FAQ
ANACON: How does the connection and installation of the Analog Transmitter ANACON work?
In this short video we show you how to connect and install the Lufft Analog Transmitter ANACON:
To the Training Video of the ANACON
Show FAQ
CHM 15k: How to find/choose correct firmware version corresponding to your hardware version
A new firmware version for the CHM 15k comes in two hardware-dependent variants:
- Firmware version 0.xxx_550 (e.g. 0.743_550)
- Firmware Version 0.xxx_552 (e.g. 0.743_552)
The version 0.735_552 and all subsequent versions X.XXX_552 apply to newer CHM 15k devices which have been built since June, 2015. From the installed firmware version 0.733 on, you can find the right update version through on the CHM web interface.
For devices with firmware versions before 0.733, you can recognize the compatibility by means of the OS version (web interface --> device tab "firmware"):
For OS: 12.12.1 please use the firmware version 0.735_550 and for OS: 15.06.1 the firmware version 0.735_552.
If you have uploaded the wrong version accidentially, the status bit 12 is set. You can install the appropriate version again.
You can find the new firmware in the download area of the CHM 15k product page.
Show FAQ
CHM 15k: In which applications is the ceilometer CHM15k in use?
The View into the Sky - Applications with the Cloud Height Sensor CHM15k! Watch our webinar recording where we present completely different application scenarios, where our cloud height sensor CHM15k can be the sensor of your choice!
To the webinar recording: Applications with CHM15k
Show FAQCHM 15k: On-site calibration & on-site check of the calibration - How to do? How often to do?
Lufft is offering a cloud simulator tool to check the instrument quality in field.
The simulator generates different light pulses and background light levels to test the detection unit and the data acquistion path of our CHM units. The starting point is the laser itself. The laser pulse is detected by the simualtor and time shifted LED pulses are generated. By comparision with the instrument specific production protocol the user can easily see differences in the calibration. The simulator takes a test time of 30 minutes in maximum and should be repeated once per year to verify the status of the system.
In case the instrument is showing an error or the results of the simulator are out of specs, the LOM (laser optic module) of the CHM instrument shall be exchanged. It can be repaired and recalibrated in lab.
Furthermore, on-site calibration in field can be done to achieve absolute backscatter values from aerosol layers. The absolute calibration can be done in two different ways:
1) comparision with another lidar instrument, which should have a sensitivity 10 times better than the ceilometer and should have at least the same range resolution of 5m.
2) clear sky calibration and specific rain cloud calibration ( both methods will be implented by the European Met services shortly. There is an ongoing project to deliver the algorithms. Please check:
http://www.toprof.imaa.cnr.it/index.php/short-term-scientific-mission/8-1-short-term-scientific-mission
http://www.toprof.imaa.cnr.it/images/toprof/working_group/TOPROF_WG1_2015_UpdatedWorkPlan.pdf
Advantage: The Rayleigh calibration and the cloud calibration method do not need additional equipment.
The on-site calibration takes 24 h to 1 week to be able to compare different cloud and aerosol layer situations. In a rainy season, in permanent low cloud, brown cloud or in foggy places the on-site atmospheric calibration might not work at all and our cloud simulator check of the lab calibration gives you the best result.
Show FAQCHM 15k: What is the minimum distance between two devices in order to prevent mutual interference of the backscatter signals?
A distance of 50 cm between the instruments is sufficient, provided that the levelling screws in the base of the instrument ensure a mutual tilting of 0.5°.
Show FAQCHM 8k / CHM 15k: Can the device be operated, restarted or deactivated remotely?
The device can be configured, restarted and shut down conveniently and password protected via the RS485 interface as well as via LAN/WAN and web interface.
Both the firmware and the operating system are restarted via 'restart system'.
Via 'shutdown system' the system is shut down and must be switched on again for a restart on site. Please take this into account, especially if the device is not installed in the immediate vicinity.
Please find a detailed description of the functionality in the manual.
CHM 8k / CHM 15k: Can the status of the NTP query (time server) be verified?
As of firmware version 1.020, the web interface / page "Process Status" displays the server name, status of availability, current time offset, query interval, etc.
