CSAT3
CSAT3
Retired3-D Sonic Anemometer
No longer available to order
This product is retained for service, documentation, and compatibility information.
Replaced by
- CSAT3B
3-D Sonic Anemometer with Integrated Electronics
- Model:
- CSAT3
- Item Number:
- R_8900
- Warranty:
- 1 year
Overview
The CSAT3 is a three-dimensional sonic anemometer that measures three orthogonal wind components and the speed of sound. In eddy covariance systems, it can measure the turbulent fluctuations of horizontal and vertical wind. These measurements are then used to calculate momentum flux and friction velocity. This sonic anemometer can also provide average horizontal wind speed and direction measurements. The CSAT3 comes with 25 ft cables.
Key Advantages
Best instrument for flux and
other high-level turbulence
research projects
Technical Description
The CSAT3 has a 10 cm vertical measurement path and operates in a pulsed acoustic mode. The three orthogonal wind components (ux, uy, uz) and the speed of sound (c) are measured and output at a maximum rate of 60 Hz. Analog outputs and two types of digital outputs are provided.
Measurements can be triggered from from the CSAT3’s internal clock, the PC-generated RS-232 command, or the data logger’s SDM command. The SDM protocol supports a group trigger for synchronizing multiple CSAT3s.
The FW05 fine wire thermocouple (12.7 μm diameter) is available as an option for fast response temperature measurements.
Benefits
- Provides precision turbulence measurements with minimal flow distortion
- FW05 fine wire thermocouple (12.7 μm diameter) is available as an option for fast response temperature measurements
- Withstands exposure to harsh weather conditions
- Measurements can be used to calculate momentum flux and friction velocity
- Compatible with most Campbell Scientific data loggers
Specifications
- Measurement Path Length
- 10.0 cm
(3.94 in.) vertical
5.8 cm(2.28 in.) horizontal
- Path Angle from Horizontal
- 60°
- Construction
- Sealed sonic transducers and electronics
- Anemometer Head Materials
- Stainless-steel tubing
- Electronics Box Materials
- Cast aluminum
- Operating Temperature Range
- -30° to +50°C
- Voltage Supply
- 10 to 16 Vdc
- Current
- 200 mA
(60 Hz measurement rate)
100 mA(20 Hz measurement rate)
- Digital SDM Output Signal
- CSI 33.3 k baud serial interface for data logger/sensor communication.
(Data type is 2-byte integer per output plus 2-byte diagnostic.)
- Support Arm Diameter
- 1.59 cm
(0.63 in.)
- Transducer Diameter
- 0.64 cm
(0.25 in.)
- Transducer Mounting Fingers Diameter
- 0.84 cm
(0.33 in.)
- Cable Length
- 7.62 m
(25 ft)
- Anemometer Head Dimensions
- 47.3 x 42.4 cm
(18.6 x 16.7 in.)
- Anemometer Head Weight
- 1.7 kg
(3.7 lb)
- Electronics Box Dimensions
- 26 x 16 x 9 cm
(10.24 x 6.3 x 3.54 in.)
- Electronics Box Weight
- 3.8 kg
(8.4 lb)
Measurements
- Outputs
- ux, uy, uz, c
(ux, uy, uz are wind components referenced to the anemometer axes; c is speed of sound.) - Speed of Sound
- Determined from three acoustic paths; corrected for crosswind effects.
- Measurement Rate
- Programmable from 1 to 60 Hz, instantaneous measurements.
Two over-sampled modes are block averaged to either 20 Hz or 10 Hz.
- Measurement Resolution
- Resolution values are for instantaneous measurements made on a constant signal; noise is not affected by sample rate.1 mm/s rms
(ux, uy)
0.5 mm/s rms(uz)
15 mm/s (0.025°C) rms(c)
0.06° rms(wind direction)
- Offset Error
- Offset error and gain error values assume the -30° to +50°C range, wind speeds of < 30 m/s, and wind angles between ±170°.< ±8.0 cm/s
(ux, uy)
< ±4.0 cm/s(uz)
- Gain Error
- Offset error and gain error values assume the -30° to +50°C range, wind speeds of < 30 m/s, and wind angles between ±170°.< ±2% of reading
(wind vector within ±5° of horizontal)
< ±3% of reading(wind vector within ±10° of horizontal)
< ±6% of reading(wind vector within ±20° of horizontal)
- Wind Direction Accuracy
- ±0.7° at 1 m/s
(for horizontal wind)
- Rain
- Innovative ultrasonic signal processing and user-installable wicks considerably improve the performance of the anemometer under all rain events.
