Anemometer installation question

[blaforest]

Hey guys!

I'm in the process of planning my install and have hit a road block. I plan on using a 10 - 12 ft, 1 3/8" diameter galvanized fence post to mount the anemometer above my flat roof line but cannot figure out how to mount the post to the roof. The roof is flat with a no more than knee height wall surrounding the perimeter. I plan on mounting the post to the wall portion but need help with choosing the right hardware to mount it to the wall.

Are there clamp style brackets or something along those lines that can be used to mount the post to the wall and bring it out slightly to clear the clay shingle? I'm thinking something like an antenna mount would work great but can't seem to find one that fits my needs. Any help?

[stevebrtx]

If you're anywhere near a Radio Shack, try this:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062035

[dalecoy]

When I had a flat roof (i.e., "built-up" "tar and gravel"), here's what I did.

Get a "tripod" mount (many sources, including Davis and RS). 

Then get a couple of landscape timbers.  Put them together in a "T" shape (to do this well, you need to make a lap joint at the end of one timber where it meets the middle of the other).  If that's not clear, or you don't have carpentry skills, ask a friend.

Bolt the tripod to the "T", and of course the mast is held by the tripod. 

This assembly is heavy enough to stay put on a flat roof.  I recommend a little spray paint at a couple of edges, once you get it pointed in the correct direction, so you can tell if it ever moves.  If you think it will move, a couple of sandbags or whatever.

[C5250]

Then get a couple of landscape timbers.  Put them together in a "T" shape (to do this well, you need to make a lap joint at the end of one timber where it meets the middle of the other).  If that's not clear, or you don't have carpentry skills, ask a friend.

A shipping pallet could also serve. As mentioned, sand bags or cinder blocks can be used as extra ballast to insure it doesn't move.

[miraculon]

At work we installed a VP2 on the flat roof. We used a 5 gallon pail, three cinder blocks and anchor screws to fasten the tripod legs. The mast is set in quick-set concrete in the bucket. Pay no attention to the upside-down yogurt cup on the mast (it wasn't my idea..)

It has been over a year since we installed it and it has been through thunderstorm winds (42mph) as well as the winter weather.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/14629689@N02/5690387243/



Another thought would be this EZ-NPP Tripod mount from Ambient Weather.

http://www.ambientweather.com/amweeztrandm.html

Greg

[Skywatch]

This also looks like an intresting setup.



Using 2 metal balance posts (not guy wires) at a 90 degree angle seems like it would handle wind better. Just a thought.

[bwh13]

Hi there,

I used 2 Simpson Pipe Grip Ties to mount an Onset station out away from a roofline.  I'll post a pic later if I have one.

Here is the link:

http://www.strongtie.com/products/connectors/pgt.asp

[GregJ]

I used 3 10 foot Radio Shack antenna sections and stabilize it with guy wires.  I wanted to get it WAY up there.  I found the clamps for the guy wires at an old electronics shop, but it wouldn't be too hard to retrofit something.  It is mounted to a bracket made for those masts with holes on each side.  This allows me to lower it on a pivot for maintenance.  Once again, it wouldn't be too difficult to retrofit a bracket that would also serve as a pivot.  Here is a link about my install: http://www.skunkbayweather.com/DualTempSensors/

Greg

[blaforest]

Thank you for all of the replies!

Since it is a flat roof and I am only renting I decided to just go with an Ambient EZ-NPP tripod with two mast extensions. This should give me about 10 feet which will put the anemometer at about 25' to 28' above the ground. Works for me.

Thanks again everyone for your input. It is greatly appreciated.