Precipitation weather sensor Parsivel²

Overview
Ott PARSIVEL² Laser Present Weather Sensor is a high‑precision optical disdrometer for accurate measurement of precipitation type, intensity, drop size distribution, and visibility—ideal for meteorology, aviation, hydrology, and climate monitoring. The PARSIVEL² captures both the size and speed of falling particles, classifying them into 32 separate size and velocity classes. The raw data is used to calculate precipitation type, amount, intensity and kinetic energy, visibility in precipitation, and equivalent radar reflectivity.

Benefits

• Direct and simultaneous physical measuring principle of hydrometeors: captures both size and speed of falling particles by applied laser extinction method.
• Classification of each single hydrometeor: classification into one of 32 separate size and 32 velocity classes and particle distribution in numbers.
• Precise particle size measurements and uncertainty of rain intensity: uncertainty ±5% for liquid precipitation according to WMO guideline; distinction of present weather type and calculation of type, amount, intensity and kinetic energy, visibility in precipitation and equivalent radar reflectivity.
• Life time calibration and drift free measurement: automatic compensation of temperature induced error and laser fluctuation emittance.
• Unattended and maintenance free: automatic compensation of contamination on optics by dust and aerosol layers.
• Radiometric measuring principle at non-precipitation conditions

Technical specifications

• Kinetic energy: 0 - 999,999 J/(m2h)
• Special notes: Proof under laboratory conditions using an OTT test system with reference particle simulation of 0.02 in (0.5 mm), 0.04 in (1.0 mm), 0.08 in (2.0 mm) and 0.16 in (4.0 mm); ASDO configuration software supplied (basic version)
• Dimensions (free text): 26.4 x 23.6 x 4.5 in (670 x 600 x 114 mm)
• Product highlights: Simultaneous measurement of 32 classes for particle sizes and velocities
• Classification: 32 size and 32 velocity classes
• Reports: WMO 4680/4677 (SYNOP) 4678 (METAR/SPECI) and NWS tables
• Interface: RS-485 for all values incl. spectral data (EIA-485; 1,200 - 57,600 Baud); SDI-12 for calculated values; USB for PC connection (configuration and service); Output relay for pulse output of precipitation amount in 0.1 mm/pulse with max. 2 Hz pulse rate
• Casing IP Rating: IP65
• Power supply: 10 - 28 V DC, reverse polarity protection. Optimum heating output of sensor head heating system guaranteed with supply voltage of at least 20 V DC
• Relative humidity: 0 - 100 %
• Weight EU: Max. 14 lbs (6.35 kg)
• Power Output: 0.2 mW
• Accuracy: ± 1 size class (0.2 - 2 mm); ± 0.5 size class (> 2 mm); ± 5 % (liquid) / ± 20 % (solid)
• Radar reflectivity: -9.999 - 99.999 dBz
• Wavelength (laser): 650 mW (as specified)
• Power Consumption: 65 mA @ 24 V DC
• Intensity Threshold: 0.001 - 47 in/h (0.001 - 1200 mm/h)
• Protection: De-icing protection (microprocessor controlled heating); integrated lightning protection
• Measuring surface: 7.1 x 1.2 in (180 x 30 mm)
• Visibility in precipitation: 0 - 12.4 miles (0 - 20,000 m)
• Installation: 2 in pipe (50.8 mm), Ø 1.97 in - 2.44 in (Ø 50 - 62 mm)
• Types of precipitation measured: Drizzle, rain, hail, snow (> ~97 % compared to a weather observer); snow depth intensity (volume equivalent)
• Measurement technology: Laser optical
• IEC/EN 60825-1: 2014 compliant
• Measurement Range (size & velocity): Liquid precipitation size 0.008 - 0.315 in (0.2 - 8 mm); Solid precipitation size 0.008 - 1.0 in (0.2 - 25 mm); Velocity 0.65 - 65.6 ft/s (0.2 - 20 m/s)
• Temperature range: -40 - 158 °F (-40 - 70 °C)
• Laser Class: 1
• Heating capacity: 50 W (default) / 100 W (adjustable)
• Standards: EN 61326-1: 2013, CE compliant 2014/30/EU