Laser Sensor for Snow Depth Sensing

thought of something… you need a cone or a shield around the unit to prevent wet snow or ice accumulating around the laser or sensor… same issue with WD wind cups, they tend to freeze with wet snow . The drip shields are crap that come with it but maybe this summer when I am retired I’ll explore options for a drip shield that is much bigger…

There is no problem with snow accumulating about the sensor as it’s mounted several feet off the ground and pointed downward and the Fluke 411D/414D or 419D are mounted in a waterproof enclosure with only about a 1 inch opening for the laser and led pointer to pass thru. I’ll see if I can get a picture shrunk down enough to post. If not I’ll PM you one.

Ops Laser sensor is the one on the right.

Cheers

:reindeer:

MikeyM

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that is extra cool. We got about 12 inches and I had to wade outside in the drift to brush off the snow from the snow stick… your item would have been great to have.

Thanks Brian.

Cant find Lazer snow info/setup Brian, have WD vers 45 installed.
can you point me to the correct tab on my photo??

setup-advance.GIF1061×153 53.1 KB

Bjorn

The laser settings are in the 1-wire reader “other settings” tab.

Hope that helps.

Cheers

:reindeer:

MikeyM

thanks alot MikeyM.

Found the dallas Reader in wd folder and open it from there.

didnt find in setup…

This is intriguing Mikey. Looks like you have the chance for a lot of snow over the coming weeks.

I was leaning toward a MaxBotix high resolution outdoor sensor with temp compensation http://www.maxbotix.com/Ultrasonic_Sensors/MB7389.htm but I’m curious about the laser now. Do you have any charts between the 2 sensors to see how they perform comparatively for the same event?

Bonjour dendrite,
De loin, apr

I have the LR4 on the way, should be here monday. Already have the 414D and active usb. Is there a how-to here somewhere? I’ve looked but haven’t found anything yet.

rick

HI Rick

Good point on the how to do. In the Dallas 1-wire reader under the “other settings” tab you need to check “Enabled” under the title “Lazer Range Finder Snow Depth” after your initial reading shows up you need to set that value in the “Offset” setting. As you can see in the screenshot my offset is 153 cm. Also “check” the “Enabled to calculate current snow depth”. All this has to be done with only the Dallas 1-wire reading running. Make sure the WD is closed when you do this. After you have done that go to the “Main setup” tab of the 1-wire reader and “click” the “Save/Reset” button. Close the Dallas 1-wire reader and restart WD which will automatically start the Dallas 1-wire reader. Disregard the settings that are “grayed out” as they are for the ultrasonic sensor as I actually have both hooked up, but the laser is the only one that will provide input to WD if you have the laser “enabled”.

Hope this helps. Good luck it’s a great project. Feel free to PM me is you need any additional info. We have seen some problems at very low temperatures as the 414D is only rated to a min temp of 32 deg F (o C), so I’m in the process of adding a automotive bulb (1157) with a small thermostat to keep it from getting to warm.

BTW the support from Porcupine Electronics has been OUTSTANDING.

Cheers

MikeyM

Hi Mike,

The Laser Fluke 411D/LR3 is doing a great job here. Very accurate …

Cheers,

Jeff

http://indiantrailweather.com
Hessville, NY - USA

mikeym

“Hope this helps. Good luck it’s a great project. Feel free to PM me is you need any additional info. We have seen some problems at very low temperatures as the 414D is only rated to a min temp of 32 deg F (o C), so I’m in the process of adding a automotive bulb (1157) with a small thermostat to keep it from getting to warm”

Hello,
For the history of temperature, I solved the problem in a camera housing with heater thermostat.
I noticed that from -8

This looks interesting, do you know if it is possible to measure water depth with it too?

Got the lr4 414d and cables now to install. I’m thinking about using plumbing heat tape to keep it all above freezing.

rick

Fluke thinks that’s a good idea see http://www.fluke.com/fluke/usen/community/fluke-news-plus/ArticleCategories/Electrical/101AppForDistanceMeters.htm

Wow that’s really useful, thanks!

Rick

Installed the LR4/Fluke 414D last night just before the snow and it performed perfectly. We received 4.2 inches overnight. The LR4 / Fluke 414D mod is far superior to the LR3 / Fluke 411D. No cable bending and shoving and tucking like the LR3/Fluke 411D.

Good luck with the project.

Cheers

MikeyM

I hope to get at it tomorrow. I bought 3 feet of heater tape today for inside the box. The only trouble is they say it is a torx T8 to unscrew the meter but the one I bought today is too large so it must be a T7 or T6. It is snowing here now and due to snow several more times this week so I’ll soon find out how well it works.

rick

Rick

It’s a #6 torx. All Porcupines instructions are incorrect. I keep meaning to send Richard a note and I keep forgetting. If you live near a Sears store they have nice torx for I think $3.99.

Cheers

MikeyM

Thanks MikeyM. I went outside on Wed. to blow some snow and get ready for the install and slipped on the ice. I’ve never been this sore in my life!!! X-rays show no broken ribs but I’d swear everyone was broken. It was all I could do to type this.

rick