USER'S GUIDE

Visibility Sensor
FS11

M211187EN-C
PUBLISHED BY

Vaisala Oyj Phone (int.): +358 9 8949 1

P.O. Box 26 Fax: +358 9 8949 2227
FI-00421 Helsinki
Finland

Visit our Internet pages at www.vaisala.com.

© Vaisala 2013

No part of this manual may be reproduced, published or publicly displayed in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical (including photocopying), nor may its
contents be modified, translated, adapted, sold or disclosed to a third party without prior
written permission of the copyright holder. Translated manuals and translated portions
of multilingual documents are based on the original English versions. In ambiguous
cases, the English versions are applicable, not the translations.

The contents of this manual are subject to change without prior notice.

This manual does not create any legally binding obligations for Vaisala towards
customers or end users. All legally binding obligations and agreements are included
exclusively in the applicable supply contract or the General Conditions of Sale and
General Conditions of Service of Vaisala.
_________________________________________________________________________________

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1
GENERAL INFORMATION ................................................................... 9
About This Manual ............................................................. 9
Version Information ......................................................... 9
Related Manuals .............................................................. 9
Documentation Conventions ...................................... 10
Product-Related Safety Precautions ........................ 10
ESD Protection ............................................................... 12
Recycling ............................................................................. 13
Regulatory Compliances............................................... 13
Trademarks ......................................................................... 14
License Agreement ......................................................... 14
Warranty ............................................................................... 14

CHAPTER 2
PRODUCT OVERVIEW ........................................................................ 15
Description and Purpose .............................................. 15
Mechanical Structure...................................................... 16
Equipment Nomenclature ............................................. 17

CHAPTER 3
INSTALLATION ...................................................................................... 19
Organizing Installation ................................................... 19
Location and Orientation .............................................. 20
Unloading and Unpacking ............................................ 22
Unpacking Procedure................................................... 22
Storage Information ...................................................... 22
Equipment Grounding and Lightning
Protection ............................................................................ 23
Cable Selection ................................................................. 25
Line Power Cable .......................................................... 25
Communication Cable .................................................. 27
Installation Procedures.................................................. 28
Foundation Construction ............................................. 28
Mounting when Casting Pad ................................. 29
Mounting to Existing Surface ................................ 31
Assembling FS11 .......................................................... 32

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Inserting Battery for Optional FSB101..................... 42

Connecting Cables ........................................................ 44
Power Cable ............................................................... 45
Communication Cable ............................................. 47
Communication Options .............................................. 48
Serial Communications Settings .......................... 48
Serial Transmission with RS-232......................... 49
Serial Multipoint Transmission with RS-485 ..... 50
Modem DXL421 (Optional) .................................... 52
Multipoint Modem Connection .............................. 55
Maintenance Terminal Connection ..................... 56
Background Luminance Options ............................... 57
LM21 Background Luminance Sensor ............... 57
Day/Night Photo Switch .......................................... 57
Obstruction Light Option .............................................. 59
Startup ............................................................................... 60
Initial Settings .................................................................. 61

CHAPTER 4
OPERATION............................................................................................. 63
FS11 Commands............................................................... 63
Entering and Exiting Command Mode..................... 63
OPEN Command ...................................................... 64
CLOSE Command.................................................... 65
Available Commands.................................................... 65
Command Completion.................................................. 70
Terminal Line Number Adjustment ........................... 71
Command Polling .......................................................... 71
Message Formats ............................................................. 72
MESSAGE Command .................................................. 73
MESSAGE 1, FS11 ....................................................... 73
Alarm Status Codes ................................................. 74
MESSAGE 2, FS11 with LM21 .................................. 75
MESSAGE 3, Status Message .................................. 76
MESSAGE 4, Uncompensated Values ................... 78
MESSAGE 5, Vaisala System Standard ................ 79
FD12 Emulation.............................................................. 79
FD12 Message 2....................................................... 80
FD12P Message 7.................................................... 81
MITRAS Emulation ........................................................ 82
MITRAS Single Baseline ........................................ 82
MITRAS Double Baseline ...................................... 84
Message Sending Modes .............................................. 86
Automatic Mode ............................................................. 86
ACK/NAK Confirmation ........................................... 86
Polled Mode..................................................................... 88
Second Message ........................................................... 89

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System Configuration .................................................... 90

Default Factory Settings .............................................. 90
Optional External Sensors .......................................... 91
LM21 Background Luminance Sensor............... 91
Day/Night Sensor ..................................................... 91
Simulated Test Messages ............................................. 92
Fixed Test Messages ................................................... 92
Manual Simulation Message ...................................... 93
Operating LM21 through Maintenance Port .......... 95
Serial Communication Settings ............................ 95
Serial Transmission RS-232 ................................. 95
Entering and Exiting Command Mode .................... 96
OPEN Command ...................................................... 96
CLOSE Command ................................................... 96
Available Commands ................................................... 97
Parameter Configuration ............................................. 99
Default Settings for FS11 Use ............................ 100
LM21 Standard Initialization........................... 100

CHAPTER 5
THEORY OF OPERATION ................................................................ 101
Hardware Description................................................... 103
Measurement Unit FSM102 ..................................... 103
Transmitter Unit FST102 ...................................... 103
Receiver Unit FSR102 .......................................... 105
Controller Board FSC102..................................... 107
Interface Unit FSI102 ................................................. 107
Communication Controller Board FSC202 ..... 108
AC (Mains) Power Supply.................................... 108
Battery Backup ........................................................ 109
Frangible Mast .............................................................. 109
Software Description .................................................... 110
Measuring Sequence ................................................. 110
Visibility Measuring Principle ................................... 110
Calculations ................................................................... 111
Internal Monitoring ........................................................ 111
FS11 Status Messages.............................................. 111
Event Messages ..................................................... 112
Alarm Messages ..................................................... 117
Optical Contamination and Blocking
Monitoring ...................................................................... 118
Contamination Compensation ............................ 119
Signal Monitoring ......................................................... 120
Transmitter Intensity Stability................................... 120
Heaters Operation ....................................................... 121
Power Supplies ............................................................ 121
Analog Interfaces......................................................... 122

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Memory Tests and Program Operation................. 123

Communication Monitoring ....................................... 123
Background Luminance Sensor .............................. 124
Error Log......................................................................... 124

CHAPTER 6
MAINTENANCE .................................................................................... 125
Cleaning FSM102 Windows........................................ 125
FS11 Calibration.............................................................. 127
FSM102 Visibility Calibration ................................... 127
FSM102 Calibration Check Procedure ............ 128
FSM102 Calibration Procedure .......................... 129
FSM102 Mechanical Alignment Check
Procedure.................................................................. 130
FSM102 Guided Calibration Procedure ........... 131
Evaluating Results of Guided Calibration
Procedure for Measurement Unit....................... 134
Calibration Passed ............................................ 134
Calibration Procedure Failed ......................... 137
Replacing FS11 Modules ............................................. 139
Replacing FSC102 ...................................................... 140
Replacing FSC202 ...................................................... 142
Replacing FSP103 .......................................................... 146
Replacing Transmitter Module FST102 and
Receiver Module FSR102 ......................................... 149
Replacing/Installing Sensor Cables in FS11 ....... 155
Replacing Fuses ............................................................. 157

CHAPTER 7
TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................................................ 159
Error Messages ............................................................... 160
Errors ............................................................................... 160
Alarms ............................................................................. 161
Warnings ........................................................................ 162
Indications ...................................................................... 163
Miscellaneous Problems ............................................. 164
Technical Support .......................................................... 166
Product Returns .............................................................. 166

CHAPTER 8
TECHNICAL DATA .............................................................................. 167
Specifications .................................................................. 167
Operational Specifications ........................................ 167
Optical Specifications ................................................. 167

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Electrical Specifications ............................................. 168

Mechanical Specifications ........................................ 169
Environmental Specifications................................... 169
Electromagnetic Compatibility ................................. 169
CRC16 Checksum .......................................................... 170
INDEX ....................................................................................................... 171

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List of Figures
Figure 1 FS11 System ........................................................................ 16
Figure 2 FS11 Recommended Location with Mast
FSAM250/FSFM250 .......................................................... 20
Figure 3 FS11 Equipment Grounding ............................................ 24
Figure 4 Junction Box ......................................................................... 26
Figure 5 Casting Concrete Foundation ......................................... 28
Figure 6 FS11 Foundation Construction ....................................... 30
Figure 7 Mounting FS11 to Existing Surface ............................... 31
Figure 8 Mounting FS11 Mast Using Foundation Kit
FS211296 .............................................................................. 32
Figure 9 Mounting FS11 Frangible Mast Grounding
Cable....................................................................................... 33
Figure 10 Mounting FS11 Aluminum Mast Using
Foundation Kit FS211296................................................. 34
Figure 11 Fixing Sensor Arm with Allen Screws ........................... 35
Figure 12 Mounting Rear Panel of Radiation Shield ................... 35
Figure 13 Tilting Aluminum and Frangible Pole Masts ............... 36
Figure 14 Connecting Measurement Unit ....................................... 37
Figure 15 Suspending Enclosure from Rear Panel...................... 38
Figure 16 Threading Cable Connector with Cable Tie ................ 38
Figure 17 Threading LM21 Cable ...................................................... 39
Figure 18 Mounting LM21 .................................................................... 39
Figure 19 Mounting Interface Unit Enclosure ................................ 40
Figure 20 Sensor Arm Assembly ....................................................... 41
Figure 21 Mounting Radiation Shield ............................................... 42
Figure 22 Backup Battery without Cover Plate.............................. 43
Figure 23 Interface Unit Enclosure Cable ....................................... 44
Figure 24 Cabling Principle ................................................................. 46
Figure 25 Cable Grounding Instruction ............................................ 48
Figure 26 RS-232 Communication Option ...................................... 50
Figure 27 RS-485 Communication Option ...................................... 51
Figure 28 RS-485 Application ............................................................. 51
Figure 29 DXL421 Modem Wiring ..................................................... 52
Figure 30 Installing DXL421 ................................................................ 54
Figure 31 Location of External Maintenance Line
Connectors............................................................................ 56
Figure 32 Wiring Day/Night Photo Switch ....................................... 58
Figure 33 Obstruction Light Wiring ................................................... 59
Figure 34 Switching On Unit ............................................................... 60
Figure 35 FS11 Block Diagram ........................................................ 102
Figure 36 FST102 Transmitter Block Diagram ............................ 104
Figure 37 Window Contamination Measurement Principle
inside Transmitter and Receiver FSM102 ................. 105
Figure 38 FSR102 Receiver Block Diagram ................................ 106
Figure 39 Location of Surface Temperature Probe.................... 122
Figure 40 Installing Zero Plugs......................................................... 128

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Figure 41 Assembling and Attaching Calibrator ......................... 129

Figure 42 Installing Mask Plates onto Opaque Glass Plates.. 131
Figure 43 Visibility Sensor Controller FSC102 ............................ 140
Figure 44 VS Bottom View, Central Compartment Cover
Screws ................................................................................. 141
Figure 45 FSI102 Interface Unit....................................................... 142
Figure 46 Power and Battery Switch Locations .......................... 143
Figure 47 FSC202 Connectors and Cover Plate Screws ........ 144
Figure 48 FSC202 Screws and Connectors ................................ 145
Figure 49 FSP103 Parts..................................................................... 147
Figure 50 Visibility Sensor Transmitter and Receiver
Control Cables ................................................................... 149
Figure 51 End Plug Removal (Shown for Transmitter) ............. 150
Figure 52 Module Retainer Removal (Shown for
Transmitter) ........................................................................ 150
Figure 53 Pushing Control Cable into Optics Head ................... 151
Figure 54 Transmitter Resp. Receiver Module, Control
Cable Disconnected ......................................................... 151
Figure 55 Pulling Control Cable out of Housing Tube .............. 152
Figure 56 Transmitter/Receiver Module O-Ring ......................... 152
Figure 57 End Plug with O-Ring ...................................................... 153
Figure 58 FSP103 and FSC202 Sensor Cable
Connections ....................................................................... 155
Figure 59 Location of Fuses on FSP103 Board.......................... 157

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List of Tables
Table 1 Manual Revisions.................................................................. 9
Table 2 Related Manuals ................................................................... 9
Table 3 FS11 Basic Nomenclature ............................................... 17
Table 4 FS11 Options Nomenclature ........................................... 18
Table 5 FS11 Recommended Accessories ................................ 18
Table 6 AC (Mains) Cable Selection............................................. 27
Table 7 Communication Cable Lengths ...................................... 48
Table 8 Default Communication Settings .................................... 61
Table 9 FS11 User Level Commands .......................................... 65
Table 10 FS11 Advanced Level Commands ................................ 67
Table 11 Alarm Status Codes ........................................................... 74
Table 12 Default Factory Parameter Settings .............................. 91
Table 13 LM21 User Level Commands.......................................... 97
Table 14 LM21 Advanced Level Commands ............................... 98
Table 15 Default Settings for LM21 in FS11 Use ...................... 100
Table 16 Measurement Unit Event Messages ........................... 112
Table 17 Interface Unit Event Messages ..................................... 113
Table 18 Background Luminance Detector Sensor Event
Messages ............................................................................ 114
Table 19 Error Messages ................................................................. 117
Table 20 Alarm Messages................................................................ 117
Table 21 Warning Messages........................................................... 118
Table 22 Indication Messages ........................................................ 118
Table 23 Successful Guided Calibration Procedure ................ 135
Table 24 Guided Calibration Procedure, Calibration
Update .................................................................................. 136
Table 25 Guided Calibration Procedure, Scatter Signal
Test Failed .......................................................................... 137
Table 26 Guided Calibration Procedure, Zero Test Failed..... 138
Table 27 Wiring for LM21 Cable..................................................... 156
Table 28 Wiring for FSM102 Cable ............................................... 156
Table 29 Error Messages ................................................................. 160
Table 30 Alarm Messages................................................................ 161
Table 31 Warning Messages........................................................... 162
Table 32 Indication Messages ........................................................ 163
Table 33 Miscellaneous Problems ................................................. 164
Table 34 FS11 Operational Specifications .................................. 167
Table 35 FS11 General Optical Specifications .......................... 167
Table 36 FS11 Transmitter Optical Specifications.................... 168
Table 37 FS11 Receiver Optical Specifications ........................ 168
Table 38 FS11 Electrical Specifications....................................... 168
Table 39 FS11 Mechanical Specifications .................................. 169
Table 40 FS11 Environmental Specifications ............................ 169
Table 41 FS11 CE-Compliance ...................................................... 169

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Chapter 1 _________________________________________________________ General Information

CHAPTER 1
GENERAL INFORMATION

This chapter provides general notes for the manual and the product.

About This Manual

Visibility Sensor FS11 User's Guide contains information relating to
transportation, installation, and operation of the system. The assembly
operations and maintenance work are also covered in detail. Finally,
troubleshooting instructions and technical specifications are included to
help fault tracing.

Version Information
Table 1 Manual Revisions
Manual Code Description
M211187EN-C This manual. Updated with information on modem
DXL421.
M211187EN-B Previous version. Added FSC202, FSP103, and
sensor cable replacement instructions.
M211187EN-A First version of this manual.

Related Manuals
The need for the following manuals, which are for related sensors,
computers, displays, and such equipment, depends on the system
configuration. (These documents are not included in the standard FS11
delivery.)

Table 2 Related Manuals

Manual Code Manual Name
M211107EN FS11P User's Guide
M210310EN TERMBOX 1200 Termination Box, User's Guide
M210374EN QBR101 User's Guide
M210283EN LM21 User's Guide

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Documentation Conventions
Throughout the manual, important safety considerations are highlighted
as follows:

WARNING Warning alerts you to a serious hazard. If you do not read and follow
instructions very carefully at this point, there is a risk of injury or even
death.

CAUTION Caution warns you of a potential hazard. If you do not read and follow
instructions carefully at this point, the product could be damaged or
important data could be lost.

NOTE Note highlights important information on using the product.

Product-Related Safety Precautions

The following safety precautions must be observed during all phases of
installation work and repair of this instrument or the equipment. Failure
to comply with these precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in
this manual violates safety standards of design, manufacture, and
intended use of the instrument or equipment. Vaisala Oyj and its
subsidiaries assume no liability for the consequences of customer's
failure to comply with these requirements.

WARNING To minimize the electrical shock hazard, the Visibility Sensor chassis
must be connected to a good electrical earth. The instrument is equipped
with a three-conductor AC (mains) power cable. Be sure that the earth
wire of the cable is connected to an electrical ground.

WARNING There is also a grounding plug at the bottom of the interface unit's
enclosure of the Visibility Sensor. Good grounding with a 16 mm2 cable
must be provided. Besides improving safety, this protects the Visibility
Sensor against lightning induced voltages.

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Chapter 1 _________________________________________________________ General Information

WARNING To prevent operator injury or damage to the Visibility Sensor, verify that
the line voltage setting is correct before connecting the line power. Also
ensure that the line power outlet is provided with a protective ground
contact.

WARNING Do not operate the equipment in the presence of flammable gases or

fumes. Operation of any electrical instrument in such an environment
constitutes a definite safety hazard.

WARNING Do not attempt internal service or adjustment unless another person,

capable of rendering first aid and resuscitation, is present.

WARNING Operating personnel must not remove instrument covers. Component

replacement or internal adjustments must be made by qualified
maintenance personnel. Do not replace components with the power cable
connected. Under certain conditions, dangerous voltages may exist even
with the power cable disconnected. To avoid injuries disconnect the
power and discharge all circuits before touching them.

CAUTION The component boards including CMOS microchips should be

transported and stored in conductive packages. Although new CMOS
devices are protected against overvoltage damages caused by static
electric discharge of the operator, careful handling is recommended: The
operator should be properly grounded. Unnecessary handling of
component boards should be avoided.

CAUTION Because of the danger of introducing additional hazards, do not modify

or substitute parts in the instrument. Contact Vaisala or its authorized
representative for repairs to ensure that safety features are maintained.

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RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT (USA)

The United States Federal Communications Commission (in 47 CFR

15.838) has specified that the following notice be brought to the attention
of users of this kind of product in the USA:

Federal communications commission radio frequency interference

statement

This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not
installed and used properly, that is in strict accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions, may cause interference to radio and
television reception. The Visibility Sensor is designed to provide
reasonable protection against such interference in an airport
installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment causes interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:

- reorient the receiving antenna

- relocate the device with respect to the receiver
- move the device away from the receiver

If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced

radio/television technician for additional suggestions.

ESD Protection
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) can cause immediate or latent damage to
electronic circuits. Vaisala products are adequately protected against
ESD for their intended use. However, it is possible to damage the product
by delivering electrostatic discharges when touching, removing, or
inserting any objects inside the equipment housing.

To make sure you are not delivering high static voltages yourself:

- Handle ESD sensitive components on a properly grounded and

protected ESD workbench. When this is not possible, ground yourself
to the equipment chassis before touching the boards. Ground yourself
with a wrist strap and a resistive connection cord. When neither of the
above is possible, touch a conductive part of the equipment chassis
with your other hand before touching the boards.
- Always hold the boards by the edges and avoid touching the
component contacts.

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Chapter 1 _________________________________________________________ General Information

Recycling
Recycle all applicable material.

Dispose of batteries and the unit according to statutory regulations. Do

not dispose of with regular household refuse.

Regulatory Compliances
The FS11 (with or without LM21) complies with the following directives
and standards:

- Low Voltage Directive (2006/95/EC)

- EMC-Directive 2004/108/EC)
- EN 60950-1 :2006 + A11:2009 Information technology equipment -
Safety - Part 1: General requirements
- UL 60950-1:2007 (2nd Edition) and national differences for United
States and Canada
- EN 61326-1 :2006-04 Electrical equipment for measurement, control
and laboratory use - EMC requirements - for use in industrial
locations.
- EN 55022:2006 + Am 1:2007 to EN55022:2006 Class B. Information
technology equipment - Radio disturbance characteristics - Limits and
methods of measurement.
- EN 61000-3-2 (2006) Limits for harmonic current emissions
- EN 61000-3-3 (2008) Limitation of voltage changes, voltage
fluctuations and flicker in public low-voltage supply systems

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Trademarks
RAINCAP® is a registered trademark of Vaisala Oyj.

Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the

United States and/or other countries.

License Agreement
All rights to any software are held by Vaisala or third parties. The
customer is allowed to use the software only to the extent that is provided
by the applicable supply contract or Software License Agreement.

Warranty
For certain products Vaisala normally gives a limited one-year warranty.
Visit our Internet pages for more information and our standard warranty
terms and conditions: www.vaisala.com/services/warranty.html.

Please observe that any such warranty may not be valid in case of
damage due to normal wear and tear, exceptional operating conditions,
negligent handling or installation, or unauthorized modifications. Please
see the applicable supply contract or Conditions of Sale for details of the
warranty for each product.

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Chapter 2 ___________________________________________________________ Product Overview

CHAPTER 2
PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Description and Purpose

FS11 is an intelligent visibility sensor for automatic weather-observing
systems. The visibility measurement is specially designed for Runway
Visual Range (RVR) applications but measures up to a Meteorological
Optical Range (MOR) of 75 km. If the detector is equipped with a
background luminance sensor, it can also measure ambient light.

The sensor can be employed as an observer’s aid in a semi-automatic

weather observing system. The sensor is also suitable for other weather
observing systems providing valuable information, for example, to
airport, road and harbor authorities.

The FS11 sensor requires a 115/230 VAC power supply and an RS-232
or an RS-485 cable or a single pair modem line for communication. The
instrument sends data and status messages to a remote display unit or a
data processing system.

A set of built-in commands and test routines is provided for the

configuration and monitoring of the multiple FS11 functions. During the
assembly and maintenance procedures, a display terminal is needed for
checking the system parameters and possibly for changing their values.

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Mechanical Structure

1005-009

Figure 1 FS11 System

The following numbers refer to Figure 1 above:

1 = Measurement Unit FSM102
2 = Interface Unit FSI102
3 = Pole mast
4 = Background Luminance Sensor LM21 (optional)
5 = FS11OBS Obstruction Light (optional)

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Chapter 2 ___________________________________________________________ Product Overview

The FS11 system is constructed of three main parts (see numbers 1–3 in
Figure 1 on page 16):

1. Measurement unit FSM102 includes the measurement CPU, optical

parts, transmitter, receiver, and protective hoods equipped with
heaters.
2. The interface unit FSI102 includes the communication CPU, power
supply, optional modem board, and optional backup battery.
3. The frangible pole mast includes the mechanical fixing onto the
foundation or some other flat surface, and the support for the
measurement unit and the interface unit's enclosure.

The FSM102 transmitter and receiver optics are permanently aligned

downwards and outwards to protect them from blowing dust, snow, and
rain. The scatter measurement angle is 42°. The enclosure of the interface
unit is normally mounted on the pole mast, which supports the
measurement unit.

Equipment Nomenclature
Table 3 FS11 Basic Nomenclature
Code Common Name Description
FSM102 Measurement Unit Measurement unit assembly
FST102 Transmitter module
FSR102 Receiver module
FSC102 Measurement CPU
FSI102 Interface Unit Power supply, interfacing
assembly
FSC202 Interface CPU
FSP103 Power Supply
FS45048 Mast Cable For FSFM250
FSFM250 Frangible mast and Frangible composite mast
Foundation kit (allows 2.5 m measurement
volume height from ground) with
installation kit and accessories
FS211295 Mast Frangible mast
FS211296 Foundation kit Installation kit for frangible and
aluminum masts for existing and
new foundations

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Table 4 FS11 Options Nomenclature

Code Common Name Description
DXL421 Modem For remote communication
(leased line)
DMX501 Modem For remote communication
(discontinued) (leased line)
LM21 Background Luminance Includes accessories
Sensor LM21 for FS11
FSB101 Battery backup QBR101 battery charger and
battery 2 Ah
FS11OBS Obstruction Light 12 VDC, 7 W obstruction light
DRW232138 Sensor Arm Mechanical installation support
for LM21 and FS11OBS options
TERMBOX- Junction box Junction box, AC (mains) and
1200 signal connections, and
enhanced lightning protection
FSAM250 Aluminum mast and Aluminum mast (allows 2.5 m
Foundation kit measurement volume height
from ground) with installation kit
and accessories
FD1130 Mast Aluminum mast
FS211296 Foundation kit Installation kit for frangible and
aluminum masts for existing and
new foundations
FSAM300 Aluminum mast and Aluminum mast (allows 3 m
Foundation kit measurement volume height
from ground) with installation kit
and accessories
FD15030 Mast Aluminum mast
FS211296 Foundation kit Installation kit for frangible and
aluminum masts for existing and
new foundations

Table 5 FS11 Recommended Accessories

Code Common Name Description
FSA11 Visibility Calibration Set Includes:
− Calibration devices
− Maintenance cable QMZ101
− Special tools needed in
installation and
maintenance
LMA21 LM21 Field Calibration Set LM21 Field Calibration Device

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Chapter 3 ________________________________________________________________ Installation

CHAPTER 3
INSTALLATION

Organizing Installation
Before you begin to install FS11 Visibility Sensor, make a plan of the
installation steps. The following is an exemplary plan describing how to
organize the installation process.

