METEOROLOGICAL INSTRUMENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

WIND SYSTEM CALIBRATION

RECOMMENDED CALIBRATION INTERVAL,
PROCEDURE, AND TEST EQUIPMENT

MODEL 18860-90
INCLUDES INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING

MODEL 18802/18811 ANEMOMETER DRIVE

MODEL 18112/18212 VANE ANGLE FIXTURE
MODEL 18310/18312 TORQUE DISC
MODEL 18331 VANE TORQUE GAUGE

R.M. YOUNG COMPANY 2801 AERO PARK DRIVE, TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN 49686, USA
TEL: (231) 946-3980 FAX: (231) 946-4772 WEB: www.youngusa.com
P/N: 18860-90
REV: B062309
 R. M. YOUNG COMPANY
WIND SYSTEM CALIBRATION
Recommended Calibration Interval, Procedure, and Test Equipment

RECOMMENDED CALIBRATION INTERVAL

Operational Accuracy Research Accuracy

WS ± 0.5 m/s WD ± 5° WS ± 0.3 m/s WD ± 3°

TOWER CHECK 6 months 3 months

TRAILER CHECK 12 months 6 months

LABORATORY CHECK 24 months 12 months

MANUFACTURER CHECK N/A 24 months

OPERATIONAL ACCURACY
Manufacturer’s standard calibration is within operational accuracy limits. Perform tower check at initial installation. Tower check and trailer
check intervals are recommended minimums for optimum performance.

RESEARCH ACCURACY
Sensor requires wind tunnel calibration by manufacturer, or other recognized calibration laboratory, prior to initial installation. Tower check
and trailer check intervals are recommended minimums. Perform tower check at initial installation.

OUTPUT SIGNAL MEASUREMENTS

Wind speed signals vary among sensors. The signals may be frequency related for magnet/coil and photochopper transducers or
voltage related for tachometer generator transducers. Wind direction signals from potentiometer transducers are voltage related and are
dependent upon stable excitation voltage. To monitor wind speed and direction signals, use a suitable indicator. It may be a frequency meter,
voltmeter, calibrated wind indicator, data logger with display, or some combination of these instruments. As a general rule the resolution of
the indicator should be equal to the smallest unit being measured and the accuracy of the indicator should be 5 to 10 times better than that
required by the calibration. If necessary quantifiy and account for any additional error introduced by the indicating device.

WIND SPEED SENSOR TYPES

The following procedures refer to a propeller type wind speed sensor, however they are equally applicable to a cup wheel type sensor. To
check wind speed threshold of a cup wheel anemometer using the torque disc, hold or mount the sensor with the cup wheel shaft horizontal.

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TOWER CHECK

Perform tower check for each initial installation regardless of prior calibration interval.

PROCEDURE EQUIPMENT

Wind Speed Threshold: In calm weather blow gently on propeller. Watch for obvious high torque None
or irregular rotation.

Wind Speed Signal: Remove propeller or cupwheel. Drive shaft at known rpm, representing Anemometer Drive
mid range of sensor. Compare output signal to established calibration.

Wind Direction Threshold: In calm weather blow gently on vane. Watch for obvious high torque or None
irregular motion.

Wind Direction Signal: Visually align vane with known reference. Compare output signal. Align Survey of visible landmarks, ac-
vane with additional reference points or cardinal points marked on hous- curate magnetic compass, or solar
ing. Compare output signal to established calibration. noon orientation.

TRAILER CHECK

Sensors are removed from tower and connected to signal conditioning modules with sensor cable patch cords.

PROCEDURE EQUIPMENT

Wind Speed Threshold: Remove propeller. Set torque disc for proper torque according to table and Propeller Torque Disc
curves supplied. Install torque disc on propeller shaft and check rotation
of disc. See instructions on torque disc drawing.

Wind Speed Signal: Remove propeller. Drive shaft at 200 rpm. Check output for measurable Anemometer Drive
signal. Drive shaft at rpm representing mid range of sensor. Compare
output signal to established calibration.

