CAPRICORN II PLUS™ WEATHER STATION USER MANUAL Version 3.0 Cat. No. 81621 Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. 2240 NE Griffin Oaks Street, Suite 100 Hillsboro, OR 97124 Phone (503) 629-0887 - Fax (503) 629-0898 www.columbiaweather.com info@columbiaweather.com All specifications subject to change without notice. Printed in U.S.A. © Copyright 1998 Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Proprietary Notice: Capricorn II Plus is a trademark of Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.
Capricorn II Plus User Manual
Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. WELCOME! Welcome to the Capricorn family of users and congratulations on your purchase of the Capricorn II Plus Digital Weather Station. Please be sure to fill in and return the Capricorn Product Registration Card located in the front of the manual. The Capricorn II Plus has been in use since 1982, during which time it has earned a reputation as a rugged, reliable product.
Capricorn II Plus User Manual
Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. IMPORTANT NOTICE: SHIPPING DAMAGE BEFORE YOU READ ANY FURTHER, please inspect all system components for obvious shipping damage. The Capricorn II Plus is a precision instrument and can be damaged by rough handling. Your unit was packaged to minimize the possibility of damage in transit. Therefore, we recommend that you save the specially designed shipping container for any future shipment of your Capricorn unit.
Capricorn II Plus User Manual
Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. Table of Contents WELCOME! ............................................................................................................................ 3 IMPORTANT NOTICE: SHIPPING DAMAGE ........................................................................ 5 SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................... 9 A. The Capricorn II Plus System ...............................................................
Capricorn II Plus User Manual E. Barometric Pressure Display Problems...................................................................... 50 F. Wind Speed Display Problems.................................................................................... 50 F. Wind Speed Display Problems (Continued) ................................................................ 51 G. Wind Direction Display problems ............................................................................... 52 H.
Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION A. THE CAPRICORN II PLUS SYSTEM The Capricorn II Plus weather station provides at-a-glance display of temperature, wind chill temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, wind speed and wind direction. Temperature may be displayed in Fahrenheit or Celsius. Barometric pressure may be displayed in inches of mercury (in. Hg) or in millibars, at 0.01 in. Hg (1 millibar) resolution.
Capricorn II Plus User Manual B. SPECIFICATIONS Temperature Display: Either Fahrenheit or Celsius via a slide switch on the front panel for three Function Modes; indoor only, outdoor only, or four-second alternating. Sample Rate: “Indoor” and “outdoor” temperatures are sampled for 0.5 seconds every 1.5 seconds, followed by a comparison of two sequential readings. If they differ, a third reading is taken. In all, eight 0.5-second samples are taken, averaged and output to the display.
Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. 11 In the Operate Mode the display is updated every 12 seconds. The Calibrate Mode does not average, so the display is updated every 1.5 seconds. Display Resolution: 0.01 in. Hg; 1 mbar. Sea Level Total Range Inches of Mercury (In. Hg) 27 - 32 8.9 - 35.5 Millibars (mbar) 914 - 1084 300 - 1200 Range: Accuracy: +/- 0.15% (or better) from 29 to 31 in. Hg (982 to 1050 mbar) at sea level for an ambient temperature of 64o to 82o F (18o to 28o C).
Capricorn II Plus User Manual Memory Feature The following values may be displayed (and output via the Capricorn RS232C Interface Option) on command: Highest outdoor temperature Lowest outdoor temperature Highest barometric pressure Lowest barometric pressure Peak wind gust Highest average wind speed (four-second average) Each value is displayed for four seconds and continues until the springloaded slide switch is reset to either a) clear the memory or b) return to current condition display.
Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. 13 SECTION 2: PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION A. CONSOLE The Capricorn II Plus Console is designed to display all it's weather parameters on individual displays in a finely crafted wooden cabinet so that all readings can be seen at a glance. Cabinet The hardwood cabinet comes in light oak or dark walnut. Section 7: Maintenance includes instructions on how to keep the cabinet looking new.
