Windsock Electronic Theodolite
Pibal Tracking System
A portable and affordable electronic theodolite designed specifically for
pibal tracking.
The Windsock Electronic Theodolite (ET for short) is a
miniature, hand-held, electronic theodolite designed specifically for tracking
pibals. ET, when used together with the Windsock
computer,
can provide quick and extremely accurate wind condition measurements at all
flying altitudes. ET is based on a state-of-the-art, low-power,
high-performance compass and inclination (tilt) sensor module and sets a new
price standard for low-cost theodolites. ET is designed to operate in
rugged environments such as those encountered at remote field sites and also
features an integrated temperature sensor.
Accurate Results
Since standard compass modules do not work well (or at all)
when tilted, tracking a pibal’s heading at altitude can be a very difficult
task. Visual alignment problems can significantly reduce measurement
accuracy and results. Because ET measures extremely precise bearing
information in all tilt orientations, visual alignment problems are eliminated.
Also, in order to calculate the pibal’s distance from the launch site, the
vertical angle of the pibal needs to be periodically measured using an
inclinometer. Because ET features an integrated electronic inclinometer,
extremely accurate vertical angle data is automatically taken and downloaded
directly to the Windsock computer along with the bearing data. This
eliminates user errors associated with reading and re-entering heading and tilt
information into the computer.
How it Works
ET combines a revolutionary three-axis magnetometer and a
high-performance two-axis electrolytic inclinometer in a package that is smaller
and consumes less power than any other theodolite currently available.
ET’s elimination of a mechanical gimbal is unique among electronic compass
modules. All compasses must be referenced to level to be accurate, but
instead of using a clumsy universal joint of fluid bath to hold its sensors
level, ET uses a highly accurate inclinometer to allow the built in
microprocessor to mathematically correct for tilt. This electronic
gimballing eliminates moving parts providing for a more accurate, compact and
reliable unit.
ET’s highly advanced calibration system continuously and
automatically corrects for hard iron distortions as the system is used.
The unit’s advanced distortion detection algorithms can detect when magnetic
disturbances such as nearby ferrous metals and electrical currents are
compromising system accuracy. The inclination data allows ET to provide
greater accuracy in the field by calibrating for distortion fields in all tilt
orientations, providing an alarm when local magnetic anomalies are present.
Heading and pitch values are continuous updated on the
Windsock computer so that you can visually verify the current pibal position at
all times. Measuring only 1.5" x 2.5" x 4.25" and weighing only 6 ounces,
ET is small and light enough to be carried in your shirt pocket and can be used
with or without a tripod. Operation is very easy and straightforward.
Simply aim ET at a flying pibal. Measurements are taken automatically at
the proper intervals and are downloaded to the Windsock computer so that there
is no manual input of data. ET connects directly with the
Windsock
computer using a small, lightweight cable and can run for months on a single 9V
battery. Best of all, ET is available now and at a small fraction of the
cost of surveying theodolites. Order yours today!
Ordering Information