Digital RS-232 Output Signal
- Baud Rate
- 9600, 19200 bps
- Data Type
- 2-byte integer per output plus 2-byte diagnostic
Analog
- Number of Outputs
- 4
- Voltage Range
- ±5 V
- Number of Bits
- 12
SDM & RS-232 Digital Outputs Reporting Range
- Full-Scale Wind
- ±65.535 m/s autoranging between four ranges
(Least significant bit is 0.25 to 2 mm/s.)
- Speed of Sound
- 300 to 366 m/s
(-50° to +60°C) Least significant bit is 1 mm/s (0.002°C).
Analog Outputs Reporting Range
- ux
- ±30 m s-1, ±60 m s-1
- uy
- ±30 m s-1, ±60 m s-1
- uz
- ±8 m s-1
- c
- 300 to 366 m s-1
(-50 to +60°C)
Analog Outputs LSB
- ux
- 15 mm s-1, 30 mm s-1
- uy
- 15 mm s-1, 30 mm s-1
- uz
- ±8 m s-1
- c
- 16 mm s-1
(0.026°C)
Accessories
(7)CSAT3CBL1
Replacement Analog Output Cable for CSAT3
OrderableCSAT3CBL2
Replacement RS-232 Output Cable for CSAT3
OrderableCSAT3CBL3
Replacement Power/SDM Cable for CSAT3
Orderable10080
Thermocouple Cover for CSAT3, CSAT3B, or IRGASON
OrderableFW05
Type E Fine-Wire Thermocouple with 0.0005 in. Diameter
OrderableFW/ENC
Fine-Wire Thermocouple Carrying Case (hold four thermocouples)
OrderableFWC
Connector Cable for Fine-Wire Thermocouples
Orderable
Common Accessories
(7)CSAT3CBL1
Replacement Analog Output Cable for CSAT3
The CSAT3CBL1-L attaches to the Analog Output connector on the CSAT3 electronics box. Order a 25-foot lead length (i.e., CSAT3CBL1-L25) to replace the cable originally shipped with the CSAT3. The CSAT3CBL1 is also offered for applications where cabling in excess of 25 feet is required.
Formerly purchased as the CSATCBL1-L.OrderableCSAT3CBL2
Replacement RS-232 Output Cable for CSAT3
The CSAT3CBL2-L attaches to the RS-232 connector on the CSAT3 electronics box. Order a 25-foot lead length (i.e., CSAT3CBL2-L25) to replace the cable originally shipped with the CSAT3. The CSAT3CBL2 is also offered for applications where cabling in excess of 25 feet, but less than 50 feet, is required.
Note: SRM-5A Short Haul modems can be used for applications requiring lengths longer than 50 feet.
Formerly purchased as the CSATCBL2-L.OrderableCSAT3CBL3
Replacement Power/SDM Cable for CSAT3
The CSAT3CBL3-L attaches to the +12V SDM connector on the CSAT3 electronics box. Order a 25-foot lead length (i.e., CSAT3CBL3-L25) to replace the cable originally shipped with the CSAT3. The CSAT3CBL3 is also offered for applications where cabling in excess of 25-feet is required.
Formerly purchased as the CSATCBL3-L.Orderable10080
Thermocouple Cover for CSAT3, CSAT3B, or IRGASON
The 10080 Thermocouple Cover is placed over the Omega-brand thermocouple connectors and is used to mount the connectors to the side of the CSAT3 head. It also minimizes temperature gradients across the connectors.
OrderableFW05
Type E Fine-Wire Thermocouple with 0.0005 in. Diameter
At least two FW05 thermocouples per CSAT3 are needed; four are recommended. The FW05 consists of a 0.0005" diameter, type E thermocouple mounted on a stainless steel bayonet. This thermocouple features a simplified junction design over its predecessor, the FWTC05. The FW05's measurement junction resembles that of the 127 thermocouple, used with CA27. The FW/ENC carry case is required (see below).
OrderableFW/ENC
Fine-Wire Thermocouple Carrying Case (hold four thermocouples)
An FW/ENC Fine Wire Carrying Case is required to ship or carry the fine wire thermocouples. The case can house up to four FW05s.
OrderableFWC
Connector Cable for Fine-Wire Thermocouples
An FWC-L Connector Cable is required for each FW05 ordered. A 35-foot cable length (i.e., FWC-L35) is recommended; four feet of this cable should be bundled inside of the enclosure to minimize heat conduction on the terminal strips. The remaining 31 feet is for mounting the FW05 onto the side of the CSAT3 head.
Orderable
Replacement Parts
(10)28902
Spare Sonic Wicks Kit
The Spare Sonic Wicks Kit includes three upper transducer wicks, three lower transducer wicks, and a wick-installation tool.
Orderable31962
1-Ring Replacement Bubble Level with Mounting Bumper and Hardware
The 31962 may be purchased to replace a damaged bubble level.
