Calypso Portable Wind Instruments - New to Upffront.com
by Calanach Finlayson 23 Jun 2023 09:00 PDT
Wind instruments new to upffront.com © Calypso
Calypso Instruments are a manufacturer of portable and small-scale installation wind meters. Based in Spain, the company provides anemometers to a range of industries where wind data is important, including marine, agriculture and renewable energy.
In the world of sailing, Calypso Instruments offers the possibility to have a low cost, low impact wind meter for small sports boats and day sailors where a full-blown marine electronics package isn't practical. In this article we highlight the key features of the portable wind meter range which is now available at Upffront.com.
Ultrasonic anemometers
Calypso Instruments portable wind meters are based on the same core technology, featuring an ultrasonic anemometer encased in a lightweight, compact housing. With no moving parts, these units are durable and maintenance free.
The basic principle of ultrasonic anemometers is to measure the signal time difference across two pairs of transducers. In basic terms: where the ultrasonic wave is travelling in the same direction as the wind, its speed is increased; conversely if the wave is travelling against the wind, its speed is decreased. Think of it like a boat sailing in tide!
By using four ultrasonic transducers, the wind speed and direction can be calculated. For a sailing vessel this translates to apparent wind speed and apparent wind angle. Values for true wind can be estimated by an external device as we will see later.
Connectivity
A key feature of the portable range is their wireless Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity. This allows the anemometer to send data directly to a smartphone or other display device up to a range of approx 30m without routing any wires. An optional NMEA gateway can be added to integrate with an existing electronics installation onboard.
The app - Anemotracker
Anemotracker is Calypso's own free app for iOS and Android. While the name hardly flows off the tongue, this app gives instant access to live data readings along with a few additional features including:
- True wind speed and angle (this is calculated using the phone's inbuilt GPS so cannot compensate for tidal effects)
- Logging of wind data
- VMG calculations
- Firmware upgrades
Calypso's open-source approach allows other developers to build integrations for the anemometers. Compatible apps include: Weather 4D, Sentinel Marine Solutions, iRegatta, eStela, Sail Racer, EDO Sailing Instruments, Sailgrib, qtVLm Navigation and Routing or Tactiqs among others.
Compatible devices
In addition to smartphone connectivity the anemometer can also be paired with existing portable race computers from a range of manufacturers including:
- Sailmon MAX
- Novasail Instruments
- Vakaros ATLAS 2
Mounting
Calypso provides a range of standard brackets including a mast mount and pole mounts in carbon and aluminium.
The number of installation options becomes virtually limitless thanks to tripod and GoPro adapters allowing you to use off the shelf brackets from other manufacturers.
Like any wind instrument, the ultrasonic anemometer should be mounted in undisturbed airflow, for example at the top of the mast. An indicator mark on the side of the device provides the bow orientation.
Ultrasonic Portable Solar
The Ultrasonic Portable Solar is self-powered via an inbuilt solar panel. This makes it an ideal option for masthead mounting on small keelboats where the rig is not regularly lowered.
Measuring 70mm diameter x 67mm height and weighing 145g this anemometer is still small enough for most dinghies. With 30m Bluetooth range, connectivity shouldn't be an issue. This is also the best option for sailing clubs, dinghies and commercial craft.
Ultrasonic Portable Mini
If size and weight are critical, the Ultrasonic Portable Mini provides the same features in an even more compact unit measuring just 43mm diameter x 47mm height and an impressive 78g. The Mini does not have inbuilt solar but boasts 150hrs of runtime and wireless charging to maintain watertightness.
The Mini is the go-to option for small / performance dinghies, race coaches, judges and race committees.
Summary
The Calypso wireless anemometers offer a pocket-portable or minimal installation wind instrument system ideal for race committees, coaches and sailors. When combined with a GPS race computer such as Novasail, or Sailmon MAX you instantly have a feature rich electronics setup without the fuss of a full installation.
