Revision as of 00:24, 6 October 2023

Installation

Installation prerequisites

Important: Windbird calibration

It is mandatory to calibrate the Windbird before installing it.

Windbird calibration process is described on this page in the paragraph: "Calibrating the Windbird".

Unpacking

The Windbird box contains 4 items:

Windbird anemometer
USB computer update cable
A bag containing a bracket and screws for mounting the instrument
A document to guide you through Windbird commissioning

The Windbird has been packaged in a cardboard box for transport, which should be disposed of in the recycling bin.

The product has been protected by bubble wrap to prevent breakage, and should be disposed of in the waste bin.

The Windbird contains a battery which should not be disposed of in the waste bin, but in a recycling bin dedicated to batteries.

Serial number record

Each Windbird has a unique serial number. This number is marked on the tail.

The serial number is the "identity" of your Windbird. It is important to record this number and write it down on a piece of paper for safekeeping.

This number allows you to quickly access wind measurements on the OpenWindMap website, renew your Sigfox subscription or contact customer service for technical support.

Location choice

Obstacles such as trees or buildings create turbulences which interferes with wind measurement. Make sure the Windbird has an unobstructed view.

Place the Windbird away from obstacles to improve radio transmission of wind measurements.

Make sure the Windbird has a complete 360-degree clearance to ensure reliable wind measurements in all directions.

Pole choice

The Windbird must be at least 2 metres above the ground or roof on which it is installed. The higher the Windbird be placed, the less obstacles will interfere with the measurement. Radio transmission of wind measurements is improved when the Windbird is placed high up.

As a guide, here are the heights generally used:

Meteorology: 10m above ground level
Aviation: 10m above ground level
Agriculture: 2m above ground level (for evapotranspiration calculations)

For "leisure" use, a 4.60m "windsurfing" mast is usually sufficient.

An 8m wooden, galvanized steel or composite pole is a very good choice for installing a Windbird (ex telephone pole).

Fastening

The Windbird can be mounted on a bracket in a number of ways:

With a bracket
With plastic clamps
With screws and washers

It's important to choose the right mounting system beforehand.

The mounting bracket must be adapted to the fastening system: a tube is preferable for bracket or plastic clamp fastening.

For screw fastening system, a resistant material should be used as the fastening support, with screws and washers of the appropriate size. Where a hole has to be drilled in the fastening support, plugs must be used, and their diameter must be carefully selected according to the material.

It's important to use the correct torque for any fastening system, to ensure that the Windbird is held securely without damaging the plastic fastener.

Operation

Multi-purpose control button

The Windbird has a single button for starting, stopping and calibrating.

The multi-purpose button is located on the underside of the device. It can be pressed with the tip of a pen.

The length of time the multi-purpose button is pressed determines the action performed:

Short press -> Start or Stop Windbird

Press for 10 seconds -> Start calibration

An LED lamp is located next to the button, flashing according to the Windbird's status.

Calibration de la girouette

When using Windbird for the first time, or if you find that it is giving you the wrong direction, it is necessary to calibrate the Windbird :

Switch on Windbird
Press and hold the button until the LED starts flashing rapidly (approx. 10 seconds).
The LED flashes for 5 seconds, to give you time to prepare for calibration.
When the LED becomes steady, calibration begins. Rotate Windbird around its axis until the LED goes out (approx. 15 seconds). The aim is to make at least 3 turns. For the wind vane to work properly, Windbird's axis must always be as vertical as possible throughout the calibration process. The Windbird works with a compass. It may be affected by strong magnetic fields (e.g. near power lines or base stations).

Start

Briefly press the button. The LED lights up steadily for a few seconds to confirm device start-up.

About 10 seconds later, your Windbird should appear "online" on the website or mobile application.

The first measurements and position will be transmitted about fifteen minutes after switching on. This may take a little longer if GPS reception is poor.

The LED may light up, but Windbird may not appear online, even after 30 seconds. This means that Windbird is not receiving the Sigfox network in that area. Try again at another location.

