Vaisala

CL31

Lidar ceilometer for cloud base height and vertical visibility

CL31

A compact ceilometer with pulsed diode laser lidar and second-generation single-lens optics, measuring from ground level up to 7.6 km and detecting 3 cloud layers simultaneously. A reference in aviation meteorology: it reports cloud base height and vertical visibility fully automatically, with extensive self-diagnostics.

Download datasheet (PDF)

Specifications

Technical specifications

Measurement range
0–7,6 km (0–25.000 ft)
Cloud layers reported
3 simultáneas
Reporting resolution
5 m o 10 m (unidades seleccionables)
Distance accuracy (hard target)
±5 m
Operating temperature
−50 °C a +60 °C
Housing rating
IP65 (unidad de medición); IPX6 con escudo de radiación
Outputs
RS-232; RS-485 multidrop; módem DXL421; opción LAN (Ethernet)

Features

Key features

  • 2nd-generation single-lens optics with excellent performance at low altitudes too
  • Fast measurement that detects thin cloud layers below a solid cloud base
  • Full backscatter profile for visualization and atmospheric analysis
  • Vertical or tilted (12°) beam with automatic tilt-angle correction
  • Radiation shield with automatic window blower and heater for rain, snow, and frost
  • Modular design with extensive self-diagnostics and fault analysis

Applications

Typical applications

  • Airports and civil aviation: METAR, ATIS, and operational minima
  • Synoptic and climatological weather networks
  • Military airfields and helipads
  • Unattended automatic weather stations
  • Boundary layer and air quality analysis (with BL-View software)

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