ULTRASONIC WIND SENSORS
Wind is complicated enough. The sensor shouldn’t be.
From general-purpose 2-axis wind measurement to high-speed, research-grade 3-axis measurement. With no rotating wind-sensing components across the range, the choice starts with the environment and the output rate. Those two answers narrow the field faster than anything else.
Simulated wind field. Move your pointer to change the wind.
- Accurate wind measurementSpeed and direction from 2-axis and 3-axis ultrasonic sensors
- No rotating partsNo bearings or cups to wear out
- Sealed to IP65 and aboveUp to IP66, IP68 and IP69k on WindUltra
- Multiple communication optionsRS-485, Modbus RTU, NMEA 0183, SDI-12 and analogue, by model
Choosing a wind sensor
The wind is not the only variable
The best wind sensor is not determined by wind speed and direction alone. Environment, weight, available space, power, measurement rate, certification and the complexity of the airflow can all change the specification.
Wind data also has to reach the system that needs it. Output format, communications, power, installation and the receiving equipment all form part of the specification. A sensor that measures correctly but does not integrate cleanly is not a finished solution.
Every Gill wind sensor measures with ultrasonic signals rather than rotating cups or vanes, so the choice starts with the environment and the output rate. Those two answers narrow the field faster than anything else.
2-axis or 3-axis
Horizontal speed and direction, or the full three-dimensional vector including the vertical component.
The environment
IP66 on the 2-axis ranges, up to IP69k on WindUltra, IP65 on the 3-axis ranges.
The output rate
From 0.25 Hz on WindSonic to 50 or 100 Hz on the Research range.
Approvals
Lloyd's Register on WindObserver, FAA and CAA on WindObserver 70, ATEX, IECEx and UKEX on WindObserver IS.
The range
Six products. Different reasons to choose them.
From general-purpose wind measurement to research-grade 3-axis systems, Gill's ultrasonic wind range covers very different applications without relying on rotating components. Each range page carries the specification, selection guidance and documentation for its models.
WindSonic
The dependable starting point. General-purpose 2-axis wind speed and direction, with straightforward integration and low maintenance.
WindUltra
When every gram and millimetre matters. The smallest and lightest Gill anemometer, for mobile, autonomous and brutal installations.
WindObserver
When the environment raises the specification. Higher wind speeds, stainless steel, marine or aviation acceptance, heating or hazardous-area certification.
WindMaster
When two dimensions are not enough. Three-axis measurement for turbulence, ventilation control, wind energy survey and OEM integration.
Research 3-Axis
When the data has to stand up to scrutiny. High-speed 3-axis measurement for eddy covariance, flux and atmospheric research.
Wind displays
When the measurement needs a face. Not a sensor: a live readout of wind speed, direction and gust from a compatible Gill sensor.
No single Wind sensors does all of that. Our team can suggest a pairing.
Choosing between them
Start with the constraint that matters most
Five sensor ranges, one measurement principle. The difference is the head design, the speed range, the output rate, the ruggedness and the approvals. Each range page names the datasheet issue behind its figures.
| Specification | General purposeWindSonic | Small and toughWindUltra | Demanding environmentsWindObserver | Three-dimensionalWindMaster | Research gradeResearch 3-Axis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Choose it when | You need dependable general-purpose wind data | Every gram and millimetre matters | The environment raises the specification | Two dimensions are not enough | The data has to stand up to scrutiny |
| Axes | 2-axis | 2-axis | 2-axis | 3-axis | 3-axis |
| Head design | Reflector | Reflector | Open head | Symmetrical, asymmetrical, horizontal or right-angled | Symmetrical or horizontal |
| Top wind speed | 60 or 75 m/s | 75 m/s | 65, 70, 75 or 90 m/s | 45 to 65 m/s, by model | 45 m/s |
| Output rate | 0.25 to 4 Hz | See datasheet | 1 to 10 Hz, by model | Up to 32 Hz | 50 or 100 Hz |
| Build | ASA/PC or anodised aluminium | Compact, corrosion-free | Stainless steel 316 | Aluminium and carbon fibre, or stainless steel | Aluminium and carbon fibre, or stainless steel |
| Ingress protection | IP66 | IP66, IP68 and IP69k | IP66 | IP65 | IP65 |
| Hazardous area | No | No | WindObserver IS | No | No |
| Datasheet | Datasheet | Datasheet | Datasheet | Datasheet | Datasheet |
Why ultrasonic
Nothing rotates. That changes the measurement.
Gill ultrasonic wind sensors measure wind using ultrasonic signals rather than rotating cups, vanes or other mechanical sensing elements. Removing those moving components changes the maintenance requirement and avoids mechanical wear within the wind-sensing element.
It also provides a common technology platform across applications ranging from general-purpose monitoring to high-speed research measurement. The important question is not simply whether ultrasonic measurement is suitable. It is which configuration, measurement rate, environmental specification and output arrangement fits the application.
Research measurement
When the dataset becomes the evidence
Research applications place different demands on wind measurement. The instrument is not simply providing a live value. Its output may become part of a model, a publication, an assessment or a decision that needs to withstand scrutiny.
Gill's Research 3-Axis configurations provide high-speed three-dimensional wind measurement at 50 or 100 Hz, with standard and horizontal-head configurations.
Integration
The sensor is only half the system
Wind data has to reach the system that needs it. Output format, communications, power, installation and the receiving equipment all form part of the specification.
