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This product is no longer available and has been replaced by: HygroVUE5. Some accessories, replacement parts, or services may still be available.
CS215-L Temperature and Relative Humidity Probe
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Overview

The CS215 is a temperature and relative humidity probe that uses a Swiss-made digital humidity and temperature element that makes accurate and stable measurements. The element is based on Sensirion's CMOSens technology, which has been tested for more than two years in alpine conditions. The CS215 outputs an SDI-12 signal that is measurable by most Campbell Scientific dataloggers.


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Benefits and Features

  • Accurate and stable measurements
  • Field changeable element allows on-site recalibration
  • Each sensor element is individually calibrated so no further adjustment of the probe is required
  • Low power consumption
  • Digital SDI-12 output
  • Wide operating range

The "-L" on a product model indicates that the cable length is specified at the time of order.


Images

CS215-L probe
CS215-L probe
CS215-L probe
CS215-L probe mounted with a 10-plate shield (non-probe items sold separately)
CS215-L probe mounted with a 6-plate shield (non-probe items sold separately)
CS215-L probe mounted with a 6-plate shield (non-probe items sold separately)

Detailed Description

The CS215 uses the Sensirion SHT75, a combined relative humidity and temperature element, to provide accurate, stable measurements. The Sensirion SHT75 element is field-replaceable, eliminating the downtime typically required for the recalibration process. The CS215 outputs an SDI-12 signal that's measurable by many Campbell Scientific dataloggers.

The CS215 should be housed in a solar radiation shield—typically the 41303-5A. The 41303-5A 6-plate naturally aspirated shield attaches to a mast, crossarm, or tower leg.


Specifications

Sensing Element Sensirion SHT75
Measurement Description Temperature, relative humidity
Signal Type/Output SDI-12
Communication Standard SDI-12 V1.3 (responds to a subset of commands)
Housing Material Anodized aluminum
Housing Classification IP65 (NEMA 4)
Sensor Protection Outer glass-filled polypropylene cap. Inner expanded PTFE filter. Filter material has a porosity of 64% and a pore size of < 3μm.
Supply Voltage
  • The supply voltage is typically powered by the data logger's 12 V supply.
  • 7 to 28 Vdc (for serial numbers E13405 and newer)
  • 6 to 18 Vdc (for older models)
Typical Current Drain
  • 120 μA (quiescent)
  • 1.7 mA (measurement takes 0.7 s)
EMC Compliance Tested and conforms to IEC61326:2002.
Operating Temperature Range -40° to +70°C
Field Replaceable Chip or Recalibrate Field-replaceable chip
Diameter
  • 1.2 cm (0.5 in.) at sensor tip
  • 1.8 cm (0.7 in.) at cable end
Length 18.0 cm (7.1 in.) including strain relief
Weight 150 g (5.3 oz) with 3.05 m (10 ft) cable

Relative Humidity

Measurement Range 0 to 100% RH (-20° to +60°C)
Output Resolution 0.03% RH
Accuracy
  • ±2% (10% to 90% range) at 25°C
  • ±4% (0% to 100% range) at 25°C
Short-Term Hysteresis < 1% RH
Temperature Dependence Better than ±2% (-20° to +60°C)
Typical Stability ±1.0% per year
Response Time with Filter < 20 s (63% response time in still air)
Calibration Traceability NIST and NPL standards

Air Temperature

Measurement Range -40° to +70°C
Output Resolution 0.01°C
Accuracy
  • ±0.3°C (at 25°C)
  • ±0.4°C (5° to 40°C)
  • ±0.9°C (-40° to +70°C)
Response Time with Filter < 120 s (63% response time in air moving at 1 m s-1)

Compatibility

Please note: The following shows notable compatibility information. It is not a comprehensive list of all compatible products.

Dataloggers

Product Compatible Note
21X (retired)
CR10 (retired)
CR1000 (retired)
CR1000X
CR10X (retired)
CR200X (retired)
CR211X (retired)
CR216X (retired)
CR23X (retired)
CR300
CR3000 (retired)
CR310
CR500 (retired)
CR5000 (retired)
CR510 (retired)
CR6
CR800 (retired)
CR850 (retired)
CR850 (retired)
CR9000 (retired)
CR9000X (retired)

Additional Compatibility Information

Sensor Mounts

When exposed to sunlight, the CS215 must be housed in a 41303-5A radiation shield. To attach the 41303-5A to a CM202, CM204, or CM206 crossarm, place the 41303-5A’s U-bolt in the bottom holes. To attach the radiation shield directly to a tripod mast, tower mast, or tower leg, place the U-bolt in the side holes.

