3-AXIS ULTRASONIC ANEMOMETER
When two dimensions aren’t enough
3-axis ultrasonic measurement for complex airflow
Wind does not always behave as a horizontal flow. Around structures, within buildings, above turbines and across marine platforms, air can rise, fall, recirculate and change direction across relatively small distances.
WindMaster measures the three components of wind velocity, giving engineers, researchers and OEMs a more complete picture of how air is moving.
3-axis wind measurement
Includes the vertical component
No moving parts
Ultrasonic 3D measurement
Up to 32 Hz output
User-selectable output rate
Sealed to IP65
Operating -40°C to +70°C
- Up to 65 m/sIn stainless steel with WindMaster Pro
- A head to suit the installationRight-angled WindMaster RA for tight spaces
- Vertical-flow accuracyHorizontal head on WindMaster HS
- RS232, RS422, RS485With current or voltage analogue output options
The measurement problem
Measure the flow, not just the horizontal wind
For many weather applications, horizontal wind speed and direction provide the information required. But when airflow becomes complex, that two-dimensional view can leave an important part of the measurement unseen.
WindMaster measures U, V and W, the three components of wind velocity. The vertical component is measured directly rather than inferred, giving a more complete picture of airflow around structures, through enclosed spaces and across changing environments.
That makes WindMaster suitable for scientific research, turbulence analysis, wind-energy assessment, building ventilation, marine systems and OEM equipment, where understanding how air moves matters more than recording its horizontal speed.
U, V and W
All three components of velocity, with the vertical measured directly.
No moving parts
Solid-state ultrasonic, with no cups, bearings or vanes.
Up to 32 Hz
Output rate selectable from 1 to 32 Hz.
A head for the flow
Standard, right-angled and horizontal heads.
Choose your WindMaster
Two questions decide the WindMaster
Ask how fast the flow changes, then ask what the installation geometry allows. Those two answers narrow four configurations to one.
WindMaster
General 3-axis measurement at 20 Hz, in the lighter aluminium and carbon fibre head.
WindMaster HS
When vertical-flow accuracy matters more than top speed, which is capped at 45 m/s.
WindMaster Pro
When wind reaches 65 m/s, or 32 Hz output and a stainless steel head are required.
WindMaster RA
When the installation needs a right-angled head to fit.
No single WindMaster does all of that. Our team can suggest a pairing.
If the work needs 50 Hz or 100 Hz output and individual calibration as standard, look at the Research range. WindMaster HS is a different instrument from the Research HS-50 and HS-100.
Choosing between them
Which WindMaster, side by side
All four measure the three components of wind velocity. The difference is the top of the speed range, the output rate and the head geometry. Every figure is from the released datasheets.
| Specification | 3D airflow, general useWindMaster | 3D airflow in high windsWindMaster Pro | Awkward mounting positionsWindMaster RA | Vertical flowWindMaster HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Choose it when | You need the vertical component as well as the horizontal | Wind reaches 65 m/s, or you need 32 Hz and a stainless steel head | The installation is restricted or the head has to sit at a non-standard angle | Vertical-flow accuracy matters more than top speed |
| Wind speed | 0 to 50 m/s | 0 to 65 m/s | 0 to 50 m/s | 0 to 45 m/s |
| Output rate | 20 Hz, 32 Hz option | 32 Hz | 20 Hz, 32 Hz option | 32 Hz |
| Head and build | Aluminium and carbon fibre | Stainless steel | Right-angled, aluminium and carbon fibre | Horizontal, stainless steel |
| Speed accuracy | Under 1.5% RMS at 12 m/s | Under 1.5% RMS at 12 m/s | Under 1.5% RMS at 12 m/s | Under 1.5% RMS at 12 m/s |
| Direction accuracy | 2° at 12 m/s | 2° at 12 m/s | 2° at 12 m/s | 2° at 12 m/s |
| Weight | 1.0 kg | 1.7 kg | 1.0 kg | 2.96 kg |
| Digital output | RS232, RS422, RS485 | RS232, RS422, RS485 | RS232, RS422, RS485 | RS232, RS422, RS485 |
| Analogue output | Option, 12 or 14 bit, 4 channels | Option, 14 bit, 4 channels, with PRT input | Option, 12 or 14 bit, 4 channels | Option, 14 bit, 4 channels |
