SR50A-L

Name: SR50A-L
Brand: Campbell Scientific
SKU: 19485
Availability: Discontinued

Sonic Distance Sensor

SR50A-L

Retired

Sonic Distance Sensor

Best for general applications.

No longer available to order

This product is retained for service, documentation, and compatibility information.

Model:: SR50A-L
Item Number:: 19485
Warranty:: 2 years SN 6610+
Compliance:: requires air temperature measurement

Overview

The SR50A Sonic Distance Sensor provides a non-contact method for determining snow depth. It determines depth by emitting an ultrasonic pulse and then measuring the elapsed time between the emission and return of the pulse. An air temperature measurement is required to correct for variations of the speed of sound in air.

Note: Campbell Scientific recommends model SR50A-EE for operation in extreme environmental conditions where corrosion is a concern (such as coastal regions).

Key Advantages

Rugged acoustic distance sensor
Typically used for snow depth measurements

Technical Description

The SR50A was designed to meet the stringent requirements of measuring snow depth, and it uses a multiple echo processing algorithm to help ensure measurement reliability.

SDI-12, RS-232, and RS-485 output options are available for measuring the SR50A. Campbell Scientific’s MD485 interface can be used to connect one or more SR50A sensors in RS-485 mode to an RS-232 device. This can be useful for sensors that require lead lengths that exceed the limits of either RS-232 or SDI-12 communications.

The SR50A replaced the SR50 in March 2007. The newer SR50A is smaller and has different output options than its predecessor. The SR50AH is available with a heater option for locations where rime ice is a problem.

Benefits

Wide operating temperature range
User-selectable options for output
Rugged enough for harsh environments
Uses a multiple echo processing algorithm to help ensure measurement reliability
Compatible with most Campbell Scientific data loggers

Specifications

Measurement Description: Snow depth
Measurement Time: < 1.0 s
Measurement Range: 0.5 to 10 m
(1.6 to 32.8 ft)
Output Options: SDI-12 version 1.3, RS-232, RS-485
(output options selected by configuring internal jumpers)
Baud Rates: 1200 to 38400 bps
(RS-232, RS-485 modes)
Power Requirements: 9 to 18 Vdc
(typically powered by data logger’s 12 Vdc power supply)
Beam Acceptance: ~30°
Resolution: 0.25 mm
(0.01 in.)
Accuracy: ±1 cm (0.4 in.) or 0.4% of distance to target (whichever is greatest).
Requires external temperature compensation.
Operating Temperature Range: -45° to +50°C
Temperature Accuracy: ±0.2°
(at 0° to 50°C)
±0.75°
(at -45° to 0°C)
Compliance: CE Compliant
Length: 10.1 cm
(4.0 in.)
Diameter: 7.5 cm
(3 in.)
Weight: 375 g
(13.2 oz) without cable
1.0 kg
(2.2 lb)
Cable Weight: 250 g
(8.2 oz) for a 4.57-m (15-ft) cable

Maximum Cable Length

-NOTE-: Cable lengths greater than 60 m require a heavier gage wire if the power supply drops below 11 Vdc.
SDI-12: 60 m
(200 ft)
RS-232: 60 m
(200 ft)
Baud rates ≤ 9600 bps
RS-485: 300 m
(984 ft)