ZCL3 Laser Lidar Ceilometer
ZCL3
The ZCL3 is a laser lidar ceilometer that measures cloud height, cloud thickness, vertical visibility, boundary layer height and backscatter coefficient using 532 nm and 1064 nm laser sources, detecting up to 5 cloud layers. It is supplied in the UK by MetSensor UK.
- ✓ Dual-wavelength laser (532 nm / 1064 nm) cloud height detection
- ✓ Measurement range up to 7.5 km at 532 nm, 15 km at 1064 nm
- ✓ Detects 5 or more cloud layers with ≤15 m distance resolution
- ✓ Configurable measurement time from 5 seconds to 10 minutes
- ✓ RS232/RS485/LAN data output, AC 220V or DC 12/24V power
- ✓ IP66 rated, 40 kg weight
Specifications
| Light source | 532 nm / 1064 nm |
|---|---|
| Measurement range | 30m-7.5km @532nm; 30m-15km @1064nm |
| Distance resolution | ≤15 m |
| Measurable cloud layers | ≥5 layers |
| Measurement time | 5s-10min (adjustable) |
| Detection targets | Aerosols, clouds |
| Operating temperature | -40 to +60°C |
| Operating humidity | >95% RH at 35°C |
| Power consumption | <150W |
| IP rating | IP66 |
| Weight | 40 kg |
| Data output | RS232 / RS485 / LAN |
| Power supply | AC 220V or DC 12V/24V |
| Interface/connectivity | RS485/RS232/WiFi/Bluetooth/LTE |
ZCL3 compared to others
| ZCL3 | Others | |
|---|---|---|
| IP Grade | IP66 | IP45 or IP55 |
| Measure Range | Up to 15km | Up to 8km |
| Measurable Cloud Layers | No less than 5 layers | 3 layers |
| Measurement Types | Cloud height, thickness, vertical visibility, boundary layer height, backscatter coefficient, cloud shape (3D scanning) | Cloud height, thickness, vertical visibility |
| Automatic Cleaning Function | Standard | Not included |
| Unique Function | Cloud shape | None listed |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
Applications
- Airport meteorological observation
- Meteorological monitoring
- Cloud research
- Boundary layer detection
- Marine atmospheric exploration
- Aerosol distribution analysis
- Cloud condensation nuclei detection
- Research applications
- Military experiments
Frequently asked questions
What does a ceilometer measure?+
The ZCL3 measures cloud base height, cloud thickness, vertical visibility, boundary layer height and atmospheric backscatter coefficient using laser lidar.
How many cloud layers can the ZCL3 detect?+
Five or more layers simultaneously.
What is the maximum measurement range?+
Up to 7.5 km using the 532 nm laser, or up to 15 km using the 1064 nm laser.
What is the ZCL3's weight and power supply?+
40 kg, powered by AC 220V or DC 12/24V, drawing under 150W.
More in Weather Sensors
View all Weather Sensors →
ZWS100 Piezoelectric Rain Sensor
ZWS100 (optional ZWS10G with GPS/4G)
ZWS640 All-in-One Compact Weather Sensor
ZWS640
ZWS620 All-in-One Compact Weather Sensor
ZWS620 (optional ZWS62G with GPS/4G)
ZWS800 All-in-One Compact Weather Sensor
ZWS800
ZWS700 All-in-One Compact Weather Sensor
ZWS700 (optional ZWS70G with GPS/4G)
ZWS400 All-in-One Compact Weather Sensor
ZWS400 (optional ZWS40G with GPS/4G)