Note: If the time offset exceeds 1000 s (approx. 17 minutes), the iterative adjustment via the NTP protocol no longer works. The time must then be set manually, e.g. via the web interface, or the device must be restarted. The time is newly set at system startup when the NTP server is available.
Show FAQCHM 8k / CHM 15k: Does the device have a window contamination control?
Depending on the degree of soiling of the windows, a corresponding NetCDF variable (state_optics) is reduced from its original value of 100. A warning is issued when a certain limit value (70) is reached and the status code of the device is changed. This can be used as a recommendation for cleaning the windows.
Show FAQCHM 8k / CHM 15k: How should the device be installed in relation to the sun?
How should the device be installed in relation to the sun?
The device side with the door should face south. In case of high solar radiation (south of 35° northern latitude), the device should additionally be tilted to the north via an adapter angle in order to keep the influence of solar radiation as low as possible.
This applies to the northern hemisphere. For the southern hemisphere, the opposite cardinal directions apply.
Please consider that measurements against the sun are not possible for an optical measuring device.
We offer corresponding angle adapters as accessories. Please feel free to contact us on this subject.
CHM 8k / CHM 15k: How should the NetCDF variables "time" and "range" be interpreted?
CHM 8k / CHM 15k: In which cases does the case fan start?
When the device is started: for typ. 2 minutes, in case of dirty or wet panes as well as detected rain, for cooling at interior temperatures > 39 °C and per default every hour for removal of dust, pollen, etc. To minimize possible noise pollution, the activation of the fan can be limited via the BlowerMode parameter. Please pay attention to the correctly set parameter TimeZoneOffsetHours for compliance with possible night/rest times. Further information can be found in the manual, chapter 8.1
Show FAQCHM 8k / CHM 15k: Is it possible to get the device-specific overlap data for own calculations?
The overlap data corresponding to your device can be sent to you in the form of a file. Please contact us at met-service@otthydromet.com
Show FAQCHM 8k / CHM 15k: What are the maximum cable lengths for the CHM 8k / CHM 15k?
The standard cable length for power supply and data transfer is 10 m. Longer cable connections are also possible. Please feel free to contact us for this.
Show FAQCHM 8k / CHM 15k: What should be considered with regard to the use of SD cards?
Cards with a memory capacity of up to 32GB can be used from Speed Class 10 on. We recommend industry standard. Formatting must be done with FAT32 file system. Formatting via the web interface is possible and recommended. To change the card, the device must be shut down and externally disconnected from the power supply and secured against being switched on again.
Show FAQCHM 8k / CHM 15k: Why is Cloud Cover -2 displayed after starting the device?
For the calculation of the cloud cover at least the last 30 minutes of the measured data are used. Without the complete data (temporal) no calculation is possible -> "-2" is output.
Show FAQCHM 8k / CHM 15k: Why is there a delay in displaying data in the web interface or why is it only displayed after clicking "Update"?
Automatic display has been disabled on the Viewer page to keep traffic low on low data rate connections. The other data is updated every 15s. On the Process Status page, the data is updated every 60s.
Show FAQCHM 8k: What is the minimum distance between two devices in order to prevent mutual interference of the backscatter signals?
A distance of 10 m between the devices is unproblematic. A distance of down to 3 m is possible by slightly tilting both units by 0.5 ° each via the leveling screws in the opposite direction. For even smaller distances, adjustments can be made by OTT HydroMet. Please feel free to contact us for this purpose at met-service@otthydromet.com.
Show FAQCOMMUNICATION: How big is the data volume?
The data volume depends on the number of sensor values and the update interval. Plus the dial-up and the map display (download function). If the sensor is on continuous operation with one transmission per minute, the data volume is estimated by 100 MB per month. With every second transmission of the data amount, the data volume will reach 3.0 GB per month. This are only appraised values. They can vary depending on the mobile device and measurement frequency.
Show FAQ
COMMUNICATION: How to check the connection status?
You can check the connection status with the service channels 4040 and 4041. It reads out the signal strength.
