R.M. Young 32500, Quick Start Manual

Page 1

32500-90(N)

MODEL 32500

ELECTRONIC COMPASS
WITH SERIAL INTERFACE

SPECIFICATIONS

*

Compass: 
 Resolution: 

0.5 

degrees

Accuracy: 

±2 degrees (rms)

Wind Speed Input: 
 

Sensor Type: 

AC Frequency Generator

Sensitivity: 

50mV p-p at 10Hz

 Range: 

0-2000 

Hz

Wind Direction Input:
 Sensor 

Type: 

Potentiometer

Range: 

0-5000mV = 0 to 355 degrees

Excitation: 

5000mV (limited to 5 mA)

Voltage Inputs (Auxiliary Sensor Inputs): 
 Resolution: 

12-bit

VIN1 and VIN2 

0-1000mV 

VIN3 and VIN4 

0-5000mV

Voltage Outputs:
 

OUT1 

0-5000mV 

0-100 m/s wind speed

OUT2 

0-5000mV 

0-360° true wind

direction

Serial Output: 

Full duplex RS-232,

Half duplex RS-485 (2 mS turnaround)

1200, 4800, 9600, 19.2K, & 38.4K baud

8 data, 1 stop, no parity

Operating Temp: 

-50°C to 50°C 

Power: 

11 to 30 VDC, 40 mA

Mounting: 

1 inch IPS (1.34 inch actual diameter)

Size:    

4.75” (12cm) H

0.87” (7.3cm) W

2.12” (5.3cm) D

*

Specifi cations subject to change

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The Model 32500 ELECTRONIC COMPASS measures magnetic 
heading, wind speed and direction signals from YOUNG sensors, and 
signals from four general purpose voltage inputs. Wind direction input 
may be combined with compass measurements to obtain true direc-
tion. Voltage inputs may be used with YOUNG temperature, humidity, 
barometric pressure, and other sensors. One voltage input may be 
confi gured for connection to a tipping bucket precipitation gauge.

Measurements are available in several serial data formats in either full 
duplex RS-232 or half-duplex RS-485 signals. Both continuous and 
polled serial outputs are available. When polled, up to 16 units can 
be networked together. For marine applications the 32500 produces 
standard NMEA serial output sentences. Calibrated voltage outputs 
for wind speed and direction are also provided when the 32500 is con-
nected to a YOUNG wind sensor.

2.0 INSTALLATION

The 32500 is supplied in a weather-resistant enclosure with a mount-
ing adapter that fi ts 1 inch IPS pipe (1.34 inch nominal diameter). 
When used with the YOUNG Wind Monitor, the mounting adapter 
engages the Wind Monitor orientation notch. Refer to the WIRING 
DIAGRAM for electrical connection details and jumper settings.

It is important to install the 32500 so it remains level during opera-
tion. This becomes increasingly inportant when used at northern and 
southern latitudes far from the equator since progressively more of the 
earth’s magnetic fl ux becomes vertical. By keeping the 32500 level at 
these latitudes, the measurements will be free of the vertical fl ux infl u-
ence and remain accurate.

If possible, avoid installing the compass near magnetic devices or 
machinery. After installation, the compass must be calibrated to cor-
rect for local magnetic conditions. If the compass is moved or its local 
environment changes signifi cantly (machinery moved), the compass 
should be calibrated again.

3.0 OPERATION

Operation begins automatically when power is applied. Jumpers con-
fi gure the 32500 for common output formats. 

3.1 COMPASS CALIBRATION

When the 32500 is operated for the fi rst time, its internal compass 
must be calibrated for local conditions. To calibrate the compass, 
please follow the steps outlined below.

1. Remove cover from compass. Press and hold CALIBRATE button 

for 5 seconds. The CALIBRATE indicator will begin to blink. Refer 
to WIRING DIAGRAM to locate CALIBRATE button. 

2. Slowly rotate vehicle on which compass is mounted. Steer vehicle 

in a tight circle and make TWO complete revolutions. Each revolu-
tion should take at least one minute. THE COMPASS MUST 
REMAIN LEVEL DURING CALIBRATION.

3. After two complete revolutions, press and hold CALIBRATE button 

until indicator stops blinking. Calibration is now complete. Calibra-
tion parameters are retained when power is removed.

4. Replace cover. Use this procedure to recalibrate compass at any 

time.

Serial communication command may also be sent to start and stop the 
compass calibration. Please see section 4.2 SERIAL COMMANDS for 
details.

3.2 SIGNAL INPUTS

The 32500 has two special wind speed and direction inputs for 
YOUNG sensors and four voltage input channels for connection to 
other meteorological instruments like temperature, humidity, and 
barometric pressure sensors. Two of the voltage input channels may 
also be confi gured as alternative wind speed and wind direction in-
puts for sensors like the Young 85XXX family. For best performance, 
sensors should be installed within 3m (10ft.) of the 32500.

Measurements from the voltage input channels are converted to 
numerical values (0-4000) and sent in the serial ASCII output string:

VIN1 and VIN2 full scale input is 1000mV DC, therefore:
 

Input millivolts = Serial output value / 4

VIN3 and VIN4 full scale input is 5000mV, therefore:
 

Input millivolts = Serial output value x 1.25

VIN3 and VIN4 may be confi gured as alternative wind speed and 
direction inputs using CMD250 in SOFTWARE mode. Please see 
section 4.2 SERIAL COMMANDS.

Selecting PRECIP or PRECIP POLLED output formats will confi gure 
VIN4 to count tips from a tipping bucket precipitation gauge.

Please refer to SERIAL FORMAT DIAGRAM and WIRING DIAGRAM 
in the Appendix for additional details.