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NBL-W-VS Visibility instruments (visibility sensors) provide measurements related to meteorological visibility. The sensors are designed based on the principle of aerosol forward scattering, and are a new generation of meteorological visibility monitoring equipment developed following the transmissive visibility instruments. The sensor can be widely used in weather stations, remote automatic weather stations and transport sectors such as airports, motorways, airways and large···
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The NiuBoL NBL-W-VS Atmospheric Visibility Sensor is an optical meteorological instrument designed to measure atmospheric visibility using forward-scattering technology. With a measurement range of 5 m–10 km (5–10,000 m), it measures light scattered by suspended particles in the atmosphere and calculates the Meteorological Optical Range (MOR).
The sensor is designed for automatic weather stations, highway visibility monitoring, airports, ports, coastal areas and industrial environmental monitoring. It provides RS485 Modbus communication, DC 12V power input and IP65 protection for integration into outdoor meteorological monitoring systems.
With approximately 0.8W average power consumption, the NBL-W-VS Atmospheric Visibility Sensor is suitable for conventional DC power systems and properly designed solar-powered monitoring installations. It provides visibility measurements for identifying reduced-visibility conditions associated with fog, haze, dust, smoke and precipitation.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | NBL-W-VS |
| Product Name | Atmospheric Visibility Sensor |
| Measured Parameter | Meteorological Optical Range (MOR) |
| Visibility Measurement Range | 5 m–10 km (5–10,000 m) |
| Measurement Principle | Aerosol Forward Scattering |
| Measurement Accuracy (≤2 km) | 2% |
| Measurement Accuracy (2–10 km) | ±10% |
| Scattering Angle | 39°–51° Forward Scattering |
| Peak Wavelength | 875 nm |
| Optical Bandwidth | 100 nm |
| Power Supply | DC 12V |
| Average Power Consumption | 0.8W |
| Signal Output | RS485 |
| Communication Protocol | Modbus RTU |
| Default Baud Rate | 9600 bps |
| Operating Temperature | -40 to 80°C |
| Operating Humidity | 0–95% RH |
| Protection Rating | IP65 |
| Standard Cable Length | 10 m |
| Dimensions | 610 × 230 × 300 mm |
| Weight | Less than 10 kg |
| Housing Material | Anodized aluminum with protective coating; stainless steel structural components |
The NBL-W-VS Atmospheric Visibility Sensor operates on the forward-scattering optical measurement principle. Its optical transmitter emits infrared light into a defined sampling area, where airborne particles scatter part of the transmitted light.
The receiver detects scattered light within a specified forward-scattering angle of 39°–51°. The microprocessor processes this optical signal and applies a mathematical conversion model to estimate atmospheric light extinction and calculate Meteorological Optical Range (MOR).
When fog, haze, dust, smoke or precipitation increases the concentration of scattering particles, atmospheric visibility generally decreases. The sensor converts these changes into a visibility distance expressed in metres.
Unlike transmissometers, which measure attenuation along a defined optical path, forward-scattering visibility sensors estimate MOR using light scattered from a localized sampling volume. This arrangement is suitable for compact automatic meteorological monitoring installations.
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Optical Transmitter | Emits the optical signal into the atmospheric sampling zone. |
| Optical Receiver | Detects light scattered by suspended atmospheric particles. |
| Microprocessor Controller | Processes optical signals and calculates the meteorological visibility value. |
| Protective Housing | Provides structural support and environmental protection for the instrument. |
| RS485 Interface | Transfers visibility measurements and instrument status information to the connected monitoring system. |
| Mounting Clamps | Secures the sensor to a suitable mounting pole or horizontal support. |
5 m–10 km Measurement
Measures short- to long-range atmospheric visibility for meteorological monitoring.
Forward-Scattering Optics
Uses light scattering to calculate Meteorological Optical Range.
Low Power Consumption
Approximately 0.8W average power for continuous and remote monitoring.
RS485 Modbus Output
Connects with compatible data loggers, PLCs and automatic weather stations.
IP65 Outdoor Housing
Sealed construction provides protection for outdoor installations.
Protected Optical Windows
Coated optical surfaces help reduce dust and environmental contamination.
Protective Electronics
Includes reverse-polarity, electrostatic and surge-protection measures.
Coastal Environment Design
Protective metal finishes and corrosion-resistant fasteners support coastal installations.
Atmospheric visibility measurement supports weather observation and operational decision-making in transport, industrial and environmental monitoring projects. The NBL-W-VS can provide MOR data to compatible monitoring, display and warning systems.
| Application | Monitoring Purpose |
|---|---|
| Highways & Road Traffic | Monitor reduced visibility associated with fog, haze, precipitation and dust to support traffic management systems. |
| Airports | Provide MOR measurements for appropriate airport meteorological monitoring applications. |
| Ports & Harbours | Monitor fog and reduced visibility affecting maritime operating environments. |
| Marine & Coastal Sites | Measure visibility changes in coastal areas and marine observation locations. |
| Automatic Weather Stations | Add meteorological optical range data to routine weather observations. |
| Industrial Monitoring | Provide atmospheric visibility measurements for site operations and environmental monitoring. |
For aviation applications, Meteorological Optical Range and Runway Visual Range (RVR) are distinct parameters. An aviation project requiring RVR or compliance with specific operational standards must be evaluated separately.
Meteorological Optical Range (MOR) is a standardized optical measure used to describe atmospheric visibility. It represents the distance over which light transmission is reduced to a specified fraction of its original intensity by atmospheric extinction.