Show FAQCOMMUNICATION: If we connect MARWIS to a RS-485 interface: what kind of equipment do we need to transfer the data? Do you offer a computer software as well?
The configuration and the read out of data are possible over the UMB-Config-Tool. Through the ViewMondo software from MICKS measurement network data from both mobile and stationary sensors can be combined, visualized (e.g. by thermal mapping) and saved.More software solutions will be available from system integrators.
Show FAQCOMMUNICATION: Is it planned that MARWIS supports other protocols besides UMB?
At the moment only the binary UMB-protocol is available. More protocols will follow.
Show FAQCOMMUNICATION: Is the sensor only compatible with an Apple or Android tablet or smartphone?
The sensor is technically compatible with all Bluetooth-enabled devices, which provide a virtual serial (COM-) port for communication. An Apple and an Android app are already designed and available. More software solutions will be developed through third-party suppliers in cooperation with Lufft.
Show FAQCOMMUNICATION: Measurement data are sent from the Apple/ Android device to a cloud. What kind of network is required - GSM, 3 G or LTE?
That depends on the measurement frequency. For a normal data transmission only a low GPRS bandwidth is required. A higher speed is useful for downloading the map display.
Show FAQCOMMUNICATION: One measurement output nomally is the result of several road centimeters. What does the output value within a measurement interval correspond to exactly - the minimum, maximum or average value? Can I also change the setting behind this?
The frequency of the measuring value output is adjustable between an intervall of 100 milliseconds and 5 seconds. Which measurement point is displayed within this interval exactly, can be adjusted by using the road condition model. The related settings are located in the senor devices list, which you can enter via the Bluetooth connection icon on the dashboard display of the MARWIS app. Here you can choose between 6 presets: AVG (default setting), Winter 1, Winter 2, Winter 3, Summer 1 and Summer 2. What the different settings mean exactly, you can find out in the MARWIS manual on page 25f. It is important, that the preset measuring rate match the query rate of the MARWIS, because the values change within this interval.
Show FAQCOMMUNICATION: The Bluetooth connection between the tablet/ smartphone and MARWIS can't be established
Due to the mechanical vehicle structure (metallic partition walls, length of the vehicle, etc.), the distance between the sensor and the output device (tablet or smartphone) can be too large for a stable Bluetooth connection. Therefore, please keep the distance as short as possible in order to avoid interferences.
Show FAQCOMMUNICATION: The sensor measures 100 times per second. But the iPad shows only one value per second. Which measurement data are delivered every second and which could be generated in a 100 Hz rate as well?
For the calculation of the output measurement values, the internal collected measurands are watched for a certain adjustable time period and evaluated. For the weighting different presets can be chosen. On page 26 of the user manual a corresponding chart is shown. It is important, that the preset measuring rate match the query rate of the MARWIS, because the values change within this interval.
Show FAQCOMMUNICATION: With which interfaces MARWIS is equipped?
MARWIS is equipped with an RS485, a Bluetooth interface and a CAN bus allowing a variety of possible communication connections.
Show FAQCONDITIONS: Do MARWIS racks used on airports require specific certificates such as the ICAO or FAA?
No, there aren’t any additional certificates needed, because MARWIS is mounted on the car directly and there are no changes of the airport infrastructure needed.
Show FAQCONDITIONS: Do we have a certification for MARWIS e.g. from TÜV?
MARWIS has passed the following TÜV tests successfully: EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility), vibration, shock, IP69 and eye safety.
Show FAQCONDITIONS: Does heavy road traffic have an impact on the measurement quality? Do these tight distances between vehicles affect the measurements both forwards and backwards?
MARWIS should be installed in a way that the measuring area is free (calculating with the triangle measure distance/ installation height). Besides that, a safety distance on the road with a radius of 0.3 meters around the measuring area should be provided to minimize optical spreading effects. As long as the measuring area is free, other traffic impacts at this part have no influence on the measurement.
Show FAQCONDITIONS: Does the bracket require an E1 registration?
No, because the installation is same as a cargo securing.
Show FAQCONDITIONS: How do I perform a reference measurement with MARWIS' temperature sensor?
