Every Second Counts: the Maintenance Free WS100 Measures Precipitation from the First Drop

Fellbach, Germany, October 12, 2017 --(PR.com)-- Especially in the cold and wet season, it is vital that operational decisions can be made and implemented within a few seconds. This is especially true for meteorological data evaluations for aviation and road traffic. Sensor manufacturer Lufft has developed, with the WS100, a radar precipitation sensor with switchable heater, which calculates precipitation quickly, reliably, and maintenance-free from the first drop with a resolution of 0.01 mm.

Using a 24-GHz Doppler radar, the WS100 measures the velocity of all forms of condensed water that can be observed on the Earth's surface or in the atmosphere. These include rain, snow, ice, snow and hail. The low-energy sensor detects precipitation from the first drop and differentiates between different types of precipitation. In addition, the sensor measures precipitation intensity up to 200 mm per hour and records drops with a size of up to 5.0 mm.

The WS100 owes its maintenance-free operation to an ingenious technology: the automatic radar rain gauge comes with no moving parts. This significantly distinguishes it from other methods for measuring precipitation such as the tipping bucket, weighing principle, or various other optical methods. The integrated, switchable heater allows operation in summer as well as in winter. The sensor heater with a capacity of 9 VA was directly integrated into the WS100's dome wall.

Thanks to the 100% maintenance-free operation, the 19-centimeter high sensor weighing just 600 grams can be used at any time and almost anywhere in the world. This makes it an indispensable indicator for environmental applications, especially in areas that are difficult to access. As a result its applications are diverse and adapt to the most varied requirements.

The precipitation sensor with radar technology is suitable for weather observation, for observations in winter road clearance, road and traffic control systems (SWIS, RWIS), airports, as well as road and motorway maintenance areas. It is also used as a weather station for meteorological services or in weather stations to warn for avalanches and floods. The intelligent sensor would be a great aid for agricultural meteorological or hydro-meteorological measuring stations. Here, too, precise weather observations and forecasts can be enhanced and fatal effects can be counteracted.

Due to country-specific requirements for radar technology, the WS100 is available in two product variants for both the European market and the American and Canadian market. The WS100 radar precipitation sensor has an SDI-12 and RS-485 interface with Modbus RTU protocol to ensure reliable data transmission.

About G. Lufft Mess- und Regeltechnik GmbH:

Since it's founding by Gotthilf Lufft in 1881, G. Lufft GmbH has been the leader in the production of climatological measuring equipment - always true to the motto "tradition meets innovation." Lufft's capacity for innovation and precision has helped its products establish the solid reputation they enjoy around the world. The company's products can be found in use wherever variables such as air pressure, temperature, relative humidity and other environmental factors need to be measured. Together with its subsidiaries in the U.S. and in China, the company has 105 employees. In November 2012, G. Lufft GmbH was awarded the German Standards Brand Prize and was named a "Brand of the Century." For more information visit www.lufft.com.

Company Contact:

G. Lufft Mess- und Regeltechnik GmbH
Gutenbergstr. 20 | 70736 Fellbach, Germany
Contact person: Helena Wingert
E-Mail: pr@lufft.de
Tel: 0049 711 51822 0
Fax: 0049 711 51822 41