The CS215-L Temperature and RH sensor can also be housed in the 43502 if a special adapter from R. M. Young (R. M. Young pn 43537) is used.




Frequently Asked Questions

Number of FAQs related to CS215-L: 13

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  1. No. The sensor cannot be calibrated, but Campbell Scientific can perform a calibration verification that includes multiple points (temperature and relative humidity). Campbell Scientific recommends using three points for RH (10%, 50%, and 90%) at one temperature (25 degrees Celsius), as well as an additional temperature point. This verification process has an initial setup charge and an additional per-point charge. Campbell Scientific sends a document indicating the values tested to with the accompanying measurement from the associated sensor.

  2. Refer to the “Maintenance and Calibration” section of the instruction manual.

  3. Yes. This can be purchased from Campbell Scientific (pn 18144, Replacement RH and Temperature Element and Filter Cap for CS215). This chip replaces both the temperature and RH humidity sensing element.

  4. If the -100 is actually -99.999 for both temperature and RH, this is an indication of what should be a rare condition. This indicates that the microprocessor in the body of the probe cannot communicate with the sensor element correctly. To be more specific, the communication between the microprocessor and the sensor element includes a CRC check. The microprocessor tries up to three times to get data with a good CRC. If it does not succeed, its sets both values to -99.999.

    The following are some reasons why this might happen, as well as some suggested solutions:

    • There is a source of very strong RF interference near the tip of the probe. Check that the probe is not mounted close to a cellular telephone or radios.
    • The sensor element does not have a good connection with its socket, or the socket is corroded. Remove the cap of the sensor, and inspect or reseat the sensor element.
    • The sensor element is faulty. A replacement element can be ordered from the Sensirion website.
    • There is an internal connection issue or dry solder joint inside the sensor body. In 2011, some sealing glue ran down inside the probe’s body into a connector, which caused a poor, intermittent connection. Measures were taken to prevent this from happening in CS215-L sensors produced later.
  5. Yes, using pn 18144Replacement RH and Temperature Element and Filter Cap for CS215. However, Campbell Scientific recommends taking the necessary precautions associated with changing electronics in the field. As this is a relatively small chip, it is not recommended to replace the chip during stormy weather or without having some type of collection container placed underneath in case the chip is accidentally dropped.

    For assistance replacing the chip, refer to the “Maintenance and Calibration” section of the instruction manual.

  6. If the values are not within the published range of the sensor, there are several things to check:

    1. If the yellow cap has not already been removed, remove it.
    2. Verify that the program is correct without additional multipliers or offsets.
    3. Ensure that the filter and radiation shield are clean so that air can freely flow into and past the sensor.
    4. If the first value returned in the array is NAN, this is usually an indication that the data logger is unable to communicate with the sensor. This could be caused by a power issue, an incorrect SDI-12 address, one or more disconnected wires, or a broken sensor. 
  7. Relative humidity (RH) from the probe is capped at 100%. If readings of 100% occur during drier conditions, it is possible that the chip, the entire sensor, or both have associated issues. Repair, maintenance, or replacement is likely needed. Contact Campbell Scientific for assistance.

  8. The most significant difference is that the CS215-L has an SDI-12 output and that the HMP60-L has a voltage output. Additional differences are outlined in the “Air Temperature & Relative Humidity” brochure, which compares all of the Campbell Scientific temperature and relative humidity sensors. 

  9. Note the difference between calibration and a field check. Calibration cannot be done in the field, as it requires an experienced technician and specialized equipment.

    Field checks of measurements can be done to determine if the data make sense with the real-world conditions. Follow these steps to field check a sensor:

    1. Find a second sensor of the same type as the installed sensor whose data is in question. The second sensor will be used as a benchmark sensor and should be known to be accurate or recently calibrated.
    2. At the site, take readings using both sensors under the same conditions. The best practice is to measure both sensors side-by-side at the same time. Note that the sensors will never have the exact same measurement.
    3. Depending on the sensor model, if the difference in the readings of the installed and benchmark sensors is greater than the sum of the accuracies for both sensors, either return the installed sensor to Campbell Scientific for calibration or replace the appropriate chip.
      • The 107, 108, 109, 110PV-L, and BlackGlobe-L temperature sensors can be calibrated.
      • The HC2S3-L and HMP155A-L temperature and relative humidity sensors can be calibrated.
      • The CS215-L has a replaceable chip for temperature and relative humidity. For more information, refer to the “Maintenance and Calibration” section of the CS215 instruction manual.
      • The HMP60-L has a replaceable chip for relative humidity only. For more information, refer to the “Maintenance” section of the HMP60 instruction manual.

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