Interested in the Weather?
Thanks to the intelligent use of the most modern technology (microprocessor, surface-mounted electronics, etc.) the barograph, Meteograf is able to combine the advantages of traditional mechanical barographs with those of purely electronic instruments, along with its own merits of small dimensions, low weight and high precision. Ease of operation, good readability and the requirement to reload the recording paper roll only once per year can be taken for granted, Attractive new functions, such as ‘Zoom’, ‘Transport’ and ‘Time Change’ (see below) can be offered for the first time in a unit of this size and price range.
Modern Concept
Thanks to the intelligent use of the most modern technology (microprocessor, surface-mounted electronics, etc.) the barograph, Meteograf is able to combine the advantages of traditional mechanical barographs with those of purely electronic instruments, along with its own merits of small dimensions, low weight and high precision. Ease of operation, good readability and the requirement to reload the recording paper roll only once per year can be taken for granted, Attractive new functions, such as ‘Zoom’, ‘Transport’ and ‘Time Change’ (see below) can be offered for the first time in a unit of this size and price range.
High Accuracy
A microprocessor controls all the functions of the barograph, Meteograf. An analogue signal from the internal pressure sensor is amplified in a signal processor, digitalized and input to the microprocessor, which calculates and outputs the air pressure. Linearity and temperature correction factors for the pressure sensor are pre-programmed into the microprocessor, thus making the installation of trim potentiometers unnecessary. This guarantees an extremely high accuracy over the whole operating temperature and pressure range, as well as optimal long-term stability. There are also no positioning or hysteresis errors.
Easy Set-Up
Large Operating Range
The barograph, Meteograf can be used at any altitude between -500 m and 6'000 m above Sea Level (-1,600 ft to 20,000 ft.) Air pressure in the range 960 mBar to 105.
4-Day Display:
Rectilinear and Ink-freeThe scriber point engraves the barogram into the reverse side of the waxed paper roll. The pressure record from the previous four days is shown clearly in the main display window. The continuous rectilinear record (unlike that of many other barographs, which produce a circular barogram) is therefore produced without using felt-tip markers or pens. (There is therefore no dirtying of the fingers or of the apparatus itself, and no requirement to replace or replenish markers or pens.) Because the scriber is behind the paper a new paper roll can be loaded into the apparatus as easily as a film into a camera. One paper roll is sufficient for one year’s operation.
Precision Movement
The paper movement is controlled to extremely high tolerances by a small servo motor. A second servo motor controls, via a spindle, the movement of the scriber.
Numerical Display
In addition to the linear display in the main window, the barograph, Meteograf has a numerical LCD display. This normally shows the current air pressure, but is also used to select and adjust the barograph, Meteograf’s operating functions
‘Zoom’ Function
The LCD can be used to observe short-term pressure changes which would be indiscernible on the main display. Together with the current air pressure, the overall change in air pressure (+/- 0.1 mBar) in the last 1, 5, 15, 30 or 60 minutes may be displayed. This enables a uniquely accurate observation of the approaching weather.
(Hier a change of – 0.1 hPa in 30 minutes)
High Waves? No Problem!
An electronic filter cancels out fluctuations in indicated air pressure caused by operation in rough water.
Storm Warning
Weather conditions, particularly wind strength, are dependent on the rate at which air pressure changes. For any given geographical position, a given rate of change of air pressure may be defined as indicating an imminent storm. To provide prompt warning of this, the barograph, Meteograf has an aural and a visual alarm, which is activated when the rate of change of atmospheric air pressure exceeds a preset limit. This limit is adjusted by the operator to suit the perceived danger level. (Note that, if required, the operator can turn the aural warning off, leaving only the visual warning active.)
‘Transport’ Mode
Transporting the barograph, Meteograf usually results in a change in altitude, which in turn produces a change in air pressure unrelated to any meteorological effects. When in ‘Transport’ mode, the Meteograf ignores these changes and displays the current altitude on its LCD display. When the relocation is complete, the Meteograf can be easily reset to its normal display mode. An overall correction to the display can then be made to account for any weather-related pressure changes whilst the device was in ‘Transport’ mode.
Completely Independent
Other Details
To reduce power consumption. the microprocessor is automatically switched to an energy-saving mode between measurements, with only the LCD display and other basic functions operating continuously. The total power consumption is so low that the barograph, Meteograf will run off a single household battery for about 12 months. There is no requirement for any connection to an external power source.
The battery voltage is continuously monitored. The LCD display indicates battery capacity as one of four levels; Charge sufficient, Charge low, Battery change required and Battery flat
To ensure maximum reliability and durability when operated at sea, or in any hostile environment, the barograph, Meteograf uses high quality gold-plated electrical contacts throughout. For battery connections, these are duplicated. The electronic parts are lacquered for protection against corrosion. The mechanical parts are manufactured from stainless steel and all other parts are high quality plastic.
PC-Interface
The ‘Meteograf’ contains a memory in which the barometric pressure data recorded over the last ten days is stored. The data is recorded to a tolerance of 0.1 hP. (Equivalent to 0.1 mBar.)
Using the data transfer cable supplied, this data can be downloaded to a PC for permanent storage or for further manipulation.
The software is compatible with Microsoft ‘Windows’ Versions 95, 98, NT and 2000. Using the ‘Excel’ program, the data downloaded can be automatically displayed graphically using a Macro function.
As this software is freely available, it can be customised by the operator to suit his or her individual data processing requirement.
Made in Switzerland
The barograph, Meteograf is a true European! Over 90% of the components are made in Europe and assembly is performed exclusively in Switzerland.
