CS120A
CS120A
OrderableAtmospheric Visibility Sensor
Pricing
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Configuration
- -25 to +60C, w/5m (17 ft) per Sensor**CS120A-ST-5mPart Number: 44200
- -25 to +60C, w/10m (33 ft) per SensorCS120A-ST-10mPart Number: 44205
- -25 to +60C, w/15m (50 ft) per SensorCS120A-ST-15mPart Number: 44207
- -25 to +60C, w/30m (100 ft) per SensorCS120A-ST-30mPart Number: 44209
- -40 to +70C, w/5m (17 ft) per SensorCS120A-XT-5mPart Number: 44201
- -40 to +70C, w/10m (33 ft) per SensorCS120A-XT-10mPart Number: 44206
- -40 to +70C, w/15m (50 ft) per SensorCS120A-XT-15mPart Number: 44208
- -40 to +70C, w/30m (100 ft) per SensorCS120A-XT-30mPart Number: 44210
Select a configuration to add to your quote
- Model:
- CS120A
- Item Number:
- CS120A
- Warranty:
- 2 years
Overview
The CS120A uses tried-and-tested, infrared forward-scatter technology, and it uses the proven 42° scatter angle to report meteorological observable range (MOR) for fog and snow in the range of 5 to 75,000 m (16.4 to 246,063 ft). It combines a high specification with a very competitive price. The CS120A is ideal for stand-alone applications or in combination with automatic weather stations in road, aviation, solar-energy, and wind-energy environments.
For aviation applications, users can be assured that the CS120A complies with UK CAA, FAA, and ICAO guidance and meets or exceeds all recommendations and specifications. (This includes CAP437, CAP670, and CAP746.)
The CS120A is certified by Deutscher Wetterdienst as suitable for use to control wind turbine obstruction light systems as specified by 506/04, General Administrative Rules for the Identification of Aircraft Obstructions.
Key Advantages
Competitive price
Technical Description
Compared to many such sensors, the CS120A design means that visibility is being measured in a relatively clean space because the position of the heads and body minimize disturbance of the airflow at the measurement volume.
The CS120A uses continuous high-speed sampling, which improves the accuracy of the measurements taken during mixed weather such as rain and hail, while providing reliable readings during more stable events such as fog and mist. High-speed sampling also allows the sensor to better respond to suddenly changing conditions.
The CS120A has several design features that keep its optics clean. Downward-facing optics minimize dirt and snow buildup. Low-powered heaters prevent the formation of dew, and a higher-powered heater prevents the formation of ice.
The sensor is very power efficient, drawing just 3 W during normal operation including the dew heaters; power can be reduced further by reducing the sample rate and manual control of the heaters.
Two configurable alarm outputs are provided and, via relays, these can drive external warning systems such as lights and foghorns. They can also be used to switch the intensity of wind turbine warning lights depending upon current visibility levels.
Benefits
- High performance sensor at a competitive price
- Sensor design minimizes airflow disruption at measurement volume
- Incorporates automatic dew and hood heaters for all-weather operation
- Simple field calibration using optional calibration kit
- Low power—suitable for remote application
- Automatic status check for faults or window contamination
- Type certified for aviation use by the German Meteorological Service, Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD)
Specifications
- Signal Type/Output
- RS-232, RS-485
- Measurement Description
- Meteorological Observable Range
(MOR)
- Maximum Reported Visibility
- 100 km
(62.1 mi)
- Minimum Reported Visibility
- 5 m
(16.4 ft)
- Accuracy
- ±8% at < 600 m
(< 1968.5 ft)
±10% at 600 to 10,000 m(1968.5 to 32,808.4 ft)
±15% at 10,000 to 15,000 m(32,808.4 to 49,212.6 ft)
±20% at 15,000 to 75,000 m(49,212.6 to 246,063 ft)
- Resolution
- 1 m
(3.3 ft)
- Mounting
- Stainless-steel V-bolt bracket that attaches to a pole with a 32 to 52.5 mm (1.25 to 2 in.) outer diameter
- Electronics Supply Voltage
- 7 to 30 Vdc
- Total Unit Power
- < 3 W while sampling continuously
(including dew heaters)
- Standards
- Frangible masts are available to customer requirements to meet ICAO recommendations (typically placing the sample volume at 2.5 m [8.2 ft]).
- Sensor Dimensions
- 540 x 640 x 246 mm
(21.26 x 25.2 x 9.7 in.) including mount
- Sensor Weight
- ~3 kg
(6.6 lb) depending on mounting system
Optical/Pulse
- LED Center Wavelength
- 850 nm
- LED Spectral Bandwidth
- ±35 nm
- Light Pulse Rate
- 1 kHz
Environmental
- Operating Temperature Range
- -25° to +60°C
(standard)
- Extended Operating Temperature Range
- -40° to +70°C
(This extended version is available as a special. Contact Campbell Scientific for more information.)