| Power | 9 to 30 V DC, 55 mA at 12 V | 9 to 30 V DC, 55 mA at 12 V | 9 to 30 V DC, 55 mA at 12 V | 9 to 30 V DC, 55 mA at 12 V |
| IP rating | IP65 | IP65 | IP65 | IP65 |
| Operating temp | -40 °C to +70 °C | -40 °C to +70 °C | -40 °C to +70 °C | -40 °C to +70 °C |
| Datasheet | Datasheet | Datasheet | Datasheet | Datasheet |
| Specification | General 3-axis platformWindMaster HS | Research, 50 HzHS-50 | Research, 100 HzHS-100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choose it when | Vertical flow matters, at up to 32 Hz, in a general engineering or monitoring system | Vertical flow is central to the research and 50 Hz is enough | Vertical flow is central to the research and it needs 100 Hz |
| Output rate | 32 Hz | 50 Hz | 100 Hz |
| Wind speed | 0 to 45 m/s | 0 to 45 m/s | 0 to 45 m/s |
| Speed accuracy | Under 1.5% RMS at 12 m/s | Under 1% | Under 1% |
| Calibration | Option, wind tunnel test | Individual, as standard | Individual, as standard |
| Inclinometer | Not stated | Built-in | Built-in |
| Inputs | Not stated | PRT and 6 analogue inputs | PRT and 6 analogue inputs |
| Digital output | RS232, RS422, RS485 | RS422; RS232 and analogue via PCI or PCIA | RS422; RS232 and analogue via PCI or PCIA |
| Operating temp | -40 °C to +70 °C | -40 °C to +60 °C | 0 °C to +50 °C |
| IP rating | IP65 | IP65 | IP65 |
| Datasheet | Datasheet | Datasheet | Datasheet |
The technology
Three components of velocity. One complete flow measurement.
WindMaster uses solid-state ultrasonic technology to measure the three components of air velocity without moving mechanical parts. There are no rotating cups, bearings or vanes, which reduces mechanical wear points and supports long-term operation where the instrument is exposed or difficult to reach.
The result combines three-axis capability, solid-state sensing and high-speed data output in a compact instrument designed for integration into wider research, engineering and control systems.
High-speed measurement
Capture changes in airflow as they happen
Airflow can change considerably faster than a conventional environmental monitoring system needs to respond. WindMaster and WindMaster RA provide 20 Hz output with a 32 Hz option, while WindMaster Pro and WindMaster HS provide 32 Hz.
Higher-frequency measurement gives greater temporal resolution of changing airflow, which matters for turbulence analysis, scientific measurement and real-time control. The question is whether the output rate is enough to capture the behaviour the application needs to understand.
Installation geometry
Select the measurement capability first, then the head. WindMaster RA gives a right-angled head where space is tight; WindMaster HS a horizontal head for vertical flow.
See WindMaster RA →Designed to join the wider system
RS232, RS422 and RS485, with current or voltage analogue output options, plus configuration and data-viewing software.
View wind software →Built for field measurement
IP65 across the range and rated -40 °C to +70 °C, for outdoor and long-term deployment as well as controlled environments.
View specifications →Applications
Where three-dimensional airflow matters
WindMaster is designed for applications where the behaviour of airflow forms part of a wider research, engineering, control or product-development problem.
Scientific researchThree-axis measurement describes horizontal and vertical airflow for studies of atmospheric behaviour, turbulence and complex flow.Research and environment →
Wind-energy assessmentWind speed is only part of the wind resource. Three-axis measurement adds vertical flow, direction and turbulence when characterising a site.Site assessment →
Turbulence around structuresBuildings, bridges and other structures alter the airflow around them. Measuring all three velocity components shows how.Bridge wind monitoring →
Marine and unmanned vesselsThree-axis wind measurement for marine and uncrewed platforms, feeding scientific observation, system control or environmental monitoring.USVs and autonomous marine →WindMaster vs other Gill sensors
Choose the sensor around the measurement requirement
The question is not which sensor has the biggest specification. It is which aspects of the airflow the application needs to measure.
