All Weather, Inc.'s Laser Ceilometer Is First To Simultaneously Measure Four Cloud Layers

Modular cloud height sensor provides highly accurate vertical visibility and cloud base measurements in all weather conditions

Sacramento, CA - All Weather, Inc., a leading manufacturer of high accuracy, high dependability weather information systems and meteorological sensors, today announced the Model 8339 Laser Ceilometer. Able to measure cloud height to 25,000 feet (7.5 km), the 8339 is the first ceilometer to simultaneously detect and measure up to four layers of clouds. This provides more accurate data in all weather conditions, whether heavy precipitation or low clouds. The Model 8339 can also discern extremely thin obscurations, with a resolution of 12.5 feet over the full range of the sensor. Both vertical visibility and ground-based obscurations can be reported while locating higher layers of clouds.

"Our goal is to provide airports and meteorological stations with the critical weather information they need, even when the skies are obscured," stated Gary Wagner, CEO of All Weather, Inc. "Independent testing by third-party sources has benchmarked the Model 8339 laser ceilometer as more accurately detecting the bases of clouds and all present layers than any other cloud height indicator on the market."

Advanced Modular Design
The Model 8339 laser ceilometer is a compact, low maintenance unit based on a modular design. It includes a sophisticated array of built-in tests that execute in the background during operation. This allows for the detection of possible sensor errors and reports them to the operator, along with a reference to the appropriate field-replaceable module. No consumables are required, such as blower filters or desiccants, keeping maintenance to a minimum.

The 8339's advanced digital signal processing algorithms ensure the system provides highly accurate reporting of cloud base locations in all weather conditions. The measuring cycle range of 30, 60, or 120 second intervals means a high degree of flexibility for a variety of aviation weather applications. RS485 and RS232 outputs cover data transmissions over both long and short distances.

LiDAR Technology
AWI's Model 8339 uses the reliable and accurate Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) optical radar technology. A low-power laser transmitter uses a high reliability gallium arsenide diode to transmit light pulses to the cloud base. Cloud height is measured by sophisticated signal processing of laser scatter as it propagates through aerosols. A silicon avalanche photodiode receiver captures the returning signal and incorporates an optical band bass filter to prevent interference from other light sources. The receiver is adjustable so that gains and response parameters can be varied according to conditions.

Manufactured to FAA AWOS (Automated Weather Observing System) and NWS ASOS (Automated Surface Observing System) standards, the Model 8339's rugged, weatherproof housing protects the unit in extreme operating conditions, from ­60šC to +70šC. A dirty window detector keeps the optical windows free from dust, water, and snow.

Pricing & Availability
The All Weather, Inc. Model 8339 laser ceilometer is available from stock. Pricing starts at less than $20,000.

About All Weather Inc.
All Weather, Inc. (AWI) is a leading developer of high accuracy, high dependability weather information systems that help users minimize risks in an unpredictable world. The company provides AWOS aviation weather systems, air traffic control display systems, as well as a wide range of high accuracy meteorological sensors and systems, including laser ceilometers, runway visual range systems, lightning detection sensors, and a variety of other meteorological sensors. All Weather, Inc. is the preferred development partner of the FAA. The company's ASOS, AWOS, and AWSS systems meet the stringent standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and Transport Canada. AWI has installed over 1700 high-end automated weather systems around the globe, working with such leading authorities as the U.S. National Weather Service, ExxonMobil, Cerrejón Coal, and INFRAERO (Brazil). For more information, see www.allweatherinc.com.

Source: All Weather Inc.