Please note the following:
– The accuracy of MARWIS is 0.8K (Kelvin) at 0 ° C
– The accuracy of the reference equipment shall be taken into account
– In case the MARWIS is mounted close to the vehicle’s exhaust pipe, the measurement can be interfered by gases
– Since the MARWIS measures contact-less, the reference device also needs to be contact-less, so that a comparison is possible
– Thermo-elements are no suitable reference instruments
– MARWIS’ measurement spot has a diameter of 20 cm for the one meter version and a 40 cm diameter for the 2m version. In this area, the temperature is averaged. If the reference device has another spot diameter on the ground, it delivers different results.
– Both MARWIS and the reference instrument must be in a thermal equilibrium, so that the temperature measurement is running properly. The MARWIS warmup takes about 10-15min.
– The road should be in a thermal equilibrium as well, thus, there shouldn’t prevail wind, direct sunlight, etc.
CONDITIONS: Is the maximum speed 80 km/h in order to guarantee accurate measurements? Please let us know the optimum and maximum speed, so that the measurements remain the same.
80 km/h is not the maximum speed. The faster the speed is the bigger is the distance between each measuring point. MARWIS is not tested by Lufft on a speed over 85 km/h. Users of the sensor should collect own experience on their operation scenario.
Show FAQCONDITIONS: What do I have to consider, if I want to calibrate and adjust MARWIS with my tablet/ smartphone?
In the adaptation the basic settings are defined which are determined by the nature of the surface, the measured angle and the exact measuring distance between MARWIS-UMB and the road surface. First of all, the measuring distance between the sensor and the road has to be within the tolerance. The road surface should be representative for the area in which the MARWIS-UMB will be used. The ambient temperature should be lower than 20°C but not below 9°C. The adaptation must not be performed in artificial light.
Show FAQDACON8: How does the connection and installation of the Digital-Analog-Transmitter DACON8 work?
In this short video we show you how to connect and install the Digital-Analog-Transmitter DACON8:
To the Training Video of the Digital-Analog-Transmitter DACON8
Show FAQ
HARDWARE: Does MARWIS have any kind of memory for saving data in case of a power failure?
The data are not saved, but the configuration will survive.
Show FAQHARDWARE: How often do I have to calibrate the equipment and how does this work (is it necessary to send the sensor back to Lufft or can this be done by the users themselves on site?)
The TFF sensor should be changed once a year. You can also reorder and install it by yourself. The optics needs to be calibrated once per vehicle. This can be made via the Android/ iOS App in a few simple steps. The application also allows to store different calibration profiles for different vehicles. Therefore you don’t have to calibrate the optics with every vehicle change. However we recommend a calibration interval of every 3 months.
Show FAQHARDWARE: How to adjust the pyrometer temperature measurement again?
The pyrometer measurement is never adjusted automatically, only manually. Therefore an offset for the pyrometer can be configured in the sensor settings. Precondition is an installed sensor firmware version from 1.8 on and an iOS app version from 1.5 on. Please measure the road temperature with a reliable reference instrument at the same spot, after MARWIS has been running for at least 10 minutes and the LED have switched to green already. Then, adjust the temperature measurement in the setting menu. For this, the –/-/+/++ buttons must be pushed until the wished temperature is reached (after pushing the buttons wait until the pyrometer is updated with the new emission level). Sensor configuration description on iOS app help as well as on the Android App help website.
Show FAQHARDWARE: Is the GPS position determined by the MARWIS or by the iPad?
The GPS position will be determined by the smartphone or tablet.
Show FAQHARDWARE: Is the TFF sensor is a standard part? If the temperature / humidity data are not needed, would it be possible to provide MARWIS without these sensors? Can we order them as replacement parts and replace them by ourselves?
MARWIS is equipped with a combined temperature-humidity-sensor. It is included in the delivery. The sensor should be changed once a year, to provide an exact as possible capture of temperature and humidity. This can be done by the user on site.
Show FAQHARDWARE: MARWIS in use with iPAD: how to avoid an automatic display switch-off?