When the measurement is central to the research
- Output rates of 50 Hz or 100 Hz
- Individual calibration as standard
- Eddy covariance and flux measurement
When horizontal speed and direction are enough
- WindSonic for general-purpose 2-axis measurement
- WindUltra where size, weight and power are the constraint
- WindObserver where marine, aviation or hazardous-area approval is required
Not sure which fits? Make an enquiry
See it work
Three-axis measurement, in about a minute
Three short films on where three-dimensional wind measurement changes what our team can see.
The Millennium Bridge moves
Some structures don’t simply connect places
A journey that reaches its destination
Prefer to watch them together? Watch them all on the Gill Group channel
Technical specification
Three dimensions. Up to 32 Hz. Up to 65 m/s.
| Specification | WindMaster | WindMaster Pro | WindMaster RA | WindMaster HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind speed | 0 to 50 m/s | 0 to 65 m/s | 0 to 50 m/s | 0 to 45 m/s |
| Output rate | 20 Hz, 32 Hz option | 32 Hz | 20 Hz, 32 Hz option | 32 Hz |
| Head | Standard | Standard | Right-angled | Horizontal |
| Construction | Aluminium and carbon fibre | Stainless steel | Aluminium and carbon fibre | Stainless steel |
| Weight | 1.0 kg | 1.7 kg | 1.0 kg | 2.96 kg |
| Analogue output | Option, 12 or 14 bit | Option, 14 bit, PRT input | Option, 12 or 14 bit | Option, 14 bit |
Exact electrical, accuracy, output and option specifications, including PRT and analogue availability per model, should be taken from the relevant model datasheet when specifying the instrument.
Technical resources
Everything you need to specify and integrate WindMaster
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is a 3-axis ultrasonic anemometer?
A 3-axis ultrasonic anemometer measures the three components of wind velocity, providing information about longitudinal, lateral and vertical airflow rather than only horizontal wind speed and direction.
What is the difference between a 2-axis and 3-axis anemometer?
A 2-axis anemometer measures horizontal wind speed and direction. A 3-axis instrument also measures the vertical component, which can be important when investigating turbulence, complex airflow, ventilation or flow around structures.
What is WindMaster used for?
WindMaster is used for scientific research, wind-energy assessment, building ventilation, turbulence studies, marine and unmanned vessels, and OEM systems where three-dimensional airflow measurement is required.
How fast can WindMaster measure?
Output rates depend on the model. WindMaster and WindMaster RA provide 20 Hz output with options up to 32 Hz, while WindMaster Pro and WindMaster HS provide 32 Hz.
What is the maximum wind speed of WindMaster?
WindMaster and WindMaster RA measure up to 50 m/s, WindMaster Pro up to 65 m/s, and WindMaster HS up to 45 m/s.
What is the difference between WindMaster and Research?
WindMaster is the broader 3-axis platform for research, engineering, control, marine and OEM applications. The Research range is more specifically configured for high-accuracy research applications, with individual calibration as standard and output rates up to 100 Hz.
What is the difference between WindMaster and WindSonic?
WindSonic provides 2-axis wind measurement for general-purpose applications. WindMaster provides 3-axis measurement where the vertical component of airflow needs to be measured.
What is the difference between WindMaster and WindObserver?
WindObserver is designed for higher-specification applications where certification, environmental resilience and operational requirements are important. WindMaster is designed where three-dimensional airflow measurement is the defining requirement.
Which WindMaster should I choose?
Start with the measurement requirement. Consider wind-speed range, output rate, installation geometry, environmental conditions and system interfaces. WindMaster provides the standard configuration, WindMaster Pro the higher-speed and higher-range option, WindMaster RA the right-angled geometry and WindMaster HS the horizontal-head configuration.
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 WindMaster
- Our team replies. Not an account manager, and not a queue.
- We aim to respond in one working day. Monday to Friday.
- No obligation. Plenty of these end with us saying it is not our product.