Wind Direction Threshold: Hold or mount sensor on desk top with fin horizontal to check vane bal- Vane Torque Gauge
ance. Adjust if required. After balancing vane assembly, mount sensor Vane Angle Bench Stand
on bench stand on level surface. Determine proper torque according to
table and curves supplied. Place torque gauge on vane housing and ap-
ply steady force to end of leaf spring. Record maximum torque value for
both CW and CCW rotation. See instructions on torque gauge drawing.

Mount sensor on Bench Stand. Rotate fixture through 360 degrees com-
Wind Direction Signal: paring output signal at 30 degree intervals. Vane Angle Bench Stand

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LABORATORY CHECK
Sensors and signal conditioning modules are removed from field site to calibration lab equipped with calibration fixtures and test equipment
and operated by a qualified instrument technician.

PROCEDURE EQUIPMENT

Wind Speed Threshold: Remove propeller. Set torque disc for proper torque according to table and Propeller Torque Disc
curves supplied. Install torque disc on propeller shaft and check rotation.
See instructions on torque disc drawing.

Wind Speed Signal: Drive propeller shaft at 200 rpm, observe output on oscillioscope for Oscilloscope
minimum signal level and proper form. Drive propeller shaft at a minimum Anemometer Drive
of three other rpm values throughout the working range of the propeller,
checking output signal at each speed. Compare to established calibration.

Wind Direction Threshold: Check vane balance and adjust if required. After balancing vane assembly, Vane Torque Gauge
mount sensor on bench stand on level surface. Determine proper torque Vane Angle Bench Stand
according to table and curves supplied. Place torque gauge on vane
housing and apply steady force to end of leaf spring. Record maximum
torque value for both CW and CCW rotation. See instructions on torque
gauge drawing.

Wind Direction Signal: Install sensor on vane angle fixture. Check output signal at 30° intervals Vane Angle Fixture
with additional checks at 340°, 350°, and 355°.

MANUFACTURER CHECK
Return sensors to manufacturer or other recognized calibration lab. These tests are performed at manufacturer's facilities or calibration
lab facilities on a fee basis.

PROCEDURE EQUIPMENT

Wind Speed Threshold: Check and adjust propeller balance. Install sensor on threshold fixture. Threshold fixture
Measure and record starting and stopping wind speed values.

Wind Speed Signal: Install sensor in wind tunnel. Measure and record output signal at 1, 2, Wind tunnel facility
3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20, and 25 and 30 m/s. Tabulate wind tun-
nel speed vs. sensor output. Calculate and record slope and intercept.

Wind Direction Threshold: Measure vane torque and record equivalent threshold wind speed. Vane torque fixture

Wind Direction Signal: Install sensor on master vane angle fixture. Measure and record output Master vane angle fixture
signal through complete 360° rotation. Measure and record electrical
function angle.

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 MODEL 18802/18811 OPERATION
For proper operation, the coupling on the motor must be
SELECTABLE SPEED carefully aligned with the anemometer shaft. Misalignment,
ANEMOMETER DRIVE particularly at low RPM rates, causes instability and stalling.
Alignment fixtures included with the device allow the motor to be
attached directly to YOUNG anemometers. Attach the alignment
fixture to the sensor as follows:

1) Remove propeller or cup-wheel from anemometer shaft and

attach coupling disc to shaft.
2) Mount clamp and bar fixture on sensor and gently tighten
clamp. Do not overtighten!
3) Attach motor to fixture. Carefully align anemometer and
motor coupling and gently tighten motor clamp. DO NOT
OVERTIGHTEN.
4) Turn unit ON and use the UP-DOWN keys to set target RPM.
5) Within several seconds display should show actual RPM
within ± 1 RPM of target setting. If not, carefully adjust
alignment until display shows proper value. This can be
performed while motor is running.
If the calibrating unit is used with an anemometer which does not
fit the alignment fixture, the motor may be held in place by hand.
Good results can be achieved if the motor and anemometer shafts
are well aligned.