1. Perform site survey:

- Find the most representative measurement site
- Determine the orientation of the visibility sensor
2. Prepare cabling plan:
- Grounding cabling layout and cable type
- Power supply cabling layout and cable type
- Modem/signal cabling layout and cable type
3. Order the construction materials and cables
4. Do the digging for cables and foundation
5. Cast the concrete
6. Install the base plate and the pole mast:
- Install the base plate on the concrete block with the bolts
- Level the plate
- Mount the pole mast on the base plate
7. Connect the cables:
- Connect the AC (mains) and signal cables of the site to the
junction box or have them ready for direct connection to the
sensor
8. Perform final installation:
- Install the interface and measurement units of FS11 to the pole
mast
- Connect the power and signal cables of the FS11 sensor
- Connect the modem/signal line to the host computer, display, and
other such equipment
9. Perform startup tests for the system.

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Location and Orientation

The main requirements for the location of FS11 are presented in the
following:

1. The FS11 sensor should be sited in such a way that the

measurements will be representative of the surrounding weather
conditions.
- FS11 should be located at a minimum distance of 100 m from
any large buildings or other constructions that radiate heat
and/or obstruct precipitation droplets. The shade of trees should
also be avoided because trees may cause changes in the
microclimate.
2. The site should be free of obstacles and reflective surfaces that will
disturb the optical measurement, as well as obvious sources of
contamination.
- It is recommended that there are no obstacles in the line-of-sight
of the FSM102 transmitter and receiver units (see Figure 2
below). If the transmitter beam is reflected back to the receiver
unit from obstacles, the sensor will indicate too low MOR
values because the reflected signal cannot be distinguished from
the real scatter signal. Harmful reflections can be detected by
rotating the measurement unit. These reflections change
depending on the measurement unit orientation and the visibility
reading will change accordingly.

1011-082

Figure 2 FS11 Recommended Location with Mast

FSAM250/FSFM250

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Chapter 3 ________________________________________________________________ Installation

- The receiver and transmitter optics should not point towards

powerful light sources or, in bright daylight, towards reflective
surfaces such as bodies of water. It is recommended that the
receiver point North in the Northern hemisphere and South in the
Southern hemisphere. (The transmitter and receiver heads can be
identified by first locating the surface temperature probe, which is
closer to the transmitter.) The receiver circuit may become
saturated in bright light, in which case the built-in diagnostics will
indicate a warning.
- The transmitter and receiver should face away from any obvious
source of contamination, such as spray from passing vehicles.
Excessive contamination is automatically detected by the sensor.
- There should be no bright flashing lights near the sensor or in the
receiver's field of view.
- If a Background Luminance Sensor is to be installed it needs a
clear view of the sky in its preferred viewing direction (normally
North in the Northern hemisphere and South in the Southern
hemisphere; see section LM21 Background Luminance Sensor on
page 57).
3. Power supply and communication lines must be available.
- When siting the FS11 sensor, consideration must be given to the
available power supply and communication lines, as this
influences the amount of work and accessories needed, and
hence the actual cost of the installation.

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Unloading and Unpacking

The contents of the delivery in question are specified in the packing list
included in the delivery documents. The FS11 equipment is normally
delivered in four cases containing the following parts:

- Measurement unit FSM102 (and optional FSA11)

- Interface unit FSI102 with radiation shield (and optional LM21,
Sensor Arm)
- Frangible Pole Mast (Foundation Kit packed with FSM102)
- FSB101 Backup Battery (optional)

The cases can be easily moved from the truck to the installation site by
two persons.

NOTE The case containing the optical parts should be handled carefully. Do
not drop either end of the case for more than five centimeters.

Unpacking Procedure
1. Read the packing list supplied with the delivery documents.
Compare the packing list with the purchase order to ensure that the
shipment is complete.
2. Open the covers.
3. In case of any discrepancies or damage, contact the supplier.
4. Place the packing materials and covers back in the cases and store
them for possible reshipment.

Storage Information
Store FS11 in its packages in dry conditions, not in the open air. The
storage conditions are the following:

- Temperature -50 °C to +70 °C

- Relative humidity lower than 95%

NOTE If the FS11 system contains a battery backup option, be sure that the
battery is charged full if the unit is stored in an extremely cold
environment.

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Equipment Grounding and Lightning Protection

The power supply cable with its protective earth conductor (PE) provides
a standard protective ground for the AC (mains) power supply inside the
interface unit. A 3-conductor AC cable with a proper earth conductor
grounding must be used.

Equipment grounding protects the electrical modules of FS11 against, for

example, lightning and prevents radio frequency interference. Equipment
grounding for the FS11 sensor is done with a jacketed grounding cable
and conductive grounding rod(s).

The enclosure of the FSI102 interface unit should be grounded using the
grounding clamp located under the cable flange (see Figure 3 on page
24). A 16 mm2 jacketed grounding cable should be connected to the
clamp.

In case of a frangible mast, the FSM102 Measurement Unit is also

grounded with a 16 mm2 jacketed grounding cable that is located inside
the mast.

Depending on the need, one to four copper-sheathed steel rods are driven
into the ground. In case several rods are needed, the alignment from the
foot of the base plate must be radial.

The grounding principles are the following:

- Install the grounding rod as close to the pole mast as possible, to

minimize the length of the grounding cable. The grounding cable can
also be cast inside the concrete base.
- The length of the grounding rod depends on the local groundwater
level. The lower end of the grounding rod should continuously touch
moist soil.

The quality of the grounding can be checked with a georesistance meter.

The resistance should be less than 10 Ω.

NOTE Make the grounding cable long enough to allow the mast to tilt properly.

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0201-058

Figure 3 FS11 Equipment Grounding

The following numbers refer to Figure 3 above:

1 = Grounding clamp
2 = Grounding cable
3 = Grounding rods

WARNING A lightning strike can cause a dangerous voltage surge at remote sites
through the communication wire if the remote units are not properly
grounded.

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Cable Selection
This section describes the power and signal cabling of FS11 Visibility
Sensor. The customer is responsible for supplying the power and signal
cables, and conduits for the cables. In all field cabling, the following
should be remembered:

- Use armored field cables.

- Cables must be suitable for underground use.
- Check the cable core diameter according to maximum allowable drop,
refer to Table 6 on page 27 for examples.
- Lead the cables to the equipment through conduits.
- Ground the cable shield at both ends.
- Use overvoltage protection devices in both ends of the field cables.

It is recommended to protect the cables by putting a brightly colored,

warning plastic tape into the ground about 0.5 m above the cables and
0.2 m below the ground level.

Armored tube or similar should be used to mechanically protect the AC

cable and the signal cable from the termination box down into the ground
(0.7 m below the ground).

This equipment is designed for continuous 24-hour operation. The AC

power supply should be continuous and without surges or blackouts. If
the AC voltage fluctuates outside the given tolerance, AC voltage
stabilizers are recommended.

Line Power Cable

FS11 is supplied with a 3-m power cable with free wire ends. If a local
terminal with the power supply of 115/230 VAC is not available, an
extended AC (mains) cable from FS11 to the nearest power source is
needed. This cable must be armored and suitable for underground use.
The armored reinforcing acts as a mechanical shield and also provides
protection against lightning. The cable screen must be grounded at both
ends.

NOTE A separate junction box, where the extended AC (mains) cable is

terminated, is highly recommended at the installation site. A junction
box that fits inside the FS11 radiation shield is available from Vaisala.
See Figure 4 on page 26. This junction box also contains extra lightning
protection, which is recommended at sites where thunderstorms are
common.

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NOTE The local safety regulations and practices concerning electrical systems
must be complied with.

0206-030

Figure 4 Junction Box

The following number refers to Figure 4 above:

1 = Junction Box (Vaisala Termbox)

The distance between the equipment and the Mains Distribution

Transformer, and the power consumption of the equipment, dictate the
thickness of the cable. The minimum requirement for the power cable is
3 x min 1.5 mm2 (AWG 15) 3-conductor power cable.

Recommended AC (mains) wire cross sections and typical cable

diameters for AC (mains) voltage 230 VAC are shown in Table 6 on
page 27. It applies to copper cable and a 5% voltage drop. For the voltage
115 VAC the maximum distances should be divided by four. The
maximum power consumption of FS11 is 300 W.

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Table 6 AC (Mains) Cable Selection

Maximum Distance Wire Cross Nearest AWG Typical Non-
from Voltage Section Area Gauge Armored Cable
Source Diameter
350 m 3 × 1.5 mm2 No. 15 AWG 10 mm
600 m 3 × 2.5 mm2 No. 13 AWG 14 mm
950 m 3 × 4.0 mm2 No. 11 AWG 18 mm

NOTE Cables with diameters more than 15 mm require a separate junction box,
such as Termbox1200, available from Vaisala.

Communication Cable
The customer must provide cables and conduits. The cables used for the
transmission of digital and low-level analogue signals should be of the
following kind: All field cables should be armored, suitable for
underground use, and led to the equipment through conduits. Unless the
cables are armored, they have to be led through pipes. The signal cable
shields should be grounded at both ends.

For modem and RS signal cable use a screened 2 x 0.22 mm2 (AWG 24,
conductor diameter 0.61 mm) twisted pair signal cable with a shield and
minimum external diameter of 8 mm. If the modem line length exceeds
50 km, consult Vaisala.

If RS-485 connections are used, pay special attention to the quality of the
cable. The shield should be continuous, in other words, also connected to
the distribution frames.

For more information, see section Communication Options on page 48.

NOTE Cables with diameters more than 15 mm require a separate junction box,
such as Termbox1200, available from Vaisala.

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Installation Procedures
The installation of the FS11 system contains several separate procedures,
which are described in the following sections.

Foundation Construction
Casting a concrete foundation is recommended. An existing level and a
rigid construction can also be used. The recommended minimum
dimensions for the foundation are illustrated in Figure 5 below. The
easiest way to mount the foundation screws is to do it while casting the
pad. If the pad has been made before, three holes have to be drilled into
the concrete for the wedge bolts.

0009-009

Figure 5 Casting Concrete Foundation

If a new foundation needs to be cast, it is recommended that the tubes for

power and signal cables are mounted into the cast. The tubes with the
cables should come out from the casting at the center of the triangle
formed by the foundation screws.

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The Foundation Kit included in the FS11 delivery contains the required
equipment for both mounting when casting the pad and mounting to an
existing surface. The triangle-shaped drilling template can be used as an
auxiliary device that has to be removed before mounting the base plate.

Mounting when Casting Pad

To mount the FS11 system while casting the pad, proceed as follows:

1. Screw on the three reinforcing plates to the lower end of the

foundation screws as in Figure 6 on page 30. To prevent the plates
from rotating after their correct position has been found, destroy
the threads above and below them by hammering.
2. Fix the drilling template to the upper ends of the foundation screws
with six M16 nuts.
3. Embed the assembly in the concrete foundation as shown in Figure
6 on page 30.
4. After the concrete has set, remove the template.

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0201-059

Figure 6 FS11 Foundation Construction

The following numbers and letter refer to Figure 6 above:

1 = Drilling template
2 = Foundation screw
3 = Reinforcing plate
4 = Background luminance sensor viewing direction (normally
North in the Northern hemisphere and South in the Southern
hemisphere)

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Mounting to Existing Surface

To mount the FS11 system to an existing surface, proceed as follows:

1. Place the template on top of the existing foundation.

2. Drill three ∅20 mm holes with a depth of 100 to 260 mm using the
drilling template. Remove the template. Clean the holes.
3. Fasten the foundation screws to the wedge bolts by hand.
4. Protect the tops of the screws with two nuts tightened together.
5. Place the wedge bolt and foundation screw combinations in the
holes, wedge bolts down. Refer to Figure 7 below. Hammer the
combinations down until the wedge bolts attach to the walls of the
holes.
6. Tighten the foundation screws as tight as possible.

0203-001

Figure 7 Mounting FS11 to Existing Surface

The following numbers refer to Figure 7 above:

1 = Foundation screw
2 = Wedge bolt

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Assembling FS11
To assemble the FS11 system, proceed as follows:

1. Mount the base plate and level it with six M16 nuts (see Figure 8
below).

NOTE If the frangible mast length is more than 3 meters, do not install the
tilting support supplied in the Foundation kit FS211296.

2. If you are installing a frangible mast, mount the pole mast pedestal
on the base plate with three M16 nuts (see Figure 10 on page 34)
and an M8 hinge bolt. For the M16 nuts use the wrench supplied
with the FSA11 kit.

0201-060

Figure 8 Mounting FS11 Mast Using Foundation Kit

FS211296

The following number and letter refer to Figure 8 above:

1 = Tilting support
A = Background luminance sensor viewing direction (normally
North in the Northern hemisphere and South in the Southern
hemisphere)

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3. Tilt the frangible mast and attach the grounding cable into the
grounding support (see Figure 9 below). Raise the mast.

0201-061

Figure 9 Mounting FS11 Frangible Mast Grounding Cable

The following numbers refer to Figure 9 above:

1 = Grounding cable
2 = Screw attachment

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4. If an aluminum mast is to be installed, mount the mast pedestal on

the base plate by first removing the three preinstalled M16 set
screws (see Figure 10 below). Attach the supplied 12-mm guard
plug into the plate and use the four mounting screws supplied with
the Foundation Kit FS211296 to mount the pedestal.

0201-062

Figure 10 Mounting FS11 Aluminum Mast Using

Foundation Kit FS211296

The following numbers and letter refer to Figure 10 above:

1 = M16 set screws 3 pcs
2 = Guard plug
3 = Mounting screws 4 pcs
A = Background luminance sensor viewing direction (normally
North in the Northern hemisphere and South in the Southern
hemisphere)

5. Mount the rear panel of the radiation shield to the pole mast with
the two clamps supplied (see Figure 12 below). See that the anti-
sliding gaskets are correctly set between the clamps and the mast.
Screw the bolts from the inside and secure the bolts with nuts from
the outside.
6. Mount the sensor arm by aligning the holes at the end of the sensor
arm's forks with the threads on the back of the rear panel. Fix it in
place with four Allen screws. See Figure 11 on page 35.

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1002-037

Figure 11 Fixing Sensor Arm with Allen Screws

1001-106

Figure 12 Mounting Rear Panel of Radiation Shield

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7. Attach the FSI102 interface unit to the rear panel of the radiation
shield (see Figure 19 on page 40). The upper end of the interface
unit is mounted by inserting the hook at the back of the interface
unit into the groove in the rear panel. The lower end is mounted
with two screws.

NOTE If the tilting support has been removed due to the length of the mast, a
temporary tilting support is needed.

0201-067

Figure 13 Tilting Aluminum and Frangible Pole Masts

NOTE The measurement unit cable has to be fed into the mast before the signal
and power cables, or the cable connector does not fit through the hole in
the mast.

8. Check that there is a thin rubber o-ring gasket around the insertion
neck of the measurement unit FSM102. See Figure 14 on page 37.

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9. Connect the measurement unit cable plug to the connector at the

bottom of FSM102 (see Figure 14 below).

0201-068

Figure 14 Connecting Measurement Unit

The following numbers refer to Figure 14 above:

1 = Measurement unit end gasket
2 = Transmitter
3 = Surface temperature probe
4 = Receiver

10. Insert the measurement unit into the pole mast and lock it in the
correct orientation as discussed in section Location and Orientation
on page 20 with two 8-mm bolts (see Figure 14 above). The
transmitter and receiver heads can be identified by first locating the
surface temperature probe, which is closer to the transmitter.
11. Erect the mast.

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12. Lift the enclosure of the FSI102 interface unit away from its place
and suspend it from the right-side hole in the rear panel by the hook
on the backside of the unit. See Figure 15 below.

CAUTION Be careful when lifting and suspending the FSI102 interface unit. The
unit is heavy.

1002-039

Figure 15 Suspending Enclosure from Rear Panel

13. Attach a long cable tie to the cable connector to help guide the
cable through the tube.

1010-122

Figure 16 Threading Cable Connector with Cable Tie

The following numbers refer to Figure 16 above:

1 = Cable connector with cable tie
2 = Threading cable connector

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14. If the Background Luminance Sensor option is to be mounted,

thread the LM21 cable through the sensor arm. (Attach the cable tie
to the LM21 cable connector to make threading easier). Attach the
cable to LM21 and mount the LM21 and bracket to the sensor arm.
See the correct location for the cable in Figure 17 below.

NOTE When connecting LM21, FS11 must be powered off.

1002-043

Figure 17 Threading LM21 Cable

15. Attach the cable connector to the LM21 and mount the LM21 onto
the sensor arm as shown in Figure 18 below.

1010-123

Figure 18 Mounting LM21

The following numbers refer to Figure 18 above:

1 = Attaching cable connector to LM21
2 = Mounting LM21 onto the sensor arm

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16. If the viewing direction of LM21 Background Luminance Sensor

needs fine-tuning, it can be adjusted by turning the sensor's
mounting bracket. If the desired LM21 orientation is not possible to
obtain by turning the mounting racket, the FS11 rear panel can be
adjusted by loosening the screws holding the clamps and rotating
the rear panel of the radiation shield. Tighten the screws after the
adjustment.

1001-128

Figure 19 Mounting Interface Unit Enclosure

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17. If the Obstruction Light option is to be mounted, lift the enclosure

and suspend it from the left-side hole in the rear panel. Install and
make the cabling as shown in Figure 20 below. Refer to Figure 33
on page 59 for the wiring inside enclosure.

NOTE The cable shield of the Obstruction Light cable must be properly
grounded in the cable gland of the interface unit's enclosure. See Figure
25 on page 48.

1011-003

Figure 20 Sensor Arm Assembly

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18. Attach the interface unit back in its original place in the rear panel.

NOTE Make sure that the cables are not pressed between the interface unit and
the rear panel.

19. Attach and close the radiation shield as shown in Figure 21 below.

1001-129

Figure 21 Mounting Radiation Shield

Inserting Battery for Optional FSB101

In case an optional battery backup FSB101 is used, a battery charger
module QBR101 is located inside the interface unit. A 2 Ah battery is
packed separately and should be inserted into the interface unit as
follows:

1. Open the shield and interface unit door with the provided key.

NOTE Make sure the AC (mains) power and the battery backup are both OFF
before you proceed with the next steps.

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2. Open the four screws holding the cover plate for the battery and
remove it. See Figure 22 below.

1207-020

Figure 22 Backup Battery without Cover Plate

The following numbers refer to Figure 22 above:

1 = Plus (+) battery terminal (black cable with a red stripe)
2 = Minus (-) battery terminal (all black cable)

CAUTION Do not short circuit the battery.

3. Push the battery into its place under the cover plate and push the
battery wire terminals onto the battery terminals, black with a red
stripe to plus (+) and all black to minus (-).
4. Attach the cover plate by tightening the four screws holding it.
5. Turn on the AC power switch and the battery backup switch.
6. Close the interface unit and mount the upper interface unit cover
after exchange work is finalized.

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After approximately 5 years of operation, the battery should be replaced

to ensure a safe backup operation in case of an AC power outage.

NOTE A valve-regulated battery is used for the battery backup. According to the
ISO 14001 standard, the battery must be recycled.

Connecting Cables
1 2 3

4 5 6
1001-007

Figure 23 Interface Unit Enclosure Cable

The following numbers refer to Figure 23 above:

Number Description Thread Cable Wrench
Diameter Tool
1 AC (mains) input M20x1.5 8–11 mm 24 mm
2 AC (mains)/data (optional) M20x1.5 11–14 mm 24 mm
3 Data cable M20x1.5 8–11 mm 24 mm
4 LM21 cable (optional) M16x1.5 4–8 mm 18 mm
5 Obstruction light sensor cable M16x1.5 5–10 mm 20 mm
(optional)
6 On reserve M16x1.5 5–10 mm 20 mm
7 FSM102 cable M16x1.5 4–8 mm 18 mm
8 On reserve M16x1.5 5–10 mm 20 mm

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Power Cable
The interface unit enclosure includes a 3 m power cable with free wire
ends.

1. The power cable should be either connected into the junction box
mounted below the interface unit's enclosure, or led into the mast
through the opening in the mast below the rear panel and out at the
lower end of the mast and further into a local junction box. The
power cable does not have a cable shield. Make sure to connect the
wires in the correct way, especially the ones to the protective
ground (usually yellow/green). See Figure 24 on page 46.
2. Connect the power cord to the screw terminals of the AC (mains)
power switch and the protective ground screw terminal.

NOTE If the line voltage used differs from 230 V (the initial factory setting),
check the voltage setting of the FSP103 AC (mains) power supply
(alternatives 115 VAC and 230 VAC). See Figure 24 on page 46.

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1303-064

Figure 24 Cabling Principle

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The following numbers refer to Figure 24 on page 46:

1 = T5A DC line fuse
2 = T5A AC Heater line fuse for PWD32
3 = T5A AC Heater line fuse for LM21
4 = M10A AC Heater line fuse for FSM102
5 = FSC202 Interface CPU
6 = Line voltage selector
7 = FSP103 Power board
8 = QBR101 battery charger
9 = Power switch and circuit breaker
10 = Protective Earth PE
11 = AC (mains) power cable
12 = Line L
13 = Neutral N
14 = AC (mains) surge supressor
15 = Backup battery switch
16 = DXL421 modem

Communication Cable
The enclosure of the interface unit FSI102 has a data cable outlet for
cable diameters of 8 to 11 mm. This is reserved for signal or modem
cables. The optional AC (mains)/data cable outlet can also be used for
data cables. The cable should be led out from the unit inside the lower
mast section. Grounding must be done within the cable gland in order to
keep the EMI levels within specifications.

NOTE If there is a junction box installed, the cable shield should be grounded
at both the input and output cable glands.

Detailed instructions for a proper RF grounding of any jacketed cables

are given in the following:

1. Lead the signal cable through the cable inlet. See Figure 25 on page
48.
2. Strip 50 cm of the cable sheath leaving approximately 2 cm of
shield.
3. Remove the cap of the cable gland, including the plastic cylinder.
Slide the cap with the plastic cylinder onto the cable.
4. Add shrinkable tubes to increase the cable diameter of thin cables
(diameters less than 5mm).
5. Slide the plastic cylinder to the edge of the cable sheath. Turn the
cable shield over the cylinder, see Figure 25 below.
6. Tighten the cable with the cable gland and proceed with the wiring.

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7. Ground the signal cable with the same method at both ends.
8. Wire the communication cable according to the instructions in
section Communication Options below.

0201-070

Figure 25 Cable Grounding Instruction

The following number refers to Figure 25 above:

1 = Cable shield

Communication Options
The FS11 sensor provides RS-232, RS-485, and modem transmission
interfaces for data messages. A separate RS-232 interface is provided for
maintenance purposes. Consider your communication needs before the
installation. The method of communication depends on the distance
between the computer or the display and the FS11 sensor, and on the
number of FS11 sensors. The possibilities are described in Table 7
below.