MOR is commonly expressed in metres or kilometres. The NBL-W-VS provides MOR measurements over a range of 5 m to 10 km, allowing the monitoring system to record visibility changes under foggy, hazy, dusty and clear atmospheric conditions within the instrument's measurement range.
| MOR Reading | Equivalent Distance |
|---|---|
| 50 m | 0.05 km |
| 500 m | 0.5 km |
| 1,000 m | 1 km |
| 5,000 m | 5 km |
| 10,000 m | 10 km |
The values above illustrate unit conversion, not weather warning thresholds. Operational thresholds for road traffic, aviation or marine applications should be defined according to the applicable requirements.
The NBL-W-VS Atmospheric Visibility Sensor outputs visibility measurements and instrument status information through its RS485 interface. It can connect to compatible data loggers, industrial controllers and automatic weather station systems for data acquisition and subsequent transmission.
NBL-W-VS Visibility Sensor → RS485 Data Logger → 4G / Ethernet Gateway → Cloud or Private Server
| Communication Interface | RS485 |
| Communication Protocol | Modbus RTU |
| Default Baud Rate | 9600 bps |
| Data Bits | 8 |
| Parity | None |
| Modbus Read Function | 0x03 |
| Minimum Communication Interval | 1,000 ms |
| Visibility Data Unit | Metres (m) |
For example, a decoded visibility value of 10000 m represents a Meteorological Optical Range of 10 km. The communication frame format, register information and data interpretation instructions are included in the NBL-W-VS instruction manual.
Where multiple Modbus devices share one RS485 network, each device must use a unique communication address and compatible bus settings. The number of connected sensors and maximum cable length should be determined by the complete network design.
The NBL-W-VS can be mounted on a suitable vertical pole or horizontal support using mounting clamps. The installation location should represent the atmospheric conditions of the monitored area while minimizing optical interference from nearby structures and reflective surfaces.
| Installation Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Installation Location | Choose a representative and accessible atmospheric monitoring location. |
| Optical Path | Avoid nearby obstacles and reflective surfaces that may interfere with the transmitted and scattered optical signals. |
| Sunlight Exposure | Avoid mounting positions where strong direct sunlight enters the optical receiver. |
| Mounting Orientation | Mount the instrument horizontally with the open sloping ends of the transmitter and receiver facing downward. |
| Power Supply | Provide a suitable regulated DC 12V supply. |
| Communication | Connect the RS485 interface to a compatible data logger or monitoring controller. |
| Maintenance Access | Provide safe access for cleaning and inspecting the optical windows. |
The NBL-W-VS uses an optical measurement system without conventional moving measurement parts. Routine maintenance focuses on the optical windows, housing, mounting components, electrical connections and communication status.
The recommended optical cleaning interval is approximately three months, with more frequent inspection when the sensor operates in dusty, polluted or salt-spray environments.
| Symptom | Recommended Check |
|---|---|
| No Measurement Data | Check the DC 12V supply, RS485 wiring, device address and communication settings. |
| Unexpectedly Low Visibility | Inspect optical-window contamination, nearby reflective surfaces and actual weather conditions. |
| Unstable Measurements | Check optical cleanliness, sunlight exposure, mounting stability and rapidly changing atmospheric conditions. |
| RS485 Communication Failure | Verify baud rate, device address, RS485 polarity, wiring and communication interval. |
| Optical or Diagnostic Warning | Inspect the receiver, optical surfaces and operating conditions; review instrument status information. |
A1. It measures Meteorological Optical Range (MOR), a standardized optical measure of atmospheric visibility expressed in metres or kilometres.
A2. The NBL-W-VS uses forward-scattering optical technology. It detects light scattered by suspended atmospheric particles and converts the measured signal into a visibility value.
A3. The NBL-W-VS Atmospheric Visibility Sensor measures Meteorological Optical Range from 5 metres to 10 kilometres (5–10,000 m).
A4. Yes. Fog, haze, dust, smoke and precipitation affect atmospheric light scattering. The NBL-W-VS measures changes in optical visibility associated with these conditions.
A5. Yes. It provides an RS485 interface using Modbus RTU communication for integration with compatible data loggers, weather stations and industrial monitoring systems.
A6. Yes. With approximately 0.8W average power consumption, it can be used in a properly sized solar and battery-powered monitoring system. A regulated DC 12V supply is required.
A7. The NBL-W-VS can provide MOR data for suitable airport meteorological monitoring applications. Requirements for certified aviation equipment, RVR measurement or operational compliance must be evaluated separately.
A8. Yes. The RS485 sensor can be connected to a compatible data logger or IoT gateway, which can transmit visibility measurements through supported communication methods such as 4G or Ethernet.
A9. Periodic cleaning of the optical windows and inspection of the housing, mounting structure and electrical connections are recommended. The suggested optical cleaning interval is approximately three months, depending on environmental conditions.
NBL-W-VS-Visibility-Sensor-Instruction-Manual.pdf
The NiuBoL NBL-W-VS Atmospheric Visibility Sensor provides forward-scattering optical visibility measurements over 5 m–10 km for roads, airports, ports, coastal locations, weather stations and industrial monitoring systems.
With RS485 Modbus output, DC 12V supply, low power consumption and IP65 protection, the sensor can be integrated into local or remote atmospheric monitoring solutions.
For product selection and quotation, please specify the number of monitoring points, installation environment, required communication method, power supply arrangement and data platform requirements.
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