Rogelio:
I have used the Onset wind speed sensors (~$200) logged on the Onset
MicroStation logger (I think these are also about $200). The micro station
has room to plug in 4 sensors, so you can add a temperature sensor --
these are fairly inexpensive, perhaps $60. You will also have to purchase
the Onset software ("Boxcar") for downloading the data, and a cable.
It's important to remember to save some money for proper mounting
equipment. At a minimum you'll need to purchase a cross-arm. If you're
logging near the ground you can buy your own pole but depending on the
soil it can be surprisingly difficult to install the pole vertically. Your
air temperature sensor will need to be in a radiation shield, also, so the
sun doesn't shine directly on it. These will run about $100.
The Onset wind sensor provides reasonable quality for the price. It's
starting threshold is about 1 m/s (2.2 mph), so usefulness is limited in
low-wind situations like understories of forests with dense canopies.
Dr. Seth W. Bigelow
Biologist, USDA-FS Pacific Southwest Research Station
1731 Research Park Drive, Davis California
[email protected] / ph. 530 759 1718