Table 7 Communication Cable Lengths

Cable Length One FS11 Several Sensors on the Line
<50 m RS-232, RS-485 RS-485 (300 or 1200 bps)
<1200 m RS-485, modem RS-485 (300 or 1200 bps)
>1200 m Modem Modem (300 or 1200 bps)

Serial Communications Settings

NOTE The default serial communications port settings of FS11 are: 9600 baud,
no parity, 8 data bits, and 1 stop bit.

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Serial Transmission with RS-232

For the RS-232 communication method, connect the signal wires to the
screw terminal at the CPU board FSC202. See Figure 26 on page 50. The
flow control lines RTS and CTS are not required but they can be used.

The hardware flow control can be enabled in FS11 with command SET
DATA_PORT RS-232 HW_FLOW_CNTR. During hardware flow
control, the control line RTS indicates 'Ready for Receiving'.

The hardware transmit control can be enabled in FS11 with command

SET DATA_PORT RS-232 HW_TRANSMIT_CNTR. During
hardware transmit control, the control line RTS indicates 'Request to
Send' and can be used for modem carrier control.

By default the RTS and CTS lines are not used.

NOTE The cable shield of the RS-232 cable must be properly grounded in the
cable gland of the interface unit's enclosure, see Figure 25 on page 48.

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1303-062

Figure 26 RS-232 Communication Option

Serial Multipoint Transmission with RS-485

The RS-485 transmission standard allows several FS11 sensors to
communicate (half-duplex) with the host computer using a single twisted
pair. The RS-485 interface is opto-isolated. For the RS-485
communication method, connect the signal wires to the screw terminal at
the CPU board. See Figure 27 on page 51.

NOTE The cable shield of the RS-485 cable must be properly grounded in the
cable gland of the interface unit's enclosure, see Figure 25 on page 48.

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1303-063

Figure 27 RS-485 Communication Option

Terminate the RS-485 chain with a 120 Ω resistor. This is especially

important with long cables. If the FS11 sensor is at the end of the RS-485
chain, the 120 Ω resistor can be connected across the screw terminal
pins. The 120 Ω resistor is available in a plastic bag attached to the
power cable inside the interface unit's enclosure.

Figure 28 below illustrates an RS-485 application using a half-duplex

data transfer over a single twisted pair.

9502-061

Figure 28 RS-485 Application

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Modem DXL421 (Optional)

The DXL421 modem is a leased line modem module compliant with
V.21, 300/300 bps FSK, V.22 1200/1200 DPSK, and V.23 1200/1200
bps FSK. It is applicable to long distance communications (~10 km)
using a leased telephone grade cable. It should not be used in public
telephone networks because that requires certain approvals by the service
provider. However, most of the commercial modems that comply with
the CCITT standards, as well as the DMX50 and DMX55 modems for
the Vaisala MILOS 500, can be used with the DXL421 modem.

If the modem is installed (the unit was ordered with the modem option),
connect the incoming signal wires to the DLX421 modem line screw
terminals 3 and 4 . See Figure 29 below.

NOTE The DXL421 modem replaces the DMX501 modem. The DMX501
modem is no longer available but it can still be used with FS11.
The replacement of the modem does not cause any changes to the data
transmission through modem, except that v.22 bis is no longer supported.
The FS11 serial commands for configuring the modem settings work
only for the DMX501 modem.

NOTE The cable shield of the modem cable must be properly grounded in the
cable gland of the interface unit's enclosure; see Figure 25on page 48.

1303-065

Figure 29 DXL421 Modem Wiring

If the DXL421 modem is not installed, it can also be retrofitted to the

FSI102 interface unit. To do this turn the AC (mains) power switch (also
the battery backup switch if installed) off.

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You need to replace screw terminals 1 and 2 with the screw terminals
delivered with the DXL421 modem. The DXL421 installation location is
illustrated in Figure 29 on page 52. Use the wire set delivered with the
modem when connecting the modem supply voltage lines and data lines.
See the wiring instructions in Figure 29 on page 52. After the installation,
turn on the AC (mains) switch and the battery backup switch, if you have
installed it.

If you need to reconfigure the DXL421 modem, use the jumper/dip switch
NOTE settings on the DXL421 modem. The jumper/switch settings are printed
on the left side of the modem.

The available settings are:

- Originate or Answer
- 1200 baud or 300 baud
- Speed buffer for 9600 baud On/Off
- 2-wire or 4-wire

The default settings are:

- Answer
- 300 baud
- Speed buffer for 9600 baud Off
- 2-wire

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1303-066

Figure 30 Installing DXL421

The following number refers to Figure 30 above:

1 = DXL421 Modem module
2 = Wire set for DXL421
3 = Screw terminals 1 and 2 for DXL421 supply voltage
4 = FSC serial data line

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To connect DXL421 wires to the screw terminals, do the following:

1. Disconnect the red and blue wires from the screw terminals
1 and 2.
2. Replace the screw terminals with the ones included in the DXL421
delivery.
3. Reconnect the red and blue wires to the lower row of the screw
terminals 1 and 2.
4. Connect the red and black wires to the DXL421 modem.

Screw terminal Upper row Lower row

Screw terminal 1 RED (DXL421) RED
Screw terminal 2 BLK (DXL421) BLU

Multipoint Modem Connection

If a multipoint modem connection (several pieces of equipment on the
same line) is used, the only available connection standard is 300 bps
V.21. In this configuration the data collection computer or the weather
station acts a master that polls all the FS11 sensors and the other possible
sensors.

The master modem must be in the Originate mode. All other modems on
the line must be in the Answer mode and the Carrier signal must be
disconnected by default. In the FS11P sensor, this can be set with the
jumper/dip switch settings on the DXL421 modem, as described on page
53. In this mode the sensor turns the Carrier signal on only when it gets
the appropriate poll signal and turns it off when the message has been
sent. If there are several FS11P sensors on the line, they must have
different identifiers.

Due to the limited transfer capability of the 300 bps V.21 mode, there can
be a maximum of six FS11 sensors on the line provided that message
number 2 and a polling interval of 15 seconds are used. If some other
message type or interval is used, calculate the maximum number of
sensors (N) with the following formula:

N*message_chars/30(char) + N*1 second < interval

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Maintenance Terminal Connection

Any computer equipped with terminal emulation software or a VT100-
compatible terminal with an RS-232 serial interface can be used as a
Maintenance Terminal for the FS11 sensor. The optional maintenance
cable QMZ101 (included in the FSA11 Calibration Kit) provides a 9-pin
D connector for the computer and a connector for FS11. The external
maintenance connectors of the FS11 sensor are located on the right side
of the interface unit when looking at the unit from the door side. The
upper connector is reserved for PWD32 unit (only in use in FS11P) and
lower for FS11 (see Figure 31 below). The connector is protected with a
cap. Replace the protective cap after disconnecting the maintenance
cable.

1207-023

Figure 31 Location of External Maintenance Line Connectors

The following numbers refer to Figure 31 above:

1 = External maintenance line connector reserved for PWD32 (FS11P
only)
2 = External maintenance line for FS11

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Background Luminance Options

FS11 can be fitted with one of two Background Luminance Sensor
options:

1. LM21 Background Luminance Sensor, for use in Runway Visual

Range (RVR) systems
2. Day/Night Photo Switch, for general nighttime meteorological
visibility

LM21 Background Luminance Sensor

The optional LM21 sensor offers the means for measuring ambient light
level or background luminance in RVR applications. The sensor is
mounted on the Sensor Arm, which is attached to the rear panel of the
radiation shield. The mechanical installation of LM21 and Sensor Arm is
shown in Figure 20 on page 41. Assembly instructions are described in
detail on pages 38 and 39, steps 13, 14, and 15. The sensor should be
directed to face the North sky in the Northern hemisphere. Direct
sunlight into the sensor must also be avoided. The Background
Luminance Sensor is normally tilted at an angle of 20° to 50°. Generally,
an installation angle of 30° is recommended when there is no special
reason to use a higher one.

The Background Luminance Sensor is used for measuring the

background against which the pilot views the runway lights or runway
markings. A compromise must be made to achieve a measurement as
representative as possible and, on the other hand, to meet the installation
requirements. The luminance sensor must not face the runway lights
directly.

For detailed information of LM21 Background Luminance Sensor, see

the LM21 User's Guide. For system configuration, refer to section LM21
Background Luminance Sensor on page 91.

Day/Night Photo Switch

In certain applications it is necessary to calculate a special night visibility
value from the measured MOR. In these cases a simple day/night photo
switch is sufficient for discerning between day and night ambient light
conditions. A low voltage (12 DC) model of the photo switch has to be
used. The switch output can be connected to the photo switch input on
the FSC202 processor board. See Figure 32 on page 58 for wiring details.
For system configuration, refer to section Day/Night Sensor on page 91.

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A closed contact of the Day/Night Photo Switch corresponds to darkness,

that is, nighttime.

NOTE The cable shield of the photo switch cable must be properly grounded in
the cable gland of the interface unit's enclosure, see Figure 25 on page
48.

1303-067

Figure 32 Wiring Day/Night Photo Switch

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Obstruction Light Option

The activation of the obstruction light option requires the use of the
advanced level command SET +12VOUT ON. See Table 10 on page 67 for
a list of advanced level commands.

1303-061

Figure 33 Obstruction Light Wiring

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Startup
Before closing the cover of the interface unit's enclosure, a short startup
procedure is recommended.

1. Connect a terminal to the sensor through a serial line (see section

Serial Transmission with RS-232 on page 49 or Maintenance
Terminal on page 56). Set the baud rate of the terminal to 9600 bps
and the data frame to contain: 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity.
2. Turn on the AC (mains) switch at the interface unit FSI102. If the
backup battery option is installed, also turn on the battery switch.
Refer to Figure 34 below.

1303-068

Figure 34 Switching On Unit

The following numbers refer to Figure 34 above:

1 = AC (mains) switch
2 = Battery switch

3. Check that the red Reset LED on the interface unit CPU board
flashes once, after which the green Status LED should start giving a
long flash at a frequency of approximately 1Hz. If this does not
happen, continue with troubleshooting; see Chapter 7,
Troubleshooting on page 159.

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4. After the startup FS11 outputs the following:

FS11 n.nn.n.nn where n.nn.n.nn is the software version,
revision, and build number.
5. Wait for one minute and then enter the command mode with the
command OPEN. Check with the STATUS CHECK command
that no hardware errors or warnings are detected.
6. If you are connected to the data port, enter the automatic message
mode by typing CLOSE and check that a message appears on the
display every 15 seconds.

NOTE When shutting down the unit, remember to turn off both the AC (mains)
switch and the battery switch if the battery option is installed.

Initial Settings
FS11 Visibility Sensor is typically interfaced to a host computer or a data
logger in an automatic weather observation system. After the physical
connection has been made, the details of the communication can be
configured into the FS11 software. Suitable communication settings
depend on the implementation of the entire system.

By default the sensor transmits a new ASCII data message through the
data port in RS-232 mode every 15 seconds. The user can change the
interval and message type. The sensor can also be used in a polled mode,
in which a data message is only sent when the host computer requests
one with a special command. The default communication settings are
listed in Table 8 below.

Table 8 Default Communication Settings

Setting Default
Baud rate 9600 baud
Communication parameters 8N1
Mode RS-232
Polled or automatic mode, message Automatic mode, message 2,
type interval 15
Message port Data
ACK/NAK confirmation off
2nd message port none
2nd message type none
Sensor ID No ID set

In multipoint communication where several sensors share the same

communication line (RS-485/Modem), the FS11 sensor should be used in
the polled mode and the individual sensors should have distinct
identifiers (ID).

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CHAPTER 4
OPERATION

FS11 Visibility Sensor is a fully automatic instrument that does not need
any regular operation by the user. The measurement parameters set at the
factory do not usually need to be changed.

The FS11 visibility messages are either sent automatically or polled by

the host computer.

The FS11 system parameters can be set with the SET command. Other
commands can be used to display system status and other maintenance
data. All commands can be given either through the Maintenance line or
the Data line. Commands given through the Maintenance line do not
interfere with the Data line visibility message sending.

FS11 Commands
NOTE All command parameters must be separated from each other by a space
character, and every command must end with pressing ENTER.

Entering and Exiting Command Mode

Before any commands can be given to the FS11 sensor, the maintenance
or data line of FS11 has to be assigned to the operator. Otherwise it is
assigned to automatic messages or polled communication. The user
enters the command mode with command OPEN.

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OPEN Command
If no device identifier (ID) is defined, type:

OPEN

If a single-character ID is defined, for example, as A, type:

OPEN A

If a multi-character ID is defined, for example, 'RWY31', only the first

character of the ID has to be given. Type:

OPEN R

If ID is defined but forgotten, type:

OPEN *

If the device type FS is included in the OPEN command, an ID is not

needed. This device type can be used when there is only one FS11 sensor
on the line. This command is similar to the OPEN * command with the
exception that it only opens the FS11 command mode and not the other
possible sensors on the line. Type:

OPEN FS

If there are other sensors on the line with the same ID, the command
mode of the FS11 sensor can be opened by including the device type FS
with the ID. This command is similar to the OPEN ID command with
the exception that it only opens the FS11 command mode and not the
other sensors on the line with the same ID. If a single-character ID is
defined, for example, as A, type:

OPEN FS A

The FS11 sensor answers:

FS11-A LINE OPENED FOR OPERATOR COMMANDS

If a multi-character ID is defined, for example, 'RWY31', type:

OPEN FS RWY31

The FS11 sensor answers:

FS11-RWY31 LINE OPENED FOR OPERATOR COMMANDS

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If no input is given within 10 minutes, FS11 closes the line

automatically. The timeout time is user-selectable.

If FS11 receives an OPEN command targeted to another device while in

command mode, it executes a CLOSE command.

CLOSE Command
The line can be released to automatic data messages with the CLOSE
command.

If no ID is defined the FS11 sensor answers:

FS11 LINE CLOSED

If an ID is defined, for example, as A, the FS11 sensor answers:

FS11-A LINE CLOSED

Available Commands
With the HELP command the operator can get information about the
available commands. By typing HELP Command the operator can get
information about a specific command.

The hierarchy and description of the commands are described in Table 9

below. In addition to the user level command set, there is a second,
advanced, in-depth maintenance and service level command set. The
access command to this advanced level is LEVEL 1. The command
prompt shows the current command set level. In the advanced level the
prompt is 1>.

Table 9 FS11 User Level Commands

Command Description
CLOSE Releases the port for message transmission.
ECHO ON Enables input character echo (default).
ECHO OFF Disables input character echo. Set off when operating
with the RS-485 connection.
MESSAGE message_number If the message number is not specified, FS11 displays
the default message without transmission frames.
MESSAGE ALL FS11 displays all messages.
HELP command HELP command alone lists available commands. With a
command name as a parameter, the HELP command
shows information about that specific command.
STATUS [CHECK] Prints the status message, with the optional CHECK
parameter prints a short status check message.
PARAMETERS Prints configuration parameters.
SET MESSAGE TYPE message_number Selects the transmitted message type.
SET MESSAGE TYPE MITRAS Selects the MITRAS Single Base emulation mode. The

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Command Description
data message, message frames, and polling format are
the same as they are in Vaisala MITRAS
Transmissometer.
SET MESSAGE TYPE MITRAS_DB Selects the MITRAS Double Base emulation mode. The
data message, message frames, and polling format are
the same as they are in Vaisala MITRAS
Transmissometer.
SET MESSAGE TYPE FD12MSG2 Selects the FD12 message 2 emulation mode. The data
message, message frames, and polling format are the
same as they are in Vaisala FD12 Visibility Meter.
SET MESSAGE TYPE FD12MSG7 Selects the FD12 message 7 emulation mode. The data
message, message frames, and polling format are the
same as they are in Vaisala FD12P Weather Sensor.
SET MESSAGE INTERVAL number Sets the interval in seconds for message sending. Zero
disables the automatic sending.
SET MESSAGE PORT DATA Message is directed to the Data port (default).
SET MESSAGE PORT MAINTENANCE Message is directed to the Maintenance port.
SET MESSAGE PORT MODULE Message is directed to the optional communication
(DMX501 only) module, for example, modem module.
SET UNIT_ID id Sets unit identifier: An alphanumerical string is
accepted. Depending on the configured message type,
the first character(s) are used for message and polling
identification. A '-' character removes the ID. By default
no ID is set and one space character is used in the
message headings.
SET NAME name Sets name, an alphanumerical string that can be used
during installation to identify, for example, unit location.
The string must not include spaces.
SET DATA_PORT BAUD number yes/no Sets data port serial line baud rate to 300 ... 19200.
Verification yes/no asked only if the command is given
by DATA PORT (default 9600).
SET DATA_PORT MODE RS-232 Uses the RS-232 serial line where no flow control is
NO_FLOW_CNTR yes/no used. Verification yes/no asked only if the command is
given by DATA PORT (default).
SET DATA_PORT MODE RS-232 Uses the RS-232 serial line, where the control signals
HW_FLOW_CNTR yes/no RTS and CTS lines are in use. In this mode, RTS
indicates 'Ready for Receiving' and can be used for
data flow control. Verification yes/no asked only if the
command is given by DATA PORT.
SET DATA_PORT MODE RS-232 Uses the RS-232 serial line, where the control signals
HW_TRANSMIT_CNTR yes/no RTS and CTS are in use. In this mode, RTS indicates
'Request to Send' and can be used for modem carrier
control. Verification yes/no asked only if the command
is given by DATA PORT.
SET DATA_PORT MODE RS-485 yes/no Uses the RS-485 serial line. Verification yes/no asked
only if the command is given by DATA PORT.
SET DATA_PORT PARITY 7E1 yes/no RS-232 and RS-485 serial lines use the following
communication parameters: 7 data bits, even parity, 1
stop bit. Verification yes/no asked only if the command
is given by DATA PORT (default).
SET DATA_PORT PARITY 8N1 yes/no RS-232 and RS-485 serial lines use the following
communication parameters: 8 data bits, no parity, 1
stop bit. Verification yes/no asked only if the command
is given by DATA PORT.
SET MODULE MODEM V21 ANSWER 300 bps modem mode, ANSWER mode. Verification
yes/no (DMX501 only) yes/no asked only if the command is given by DATA

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Command Description
PORT.
SET MODULE MODEM V21 ORIGINATE 300 bps modem mode, ORIGINATE mode. Verification
yes/no (DMX501 only) yes/no asked only if the command is given through
DATA PORT.
SET MODULE MODEM V21 ANSWER_NC 300 bps modem mode, ANSWER mode and no carrier
yes/no (DMX501 only) on standby. The carrier is on only during message
sending. Verification yes/no asked only if the command
is given through DATA PORT.
SET MODULE MODEM V22 ANSWER 1200 bps modem mode, ANSWER mode. Verification
yes/no (DMX501 only) yes/no asked only if the command is given through
DATA PORT.
SET MODULE MODEM V22 ORIGINATE 1200 bps modem mode, ORIGINATE mode. Verification
yes/no (DMX501 only) yes/no asked only if the command is given through
DATA PORT.
SET MODULE MODEM V22BIS ANSWER 2400 bps modem mode, ANSWER mode. Verification
yes/no (DMX501 only) yes/no asked only if the command is given through
DATA PORT.
SET MODULE MODEM V22BIS 2400 bps modem mode, ORIGINATE mode. Verification
ORIGINATE yes/no (DMX501 only) yes/no asked only if the command is given through
DATA PORT.
SET MAINTENANCE_PORT BAUD number Sets the Maintenance port serial line baud rate to
300...9600. Communication parameters: 8N1 (fixed).
SET PORT_TIMEOUT number Sets the command mode timeout to 0 ... 30, in minutes.
Zero disables the timeout, and the default is 10 min.
SET TERMINAL_LINES number Adjusts printouts used for terminal screen. Minimum 5
lines (default 24).
MEAS_SYNC Resets the measurement sequence. The following data
message is measured starting from the moment all
average values are erased. Next message is
transmitted in (interval +2) seconds.
SYSTEM Lists system information: type, ID, software version,
hardware modules, serial numbers.
NAME Displays the device type, device name given by the
user, and ID.
VERSION Lists the software version.

Table 10 FS11 Advanced Level Commands

Command Description
CALIBRATE WINDOW_CLEAN Sets the clean references for contamination control (and
VISIBILITY_SENSOR backscatter control) in FS11.
CALIBRATE WINDOW_CLEAN Sets the clean references for contamination control (and
BL_SENSOR backscatter control) in Background Luminance Sensor.
CALIBRATE VISIBILITY calibration_value Sets the visibility calibration value, which should be
between 0 and 10.
CALIBRATE VISIBILITY OFFSET Sets the offset value for the visibility sensor. Before this
command is given, the optical blockers must be put to
transmitter and receiver of the visibility sensor. The
optical blockers are part of the FSA11 calibration kit.
CALIBRATE FS11 Invokes a Guided Calibration Procedure for the visibility
sensor. This procedure includes clean reference setting
for the visibility sensor, the offset determination for the
visibility sensor and the visibility calibration.

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Command Description
CALIBRATE TEMPERATURE EXTERNAL Makes single point calibration with the external
value temperature sensor connected to the interface unit, the
value should be between -99 and 99.
CALIBRATE TEMPERATURE INTERNAL Makes single point calibration with the boom (FSM102)
value temperature sensor in the measurement unit, the value
should be between -99 and 99.
CALIBRATE CHECK Performs the calibration routine but does not change
the calibration values. Prints the signal value with the
current calibration coefficient.
RESET yes/no Hardware reset by watchdog circuitry, verification
yes/no asked.
SIMULATE TEST_MESSAGE Sets the fixed, predefined data message as the
transmitted message type for system testing purposes.
See section Message Formats on page 72.
SIMULATE MANUAL_MESSAGE string User definable data message for system testing
purposes.
SIMULATE OFF Disables simulation message sending and returns to
normal operation mode.
ELOG clear ELOG command alone lists the error log contents. The
error log is cleared with the CLEAR parameter.
SET MESSAGE SECOND TYPE Selects the message type to be transmitted as the
message_number Second Message.
SET MESSAGE SECOND TYPE MITRAS Selects the MITRAS Single Base emulation mode for
the Second Message. The data message, message
frames, and polling format are the same as they are in
Vaisala MITRAS Transmissometer.
SET MESSAGE SECOND TYPE Selects the MITRAS Double Base emulation mode for
MITRAS_DB the Second Message. The data message, message
frames, and polling format are the same as they are in
Vaisala MITRAS Transmissometer.
SET MESSAGE SECOND TYPE Selects the FD12 message 2 emulation mode for the
FD12MSG2 Second Message. The data message, message frames,
and polling format are the same as they are in Vaisala
FD12 Visibility Meter.
SET MESSAGE SECOND TYPE Selects the FD12 message 7 emulation mode for the
FD12MSG7 Second Message. The data message, message frames,
and polling format are the same as they are in Vaisala
FD12P Weather Sensor.
SET MESSAGE SECOND PORT DATA The Second Message is directed to the Data port.
SET MESSAGE SECOND PORT The Second Message is directed to the Maintenance
MAINTENANCE port.
SET MESSAGE SECOND PORT MODULE The Second Message is directed to the optional
(DMX501 only) communication module, for example, modem module.
SET MESSAGE SECOND PORT NONE No Second Message is given to any port (default).
SET MESSAGE ACKNAK ON The reception of the First Message has to be
acknowledged by the ASCII character ACK (0x06). If no
ACK is received within 500 ms after the transmission of
the last character of the First Message or an ASCII
character NAK (0x15) has been received, the First
message is repeated. The First Message is repeated up
to two times.
SET MESSAGE ACKNAK OFF The reception of the First Message needs not to be
acknowledged. (default)

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Command Description
SET DATA_PORT_DATA_PARITY_STOP The format of characters transmitted by the Data Port
7|8 even|odd|none 1|2 can be set. The following selections are available:
Count of data bits: 7/8
Type of parity bit: even/odd/none
Count of stop bits: 1/2
SET DATA_MAINTENANCE The format of characters transmitted by the
DATA_PARITY_STOP 7|8 even|odd|none Maintenance Port can be set. The following selections
1|2 are available:
Count of data bits: 7/8
Type of parity bit: even/odd/none
Count of stop bits: 1/2
SET CONTAMINATION_COMPENSATION Enables visibility value compensation caused by
VISIBILITY_SENSOR ON window contamination on the visibility sensor (default).
SET CONTAMINATION_COMPENSATION Disables the compensation function.
VISIBILITY_SENSOR OFF
SET CONTAMINATION_COMPENSATION Enables measurement value compensation caused by
BL_SENSOR ON window contamination in Background Luminance
Sensor (default).
SET CONTAMINATION_COMPENSATION Disables the compensation function.
BL_SENSOR OFF
SET BL_SENSOR LM21 Enables Background Luminance Sensor data polling in
the FS11 system.
SET BL_SENSOR PHOTO_SWITCH Enables Day/Night photo switch reading.
SET BL_SENSOR OFF Disables Background Luminance Sensor data polling
and photo switch reading the in FS11 system (default).
SET VIS_SENSOR ON Enables Visibility Sensor data polling in the FS11
system (default).
SET VIS_SENSOR OFF Disables Visibility Sensor data polling in the FS11
system.
SET HOOD_HEATERS Enables the monitoring and automatic operation of the
VISIBILITY_SENSOR ON visibility sensor hood heaters (default). The hood
heaters are turned on by the unit when the hood
temperature drops below a preset level.
SET HOOD_HEATERS Disables visibility sensor hood heaters operation and
VISIBILITY_SENSOR OFF monitoring. Set OFF when operated in environments
where hood heaters are not needed and the sensor is
only operated with DC power.
SET HOOD_HEATERS BL_SENSOR ON Enables the monitoring and automatic operation of the
backlight sensor hood heater (default). The hood
heaters are turned on by the unit when the hood
temperature drops below a preset level.
SET HOOD_HEATERS BL_SENSOR OFF Disables backlight sensor hood heater operation and
monitoring. Set OFF when operated in environments
where hood heaters are not needed and the sensor is
only operated with DC power.
SET DEW_HEATER VISIBILITY_SENSOR Enables the monitoring and automatic operation of the
ON dew heaters (default). The dew heaters start to warm up
optical surfaces when the ambient temperature drops
below a preset level.
SET DEW_HEATER VISIBILITY_SENSOR Disables dew heaters operation and monitoring. Set
OFF OFF when operated in environments where dew
heaters are not needed (ambient temperature does not
drop below 12 °C).
SET DEW _HEATER BL_SENSOR ON Enables the monitoring and automatic operation of the
dew heaters (default). The dew heaters start to warm up
optical surfaces when ambient temperature drops below

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Command Description
a preset level.
SET DEW _HEATER BL_SENSOR OFF Disables dew heaters operation and monitoring. Set
OFF when operated in environments where dew
heaters are not needed (ambient temperature does not
drop below 12 °C).
SET MESSAGE FRAME ON Message frames included in data message
transmission (default).
SET MESSAGE FRAME OFF Message frames not included in data messages.
SET +12VOUT ON Enables +12 V output on FSC202 board.
SET +12VOUT OFF Disables +12 V output on FSC202 board (default).
SET DEFAULTS yes/no Restores the default factory settings, verification yes/no
asked.

