Airmar - 120WX NMEA 0183 WeatherStation® - (No Relative Humidity) - Heater
In environments prone to freezing temperatures and icy conditions, maintaining accurate weather monitoring systems can be challenging. The Airmar 120WXH NMEA 0183 WeatherStation® with Heater addresses this challenge head-on, offering a robust solution designed for operation in ice-prone areas, both onshore and offshore. With its thermostatically controlled heating system, the 120WXH ensures reliable performance in cold climates, making it an indispensable tool for industries such as marine navigation, offshore exploration, and Arctic research.
The Airmar 120WXH WeatherStation is equipped with a thermostatically controlled heater element, specifically designed to prevent snow and ice buildup in the wind channel, ensuring accurate measurements even in extreme cold conditions. In addition to the heating system, the WeatherStation features ultrasonic technology for measuring apparent wind speed and direction, as well as sensors for barometric pressure, air temperature, and wind chill. Encased in a rugged housing with IPX6-rated water-ingress protection, the 120WXH is built to withstand the harshest environments while delivering reliable weather data.
The Airmar 120WXH WeatherStation is ideally suited for use in ice-prone areas, including polar regions, high-altitude environments, and offshore installations subject to freezing temperatures and icy conditions. It is particularly well-suited for applications such as marine navigation, offshore oil and gas exploration, meteorological research, and cold-weather monitoring in remote locations.
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Thermostatically Controlled Heater: The 120WXH features a highly effective heating system that prevents snow and ice buildup in the wind channel, ensuring accurate measurements and reliable performance in cold climates.
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Comprehensive Weather Monitoring: In addition to the heater element, the WeatherStation offers ultrasonic measurement of apparent wind speed and direction, as well as sensors for barometric pressure, air temperature, and wind chill, providing comprehensive weather data for informed decision-making.
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Rugged and Durable Design: Built to withstand harsh environmental conditions, the 120WXH features a rugged housing with IPX6-rated water-ingress protection, ensuring long-term reliability and durability in extreme weather conditions.
Specifications
- Brand: Airmar Technology
- Air Temp Accuracy: ±1.1°C at 20°C
- Air Temp Range: -40 to 80°C (-40 to 176°F)
- Barometric Pressure Accuracy: ±0.5 hPa at 25°C (or better)
- Barometric Pressure Range: 300 to 1100 hPa
- Waterproof Rating: IPX6
- Heater Supply Current: <2.5 A (<60 W) at 24 VDC
- Operating Temp Range: -25 to 55°C (-13 to 131°F)
- Operating Temp Range Heater: -40 to 55°C (-40 to 131°F)
- Power Supply Voltage: 12 to 24 VDC
- Weight: 325 g (0.71 lb)
User Perspective
From the perspective of users operating in cold climates, the Airmar 120WXH WeatherStation offers peace of mind and reliability in challenging environments. Whether navigating icy waters, conducting scientific research in polar regions, or monitoring weather conditions on offshore platforms, users can trust the 120WXH to deliver accurate and timely weather data, ensuring safety, efficiency, and operational success in extreme cold conditions.
Pros
- Effective Snow and Ice Prevention: The thermostatically controlled heater element effectively prevents snow and ice buildup in the wind channel, ensuring accurate measurements and reliable performance in icy conditions.
- Comprehensive Weather Monitoring: In addition to the heating system, the WeatherStation provides comprehensive weather data, including wind speed, wind direction, air temperature, and barometric pressure, enabling users to make informed decisions based on accurate environmental information.
- Rugged and Durable Construction: Built with a rugged housing and IPX6-rated waterproofing, the 120WXH is designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, ensuring long-term reliability and durability in extreme weather environments.
Cons
- Limited Compatibility: The 120WXH is designed for use with NMEA 0183 serial data protocol only and cannot be used with an NMEA 2000® CAN bus network, limiting its compatibility with certain marine electronics systems.
- No Relative Humidity Measurement: Unlike some other models in the WeatherStation lineup, the 120WXH does not include a relative humidity sensor, limiting its ability to provide a complete picture of environmental conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Airmar 120WXH WeatherStation be used in freshwater environments?
Yes, the 120WXH is suitable for use in both freshwater and saltwater environments, provided that freezing temperatures and icy conditions are present.
How does the thermostatically controlled heater work?
The heater element is activated when the temperature drops below a certain threshold, typically 1°C, preventing snow and ice buildup in the wind channel.
What is the power consumption of the 120WXH heater?
The heater requires a supply current of less than 2.5 A (less than 60 W) at 24 VDC, ensuring efficient operation in cold climates.
Is the 120WXH compatible with third-party marine navigation systems?
Yes, the WeatherStation supports NMEA 0183 serial data protocol, allowing for seamless integration with a wide range of marine electronics systems.
Can the 120WXH be used in tropical climates?
While the 120WXH is designed for operation in cold climates, it can also be used in tropical environments; however, the heater may not be necessary in such conditions.
In conclusion, the Airmar 120WXH NMEA 0183 WeatherStation® with Heater stands out as a reliable and effective solution for weather monitoring in ice-prone areas. With its thermostatically controlled heating system, comprehensive weather monitoring capabilities, and rugged design, the 120WXH offers unmatched performance and reliability in extreme cold conditions. While it may have limitations in terms of compatibility and humidity measurement, its overall functionality and durability make it a valuable asset for industries such as marine navigation, offshore exploration, and scientific research in polar regions.
