2-AXIS WIND SENSOR FINDER
Ten 2-axis sensors. One that fits your mast.
Answer three questions. We will shortlist what fits.
WindSonic, WindUltra and WindObserver all measure wind speed and direction in the horizontal plane with no moving parts. Head design, ruggedness, top speed and approvals are what separate them, and that is what the finder asks about.
Two crossed acoustic paths, timed both waysMove your pointer to change the wind
10Variants in the range
90 m/sHighest measured wind speed
IP69KAvailable on WindUltra
40+Years in ultrasonic measurement
Tell us where it’s going and what matters most about the data. We’ll narrow the choice to the sensors most suited to your site.
Where will the wind sensor be deployed?
Pick the closest match. This helps us narrow the options based on environment, certification, IP rating and wind speed range. If none of these describe your deployment exactly, pick the nearest fit and our team can confirm the right model with you.
What’s important about your wind data?
Select all that apply. This covers wind range, gust handling and the output protocol you need to integrate with.
Any specific site requirements?
Select any that apply. Cold-climate operation, hazardous-area certification and aviation acceptance all change the right product. Skip this step if your deployment is a standard installation.
Based on your requirements
Here are the Gill wind sensors that best match your deployment.
HOW TO CHOOSE
Three ways into the range
By wind speed and site severity
Top speed is the fastest way to narrow ten down to two or three. General meteorology is well served at 60 m/s. Storm-exposed sites want 75 m/s. The most extreme sites need the open-head WindObserver at 90 m/s.
By approvals and certification
Aviation acceptance, hazardous-area certification and marine approval each rule out most of the range on their own. Where a scheme is mandatory, start there and let the remaining specification follow.
By reading the specs
To compare the numbers yourself, the full matrix for all ten variants sits further down this page. Every figure comes from the current datasheet.
EVERY MODEL
What selects each of the 10
The condition that picks each model, stated once. The finder above applies the same logic to your answers.
The standard 2-axis ultrasonic anemometer. ASA/PC blend body, 0.5 kg, 0 to 60 m/s. The go-to choice for general-purpose wind monitoring where heating and high-end certifications are not required. Typically specified for smart cities and buildings, transport and infrastructure, research and meteorologyeorology, industrial and utilities. Datasheet.
Extended wind range version of the standard WindSonic. Same compact ASA/PC blend body, 0 to 75 m/s (146 knots). For sites where storm-force winds are part of the operating envelope without needing a heated stainless option. Typically specified for marine and offshore, smart cities and buildings, transport and infrastructure, research and meteorologyeorology, industrial and utilities. Datasheet.
Hard-anodised aluminium WindSonic with optional heating. For marine vessels, coastal sites and harsher environments where the ASA/PC blend body would not stand up. Optional heating extends operation to -40°C. Typically specified for marine and offshore, smart cities and buildings, transport and infrastructure, industrial and utilities, research and meteorologyeorology. Datasheet.
The smallest anemometer Gill makes. 84 mm diameter, 270 g, 0 to 75 m/s. Configurable low-power heating (under 7.6 W). IP69k, IP68 and IP66. M12 connector. Built for compact, restricted or mobile installations. Typically specified for smart cities and buildings, marine and offshore, transport and infrastructure, research and meteorologyeorology, renewable energy, industrial and utilities. Datasheet.
Precision 316 stainless steel ultrasonic anemometer, 0 to 65 m/s. Optional de-icing system (3A heating). The entry-level WindObserver: rugged enough for marine, aviation support and turbine work without paying for the higher-spec heated models. Typically specified for marine and offshore, aviation, transport and infrastructure, industrial and utilities, renewable energy, smart cities and buildings. Datasheet.
FAA and CAA accepted for AWOS surface wind reporting. 316 stainless steel, 150 W heating, 0 to 70 m/s. The aviation-spec WindObserver, suited to airports, helipads and ICAO-compliant deployments. Typically specified for aviation, transport and infrastructure, marine and offshore, industrial and utilities. Datasheet.
Turbine-control accuracy in a heated 316 stainless body. 0 to 75 m/s, 150 W heating, ±1% accuracy within ±25° of datum. Suited to wind turbine yaw and pitch control, and for sites that combine high winds with cold-climate operation. Typically specified for renewable energy, marine and offshore, aviation, transport and infrastructure, industrial and utilities. Datasheet.
The highest wind range Gill makes. 0 to 90 m/s (201 mph) in a heated 316 stainless body. Built for extreme weather environments: high-altitude turbines, polar regions, offshore platforms and ports where survival in storm conditions matters more than turbine-grade accuracy. Typically specified for renewable energy, marine and offshore, aviation, industrial and utilities, transport and infrastructure. Datasheet.
Open-head 316 stainless anemometer, 0 to 65 m/s, with three analogue outputs. The only 2-axis WindObserver that speaks analogue, so it drops straight into existing 4-20 mA or voltage infrastructure without a protocol converter. Lloyd’s Register type approved and ABS Product Design Assessed. Typically specified for marine and offshore, transport and infrastructure, industrial and utilities, renewable energy, smart cities and buildings. Datasheet.
