Automatic cloud base measurement systems?
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Automatic cloud base measurement systems?
Although it may well be prohibitively expensive, I am interested in any automatic cloud base measuring systems that might be suitable for private sites. Any advice on types/suppliers/cost etc? Be nice to have a more accurate idea on cloud base when doing IMC let downs than guestimating from nearest airports - if open!
Avoid imitations
Join Date: Nov 2000
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I worked at one unit where the chief pilot was totally against such devices. Reason? If we knew how low the cloudbase really was we might not try to make an approach...... 
Sad, but true.
Sad, but true.
Join Date: Nov 2004
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Try
http://www.vaisala.com/weather/produ...rs/cloudheight
We had an earlier version installed about 4 years ago and it's been excellent - can be remotely linked to other sites, I believe, or maybe linked to a website, should you wish to interogate from elsewhere.
Good luck
http://www.vaisala.com/weather/produ...rs/cloudheight
We had an earlier version installed about 4 years ago and it's been excellent - can be remotely linked to other sites, I believe, or maybe linked to a website, should you wish to interogate from elsewhere.
Good luck
Join Date: Jan 2001
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I think that they are coming down in price a bit: the last one I heard of was under the £10K new. Most police units have been forced to buy them, so the path is fairly well trodden.
I recall a company/website Skyview that are another source
I recall a company/website Skyview that are another source
You could try these guys
http://www.muir-matheson.com/Sensors-Clouds.php
http://www.muir-matheson.com/Sensors-Clouds.php
We have the Vaisala unit on our offshore installation. Just gone 10 years continuous operation before first incidence of u/s. I know from experience that the pilots rely heavily on it.
Is is part of a Fugro Geos system. See them at http://www.geos.com/
As mentioned before another vendor is Muir Matheson.
I would expect to pay 'Oilfield' prices for both of these companies. Not sure if you can get a 'cheaper' version for onshore.
Our system was originally installed by InstallOcean, who were then bought out by Fugro. I see they still have a web site at www.installocean.co.uk/ so you could try them to see have done a CHC on it.
Is is part of a Fugro Geos system. See them at http://www.geos.com/
As mentioned before another vendor is Muir Matheson.
I would expect to pay 'Oilfield' prices for both of these companies. Not sure if you can get a 'cheaper' version for onshore.
Our system was originally installed by InstallOcean, who were then bought out by Fugro. I see they still have a web site at www.installocean.co.uk/ so you could try them to see have done a CHC on it.
a) Yes
b) No
PS 2STROPS - your profile lists your occupation as 'Pilot'. Which one is it?
It's still a very pertinent question when someone wants to get such a piece of equipment for a private site.
