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4.2 WIND VANE CALIBRATION
Wind Vane calibration involves checking the potentiometer output and verification of the
sensor alignment to North.
NovaLynx recommends that the sensor alignment be verified before attempting the sensor
calibration testing. Use the procedure described in step 3.3 to verify sensor alignment to
North. After doing the alignment check and making any necessary adjustments, test the
sensor potentiometer. The potentiometer test may be done with the sensor installed on
the mast or with the sensor removed.
To test the Wind Vane potentiometer, monitor the sensor output wires using an ohmmeter,
or use the data logging equipment to record the sensor output during the test. If the
ohmmeter is used, disconnect the sensor signal wires from the monitoring or data logging
equipment. Starting at the North point, slowly rotate the sensor in a clockwise direction as
viewed from above the sensor. Looking at the potentiometer with an ohmmeter, the
readings should start at or near zero resistance and increase to 20,000 ohms as the sensor
is rotated. The resistance changes should be smooth and gradual without any
discontinuities. The sensor output should be approximately 56 ohms per degree of
horizontal wind. The maximum resistance reading should appear at 355 degrees azimuth.
After 355 degrees, the potentiometer's dead band is entered by the wiper and the
ohmmeter reading should float and not read any specific resistance. After 5 degrees of
motion, the readings should begin at zero again.
Correction of the wind direction potentiometer setting involves disassembly of the sensor
and rotation of the potentiometer shaft from inside the sensor housing. o not attempt to
make this adjustment unless the correct tools and test equipment are available. Please
contact NovaLynx for assistance before attempting to adjust the sensor.
To adjust the potentiometer gap position setting, first remove the vane tail and hub
assembly from the sensor by removing the small set screw located on one side of the hub.
With the screw removed, slide the hub up and off the potentiometer shaft. Note that the
potentiometer body is bonded to the sensor body and should not move. Using an
ohmmeter to monitor the potentiometer output, turn the potentiometer shaft until the center
of the gap is obtained. At this point, carefully lower the hub back onto the potentiometer
shaft. Try to avoid moving the shaft. With the hub in place reinstall the set screw. o not
over tighten the set screw. Check the sensor calibration after the hub has been reseated.
One recommended method of calibrating and checking the calibration is to point the nose
to South and measure 180° (approx. 10000 ohms). This method may be more accurate
and easier to do for some technicians since there is a more stable reading available at
180° than there is when the potentiometer wiper is in the dead band. Several attempts
may be necessary to get the exact results needed. Remember to check the calibration
setting again after the hub has been reinstalled. Use care to avoid putting the hub on
backwards.