Command Completion
The operator only needs to remember a few first letters of the command
and the system can automatically identify the command and its
parameters. This can be done if the letters the user inputs can
unambiguously determine the command or parameter.

If the command cannot be unambiguously identified, the system output is

as follows:

- If the command cannot be completed to any known command, the

system outputs:
COMMAND NOT FOUND

- If the input entered by the user cannot be unambiguously identified as

a command, the system outputs a list of matching commands. The
new system prompt includes the user's previous input allowing the
user to complete the command using the list of matching commands.
- If the command entered by the user is identified but the parameters are
incomplete, ambiguous, or otherwise not possible, the system outputs
a help text. The new system prompt includes the user's previous input
up to the first parameter requiring clarification. This allows the user to
complete the command with the correct parameter. The help text
contains explanations for only those parameters that match the
operator's input.

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Terminal Line Number Adjustment

The command response printout can be adjusted to the screen size of the
used terminal. This feature stops the printout every time the terminal
screen is full. This is especially useful with the small screens of palm top
computers. Without this feature the user will only see the bottom lines of
long command responses such as the STATUS message.

The terminal size adjustment is done with command

SET TERMINAL_LINES number

The standard PC terminal program has 24 visible lines. This is also the
default value of the parameter. Minimum number is 5 lines. The value of
this parameter has no effect on the message sending when the commands
are given in the command polling format.

Command Polling
All commands can also be executed without opening the command line.
This feature can be used in the host system, for example, for making
automatic status message inquiries of active Warnings or Alarms.

The general command polling format (with A as the unit ID) is

!FSA∀&DO COMMAND−#CSUM∃−∗

where

! = Start of the heading (ASCII 1)

FS = FS11 sensor identifier
A = First character of the unit identifier, if the
ID is not defined it is replaced by a space
character
∀ = Start of the text (ASCII 2)
&DO COMMAND = Command body
# = End of the text (ASCII 3)
CSUM = Checksum CRC16
∃ = End of the transmission (ASCII 4)
− = Carriage Return (ASCII 13)
∗ = Line Feed (ASCII 10)

The response for the command is similarly framed:

!FSA∀FS11 RESPONSE#CSUM∃−∗

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Checksum CSUM has to be calculated using CRC16 method (see section

CRC16 Checksum on page 170).

For example, command

!FSA∀&DO STATUS−#036B∃−∗

prints the status messages in frames (equal to message 3), whereas

command

!FSA∀&DO MEAS_SYNC−#44DA∃−∗

resets the measurement sequence. Command

!FSA∀&DO NAME−#28D4∃−∗

displays the device type, device name given by the user, and ID.

Command

!FSA∀&DO SYSTEM−#6EEE∃−∗

lists system information such as type, ID, software version, hardware

modules, and serial numbers.

Message Formats
In the command mode (entered with the command OPEN), the FS11
messages can be displayed by the MESSAGE command. In the
independent mode (entered with the command CLOSE), the FS11 sensor
can be polled or it can send predefined messages automatically at
selected intervals. There are nine message formats to select from. By
default the FS11 sensor adds frame strings to all polled and FS11 specific
automatic messages. The polling request can ask for the automatic
(default) or some other message (with a message number).

When used as a part of an RVR system, the FS11 sensor can emulate the
messages of Vaisala MITRAS Transmissometer (Single or Double
Baseline), FD12 Visibility Meter and FD12P Weather Detector. Refer to
sections FD12 Emulation on page 79 and MITRAS Emulation on page
82 to see what message types can be emulated. The FS11 sensor also
accepts MITRAS and FD12 type polling by the RVR computer when the
emulation is on.

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MESSAGE Command
The MESSAGE command is used for displaying messages. The
command format for the MESSAGE command is

MESSAGE Message_number

If the message number is not specified, FS11 displays a default message.

The default message is the message that has been selected for automatic
or polled mode with command SET MESSAGE TYPE.

NOTE When displaying a message with the MESSAGE command, the

message frames are not displayed.

All message frames end with −∗ which represent the carriage return and
line feed characters. This character is also used as a line separator in
multi-line messages.

The contents of the messages are described in the following sections.

MESSAGE 1, FS11
Message 1 is a message of fixed length where both extinction coefficient
and background luminance values are shown. The message format is as
follows:

!FSA∀EXT 0.85 AL 0 ALS 8746 AL 0#CSUM∃−∗

where
! = Start of the heading (ASCII 1)
FS = FS11 sensor identifier
A = First character of the unit identifier, if the ID is not
defined it is replaced by a space character
∀ = Start of the text (ASCII 2)
EXT 0.85 Extinction coefficient identifier and extinction
coefficient value, unit km-1, 1 min average
AL 0 Alarm status of the visibility sensor
ALS 8746 Background luminance identifier and BL value, unit
foot-lambert. A foot-lambert equals 1 / π candela per
square foot, or 3.426 cd/m2
AL 0 Alarm status of the background luminance sensor
# End of the text (ASCII 3)
CSUM Checksum CRC16
∃ End of the transmission (ASCII 4)
−∗ CR + LF (ASCII 13 + ASCII 10)

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The total amount of characters in the message is 43. The transmission

times are: 1.5 s at 300 bps (10-bit char), 0.19 s at 2400 bps, 0.05 s at
9600 bps.

Alarm Status Codes

The alarm status codes are listed in Table 11 below.

Table 11 Alarm Status Codes

Code Explanation Reasons
W Warning (visibility -Window contamination increased
measurement value still valid -Transmitter LED aging
and shown) -Backup battery voltage low
E Error (visibility measurement -Sensor missing
value NOT shown, replaced -Memory error
with /////)
A Alarm (visibility measurement -Communication error in the sensor
value NOT shown, replaced -Internal monitoring alarm value
with /////) exceeded
-Measurement signal saturated or
outside valid range
-Surface temperature
measurement has failed
I Indication of some abnormal -AC (mains) off, operating on
situation (measurement value battery
valid and shown) -12 VDC output in short-circuit
-Hood or dew heater problem
0 (zero) NO alarm or warning
(alarm is OFF)

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MESSAGE 2, FS11 with LM21

Message 2 is a message of fixed length where both visibility and
background luminance values are shown. The message 2 format is as
follows:

!FSA∀VIS 02000 AL 0 BL 01000 AL 0#CSUM∃−∗

where
! = Start of the heading (ASCII 1)
FS = FS11 sensor identifier
A = First character of the unit identifier, if the ID is not
defined it is replaced by a space character
∀ = Start of the text (ASCII 2)
VIS 02000 = Visibility identifier and MOR value, unit meter (SI-
unit), 1 min average
AL 0 = Alarm status of the visibility sensor
BL 01000 = Background luminance identifier and BL value, unit
cd/m2
AL 0 = Alarm status of the background luminance sensor
# = End of the text (ASCII 3)
CSUM = Checksum CRC16
∃ = End of the transmission (ASCII 4)
−∗ = CR + LF (ASCII 13 + ASCII 10)

The total amount of characters in the message is 41. The transmission

times are: 1.4 s at 300 bps (10-bit char), 0.17 s at 2400 bps, 0.042 s at
9600 bps.

For a list of alarm status code explanations, refer to Table 11 on page 74.

If only LM21 Background Luminance Sensor is connected to the

interface unit, it is recommended that the Visibility Sensor be disabled
using the Advanced Level Command SET VIS_SENSOR OFF. If the
Visibility Sensor is not disabled, the visibility value is missing and the
alarm status code is E (error). A sample message of a situation when only
LM21 is connected, but the Visibility Sensor is not disabled, is presented
in the following:

!FSA∀VIS ///// AL E BL 01000 AL 0#CSUM∃−∗

If the LM21 Background Luminance Sensor polling has been set on and
the alarm status code is E, the LM21 sensor could be missing or there
could be an EEPROM memory error in LM21.

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MESSAGE 3, Status Message

The status message contains the results of the built-in tests. These
numerical internal monitoring measurement values can be requested with
the STATUS command. The short status check message, which contains
a short, clear language report of the system status can be requested with
command STATUS CHECK. Refer to section FS11 Status Messages on
page 111.

Example of status message:

!FSA∀FS11 SYSTEM STATUS: OK

Measurement unit: OK
Receiver:
Window cont: 0 backscatter: 35
DC saturation: 0 offset: -0.09
Transmitter:
Window cont: 0 backscatter: 8
Intensity: 162
Contamination compensation: ON
Temperatures (unit C):
surface: 22.8 CPU: 27.8 RX: 27.3 TX: 29.3 hood RX: 20.3
Hood TX: 21.0
Voltages:
+12V: 11.4 -12V:-11.3 VB: 12.5 VR: 6.7
Heater status:
Hood TX: OFF, hood RX: OFF, dew: OFF

Interface unit: OK
Temperatures (unit C):
CPU: 27.1, external: /////
Humidity: ////
Voltages:
+12V: 12.1 +12Vout: 0.0 PVin: 23.8 V5I: OFF

Background luminance sensor: OK

Window cont: 10
Contamination compensation: ON
Backscatter: 0
CPU: 26.2 hood: 24.6
Heater status: hood: OFF, dew: OFF
V5iso: ON

#CSUM∃−∗

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where
! = Start of the heading
FS = FS11 sensor identifier
A = First character of the unit identifier, if the ID is
not defined it is replaced by a space character
∀ = Start of the text
MESSAGE BODY
# End of the text
CSUM Checksum CRC16
∃ End of the transmission
−∗ CR + LF

For an explanation of the parameters within the message body, see

section FS11 Status Messages on page 111.

For a list of alarm status code explanations, see Table 11 on page 74.

The count of characters in the message is variable and depends on the

configuration and status of the FS11 system. The total amount can be up
to 1400 characters. The transmission of 1400 characters needs 47 s at
300 bps (10-bit char), 5.8 s at 2400 bps or 1.5 s at 9600 bps.

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MESSAGE 4, Uncompensated Values

Message 4 includes both contamination compensated and uncompensated
visibility and background luminance measurement values. Message 4
also contains 3 and 10 minute average visibility values. The message
format is as follows:

!FSA∀VIS 02100 VUC 02100 VIS3M 02000 VIS10M 01900

AL 0 BL 01050 BUC 01050 AL 0#CSUM∃−∗

where

! = Start of the heading

FS = FS11 sensor identifier
A = First character of the unit identifier, if the ID
is not defined it is replaced by a space
character
∀ = Start of the text
VIS 02100 = Visibility identifier and MOR value, unit
meter (SI-unit), 1 min average
VUC 02100 = Uncompensated visibility identifier and MOR
value
VIS3M 02000 = Visibility identifier and MOR value, 3 min
average
VIS10M 01900 = Visibility identifier and MOR value, 10 min
average
AL 0 = Alarm status of the visibility sensor
BL 01050 = Background luminance identifier and BL
value, unit cd/m2
BUC 01050 = Uncompensated BL identifier and BL value
AL 0 = Alarm status of the background luminance
sensor
# = End of the text
CSUM = Checksum CRC16
∃ = End of the transmission
−∗ = CR + LF

The total amount of characters in the message is 86. The transmission

times are: 2.86 s at 300 bps (10-bit char), 0.36 s at 2400 bps, 0.090 s at
9600 bps.

For a list of alarm status code explanations, refer to Table 11 on page 74.

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MESSAGE 5, Vaisala System Standard

Message 5 is defined according to Vaisala system standard format. All
units in the message are SI-units. The message format is as follows:

!FSA∀VIS(02000(AL(0)))BL(00100(AL(0)))#CSUM∃−∗

where
! = Start of the heading
FS = FS11 sensor identifier
A = First character of the unit identifier, if the ID is
not defined it is replaced by a space character
∀ = Start of the text
VIS(02000(AL(0))) = Visibility identifier and MOR value (unit
meter, 1 min average) and alarm status related
to visibility value
BL(00100(AL(0))) = Background luminance identifier and BL value
(unit cd/m2 ) and alarm status related to BL
value
# = End of the text
CSUM = Checksum CRC16
∃ = End of the transmission

For a list of alarm status code explanations, refer to Table 11 on page 74.

FD12 Emulation
For compatibility in the system level, the FS11 sensor also supports the
message format, frames, and polling format of Vaisala FD12 Visibility
meter and Vaisala FD12P Weather Sensor. The FD12/FD12P polling
format is accepted only when the FD12/FD12P message emulation is
selected. The FD12/FD12P polling format is as follows:

%FD id message_number−

The parameter message_number refers to the FD message number.

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FD12 Message 2
The FD12 message 2 emulation mode is selected with command SET
MESSAGE TYPE FD12MSG2.

The message format of the emulated Vaisala FD12 message number 2 is

presented below:

!FD A∀00 1810 1353 //// // /////#−∗

where
! = Start of the heading
FD = FS11 sensor identifier
A = First character of the unit identifier, if the ID is
not defined it is replaced by a space character
∀ = Start of the text
First number = Data status
0=normal, FD12 alarm limits not supported
Second number = Hardware status
0=OK
1=Alarm (data OFF, see STATUS message)
2=Warning ( see STATUS message)
1810 = Visibility 1 min average in meters (max.
75000m)
1353 = Visibility 10 min average in meters
//// = Reserved
// = Reserved for options
///// = Reserved for options
# = End of the text

The total amount of characters in the message is 40. The transmission

times are: 1.3 s at 300 bps (10-bit char), 0.17 s at 2400 bps, 0.04 s at
9600 bps.

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FD12P Message 7
The FD12P message 7 emulation mode is selected with command SET
MESSAGE TYPE FD12MSG7.

The message format of the emulated Vaisala FD12P message number 7 is

presented below:
!FD A∀00 22848 24807 /// // // // ////// ////// //// 23.3
01000−∗
#−∗

where
! = Start of the heading
FD = FS11 sensor identifier
A = First character of the unit identifier, if the ID
is not defined it is replaced by a space
character
∀ = Start of the text
First number = Data status
0=normal, FD12 alarm limits not supported
Second number = Hardware status
0=OK
1=Alarm
2=Warning
22848 = Visibility 1 min average in meters (max.
75000m)
24807 = Visibility 10 min average in meters (max.
75000m)
23.3 = TS temperature
01000 = BL cd/m2
# = End of the text

The total amount of characters in the message is 74. The transmission

times are: 2.5 s at 300 bps (10-bit char), 0.31 s at 2400 bps, 0.08 s at
9600 bps.

Message 7 consists of four lines. FD12P uses the second and third lines
for METAR codes. Visibility Sensor FS11 does not provide METAR
codes during the emulation of FD12P message 7. The METAR codes are
left out, but the lines of the message are terminated by a carriage return
and line feed characters.

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The TS temperature value will be displayed in degree Celsius only if an

external PT100 element is connected to FSI102. If no PT100 element is
connected to FSI102 the TS temperature value is represented by five
forward slashes (/////).

The measured background luminance value will be displayed in cd/m2

only if Vaisala LM21 Background Luminance sensor is attached to FS11.
If a day/night switch is used, the background luminance value will
display the switch state (1 = day, 0 = night).

MITRAS Emulation
For compatibility in the system level, the FS11 sensor also supports the
message number 6 format, frames, and polling format of Vaisala
MITRAS Transmissometer. The MITRAS polling format is accepted
only when the MITRAS message emulation is selected.

The MITRAS polling format is as follows:

P<Space><ID>−∗.

MITRAS Single Baseline

The MITRAS Single Baseline emulation mode is selected with command
SET MESSAGE TYPE MITRAS. The emulated Vaisala MITRAS
Transmissometer message is presented below:
∀ID 1 V 4550 B ///// S0101 −∗#

where
∀ = Start of the text
ID = ID
1 = Unit ID (one character only)
V = Visibility heading
4550 = Visibility 1 min average in meters
B = Background luminance heading
///// = Background luminance value
S = Status heading
01 (first) = Transmitter status
01 (second) Receiver 1 status
# End of the text

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The total amount of characters in the message is 33. The transmission

times are: 1.3 s at 300 bps (10-bit char), 0.17 s at 2400 bps, 0.04 s at
9600 bps.

The binary status is in hexadecimal notation. The status bits emulate the
MITRAS status as follows.

Transmitter status correspondence between MITRAS and FS11:

BIT MITRAS FS11

BIT.0=1 MEAS MODE ON
II BIT.1=2 CONT/OTHER OFF
BIT.2=4 OPTICAL SURFACE Window contamination
BIT.3=8 POWER SUPPLY Power supply failure
BIT.4=1 HEATING OFF
I BIT.5=2 FLASH LAMP LED failure
BIT.6=4 BL METER BL sensor status (ON/OFF)
BIT.7=8 MEASUREM. LOOP OFF
SIGNAL

Receiver status correspondence between MITRAS and FS11:

BIT MITRAS FS11

BIT.0=1 MEAS MODE ON
IV BIT.1=2 CONT/OTHER Any other FS11 alarm
BIT.2=4 OPTICAL SURFACE OFF
BIT.3=8 POWER SUPPLY OFF
BIT.4=1 HEATING OFF
III BIT.5=2 CALIBRATION Receiver saturated
BIT.6=4 TEST OFF
BIT.7=8 CONSISTENCY OFF

For example, the status 4101 means that

I 4 = BL sensor ON
II 1 = ON
IV 1 = ON

In other words, LM21 Background Luminance Sensor is set as the

background luminance sensor.

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MITRAS Double Baseline

The MITRAS Double Baseline emulation mode is selected with
command SET MESSAGE TYPE MITRAS_DB. The emulated Vaisala
MITRAS Transmissometer message is presented below:
∀ID 1 V 4550 B ///// S010101−∗#
----------------------------------
¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦¦ ¦___receiver 2 status
¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦¦ ¦___receiver 1 status
¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦¦___transmitter status
¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦____S, status heading
¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ background luminance value
¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦___B,background luminance heading
¦ ¦ ¦ ¦_____ visibility m, 1 min average
¦ ¦ ¦________V, visibility heading
¦ ¦________unit ID (first character of unit identifier only)
¦_________ID, start indicator

The total amount of characters in the message is 33. The transmission

times are: 1.3 s at 300 bps (10-bit char), 0.17 s at 2400 bps, 0.04 s at
9600 bps.

The binary status is in hexadecimal notation. The status bits emulate the
MITRAS status as follows.

Transmitter status correspondence between MITRAS and FS11:

BIT MITRAS FS11

BIT.0=1 MEAS MODE ON
II BIT.1=2 CONT/OTHER OFF
BIT.2=4 OPTICAL SURFACE Window contamination
BIT.3=8 POWER SUPPLY Power supply failure
BIT.4=1 HEATING OFF
I BIT.5=2 FLASH LAMP LED failure
BIT.6=4 BL METER BL sensor status (ON/OFF)
BIT.7=8 MEASUREM. LOOP OFF
SIGNAL

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Receiver 1 status correspondence between MITRAS and FS11:

BIT MITRAS FS11

BIT.0=1 MEAS MODE ON
IV BIT.1=2 CONT/OTHER Any other FS11 alarm
BIT.2=4 OPTICAL SURFACE OFF
BIT.3=8 POWER SUPPLY OFF
BIT.4=1 HEATING OFF
III BIT.5=2 CALIBRATION Receiver saturated
BIT.6=4 TEST OFF
BIT.7=8 CONSISTENCY OFF

Receiver 2 status correspondence between MITRAS and FS11:

BIT MITRAS FS11

BIT.0=1 MEAS MODE ON
VI BIT.1=2 CONT/OTHER Any other FS11 alarm
BIT.2=4 OPTICAL SURFACE OFF
BIT.3=8 POWER SUPPLY OFF
BIT.4=1 HEATING OFF
V BIT.5=2 CALIBRATION Receiver saturated
BIT.6=4 TEST OFF
BIT.7=8 CONSISTENCY OFF

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Message Sending Modes

FS11 messages can either be transmitted automatically at preset intervals,
or polled by commands or polling strings at intervals determined by the
host computer.

Automatic Mode
In the automatic mode the FS11 sensor sends a predefined message at
selected intervals. The automatic and default polled message can be
defined with the SET MESSAGE TYPE command. For available
messages, refer to section Message Formats on page 72. The format of
the SET MESSAGE TYPE command is presented below:

SET MESSAGE TYPE Message_number

The following command selects message 2 as the default automatic

message:

SET MESSAGE TYPE 2

The automatic message interval is selected with command SET

MESSAGE INTERVAL. The message interval is given in seconds. An
interval of zero, which disables the automatic sending, is used when the
messages are polled. The command format is as follows:

SET MESSAGE INTERVAL Message_interval

The following command selects the message to be sent once a minute:

SET MESSAGE INTERVAL 60

The following command disables the automatic sending:

SET MESSAGE INTERVAL 0

The automatic message number is also the default number for the
MESSAGE command and polling.

