Modbus RTU wind direction sensor 3S-WD-MB-H

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Product description
The Heated Wind Direction Sensor With Modbus Output (3S-WD-MB-H) is a robust horizontal wind direction instrument designed for operation in cold, icy and humid environments. Direction is measured by a vane and a Hall-effect position sensor, reported in degrees (0 to 359.9°). Data is delivered digitally via RS-485 using Modbus RTU, enabling direct connection to SCADA, PLCs and dataloggers. Integrated automatic heating prevents icing and maintains operation when conventional vanes fail.

How it works
The vane follows wind direction; an internal Hall-effect position sensor converts the vane angle to an electrical value expressed in degrees. This value is transmitted over RS-485 using Modbus RTU for reading by connected systems. The model includes an automatic heating control that monitors internal temperature and switches heating on or off to avoid ice accumulation.

Heating function
The sensor continuously monitors the internal aluminum temperature to regulate heating automatically. When internal aluminum temperature ≤ 10°C the red LED indicates heating ON. When internal aluminum temperature ≥ 20°C the heating stops and the blue LED indicates heating OFF. Between 10°C and 20°C the heating remains off and blue LED is on. This automatic control reduces manual de-icing and supports reliable operation in low temperatures.

Key advantages

• Automatic heating prevents freezing of the vane and moving parts for continuous measurement in freezing conditions.
• Digital Modbus RTU over RS-485 supports long cable runs and stable data transfer in industrial installations.
• Compliant with IEC 61724-1:2021, suitable for solar monitoring and professional meteorological applications.
• Simple installation: pipe or ground mounting options.
• Visual status via red/blue LED indicating heating state for quick on-site checks.

Common applications

• Mountain and high-altitude monitoring sites
• Cold-climate meteorological stations
• Remote environmental monitoring projects
• Industrial sites exposed to frost, snow or icing

Installation (general steps)

• Mount the sensor on a suitable pipe or ground structure.
• Place in an open location, clear of nearby obstacles affecting airflow.
• Align the sensor to the site reference direction.
• Connect power (18–30 V DC, 24 V recommended) and RS-485 Modbus wiring per the Modbus wiring plan.
• During commissioning, verify Modbus communication and heating/LED status operation.

Maintenance

• Periodic visual inspection
• Check cable integrity and mounting stability
• Ensure the vane moves freely
• Verify communication and heating status during cold-weather checks

Quick summary
Automatic heating: prevents freezing-related downtime
Hall-effect sensing: stable, low-wear direction measurement
Modbus RTU over RS-485: easy integration and reliable long-distance communication
0 to 359.9° range: full directional coverage
0.1° resolution: fine measurement detail
IEC 61724-1:2021 compliance: suitable for professional PV monitoring
Aluminium + polyamide body: outdoor-capable construction

Specifications

• Item Code: 3S-WD-MB-H
• Sensor Type: Vane-driven Hall-effect position sensor
• Measuring Range: 0–359.9°
• Accuracy: ±1% of measuring value
• Resolution: 0.1°
• Threshold: 1 m/s
• Data Output: RS-485 up to 38400 Baud
• Communication Protocol: Modbus RTU
• Power Supply: 18 to 30 V DC (24 V DC recommended)
• Power Consumption: Typical @24 V DC: Heating ON: 1 A; Heating OFF: 53 mA
• Cable: 1 m 3x2x0.22 mm² – LI2Y(st) C11Y, UV and weather resistant
• Operating Temperature Range: -40°C … +85°C
• Dimensions: Ø 265 mm x 285 mm
• Box Dimensions: 80 mm x 82 mm x 55 mm (W x L x H)
• Weight: 0.34 kg
• IP Rating: IP54
• Housing Material: Aluminium and polyamide
• Vane Material: P6GF20
• Mounting Method: Pipe or ground mounting
• Standard: Compliant to IEC 61724-1:2021
• Heating Range: Blue LED: 10°C < Internal Aluminum Temp(°C) < 20°C (Heating OFF). Red LED: Internal Aluminum Temp(°C) ≤ 10°C (Heating ON). Heating stops when Internal Aluminum Temp(°C) ≥ 20°C.