camping, climbing, flying, and a number of outdoor sports. It is just plain fun to watch the wind indicator during a storm, seeing how high the gusts are and comparing the results to other storms you may recall.
WHEN NOT TO HAVE A WIND INSTRUMENT
We recommend having a wind instrument if it would add to your safety or to your enjoyment of weather watching. The one instance where it probably doesn't make sense is in the case of having a location where local factors diminish the wind significantly. Homes which are located in a valley or which are surrounded by tall trees are poor locations for a wind instrument. Likewise many urban locations are compromised by having tall buildings nearby, blocking or distorting the wind. The instruments will give accurate readings from their mounted location, but you will show lower peak gusts than the tops of the trees or the roof of the high rise next door. If you are interested in wind, but don't think you have the ideal location, try a hand-held anemometer that can take readings wherever you are!
CHOOSING A WIND INSTRUMENT
We strongly recommend a wind instrument with a memory of the highest gust. We are all interested in extremes, and it is fun to be able to see how hard the wind blew while you weren't watching. MAXIMUM's "Maestro" has a Gust Register to show how hard the wind blew. It's been our best selling wind indicator for 40 years!
WHERE TO LOCATE THE SENSORS
If you have a good location, there are a few considerations for where to put your wind speed and wind directions sensors. First, they should be mounted as high above a roof as is practical, but at least 4', and ideally 6' to 8' above the highest part of the roof. Lower than that puts the sensors in a stream of air that is significantly slowed by the mass of the structure, and both speed and direction results will be disappointing and inaccurate.
WIND DIRECTION
Orient the wind direction to true north. Call us for help if you need it.
MAST
Manufacturers leave it to you to buy a mast or pole to clamp the sensors to. Go to a Sears, Home Depot, or a hardware store and ask for a TV antenna pole. They are typically 10' long, made of steel, and have a 1.25" O.D.
SECURING THE MAST - 4 METHODS
Second, the sensors should be well secured to the roof or structure so that high winds cannot cause the mast to fall over. Four common methods for securing the mast to a structure are:
- Metal straps which go around a chimney are a popular choice, with brackets at one corner to hold the mast. Separate the straps, one high, one low, as much as possible (at least 12", but 24" is better) for the best rigidity. Choose the corner of the chimney closest to the prevailing winds to reduce the possibility of smoke damage.
- Brackets which bolt or screw to the gable end of a house are another good choice. Again, separate the upper and lower brackets for best grip on the mast.
- A tripod which straddles the ridgepole can be effective. The disadvantages of this method: they can cost $40-$60, they aren't generally as rigid as methods #1 and #2, and you must drill through the roof to secure the tripod legs.
- Using large hose clamps to secure the mast to a plumbing vent pipe is perhaps the least desirable method, but it may work in some cases. These vent pipes aren't as rigid as the other methods, and because the vent pipes are rarely near the top of the roof, it is more difficult to get the sensors high enough to be effective.
Image courtesy of Maximum
A WORD TO THE WISE
We strongly recommend connecting all components before mounting the sensors on the roof, to be sure everything is working!
CABLED OR WIRELESS?
Cabled instruments have a few advantages over wireless. They have a lower purchase price. They offer the reliability of a direct connection. They show real-time information. The disadvantages are that they are slightly more time consuming for the initial installment and you have to drill some holes to run the cables. A professional electrician is not required as the instruments come with very detailed instructions and clearly marked cables and contacts. If you are uncomfortable with climbing on your roof or connecting the cables, an electrician can be hired to do this for you. We do not recommended specific electricians, just find someone licensed in your area.
Wireless instruments are a great alternative to cabled. They do not require any cable between the sensors on the roof and the display on your wall. This means that the installation is cleaner, faster, and less expensive if you are paying a professional for their time. Wireless instruments offer a greater freedom in sensor location. The sensors use a solar re-charging battery to send the information to the display. The battery can last for a month of cloudy days, so no need to worry if you live in Seattle. The battery will need to be replaced every 5-8 years. There are disadvantages to wireless instruments that need to be considered. They are a bit more expensive. They have a limited wireless range (varies between 400' and 1000' depending on the manufacturer and model). The wireless ability and range can be affected by the building materials of your home / office. We do not recommend wireless if your building is made of stone, brick, steel, or if it has aluminum siding. Wireless is also a poor choice for hospitals, police & fire stations, airports, or other places that have multiple other gadgets running on wireless frequencies.
Wireless Wind Instruments
CABLES
Run the cable down the roof, securing it every 12" to 24", and inside the house through a louvered vent, if possible. If a window opening is used, be sure the cables can't be pinched when the window closes.
An electrician can help you, if needed, by running the cables through a wall to where you want to hang the wind indicator. Most analog wind speed instruments are self-powered: when the cup assembly on the roof spins in the wind, it generates electricity to power the indicator. However, all wind direction functions need house current to power the display, so you will have to provide for an electrical outlet in the wall to plug the transformer into.
WHEN YOU'RE DONE
When all is set up and working, you can sit back and enjoy the same storms that others are unhappy about!
-- Ridge White
Link to Ridge's Corner Archive Index
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