Intrinsically safe ultrasonic anemometer for hazardous areas. ATEX, IECEx and UKEX certified, 0 to 75 m/s, 316 stainless body. The only Gill option for offshore oil and gas platforms, petrochemical plants and other explosive atmospheres. Typically specified for hazardous area, marine and offshore, industrial and utilities. Datasheet.
SPECIFICATIONS
Every variant, every number
Scroll sideways to see every variant. Figures are taken from the current product datasheets.
| Specification | WindSonic | WindSonic 75 | WindSonic M | WindUltra | WindObserver 65 | WindObserver 70 | WindObserver 75 | WindObserver 90 | WindObserver II | WindObserver IS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind speed range | 0 to 60 m/s (116 knots) | 0 to 75 m/s (146 knots) | 0 to 60 m/s (116 knots) | 0 to 75 m/s (168 mph, 270 km/h) | 0 to 65 m/s (145 mph) | 0 to 70 m/s (156 mph) | 0 to 75 m/s (168 mph) | 0 to 90 m/s (201 mph) | 0 to 65 m/s (145 mph) | 0 to 75 m/s |
| Wind speed accuracy | 2% RMSE @ 12 m/s | ±2% RMSE @ 12 m/s | ±2% RMSE @ 12 m/s | <2% RMSE or 0.1 m/s (0 to 20 m/s); <3% RMSE (>20 m/s) | <2% RMSE @ 12 m/s | <2% RMSE @ 12 m/s | <2% RMSE @ 12 m/s | ±2% @ 12 m/s | <2% RMSE @ 12 m/s | <5% RMSE @ 12 m/s |
| Wind direction range | 0-360° (no dead band) | 0-360° (no dead band) | 0-360° (no dead band) | 0-360° | 0-360° (no dead band) | 0-360° (no dead band) | 0-360° (no dead band) | 0-360° (no dead band) | 0-360° | 0-360° |
| Wind direction accuracy | 2° RMSE @ 12 m/s | ±2° RMSE @ 12 m/s | ±2° RMSE @ 12 m/s | <1° RMSE (0 to 20 m/s); <2° RMSE (>20 m/s) | <2° RMSE @ 12 m/s | <2° RMSE @ 12 m/s | <2° RMSE @ 12 m/s | ±2° @ 12 m/s | <2° RMSE @ 12 m/s | <4° RMSE @ 12 m/s |
| Resolution | 0.01 m/s, 1° (Option 4 SDI-12) / 0.1° (Options 1-3 ASCII) | 0.01 m/s, 0.1° (Options 1-3) / 1° (Option 5) | 0.01 m/s, 0.1° | 0.01 m/s, 1° | 0.01 m/s, 1° | 0.01 m/s, 1° | 0.01 m/s, 1° | 0.01 m/s, 1° | 0.01 m/s, 1° | 0.01 m/s, 1° |
| Construction | Luran S KR 2861/1C ASA/PC polycarbonate | Luran S KR 2861/1C ASA/PC polycarbonate | Al Alloy 6061 T6, hard anodised | Thermoplastic and marine-grade stainless steel | 316 stainless steel | 316 stainless steel | 316 stainless steel | 316 stainless steel | 316 stainless steel | 316 stainless steel |
| Weight | 0.5 kg | 0.5 kg | 0.9 kg | 260-270 g (with pole mount) | 1.4 kg | 1.7 kg (with 2m cable); 1.3 kg (with connector) | 1.7 kg (with 2m cable); 1.3 kg (with connector) | 1.7 kg (with 2m cable); 1.3 kg (with connector) | 1.5 kg | 1.9 kg (anemometer); 2.4 kg (LVPCI interface) |
| IP rating | IP66 | IP66 | IP66 (BS EN 60529:1992) | IP69k, IP68, IP66 (EN 60529:1992) | IP66 (NEMA4X) | IP66 (NEMA4X) | IP66 (NEMA4X) | IP66 (NEMA4X) | IP66 (NEMA4X) | IP66 (anemometer); IP54 (LVPCI) |
| Operating temperature | -35°C to +70°C | -35°C to +70°C | -40°C to +70°C (with heating); -35°C to +70°C (without) | -40°C to +70°C | -55°C to +70°C (with heating) | -55°C to +70°C (with heating) | -55°C to +70°C (with heating) | -55°C to +70°C (with heating) | -55°C to +70°C (with heating) | -30°C to +70°C |
| Output rate | 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 or 4 Hz | Not available | Not available | Not available | 1, 2, 4, 5, 8 or 10 Hz | 1 to 4 Hz | 1 to 4 Hz | 1 to 4 Hz | 1, 2, 4, 5, 8 or 10 Hz | 1, 2 or 4 Hz |
| Output options | RS232, RS422, RS485, SDI-12, Modbus RTU 2-wire RS-485, analogue 0-5 V, 0-20 mA or 4-20 mA | RS232, RS422, RS485 (Options 1-3), Modbus RTU (Option 5), analogue 0-5V or 4-20mA | RS232, RS422, RS485, analogue 0-5V or 0-20mA or 4-20mA | RS-485 (ASCII, Modbus RTU), RS-422 (NMEA 0183), SDI-12 | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| Protocols | ASCII, NMEA 0183, SDI-12 v1.3, Modbus RTU | ASCII, NMEA 0183, Modbus RTU | ASCII, NMEA 0183 | Not available | Modbus RTU | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | ASCII, NMEA 0183 |
| Power | 5-30 VDC or 9-30 VDC depending on output option; <2 mA @ 12V (SDI-12) to 44 mA @ 12V (4-20 mA) | 12-30 VDC (Options 1-3); 9-30 VDC (Option 5) | Not available | 5-30 VDC; under 100 mW to 800 mW unheated; under 7.6 W heated | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | 6-12 VDC, 30 mA peak (from LVPCI). LVPCI takes 9-30 VDC or optional 90-264 VAC mains |
| Warranty | 24 months | 24 months | 24 months | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| WMO compliance | Not available | WMO-compliant gust calculated from rolling average | WMO-compliant gust calculated from rolling average | Not available | Rolling average and 3-second gust to WMO No. 8 | Rolling average and 3-second gust to WMO No. 8 | Rolling average and 3-second gust to WMO No. 8 | Not available | Not available | Rolling average and 3-second gust to WMO guidelines |
