MARINE WEATHER STATION
The sea moves. Your weather station shouldn’t lose its bearings.
Integrated weather measurement for vessels, buoys and offshore platforms
At sea, measuring the weather is only part of the problem. The platform itself is moving, the environment is hostile and the system still needs reliable data. MaxiMet Marine combines ultrasonic wind measurement with marine-grade protection and motion-aware heading, giving the weather station a better understanding of the platform it is measuring from.
Ultrasonic wind sensing
0 to 60 m/s, no moving parts
6-axis compass
For marine and moving platforms
Wind only or wind plus T/H/P
GMX260 or GMX560
One cable, one output string
IP66 and IP68 rated
- 6-axis compassHeading, pitch and roll from a 3-axis fluxgate compass and 3-axis accelerometer
- IP66 and IP68Protection against spray, wave wash and temporary submersion
- Optional GPSWith GPS speed and heading, true wind is calculated on board
- Eco ModeLow-power operation for buoys and USVs, with heating optional on GMX560
The measurement problem
Weather measurement gets harder when the ground moves
A weather station on land has one useful advantage: the ground generally stays where you left it. A vessel, buoy or autonomous platform does not. Pitch, roll and heading can all change while the wind measurement is being made.
Add salt, spray, vibration, temperature changes, limited access and potentially very little available power, and a marine weather station has rather more to contend with than its land-based cousin.
MaxiMet Marine is designed around that reality. The GMX260 and GMX560 combine solid-state ultrasonic wind measurement with IP68 protection and a 6-axis compass, providing heading information alongside pitch and roll. GPS is available as an option on both models.
6-axis compass
Heading, pitch and roll, and wind direction corrected when the unit is not aligned to North.
IP68 as well as IP66
Rated for salt spray, wave wash and temporary submersion.
No moving parts
Solid-state ultrasonic wind sensing, with no cups, vanes or bearings.
True wind on board
With GPS speed, GPS heading and compass heading as inputs.
Choose your marine MaxiMet
Two marine models, separated by what you need to measure
Both carry the 6-axis compass, IP68 protection and optional GPS. The difference is the measurement set.
GMX260
Wind only, on a marine platform. The marine build of the GMX200.
GMX560
Wind plus temperature, humidity and pressure, on a marine platform, with true wind calculated on board.
No single MaxiMet Marine does all of that. Our team can suggest a pairing.
MaxiMet Marine vs other Gill weather stations
Same engineering philosophy. Different environment.
MaxiMet Marine is the compact integrated weather station for when the platform moves. If it does not, or if the sensors need spreading out, another Gill station may suit the job better.
When the platform is fixed and shore-based
- Compact, integrated weather measurement with IP66 protection
- Fourteen configurations, from wind only to wind, T/H/P, rainfall and solar
- 2-axis compass, which suits a station that stays where it is mounted
When the sensors need to sit apart
- Physically separated sensors, at different heights
- Inputs for additional and third-party sensors
- An architecture that can evolve as the site does
Not sure which fits? Make an enquiry
Choosing between them
The choice is refreshingly simple
GMX260 if wind is the measurement. GMX560 if you need the wider atmospheric picture. The 6-axis compass, IP68, pitch and roll, optional GPS and Eco Mode are common to both. Every figure is from the released datasheet.
| Specification | Wind on a vesselGMX260 | Full weather on a vesselGMX560 |
|---|---|---|
| Choose it when | You need wind on a moving platform, with a 6-axis compass and protection against submersion | You need wind and weather at sea, with true wind calculated on board |
| Measured parameters | Wind speed and direction | Wind, temperature, humidity, pressure |
| Wind range | 0 to 60 m/s | 0 to 60 m/s |
| Compass | 6-axis, with pitch and roll | 6-axis, with pitch and roll |
| GPS | Optional | Optional |
| Heating | No | Optional transducer heating, low power |
| Dew point | No | Calculated |
| IP rating | IP66 and IP68 | IP66 and IP68 |
| Operating temp | -35 °C to +70 °C | -35 °C to +70 °C, -40 °C with transducer heating |
| Connector | M12 8-way, corrosion-resistant | M12 8-way, corrosion-resistant |
| Outputs | RS232, RS422, RS485, SDI-12, NMEA, Modbus | RS232, RS422, RS485, SDI-12, NMEA, Modbus |
| Weight | 0.5 kg | 0.7 kg |
| Datasheet | Datasheet | Datasheet |
Why MaxiMet Marine
Designed for what happens after installation
MaxiMet Marine is designed and manufactured by Gill Instruments in the UK. The engineering philosophy is straightforward: remove unnecessary mechanical complexity, protect the instrument against the environment, give the system useful information about its own movement and make integration practical.