- Operating Humidity Range
- 0 to 100%
- Sensor Sealing
- Rated to IP66
- Wind Speed
- Up to 60 m s-1
- Sensor Heater Threshold
- < 35°C
(dew heater on)
> 40°C(dew heater off)
< 5°C(hood heater on)
> 15°C(hood heater off)
DSP & Dew Heaters
- Power
- 2 x 0.6 W
(total of 1.4 W) for dew heater
- Typical Current Consumption @ 12 Vdc
- 200 mA
(continuous sampling, dew heaters active)
110 mA(continuous sampling, dew heaters disabled)
21 mA(no sampling, dew heaters disabled)
200 mA(dew heaters active, RS-232 communications)
Hood Heater
- Supply Voltage
- 24 V dc or ac
- Power
- 2 x 30 W
(total of 60 W)
Interface
- Serial Interface
- RS-232 or RS-485, 8 bit data bytes, 1 stop bit
- Serial Data Rates
- 1200 to 115,200 bps
(38,400 bps default rate)
Accessories
(6)44157
3.8 A 24 V NEC Class 2 Power Supply Kit
Orderable40062
High-Grade Calibration Kit for CS120/A or CS125
Orderable28680
Configuration Cable for CS120/A or CS125
Orderable39131
DIN Rail Terminal Kit with 2 Terminals and 6 Wires
Orderable39802
DIN Rail Terminal Kit with 4 Terminals and 9 Wires
Orderable40062
High-Grade Calibration Kit for CS120/A or CS125
Orderable
Common Accessories
(7)28680
Configuration Cable for CS120/A or CS125
The 28680 cable allows the visibility sensor to be connected to a PC for configuration. This cable is 3 m (9.8 ft in length).
Orderable44157
3.8 A 24 V NEC Class 2 Power Supply Kit
The 44157 is an optional 24 Vdc power supply kit used to supply power only to the visibility sensor's 24 Vdc hood heaters. A 24 Vdc battery is purchased separately. Choose the -UL option if the power supply needs to be UL approved.
OrderableCS140
Background Luminance Sensor
The CS140 is a high-quality background luminance sensor. It provides the luminance data required to assess the visibility range for lights such as runway lights or warning lights.
Orderable34296
CS140 Maintenance Cable
The 34296 cable, used with the CS140 Background Luminance Sensor, forces communications to RS-232 38400 baud, and sensor id “0.” The CS140 continues to draw power from the existing power source. After the sensor is removed from its power source, the sensor returns to its previous communication address and settings.
Orderable34295
CS140 Calibrator
The CS140 Calibrator is a high-quality device to generate a known luminance level for calibrating a CS140 Background Luminance Sensor. It is powered from the CS140 supply and is used while in communication with it.
Orderable39802
DIN Rail Terminal Kit with 4 Terminals and 9 Wires
The 39802 provides the needed DIN rail terminals, separator, and wires to connect any product to a data logger or other peripheral that requires nine wires for connection. This kit provides the following wires: black, red, green, light blue, clear (2), white, 16 AWG black, and 16 AWG red. The color-coding of these wires matches the wire coloring of the product for ease in connection, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Orderable40062
High-Grade Calibration Kit for CS120/A or CS125
The 40062 is a customer field-calibration kit for the CS120/A and CS125 visibility and present weather sensors. The kit consists of a calibration disc, two bungs (or stoppers), and a foam-lined case. The calibration disc comprises a neutral-density (ND) filter media with a ground glass disc mounted in an anodized aluminum frame, which simulates low visibility (below 1 km or 3,280.8 ft) as well as perfect visibility (75 km or 46.6 mi). The foam bungs block the optical paths, allowing verification and/or adjustment of the calibration constants held within the system. The calibration disc is designed to mount in a precise and specific location on the CS120/A or CS125 sensor for ease of use and to ensure consistent results. The foam-lined case protects the disc and ensures the bungs are not compressed, which would compromise the accuracy of the calibration.
Orderable
Ships With
(2)- 5 m Sensor Cable from original mfg
- 5 m Hood Heater Cable from original mfg
Compatibility
Related Resources
Case Studies
Documents
- Manual
CS120A and CS125 Visibility and Present Weather Sensors
October 2025
View Document - Compliance
CS120A UK Declaration of Conformity
View Document - Compliance
CS120A German DWD Certification
View Document - Compliance
40062 EU Declaration of Conformity
May 2022
View Document
Showing 4 of 8 results
See all DocumentsDownloads
- CR1000X CS120A example programsv1
March 18, 2020
Software ApplicationsCR1000X programs that use the MSSET and MSGET commands.
- CS125 and CS120A OSv17Login required
June 26, 2023
OS and FirmwareCampbell Scientific has introduced a new operating system, OS 17, for the CS120A visibility sensor and CS125 present weather sensor. It is backwards compatible and is easily installed on all CS120A and CS125 sensors (but not older CS120 sensors). OS 17 is available free of charge and can be downloaded here or supplied by email on request. Upgrade to OS 17 is recommended.