MENU
Access the Setup Menu by pressing and holding the MENU key
for about five seconds. The motor will stop and the Setup Menu
SPECIFICATIONS will appear on the display. Each menu item and its function is listed
below.
Operating Range: 200 - 15,000 RPM (18802)
20.0 - 990.0 RPM (18811) Use the UP-DOWN keys to scroll between items on the menu list.
Resolution: 1 RPM (18802) To EDIT a value, press the MENU key then use the UP-DOWN
0.1 RPM (18811) keys to change it. When you are finished editing, press MENU
Power Requirement: 12 to 30 VDC (2W nominal, 6W again. To return to OPERATE mode, repeatedly press the UP
max) key until OPERATE appears on the display then press MENU.
Battery Power: Two 9-V The 18802 stores the new settings and within several seconds
will begin operating at its lowest speed. You MUST return to
OPERATE mode to retain new settings.
INTRODUCTION MENU ITEM DESCRIPTION

The YOUNG Selectable Speed Anemometer Drive provides a OPERATE

Press MENU to return to OPERATE mode.
convenient and accurate way to rotate an anemometer shaft at a You MUST return to OPERATE
known rate. The device consists of a control/display unit and a mode to retain new settings.
variable speed motor with integral high-resolution optical encoder.
MAX RPM Maximum RPM allowed during operation.
Two models are available: Model 18802 has an operating range
Once the maximum is reached, pressing the
of 200 to 15,000 RPM for use with propeller type anemometers.
UP key has no effect. Limited to operating
Model 18811 has a lower RPM range for use with cup type
range of motor.
anemometers. The control unit is the same in each case. High and
low speed motors are available separately, permitting operation in
both speed ranges with a single display unit. MIN RPM Minimum RPM allowed during operation.
Once the minimum is reached, pressing the
The control unit automatically senses motor assembly type DOWN key has no effect. Limited to operating
(high or low speed) and adjusts display and controlling circuits range of motor.
automatically. Operating parameters for each motor type include
MAX & MIN RPM, STEP SIZE, and 9 PRESET speeds. Settings STEP SIZE The number of RPM added or subtracted
for these parameters are saved when power is off. when the UP-DOWN keys are pressed to
change target RPM during operation.
A front panel CW-CCW switch selects rotation direction (as seen
facing anemometer). Motor speed is selected using the UP-DOWN PRESET YES/NO determines whether preset
keys. The display shows the target and actual RPM. Motor RPM settings are used. If YES, pressing
rotation and measurement are referenced to a crystal oscillator for the UP-DOWN keys selects preset speeds 1
stability and accuracy. Current limiting circuits protect the motor through 9. If NO, UP-DOWN changes speed
from damage due to overload or stalling. by STEP SIZE increments.

The 18802 is powered from an AC wall adapter (included). For PRESET1-9 Preset RPM values. Each PRESET may be
completely portable operation, two internal 9-V batteries power the set to any value in operating range of motor.
unit. Use lithium type for longest life. When batteries are low, the
controller stops the motor and alerts the user on the display. 18860-90

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WARRANTY
This product is warranted to be free of defects in materials and
construction for a period of 12 months from date of initial purchase.
Liability is limited to repair or replacement of defective item. A copy
of the warranty policy may be obtained from R. M. Young Company.

CE COMPLIANCE
This product has been tested and shown to comply with European
CE requirements for the EMC Directive.

Declaration of Conformity

R. M. Young Company
2801 Aero Park Drive
Traverse City, MI 49686 USA

Model 18802 ANEMOMETER DRIVE

The undersigned hereby declares on behalf of R. M.