Capricorn II Plus User Manual Back Panel Wind Sensors Cable Connectors Humidity Sensor Cable Connectors Inches/Mbars Barometric Pressure Switch Temperature/ Humidity Display Switch Chassis Ground Terminal Temperature Sensor Cable Connectors Calibrate/Operate Mode Switch Temperature Alarm Switch 9V Battery Connector 12V Relay Connector (Alarm Controlled Output) 115 or 230V Power Connector RS232C Interface Connector Figure 2: Capricorn II Plus, Back Panel 0.5 or 0.
Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. 15 B.
Capricorn II Plus User Manual Refer to Figures 3 & 4 for key references. The following parts should be included in the shipping carton: Ref.
Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. SECTION 3: INSTALLATION Tools Needed #3 (med.) Phillips Screwdriver #2 (small) Phillips Screwdriver Power Drill and 3/8" or 1/2" Bit (1/2" bit needed to thread temperature and wind sensor cables through same hole.) 3/8" or Adjustable Wrench Wire Cutter Compass Pencil Materials Needed (See also Section 4: Optional Sensor Mounting Hardware.) Black PVC Electrical Tape (2-4) Plastic Wall Bushings Mast: Height above structure: Minimum 5 ft., recommended 10 ft.
Capricorn II Plus User Manual A. UNPACKING THE UNIT Unpack the Capricorn II Plus console and verify that all parts are included. (See page 16 for a complete parts list.) Inspect all system components for obvious shipping damage. The Capricorn II Plus is a precision instrument and can be damaged by rough handling. (Refer to page 5 in case of damage.) Save the shipping carton and packing material in case the unit needs to be returned to the factory.
Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. Plug the power cord into a convenient grounded outlet. (Foreign users may need to remove the standard plug and replace it with one compatible with local requirements.) Note: It is strongly recommended that you protect your unit from power line spikes (caused by lightning or electrical discharge) by installing a good quality spike-surge suppression device between the Capricorn II Plus and the power source.
Capricorn II Plus User Manual Power source 12 volt DC or less (to energize external relay) Alarm controlled output relay (normally open) Contanct rated at 12 VDC, 100 mA maximum Relay SPST (normally open) Motor Source voltage AC or DC for motor Figure 5: Typical Wiring Diagram for Alarm Controlled Output C. INSTALLING THE BAROMETRIC PRESSURE SENSOR The barometric pressure sensor is located inside the console; no user installation is required. The sensor does need to be calibrated, however.
Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. As a general precaution, avoid placing or routing the temperature sensors or cable near cables from other systems in order to decrease the possibility of picking up disruptive signals and of interfering with other systems. Also, avoid placing and routing sensors on or near metal gutters, metal windows, metal door frames, or directly on a metal tower.
Capricorn II Plus User Manual E. INSTALLING THE HUMIDITY SENSOR Figure 6: Humidity Sensor Mounting The Relative Humidity sensor should be mounted in a sheltered area, preferably on the north side of a building under the eaves to prevent sun-heated air from rising up the side of the building and affecting the relative humidity at the sensor. If a sheltered area is not available the sensor can be mounted in a self-aspirating radiation shield.
Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. E. INSTALLING THE WIND SENSORS Assembling the Wind Speed Sensor Figure 7: Wind Speed Sensor Locate the wind speed sensor body. (It has one cable attached.) Remove and discard the red vinyl shipping bumper from the threaded shaft. (The purpose of this shaft bumper is to protect the precision internal bearings from any damage during shipment and pre-installation handling that might be caused by accidental shock to the shaft.
Capricorn II Plus User Manual Assembling the Wind Direction Sensor Figure 8: Wind Direction Sensor Remove and discard the red vinyl shipping bumper from the threaded direction shaft. Place the internal star washer from the Hardware Kit onto the shaft of the wind direction sensor body so that the washer sits on the inverted nut. (Note: The wind direction sensor body has two cables attached to it.) Place a 3/8" wrench on the inverted nut.
Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. Attaching the Wind Sensors to the Cross Arm Support Refer to Figure 3 as the individual wind sensors are assembled to the cross arm support. Set the wind speed and direction sensor bodies onto their respective ends of the cross arm support. Each sensor body is marked with either an "I” or “II” and should be matched to the same mark on either end of the cross arm support.
