Sheriff Command Trailer Big Screen Weather Monitor

Nomad Global Communication Solutions took “big screen” to the next level when they built an emergency command trailer for Grafton County Sheriff’s Department (NH). Weather data is available for all to see on the side of the vehicle. The system uses a Capricorn 2000 Vehicle-Mount Weather Station with WeatherMaster Software.

Nomad GCS is a Montana-based specialty vehicle manufacturer with an innovative and extensive product line designed to support emergency personnel and first responders when they need it the most.

www.nomadtechs.com

Gastronomical Weather Monitoring

In the event of a meatball shower, you won't miss out on collecting the weather data with CWS's Orion Weather Station. The Orion's impact rain sensor measures precipitation including water turned to food by Flint Lockwood's brilliant invention in the new movie "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs."

So whether weathergirl Sam Sparks predicts an ice cream snowfall or a spaghetti tornado, you can feel confident that your meteorological parameters will be measured with accuracy and culinary precision.

"Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" is now showing in theaters around the nation. Check it out: www.CloudyWithAChanceofMeatballs.com

Don't Let This Happen to You!

Here are a few more options to help protect your investment in weather-monitoring technology.

Heated Sensors

To prevent the possible disruption of weather data during an ice storm we offer a couple of options.

For Capricorn 2000 Weather Stations, we recommend a heated rain gauge and the heavy-duty EX wind sensor with the heated option.

Additionally, the Orion Weather Station is available with a heated all-in-one sensor head.

Sensor Storage Case for Vehicle-Mount Weather Stations

For Orion and Magellan Vehicle-Mount Weather Stations, a sensor storage case may come in handy if your vehicle does not have built-in sensor storage. These cases are constructed of ultra-high-impact structural copolymer, making them extremely strong and durable. They are unbreakable, watertight, airtight, dustproof, chemical resistant and corrosion proof, offering total protection for sensitive weather-monitoring equipment.

Orion Goes to Washington

Two teams have elected to use Orion Weather Stations to monitor weather parameters for their houses submitted for the 2009 Solar Decathlon in Washington DC. With a goal of net-zero energy consumption, weather conditions will directly affect the homes' operational systems.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Solar Decathlon brings together 20 teams from universities around the world to design and build zero-energy houses.

Virginia Tech's entry is called "lumenHAUS" -- lumen for "the power of light" and "haus" being German for both house and home with a nod to the BauHaus movement .

The Refract House, a combined effort from Santa Clara University and California College of the Arts, is dedicated to "promoting the idea of living light" -- harnessing sunlight, lightening the carbon footprint, and enlightening today's consumers.

Solar Decathlon • lumenHAUS • Refract House

Solar Powered Weather Stations + Additional Warranties

Solar Powered Weather Stations

To fully power weather stations in applications that do not have access to electricity, we offer solar panels. These are custom per installation based on geographical location.

This photo shows a Capricorn 2000EX Weather Station. And while the solar panels can be used with any CWS weather station, the Orion and Magellan Weather Stations consume the least energy and are the best-suited for solar-powered weather monitoring systems.

Extended Warranties for Orion Sensor Module

The sensor head is one of the most fragile components of an all-in-one weather station, and frequently the one subject to the most abuse -- especially in portable and mobile installations.

In addition to our standard one-year warranty which is included with the purchase price, we offer Extended Standard and "No-Fault" Warranties on the Orion Sensor Module.

French Fries, Bird Spikes and Surge Suppression

"Would you like fries with that?" You might cringe when you hear those words, or you might say, "Of course!"

When someone buys a weather station from Columbia Weather, we try to help them protect their investment by recommending accessories that will be useful to their particular installation.

This article highlights some options for CWS weather stations. We will address more in a future article.

Orion Bird Spike Kit, Catalog Number 9584

Seagulls seem to be inordinately fond of the Orion ultrasonic transducers. To discourage pecking and nesting we offer this Bird Spike Kit. Specifically designed not to hurt the birds, the spikes provide a barrier to make it more difficult for birds to land on top of the transmitter.

Surge Arrestors To protect your weather station from power surges such as those caused by nearby lightning strikes or electrical storms.

• Surge Protector for Orion and Magellan Sensor Modules, Catalog Number 8355 Quickly installed between the sensor head and the computer or display console.
• Ethernet Surge Arrestor, Catalog Number 8356 Plugs directly into the Ethernet port on the Weather MicroServer.
• RS232 (Serial) Surge Arrestor, Catalog Number 8353 Plugs directly into the Serial port on a computer.
• For Capricorn Weather Stations, standard electrical surge suppressors can be purchased at your local electronics store such as Radio Shack or Best Buy.

For more information: Accessories

Oregon Department of Agriculture Weather Network

In 1988 a fatal multi-car accident was caused when smoke from field burning obstructed visibility on Interstate 5 in Oregon's Willamette Valley.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture implemented an extensive weather monitoring network to help regulate field burning. They chose Capricorn 2000EX Weather Stations to supplement the already existing AWOS stations at local airports (which were few and far between).

Most recently, Columbia Weather Systems has been working with ODA meteorologist Pete Parsons to update their weather network in conjunction with their new computer systems.

Read more about the ODA Weather Network