Generally the display must never be switched off for the guaranteed data transfer and the app must be running in the foreground. In case the vehicle is at a standstill for a while, the data acquisition is turned off by default after 10 minutes. In the device settings, this time can be extended to 2 hours for stationary operation. In display mode, the standard charger is not sufficient for charging. We recommend to e.g. use the Belkin car charger (2.4 Amp/ 12 Watt). Then the battery of the iPad is also loaded when the display is always switched on.
Show FAQHARDWARE: What do I have to do if I want to use MARWIS with CAN bus?
Since firmware version 23 MARWIS can be used with CAN-BUS on default.
Show FAQHARDWARE: What exactly means the value “relative humidity above the road surface”? Why doesn’t MARWIS measure the relative humidity in the ambient air?
The relative humidity close to the street behaves differently from the one in the ambient air and represents a more exact picture of the actual road weather conditions (micro climate). For instance the question when white frost arises can be answered better with this value. With MARIW 2.0 the relative humidity in the ambient air can be determined as well.
The dew point temperature is the temperature, at which water steam in form of dew or fog separates from wet air. At the dew point the relative humidity counts 100 percent respectively it means that the air is (just) saturated. The dew point temperature for MARWIS is independent from the relative humidity directly above the road surface. This is why it delivers more important data for the road safety than the air temperature.
Show FAQHARDWARE: What happens if there’s no network connection available, will the data be saved in the Apple/ Android tablet/ smartphone? If yes, how long?
When the Bluetooth connection between MARWIS and mobile output device is interrupted, no data will be saved. If the connection between the output device and the server is interrupted, the app saves the data and transfers them with the next connection to the server. The duration of the saving depends on the storage capacity of the main storage. Normally the main storage is about 2 GB, which is enough for several hours.
Show FAQHARDWARE: Which Android tablet do you recommend for MARWIS?
In principle, you have the free choice of the Android tablet. However, it is recommended that it has a 8-inch display size maximally in order to avoid an interference with the street view, such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 (7.0, LTE). Also, it only works with the Android version 4.1 or newer. For the use with ViewMondo, MARWIS requires an UMTS/ LTE (international 3G / 4G) sim card.
Show FAQHARDWARE: Which parameters are measured by MARWIS?
MARWIS measures the following data:Dew point temperature, road surface temperature, relative humidity over the road surface, water film height and road condition (dry, wet, moist, frozen, snow/ice, critical wetness)
Show FAQHARDWARE: Why does the status LED of MARWIS not switch from yellow (not totally heated up) to green (optimal temperature) in case of extreme cold outdoor temperature even after a long operation time?
The cigarette lighter of a normal passenger car has a voltage of 12 Voltage. But in order to reach the maximum heating requirement of the MARWIS 24 Volts are required. If your MARWIS often runs with a yellow status LED continuously, we recommend a DC / DC converter such as the Samlex Step Up Converter Step 7 (price about 100 $ on Amazon).
Show FAQIRS31Pro/ARS31Pro: How to install a Lufft Road Sensor?
In this Training Video, our service technician Jim Latimer explains, how to install Lufft Road Sensors.
To the Training Video: Installation of Lufft Road Sensors
MARWIS CloudGate: How do I setup the MARWIS CloudGate box?
In a short tutorial our technician Manuel Kreissig shows you which first steps you have to take to setup the CloudGate box (SIM card insert and wiring).
MARWIS: How large is the measuring spot?
The measuring spot of the mobile sensor is approx. 10cm x 10cm in the specified distance. This applies to both the 1m and the 2m version.
If the distance deviates from this, the measuring spot becomes correspondingly larger (with larger distance) or smaller (with smaller distance).
However, it should also be noted that the area of the transmitter and the receiver move further and further apart, as the MARWIS "squints" a little.
MARWIS: What are the first steps to use MARWIS?
In this short movie our service expert Manuel Kreissig shows you the first steps to install and run the mobile road sensor MARWIS with your car.
To the MARWIS Tutorial: From installation to start-up
MOUNTING: Can the available MARWIS racks be attached to any kind of vehicle?
