Anemometer/Wind Vane Location
- The anemometer/wind
vane is designed to clamp around the top 3-1/2 in. of a mast
having a diameter of at least 1 in. and not more than 1-1/4 in.
An aluminum mast is ideal (available at K-Mart and many other
stores) but you can also use a thin-wall steel mast, of the type
sold by Radio Shack and other stores.
NOTE:
DO NOT MOUNT THE WIND SENSOR
DIRECTLY ON TOP OF IRON PLUMBING PIPE OR EMT
ELECTRICAL CONDUIT. Pipes and conduit have
relatively thick ferrous (magnets will stick to them) walls,
which can interfere with the proper operation of the
magnets in the anemometer/wind vane.
If you wish to use iron pipe or electrical conduit as a mast,
simply add a short section of PVC to the top and clamp the
wind sensor onto the PVC. There are many ways to do
this, but two typical methods are:
a. If you are using a 3/4 inch water pipe as a mast, screw
a PVC pipe adapter with a 6-inch piece of 3/4 inch
Schedule 40 PVC pipe onto the top of your mast.
b. If you are using 1-inch EMT electrical conduit as a
mast, just press a 12-inch long piece of 3/4 inch Schedule
40 PVC pipe six inches into the top of the conduit.
In either method, PVC should not be used for the entire
mast because the
MAST MUST BE GROUNDED
. In
addition, PVC pipe is not strong enough to be used as a
mast.
Considerations for locating the mast:
- use an existing TV or FM-type mast if you can.
- mast should extend at least 5 feet (more if possible) above
the highest part of your roof or other nearby obstruction.
You may be able to add an extension to an existing mast.
- the mast should, as nearly as possible, be exactly vertical.
- the top 3-1/2 in. of the mast must be free. Again, you may
be able to add a short extension to an existing mast.
- if you are installing a new mast, it will be most economical to
locate it within 40 ft. of the junction box, so you won't need
an extension cable.
- mast must not be mounted on, or directly next to, an active
chimney. Flue gasses are very corrosive.
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