Vaisala

Transmissometer
LT31
Introduction

Advantages of transmissometer technology:

• more accurate than scatter measurement technology
• direct measurement of attenuation, not affected by particle type
• large measurement volume, more representative results
• can be directly calibrated

Limitations of present transmissometers:

• measurement range is limited
• window contamination reduces the measurement accuracy
significantly, cleaning is required frequently
• calibrating a transmissometer system can be complicated
• alignment of a transmissometer is time consuming and requires well
trained personnel

©Vaisala | PR210063EN-A | Page 2

 Vaisala LT31 Features

• Robust design, reliable unattended operation in all

weather
• Single base line system for full RVR and visibility range
• Measurement range 10m...10km covering all airport visibility
measurement needs with a single 30m baseline solution
• Extended cleaning / maintenance intervals provided by
• Integrated automatic transmissometer calibration feature
• Auto-alignment feature, provides also easy handling during
installation / maintenance
• Full and true window contamination compensation,
measurement based on V-shape windows
• Blower generated air curtain to prevent precipitation and wind
driven contamination accumulation on windows

©Vaisala | PR210063EN-A | Page 3

Vaisala LT31 Features

• State of the art white LED light source according to

WMO recommendation
• The spectral response of the LT31 receiver is adapted to
the spectral sensitivity of the human eye
•Sophisticated self diagnostics
• Extensive status information in the data message
• Automatic detection of alignment quality loss
•Alignment quality is ensured by double tube mast
construction
• outer tube behaves as wind and solar radiation shield, the
support structure is separated from thermal and
mechanical stress caused by solar radiation and wind load
• Option for reporting Present Weather
• Optional integrated UPS feature

©Vaisala | PR210063EN-A | Page 4

 Autocalibration

LT31 transmissometer uses an integrated forward

scatter sensor to detect stable high visibility
situations and calibrates itself automatically
• The transmissometer will always be automatically
calibrated when visibility is stable and over 10 km
• every calibration opportunity will be used unlike with
manual calibrations
• errors due to inaccurate manual calibration will be
prevented
• The transmissometer can also be roughly calibrated
in lower visibility e.g. after installation or sensor
repair
• Proven and patented technology

LT31 combines the benefits of both transmissometer and forward

scatter technologies

©Vaisala | PR210063EN-A | Page 5

 Automatic alignment

Fine alignment of the Vaisala transmissometer LT31 is done fully

automatically

• Set-up after installation or repair is quick and easy

•-can be carried out by one person

• Alignment quality is assured

• Alignment is maintained automatically

• Initial raw alignment is aided with acoustical feedback corresponding

to signal strength

©Vaisala | PR210063EN-A | Page 6

 Automatic alignment
Automated Fine Alignment Mechanism
• The LT31 transmitter and receiver optics units are equipped with a precise
microcontroller driven positioning system for the optical systems

• Fine alignment procedure is

initiated via the User Interface.
• Fine alignment is done fully
automated.
• Alignment span is 3,5°

©Vaisala | PR210063EN-A | Page 7

 Contamination Compensation
Window transparency measurement for transmitter and receiver
windows.

• A window light transmitter module

generates a separate light beam.
• The light beam crosses the v-shaped
window arrangement.
– patented concept
• A reflecting surface in the
measurement unit enclosure is used to
direct the beam towards the window
receivers optics tube.
• The transmittance measurement is
corrected in accordance to the
evaluated window contamination.

True window transparency measurement!

©Vaisala | PR210063EN-A | Page 8

 Window contamination prevention
Window contamination may take place especially during precipitation
and high winds

• a blower is used to create an air curtain in front of the windows

• wind driven particles are forced downwards

The blower is automatically activated during precipitation to prevent

excessive contamination

©Vaisala | PR210063EN-A | Page 9

 LT31 Subunits
Transmitter/Receiver Unit
PWD Forward
Scatter Sensor
Measurement
Head

Standard Mast
LTAM250

Upper Interface
Unit Cover

Lower Interface
Unit Cover

Receiver Unit Transmitter Unit

LTR111 LTT111
©Vaisala | PR210063EN-A | Page 10
 LT31 Subunits
Measurement Head
Measurement
Head Cover

Measurement Unit
LTM111/211

Support Unit
LTS111/211

Outer Mast Tube

• The mechanical position of the Measurement Unit is not influenced by

solar radiation or wind
• The Measurement Unit is mounted to the Inner Mast Tube
• The Support Unit is mounted to the Outer Mast Tube
©Vaisala | PR210063EN-A | Page 11
 Measurement unit

• Measurement head contains the

transmitter or receiver electronics
and optics in a sealed compartment
• alignment mechanics
• contamination measurement

• The measurement head is modular

in construction
• complete measurement unit can be
replaced quickly in the field
• the transmitter light source can be
quickly replaced

©Vaisala | PR210063EN-A | Page 12

 LT31 Subunits
Interface Unit Receiver LTI211

Transformer

Master CPU
LTC211

Power Supply
FSP101

Terminals and
Mains Switch

Maintenance
Connector

©Vaisala | PR210063EN-A | Page 13

 LT31 Options
Background Luminance Sensor LM21
LM21 Key Features
• Window Contamination Compensation
• Window Blockage Detection
• Powerful window and hood heating
• Integrated self test functionality
• Measurement range 2...40000 cd/m2

Field Calibrator LMA21 (option):

• white LED light source with opal
diffuser glass
• factory calibration parameters are
stored in the calibrator
• automated calibration procedure

©Vaisala | PR210063EN-A | Page 14

 LT31 Options
Present Weather (PW) Data Output

• When PW data output is enabled,

the LT31 message 2 can be
selected.
• Present Weather Information is
evaluated by the PWD Forward
Scatter Sensor
• PW data is transmitted to the
HOST system in the frame of the
LT31 data message.

Identifies: 7 different types of precipitation (rain, freezing rain, drizzle,

freezing drizzle, mixed rain/snow, snow, ice pellets)
Reports: 49 different codes from WMO 4680 code table

©Vaisala | PR210063EN-A | Page 15

 Conclusions

Vaisala LT31 is a new generation

transmissometer featuring
• Measurement range 10m...10km covering all
airport visibility measurement needs with a
single 30m baseline solution
• Automatic calibration
• Automatic alignment
• Direct window transparency measurement to
compensate for window contamination
• White light source for optimal accuracy
• Optional Present Weather reporting

LT31: Based on experience

©Vaisala | PR210063EN-A | Page 16