Analog vs. Ultrasonic Anemometers: Technical Differences Explained

Analog vs. Ultrasonic Anemometers: Technical Differences Explained

Anemometer Introduction

Measuring wind accurately is critical in agriculture for pesticide spraying, greenhouse ventilation, and irrigation control.  The two most common anemometer types are analog (mechanical) and ultrasonic (digital).

Analog Anemometers

Principle: Cups or vanes rotate with wind, generating pulses or voltage.

Pros:

Low cost.

Simple installation.

Durable in harsh environments.

Cons:

Moving parts = wear & tear.

Slower response in turbulent wind.

Requires regular maintenance.

Ultrasonic Anemometers

Principle: Measures wind speed & direction using sound wave travel time.

Pros:

No moving parts → longer lifespan.

High accuracy even in gusty winds.

Fast response, ideal for automation.

Ultrasonic Anemometers Cons:

Higher upfront cost.

Needs stable power supply.

Performance may be influenced by extreme rain/dust (if not well protected).

Anemometers  Application Scenarios

Analog: Small farms, basic weather monitoring, budget-sensitive projects.

Ultrasonic: Precision farming, research stations, smart weather networks.

Value for Customers

Choose analog if you need affordability and basic monitoring.

Choose ultrasonic if you need long-term accuracy, no maintenance, and integration with IoT systems.

FAQ

Q: Do ultrasonic sensors need calibration?

Usually once every 2–3 years, far less frequent than analog.

Q: Can both types connect to a data logger?

Yes.  Analog outputs voltage/pulses;  ultrasonic supports digital protocols like RS485 or Modbus.

Wind Sensor Datasheet

NBL-W-21GUWS-Ultrasonic-Wind-speed-and-direction-Sensor.pdf

NBL-W-SS-Wind-Speed-Sensors-Instruction-Manual.pdf

NBL-W-DS-wind-direction-sensor-Manual.pdf