No, because the Lufft rack solutions are only suitable for determined kinds of vehicles: usual passenger cars (horizontal rack) and vans with metal doors (vertical rack). All other kinds of cars, not meeting the given car sizes and conditions need a special and individual solution. We highly recommend complying with the specifications regarding the vehicle mounting (in the right angle and the right distances) as explained in the user manual . Lufft assumes no liability for faultily mounted racks.
Show FAQMOUNTING: Could you please tell us all possible locations where the MARWIS can be mounted?
At road salt vehicles and trucks, MARWIS can be installed sideways downwards (one-meter version). At cars, the sensor will be installed on the roof with the help of a magnet frame backwards (two-meters version).
Show FAQMOUNTING: How high should the MARWIS be mounted above the ground with the purpose to achieve the best results? Is there a tolerance regarding the mounting height (distance to road surface) in order to achieve the correct measuring data?
The closer MARWIS is installed within a special area, the better are the measurement results. (one and two meters versions).
Tolerance limit for one-meter version: 0,75 – 1,25 m
Tolerance limit for two-meters version: 1,7 – 2,3 m
There are two versions: MARWIS for two meters distances and MARWIS for one-meter distances. The version with one-meter distance is more suitable for road salt vehicles and trucks. The two meters version is optimal for cars. The distance refers to the hypotenuse of the triangle (measuring axis), in which the sensor will be installed (distance between MARWIS glass plate and ground; the measuring axis lies up in the right angle on the glass plate).
Show FAQMOUNTING: How to mount the magnetic rack with the leash?
The following two technical drawings explain how the final installation needs to look like:
Show FAQMOUNTING: There are two types of carriers for MARWIS (long and short). Are both brackets applicable for all types of vehicles (cars and trucks)?
heoretically, yes. But probably on big vehicles like trucks MARWIS will be installed sideways and on cars backwards on the roof. It is recommended to use the different devices for the according vehicles, in this occasion.
Show FAQOPUS20 and SmartGraph3: How to work with SmartGraph3 Monitoring Software?
In the tutorial video we answer many questions from first steps with OPUS20 and SmartGraph3 to different configuration options:
Startup OPUS20
- Installation SmartGraph 3 (03:18 min)
SmartGraph 3
- Software settings (05:05 min)
- Manage devices (07:21 min)
- Diagram view settings (10:22 min)
- data export (14:25 min)
- print function (15:15 min)
- Software- and firmware-update (16:58 min)
To the Tutorial Video:
Lufft OPUS20 Datalogger and SmartGraph3 Monitoring Software
OPUS20 and SmartGraph3: Is SmartGraph3 (min. V3.2.0) compatible to Windows7/10?
OPUS20: How can the data be recorded in the internal memory of the OPUS20?
The OPUS20 must be configured in Mode M3 REC or M4 REC Hide. This can be done using the configuration button on the back of the OPUS20.
OPUS20: Is ethernet communication available for all OPUS20 versions?
Yes, the etherent interface is a part of all OPUS20 instruments, so all of them cam be connected to the network (LAN)
OPUS20: What are the eletrical specifications for the PoE version of the OPUS20 device?
OPUS20E: How to configure the OPUS20E datalogger?
In this video tutorial we lead you trough all the important points from installation to configuration:
- Description of OPUS20E data logger
- Configuration of external sensors without PC
- Configuration via SmartGraph3 software
- Answers to general questions
To the tutorial video:
Configuration of the Lufft OPUS20E datalogger
Show FAQSHM 30: How can I avoid that the sensor will be covered with snow (affected by very strong winds)?
A special tube may be added.
Diameters:
- Front: 70mm
- Middle: 100 mm
- End: 50mm (connection to the sensor)
An extra Lufft accessory is planned for the future
Show FAQ
SHM 30: How to defrost a frozen sensor
You can fix a heater mat on the metal tube, e.g. with 10W power. This would also be the best way to defrost the window of the sensor. Hot water on a frozen window can lead to a serious damage and shall be avoided.
Show FAQSHM 30: What is the life time of the sensor?
Laser Diode Module (LDM) is the most critical part Expected life time:
- >45,000 h (limited to laser diode MTBF; 4-5 years; runs normal between 100 000 to 200 000 hours)
- MTBF: 45,000 h
SHM31: How long would the sensor need to be on in order to be stabilized and to record proper data? Can the sensor be switched off for long periods of time?
