CHM 15k Simulator for Cloud Height Simulation

The simulator has to be deployed on the top of the ceilometer covering the laser inlet. One of the five LEDs receives the laser impulse emitted by the ceilometer and, after a certain time has passed, sends an optical signal back to the ceilometer simulating it via the 4 other LEDs.

The time span between receiving and sending the signal as well as the time of flight of the return signal going back to the ceilometer shall correlate with a signal of an actual cloud. The characteristics of this simulated cloud can be determined by using the included CHM Simulator Application. Using the app, which shall be installed on a standard android based tablet, the user can select the cloud height and depth according to its preference. The app communicates via Bluetooth with the CHM Simulator.

Furthermore, the strength of the d.c. light/background light can be chosen in order to check how the ceilometer can manage disturbances caused by background light. The results of this ceilometer-check can be read out directly at the ceilometer instrument. Some of the results are also given out by the app (laser frequency) or can be accessed via the embedded UMB protocol.