Young Company that the above-referenced product, to
which this declaration relates, is in conformity with the
provisions of:

Council Directive 2004/108/EC (December 15, 2004)

on Electromagnetic Compatibility

David Poinsett
R&D Manager

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 R. M. YOUNG COMPANY
TYPICAL TORQUE VALUES
For Checking Anemometer Bearing and Transducer Condition

1
New Instrument Max torque for
2

threshold of:

Instrument (Standard Models) Sensor Transducer Torque Threshold 0.5 m/s 1.0 m/s
gm-cm m/s gm-cm gm-cm 

03101-5 Wind Sentry Anemometer 03110 AC Coil 0.3 0.5 0.3 1.0

05103 Wind Monitor 08234 AC Coil 2.4 1.0 2.6

05106 Wind Monitor - MA 08234 AC Coil 2.9 1.1

05305 Wind Monitor - AQ 08254 AC Coil 0.3 0.3 1.0 3.8

05701 Wind Monitor - RE 08274 AC Coil 0.3 0.2 1.3 5.0

09101 Wind Monitor - SE 08234 AC Coil 2.4 1.0 2.6

09305 Wind Monitor - AQ - SE 08254 AC Coil 0.3 0.3 1.0 3.8

12102 Cup Anemometer 12170C 2400 mV Tach-Gen 0.4 0.5 0.4 1.4

12102D Cup Anemometer 12170C Photo Chopper 0.1 0.3 0.4 1.4

27106 Propeller Anemometer 08274 500 mV Tach-Gen 0.5 0.3 1.3 5.0

27106T Propeller Anemometer 08254 500 mV Tach-Gen 0.5 0.4 1.0 3.8

08274 Photo Chopper 0.3 0.2 1.3 5.0

NOTES:

1. New instrument torque and threshold specifications are maximum values

2. Values shown are maximum torque to maintain instrument threshold at or below 0.5 m/s and 1.0 m/s respectively.
3. EPA and NRC instrument specifications designate 0.5 m/s wind speed starting threshold. ASTM D5096-90 "Standard
Test Method for Determining the Performance of a Cup Anemometer or Propeller Anemometer" defines "starting
threshold" and outlines a method for its determination.

SENSORS:

03110 Wind Sentry 75 cm Cup Wheel Assembly

08234 18 X 30 cm Polypropylene Propeller (PP)
08254 20 X 30 cm Carbon Fiber Thermoplastic Propeller (CFT)
08274 22 X 30 cm Expanded Polystyrene Propeller (EPS)
12170C 100 cm Cup Wheel Assembly

STANDARD BEARINGS:

Model 05103 Wind Monitor / 09101 Wind Monitor-SE : Double Teflon seals & lubricated with M-28 low torque grease
Model 05106 Wind Monitor - MA : Double Teflon seals & lubricated with "Sta-lube" waterproof grease.
All other models : Double metal shields & lubricated with LOI instrument oil

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 R. M. YOUNG COMPANY
TYPICAL TORQUE VALUES
For Checking Anemometer Bearing and Transducer Condition

1
New Instrument 2, 3
Max torque for threshold of:

Instrument (Standard Models) Torque Threshold 0.5 m/s @ 10° 1.0 m/s @ 10°
gm-cm m/s @ 10° gm-cm gm-cm 

05103 Wind Monitor 30 1.1

05106 Wind Monitor - MA 30 1.1

05305 Wind Monitor - AQ 9 0.5 11 40

05701 Wind Monitor - RE 7 0.4 11 40

09101 Wind Monitor - SE 30 1.1

09305 Wind Monitor - AQ - SE 9 0.5 11 40

12302/5 Microvane 11 0.4 18 66

NOTES:
1. New instrument torque and threshold specifications are maximum values
2. Values shown are maximum torque permitted to maintain instrument threshold at or below 0.5 m/s and 1.0 m/s
respectively at 10° displacement.
3. EPA and NRC instrument specifications designate windvane threshold measurement at 10° displacement from
equilibrium position. ASTM D5366-93 “Standard Test Method for Determining the Dynamic Performance of a Wind
Vane” defines “starting threshold” and outlines a method for its determination.

STANDARD BEARINGS:

Models 05103 Wind Monitor / 05106 Wind Monitor-MA / 09101 Wind Monitor-SE:
Double Teflon seals lubricated with LY-48 wide temperature range grease

Models 05305 Wind Monitor-AQ / 05701 Wind Monitor-RE / 09305 Wind Monitor-AQ-SE:
Double metal shields lubricateD with LOI instrument oil

All other models - Double Teflon seals lubricated with LOI instrument oil

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