Yes it can be switched off for a longer time. There is a defrost mode that can be activated by default, if the sensor is switched on in very cold environments. It can take 2 minutes or 10-15 minutes to wake up the sensor, depending whether the outer conditions are very cold (-40°C ) or moderate (-10°C).
Show FAQSHM31: If operating under SDI-12 communication protocol: Can the heater be turned on and off remotely using the SDI-12 command?
The heaters can be activated/deactivated also with SDI-12. Additionally the heaters could be deactivated with a voltage level at the red 3-pin (configurable).
Show FAQSHM31: Is it possible to measure water or ice with SHM31?
The SHM31 is mainly designed to measure the snow depth. The measuring principle is not applicable to measure pure ice or water due to strong reflections or translucency. For ice and water on roads please view also our road sensors like NIRS31, MARWIS/StaRWIS and ARS/IRS31Pro.
To the Lufft road weather sensors
Show FAQSHM31: What are the specific limitations of using the sensor on 12V?
There are no limitations. But current will be bit higher to get the same heating power as with 24V.
Show FAQSHM31: What is the minimum operating temperature of the sensor with the heaters turned off? At what temperature would it be necessary to turn the heaters on? How would turning the heater off affect the overall measurements of the sensor?
The sensor can operate without heater until -10°C outer temperature without heater. Turning the heater off above -10°C would first of all not affect the measurement, but the outer window might get opaque due to condensation/ freezing after a while.
Show FAQSHM31: What type of current draw does the heater have at 12 V (with and without the heater)?
The power consumption at 12 VDC is roughly: 2.5 W if only the window heater is enabled and 18 W with window and main heater switched on.
SmartView3: How to install and configure the SmartView3 Software?
In this tutorial videos we show you how to install and configure the SmartView3 management solution:
To the SmartView3 Software Video Training - Part 1: Installation
To the SmartView3 Software Video Training - Part 2: Configuration
Show FAQ
SOFTWARE: How about the firmware updates? Do they run automatically?
New updates will be provided regularly on the Lufft website and can be installed on MARWIS with the UMB-Config-Tool or the iPad.
Show FAQSOFTWARE: How to perform a change of an Android device?
MARWIS is able to be connected to one mobile device only. After the first established Bluetooth connection, MARWIS tries to reconnect to the same Android device automatically. Therefore, the currently saved Android device needs to be changed. For this, first make sure that the Bluetooth interface of the previous MARWIS connection partner is disabled or out of reach. Also, check if a valid pairing between the new Bluetooth device and the MARWIS sensor consists (in the system settings of the Android device). To initiate the connection, open the MARWIS app. Then, open the list of available MARWIS through the device connection icon in the upper corner to the right. Please click on the MARWIS with which it needs to be paired. After a short time, the Bluetooth connection is established and the former connection partner in the MARWIS is overwritten.
Show FAQSOFTWARE: How to perform a change of an Apple device?
MARWIS is able to be connected to one mobile device only. After the first established Bluetooth connection, MARWIS tries to reconnect to the same iOS device automatically. In order to change the iOS ouput device, please make sure that the former connection partner is out of reach or disabled. Afterwards, please check if the pairing between the new Bluetooth device and the MARWIS sensor consists. Then, go to settings –> Bluetooth –> other devices –> “MARWIS-UMB-XXXX.XXXX” and tap on the MARWIS to which the connection shall be esablished. Through this the Bluetooth connection will be esablished and the former MARWIS will be overwritten. Also in the MARWIS app the new sensor will be available.
Show FAQSOFTWARE: Is there a help guide or a user manual for the iPad app?
A detailed descriptions of all features of the iPad app can be found at ios-help.lufft-marwis.com.
Show FAQSOFTWARE: Is there another software besides ViewMondo to store and display the measurement data?
A few software options are already available by system partners like Applied Information, the telematic system from mm-lab. More solutions will follow.
Show FAQSOFTWARE: On my mobile device (iPad, iPhone or Android), the GPS location is inaccurate - is there a way to improve this?
