Specifications

MODEL 6500 THUNDERSTORM/LIGHTNING SENSOR AWOS 3000 INSTALLATION AND CHECKOUT

• Telephone antennas - 4 ft. (1.2 m)

• VHF communication antennas - 1 ft. (0.3 m)

• Any current-carrying cable - 2 ft. (0.6 m)

In addition to the above restrictions, certain site installations may have to be scrutinized more

carefully from an RFI/EMI perspective. Finding locations to mount the ground plane and antenna

that will minimize interference from RFI/EMI sources can be enhanced by the use of standard

RFI measuring equipment. The recommended equipment for monitoring the proposed

installation area is a typical spectrum analyzer with a broadband conical antenna. The spectrum

analyzer should be set up to scan the frequencies of concern (100-500 MHz) for the typical VHF

and UHF radio links near the installation.

Once it has been determined that there is significant interference, it is imperative that the

lightning sensor be moved to a location as far from the interfering device as possible. Under no

circumstances should the lightning sensor antenna and ground plane be placed within one foot

of either a VHF or UHF transmitting antenna.

Note that it might not be possible to completely comply with the minimum distance requirements

from significant RFI sources when installing the sensor in an oil rig or rooftop environment.

Consult All Weather Inc. for guidance if this appears to be an issue.

14.3 Sensor Installation

The Thunderstorm/Lightning sensor is mounted on a mast that was installed during site

preparation. All the mounting hardware comes with the Thunderstorm/Lightning sensor, and so

there is no separate mounting kit.

1. If the signal and power cables have not already been installed between the signal and

power distribution boxes and the sensor pad, pull the required lengths of cable through

conduit to the junction boxes at the sensor pad.

2. The mounting bracket attaches to the underside of the 6500 enclosure with 4 bolts (see

Figure 51). Position the bracket against the underside of the enclosure so that the mount-

ing holes in the bracket and enclosure align.

3. Apply RTV 162 to the threads of the four 5/16" hex mounting bolts.

4. Fasten the bracket to the enclosure with the four 5/16" hex bolts, flat washers, and lock

washers.

Figure 51. Bracket Installation