Orderable42815
Four-Unit Desiccant Bags (quantity of 10)
The 42815 includes 10 large, four-unit desiccant bags, used to absorb humidity within enclosures. Multiple packs are recommended for customers who need to desiccate multiple enclosures or systems.
Orderable28
Screw #4-40 x .250 Cap Hex Socket
Three of these screws attach the 2842 bubble level to the CSAT3. The 28 may be purchased to replace lost or damaged screws.
OrderableCM250
Leveling Mounting Kit
The CM250 is a leveling mount kit for attaching the CSAT3 to a crossarm.
Orderable9785
CSAT3 Enclosure Mounting Bracket
The 9785 includes hardware for mounting the CSAT3 to a crossarm.
Orderable9783
CSAT3 Case Foam Set
The 9783 is the custom foam cutout that ships with each CSAT3. This foam helps protect the CSAT3 from damage during shipping. The foam cutout is included whether or not the carrying case is ordered.
Orderable17492
Stainless-Steel U-Bolt Screw 5/16-18 x 2.125 with 2 Silicon Bronze Nuts
The 17492 provides a 5/16" U-bolt and two nuts. This product is used to mount solar panels, mounts, enclosures, or sensors to a mast, tower, or pole.
Orderable4365
Stainless-Steel Flat Washer 5/16
The 4365 can be purchased to replace a lost or damaged washer.
Orderable9786
CSAT3 U-Bolt Tension Bracket
This tension bracket is shipped with the CSAT3. The 9786 may be purchased to replace a lost or damaged bracket.
Orderable
Services
(3)16554
CSAT3A/B/BH/C Standard Calibration without CMM or Data
The 16554 provides calibration over the sonic anemometer's operating temperature range without using the coordinate measurement machine (CMM); the CMM is used on the anemometer at time of original purchase. During calibration, Campbell Scientific determines if the geometry of the heads has changed since original manufacture. If so, the 16555 recalibration is required. In all cases, factory calibration requires a Return Material Authorization (RMA).
Orderable16555
CSAT3A/B/BH/C Calibration with CMM but without Data
The 16555 includes calibration over the sonic anemometer's operating temperature range and coordinate measurement of transducer positions in space relative to the bubble mounting surface. CMM measurement is performed on the anemometer at time of original purchase. This calibration option (instead of the 16554) is required if the geometry of the heads has changed since original manufacture. In all cases, factory calibration requires a Return Material Authorization (RMA).
Orderable38945
Sonic Anemometer Inspection, Diagnosis, and Evaluation
The 38945 service is for Campbell Scientific sonic anemometers (CSAT3, CSAT3A, CSAT3B, and CSAT3BH) that are sent in for repair service, but, after diagnosis, it is determined that the sensor cannot be repaired or calibrated, or repair is not required. This service fee covers the required sensor testing for the evaluation.
Orderable
Similar Products
(5)Compatibility
Data Logger Considerations
Required Operating Systems or PROMs
| Data Logger Model | Data Logger Operating System (OS) or PROMs Required |
CSAT3 OS Required |
| 21X | 1K 6145-3, 6146-5, 10006-1 | 2.1 or higher |
| 21X | 2K 6148-5, 6149-7, 6070-64 | 2.1 or higher |
| CR800, CR850 | All OS | 3.0 or higher |
| CR10 | 2K 5954-396; 4K is a Library Special |
2.1 or higher |
| CR10X | OS 1.4 or higher | 2.1 or higher |
| CR1000 | All OS | 3.0 or higher |
| CR23X | All OS | 2.1 or higher |
| CR3000 | All OS | 3.0 or higher |
| CR5000 | All OS | 3.0 or higher |
| CR9000 | 2.01 or higher | 2.1 or higher |
| CR9000X | All OS | 2.1 or higher |
Compatible Products
(1)Related Resources
Case Studies

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Western Sahara
April 29, 2016
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Monitoring net contributions to atmospheric gases
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Colorado: RWIS Data from ALERT System
Integration of RWIS into ALERT network
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California: Turbulence Study in Walnut Orchard
Large CSAT3 array and other sensors used to measure turbulence in and above canopy of walnut orchard
Cilker Orchards, Dixon, California
November 14, 2011
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Showing 4 of 5 results
See all Case StudiesDocuments
- Manual
Open Path Eddy Covariance (OPEC)
April 2013
View Document - Technical Paper
CSAT3: Instructions to Update Embedded Software (2WI-M)
January 2003
View Document - Brochure
CSAT3 3-D Sonic Anemometer
September 2016
View Document - Manual
CSAT3 Packing Information
March 2012
View Document
Showing 4 of 5 results
See all DocumentsDownloads
Services Available
- Repair
- No
- Calibration
- Yes
- Free Support
- Yes