ACK/NAK Confirmation
In the automatic mode the FS11 system can be configured to require an
acknowledgement for the message reception from the receiver of the
message. By default the ACK/NAK confirmation is disabled. The format
of the SET MESSAGE ACKNAK is the following:

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SET MESSAGE ACKNAK ON|OFF

The ACK/NAK confirmation is enabled with command SET

MESSAGE ACKNAK ON. After the transmission of the last character
of a message the FS11 system expects an ACK/NAK confirmation within
500 ms. If the FS11 receives an ACK character (ASCII 06) within
500 ms, message sending will continue as configured by the SET
MESSAGE INTERVAL command. If the FS11 receives a NAK
character (ASCII 16) within 500 ms, message sending will be repeated
immediately. If the FS11 receives neither an ACK character nor a NAK
character within 500 ms, message sending will be repeated. Repeated
message sending due to received NAK character or missing confirmation
characters is repeated two times only. Thereafter the message sending
continues according to the configured message interval. Time periods
spent for repeating messages do not interfere with the configured
message interval.

The ACK/NAK confirmation is disabled with command SET

MESSAGE ACKNAK OFF.

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Polled Mode
In the polled mode the FS11 sensor sends a data message when the host
computer transmits a polling command. The automatic message sending
mode is disabled by setting the message interval to zero with the
following command:

SET MESSAGE INTERVAL 0

The polling command format is as follows:

%FS<id>< message_number> −

where
% = The ASCII character number 5 (Ctrl E)
FS = FS identifier
id = The identifier selected in configuration, if replaced with
blank space all FS11 sensors on the line will respond
message = Optional message identifier (two characters), if the
number message number is omitted, the sensor answers with the
default message selected with the SET MESSAGE
TYPE command
− = CR (ASCII 13)

Examples of polling commands:

%FS − = If only one FS11 unit is on the line (no ID is

necessary)
%FSA0 = The FS11 unit A (ID = A) is polled for message
3− number 03 (status message). This is used when
several devices are on the same line.

The FS11 sensor does not echo the polling character string.

For connecting several devices on the same modem line, see instructions
and example in Leased Modem Line DXL421 User’s Guide
M210636EN.

When there are several devices on the same modem line, the polled unit
turns the modem (DMX501 only) carrier on after it has acknowledged
the request. Turning on the carrier will cause extra characters to be added
in front of its first message character. The FS11 sensor waits for about
100 ms after the carrier has been turned on before it sends the message.
When FS11 has sent the message, it turns the carrier off causing another
set of extra characters that will also have to be ignored by the host.

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When the FD12, FD12P or MITRAS emulation is on (message types

FD12MSG2, FD12MSG7, MITRAS, MITRAS_DB are selected), FS11
does not respond to the above polling command but to polling commands
sent in FD12, FD12P and MITRAS formats, respectively.

Second Message
A second predefined message can be sent out. The second message is
defined with the SET MESSAGE SECOND TYPE message_type
command. The available messages are the same as for the standard
automatic mode.

The message interval for the second message is always the same as for
the standard message. No individual message interval can be set for the
second message. The second message is always transmitted after the
standard message has been transmitted.

If the automatic mode is disabled and the Polled Mode is configured

instead, the second message is transmitted whenever a standard message
has been requested. The second message cannot be polled individually or
separately.

If the ACK/NAK confirmation is enabled in the automatic mode, the

second message is transmitted whenever a standard message has been
sent. Thus, if the standard message needs to be repeated, the second
message will be repeated as well. No ACK/NAK confirmation can be
applied to the second message.

The second message can be redirected to any available port with the SET
MESSAGE SECOND PORT message_port command. The parameter
message_port can be one out of DATA or MAINTENANCE (or
MODULE when DMX501 is in use). In order to disable the distribution
of a second message, the message_port parameter has to be set to
NONE.

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System Configuration
The SET command is used to set or update system communication and
user interface related parameters.

The CALIBRATE command is used to set or update visibility, window

contamination, and temperature measurement calibrations. The
CALIBRATE command is available only at the advanced level. For
calibration instructions, refer to section FS11 Calibration on page 127.

The current system parameters can be displayed by using the

PARAMETERS command. The output is as follows:
> PARAMETERS
FS11 parameter values:
identifier: -
name:
command terminal:
lines: 24
timeout: 10
message:
type: 2
interval: 15
port: data
frame: on
simulation: off
2nd port: none
2nd type: 0
ACK/NAK: off
data port:
speed: 9600
mode: rs-232
data format:8n1
maintenance port:
speed: 9600
system:
modem: off
vis sensor: on
bl sensor: off
+12V out: off

The system parameter values are saved in the non-volatile FLASH

memory.

Default Factory Settings

The default factory parameter settings are listed in Table 12 on page 91.
All the listed parameters can be set to their default values with the
advanced level command SET DEFAULTS YES.

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Table 12 Default Factory Parameter Settings

Parameter Default Setting
Message type 2
Message interval 15
Message port Data
ACK/NAK confirmation Off
Second Message port None
Unit_id -
Name -
Data_port baud 9600
Data_port mode RS-232
Data_port parity 8N1
Module modem (DMX501 only) Off
Maintenance_port baud 9600
Port timeout 10
Terminal_lines 24
Contamination_compensation visibility_sensor On
Contamination_compensation bl_sensor On
Bl_sensor Off
Visibility Sensor On
Hood_heaters visibility_sensor On
Hood_heaters bl_sensor On
Dew_heaters visibility_sensor On
Dew_heaters bl_sensor On
Message_frame On
+12VOUT Off

Optional External Sensors

LM21 Background Luminance Sensor

The configuration command SET BL_SENSOR LM21 is used to add
the LM21 sensor output into the FS11 system and the data messages.
With this command, the interface unit CPU starts polling the LM21
sensor through the internal RS-485 sensor interface.

Day/Night Sensor
The Day/Night sensor (photo switch) output is measured and included
into the FS11 data messages with the configuration command SET
BL_SENSOR PHOTO_SWITCH.

A positive voltage is interpreted as a night condition and the background

luminance value in the FS11 output message is set to 0. Zero voltage or
an open circuit is interpreted as a day condition and the luminance value
is set to 1.

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Simulated Test Messages

Visibility Sensor FS11 can be set to a simulation mode, which includes
transmitting fixed or user defined visibility and status information. This
function is intended for system testing purposes. The normal visibility
detection mode takes effect after a reset. The simulation mode can also
be stopped with the advanced level command SIMULATE OFF.

The user can either choose a fixed test message or define an entire
message content. The fixed simulation message is selected with the
advanced level command SIMULATE TEST_MESSAGE.

There is a predefined fixed test message for each message type. If a fixed
test message is selected, one of the messages in the following section is
transmitted depending on the message type selection. The data values in
the messages are as shown in the following section. The frames of the
messages are not fixed but depend on the current configuration.

When changing the predefined fixed test message type, first turn the
simulation off by giving the advanced level command SIMULATE OFF
and then change the message type (with command SET MESSAGE
TYPE number). Turn the simulation on again by giving command
SIMULATE TEST_MESSAGE.

Message 3 (Status message) has no simulation message.

Fixed Test Messages

Message 1

!FS ∀EXT 1.62 AL 0 ALS 00319 AL 0#66D9∃−∗

Message 2

!FS ∀VIS 01850 AL 0 BL 01100 AL 0#FFAC∃−∗

Message 4

!FS ∀VIS 01850 VUC 01800 VIS3M 01900 VIS10M 02000 AL 0 BL 01100 BUC
01050 AL 0#68F7∃−∗

Message 5

!FS ∀VIS(01850(AL(0)))BL(01100(AL(0)))#663B∃−∗

FD12 Message 2 Emulation Message

!FD 1∀00 1850 2000 //// // ///// #−∗

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FD12P Message 7 Emulation Message

!FD 1∀00 1850 2000 R 61 61 61 0.33 12.16 0

23.3 01100−∗
-RA−∗
RERA−∗
#−∗

MITRAS Single Baseline Emulation Message

∀ID 1 V 1850 B 01100 S4101 −∗#

MITRAS Double Baseline Emulation Message

∀ID 1 V 1850 B 01100 S410101 −∗#

Manual Simulation Message

The user can define the entire content of the message body, which is the
string between the ∀ (start of the text) character and the # (end of the
text) character. The message string must be given after the SIMULATE
MANUAL_MESSAGE command in the following way:

SIMULATE MANUAL_MESSAGE string

The FS11 sensor does not make any validity checks to the message body
content which means that the message is transmitted as it is written.

Special characters can be added to the message by using the following

notations:

\c = Message counter (incrementally increased by a sent

message)
\n = New line
\r = CR
\t = TAB
\s = Space
\[ = [
\] = ]
\xXX = Character corresponding to hexadecimal XX

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An example of manual simulation message is as follows:

The following command

SIMULATE MANUAL_MESSAGE this\sis\stestmessage

sends the following message

!FSA∀this is testmessage#EE5E∃−∗.

In the automatic message sending mode, the frames are not displayed
with the MESSAGE command.

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Operating LM21 through Maintenance Port

The following information is given for enabling operation of the LM21
through its maintenance terminal port in, for example, troubleshooting,
calibration, and operation checking situations.

In normal operation LM21 shall have its parameters set to the default
values and its communication line released (closed) to enable use by the
host processor FSC202. This enables the operation of the LM21 as a part
of FS11.

Serial Communication Settings

In this FS11 application the default settings of the serial communications
port are as follows:

- 9600 baud
- No parity
- 8 data bits
- 1 stop bit

Serial Transmission RS-232

For the RS-232 communication the Vaisala maintenance terminal cable
QMZ103 connects the LM21 signal wires to a standard PC/Laptop RS-
232 interface sub-D9 connector:

- RS-232 TxD to PC sub-D 3/9

- RS-232 RxD to PC sub-D 2/9
- GND to PC sub-D 5/9

Vaisala recommendation for the maximum length of the RS-232 cable is

50 m. Usually, the RS-232 connection can be used with distances up to
100 m without problems but that cannot be guaranteed.

Any computer equipped with terminal emulation software or a VT100-

compatible terminal with RS-232 serial interface can be used as a
Maintenance Terminal for LM21.

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Entering and Exiting Command Mode

The maintenance line of the sensor must be assigned to the operator with
command OPEN.

OPEN Command
If no device identifier (ID) is defined, type

OPEN

If ID is defined, for example, as A, type

OPEN A

If ID is defined but forgotten, type

OPEN *

If the device type LM is included in the OPEN command, an ID is not

needed. This command is similar to the OPEN * command, type

OPEN LM

If an ID is defined, for example, as A, type

OPEN LM A

The LM21 answers

LM21 LINE OPENED FOR OPERATOR COMMANDS

If no input is given within 10 minutes, LM21 closes the line

automatically. The timeout time is user-selectable.

If LM21 receives an OPEN command targeted to another device while in

command mode, it executes a CLOSE command.

CLOSE Command
The line can be released to automatic data messages with the CLOSE
command.

The LM21 answers

LM21 LINE CLOSED

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Available Commands
With the HELP command the operator can get information about the
available commands. By typing HELP command the operator can get
information about a specific command.

The hierarchy and description of the commands are described in Table 13

below and Table 14 on page 98.

Table 13 LM21 User Level Commands

Command Description
CLOSE Releases the port for message transmission.
ECHO ON Enables input character echo (default).
ECHO OFF Disables input character echo.
MESSAGE message_number If the message number is not specified, LM21
displays the default message without transmission
frames.
HELP command Lists available commands. With a command name
as a parameter, the HELP command shows
information about that specific command.
STATUS Prints the status message.
PARAMETERS Prints the configuration parameters.
SET MESSAGE TYPE message_number Selects the transmitted message type.
SET MESSAGE INTERVAL number Sets the interval in seconds for message sending.
Zero disables the automatic sending.
SET MESSAGE PORT DATA Message is directed to the Data port (default).
SET MESSAGE PORT MAINTENANCE Message is directed to the Maintenance port.
SET UNIT_ID id Sets unit identifier: an alphanumerical character for
message and polling identification. A '-' character
removes the ID. By default no ID is set and space
character is used in the message headings.
SET NAME name Sets name: an alphanumerical string that can be
used during installation to identify, for example, unit
location. The maximum string length is 12
characters.
SET MAINTENANCE_PORT BAUD number Sets the Maintenance port serial line baud rate to
300...9600. Communication parameters: 8N1 (fixed).
MEAS_SYNC Resets the measurement sequence. The following
data message is measured from the moment all
average values are erased. Next message is
transmitted in (interval +2) seconds.
SET PORT_TIMEOUT number Sets the command mode timeout in minutes 0 to 30,
0 disables the timeout, default is 10 min.
SET TERMINAL_LINES number Adjusts printouts for used terminal screen. Minimum
is 5 lines, default 24.
NAME Displays the device name given by the user, the
device type, and ID.
VERSION Lists the software version.
SET DATA_PORT BAUD number yes/no Sets data port serial line baud rate to 300...19200.
Verification yes/no asked only if the command is
given via DATA PORT (default 9600).

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Command Description
SET DATA_PORT PARITY 7E1 yes/no RS-232 and RS-485 serial lines use the following
communication parameters: 7 data bits, even parity,
1 stop bit. Verification yes/no asked only if the
command is given via DATA PORT (default).
SET DATA_PORT PARITY 8N1 yes/no RS-232 and RS-485 serial lines use the following
communication parameters: 8 data bits, no parity, 1
stop bit. Verification yes/no asked only if the
command is given via DATA PORT.

In addition to the user level command set, there is a second, advanced,

in-depth maintenance and service level command set. The access
command to this advanced level is LEVEL 1. The command prompt
shows the current command set level. In the advanced level, the prompt
is 1>.

Table 14 LM21 Advanced Level Commands

Command Description
SET MESSAGE FRAME ON Message frames included in data message
transmission (default).
SET MESSAGE FRAME OFF Message frames not included in data messages.
SET CONTAMINATION_COMPENSATION Enables measurement value compensation caused
ON by window contamination (default).
SET CONTAMINATION_COMPENSATION Disables the compensation function.
OFF
SET HOOD_HEATERS ON Enables the monitoring and automatic operation of
the hood heater (default). The hood heaters are
turned on by the unit when the hood temperature
drops below a preset level.
SET HOOD_HEATERS OFF Disables hood heater operation and monitoring. Set
OFF when operated in environments where hood
heaters are not needed and the sensor is only
operated with DC power.
SET DEW _HEATER ON Enables the monitoring and automatic operation of
the dew heaters (default). The dew heaters start to
warm up optical surfaces when ambient temperature
drops below a preset level.
SET DEW _HEATER OFF Disables dew heaters operation and monitoring. Set
OFF when operated in environments where dew
heaters are not needed (ambient temperature does
not drop below 12 °C).
SET DEFAULTS yes/no Restores the default factory settings, verification
yes/no asked.

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Parameter Configuration
The SET command is used to set or update system communication and
user interface related parameters.

The CALIBRATE command is used to set or update background

luminance and window contamination calibrations. The CALIBRATE
command is available only at the advanced level. For calibration
instructions, refer to the LM21 User's Guide.

The current LM21 system parameters can be displayed by using the

PARAMETERS command. The output is as follows:
> PARAMETERS
LM21 parameter values:
identifier: -
name:
command terminal:
lines: 24
timeout: 10
message:
type: 1
interval: 15
port: data
data port:
speed: 9600
data format:8n1
maintenance port:
speed: 9600

The system parameter values are saved in the non-volatile EEPROM

memory.

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Default Settings for FS11 Use

Table 15 below lists the default settings for LM21 in FS11 use.

Table 15 Default Settings for LM21 in FS11 Use

Parameter Default Setting
Message type 2
Message interval 0 (Off)
Message port Data
Unit_id -
Name -
Data_port baud 9600
Data_port parity none
Maintenance_port baud 9600
Port timeout 10
Terminal_lines 24
Contamination_compensation On
Hood_heaters On
Dew_heaters On
Message_frame 1 (FSI type)

LM21 Standard Initialization

In order to put the LM21 into a proper operational state, the Interface
Unit transmits an initialization request command. This triggers a set of
communication settings to accommodate the communication with the
Interface Unit.

Interface Unit  LM21 - Initialisation Request:

<SOH>LM <STX>&DOfsisetup<ETX>8395<EOT><CR><LF>

Action:

LM21 sets the following configuration parameters:

- no automatic message reporting (MSG.INTERVAL 0)

- standard message type is #6, fsi message (MSG.TYPE 7)
- framing is enabled and set to fsi type (FRAME.TYPE 1)
- any device id is removed (DEVICE.ID *)

Interface Unit  Measurement - Initialisation Answer:

<SOH>LM <STX>ACK<ETX>D24B<EOT><CR><LF>

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CHAPTER 5
THEORY OF OPERATION

Visibility Sensor FS11 is a forward scatter measuring instrument. It

consists of Measurement Unit (FSM102), Interface Unit (FSI102),
frangible mast (FS25010) and interconnecting cables.

Measurement Unit FSM102 consists of the Receiver module, the

Transmitter module, and the control board. It works as an independent
sensor with a limited number of external interfaces.

The power required for FSM102 and for the heating of the optics is
supplied by Interface Unit. The external power and the communication
interfaces exist in Interface Unit. Interface Unit consists of the AC
(mains) power supply, the communication controller board, and the
optional backup battery.

The FSM102 transmitter sends continuous infrared light pulses, which

the lens focuses into a narrow beam. The receiver lens collects the
scattered light on the PIN photodiode for detection. The detected light
level is converted and sampled, and sent to the measurement CPU for
calculations.

The communication control unit collects the measurement results and

communicates them to the user through the serial line interfaced with the
RS-232 or RS-485 driver or with the optional modem.

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1006-120

Figure 35 FS11 Block Diagram

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Hardware Description

Measurement Unit FSM102

The Measurement Unit consists of three electronics parts: the transmitter
and receiver units and the controller board. These parts are described in
detail in the next sections.

Transmitter Unit FST102

The transmitter unit consists of an infrared LED, control and triggering
circuits, a LED intensity stabilizer, a backscatter receiver, and a window
contamination measurement circuitry.

The transmitter unit electronics cause the infrared LED to pulse at a

frequency of 2.2 kHz. A PIN photodiode monitors the transmitted light
intensity and automatically adjusts the light level of the LED to the preset
value. This compensates for the temperature and aging effects of the light
emitting diode.

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0009-005

Figure 36 FST102 Transmitter Block Diagram

A pulse signal from the FSR102 Receiver synchronizes the infrared LED
timing with the lock-in amplifier of the receiver.

An additional photodiode measures the light scattered back from the lens,
other objects, or contaminants. The window contamination measurement
principle is based on the change of the total reflection of the light beam
on the window surface. The principle is shown in Figure 37 on page 105.

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0201-074

Figure 37 Window Contamination Measurement Principle inside

Transmitter and Receiver FSM102

The following numbers refer to Figure 37 above:

1 = Photodiode
2 = Infrared LED
3 = Window
4 = Lens

The main transmitter LED temperature is controlled by a control circuit

that includes a temperature sensor and a heating element. In cold
environments the heating circuitry warms up the LED to its proper
operating temperature to keep the LED emission cone and wavelength
stable.

Receiver Unit FSR102

The Receiver unit consists of a light receiver detector, a low-noise
preamplifier, high pass (HP) and band pass (BP) filters, two A/D
converters, a backscatter measurement light source LED, window
contamination measurement circuitry, and some control and timing
electronics.

The receiving PIN photodiode senses the transmitted light pulses

scattered from the aerosol particles. The signal voltage is filtered and
detected by the phase sensitive lock-in amplifier that is synchronized
with the transmitter.

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0009-006

Figure 38 FSR102 Receiver Block Diagram

An ambient light level as high as 30 kcd/m2 neither influences the

detection of the photodiode, nor saturates the preamplifier. The DC level
is monitored for detecting eventual saturation caused by the ambient
light.

Two infrared LEDs are provided for the backscatter and contamination
measurement. The light level is sampled and converted using the same
method of detection described with the scattering signal measurement.
The window contamination measurement principle is based on the
change of the total reflection of the light beam on the window surface.
The principle is shown in Figure 37 on page 105.

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Controller Board FSC102

The Controller Board consists of a microprocessor, a communication
interface, a temperature measurement circuitry, a watchdog, memories,
monitoring circuitry, and heater controllers.

The Controller board is based on a Hitachi H8/3048F microprocessor.

Besides data acquisition and internal controlling, the FSC102 board takes
care of the communication with the communication controller through an
RS-485 serial port.

The watchdog circuit monitors both the +5 V level and the system
operation creating a hardware reset when necessary. The Controller
board further includes an accurate 20 bit A/D converter for Pt100
temperature measurement.

There are two separate sets of heaters in the FSM102 Visibility

Measurement Unit: Hood heaters in the outside hoods of the optics
heads, and dew heaters inside the optics units for keeping the lenses
clear.

The Hood heater control logic consists of two solid state relays. Both
hood heater foil elements are independently controlled according to the
temperature measurement on the heater foil. The hood heater voltage
level is 28 VAC. The dew heaters are controlled to prevent the formation
of condensation on the sensor windows. The dew heater voltage level is
13 VDC.

Interface Unit FSI102

The interface unit consists of the AC (mains) power supply (FSP103 +
transformer + switch), the communication controller board (FSC202),
and the optional backup battery option (FSB101).

The power required for the measurement unit and the power for the
heating of the optics heads' hoods is supplied by the interface unit. There
is also an interface connection for optional Background Luminance
Sensor LM21 and optional Obstruction Light Sensor FS11OBS.

The external power input and the communication interfaces of the FS11
sensor are located in the interface unit. All external interfaces are
equipped with surge protection circuitry.

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Communication Controller Board FSC202

Communication Controller Board FSC202 contains all external
communication interfaces. The FSC202 board polls the Measurement
unit FSM102 and Background Luminance Sensor LM21 through the
internal RS-485 sensor bus and combines and forms the FS11 data
message from their response messages. The available data line options
are the serial lines RS-232 and (external) RS-485. FSC202 also includes
a separate RS-232 maintenance line.

The +12 VOUT output pin can be used for powering external options
such as the obstruction light (FS11OBS) or the photo switch. The
maximum output current is 0.8 A.

The Pt100 and the humidity measurement inputs are not used in the FS11
Visibility Sensor application. If a Vaisala HMP45D probe is connected to
the inputs, T and RH are measured and the values are shown in the status
message but not used for anything.

AC (Mains) Power Supply

The AC (mains) power supply consists of the AC (mains) power circuit
breaker and fuses, Power Supply Board FSP103, and the AC (mains)
transformer. The power supply board includes the secondary fuses, the
AC (mains) voltage level selection switch, and the transient protection
circuitry. The operation of the AC (mains) power supply is indicated with
four LEDs. The green LED indicates that the raw nominal 24 VDC
power line voltage is OK. The three yellow LEDs indicate that the
28 VAC heater power line fuses are intact and output voltage is on for
each output.

The transient protection circuitry has been tested to sustain 2 kV level

transient surges generated according to the EN 61000-4-5 testing
standards. According to the test results, these surges should not effect the
operation of the circuitry. With higher level and repeated transient
surges, the high surge current will trip the Circuit Breaker. The circuit
board is thus protected against high surge currents and the unit is
operational after the Circuit Breaker is turned ON again.

For the placement of fuses, see Figure 59 on page 157.

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Battery Backup
The optional battery backup ensures operation for a minimum period of
30 minutes (at 25 °C) in case of a power failure. If the unit is operating in
a non-freezing environment and the high power hood heaters are not
required, the FS11 sensor can also be operated with DC power. The
battery charger QBR101 also provides interfaces for solar panels and
larger external batteries. Refer to the QBR101 User's Guide for the
connections.

Frangible Mast
The frangible mast is made of a glass fiber tube. The same mast tube
structures are also used in the approach light systems of several airports
around the world. The mast manufacturer Exel has performed frangibility
tests under the supervision of ICAO (International Civil Aviation
Organization ). Reports of these tests are available on special request.

The grounding cable inside the mast is connected to the mast with a fork
type connector. The connector will slide from its attachment screw in
case of an impact to the mast. The measurement unit cable will also slide
through its cable gland in FSI102 and disconnect from the FSC202 in
case of an impact to the mast.

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Software Description
The FS11 sensor has a fixed program tuned by the system parameters.
The program code includes the signal processing algorithms and the
system timing. After a hardware reset or a power-up, the program
initializes its working data structures and reads the system parameters
from the non-volatile FLASH memory into the data memory. The
correctness of the read parameters is verified with checksums.

