Inspeed’s WS28P Optical Wind Speed Sensor – Cup Anemometer
Inspeed’s rugged and affordable WS2 Anemometer is a high quality, Inspeed-designed, Made In America wind speed sensor a variety of options available so it will be sure to be a great fit for your application. These options include:
- Sensor type: reed switch, non-contacting “infinite life” Hall chip or optical 8-pulse
- Mounting: vertical bracket or 1/2″ tube mount
- Rotor: polycarbonate or metal
- Wire length: standard lengths or customized for you
The WS2 wind speed sensor uses either a zero power reed switch (WS2R) or a Hall chip (WS2H) as the active element, with a magnet on the shaft that causes one pulse per rotation. (If you want 2 pulses per rotation we can do that too – let us know). There is also an 8=pulse optical option, for higher resolution at all speeds. The conversion factor from pulse rate to wind speed is in the specifications below. This “WS28P” page is for the 8-pulse optical sensor version. Visit the “WS2R” Reed Switch page for the reed switch anemometer or the “WS2H” Hall Sensor page for the single pulse Hall chip sensors.
The difference between them is as follows:
- Power required: Reed Switch: 0. Hall Chip/Optical: ~3mA
- Life: Reed switch: depends on voltage/current applied (lower=longer).
Hall chip/Optical: basically infinite
NOTE: the reed switch and Hall & Optical PCB are replaceable items
Battery-powered applications might be better off with a reed switch anemometer whereas the Hall chip might be a better choice for situations where power is available.
The base product has 25′ of wire for the reed switch, but we offer options for 50 and 100 feet. If you need more, or less – reach out to us – we are happy to customize.
The shaft has a Tungsten Carbide ball pressed into the end, which rides on a small sapphire. The result is very low friction – for low wind speed sensitivity, and basically zero wear – for long life.
The polycarbonate rotor is designed by Inspeed based on years of experience with some tough users (mainly storm chasers!). It is light and strong – to give you years of dependable service. If you prefer a metal rotor, we can do that too.
The mounting bracket can be attached to just about anything so it is easy to get up and running. the single-screw mount to the head means that you can pivot the head relative to the bracket if you need to make fine adjustments to make the rotor completely level. Alternatively we offer a tube mount base so it can be mounted to a 1/2″ tube (available separately from Inspeed or customer-provided).
NOTE: the only options listed below are for wire length. We can also do metal cups, tube mount, and custom wire lengths; contact us if any of these items are of interest to you.
The Inspeed WS28P anemometer is based on simplicity, ruggedness, and a commitment to precision and accuracy.