Each Gill wind sensor page sets out the available interfaces and configuration options for that model.
- RS232, RS422 and RS485, by range
- SDI-12 on WindSonic and WindUltra
- Modbus RTU on WindSonic, WindUltra and WindObserver
- Analogue on WindSonic, WindObserver II, WindMaster and Research
Outputs by model
Digital and analogue interfaces vary by range. The technical information below shows what to check against the receiving system.
See technical information →Wind software
Gill software for configuring sensors and viewing their data, alongside the manuals for every model.
View wind software →Traceable calibration
Standard on the Research range and available across WindObserver. WindObserver IS has factory traceable calibration only.
Explore calibration →Applications
The same wind can mean very different things
A sensor on a vessel has different requirements from one on a wind turbine. A mobile platform has different constraints from a fixed meteorological installation. That is why Gill wind sensors are used across applications where the surrounding conditions matter as much as the measurement itself.
Marine and offshoreCommercial marine and navy vessels, dynamic positioning and offshore platforms, where WindObserver 65, 70, 75, 90 and II carry Lloyd's Register Type Approval.Marine and offshore →
Renewable energyWind turbine control, wind energy site survey and asset protection around renewable energy infrastructure.Renewable energy →
Uncrewed vesselsWindUltra for USVs, buoys and other mobile or floating platforms where size, weight and power are the constraint.USV and autonomous marine →
Hazardous areasWindObserver IS, certified for ATEX, IECEx and UKEX, for helidecks, platforms and other hazardous areas.Helidecks and hazardous areas →
Transport and infrastructureWind warning for bridges, roads, tunnels and cranes, where wind changes how an asset is operated.Transport and infrastructure →
Defence and securityWindMaster for military data collection and product development, and wind data for deployable sites.Defence and security →Technical information
Specify it from the datasheet, not the product name
| Specification | WindSonic | WindUltra | WindObserver | WindMaster | Research 3-Axis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axes | 2-axis | 2-axis | 2-axis | 3-axis | 3-axis |
| Wind speed | 0 to 60 or 0 to 75 m/s | 0 to 75 m/s | 0 to 65, 70, 75 or 90 m/s | 45 to 65 m/s, by model | 0 to 45 m/s |
| Output rate | 0.25 to 4 Hz | See datasheet | 1 to 10 Hz, by model | 1 to 32 Hz, selectable | 50 or 100 Hz |
| Operating temperature | -35 °C to +70 °C (M: -40 °C) | -40 °C to +70 °C | -55 °C to +70 °C with heating | -40 °C to +70 °C | -40 °C to +60 °C (HS-100: 0 °C to +50 °C) |
| Ingress protection | IP66 | IP66, IP68, IP69k | IP66 | IP65 | IP65 |
| Weight | 0.5 to 0.9 kg | 270 g with 1" mount | 1.3 to 1.9 kg | See datasheet | See datasheet |
| Models | 60, 75, M | WindUltra | 65, 70, 75, 90, II, IS | WindMaster, Pro, RA, HS | R3-50, R3-100, HS-50, HS-100 |
Before selecting a model, consider the measurement axes, wind-speed range, measurement rate, accuracy and resolution, operating environment, weight and dimensions, power, outputs, heating, approvals and installation. Each range page brings these together with the released datasheet for every model.
Technical resources
Datasheets and brochures for every Gill wind sensor range
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is an ultrasonic wind sensor?
An ultrasonic wind sensor measures wind speed and direction using ultrasonic signals rather than mechanical components such as rotating cups or vanes. Gill’s ultrasonic wind sensors include 2-axis and 3-axis configurations for different measurement requirements.
What is the difference between a 2-axis and 3-axis wind sensor?
A 2-axis wind sensor measures the horizontal components of wind speed and direction. A 3-axis sensor also measures the vertical component, making it suitable where three-dimensional airflow needs to be characterised.
Why use an ultrasonic wind sensor instead of a mechanical anemometer?
Ultrasonic wind sensors have no rotating wind-sensing components, so there are no mechanical sensing elements to wear. The choice still depends on the application, including environmental conditions, measurement requirements, integration and certification.
Which Gill wind sensor should I choose?
Start with the application. Consider the environment, required measurement axes, output rate, weight, available space, power, certification and receiving system. Gill’s wind sensor range provides options from general-purpose WindSonic through to research-grade 3-axis configurations.
What is the lightest Gill wind sensor?
WindUltra is the lightweight option in the range, and is designed for applications where weight, footprint and survivability are important. Confirm the weight for your configuration against the current released datasheet, because it depends on the mount.
When should I choose a 3-axis wind sensor?
Choose a 3-axis sensor when the vertical component of airflow is important to the application. Gill WindMaster and Research 3-Axis products provide three-dimensional wind measurement.
Are Gill ultrasonic wind sensors suitable for marine applications?
Some Gill wind sensor configurations are designed or accepted for marine applications. WindObserver includes marine acceptance within its application and specification options. The appropriate model depends on the vessel, installation and required approvals.
Can Gill wind sensors connect to existing systems?
The available outputs and communications interfaces vary by model. The individual product specification should be checked against the requirements of the receiving system.
Where can I find Gill wind sensor datasheets and manuals?
Datasheets, manuals, declarations and other technical documentation are available through the Gill resources library. The individual product pages also link to the relevant documentation for each model.
Have an application to discuss?
Speak to our team
Tell us what you need to measure, where and under what conditions. We'll help you work out the appropriate approach.
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