That becomes particularly valuable when the instrument is deployed somewhere nobody wants to visit unnecessarily. A buoy in the North Sea. An autonomous vessel offshore. A weather station on a helideck. The measurement system has to keep working whether anyone is looking at it or not.
The 6-axis compass and true wind
Six axes. Because two wasn't going to cut it.
The MaxiMet Marine 6-axis compass combines a 3-axis fluxgate compass with a 3-axis accelerometer, providing heading information together with pitch and roll. The heading information can also be used to correct wind direction when the instrument is not aligned to North.
With GPS speed, GPS heading and compass heading as inputs, MaxiMet Marine can calculate corrected wind information, including true wind. Gill notes that its derived correction algorithm may not satisfy every recognised standard for moving-platform wind correction, so the specific application requirements need assessing rather than assuming any true wind calculation suits every marine application.
Marine protection
IP68. Because mostly waterproof isn't a marine specification.
Salt spray. Heavy rain. Wave wash. Spray from the vessel itself. And, depending on the installation, temporary submersion. Both GMX260 and GMX560 provide IP68 environmental protection in addition to IP66, including resistance to temporary submersion.
IP68 is not the whole marine specification. It sits alongside solid-state ultrasonic sensing with no rotating mechanical components in the wind sensor, so there are fewer wear points on a buoy, offshore platform or autonomous vessel where maintenance access is expensive or unavailable.
- IP66 and IP68 on both models
- Corrosion-resistant M12 8-way connector
- No moving parts in the wind measurement
Integration
RS232, RS422, RS485, SDI-12, Modbus and NMEA, depending on configuration. MetSet configures the station and MetView displays the data.
View MetSet and MetView →The atmosphere matters too
GMX560 adds temperature, relative humidity and pressure to wind, with dew point calculated, in one compact instrument.
Explore GMX560 →Power
Eco Mode gives a low-power operating option for buoys, USVs and autonomous platforms. GMX560 also offers optional low-power transducer heating.
View specifications →Marine applications
Built for places where access is expensive
Integrated measurement, solid-state wind sensing, IP68 protection and low-power operation, wherever the platform moves and nobody can easily get to the mast.
Autonomous vessels and USVsAutonomous platforms cannot rely on someone climbing a mast every few weeks. MaxiMet Marine combines integrated measurement, solid-state wind sensing, IP68 protection and low-power operation.USV and autonomous marine →
BuoysBuoys are exposed, remote and difficult places to perform maintenance. IP68 protection, integrated sensing and no mechanical wind components suit long-term buoy deployments.Met-ocean and coastal →
Offshore energyOffshore installations depend on environmental information for operations and maintenance. GMX560 adds broader atmospheric measurement in a marine-protected package.Marine and offshore →
HelidecksHelidecks combine exposure with a strong requirement for reliable weather information. MaxiMet Marine is identified for helideck applications.Helidecks and hazardous areas →
Dynamic positioningWind information forms part of the environmental picture used by dynamic positioning systems on ships and on oil platforms holding station.Dynamic positioning →
Research vesselsResearch vessels need environmental data collected while the platform itself moves. Motion information, integrated weather measurement and optional GPS fit inside a wider research system.Ship navigation →Technical specification
Two configurations. One marine measurement platform.
| Specification | GMX260 | GMX560 |
|---|---|---|
| Wind speed and direction | Yes | Yes |
| Temperature, humidity, pressure | No | Yes |
| Dew point | No | Calculated |
| 6-axis compass, pitch and roll | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Optional | Optional |
| Heating | No | Optional |
| Eco Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Environmental protection | IP66 and IP68 | IP66 and IP68 |
| Weight | 0.5 kg | 0.7 kg |
| Datasheet | 1957-032 Iss 2 | 1957-028 Iss 4 |
The dedicated GMX260 and GMX560 datasheets remain the technical source of record for accuracy, electrical characteristics, dimensions, environmental limits, power consumption, communications and installation requirements.
