LWS Leaf-Wetness Sensor
Sensitive yet Durable
Compatible with most Campbell Scientific dataloggers
weather applications supported water applications supported energy applications supported gas flux and turbulence applications supported infrastructure applications supported soil applications supported

Overview

The LWS, manufactured by METER Environment, can detect small amounts of water or ice on the sensor surface for leaf wetness applications. Because the LWS measures the dielectric constant of the sensor’s upper surface, it can detect the presence of water or ice anywhere on the sensor’s surface. 

The LWS is designed to be deployed either in the canopy or on a weather station mast. Two holes in the non-sensing portion of the sensor body are provided for attaching the sensor to a pole or branch via twist ties or with 4-40 bolts.

Note: The LWS was previously ordered as the LWS-L.

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Benefits and Features

  • Imitates characteristics of a leaf
  • Does not require painting or calibration of individual sensors
  • Detects trace amounts of water or ice on the leaf surface

Technical Description

The LWS measures the dielectric constant of the sensor’s upper surface. This method allows the sensor to detect the presence of water or ice anywhere on the sensor’s surface.

Images

Compatibility

Please note: The following shows notable compatibility information. It is not a comprehensive list of all compatible products.

Dataloggers

Product Compatible Note
CR1000 (retired)
CR1000X (retired)
CR300 (retired)
CR3000
CR310
CR350
CR6
CR800 (retired)
CR850 (retired)

Additional Compatibility Information

Installation

The LWS is designed to be deployed either in the canopy or on a weather station mast. Two holes in the non-sensing portion of the sensor body are provided for attaching the sensor to a pole or branch via twist ties or with 4-40 bolts.

Specifications

Measurement Description Dry, frosted, wet
Signal Type/Output Analog voltage
Measurement Time 10 ms
Power 2.5 Vdc @ 2 mA to 5 Vdc @ 7 mA
Output 250 to 1500 mV (millivolt reading relates to moisture state)
Operating Temperature Range -40° to +60°C
Life Expectancy 2+ years (continuous use)
Painting Does not require painting.
Dimensions 12.0 x 5.8 x 0.8 cm (4.7 x 2.3 x 0.3 in.)
Weight 0.14 kg (5 oz) with 4.57 m (15 ft) cable


FAQs for

Number of FAQs related to LWS: 5

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    • The ability of the LWS to detect water on its surface is not limited by the size of the water droplets, as it can be with a 237-L. 
    • The LWS is ready to install for most applications, whereas the 237-L requires further preparation before installation.
    • The LWS can detect the presence of ice and differentiate ice from water. In contrast, when ice forms on the 237-L, the sensor’s output is no different from that of a dry sensor.
  1. Both leaf wetness sensors are compatible with all Campbell Scientific data loggers. However, the 237-L is often used in large legacy networks that rely on the 237-L for data continuity. The 237-L does require painting and field calibration, whereas the LWS does not.

  2. To incorporate a sensor that is compatible with wireless sensor interfaces into a wireless network, a CWS900-series wireless sensor interface is needed, as well as an A205 CWS-to-PC interface to configure it. 

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