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Temperature-Compensated Output
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Overview

The SR50AT-L is an acoustic distance sensor that measures the elapsed time between emission and return of an ultrasonic pulse. This measurement can be used to determine snow depth. The SR50AT-L includes an external temperature sensor and outputs a temperature-corrected distance reading, eliminating the need for further post-processing.

Note: Campbell Scientific recommends model SR50AT-316SS-L for marine environments.

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Benefits and Features

  • Integrated temperature probe for providing temperature correction of measurements
  • Non-contact method for determining snow depth
  • Wide operating temperature range
  • Rugged enough for harsh environments
  • User-selectable options for output
  • Uses a multiple echo processing algorithm to help ensure measurement reliability
  • Compatible with most Campbell Scientific data loggers

Technical Description

The SR50AT is an identical unit to the SR50A with the addition of an external temperature sensor. The temperature sensor requires a six-plate radiation shield. The SR50AT will output a temperature-corrected distance reading, eliminating the need for further post-processing, as well as a separate temperature reading.

The SR50AT was designed to meet the stringent requirements of measuring snow depths and uses a multiple echo processing algorithm to help ensure measurement reliability. The SR50AT is compatible with all current Campbell Scientific data loggers, as well as many other data acquisition systems. An air temperature measurement is required to correct for variations of the speed of sound in air. Either the SR50AT or an existing on-site air temperature sensor can be used. The SR50AT is available with a heater option for locations where rime ice is a problem.

Specifications

Measurement Time < 1.0 s
Output Options SDI-12 version 1.3, RS-232, RS-485 (output options selected by configuring internal jumpers)
Baud Rates 1200 to 38400 bps (RS-232, RS-485 modes)
Power Requirements 9 to 18 Vdc (typically powered by data logger’s 12 Vdc power supply)
Measurement Range 0.5 to 10 m (1.6 to 32.8 ft)
Beam Acceptance Angle ~30°
Resolution 0.25 mm (0.01 in.)
Accuracy ±1 cm (0.4 in.) or 0.4% of distance to target (whichever is greatest).
Operating Temperature Range -45° to +50°C
Compliance CE compliant
Temperature Accuracy
  • ±0.2° (at 0° to 50°C)
  • ±0.75° (at -45° to 0°C)
Cable Type 4 conductor, 2-twisted pair, 22 AWG, Santoprene
Diameter 7.6 cm (3 in.)
Length 10.1 cm (4 in.)
Weight 375 g (13.2 oz) without cable
Cable Weight 250 g (8.2 oz) for a 4.57-m (15-ft) cable

Power Consumption

Active 250 mA (typical)
Quiescent SDI-12 Mode < 1.0 mA The quiescent current draw is less than 1.25 mA if the BAUD rate is 9600 BAUD or less
RS-232/RS-485 Mode < 2.0 mA

Maximum Cable Length

-NOTE- Cable lengths greater than 60 m require a heavier gage wire if the power supply drops below 11 Vdc.
SDI-12 60 m (200 ft)
RS-232 60 m (200 ft) 9600 BAUD or less
RS-485 300 m (984 ft)

Compatibility

Please note: The following shows notable compatibility information. It is not a comprehensive list of all compatible products.

Dataloggers

Product Compatible Note
CR1000 (retired) SDI-12 and RS-232. For RS-485, requires an MD485 interface or similar RS-485 to RS-232 interface.
CR1000X SDI-12 and RS-232. For RS-485, requires an MD485 interface or similar RS-485 to RS-232 interface.
CR300 SDI-12 and RS-232. For RS-485, requires an MD485 interface or similar RS-485 to RS-232 interface.
CR3000 SDI-12 and RS-232. For RS-485, requires an MD485 interface or similar RS-485 to RS-232 interface.
CR310 SDI-12 and RS-232. For RS-485, requires an MD485 interface or similar RS-485 to RS-232 interface.
CR350 SDI-12 and RS-232. For RS-485, requires an MD485 interface or similar RS-485 to RS-232 interface.
CR6 SDI-12, RS-232, and RS-485
CR800 (retired) SDI-12 and RS-232. For RS-485, requires an MD485 interface or similar RS-485 to RS-232 interface.
CR850 (retired) SDI-12 and RS-232. For RS-485, requires an MD485 interface or similar RS-485 to RS-232 interface.

Miscellaneous

Product Compatible Note
GRANITE 6 SDI-12 and RS-232. For RS-485, requires an MD485 interface or similar RS-485 to RS-232 interface.

Additional Compatibility Information

Data Logger Considerations

One single-ended channel per probe is required; an excitation channel can be shared by several probes.

Resources and Links

Downloads

SR50AT example programs v.1 (11 kB) 22-01-2020

CR6 and CR1000X programs that directly read each type of SR50AT output (SDI-12, RS-232, RS-485), and a CR1000 program that reads the RS-485 output using an MD485 Multidrop interface. The programs use the data filtering method described in the manual.

SR50A/AT OS v.1.3 (52 KB) 22-08-2007

Current SR50A / AT firmware.
View Revision History

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