Thursday, February 5, 2009

How the Handheld Anemometer Works

By Ryan Hale

A handheld anemometer is basically a portable anemometer. It is a very reliable device that can easily help any weather watcher. Anemometers were first developed during the 15th century and have continuously been improvised ever since. The word "anemometer" is derived from the Greek word "anemos", meaning wind.

The History of Anemometers

The first anemometers appeared in Italy and in Northern Europe before spreading to the Americas. They were very simple and ingeniously designed. It composed of a single flat disc which would shake in accordance to the winds motion. By looking at the inclination of the disc, the people could determine the degree of the wind pressure. By mid 19th century, more sophisticated anemometers were being used as cups were attached to the ends of a wind vane. When wind rose it would be caught by the cups making the vane turn. The number revolutions of the vane were recorded for readings. This kind of anemometer is still being used today. A similar version of this type spins like a wind mill (vertically) instead of the traditional vertical spinning.

Modern anemometers are very impressive devices that can give you accurate wind readings on an LCD display. They use not only the wind to make the readings but also the movement of sound waves, the detection of particles through laser beams, and the measurement of thermal energy.

What can an anemometer do?

An anemometer is a device to measure the speed of wind. It is used for meteorological purposes in weather stations. It can also measure the winds temperature, humidity and pressure.The five types of anemometers are:

-Cup Anemometer - Windmill Anemometer - Hot Wire Anemometer - Laser Doppler Anemometer - Sonic Anemometer

The Handheld Anemometer

Also known as a personal anemometer, the handheld anemometer is not a large device measuring only a few inches in length and width. It is able to measure wind accurately, usually within 5% of the exact reading. Almost all handheld anemometers are able to do three things:

- Measures wind speed (measures up to 100mph easily) in mph, km/h, m/s or Knots - Read wind chill and temperature in Fahrenheit and Celsius - Easily display wind readings - Not easily affected by strong wind and sudden change of direction

Some personal anemometers have additional features to make the device more appealing. Some brands sell anemometers with a waterproof casing and are able to float on water. Others have included the Beufort Scale for the readings while others are even drop tested to make sure that the product will not easily break. Most handheld anemometers are built to not be affected by the changing directions of strong gusts of wind.

The Uses of a Handheld Anemometer

People who need to be knowledgeable about the weather to be able to perform better, whether in their job or in their hobbies, can benefit from using a personal anemometer. Examples of these people are: kite flyers, engineers, climbers and wind surfers.

Both professionals and amateurs can benefit from using a handheld anemometer. Since it is handy weather watchers can easily make their own weather forecasts confidently.

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