The program is divided into tasks that are executed under the control of a
real time operating system kernel.

The program is organized around a data base that is used in storing

measured values. There is a server task that is responsible for updating
the stored values. Message generation and all requests are handled by a
separate task. There is also a task dedicated for the command interpreter.

Alarm generation is based on information collected during

measurements. The actual alarm logic is handled by a message generator
task.

Measuring Sequence
The FS11 sensor measures visibility at 15-second intervals. Fourteen
seconds of this period is devoted to the signal measurement by firing the
transmitter LED and sampling the receiver detector. After that there is a
1-second period for diagnostic measurements. In the following 15-second
interval, the 1-second diagnostic measurement period is devoted for
contamination measurement.

Visibility Measuring Principle

In the FSM102 receiver unit the signal generated by the PIN photodiode
is amplified and filtered with precision amplifiers. The filtered signal is
then detected by a phase sensitive lock-in amplifier and the result is
converted into a digital word by a 16-bit analog-to-digital converter. The
CPU in the controller board reads the digital words for further
processing.

The offset of the receiver is monitored regularly. Each data point consists
of a signal and background value. These values are subtracted to produce
a real-time, offset-corrected signal value.

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Calculations
The FS11 software calculates the extinction coefficient from the samples
by separating the signals coming from droplets and other scattering
media. The extinction coefficient is calculated separately for droplets and
other scattering media, and these are summed using weights. MOR is
calculated from the summed extinction coefficient with the following
known formula of the 5% contrast ratio:

MOR = - ln0.05 / σ = 3 / σ

where σ is the extinction coefficient.

Internal Monitoring
Extensive built-in tests are included in the FS11 operation. Various
voltages are measured, and corresponding alarm and warning limits are
checked.

The FS11 sensor generates a warning if some monitored value does not
meet the criteria for optimal operation, but the measurement results are
still reliable. For example, slightly contaminated windows or aging
transmitter LEDs generate warnings. If a critical hardware failure is
detected, the sensor indicates an alarm and the corresponding data is set
as missing (/////).

Built-in tests include contamination monitoring, signal monitoring,

hardware monitoring, and memory tests. The results of the monitoring
are displayed in the status message.

FS11 Status Messages

The status messages display the results of the built-in test system. A short
status check message shows a quick report of the system status. The short
status message is requested with command STATUS CHECK:
0> status check
FS11 SYSTEM STATUS: OK

Measurement unit: OK
Current Events:
NONE.
Interface unit: OK
Current Events:
Conf2:VIS+ALS measurement
Background luminance sensor: OK
Current Events:
NONE.

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Event Messages
This section describes the Event Messages of the different units.

Table 16 Measurement Unit Event Messages

Event Message Reason
MOR1:MOR underrange Measured MOR above upper
measurement range limit
MOR2:MOR overrange Measured MOR below lower measurement
range limit
Cal1:calibration procedure Measurement Unit calibration procedure is
ongoing ongoing.
Cal2:opaque glass test failed Measurement Unit calibration procedure
failed.
Repeat Measurement Unit calibration
procedure.
Cal8:calibration not valid Measurement Unit calibration not valid.
Repeat Measurement Unit calibration
procedure.
WinCon1:contamination warning Measurement Unit windows contaminated.
Clean windows in the near future.
WinCon2:contamination alarm Measurement Unit windows contaminated.
Clean windows immediately.
WinCon4:clogging alarm Measurement Unit windows are clogged.
Clean windows immediately.
CPU1:memory failure Measurement Unit CPU memory failure.
If the failure persists after power-resets of
the measurement unit, the measurement
unit has to be replaced.
CPU2:visibility sample sequence Measurement Unit receiver or CPU failure
failed
CPU4:FSC measurement CPU Measurement Unit CPU internal power
internal power supply failure supply failure
CPU8:temperature sensor failure Measurement Unit CPU temperature
sensor failure
Tperi1:dew heater failure Measurement Unit transmitter dew heater
failure
Tperi2:hood heater failure Measurement Unit transmitter hood heater
failure
Tperi4:LED aged Measurement Unit transmitter light source
aged
Tperi8:LED failure Measurement Unit transmitter light source
failure
TwinCon1:backscatter high Backscatter signal level increased due to
some disturbance in the light path
(Measurement Unit transmitter)
TwinCon2:backscatter Backscatter measurement failure
measurement failure (Measurement Unit transmitter)
TwinCon4:total reflection Total reflection measurement failure
measurement failure (Measurement Unit transmitter)
Rperi1:dew heater failure Measurement Unit receiver temperature
dew heater failure
Rperi2:hood heater failure Measurement Unit receiver hood heater
temperature failure

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Event Message Reason

Rperi4:main receiver saturated Measurement Unit receiver saturated due
failure to reflections of an obstacle or wrong
Measurement Unit orientation
Rperi8:main receiver signal offset Measurement Unit: receiver, CPU or
drift failure internal cable failure
RwinCon1:backscatter high Backscatter signal level increased due to
some disturbance in the light path
(Measurement Unit receiver).
Clean windows immediately.
RwinCon2:backscatter Backscatter measurement failure
measurement failure (Measurement Unit receiver)
RwinCon4:total reflection Total reflection measurement failure
measurement failure (Measurement Unit receiver)
Txer1: Transmitter failure Summarization of Measurement Unit
Txer2: Transmitter failure Transmitter failure
Txer4: Transmitter failure
Rxer1: Receiver failure Summarization of Measurement Unit
Rxer2: Receiver failure Receiver failure
Rxer4: Receiver failure
Rxer8: Receiver failure
Rxer16: Receiver failure

Table 17 Interface Unit Event Messages

Event Message Reason
Conf0:VIS measurement only The interface unit is configured to handle a
measurement unit sensor but no
background luminance sensor.
Conf1:ALS measurement only The interface unit is configured to handle a
background luminance sensor but no
measurement unit.
Conf2:VIS+ALS measurement The interface unit is configured to handle a
measurement unit and a background
luminance sensor.
Conf8:configuration failure The interface unit is configured to handle
neither a measurement unit nor a
background luminance sensor.
InCo1:VIS sensor not responding Measurement unit is not responding.
InCo2:ALS sensor not Background luminance sensor is not
responding responding.
Batt1:Battery Mode No mains input voltage available, working
on battery.
Batt2:Battery Low No mains input voltage available, working
on battery.
Battery voltage is low, system will shut
down soon.
CPU1:+12V output disconnected A short circuit has been detected at the
+12 V output. The output has been shut
down.
Check connected device for short circuit.
To bring the +12 V output back into
operation, the interface unit needs a reset.
CPU2:memory failure Interface unit CPU detected a memory
failure.
If the failure persists after power-resets of

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Event Message Reason

the interface unit, the interface unit CPU
board has to be replaced.
CPU4:FSC interface CPU Interface unit CPU internal power failure.
internal power supply failure" If the failure persists after power-resets of
the interface unit, the interface unit CPU
board has to be replaced.

Table 18 Background Luminance Detector Sensor Event

Messages
Event Message Reason
BL1:Background Luminance Measured luminance is greater than upper
Underrange measurement range limit.
BL2:Background Luminance Measured luminance is less than lower
Overrange measurement range limit.
Cal1:Calibration Procedure Background luminance sensor calibration
Ongoing procedure is ongoing.
Cal8:Calibration Not Valid Background luminance sensor calibration
procedure failed.
WinCon1:Window Contamination Background luminance sensor windows
Warning contaminated.
WinCon2:Window Contamination Background luminance sensor windows
Alarm contaminated.
WinCon4:Window Clogging Background luminance sensor windows
Alarm are clogged.
Misc1:Dew Heater Failure Background luminance sensor dew heater
failure
Misc2:Hood Heater Failure Background luminance sensor hood heater
failure
Misc4:CPU Memory Failure Background luminance sensor CPU
memory failure.
If the failure persists after power-resets of
the background luminance sensor, the
background luminance sensor has to be
replaced.
Misc8:Sensor Sensitivity Failure Background luminance sensor receiver
failure
WinMeas1:Backscatter High Background luminance sensor backscatter
signal is very high.
WinMeas2:Backscatter Background luminance sensor backscatter
Measurement Failure measurement failure
WinMeas4:Total Reflection Background luminance sensor total
Measurement Failure reflection measurement failure

The long status message with numerical internal monitoring

measurement values is requested with command STATUS as follows:
>STATUS
FS11 SYSTEM STATUS: OK

Measurement unit: OK
Receiver:
Window cont: 0 backscatter: 35

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DC saturation: 0 offset: -0.09

Transmitter:
Window cont: 0 backscatter: 8
Intensity: 162
Contamination compensation: ON
Temperatures (unit C):
surface: 22.8 CPU: 27.8 RX: 27.3 TX: 29.3 hood RX: 20.3
Hood TX: 21.0
Voltages:
+12V: 11.4 -12V:-11.3 VB: 12.5 VR: 6.7
Heater status:
Hood TX: OFF, hood RX: OFF, dew: OFF

Interface unit: OK
Temperatures (unit C):
CPU: 27.1, external: /////
Humidity: ////
Voltages:
+12V: 12.1 +12Vout: 0.0 PVin: 23.8 V5I: OFF

Background luminance sensor: OK

Window cont: 10
Contamination compensation: ON
Backscatter: 0
CPU: 26.2 hood: 24.6
Heater status: hood: OFF, dew: OFF
V5iso: ON

where

FS11 System status = System level status

Measurement unit = FSM102 status
Receiver:
Window cont = Reduction in window transmittance, in %
Backscatter = Signal level from total blockage signal, in %
DC saturation = Receiver DC signal level of total saturation,
in %
Offset = Scatter signal offset (raw AD conversion, unit
is LSB)
Transmitter:
Window cont = Reduction in window transmittance, in %
Backscatter = Signal level from total blockage signal, in %
Intensity = LED current in mA
Contamination = Status of visibility compensation
compensation
Temperatures:
Surface = FSM102 external temperature
CPU = FSC101 temperature
RX = FSR102 temperature
TX = FST102 temperature
Hood RX = Receiver hood temperature

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Hood TX = Transmitter hood temperature

Voltages:
+12 V = Regulated positive operating voltage for
transmitter, receiver, and FSC101
-12 V = Regulated negative operating voltage for
transmitter and receiver
VB = Voltage which +12 V is regulated from
VR = Voltage which +5 V is regulated from
Heater status:
Hood TX = TX hood heater automatic control system
on/off, *= heater current flowing
Hood RX = RX hood heater automatic control system
on/off, *= heater current flowing
Dew = Dew heater automatic control system on/off,
*= heater current flowing
Interface unit = FSI102 status
Temperatures:
CPU = FSC202 temperature
External = FSI102 ext temperature from HMP45D
(option)
Humidity = FSI102 ext humidity from HMP45D (option)
Voltages:
+12 V = Regulated operating voltage for FSC202
+12 Vout = Regulated operating voltage for obstruction
light and HMP45
PVin = Supply voltage from either FSP103
(~24 VDC) or backup battery (~12 VDC)
V5I = Isolated +5 VDC operating voltage for
RS-485 (on/off)
Background = LM21 status
luminance sensor
Window cont = Reduction in window transmittance, in %
Contamination = Status of background luminance
compensation compensation
Backscatter = Signal level from total blockage signal, in %
CPU = LMB201 temperature
Hood = Hood temperature
Heater status
Hood = Hood heater automatic control system on/off,
*= heater current flowing
Dew = Dew heater automatic control system on/off,
*= heater current flowing
V5iso = Isolated +5VDC operating voltage for RS-485
(on/off)
# = End of the text

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The heater status indicates whether the automatic heater control circuitry
has been turned on. When the automatic heater control circuitry is on, it
will automatically switch the heater on and off trying to keep the
temperature within the acceptable range.

An asterisk (*) in front of the heater status (ON/OFF) indicates that the
heater is currently heating.

Alarm Messages
This section describes the different alarm message types of the FS11
sensor.

Table 19 Error Messages

ERRORS Reasons
SENSOR NOT RESPONDING Measurement unit FSM102 or LM21 not
responding
MEMORY ERROR FLASH memory checksum error,
configuration not valid

Table 20 Alarm Messages

ALARMS Reasons
TRANSMITTER FAILURE Transmitter not responding
LED FAILURE Transmitter LED intensity too low
RECEIVER FAILURE Receiver data invalid or receiver not
responding
POWER SUPPLY One of the power supply voltages out of
the valid range
BACKSCATTER HIGH Backscatter signal level increased, some
disturbance in the light path
RECEIVER SATURATED Ambient light level too high on the receiver,
caused by, for example, sunbeams
reflecting from a reflecting surface
SCATTER SIGNAL There is an obstacle in the measurement
SATURATED volume that causes excessive scattering.
SIGNAL OFFSET DRIFTED Offset has drifted more than ±5 LSB from
zero, caused by other disturbing visibility
sensors nearby or other interference
problems.
TEMPERATURE SENSOR The surface temperature sensor is
FAILURE disconnected or has failed.

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Table 21 Warning Messages

WARNINGS Reasons
WINDOW CONTAMINATED Window contamination has increased and
caused the window transmission to drop
below 85% either in the transmitter or in
the receiver. The contamination
compensation is still reliable.
BATTERY LOW Backup battery voltage low (<11 VDC),
limited operation time left
LED AGED LED aged, required electrical driving power
increased, limited operation time left

Table 22 Indication Messages

INDICATIONS Reasons
WORKING ON BATTERY AC (mains) off, hood heaters not
operational
+12V OUTPUT +12 V output on the interface unit is
DISCONNECTED disconnected due to a short-circuit in the
output line. This has no effect on the
measurement but warning lights or other
options powered by this output will not
work.
HOOD HEATER FAULT Hood heater not operational. Hood
temperature has increased less than 2 °C
within 5 minutes since the heater was
turned on by the automatic heater control
circuit.
NOTE: If operated only with battery or DC
power, set the hood heater OFF to prevent
this indication.
DEW HEATER FAULT Dew heater not operational, no current
runs through the heater when it is on

Optical Contamination and Blocking

Monitoring
Optical contamination and blocking of both the transmitter and the
receiver are continuously monitored. The FS11 sensor monitors
contamination and blocking by measuring window contamination and
backscattered signals. The CLEAN command is used to set clean
reference values for the contamination and blocking signals. If the alarm
limit is exceeded in the backscatter measurement, the visibility data is set
as missing (/////) and an alarm is generated.

The transmitter backscatter is measured with an analog circuit using the

transmitter LED as a light source. The transmitter backscatter value is
higher with higher backscatter signals.

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The receiver backscatter is measured with the main receiver circuitry

using an additional LED as a transmitter. The signal is higher when more
light is scattered back.

A BACKSCATTER HIGH alarm is generated when the backscatter

signal of either the transmitter or receiver has increased considerably
from the reference signal level.

The window contamination measurement circuitry uses a separate LED

and a detector located on the opposite side of the window edges to
measure window contamination. For the measurement principle, see
Figure 37 on page 105. The change of the contamination signal from the
clean value is proportional to the contamination on the window. The
window contamination value of the status message indicates the
reduction in transmittance of the window. For example, a contamination
value of 10% means that the window transmittance has decreased 10%
and it is now only 90% of the original value.

The total transmission of the optical path is calculated from the

transmitter and receiver window transmittances. A window
contamination warning WINDOW CONTAMINATED is given when the
transmission has decreased to 85% but still allows reliable scattering
light measurements.

Contamination Compensation
The total transmission value is also used to calculate the required
compensation for the visibility values. The contamination compensation
is only performed with moderate contamination when reliable visibility
measurements can still be made. If the calculated total transmission value
has decreased but still allows reliable scattering light measurements, a
window contamination warning is generated to indicate a proactive
maintenance need. Notice that the visibility values are still reliable and
delivered normally.

If the contamination compensation is disabled with command SET

CONTAMINATION_COMPENSATION VISIBILITY_SENSOR
OFF, no contamination compensation is made. However, in this case the
window contamination warning is still generated if the total transmission
of the windows has decreased.

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Signal Monitoring
The saturation of the receiver unit is monitored by measuring the DC
signal level of the photodiode amplifier. In case direct or reflected
sunlight enters the receiver optics, the DC level of measured electrical
signal may increase to a point where it will have an effect on the
visibility measurement. When the DC signal saturation is too high for
reliable measurement, the visibility data is set as missing (/////) and a
RECEIVER SIGNAL SATURATED alarm is generated.

The scatter signal saturation is monitored by the visibility measurement

itself. If the maximum signal value is reached, the measurement is
saturated and no reliable measurements can be made. In this case the
visibility data is set as missing (/////) and an alarm SCATTER SIGNAL
SATURATED is generated. The most probable reason for the scatter
signal saturation is an obstacle in the measurement volume that causes
excessive signal reflection to the receiver.

The offset error of the receiver unit in FS11 is monitored regularly. CPU
disables the transmitter unit and performs the normal scatter
measurement procedure without the transmitted light pulses. In case the
high offset signal level is too high, a SIGNAL OFFSET DRIFTED alarm
message is given and the visibility data is set as missing (/////).

The most probable reason for increased signal offset is optical

interference from another visibility sensor in the vicinity or other
interference problem at a frequency of approximately 2.2 kHz.

Transmitter Intensity Stability

The transmitter intensity is kept stable with a feedback loop that uses a
PIN photodiode for light power output monitoring. The drive current of
the LED is monitored to detect an increase in the current. The only
natural causes of change are dirt in the light path and aging of the LED.
When more power is needed, the drive current increases. When the drive
current has increased above a level which makes the LED deteriorate
faster than before, but still allows reliable measurements (225 mA), a
warning LED AGED is generated for a weak LED. An alarm LED
FAILURE is generated when the drive current has increased above a
level that does not allow reliable measurements (325 mA, visibility data
is set to /////).

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Heaters Operation
There are two separate sets of heaters in the FSM102 Visibility
Measurement Unit: Hood heaters in the outside hoods of the optics
heads, and dew heaters inside the optics units for keeping the lenses
clear.

The hood heater operation is monitored with the temperature sensors

located on the glue sides of the hood heater foils. The temperature sensor
output is used for the stabilization of the hood temperatures by the
automatic heating control system. The system turns the heaters on when
the hood temperature drops below 15 °C and turns the heaters off when
the hood temperature rises above 20 °C.

If the sensor output is invalid, the heaters are turned off and a HOOD
HEATER FAULT indication is generated. If the measured heater
temperature has increased less than 2 °C within 5 minutes since the
automatic heater control system turned on the heater, an indication is also
generated.

The dew heaters prevent the formation of condensation on the optic

surfaces. They keep the receiver and transmitter temperature above the
ambient temperature. If the dew heater has been activated (with
commands SET DEW_HEATER VISIBILITY_SENSOR ON or SET
DEW_HEATER BL_SENSOR ON), the automatic heater control
system will turn on the heater when the outside temperature drops below
10 °C. The heater is automatically turned off when the outside
temperature rises above 12 °C.

If no current runs through the heater when it is in the ON state, a DEW

HEATER FAULT indication is generated.

Power Supplies
All internal power supply voltages are monitored, and if they are not
within ±1 V of their nominal values, a POWER SUPPLY alarm is
generated. The +5 V power supply voltage is monitored by a watchdog
circuitry and is not included in the monitored voltages. If the +5 V
voltage is below 4.5 V, the watchdog circuitry generates a reset and
keeps the CPU board in the reset state until the voltage rises above 4.6 V.

The presence of the AC (mains) voltage is monitored by measuring the

voltage input of FSC202. If the voltage input value (PVin) is above 15 V,
the AC (mains) voltage is connected. If the input voltage is below 15 V,
the FS11 sensor is working on the battery and a WORKING ON
BATTERY indication is generated. If the voltage input value drops
below 11 VDC, a BATTERY LOW warning is generated.

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The +12 VOUT output voltage line is also monitored. The output is
protected with a 0.9 A self-resettable fuse. If the fuse has disconnected a
line due to, for example, a temporary short-circuit, the software
disconnects the entire output and waits for approximately one minute for
the fuse to cool and reset itself back to operation, and then connects the
+12 VOUT voltage back on-line. If the short-circuit is still present and
the fuse disconnects the line, the software will not try to connect the
voltage back on-line for a second time but generates a +12 OUTPUT
DISCONNECTED indication. Then the voltage can be returned to the
+12 VOUT pin only by resetting the FSC202 board or by an advanced
level command SET +12VOUT ON.

The isolated 5 VDC operating voltage for RS-485 (V5I) is switched on

only when the selected communication method with the unit is RS-485
(command SET DATA_PORT MODE RS-485 is given).

Analog Interfaces
The validity of the measured values is determined in the following way:
The temperature and humidity are monitored to verify that the sensor is
connected and the values are in their valid measurement ranges. The
valid range for temperature measurements is between 0 ... 2.5 V. The
exceptions are the surface (see Figure 39 below) and external (connector
on FSC202) temperatures which are Pt100 measurements. Their valid
range is from -60 °C to +80 °C. The valid range for the humidity probe
measurement is 0 ... 1 V.

0201-075

Figure 39 Location of Surface Temperature Probe

The following number refers to Figure 39 above:

1 = Surface temperature probe

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Only a failure in the surface temperature measurement will generate an

alarm. This is the TEMPERATURE SENSOR FAILURE alarm, which is
generated when the measurement is not in the valid range. The other
temperature measurements are only for monitoring purposes and have no
effect on the operation of the unit.

Memory Tests and Program Operation

After a reset, the FS11 sensor clears and initializes its SRAM data
memory.

The checksum of the FLASH parameter memory is calculated and

checked with a test after the reset. An error in the checksum causes a
memory error report.

The program operation is monitored by the watchdog circuitry. If the

circuit is not triggered every second, it will perform a hardware reset.

Normal operation of FSC102 and FSC202 boards is indicated by green

status LEDs that blink once a second. The status LED of FSC202 is
located on the cover of FSC202 inside the interface unit FSI102. The
status LED of FSC102 is located inside the round center cover of
FSM102, which has to be removed to gain access to the LED. If the
green status LED is flashing once, there is an indication status on the
board. If the green status LED is flashing twice, there is a warning status
on the board. If the green status LED is flashing three times, there is an
alarm status on the board and finally, if the green status LED is flashing
four times, there is an error status on the board.

Communication Monitoring
The validity of the internal communication between Communication
Controller FSC202, Measurement Unit FSM102, and Background
Luminance Sensor LM21 are verified by the CRC16 checksum that is
used in all internal communication. For maintenance purposes the
amount of other communication errors is stored in an error log and can be
read with the advanced level command ELOG.

All data values have individual validity times. The typical timeout time is
1.5 times the measurement interval of the parameter, depending on the
parameter. If the data values are not updated within the timeout time and
the data is critical for visibility measurement, the data value is set as
missing (/////). The reason for the missing data value is shown in the
status message.

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Background Luminance Sensor

The hardware and measurement monitoring of LM21 Background
Luminance Sensor is done by the sensor itself. Refer to the LM21 User's
Guide (see section Related Manuals on page 9) for the monitored
parameters.

Error Log
All indications, warnings, alarms, and errors resulting from internal
monitoring are stored in the error log for maintenance purposes. The
error log contents can be read with the advanced level command ELOG.

Example of an error log:

1> elog
Visibility sensor:
Window contamination warning: total 2, first #1, last #3
Backscatter high: total 1, first #2, last #2

Interface unit:
No errors logged

The first and last appearance of errors is calculated from the last ELOG
CLEAR command. The counters are reset with the ELOG CLEAR
command.

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CHAPTER 6
MAINTENANCE

Cleaning FSM102 Windows

The cleaning of windows and hoods is the only periodic maintenance
task required. The FS11 sensor can compensate for a reasonable amount
of window contamination, but when a certain limit is exceeded, cleaning
is required.

The windows and hoods must be cleaned at least every six months or
more often, depending on the conditions (for example, if there are roads
nearby). In an airport environment the cleaning should be done every
three months. The cleaning should be done immediately if the warning
WINDOW CONTAMINATED has been received in the status message.

