BaroVue 30

For aviation weather, meteorological networks, and other monitoring applications, precise atmospheric pressure is essential for smooth flight operations, accurate numerical weather predictions, and trusted data of record. These records support research, emergency planning, and regulatory agencies globally as critical decisions are made and moved upon.

The BaroVue™30 is purpose-built for that role. It combines Trench-Etched Resonant Pressure Sensor (TERPS) technology, specified with drift less than 0.05 hPa/year, with the most precise measurement circuitry and onboard flexibility to fit into the observation network around it. Available in one-, two-, or three-cell configurations, it can support many different measurement and redundancy requirements.

The BaroVue 30 is also designed with long-term field operations in mind. Flexible communications make it easier to integrate into new or existing systems. Onboard data logging adds another level of data resilience, and 0.05 hPa/year stability limits drift and extends calibration intervals—a true cost saving over the sensor's lifetime.

All BaroVue 30 sensors are fully calibrated, adjusted, and traceable to national standards with full documentation. For organizations that require even more confidence in their observation networks and long-term records, the BaroVue 30 can be purchased with a calibration performed in an accredited ISO/IEC 17025 lab with documentation.

Note: A 1 m (3.28 ft) cable ships with every BaroVue 30. Only order a cable accessory as a replacement or for a non-standard length. Cable lengths up to 152.4 m (500 ft) are supported. 

The BaroVue 30 measures atmospheric air (barometric) pressure using TERPS technology. Each TERPS transducer produces a frequency output that varies with applied pressure. The BaroVue 30 resolves that frequency output as well as the reference frequency and calculates absolute pressure once every second with 0.001 hPa resolution with measurement uncertainty within ±0.10 hPa, meeting World Meteorological Organization (WMO) guidelines for surface observations.

The BaroVue 30 is available with one, two, or three independent TERPS sensing elements. In the three-cell configuration, the reported pressure is the median of the three elements, so an excursion on any one element does not reach the output. In the two-cell configuration, the two elements are averaged and can be compared against each other to detect disagreement.

Onboard data logging retains more than two years of 1 Hz pressure measurements. The BaroVue 30 communicates over SDI-12, RS-232, or RS-485 with SDI-12 able to run concurrently with either serial protocol. A USB-C interface provides configuration, data access, and power during field service.

Housed in an IP65-rated aluminum enclosure measuring 15.75 x 9.91 x 5.84 cm (6.2 x 3.9 x 2.3 in.), the BaroVue 30 operates across a temperature range of -60° to +85°C. The sensor mounts to a diamond backplate or, with the DIN rail mounting kit, to a standard DIN rail, connecting through an M12 eight-pin connector on a shielded, twisted-pair cable at lengths verified up to 152.4 m (500 ft).

Exceeding WMO Tender Recommendations

The Guide to Instruments and Methods of Observation (WMO-No. 8, 2024 ed.) provides guidance for sensor performance requirements found in national tender specifications. The BaroVue 30 meets or exceeds these recommendations:

• Range: 450 to 1150 hPa against a required 500 to 1080 hPa range
• Response Time: <2 s time constant compared with WMO’s 2 s response time
• Operating Temperature Range: -60° to +85°C against -40° to +55°C
• Stability: 0.05 hPa/year exceeds WMO’s 0.3 hPa/year by nearly six times
• Uncertainty: ±0.10 hPa at 20°C meets the 0.10 hPa WMO-recommended threshold
• Reported Resolution: 0.001 hPa resolution compared to the WMO recommendation of 0.1 hPa, which is 100 times finer 

Flexible Cell Configurations

Available with one, two, or three independent pressure cells, the BaroVue 30 supports a range of measurement and redundancy requirements.

Concurrent Dual Communications

SDI-12 v1.4 runs concurrently with a bi-directional serial interface over either RS-232 or RS-485. The ASCII serial protocol supported on the BaroVue 30 is built to perfectly match that used on the Vaisala PTB330, allowing these sensors to be interchangeable and used in any system supporting the protocol. The BaroVue 30 reports into existing AWOS host software without changes to that software.

Onboard Data Logging

The BaroVue 30 stores more than one year of 1 Hz pressure measurements onboard, providing additional data resiliency directly at the sensor.

Built for Demanding Environments

The operating range of -60° to +85°C spans 145 K, against the -40° to 55°C minimum in WMO-No. 8, 2024 ed. An internal heater holds the electronics at -40°C when the ambient temperature falls between -60° and -40°C.

Simpler Field Service

The externally accessible IP65 USB-C interface allows technicians to service, configure, and power the BaroVue 30 during maintenance without opening the enclosure or interrupting measurements.

Aviation and WMO Processed Outputs 

The BaroVue 30 calculates altimeter settings—such as QNH and QFE as well as the three-hour tendency code using the standard WMO and ICAO methods—which are then available for systems to automatically ingest.