Capricorn II Plus User Manual Rotate the vane and rain cap counterclockwise; stop as soon as the NNW light is illuminated. Make a second pencil mark on the sensor body which is directly below the pencil mark on the rain cap (that was made in the previous step). Divide the distance between the two marks on the sensor body, and mark that point with a pencil. This center mark indicates north in relation to the console display.
Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. Section 4. Secure the mast to the roof, using guy wires with sufficient tensile strength. The Wall Mounting Method should utilize a mast of no more than 5 ft. maximum height, unless it can be secured with guy wires. Routing Cable Avoid routing the cable near metal windows, metal door frames, metal gutters, or on a metal tower. Any mast or tower should always be properly earth grounded to minimize electrical storm damage.
Capricorn II Plus User Manual a. drill a 3/8" hole though the wall (1/2" if combined with the temperature sensor cable); b. insert a pair of small plastic wall bushings (available as an option; see Section 4) on either side of the wall (or, insert a wall feed-through tube, also optionally available); and c. thread the cable through the bushings or tube. Make sure that the exposed portion of the sensor cable that is beyond the mast will not be blown about by the wind.
Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. 29 SECTION 4: OPTIONAL SENSOR MOUNTING HARDWARE A complete Wind Sensor Mounting Hardware Kit is available for roof mounting (Cat. No. 88002) or wall mounting (Cat. No. 88003). A. ROOF MOUNTING The roof mounting kit (Cat. No. 88002) is suitable for both a slanted and flat roof installation. The figure and table below illustrates and describes the individual parts. Items included in the kit are marked with an asterisk (*). Individual parts are also available.
Capricorn II Plus User Manual *Guy Ring and Collar 1 4 88040 *Cable Standoffs, Wood Screw1 4 5 88050 Cable Standoffs, Nail-In1 2 5 88060 3 50 ft. (not shown) 6 88070 88080 *Eye Bolt Wood Screws, 1/4" x 3" 4 7 88090 Turnbuckles, 6" open x 4" closed 2 (not shown) 88100 *Cable Nail Clips 20 8 88110 1 10 88130 4 10 88140 17.
Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. Description 31 Per Pkg Ref Catalog No. *Mast, 10 ft. (two 5 ft. sections) 1 1 88005 *4" Wall Mount 2 9 88120 Lag Screw, 1/4" x 2 1/4" 4 3 88030 *Cable Nail Clips 20 8 88110 Wall Feed Through Tube1 1 10 88130 *Cable Feed Through Bushings1 4 10 88140 (not shown) 83500 Watertight Rubberized Spray Coating 17.
Capricorn II Plus User Manual
Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. SECTION 5: CALIBRATION Tools Needed: Small Slotted Screwdriver Insulated, Watertight Container Materials Needed: Crushed Ice Water A. CALIBRATING THE TEMPERATURE SENSORS The Capricorn II Plus temperature probe is carefully calibrated at the factory and should not require any re-calibration for sometime. In any event, the probe should not be calibrated until the unit has had a sufficient warm-up time, at least one hour. To re-calibrate, perform the following steps: 1.
Capricorn II Plus User Manual C. CALIBRATING THE BAROMETRIC PRESSURE SENSOR The electronic transducer used to measure air pressure is sensitive to changes in elevation of as little as 10 ft. (3 m),* and the user will need to calibrate the barometric pressure display for each installation to compensate for local conditions. In addition to elevation, several other factors affect the overall accuracy of the barometric pressure display when calibrated for local conditions.
Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. was taken, and use the most current information you can obtain. If you do not have a local barometric pressure reference (within 10 miles), but know your elevation (mean sea level), you can use the factory calibration and correct for your elevation. Every ten feet of elevation is equal to approximately 0.01 in. Hg, so divide your elevation in feet by ten and multiply by 0.01.
Capricorn II Plus User Manual
Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. SECTION 6: OPERATION A. TEMPERATURE Actual temperature is displayed in the range -67o F to 140o F or -55o C to 60o C. The Capricorn II Plus continuously averages the temperature detected by the probes and updates the display approximately every 12 seconds. 1. Temperature Display: For a continuous display of temperature move the Temperature/Humidity Display switch on the back panel of the console to the “temperature” position. 3.
