Gill Instruments’ MetPak compact weather station range is now offered with a new MODBUS output for building control and automation applications.
Gill Instruments has expanded the MetPak multi-sensor weather station range with the introduction of a new MODBUS output connection.The complete MetPak range is now available with an industry recognised MODBUS communication protocol as standard, alongside the existing ASCII, NMEA 0183 and SDI-12 outputs. The new output allows industrial and building control users to connect MetPak base station units to a network of multiple devices as part of an integrated computer or SCADA system.Used throughout industry, the MODBUS output communicates with multiple measurement devices to provide greater data collection via one supervisory computer.Already well-established in marine, industrial and meteorological applications, MetPak units provide accurate data to oil platform, railway, emergency response vehicle and solar energy customers. The MetPak family are solid-state, lightweight weather stations and are operational in some of the world’s most extreme operating conditions and inhospitable locations.With on-board processing electronics, the multi-sensor base stations have the ability to supply building control and automation markets with over 6 weather monitoring parameters. These include wind speed and direction, barometric pressure, air temperature, humidity, dew point and precipitation. In addition MetPak is capable of supporting a number of independent sensors, combining their outputs to produce an integrated data message.At just 2.1kg, MetPak weather stations are extremely portable delivering easy installation and maintenance in difficult to reach areas. The successful weather station range can now offer its exceptional quality data and unparalleled reliability to a wide range of building and energy industries as part of an integrated communication system.“The expansion of the MetPak range is very exciting for us” says Richard McKay, Meteorologist and Product Manager at Gill Instruments “The MODBUS upgrade will take the MetPak firmly into the industrial market, giving us the ability to supply a high quality measurement system to our industrial MODBUS customers at no extra cost.”MetPak weather stations with new MODBUS output is now available to buy from Gill Instruments.AMS 2014 Review
We would like to thank all of our visitors at the AMS Annual Meeting.Our range of meteorological instruments proved interesting for many visitors and our Metstream communications system and Windmaster HS 3-axis anemometer attracted a large amount of positive feedback. Feedback on our future developments was also extremely encouraging.Paul Rogers, Head of Sales at Gill Instruments comments “AMS 2014 was a great opportunity to communicate with interested organisations about our products and technology. We always enjoy the AMS annual meeting and being part of the discussions around meteorological and environmental technology as this helps us learn how we can focus on delivering effective solutions to the industry”.We look forward to seeing everyone at next year’s event.
Ultrasonic Wind Sensor certified for hazardous environments
The Gill Instruments WindObserver Intrinsically Safe ultrasonic anemometer is now certified by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for use in explosive atmospheres (Ex).
Gill has added IECEx to existing safety ATEX certification already held for its market leading anemometer, which is widely used across the world. With IECEx, WindObserver IS can provide high quality data and reliability to similar applications and new markets including the USA.
The WindObserver IS provides highly accurate measurements of wind speed and direction and can be installed in hazardous and explosive atmospheres found in marine, offshore and other environments where significant quantities of flammable liquids, vapour and combustible dusts could cause fire or explosion.
WindObserver IS measures wind speeds of 0-75m/s and 0-359° wind direction in extreme environments, remains operational in temperatures from -30°C to +70°C and offers low start-up speeds of 0.01m/s. It has no moving parts, is lightweight and constructed from stainless steel to provide extreme durability with little need for maintenance, ideal for long term installations in areas where access is difficult. Sophisticated error checking and fault reporting, gives users full confidence in the quality of WindObservers reported data.
Tony Stickland, Director at Gill Instruments comments, “Electrical safety is of primary importance in hazardous atmospheres and gaining IECEx certification is important for our continued expansion into new markets including the USA.”
The IECEx approved WindObserver IS will be displayed at Oceanology International, London from 11-13 March 2014.
Gill Instruments bring their latest intrinsically safe anemometer to Oceanology
Gill Instruments Limited will be presenting their latest intrinsically safe anemometer at Oceanology International from 11-13 March 2014 on stand A205.
The show, held at London’s Excel will focus on technological advancements in measuring, exploiting and protecting the world’s oceans.