Stop

- When your Windbird is switched on, briefly press the button. The LED will flash 5 times to indicate shutdown.

Around 10 seconds after shutdown, Windbird should appear "offline" on the website or mobile app.

Maintenance

Battery

Windbird contains a high-performance battery that can withstand extreme temperatures.

Battery life is approximately 4 years. Numerous parameters may vary this duration.

Bearings

The Windbird's bearings are maintenance-free and designed to run dry. Do not add oil or grease, as this may interfere with measurements.

It is nevertheless recommended to replace the bearings at the same time as the battery to maintain a high level of performance in wind measurements.

Sigfox network

Your Windbird automatically connects to the Internet via the Sigfox radio network. There are no settings to make. Subscription is included for the first year, and can be renewed on the OpenWindMap website.

This network offers similar coverage to GSM. Windbird can therefore operate reliably. However, some areas may not be covered.

There are no borders: a Windbird purchased in France will automatically work in Spain or the Netherlands. The reverse also works.

Spare parts

Des pièces détachées sont disponibles pour réparer chaque élément du Windbird en cas de casse ou d'endommagement.

La pile du Windbird devra être achetée tous les 4 ans environ pour effectuer son remplacement avant qu'elle ne soit totalement déchargée.

Spare parts are available to repair each Windbird component in the event of breakage or damage.

The Windbird battery should be purchased about every 4 years, and replaced before reaching the maximum discharge level.

Technical details

Geolocation

Windbird is equipped with a GPS chip to update its position on the map.

The location functionality is activated automatically :

on power-up, for a maximum of 15 minutes
once every 4 days, for a maximum of 1 minute.

To work properly, the GPS needs a clear view of the sky. It can sometimes fail if your Windbird is at the bottom of a deep valley, close to trees, too close to a building, or in bad weather.

Transmissions des mesures

Windbird measures wind direction and speed during two 5-minute periods. Measurements are transmitted to the Internet every 10 minutes.