The cleaning is done as follows:

1. Wipe the windows with a soft, lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol.
Be careful not to scratch the window surfaces. The windows should
dry up rapidly to indicate that the window heating is functioning.
2. Check that the assembly of the hoods and optics is free of water
condensation and ice or snow deposits.
3. Wipe the dust from the inner and outer surfaces of the hoods.

NOTE Do not use any sharp tools to remove ice or snow from the hoods,
especially from their heated surfaces. This can easily break the heating
foils. Do not try to insert any tools under the foils, because the foil glue
may then fail to hold the foil on the hood surface. It is essential that the
foils are firmly attached to the hood surface, otherwise the heat transfer
from the foil piece to the hood is impaired resulting in a burned foil.

4. After the optical surfaces are properly cleaned, check that the
WINDOW CONT values of both the receiver and transmitter in the
status message are close to zero. This can also be checked
afterwards through a remote (modem) line.

NOTE The windows must be dry before checking the WINDOW CONT values.

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5. If the WINDOW CONT values are not close to zero, give

command CALIBRATE WINDOW_CLEAN
VISIBILITY_SENSOR. This command has no parameters and it
is used to set the clean references for the contamination control.
The command also sets the reference for the backscatter
measurement.

NOTE The windows must be dry before giving the CALIBRATE

WINDOW_CLEAN VISIBILITY_SENSOR command.

NOTE There must not be any objects in the measurement volume when the
CALIBRATE WINDOW_CLEAN VISIBILITY_SENSOR command
is given. Especially, the opaque glass plates used for visibility
calibration must be removed first.

While cleaning the windows and the hoods, it is also recommended to

clean the window of the Background Luminance Sensor according to the
instructions of the LM21 User's Guide (see section Related Manuals on
page 9).

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FS11 Calibration
The FS11 sensor has been calibrated at the factory. Normally FS11 needs
no recalibration as long as the circuit boards are not replaced or there are
no warnings or alarms. The circuit boards need no hardware calibration.

A calibration check should be made every year with the FSA11 and
PWA11 calibration kits. If the checks show less than +3% change, no
recalibration is recommended because the change is within the
repeatability range of the calibration procedure.

Recalibration is needed if any of the receiver modules or the transmitter

modules is replaced. In such a case both forward scatter and
contamination measurements need recalibration.

FSM102 Visibility Calibration

When the visibility measurement is calibrated, the visibility should
ideally be better than 500 m, and there should be no precipitation. The
calibration is checked and adjusted with the FSA11 calibration kit. The
kit consists of zero plugs used to block the receiver and transmitter
optics, mask plates, and two opaque glass plates with known scatter
properties.

The calibration procedure checks two points: a zero scatter signal and a
very high scatter signal. The zero signal is obtained using the zero plugs
and the high signal using the opaque glass scatter plates.

The visibility corresponding to the opaque glass calibrator signal is

approximately 3 to 4 meters. If the calibrator is used in precipitation, the
error will be proportional to the area of the scatter plates that is covered
with droplets. Make sure that this area is negligible compared to the total
area.

NOTE Before the check and calibration, clean the windows and check the
condition of the calibrator glass plates cleaning them also if needed.

NOTE Avoid scratching the glass plates since scratches will have a negative
affect on the results of the calibration.

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FSM102 Calibration Check Procedure

The calibration check procedure is performed as follows:

1. Clean the windows following the instructions in section Cleaning

FSM102 Windows on page 125 and check the condition of the
calibrator glass plates, cleaning them also, if necessary.
2. In order to block the light path, install the zero plugs on both
receiver and transmitter optics (see Figure 40 below).

0201-076

Figure 40 Installing Zero Plugs

3. Give the OPEN command and go to the advanced level by giving

command LEVEL 1.
4. Give the CALIBRATE CHECK command. The value produced
by the check command must be within the range of ±0.0001. If it is
not, there may be a hardware error.
5. Assemble the opaque glass plates as shown in Figure 41 on page
129. Secure the glass plates in place by sliding them under the
thumbscrews and tightening the screws. Note the signal value
printed on the scattering plates because it is needed during the
following steps. Remove the zero plugs from the receiver and
transmitter optics.

NOTE The opaque glass plates are not interchangeable.

6. Remove the plastic protective plate from the seating surface (3 in

Figure 41 on page 129) of the calibrator assembly on the
measurement unit.
7. Install the calibrator assembly on the measurement unit as shown in
Figure 41 on page 129.
8. Move away from the optical path.

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9. Give the CALIBRATE CHECK command. The command takes

about 90 seconds to complete.
10. The value produced by the check command must be close to the
value printed on the scattering plates. If the difference is less than
3%, the calibration is correct. In this case, leave the opaque glass
plates in place, write down the signal value, and continue with
section FSM102 Mechanical Alignment Check Procedure on page
130. If the difference is more than 3%, leave the opaque glass
plates in place and continue with the calibration procedure.

0201-077

Figure 41 Assembling and Attaching Calibrator

FSM102 Calibration Procedure

The calibration procedure is performed as follows:

1. Follow the steps in section FSM102 Calibration Check Procedure

on page 128 (if not yet done).
2. Install the calibrator assembly on the measurement unit (if not yet
done).

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3. Stay away from the unit to avoid stray scattering into the receiver,
and give command

CALIBRATE VISIBILITY calibrator_value

For example:

CALIBRATE VISIBILITY 0.790

NOTE Check the correct calibrator value from the opaque glass plates.

The calibrator value is printed on the labels of the glass plates. When
command execution has finished, the FS11 responds DONE and
calculates a new scaling factor and stores it in the non-volatile FLASH
memory.

4. Leave the opaque glass plates in place and continue with section
FSM102 Mechanical Alignment Check Procedure below to
discover if the calibration check failed due to a mechanical
misalignment.

FSM102 Mechanical Alignment Check Procedure

The mechanical alignment check procedure is performed as follows:

1. Perform the calibration check as instructed in section FSM102

Calibration Check Procedure on page 128 (if not yet done).
2. Install the mask plates onto the calibrator plates by opening the
thumbscrews holding the glass plates and sliding the mask plates
under the thumbscrews as shown in Figure 42 on page 131. Secure
the mask plates in place by tightening the thumbscrews.

NOTE The mask plates are marked "RX" and "TX," and they should face the
receiver and transmitter, accordingly.

NOTE The tape stripes on the mask plates should be placed against the glass
plates to prevent the plates from scratching the glass plates.

3. Move away from the optical path.

4. Give the CALIBRATE CHECK command. The command takes
about 90 seconds to complete.

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5. If the value produced by the check command is more than 85% of

the value recorded without the mask plates, the mechanical
alignment is correct. If this is not the case, check the FS11 sensor
and the calibrator for electronic or mechanical faults. Also consult
your local Vaisala representative.
6. Disassemble the calibrator and store it into the supplied carrying
case.
7. Replace the plastic protective plate onto the calibrator assembly
seating surface on the measurement unit.

0201-078

Figure 42 Installing Mask Plates onto Opaque Glass Plates

FSM102 Guided Calibration Procedure

As an alternative to the calibration procedure described above, the
calibration can be carried out interactively, guided by instructions by the
FS11 software, as described below.

The Guided Calibration Procedure is a combination of three individual

steps, and requires the FSA11 Calibration Kit.

- The first step verifies that the transmitter and receiver windows have
been cleaned.
- During the second step the system Offset Signal is verified.
- In the third step the opaque glass plates are installed to the
measurement unit to simulate a defined scatter signal in order to check
or adapt the visibility calibration.

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If any of the tests fails, it can be repeated up to two times. If any of the
tests finally fails, the visibility calibration of the measurement unit is
reported as invalid and the data values are invalidated.

Once the Guided Calibration Procedure has started it has to be completed

either as passing or as failing. The procedure cannot be aborted or
suspended. At the end of the Guided Calibration Procedure a
summarizing report is generated.

1. Give the CALIBRATE FS11 command.

2. The instrument responses:

Step 1/3
Clean Windows and type YES: YES
........||||||||||

3. Clean the measurement unit windows.

- Use a soft, lint-free cloth and a suitable window cleaning
detergent to clean the windows.
- Use a soft, lint-free and dry cloth to remove remaining detergent
residues entirely.
- Be careful not to scratch the window surfaces.
4. Type YES and press enter.
The test step can take up to two minutes.
5. The instrument responses:
Step 2/3
Install Zero Plugs and type YES: YES
6. Install the zero plugs to the measurement unit transmitter and
receiver. See Figure 40 on page 128.

7. Type YES and press enter.

- The Zero Signal Test starts and the progress is indicated on the
screen.
- When the Zero Signal Test is finalized a pass/fail indication is
given and the resulting Zero Signal is given in brackets.
- The test step can take up to two minutes.
Step 2/3
Install Zero Plugs and type YES: YES
........||||||||||
Zero signal test PASSED. (0.0000)

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8. The instrument continues:

Step 3/3
Remove zero plugs, install glass plates and enter
signal value (between 0 and 10): 1.3497
Is signal value 1.349700 correct?
Type YES or NO? YES
1st run
..............||||
Signal test PASSED. (1.3514)
Calibration procedure finished.
Calibration: PASSED.
Zero test: ok (0.0000, limit: absolute +/-0.0001)
Signal test: ok (0.1259, limits: recalibration +/-
0.0300 rejection +/-0.2000)
Remove calibrator assembly and type YES: YES
1>

9. Remove the zero plugs from the measurement unit transmitter and
receiver.
10. Install the calibrator assembly on the measurement unit as shown in
Figure 41 on page 129.
- The assembly is attached to the measurement unit and the
Scatter Signal Value is verified against the known scatter
simulation value of the calibrator assembly (Signal Value given
by the type label attached to the calibrator assembly). The test is
passed successfully when the evaluated Scatter Signal Value
deviates no more than ±3% to the known scatter simulation
value. For deviations above ±3% and up to ±20%, the
measurement unit calibration will be updated using the
parameters of the calibrator assembly in use. The test has failed
when the deviation is greater than ±20%.
11. Move away from the optical path and enter the signal value written
on the calibrator assembly to the data terminal.

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12. Confirm the entered signal value by typing YES and Enter or re-
enter the signal value after typing NO and Enter.
- The Scatter Signal Test starts and the progress is indicated on
the screen.
- The test step can take up to two minutes.
- When the Scatter Signal Test is finalized a test result summary
and a passed/ fail indication for the Scatter Signal Test is given.
Step 3/3
Remove zero plugs, install glass plates and enter
signal value (between 0 and 10): 1.3497
Is signal value 1.349700 correct?
Type YES or NO? YES
1st run
..............||||
Signal test PASSED. (1.3514)
Calibration procedure finished.
Calibration: PASSED.
Zero test: ok (0.0000, limit: absolute +/-0.0001)
Signal test: ok (0.1259, limits: recalibration +/-
0.0300 rejection +/-0.2000)
Remove calibrator assembly and type YES: YES
1>

13. Remove the calibrator assembly and the calibrator arm and store
them in the case of the Calibrator Kit.
14. Type YES and press enter.

Evaluating Results of Guided Calibration Procedure

for Measurement Unit

Calibration Passed
Table 23 on page 135 shows an example of a successful Calibration
Procedure without re-calibration of the visibility sensor.

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Table 23 Successful Guided Calibration Procedure

1> CALIBRATE FS11
Step 1/3
Clean Windows and type YES: YES
Step 2/3 Zero Value Test and
Install Zero Plugs and type YES: YES Scatter Signal Test are passed
successfully.

1st run
........||||||||||
Zero signal test PASSED. (0.0000)
Step 3/3
Remove zero plugs, install glass
plates and
enter signal value (between 0 and
10): 1.3497
Is signal value 1.349700 correct?
Type YES or NO? YES

1st run
..............||||
Signal test PASSED. (1.3514)
Calibration procedure finished. Guided Calibration
Calibration: PASSED. Procedure passed
successfully. Zero Signal
Zero test: ok (0.0000, limit: Test result was 0.0000, limit
absolute +/-0.0001)
is ±0.0001.
Signal test: ok (0.1259, limits:
recalibration +/-0.0300 rejection +/- Scatter Signal Test
0.2000) deviation is 0.1259%. Limit
for recalibration is ±0.03
Remove calibrator assembly and type (3%). Limit for rejection is
YES: YES ±0.2 (±20%).

1>

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Table 24 below shows an example of a successful Guided Calibration

Procedure with a calibration update for the measurement unit.

Table 24 Guided Calibration Procedure, Calibration Update

1> CALIBRATE FS11
Step 1/3
Clean Windows and type YES: YES
Step 2/3 Zero Signal Test is passed
Install Zero Plugs and type YES: successfully.
YES

1st run
..........||||||||
Zero signal test PASSED. (0.0000)
Step 3/3 The Scatter Signal Test
Remove zero plugs, install glass results in an acceptable
plates and deviation of the Scatter
Signal Value. The calibration
enter signal value (between 0 and
is updated and a second
10): 1.2147
Scatter Signal Test is
Is signal value 1.214700 correct? performed successfully.
Type YES or NO? YES

1st run
.....|||||||||||||
Signal test PASSED. (1.3533)
Update calibration? Type yes: YES

...........|||||||
2nd run
.................|
Signal test PASSED. (1.2147)
Calibration procedure finished. Guided Calibration
Calibration: PASSED. Procedure passed
successfully. Zero Signal
Zero test: ok (0.0000, limit: Test result was 0.0000, limit
absolute +/-0.0001)
is ±0.0001.
Signal test: ok (0.0021, limits:
recalibration +/-0.0300 rejection +/- Scatter Signal Test
0.2000) deviation after recalibration
is 0.0021%. Limit for
Remove calibrator assembly and type recalibration is ±0.03 (3%).
YES: YES Limit for rejection is ±0.2
(±20%).
1>

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Calibration Procedure Failed

Table 25 below shows an example of a Guided Calibration Procedure
where the Scatter Signal Test (and therefore the Guided Calibration
Procedure) fails due to a too large deviation between calibration values
stored in the measurement unit and the result of the current Calibration
Procedure.

Table 25 Guided Calibration Procedure, Scatter Signal Test

Failed
1> CALIBRATE FS11
Step 1/3
Clean Windows and type YES: YES
Step 2/3 Zero Signal Test is passed
Install Zero Plugs and type YES: successfully.
YES

1st run
.......|||||||||||
Zero signal test PASSED. (0.0000)
Step 3/3 The Scatter Signal Test is
Remove zero plugs, install glass failed three times in a row.
plates and All measured deviations are
off the limit of recalibration.
enter signal value (between 0 and
10): .8856 The most common
Is signal value 0.885600 correct?
handling failure (wrong glass
Type YES or NO? YES
plate assembly installation) is
mentioned as a hint to
successfully complete the
1st run test.
...||||||||||||||| The user has to confirm
the restart of the test.
Signal test FAILED. (1.3497)
Signal change too large. Verify
Note that an unremoved
that glass plates are in place. zero plug can also create this
failure.
Repeat the test? Type YES: YES

2nd run
................||
Signal test FAILED. (1.3497)
Signal change too large. Verify
that glass plates are in place.
Repeat the test? Type YES: YES

3rd run
..................

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Calibration procedure finished. Guided Calibration

Calibration: FAILED. Procedure failed due to
Signal Value Test failure.
Zero test: ok (0.0000, limit: Signal Value deviation is
absolute +/-0.0001)
measured to 52.4%. Limit for
Signal test: fail (52.4083, limits: rejection is ±0.2 (±20%).
recalibration +/-0.0300 rejection +/-
0.2000)
Remove calibrator assembly and type
YES: YES

1>

Table 26 below shows an example of a Guided Calibration Procedure

where the Zero Signal Test (and therefore the Calibration Procedure)
fails due to a too high receiver signal with blocked transmitter and
receiver.

Table 26 Guided Calibration Procedure, Zero Test Failed

0> LEVEL 1
Operating level set to: 1
1> CALIBRATE FS11
Step 1/3
Clean Windows and type YES: YES
Step 2/3 Zero Signal Test is failing
Install Zero Plugs and type YES: three times in a row. The
YES most common handling
failure (no Zero Plugs
installed) is mentioned as
1st run hint to succeed the test.
..........|||||||| The user has to confirm
Zero signal test FAILED. (3.7833) the restart of the test.
Verify that zero plugs are in
place.
Repeat the test? Type YES: YES

2nd run
.........|||||||||
Zero signal test FAILED. (3.7829)
Verify that zero plugs are in
place.
Repeat the test? Type YES: YES

3rd run
.................|

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Calibration procedure finished. Guided Calibration

Calibration: FAILED. Procedure failed due to Zero
Signal Test failure. Zero
Zero test: fail (3.7829, limit: Value is measured to 3.78.
absolute +/-0.0001)
Limit is ±0.0001.
Signal test: none
Scatter Signal Test was
Remove calibrator assembly and type skipped.
YES: YES

1>

Replacing FS11 Modules

This section describes in detail how to remove and replace the Visibility
Sensor Controller FSC102, transmitter module FST102, and receiver
module FSR102. Removing the units comes into question when there is
reason to suspect that a malfunction of FS11 is caused by faults in the
optical units or the rain detector.

CAUTION The servicing of the equipment must be performed by qualified

personnel only.

CAUTION The AC (mains) power switch and the optional battery backup switch
must always be turned off before attempting any service actions
described in this section.

NOTE When replacing any assembly, do not let water or moisture enter the
unit.

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Replacing FSC102
1. Open the central compartment cover of the VS, see Figure 44 on
page 141.
2. Make sure that the visibility sensor is switched off
3. Disconnect the (5 pcs.) terminal plugs.
4. Disconnect the transmitter and receiver control cables. Use the
special tool to unlock the connectors.
5. Remove the four visibility sensor CPU mounting screws.

Terminal Plugs Terminal #1

Transmitter Receiver
Control Cable Control Cable

Terminal Plug Four Mounting

Screws

Figure 43 Visibility Sensor Controller FSC102

6. Remove the FSC102 carefully from the central compartment and

insert spare item. Pay attention to the cable routing in order not to
stress or damage any wires.
7. Insert and tighten the four mounting screws.
8. Re-connect (5 pcs.) terminal plugs. Pay attention to the correct
order.
- Start with terminal #1 (see Figure 43 above).
- Numbers have to increase counter-clockwise.
9. Connect transmitter and receiver control cable plugs. Pay attention
that the connector locking mechanism has arrested.

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10. Check repair success.

- Repeat the failed test steps.
- Proceed with trouble shooting and re-install the original board in
case this repair step was not successful.
11. Close central compartment cover carefully after successful repair.
- Pay attention to the placement of the compartment cover gasket
ring. Fix the four cover screws firmly and hand-tight.

Central Compartment
Cover Screws (4 pcs.)

Figure 44 VS Bottom View, Central Compartment Cover

Screws

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Replacing FSC202
1. Open the FSI102 interface unit shield (number 1 in Figure 45
below) and door (2).

1207-013

Figure 45 FSI102 Interface Unit

2. Make sure that the power switch (number 1 in Figure 46 on page

143) and the battery switch (2) are turned off.

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1303-069

Figure 46 Power and Battery Switch Locations

The following numbers refer to Figure 46 above.

1 = Power switch
2 = Battery switch

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3. Disconnect all connectors (number 1 in Figure 47 below) from the

top of the FSC202 board.

1303-070

Figure 47 FSC202 Connectors and Cover Plate Screws

4. Open the four screws (number 2 in Figure 47 above) holding the

cover plate and remove it. The cover must to be carefully slid
upward in a small angle to pass the FSP103 card's edge.

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5. Open the two screws (number 1 in Figure 48 below) holding the

FSC202 board in place and pull the board out carefully. Disconnect
the connectors (2) from the bottom part of the FSC202 board.

1207-016

Figure 48 FSC202 Screws and Connectors

6. Assemble the new FSC202 board (spare part for FS11P) back in
reverse order.
7. Turn on the power and battery switches. Configure the unit with
correct parameter settings using the commands described in section
Entering and Exiting Command Mode on page 63.

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Replacing FSP103
WARNING High voltages are present in the screw terminals. Switch off the main
switch and battery switch shown in Figure 46on page 143

1. Make sure that the power and battery switches are turned off; see
Figure 46 on page 143.
2. Open the four screws (number 1 in Figure 49 on page 147) holding
the transparent cover plate and remove it.

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1305-056

Figure 49 FSP103 Parts

The following numbers refer to Figure 49 above.

1 = Screws
2 = Connectors
3 = Wire set
4 = Battery switch
5 = Mains switch
6 = Input wire set
7 = Surge protector

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3. Disconnect all wires and connectors (number 3 in Figure 49 on

page 147) from the FSP103 board. Keep track of which wire goes
where.
4. Open the 4 spacers holding the FSP103 board.
5. Replace the FSP103 with a new one. Install the new FSP103SP
spare part into place in reverse order.
6. Install the surge protector (number 7 in Figure 49 on page 147).
7. Install the wiring to/from the surge protector. The input wire set
(number 6 in Figure 49 on page 147) is included in the FSP103
spare part.
8. Use the old wire set previously connecting FSP103 and the mains
switch to connect FSP103 and the surge protector, as shown in
Figure 49 on page 147). For more detailed installation instructions,
see DOC227265 shipped with FSP103SP
9. Turn on the power and battery switches (numbers 4 and 5 in Figure
49 on page 147) and check that all indicator LEDs (number 2 in
Figure 49 on page 147) are lit.

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Replacing Transmitter Module FST102

and Receiver Module FSR102
1. Open central compartment cover of the Visibility Sensor, see
Figure 44 above.
2. Make sure that the AC (mains) power switch and the optional
battery backup switch are switched off.
3. Disconnect the control cable. Use the special tool to unlock the
connector. See Figure 50 below.

Transmitter
Control Receiver
Cable Control
Cable

Figure 50 Visibility Sensor Transmitter and Receiver

Control Cables

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4. Open transmitter/receiver head and remove end plug, use wrench

size 13 mm.

Figure 51 End Plug Removal (Shown for Transmitter)

5. Unlock transmitter/receiver module.

- Remove corresponding module retainer.

Figure 52 Module Retainer Removal (Shown for

Transmitter)

6. Screw the opening tool (Vaisala item DRW011133) into the rear
plate of the transmitter/receiver module.
7. Pull the receiver/transmitter module carefully out of the head.
- Push the control cable from the center compartment side and
pull the module further out until access to the control cable
connector is possible. (Pull the receiver/transmitter module from
the optics head while simultaneously feeding in the control
cable).
- Receiver/Transmitter module is approximately 50% pulled out.

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Figure 53 Pushing Control Cable into Optics Head

1207-026

Figure 54 Transmitter Resp. Receiver Module, Control

Cable Disconnected

The following numbers refer to Figure 54 above:

1 = Hood thermistor cable
2 = Control cable
3 = Opening tool

8. Use the special tool to unlock the control cable connector and
disconnect control cable from the receiver/transmitter module

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9. Fix a pulling wire (~1m length) to the control cable at the

receiver/transmitter module side.

Figure 55 Pulling Control Cable out of Housing Tube

10. Push the module carefully back into the optics head (use the
opening tool) and simultaneously pull the control cable from the
center compartment end until the control cable connector is fed into
the Visibility Sensor housing tube and the receiver/transmitter
module can be removed
11. Pull the receiver/transmitter module carefully out of the Visibility
Sensor housing head and disconnect the hood thermistor connector
before final removal. See item #1, Figure 54 on page 151.
- Use special tool to unlock the connector arresting mechanism.
12. Ensure that the O-Ring of the spare receiver (FSR102)/transmitter
(FST102) module is firmly placed in its groove as shown in Figure
56 below.

Figure 56 Transmitter/Receiver Module O-Ring

13. Insert the spare receiver (FSR102)/transmitter (FST102) module

and reconnect the hood thermistor connector.
- Make sure that the connector locking mechanism has arrested.