Gill will be displaying a wide range of marine weather monitoring solutions specifically suited to the research, science and technology markets.
The WindObserver IS will be among the sensors demonstrated on the stand. Already approved to ATEX standards, the intrinsically safe 2-axis ultrasonic anemometer has recently achieved IECEx certification for use in explosive atmospheres.
WindObserver IS can be deployed in hazardous zones such as offshore environments, chemical processing and other applications where highly accurate and extremely reliable weather data is crucial.
Gill’s intrinsically safe offering has been further extended to include a new Low Voltage Power & Communication Interface (LVPCI). The LVPCI, which is positioned inside a safe zone, provides a low power and communication connection to the anemometer located in a hazardous environment.
The popular WindSonic M will also be displayed on the Gill stand. The WindSonic M is a metal ultrasonic wind speed and direction sensor housed in hard anodised aluminium.
The sensor remains operational to -40°C and has been tested to EMC 60945 for harsh marine applications. Outputs include NMEA 0183 output and an optional heating for colder environments.
For further information on our new range of weather monitoring sensors call 01590 613500, or follow Gill Instruments on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter via @gillinstruments.

Dependable weather monitoring solutions displayed at AMS
From the 2-6 February 2014, Gill Instruments will be showcasing their latest range of meteorological instruments at the 94th American Meteorological Society’s Annual Meeting.The annual event which is taking place in Atlanta this year will focus on ‘Extreme Weather – Climate and the Built Environment: New Perspectives, Opportunities and Tools’.Exhibiting on stand 903 in the main hall, Gill will be presenting their latest innovation, MetStream – a powerful data solutions platform. The new device combines an intuitive hardware processing system with an integrated web based interface, allowing users to stream, store, process, bridge and link information to any device anywhere in the world. A working model will be demonstrated live throughout the show giving visitors the opportunity to witness MetStream’s potential to provide information without limits.Alongside MetStream, the MetPak range of compact multi-sensor weather stations will also be displayed. The MetPak family now features an additional MODBUS communications output as standard, alongside the existing ASCII, NMEA 0183 and SDI-12. The new output allows MetPak units to be connected with multiple measurement devices within a network to provide greater data collection via one supervisory computer. Proven in a number of harsh environment applications, the solid-state weather stations can now offer its exceptional quality data and unparalleled reliability to a wide range of building and energy industries as part of an integrated communication system.The popular range of 2-axis and 3-axis ultrasonic anemometers will also be exhibited at the show, including the WindMaster HS and WindSonic range. Gill’s range of meteorological and environmental monitoring solutions has provided a wide spectrum of applications with dependable weather data for over 25 years.For more information on our latest products, please visit stand 903 at the event or contact 01590 613500 to speak to our sales team.
Gill Instruments to launch MetStream data solutions platform at upcoming event
The ground breaking new data solutions device from Gill Instruments will be launched at the Meteorological Technology World Expo 2013 later this month.The international event which takes place on the 15th-17th October 2013 in Brussels, will be a must-attend event for weather, climate and hydrometeorological professionals. Organised by the publishers of the Meteorological Technology International magazine, the event attracts over 3,000 visitors and 150 exhibiting organisations at the forefront of weather forecasting technology.Visitors to Gill Instruments stand (2030) will get a first glimpse of MetStream – a new data solutions platform capable of multi-channel data capture. Featuring a high speed data processing hub and a customisable software interface, MetStream allows users to link, bridge, process, store and stream data between devices.MetStream translates data outputs into an applicable language which users can view and interpreted in an html browser based interface. Data is streamed live directly to a computer, tablet or smartphone which is accessible at home or on the go.The new data solutions platform from Gill offers information without limits and a revolutionary end-to-end solution, unmatched in the market place.Gill will be providing live demonstrations from global installations throughout the exhibition and visitors will also be able to view the brand new MetStream concept video.MetStream will be displayed on stand 2030 alongside Gill’s range of ultrasonic weather monitoring sensors including the successful WindSonic and the MetPak compact weather station range.For more information on MetStream or any of our meteorological instruments please contact our sales team on 01590 613500 or visit gillinstruments.com