Laser Precipitation-MonitorNo. 5.411x.xx.xxx / 5.411x.x1.xxx (extended heating)

The Laser Precipitation Monitor (LPM) is the classic among distrometers: mature, robust, on the market for more than 20 years and available in many variants for various system requirements and applications. The LPM not only supplies data on precipitation intensity, but also provides detailed information on the type of precipitation.

• ‎rain
• drizzle
• hail
• snow
• sleet
• mixed precipitation

Picture: Laser precipitation monitor, LPM: The monitor is equipped with heating elements.
For extremely icy locations, the version with extended heating is available (not shown here).

The LPM is used worldwide, in all climate zones and in many applications. The device is used in the weather networks of numerous weather services as well as for road weather information systems. In addition, the device is used in special applications such as the observation and classification of volcanic activity and precipitation measurement in laboratory applications, e.g. simulation stands for autonomous driving. Whether drizzle, rain, hail, snow or mixed precipitation - this monitor is characterized by precise precipitation detection and measurement. Special types with reinforced heating for cold climates are available.

Measuring principle
Based on the Gunn-Kinzer diagram, the type of precipitation is determined from the size and falling speed of individual particles. In this way, rain, drizzle, sleet, snow, hail and mixed precipitation can be distinguished from each other. While snow, for example, trickles down slowly, hail has the highest fall velocity. This proven method is now used in numerous national measurement networks around the world.

Figure: The Gunn-Kinzer diagram illustrates the relationship between falling speed, particle size and precipitation types such as rain, drizzle, sleet, snow, hail and mixed precipitation.

Video: NDR program “Hallo Niedersachsen” (2018) - Field report of a user.

Technology
The LPM uses a laser-optical system that generates a parallel beam of light (infrared, 785 nm) that is interrupted by falling precipitation particles. A photodiode on the receiver side converts the interruption of the light beam into electrical signals, allowing the system to analyze the precipitation.

Data output and interface
The device provides an RS485/RS422 interface for data transmission. It includes two digital outputs (optocouplers) for pulse and status signals of the precipitation. Optional Ethernet interface.

Applications
The LPM is used in weather networks, meteorological and climatological research, hydrology and control systems for infrastructures. The LPM is used in transportation (road weather information systems) as well as in aviation and shipping. The device is used in almost all climate zones and in numerous applications. There are also a number of special applications, such as monitoring and classifying volcanic activity, environmental monitoring in the field of wind turbines and precipitation measurement in laboratory environments, for example in simulation systems for autonomous driving.


Additional features
The monitor is equipped with heating elements to ensure ice-free operation and measurement capability even in extreme weather conditions. It is robust and designed for reliable operation in various environments.

Want to find out more about the device?‎
You can find the technical details in our web product database - Laser Precipitation Monitor
Download our LPM product flyer
Request a quote: info@thiesclima.com

Our models from the standard program:

3D Stereo Disdrometer , precipitation data incl. images of precipitation particles
Precipitation analyzer for detecting supercooled components in precipitation events (FZRA, FZDZ, FZFG), as well as black ice formation and freezing spray
Clima Sensor US , fully integrated weather station with precipitation type detection
Precipitation Transmitter , tipping bucket principle
Precipitation monitor , precipitation yes/no (based on light barrier)
Rain sensor , precipitation intensity (based on light barrier)
Rain monitor , precipitation yes/no (based on capacitive sensor surface)
More details in the product database-overview