@@ Line 33: / Line 33: @@
 == '''<big>''<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Location choice</span>''</big>''' ==
-[[File:Pose.jpg|thumb]]
+[[File:Pose.jpg|thumb|link=/wiki/File:Pose.jpg]]
@@ Line 43: / Line 43: @@
 ==  <big><span lang="en" dir="ltr">'''''Pole choice'''''</span></big> ==
-[[File:Vent.jpg|thumb]]
+[[File:Vent.jpg|thumb|link=/wiki/File:Vent.jpg]]
 The Windbird must be at least 2 metres above the ground or roof on which it is installed. The higher the Windbird be placed, the less obstacles will interfere with the measurement. Radio transmission of wind measurements is improved when the Windbird is placed high up.
@@ Line 71: / Line 71: @@
 It's important to use the correct torque for any fastening system, to ensure that the Windbird is held securely without damaging the plastic fastener.
-<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Le Windbird peut être fixé de différentes manières sur un support :</span>
+[[File:Fixation_etrier.jpg|left|thumb|200x200px|'''<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Bracket (supplied)</span>'''|link=/wiki/File:Fixation_etrier.jpg]]
+[[File:Fixation_vis.jpg|thumb|200x200px|'''<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Screws and washers (not supplied)</span>'''|link=/wiki/File:Fixation_vis.jpg]]
+[[File:Fixation_colliers.jpg|center|thumb|200x200px|'''<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Plastic clamps (not supplied)</span>'''|link=/wiki/File:Fixation_colliers.jpg]]
-* <span lang="en" dir="ltr">Avec un étrier</span>
+= '''<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Operation</span>''' =
-* <span lang="en" dir="ltr">Avec des colliers plastiques</span>
+[[File:Demarrage.jpg|thumb|link=/wiki/File:Demarrage.jpg]]
-* <span lang="en" dir="ltr">Avec des vis et des rondelles</span>
-<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Il est important de bien choisir au préalable le système de fixation qui sera adapté à son installation.</span>
+== '''''<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Multi-purpose control button</span>''''' ==
+<span lang="en" dir="ltr">The Windbird has a single button for starting, stopping and calibrating.</span>
-<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Le support de fixation doit être adapté au système de fixation, un tube doit être privilégié pour les fixations par étrier ou par colliers.</span>
+<span lang="en" dir="ltr">The multi-purpose button is located on the underside of the device. It can be pressed with the tip of a pen.</span>
-<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Concernant le système de fixation par vis, un matériau résistant devra être utilisé comme support de fixation avec des vis et des rondelles de taille adaptée. Lorsqu'un percement du support de fixation est effectué, des chevilles devront être utilisées et le diamètre de celles ci devra être choisi avec rigueur en fonction du matériau.</span>
+<span lang="en" dir="ltr">The length of time the multi-purpose button is pressed determines the action performed:</span>
-<u><span lang="en" dir="ltr">Il est important d'appliquer un serrage adapté quelque soit le système de fixation utilisé pour assurer un maintien solide du Windbird sans endommager la pièce en plastique de fixation.</span></u>
+<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Short press -> Start or Stop Windbird</span>
-[[File:Fixation_etrier.jpg|left|thumb|200x200px|'''<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Étrier en U (fourni)</span>''']]
-[[File:Fixation_vis.jpg|thumb|200x200px|'''<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Vis avec rondelles (non fourni)</span>''']]
-[[File:Fixation_colliers.jpg|center|thumb|200x200px|'''<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Colliers plastiques (non fourni)</span>''']]
-= '''<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Fonctionnement</span>''' =
+<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Press for 10 seconds -> Start calibration</span>
-[[File:Demarrage.jpg|thumb]]
-== '''''<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Bouton de commande multi-usages</span>''''' ==
+<span lang="en" dir="ltr">An LED lamp is located next to the button, flashing according to the Windbird's status.</span>
-<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Un unique bouton est présent sur le Windbird, il permet de démarrer, d'arrêter ou de calibrer le Windbird.</span>
-<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Le bouton multi usages se situe sous l'appareil. Il peut être utilisé en effectuant un appui à l'aide d'une pointe de stylo.</span>
+== '''''<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Calibration de la girouette</span>''''' ==
+<span lang="en" dir="ltr">When using Windbird for the first time, or if you find that it is giving you the wrong direction, it is necessary to calibrate the Windbird :</span>
-<span lang="en" dir="ltr">La durée d'appui sur le bouton multi usage déterminera l'action qui sera réalisée:</span>
-* <span lang="en" dir="ltr">Appui bref sur le bouton -> Démarrage ou Arrêt du Windbird</span>
-* <span lang="en" dir="ltr">Appui de 10 seconde sur le bouton -> Lancement de la calibration</span>
-<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Une lampe LED est placée à côté du bouton et elle clignote en fonction de l'état du Windbird</span>
+* <span lang="en" dir="ltr">Switch on Windbird</span>
+* <span lang="en" dir="ltr">Press and hold the button until the LED starts flashing rapidly (approx. 10 seconds).</span>
+* <span lang="en" dir="ltr">The LED flashes for 5 seconds, to give you time to prepare for calibration.</span>
