--- for your convenience we have compiled a list of answers to questions commonly asked by our customers. If you do not find an answer to your specific query please contact our sales staff by clicking here.
Q: What does HIPS stand for?
A: HIPS stands for Hail and Ice Pellet Sensor. HIPS is an add-on option for the WIVIS which allows for improved hail and ice pellet discrimination. If the proper identification of hail and ice pellets is important in your application the HIPS adds valuable capability to the WIVIS.
Q: What are the power requirements for the HIPS?
A: The HIPS requires both AC power and +12 VDC. The optional WIVIS-DSP junction box provides the most convenient means of adding the HIPS to a WIVIS-DSP.
Q: Can I add the HIPS to a fielded WIVIS-DSP?
A: If AC power is available then yes, you can add the HIPS to a fielded sensor. Contact our sales department for advice in your particular application.
Q: What makes the HIPS work?
A: It is extremely difficult if not impossible to reliably discriminate a solid ice particle from a water droplet using optical techniques alone. However, it is common experience that when an ice particle hits a metal surface (as in hail on a car roof), the noise caused by the impact is clearly distinguishable from the impact of a water droplet. Based on this effect, OSi developed and patented an acoustic technology to detect the ice pellets and hailstones with the addition of HIPS. However, using only an acoustic signal will potentially result in false identifications caused by blowing sand and other error mechanisms. By combining both the optical signal and the acoustic signal, reliable detection and discrimination of ice particles can be achieved. No other present weather sensor can distinguish hail and ice pellets as well as the WIVIS-DSP with the optional HIPS.
Q: Can the HIPS be used with sensors other than the WIVIS-DSP?
A: Yes, the HIPS is also compatible with the WIVIS and ORG. Contact the OSi Sales Department for additional information.
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