The Laser Distrometer is a device for a wide range of applications and complete precipitation characterization. The device uses a laser-based measuring principle to record all known precipitation types. It measures the amount, intensity, particle size, and velocity of the precipitation. A major advantage is that it detects particles as small as 0.16 mm in diameter. With its reliable, maintenance-free laser optics, the sensor detects and distinguishes between different precipitation types such as drizzle, rain, hail, snow, snow-snow sleet, and ice grains. The system calculates intensity, volume (water equivalent), and the precipitation spectrum (diameter and velocity), as well as the meteorological visibility (MOR) in the rain and the radar reflectivity (Z). All data is transmitted via a galvanically isolated RS485 interface for further processing. SYNOP codes according to Table 4680/4677 and METAR according to Table 4678 are permanently implemented.
