BIRAL

The VPF-750 Visibility and Present Weather sensor is the most advanced in Biral’s product range. Its enhanced performance allows the reporting of freezing precipitation in addition to the weather codes typically available from a forward scatter sensor. The sensor is designed for use in aviation applications where extended weather information, including past weather, is required for inclusion in METAR reports. The sensor is also well suited to research applications and use in meteorological observation networks. The unique backscatter receiver combined with accurate external temperature, humidity and precipitation sensors gives the VPF-750 unparalleled abilities in distinguishing frozen from liquid precipitation, with the added advantage of identifying freezing precipitation. The sensor reports both WMO table 4680 and METAR codes to simplify integration in to host systems. A wealth of other data is provided including a transmissometer equivalent EXCO.

The BTD-300 Thunderstorm Detector is a standalone sensor that reliably detects the presence of all forms of lightning to a range of 83km. The unique quasi electrostatic operating principle gives the detector a very low false alarm rate and the ability to warn of the risk of overhead lightning. The ability to reliably detect and range cloud-to-cloud lightning, which is typically much more common than cloud-to-ground strikes, makes the BTD-300 much more sensitive to the presence of storms compared to devices that rely on radio detection. The electrostatic operating principle allows the sensor to warn of the risk of overhead lightning before the first discharge occurs. Virtually maintenance free in operation, the BTD-300 can either interface directly to an integrated system or be operated using the supplied PC compatible display and logging software. The optional warning relay module allows the sensor to automatically sound alarms whenever a storm approaches.

The SWS-250 is optimised for use in aviation applications where both visibility and extended present and past weather information is required. The sensor measures: visibility (MOR, EXCO and TEXCO), fog, haze, drizzle, snow, hail and other non-frozen precipitation according to WMO table 4680. METAR coded outputs are also provided. For ultimate visibility performance the visual range extends to 99.99km allowing use in meteorological observation networks and research applications. The enhanced present weather information from the SWS-250 is due to the backscatter receiver which allows detailed precipitation analysis and the use of algorithms developed for Biral’s flagship VPF-750 present weather sensor.

The ALS-2 Ambient Light Sensor is designed to measure background luminance as part of a Runway Visual Range (RVR) system. Mounted alongside the runway the ambient light sensor is often deployed with a visibility meter to provide the data necessary for calculation of RVR. Designed to comply with specifications and guidelines produced by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the Federal Aviation Administration in the USA (FAA), the ALS-2 meets all the requirements for use in typical RVR systems. The ability to connect the sensor directly to a Biral visibility or present weather sensor and have the background luminance data incorporated into the visibility sensors data string simplifies system design and construction.

The BTD-200 Lightning Warning System is a complete detection and warning system which has been developed from the Biral range of professional, aviation grade lightning detection systems. It reliably detects the local presence of all forms of lightning out to a range of 35km (22 miles) from the sensor. Designed to be installed and set up by non-specialist contractors, it comes complete with a power supply for the detector and the essential PC application – Lightning Works – for monitoring and warning of approaching thunderstorms.

The BTD-350 Thunderstorm Detector is a standalone sensor that reliably detects the presence of all forms of lightning to a range of 83km. The unique quasi electrostatic operating principle gives the detector a very low false alarm rate and the ability to warn of the risk of overhead lightning. The ability to reliably detect and range cloud-to-cloud lightning, which is typically much more common than cloud-to-ground strikes, makes the BTD-350 much more sensitive to the presence of storms compared to devices that rely on radio detection. The electrostatic operating principle allows the sensor to warn of the risk of overhead lightning before the first discharge occurs. Virtually maintenance free in operation, the BTD-350 can either interface directly to an integrated system or be operated using the supplied PC compatible display and logging software. The optional warning relay module allows the sensor to automatically sound alarms whenever a storm approaches.

The SWS-100 is optimised for use in applications where accurate and reliable visibility measurements are required alongside basic present weather measurements. The forward scatter measurement principle and unique design ensure the output is both accurate and reliable in all weather conditions and will not be influenced by local lights sources, even those that flash. The availability of digital, analogue and switching relay outputs provides the flexibility to connect to a wide range of ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems), computer systems or local warning devices. The unique ability to switch equipment using two fog relays and/or a precipitation relay is a feature of the SWS-100 sensor. For example; you can set the relays to automatically switch a speed reduction sign when the visibility is below 100 meters and then switch an additional ‘danger of aquaplaning’ alert when rains starts.

The VPF-710 Visibility sensor provides high quality visibility measurement in a compact and highly robust package. The open design of the sensor head allows the free passage of air ensuring the visibility measurement is as accurate as possible in all conditions. Other features of the design ensure the correct response to all precipitation types as well as smoke and dust. The VPF-710 is highly resistant to disturbance from nearby light sources such as aviation obstacle warning lights, both constant and flashing. Even the latest generation of IR obstacle lights are not a problem. The sensor is well suited to use in aviation applications due to the measurement accuracy, overall reliability and longevity. Full compliance with the visibility measurement requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation Runway Visual Range specification and easy integration of the Biral ALS-2 ambient light sensor makes VPF-710 particularly suited for use in Runway Visual Range (RVR) application