+* <span lang="en" dir="ltr">When the LED becomes steady, calibration begins. Rotate Windbird around its axis until the LED goes out (approx. 15 seconds). The aim is to make at least 3 turns. For the wind vane to work properly, Windbird's axis must always be as vertical as possible throughout the calibration process. The Windbird works with a compass. It may be affected by strong magnetic fields (e.g. near power lines or base stations).</span>
-== '''''<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Calibration de la girouette</span>''''' ==
+== '''''Start''''' ==
-<span lang="en" dir="ltr">'''Lors de la première utilisation''', ou si vous constatez que le Windbird vous donne une direction erronée, il est nécessaire de calibrer la girouette.</span>
-* <span lang="en" dir="ltr">Allumez le Windbird</span>
-* <span lang="en" dir="ltr">Restez appuyé sur le bouton, jusqu'à ce que la LED se mette à  clignoter rapidement (environ 10 secondes).</span>
-* <span lang="en" dir="ltr">La LED clignote pendant 5 secondes, pour vous laisser le temps de vous préparer avant la calibration.</span>
-* <span lang="en" dir="ltr">Lorsque la LED devient fixe, la calibration commence. Faites tourner Windbird autour de son axe, jusqu'à ce que la LED s'éteigne (environ 15 secondes). L'objectif est de faire au moins 3 tours.  '''Pour que la girouette fonctionne correctement, l'axe de Windbird doit toujours être le plus vertical possible pendant toute la durée de la calibration.'''  La girouette fonctionne à l'aide d'une boussole. Il se peut qu'elle soit perturbée si elle est exposée à de forts champs magnétiques (à proximité d'une ligne électrique ou d'une antenne relais).</span>
-== '''''<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Démarrage</span>''''' ==
+Briefly press the button. The LED lights up steadily for a few seconds to confirm device start-up.
-<span lang="en" dir="ltr">• Pressez brièvement le bouton. La LED s'éclaire fixement pendant quelques secondes pour confirmer le démarrage de l'appareil.</span>
-<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Environ 10 secondes après, votre Windbird devrait apparaître « ''en ligne'' » sur le site internet ou l'application mobile (voir le chapitre « ''Consultation des mesures'' »).</span>
+About 10 seconds later, your Windbird should appear "online" on the website or mobile application.
-<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Les premières mesures ainsi que la position seront transmises une quinzaine de minutes après l'allumage. Cela peut parfois prendre un petit peu plus de temps si la réception GPS n'est pas bonne.</span>
+The first measurements and position will be transmitted about fifteen minutes after switching on. This may take a little longer if GPS reception is poor.
-<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Il se peut que la LED s'allume bien, mais que le Windbird n'apparaisse pas en ligne, même après 30 secondes. Cela signifie que le Windbird ne capte pas le réseau Sigfox dans cette zone. Ressayez à un autre endroit.</span>
+The LED may light up, but Windbird may not appear online, even after 30 seconds. This means that Windbird is not receiving the Sigfox network in that area. Try again at another location.
-== '''''<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Arrêt</span>''''' ==
+== '''''Stop''''' ==
-<span lang="en" dir="ltr">• Lorsque votre Windbird est allumé, appuyez brièvement sur le bouton. La LED clignotera 5 fois pour signifier l’arrêt de l'appareil.</span>
+<span lang="en" dir="ltr">- When your Windbird is switched on, briefly press the button. The LED will flash 5 times to indicate shutdown.</span>
-<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Environ 10 secondes après l’arrêt, le Windbird devrait apparaître « ''hors ligne'' » sur le site internet ou l'application mobile.           </span>
+<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Around 10 seconds after shutdown, Windbird should appear "offline" on the website or mobile app.</span><span lang="en" dir="ltr">     </span>
 = '''<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Maintenance</span>''' =
-== '''''<small><span lang="en" dir="ltr">Pile</span></small>''''' ==
+== '''''<small><span lang="en" dir="ltr">Battery</span></small>''''' ==
-<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Le Windbird contient une pile haute performance pouvant résister aux conditions extrêmes de température.</span>
+<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Windbird contains a high-performance battery that can withstand extreme temperatures.</span>
-<span lang="en" dir="ltr">L'autonomie est d'environ 4 ans. De nombreux paramètres peuvent faire varier cette durée.</span>
+<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Battery life is approximately 4 years. Numerous parameters may vary this duration.</span>
-== '''''<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Roulements</span>''''' ==
+== '''''<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Bearings</span>''''' ==
-<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Les roulements du Windbird ne nécessitent pas d'entretien, ils sont conçus pour fonctionner à sec. N'ajoutez pas de l'huile ou de la graisse, vous risquez de perturber les mesures.</span>
-<span lang="en" dir="ltr">Il est néanmoins recommandé de remplacer les roulements en même temps que la pile pour maintenir un haut niveau de performance dans les mesures de vent.</span>
 The Windbird's bearings are maintenance-free and designed to run dry. Do not add oil or grease, as this may interfere with measurements.

Install