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14. Push the receiver/transmitter module entirely into the housing head.
15. Use the pulling wire to pull the control cable back until the
connector reaches the receiver/transmitter head.
- Assist by pushing the control cable from the center compartment
side.
16. When the control cable connector has reached the head end of the
Visibility Sensor housing tube, start to pull the receiver/transmitter
module slowly out of the head (use the opening tool) and pull the
control cable further.
- Pull the module simultaneously with the control cable until the
module is approximately 50% pulled out and access to the
control cable connector is possible.
17. Remove the pulling wire and re-connect the control cable
connector to the receiver/transmitter module.
- Make sure that the connector is fixed in the locking mechanism
and bend the control cable close to its connector carefully
towards the Visibility Sensor housing tube end inside the head.
18. Push the module carefully and entirely back into the optics head
(use the opening tool).
- Check that there are no wires between the edge and the end of
the transmitter/receiver module.
- Assist the procedure by pulling the control cable from the
central compartment end

19. Remove the opening tool from the receiver/transmitter module and
install the module retainer to secure the receiver/transmitter module
in its final position.
- Insert the retainer carefully so that the thread is not damaged.
- Use a wrench to tighten the retainer hand-tight.

20. Ensure that the O-Ring of the end plug is firmly placed in its
groove as shown in Figure 57 below.

Figure 57 End Plug with O-Ring

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21. Install the end plug with its O-Ring.

- Insert the end plug carefully so that the thread is not damaged.
- Use a wrench to tighten the end plug hand-tight.
22. Re-connect the receiver/transmitter control cable plug to the
Visibility Sensor Controller FSC102. Make sure that the connector
locking mechanism has arrested.
23. Check repair success.
- Repeat the failed test steps.
- Proceed with troubleshooting in case this repair step was not
successful.
24. Close central compartment cover carefully after a successful repair
operation.
- Pay attention to the placement of the cover gasket ring
- Fix the four cover screws firmly and hand tight. See Figure 44
on page 141.

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Replacing/Installing Sensor Cables in

FS11
1. Detach the connector side of the cable being replaced.
2. Unthread the cable free from the FS11 sensor arm.
3. Loosen the cable gland.
4. Detach the wiring from the connectors inside FSI102 and remove
the cable.
5. Attach the new cable to the FSI102 and tighten the cable gland; see
Figure 25 on page 48.
6. Connect the wires in their proper places:
- For LM21 cable, see Table 27 on page 156.
- For FSM102 cable, see Table 28 on page 156.
7. Thread the cable and connect it to the sensor as described in
Chapter 3, Installation, on page 19.

1303-071

Figure 58 FSP103 and FSC202 Sensor Cable Connections

The following numbers refer to Figure 58 above.

1 = FSP103 X4
2 = Connection strip

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Table 27 Wiring for LM21 Cable

Connector Wire Color Connected To Signal Name
Pin*
6 Pink Connection strip, upper 1 VB+
5 Gray Connection strip, upper 2 VB-
3 Green Connection strip, upper 3 RS-485+
4 Yellow Connection strip, upper 4 RS-485-
1 White FSP103 X4.2, pin 9 28VAC Fused 5A
7 Blue FSP103 X4.2, pin 9 28VAC Fused 5A
2 Brown FSP103 X4.5, pin 12 28VAC common
8 Red FSP103 X4.5, pin 12 28VAC common
* Already connected in the cable.

Table 28 Wiring for FSM102 Cable

Connector Wire Color Connected To Signal Name
Pin*
7 Yellow FSC202, pin 9 VB+
9 Green FSC202, pin 10 VB-
4 Blue FSC202, pin 11 RS-485+
5 Gray FSC202, pin 12 RS-485-
8 Brown FSP103 X4.3, pin 10 28VAC Fused 10A
6 White FSP103 X4.4, pin 11 28VAC common
* Already connected in the cable.

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Replacing Fuses
A broken fuse usually indicates a damaged circuit or other abnormality.
In case of such an occurrence the normal operation of all related circuitry
must be checked. Figure 59 below shows the location of the fuses on the
FSB103 board.

1207-025

Figure 59 Location of Fuses on FSP103 Board

The following numbers refer to Figure 59 above:

1 = AC (mains) circuit breaker
2 = DC power supply fuse T5A
3 = Heater line fuse T5A reserved for PWD32 (FS11P only)
4 = LM21 heater line fuse T5A
5 = FSM102 heater line fuse M10A

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Chapter 7 ____________________________________________________________ Troubleshooting

CHAPTER 7
TROUBLESHOOTING

WARNING The equipment contains dangerous voltage of 230/115/100 VAC.

CAUTION The servicing of the equipment must be performed by qualified

personnel only.

CAUTION The AC (mains) power switch and the optional battery backup switch
must always be turned off before attempting any service actions
described in this chapter.

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Error Messages

Errors
Table 29 Error Messages
Error Message Probable Cause Remedy
SENSOR NOT Measurement unit FSM102 or Check the wire connections
RESPONDING Background Luminance Sensor Open the sensor cover and verify that the
LM21 not responding to data green status LED is blinking and the red
poll from FSC202. reset LED is not lit. If this is not the case
there is a fault in the RS-485 line between
FSI102 and the sensor.
If all the LEDs are off on the sensor board,
there is power failure. Check the input power
to the sensor unit.
MEMORY ERROR FLASH memory checksum Clear all configuration parameter settings
error, configuration not valid. with the SET DEFAULTS command.
Reconfigure the needed parameter settings
and give a reset.
If the error still exists, there is a CPU board
failure or a memory bus failure in FSM102.
In FSM102 disconnect the control cables of
the optics heads from the FSC102 and give
a reset.
If the memory error disappears, there is a
cable failure, or the transmitter or receiver is
jamming the memory bus. Locate the failed
part by connecting one cable at a time to
FSC102 and verifying after a reset with
which part the problems occurs.

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Alarms
Table 30 Alarm Messages
Alarm Message Probable Cause Remedy
TRANSMITTER Transmitter not responding. Control cable between the transmitter and
FAILURE FSC102 broken or loose, check the cable.
Transmitter failed, replace the transmitter
FST102 module.
LED FAILURE Transmitter LED intensity too Control cable between the transmitter and
low. FSC102 broken or loose, check the cable.
Transmitter failed, replace the transmitter
FST102 module.
RECEIVER Receiver data invalid or Control cable between the receiver and
FAILURE receiver not responding. FSC102 broken or loose, check the cable.
Receiver failed, replace the receiver FSR102
module.
POWER SUPPLY One of the power supply Alarm in the measurement unit FSM102:
voltages out of the valid range. check the DC output voltage from FSP103, it
should be about 24 VDC, operated from AC
(mains) or between 11 VDC...30 VDC
(operated from battery or, for example, solar
cells). If the voltages are OK, disconnect the
receiver and transmitter control cables. If the
problem disappears, there is a short-circuit
in the control cable or the optics module. If
the problem still exists, there is a failure in
the CPU board, replace the FSC102 board.
Alarm in the interface unit: failure in the
FSC202 board, which needs to be replaced.
BACKSCATTER Backscatter signal level Clean the windows and the hoods of the
HIGH increased. There is some optics heads. Remove the possible
disturbance in the light path. disturbance.
RECEIVER Ambient light level too high on Turn the measurement unit in such a way
SATURATED the receiver. Caused by, for that there are no strong light reflections in
example, sunbeam reflections the view of the receiver.
from a reflecting surface.
SCATTER SIGNAL There is an obstacle on the Remove obstacles from the measurement
SATURATED measurement volume that volume and structures.
causes excessive scattering.
TEMPERATURE The Surface temperature Open the measurement unit cover and
SENSOR FAILURE sensor is disconnected or check that the temperature sensor is
failed. connected to the FSC102 board.
Check that the resistance of the temperature
sensor is in the range of 80 to 120 Ω. If it is
not, replace the sensor.
SIGNAL OFFSET Offset drifted from zero. Turn the measurement unit or move the
DRIFTED Another disturbing instrument sensor further away from the interfering
emitting IR light nearby or other sources of IR light.
interference problem.
CLEAN WINDOW A high Window contamination Clean the windows following the instructions
has been detected. The given in section Cleaning FSM102 Windows
instrument is in an on page 125.
unoperational condition. The
data is invalidated.

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Alarm Message Probable Cause Remedy

TRANSMITTER Either of the transmitter Control cable between the transmitter and
TOTAL monitoring subsystems does FSC102 is broken or loose; check the cable.
REFLECTION not provide operational data.
MEASUREMENT
FAILURE

TRANSMITTER
BACKSCATTER
MEASUREMENT
FAILURE
CLOGGING ALARM A very high backscatter signal Check the windows and the hoods of the
has been detected. The optical optics heads for obstacles such as snow.
path is nearly blocked. The Remove the possible disturbance and clean
instrument is in an the windows following the instructions given
unoperational condition. The in section Cleaning FSM102 Windows on
data is invalidated. page 125.

Warnings
Table 31 Warning Messages
Warning Message Probable Cause Remedy
WINDOW Window contamination Clean the windows following the instructions
CONTAMINATED increased, contamination given in section Cleaning FSM102 Windows
compensation still reliable. on page 125.
In cold and windy environment Turn on the hood heaters.
when the hood heaters are not
used, the dew heater power
cannot rise the temperature
enough to prevent dew
condensation, which can
generate a WINDOW
CONTAMINATED warning.
BATTERY LOW Backup battery voltage low Connect the line voltage or replace the
(<11 VDC), limited operation battery.
time left.
If no backup battery is installed, Check that the switch in the FSP103 board
the line voltage selector switch is in the position 115 if you are using line
is in the wrong position. voltages between 100...127 VAC.
LED AGED LED aged, need for electrical Replace the transmitter module FST102 in
driving power increased. the near future.
Limited operation time left.

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Indications
Table 32 Indication Messages
Indication Message Probable Cause Remedy
WORKING ON AC (mains) off, hood heaters If not intentional operation mode, restore the
BATTERY not operational. line voltage.
+12V OUTPUT +12 V output on the interface Check connections to the +12 VOUT pin and
DISCONNECTED unit is disconnected due to a remove the short-circuit or excessive load.
short-circuit in the output line. There is a 0.9 A solid state fuse on the line.
This has no effect on the After removing the short-circuit, reset the
measurement but warning lights FSC202 unit or give command SET
or similar options powered from +12VOUT ON to restore power to the
this output will not work. +12 VOUT pin.
HOOD HEATER Hood heater not operational. If operated only by battery/DC power, set the
FAULT Hood temperature has hood heater OFF to prevent this indication.
increased less than 2 °C within Check that the yellow LED is lit on the
the 5 minutes since the heater interface unit power supply board FSP103. If
was turned on by the automatic it is not, check the fuse.
heater control circuit. Check the heating foils visually. If there is a
black burned area on the surface, the foil
must be replaced. Contact Vaisala.
Check the wire connections on the interface
unit and the measurement unit.
Check the hood temperatures from the
status message to see if there is a hood
heater temperature sensor failure. In case
any of the hood temperatures are showing
irrelevant or missing (/////) values, there is a
temperature sensor failure. Contact Vaisala.
DEW HEATER Dew heater is not operational. Check the control cable or the module in
FAULT No current runs through the question (FST102 or FSR102).
heater element when it is on.

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Miscellaneous Problems
Table 33 Miscellaneous Problems
Problem Probable Cause Remedy
Data message is Dialog not operating. Check cable connections, make reset.
missing Wrong communication Check the communication parameters
parameters. (default in RS-232/RS-485: 9600/8N1) and
the flow control parameters.
Check the cable connections.
To prevent collisions in half-duplex RS-485
bus, switch line feeds off from your terminal
software.
If a modem is used, verify that the same
modem standard is used in both modems
and one is in the answer mode and the other
in the originate mode.
Wrong polling command used. In the FD12 and MITRAS emulation modes,
the FS11 answers only to FD12 or MITRAS
polls, respectively.
Wrong data port. Open the terminal program and the
command mode through the data or
maintenance line and give the PARAMETER
command. Check that the message port is
DATA and that the data port mode is the
desired one.
Sensor is off or out of power. Check that the power switch is on and the
LEDs on the FSP103 power board are lit and
the status LED on the interface unit is
blinking. If the AC (mains) switch is on but
no LED is lit, check the fuses on the FSP103
board and verify the presence of a line
voltage.
Dots instead of data Wrong font being used. Select View and Font from the drop-down
message when menu, and click OK.
using Windows
HyperTerminal
Command mode Wrong serial port on the host Check the serial port your terminal software
does not open from computer. is using.
the service Service line cabling is faulty. Try to open the command mode from the
connector data port (connect your computer into the
data port using the connectors on the
FSC202 front panel) to make sure FSC202
is OK.
Visibility value Active alarm (measurement Check which alarm is active and remove the
missing in the value not reliable and not cause for the alarm.
message shown).
Data messages Unit ID is set. Use correct ID or the format OPEN * (or
arrive but command OPEN FS) that opens the command line
mode does not open regardless of the unit ID. Remove the unit ID
with the OPEN if not needed.
command. Wrong communication Check the communication parameters
parameters. (default in RS-232/RS-485: 9600/8N1) and
the flow control parameters.

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Problem Probable Cause Remedy

To prevent collisions in half-duplex RS-485
bus, switch line feeds off from your terminal
software.
Line is broken or a wire is If you are using RS-232 or RS-485 data lines
loose. verify that the TXD LED on the FSC202
board blinks when you send characters to
the line.
Check the cable connections.
Data messages Test message simulation has Give command SIMULATE
arrive but the not been turned off. TEST_MESSAGE OFF.
measurement values
are wrong and do
not change
Reset LED inside AC (mains) fuse or DC output Check and replace the blown fuse on the
the FSI102 does not line fuse on FSP103 is blown. FSP103 board. The fuses are shown in
light up when power Figure 59 on page 157.
is turned on
Status LED inside There is an indication on the Check the content of the indication from the
FSI102 is giving a FSC202 board. status message and follow the instructions
fast flash instead of above.
a long flash of 1 Hz
Status LED inside There is a warning on the Check the content of the warning from the
the FSI102 is giving FSC202 board. status message and follow the instructions
two fast flashes above.
instead of blinking at
1 Hz constant rate.
Status LED inside There is an alarm on the Check the content of the alarm from the
FSI102 is giving FSC202 board. status message and follow the instructions
three fast flashes above.
instead of blinking at
a constant rate of
1 Hz.
Status LED inside There is an error on the Check the content of the error from the
FSI102 is giving four FSC202 board. status message and follow the instructions
fast flashes instead above.
of blinking at a
constant rate of
1 Hz.

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Technical Support
For technical questions, contact the Vaisala technical support by e-mail at
[email protected]. Provide at least the following supporting
information:

- Name and model of the product in question

- Serial number of the product
- Name and location of the installation site
- Name and contact information of a technically competent person who
can provide further information on the problem.

Product Returns
If the product must be returned for service, see
www.vaisala.com/returns.

For contact information of Vaisala Service Centers, see

www.vaisala.com/servicecenters.

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CHAPTER 8
TECHNICAL DATA

Specifications

Operational Specifications
Table 34 FS11 Operational Specifications
Property Description / Value
Measurement range of MOR 5...75 000 m with 1, 3, and 10 minute
averaging
Accuracy ±10% range 5 ... 10 000 m
±20% range 10 000 ... 75 000 m
Scatter measurement accuracy ±3%
Measurement interval 15 seconds

Optical Specifications
Table 35 FS11 General Optical Specifications
Property Description / Value
Operating principle Forward scatter measurement
Scattering angle 42°

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Table 36 FS11 Transmitter Optical Specifications

Property Description / Value
Light source Near infrared Light Emitting Diode
Peak wavelength 875 nm
Modulation frequency 2.2 kHz
Lens diameter 30 mm
Optical monitoring Light source stability control
Optical path blockage measurement
Window contamination measurement and
compensation circuitry

Table 37 FS11 Receiver Optical Specifications

Property Description / Value
Photodiode PIN 6 DI
Spectral response Max. responsivity 0.55 A/W at 850 nm (over 0.3
A/W in the range of 550...1050 nm)
Reception lens diameter 24 mm
Optical monitoring Optical path blockage measurement
Window contamination measurement and
compensation circuitry
Photodiode DC saturation signal

Electrical Specifications
Table 38 FS11 Electrical Specifications
Property Description / Value
AC (mains) power supply 100/115/230 VAC ±10%, 50-60 Hz
Power consumption 370 VA maximum (50 VA + 320 VA defrosting
heaters) with options
220 VA maximum (30 VA + 190 VA defrosting
heaters) without options
Battery backup option Battery 2 Ah, typical backup time 30 min at 25 °C
and 5 min at -40 °C
Outputs Serial data line RS-232 or opto-isolated RS-485
(2-wire) or optional data modem
Separate Maintenance line RS-232 +12 VDC
max 0.8 A output for option powering
Output data Automatic or polled visibility and sensor status
data message with selectable message interval

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Chapter 8 _____________________________________________________________ Technical Data

Mechanical Specifications
Table 39 FS11 Mechanical Specifications
Property Description / Value
Dimensions (h × w × d) 2.8 m × 0.9 m × 1.0 m
Weight 52 kg (incl. Frangible Mast FSFM250)
Mounting On concrete foundation with three 16 mm
diameter bolts
Material (FSM102) Anodized aluminum, painted white
Material (FSI102) Anodized aluminum, painted white,
UV-protected ABS (radiation shield)
Mast Frangible and hinged glass fiber mast

Environmental Specifications
Table 40 FS11 Environmental Specifications
Property Description / Value
Operating temperature -40...+65 °C, optional -55...+65 °C
Operating humidity 0...100%
Wind speed Up to 60 m/s
Sun orientation Direct and reflected sunlight into the light receiver
must be avoided

Electromagnetic Compatibility
The FS11 sensor is CE-compliant. This compliance has been verified
according to the following EMC directives.

Table 41 FS11 CE-Compliance

Verification Subject Standard
Radiated emissions EN55022
Radiated susceptibility IEC 61000-4-3, 10 V/m
Conducted emissions EN55022
Conducted susceptibility IEC 61000-4-6
EFT immunity IEC 61000-4-4
ESD immunity IEC 61000-4-2
Surge IEC 61000-4-5
Harmonics to the AC IEC 61000-3-2
(mains) grid

VAISALA _______________________________________________________________________ 169

USER'S GUIDE ____________________________________________________________________

CRC16 Checksum
The CRC16 checksum can be calculated using the following algorithm
written in the C programming language:
/* 16 bit type */
typedef unsigned short Word16;

/* Calculate CRC-16 value as used in FS11 protocol */

Word16 crc16(const unsigned char *buf, int len) {

Word16 crc;
int i,j;

crc=0xffff;
for (i=0;i<len;++i) {
crc^=buf[i]<<8;
for (j=0;j<8;++j) {
Word16 xmask=(crc&0x8000)?0x1021:0;
crc<<=1;
crc^=xmask;
}
}
return crc^0xffff;
}

The calculation of the checksum starts after the ! (start of heading)

character and ends after the # (end of transmission) character.

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____________________________________________________________________________ INDEX

INDEX

Command mode 63, 96

A
Advanced level 97
Alarm status codes 74 Closing 96
Alarms 117, 161 Opening 96
Ambient light User level 97
Measuring 57 Commands
Assembling FS11 32 Advanced level 67
Automatic mode 86 Automatic completion 70
Command mode 63, 145
B
Entering 63
Background luminance sensor 57, 91 Polling 71
Backscatter measurement 103, 118 User level 65
Backup battery 17, 22 Communication options 48
QBR101 109 Communications settings, default 48
Base plate 32 Configuration 90
Battery 22, 107 Optional sensor 91
Baud rate System 90
Default 48 Connecting cables 44
Block diagrams Contamination compensation 119
FS11 102 Contamination monitoring 118
FSR102 106 Controller board 107, 108
FST101 104 CPU 107
CRC16 Checksum 170
C
D
Cable glands 44
Cable selection 25 Data validity 123
Communication cable 27 Day/night photo switch 91
Cables default 95
Communication 47 Default settings 100
Communication cable 27 DXL421 47, 52, 54
Connecting 44 E
Grounding 23
Lengths 27, 48 Earthing 23
Line power cable 25 Electromagnetic compatibility 169
Power cable 45 EMC 169
Calculations 111 Error
Calibration 127 Log 123
Backscatter measurement 125 Reasons 117
Check 128, 129, 130 External maintenance line connector 56
General 127 External options
Visibility 127 Powering 108
Window contamination mesurement 125
F
Calibration kit 127
Checksum 72 Factory settings 100
Cleaning 125, 128, 161, 162 FD12 emulation 72, 79

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USER'S GUIDE ____________________________________________________________________

Firmware description 110 Program operation 123

Foundation 28 Signal monitoring 120
Foundation construction Transmitter intensity 120
Mounting to an existing surface 31
L
Mounting when casting the pad 29
Frangibility 109 LED
Frangible mast grounding 33 Status 123
FS11 Status messages 111 Transmitter 103
FSB101 18, 107 LM21 21, 57, 91
FSC102 107 Location 20, 37
Replacing unit 139 Lock-in amplifier 104, 110
FSC202 108
M
FSM101 103
FSP103 108 Mains cable selection 27
FSR102 105 Mains power supply FSP103 108
Replacing unit 149 Maintenance 125
FST102 Mechanical alignment check 129, 130
Replacing unit 139 Maintenance terminal
Functional description Connection of the maintenance terminal 56
Interface unit FSI102 107 Mask plates 131
Measurement unit FSM101 103 Mast
Fuses Aluminium 33
Location 157 Frangible 109
G Measuring principle 101, 110
Mechanical structure 16
Grounding 23 Memory tests 123
Grounding and lightning Message
Cable grounding instruction 48 Alarm 160
Grounding and lightning protection 23 Automatic sending 86
Frangible mast grounding 33 Checksum 72
Grounding cable 23 FD12 emulation 72, 79
Formats 72
H
Frames 70, 98
Hardware flow control 49 Indications 163
Heater Manual simulation 93
Dew 107 MITRAS emulation 72, 82
Hood 107 Types 72
Status 116 Warnings 162
HMP45 116 Message frames 70, 98
HMP45D 108, 116 Message types
FD12 msg 2 80
I
FD12 msg 7 81
Indications 163 Fixed test msg 92
Installation FS11 with LM21 msg 75
Background luminance sensor 57 Manual simulation msg 93
Day/night photo switch 57 MITRAS Double Baseline 84
Location and orientation 20, 37 Status msg 76
Modem module 52 Uncompensated values msg 78
Interface enclosure Vaisala system standard msg 79
Cable glands 44 Meteorological optical range 111
Internal monitoring 111 MITRAS emulation 72
Analog interfaces 122 Modem DXL421
Checksum 123 Multipoint modem connection 55
Communication 123 Wiring 52
CRC16 123 Modem DXL421 (Optional) 52
Heaters 121 MOR 111
Optical contamination and blocking 118
Power supplies 121

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____________________________________________________________________________ INDEX

O Start up 60
Status message
Opaque glass plates 128, 129
Alarms 117
Operation principle 102
Contents 111
Options 18
Errors 117
Orientation 20
Indications 118
P Warnings 118
Storage information 22
Pad, concrete 28
Surface temperature probe 122
Parameters
System parameters 90
Displaying of 99
Setting of 99 T
Photo switch 57
Technical data 167
Polling
Testing
Message 88
Fixed test message 92
Polling, polled mode 88
RVR system 92
PT100 107, 108
Start-up 60
Q Tilting support 32
Transmitter 103
QBR101 battery 18
Troubleshooting 159
R
V
Radiation shield 36
Vaisala 95
Receiver 105
Visibility calibration check procedure 128, 129,
Recycling 13
130
Reflections 20
Visibility calibration procedure 129
Replacing receiver and transmitter 139
RS-232 49, 60, 95 W
RS-485 50
Warnings 162
S Watchdog 123
Window contamination
Sequence, measuring 110
Compensation 119
serial communications 95 Measurement 119
Serial multipoint transmission RS-485 50 Measurement principle 105
Serial transmission RS-232 49, 60 Wiring
Settings Day/night photo switch 58
Default 90 Modem 52
Initial 61 RS-232 50
Serial communications 48 RS-485 50
shutting down 61
Simulation message 93 Z
Software description 110
Zero plugs 128
Specifications 167

VAISALA _______________________________________________________________________ 173

www.vaisala.com

*M211187EN*