Capricorn II Plus User Manual 2. Alternating Display: By moving the Temperature/Humidity Display switch to the "alternating" position, the displaywill alternate between the temperature and humidity every four seconds. 3. Sensor Indicator Display: Two LED lights to the right of the Temperature display on the front panel indicate which reading ("temperature" or "humidity") is being displayed. 4. Units of Measure: Relative Humidity is displayed as a unit-less percentage, % RH. 5.
Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. 39 inches of mercury (in. Hg.) move the Pressure switch on the back panel of the console to the “inches” position. 2. Millibars Display: For a continuous display of barometric pressure in Millibars, move the Pressure switch on the back panel of the console to the “millibars” position. 3. Pressure Trend Indicators: Two LED lights to the right of the barometric pressure display indicate when the pressure is rising or falling.
Capricorn II Plus User Manual The Capricorn II Plus also records (but does not display) the average wind speed. The average wind speed is determined by averaging wind gusts over a four-second period. Average wind speed has three purposes. It is used to calculate the wind chill factor. It is also used to trigger the wind speed alarm. Finally, the highest average wind speed is also kept in memory and displayed during operation of the Memory function.
Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. 1. In the “Silent” mode, only the LED light(s) corresponding to the sensor that is set, either “Temperature” or “Speed” or both, will illuminate upon detection of the set condition. The LEDs will remain lit until the condition ceases or the Alarm switch is moved to the “Off” position. 2. In the “Audible” mode, in addition to the visible LED alarm, a speaker mounted inside the back panel will sound an audible alarm upon detection of a set condition.
Capricorn II Plus User Manual e. 5. move the Alarm switch on the front panel to the “Silent” or “Audible” sition, as desired. po- To set alarm conditions equal to or greater than 32o F (0o C), move the scale selector switch to the up position. To set alarm conditions of less than 32o F (0o C), move the switch to the down position. Setting the Wind Speed Alarm 1. First, move the Alarm switch on the front panel of the console to the "Off" (reset) position to reset the feature. 2.
Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. 43 switch is set on “KPH.” Alarm Controlled Output The Alarm Controlled Output terminal on the rear panel makes it possible to attach a relay device rated 12V (or less) to the Capricorn II Plus so that independent electrical equipment such as external speakers, fans, heaters and pumps can be controlled by the alarm output.
Capricorn II Plus User Manual G. MEMORY FEATURE The Memory Feature permits immediate display of high and low temperature, high and low barometric pressure, peak wind gust and high average wind speed. Note: When the unit is in the “calibrate” mode, the averaging will not be performed and the memory will not be updated with high/low values. 1. Memory Display: To activate the Memory feature, move the Memory switch on the front panel up to the “Display” position.
Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. SECTION 7: MAINTENANCE In normal use, the Capricorn II Plus should require very little maintenance, other than normal care of the hardwood cabinet and a periodic check of the sensor calibration. In the event of any problems, follow the procedures contained in Section 8: Trouble‚ shooting to determine whether the unit is defective.
Capricorn II Plus User Manual E. WIND SENSOR MAINTENANCE Do not attempt to oil, grease or otherwise lubricate the wind sensors. The wind speed and direction bearings are permanently sealed and should not be tampered with. If it appears that the displayed wind speed values are substantially less than existing conditions, or that the wind direction display is sluggish in responding to changes in wind direction, it may be that the bearings need service. This can be tested by spinning the sensors.
Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. 47 SECTION 8: TROUBLESHOOTING A. CONSOLE OPERATION PROBLEMS Symptom Probable Cause Correction No illumination of lights. No power. Instrument not plugged in. Plug power cord into 120 Or; VAC, 60 Hz source (or 240 VAC, 50 Hz for applicable models. Fuse blown. Check and replace fuse. Display never changes. Microcomputer is not running and needs to be reset. Unplug unit, wait 15 seconds, plug in again.
Capricorn II Plus User Manual C. TEMPERATURE DISPLAY PROBLEMS Symptom Probable Cause Correction 195°F/273°C displayed constantly for indoor and/or outdoor temperature. Sensor wire broken or disconnected. Or; Repair broken wires and/or reconnect. Temperature circuit in console may be defective. Or; Indoor and outdoor sensors can be interchanged to see if the problem follows the sensor in question. Red and black sensor wires installed backward. Or; Proberly connect probe wires to console.
Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. 49 E. BAROMETRIC PRESSURE DISPLAY PROBLEMS Symptom Probable Cause Correction Display never changes. Microcomputer stopped running and needs to be reset. Unplug the power cord and replug after 15 seconds. Rising and falling lights do not agree with broadcast readings. Capricorn II determines trend every three hours; therefore it might not agree with broadcast. No corrective action required. Pressure display reading floats abnormally. Console not grounded.
Capricorn II Plus User Manual F. WIND SPEED DISPLAY PROBLEMS (CONTINUED) Symptom Probable Cause Correction Sensor cable is broken. Or; See above. Check sensor cable at roof sensor assembly. Look for cuts or breaks in the cable. Repair the cable or consult manufacturer for a new sensor assembly or wind sensor cable with connector half. Sensor has fallen from mount. Or; Re-install sensor if it is not damaged. Otherwise consult manufacturer or dealer for new sensor assembly.
Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. 51 G. WIND DIRECTION DISPLAY PROBLEMS Symptom Probable Cause Correction "N" (north) light illuminated continuously. Sensor wires not properly Make certain that no connected to console. frayed or bare wires are Or: touching, that wires are attached according to the color code, that there are no loose terminal screws and that all wires are attached to a terminal. Peform test described following. Wind cable connector unplugged. Plug in wind cable connector.
Capricorn II Plus User Manual H. WIND SENSOR TESTS In the event the wind speed or wind direction display does not light, displays "0" constantly regardless of wind conditions, or is inexplicably erratic, perform the following tests as appropriate to help locate the source of the problem. Tools required: One small Phillips screwdriver One 6" (15 cm) jumper wire, 22 gauge (approximately the same size as the individual wind sensor conductor wires) Wind Speed Test: 1.
Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. 53 that the appropriate direction light appears as its respective terminal is touched. Terminal Direction Blue Green Orange Brown NNW SSE ENE NNE 2. If all the direction lights perform as indicated, the console is functioning properly. Check the entire length of the cable for any cuts, kinks or other abnormalities. If there are none, or of problems persist after adjusting the cable, contact the factory for service. Only the sensors need to be returned for repair.
Capricorn II Plus User Manual
Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. 55 SECTION 9: REPLACEMENT PARTS Refer to Figure 14. Consult factory for price and availability. Description Ref. Catalog No. Complete Wind Sensor Assembly 1 81500 Partial Wind Sensor Assembly Includes Speed and Direction Sensor bodies and connector only. 2 81440 Wind Speed Cup/Hub Assembly, with top nut. 3 81400 Wind Direction Vane Assembly with top screw. 4 81420 Temperature Probe Assembly Includes one complete sensor Assembly with 25 ft. cable.
Capricorn II Plus User Manual Sensor Cable Connector Option Allows quick disconnect of cables from temperature sensor; watertight. Factory installed. - 81585 Sensor Cable Connector Option Allows quick disconnect of cables from humidity sensor; watertight. Factory installed.
Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. SECTION 10: USER SUPPORT INFORMATION Please fill out and return the Capricorn Product Registration Card immediately. If the card is missing from the front of this manual, please call the Capricorn Service Department to obtain one. Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. makes every attempt to ensure that the Capricorn II Plus Digital Weather Station is a product of superior quality and workmanship.
Capricorn II Plus User Manual B. RETURN FOR REPAIR PROCEDURE 1. In the event of defects or damage to your unit, first call the factory Capricorn Service Department Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm PST, (503) 690-2000 to determine the advisability of factory repair. 2. In the event factory service is required, return your Capricorn II Plus as follows: a. Packing - wrap console in plastic bag first. - pack in original shipping carton or a sturdy oversized carton.
Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. 59 ADDENDUM: WIND CHILL ALGORITHM To compute the wind chill, first calculate the CORRECTION FACTOR (CF) from the following table and formulas: Using the wind speed in mph, calculate the wind speed index. (Range is 5 to 50 mph.
