Precipitation Identification Sensor
The
Precipitation Identification Sensor detects precipitation type and measures
precipitation intensity. The Precipitation Identification Sensor uses weather-particle-induced
optical scintillation of an infrared emitter diode (IRED) system to identify
precipitation state and type and measure precipitation intensity. The Precipitation
Identification Sensor reports three precipitation conditions to the Acquisition
Control Unit (ACU). These are rain, snow, and precipitation undetermined.
The Precipitation Identification Sensor also reports the intensity of the
precipitation as light, moderate, or heavy. The ASOS automatically defines
fog and haze conditions based on the current visibility parameter.