Yes, it is possible to connect your mobile device (iPad, iPhone, or Android) with an external GPS receiver to improve the accuracy of the GPS localization. For the iPad / iPhone we tested a model, which is attached directly to the iPad / iPhone connector and works very well (details: “Bad Elf” GPS Receiver for iPad and iPhone, costs about 150 euros).
Show FAQSOFTWARE: What about data security (encryption)?
The data will be transmitted to the server by a binary protocol, so that there is no encryption between MARWIS and the iPad. The app on the iPhone/ iPad has no access to “critical” sections, only to GPRS, Bluetooth and the network.
Show FAQSOFTWARE: What exactly does the data providing include? Can we use one data providing package for more than one MARWIS?
The Data Providing contains of the cloud-based ViewMondo software package. For this, you get an own ViewMondo password-protected account for your mobile and fixed measurement stations. The data will be stored on the Lufft server. With ViewMondo portal you can query, archieve and process the data. providing portal. Since this is associated with an expense incurred for each MARWIS, this offer cannot be transferred to several MARWIS. An annual data providing payment accrues for each MARWIS device. More info on the related Lufft Blog post.
Show FAQSOFTWARE: What functions does the iOS or Android app have, with which you can see/evaluate the MARWIS data?
The iOS/Android app includes road condition views on maps, shows all selected values like road temperature, friction, water film height, road condition etc., can adjust the sensor and transfers the data to a (ViewMondo) server.
Show FAQSOFTWARE: Would the Marwis also give NTCIP data to enable the Data to be integrated into a system that is already in place?
MARWIS itself will not generate NTCIP output, but there are other possible conversion solutions (SmartView3, datalogger etc.).
Show FAQViewMondo: How to work with ViewMondo Road Weather Management Software
In this short software training we show you all important functions of the ViewMondo road weather management software. It is suitable for both fixed and mobile road weather stations. Watch this video and see how user-friendly it is.
To the ViewMondo 5min Tutorial
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WS product family: Communication after protocol change
How to communicate with a WS-Sensor and the UMB-config-Tool if the protocol was changed for example to Modbus or SDI-12?
After a Reset ( switching On/Off the sensor) every WS-Senor will start up for the first 5 seconds in UMB-protocol and the standard baud rate of 19200Bd. Independend to the configured protocol and baudrate settings of the WS-Sensor.
In this first 5 Seconds you will be able to connect via UMB-config-Tool to the WS-Sensor after this first command was send the UMB-protocol will stay for 10 minutes after that it switches back to the original configured protocol. This Time will always be extended to 10 minutes if a new UMB command was send.
WS product family: SDI-12 wiring plan for Device version >= 42
How to connect a WS-sensor with a device version >= 42 (hardware version >=14) to a SDI-12 system?
The wiring plan has changed compared to the wiring plan of older WS-Sensor device versions.
The new wiring plan is:
- +VDD = brown
- GND = white
- SDI12_Signal = yellow
- SDI12_GND = white
This is also mentioned as a note in the latest WS-sensor manual in the section 8 Connections
WS100: How does the Doppler Radar Measurement Principle of the WS100 work?
The 24 GHz Microwave Doppler Radar works with the radar reflection method and measures the precipitation quantity or precipitation intensity by means of the correlation of drop size and velocity below the sensor.
Inside the the smart sensor a drop Size distribution matrix enables to calculate intensity of precipitation and to determine type of precipitation according fundamental meteorological relationships (Gunn-Kinzer and Hobbs and Locatelli).
More to read about the measurement principle in the WS100 Sensor Guide:
To the Download of the WS100 Sensor Guide
Show FAQWS800: What is the max. radius a lighting can be detected from the WS800?
The WS800 uses a integrated electronic chip to detect the lighting. The max. radius of this detection is approximately 10 Km.
Show FAQXA1000: Is it possible to calibrate temperature and humidity if I use the handheld device XA1000?
Yes, with the firmware version V1.9 or higher a calibration of the temperature and humidity is possible. You will be able to do a one point calibration (offset) directly in the handheld device XA1000.
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