| Heating | Not available | Not available | Optional, 24V AC/DC, 4.2 A @ 24V | Configurable low-power, under 7.6 W heated | Optional 3A @ 24 VAC/DC | 7 A @ 24 VAC/DC (1 W/cm², approx 150 W) | 7 A @ 24 VAC/DC (1 W/cm², approx 150 W) | 7 A @ 24 VAC/DC (1 W/cm², approx 150 W) | Optional 3A @ 24 VAC/DC | Not available |
| Standards | Not available | Not available | BS EN 60945:2002 vibration and compass safe distance, UL2218 Class 1 impact | CE, UKCA, FCC Part 15, BS EN 61326:2013, BS EN 60945:2002, RoHS | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | BS EN 60945:2002 (clause 9 and 10), tested for exposed marine environments |
| Response time | Not available | Not available | Not available | 0.125 seconds | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| Size | Not available | Not available | Not available | 84 mm diameter; 107-189 mm height (depending on mount) | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| Connector | Not available | Not available | Not available | M12 8-way | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| Configuration port | Not available | Not available | Not available | USB 2.0 Micro B | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| Power (anemometer only) | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | 9-30 VDC, 30 mA @ 12 VDC | Not available | Not available | Not available | 9-30 VDC, 40 mA @ 12 VDC | Not available |
| Outputs | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | RS422 / RS485 full or half duplex | RS422 / RS485 full or half duplex | RS422 / RS485 full or half duplex | RS422 / RS485 full or half duplex | RS422 / RS485 full or half duplex | RS422 (from anemometer to LVPCI); RS232 and RS422 (from LVPCI) |
| Parameters | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | UV, Polar, NMEA, Tunnel | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| Icing standard | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | MIL-STD-810F Method 521.2 Procedure I | MIL-STD-810F Method 521.2 Procedure I | MIL-STD-810F Method 521.2 Procedure I | Not available | Not available |
| Aviation acceptance | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | FAA & CAA accepted as part of suitable AWOS; meets ICAO Annex 3 | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| Calibration | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Calibrated in Merlin Wind Tunnel, traceable to national standards | Not available | Not available |
| Analogue outputs | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | 3 channels (speed, direction, status or sonic temperature); ±2.5 V, 0-5 V or 4-20 mA; scales in multiples of ±10 m/s up to ±70 | Not available |
| Certifications | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Lloyd’s Register type approval; ABS Product Design Assessed | ATEX, IECEx and UKEX intrinsic safety |
ENGINEERING QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
Do I need 2-axis or 3-axis?
A 2-axis ultrasonic anemometer measures wind speed and direction in the horizontal plane. That covers meteorology, aviation, marine navigation, wind farm monitoring and structural safety. A 3-axis sensor adds the vertical component, which is only needed where turbulence, flux or three-dimensional flow is the measurement itself. Specifying 3-axis for a horizontal-wind job adds cost and data volume for no gain.
What does heating actually change?
A heated sensor keeps the ultrasonic path and the head clear of ice and snow so the measurement continues through a freezing event. WindSonic M carries 100W full-sensor heating for sustained icing. Heated WindObserver variants heat the whole unit. An unheated sensor in an icing climate does not drift, it stops reporting, which is a different failure to plan for.
Which sensors are approved for aviation use?
Airport and AWOS deployments have their own acceptance route, and the WindObserver family is the part of the range built for it. Confirm the specific scheme and issue with our team before ordering, because acceptance is granted against a named configuration rather than a product family.
Can these sensors be integrated into my own product?
Yes. WindSonic is the volume OEM sensor in the range and is supplied in quantities for integration, with the output protocol configured to match the host system. Tell our team the protocol, the power budget and the enclosure constraint and the shortlist usually comes down to one.
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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