See it work
MaxiMet Marine, on the water
Two short films on compact weather measurement at sea, where the mounting never stops moving.
British Sailing with MaxiMet Marine
Read the wind
Prefer to watch them together? Watch them all on the Gill Group channel
Accessories
MaxiMet Marine accessories
Cables, mounting and set-up kit for MaxiMet Marine. Pick a model to see only the parts that fit it.
In the box. Every MaxiMet Marine ships with its M12 connector.
Showing all 8 parts
Cables
- Power and comms cable, 2 m, M12 fitted
- Power and comms cable, 10 m, M12 fitted
- Power and comms cable, 20 m, M12 fitted
Connectors
- Spare M12 connector
Mounting
- Marine bracket for wall mounting or pole clamping
Set-up and configuration
- USB set-up cable, 1.8 m
Spares
- Temperature and humidity sensor, serial numbers up to 2233xxxxFits GMX560 Marine
- Temperature and humidity sensor, serial numbers 2234xxxx onwardsFits GMX560 Marine
Order accessories with your sensor or on their own. Quote the part number when you get in touch. See the accessories datasheet
Technical resources
Everything you need before the instrument reaches the mast
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is MaxiMet Marine?
MaxiMet Marine is Gill Instruments' enhanced marine weather-station range, comprising the GMX260 and GMX560. Both combine ultrasonic wind measurement, IP68 protection and a 6-axis compass. GMX560 additionally measures temperature, humidity and pressure.
What is the difference between MaxiMet and MaxiMet Marine?
MaxiMet Marine is specifically designed for demanding marine environments. Compared with standard MaxiMet configurations, GMX260 and GMX560 add IP68 protection and a 6-axis compass providing heading, pitch and roll information.
What is the difference between GMX260 and GMX560?
GMX260 focuses on wind speed and direction. GMX560 adds temperature, relative humidity and pressure, with calculated dew point. Both provide IP68 protection, a 6-axis compass and optional GPS. GMX560 also offers optional heating.
What does the 6-axis compass do?
It provides heading information as well as pitch and roll data. It can also be used to correct wind direction when the instrument is not aligned to North.
Can MaxiMet Marine compensate for vessel movement?
The compass provides heading, pitch and roll information that can support compass-corrected wind measurements and derived corrected wind parameters. However, Gill notes that its derived correction algorithm may not satisfy every recognised standard for moving-platform wind correction, so the specific application requirements should be assessed before specification.
Can MaxiMet Marine calculate true wind?
When GPS speed, GPS heading and compass heading are available, the Marine system can calculate corrected wind information including true wind speed. The suitability of that calculation should be assessed against the requirements of the specific moving-platform application.
Can MaxiMet Marine operate in extreme weather?
The Marine models are designed for demanding marine environments and provide IP68 protection, robust construction and solid-state sensing. Exact environmental limits and installation requirements should be checked in the relevant model datasheet.
Which MaxiMet Marine should I choose?
Choose GMX260 when wind speed and direction are the primary environmental measurements you need. Choose GMX560 when you also need temperature, humidity and pressure, with calculated dew point and optional heating. Both provide IP68 protection, a 6-axis compass and optional GPS.
Should I choose MaxiMet Marine or MetConnect?
Choose MaxiMet Marine when you want a compact, integrated marine weather station with IP68 protection and motion information. Choose MetConnect when you need physically separated sensors, additional sensor types, greater freedom over sensor placement or an architecture that may evolve.
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.
Enquiring about MaxiMet Marine
- Our team replies. Not an account manager, and not a queue.
- We aim to respond in one working day. Monday to Friday.
- No obligation. Just honest advice on whether Gill is the right fit.