Topic: WH68 Anemometer on Top of Active Flagpole

[MacGarage]

Has anyone placed a WH68 on top of a flagpole that is being used for a flag as well?

I need to avoid some mature trees and this may be the easiest option. However, I did not want the flag looking like it was lowered and did not know if the flag moving would affect the wind speed measurements.

[Rover1822]

As you already imagine, it depends on the wind direction, and how much interference the flag makes. Obviously if it flaps in interference, results will be off, if it contributes to localized turbulence results may be off.
 
I don't think it is a horrible option , but not an optimal one. I have an anemometer (Not a fine offset, not that it matters).  on a tower (mounted below) my wind turbine. I know I don't get the most accurate results but I use it to compare to turbine output.

I mean, if this is the best you can do than fine, we all do things where we can.

I probably would do it in your situation.

[colemanmorris64]

I have done this with the WS68 sensor, though I did extend it above the top of the pole an extra foot. I've been down on the dock to observe it often, and usually it very nicely agrees with the direction of the flag. Honestly not as much interference as I expected.

Bought a telescoping flagpole (Service First Products Delta Pin-Lock 25', 70+mph rated w/flags), which lets me lower it to change the batteries eventually.

[MacGarage]

Thanks for the image and thoughts...it is very helpful!

[ramblinche81]

Any concerns on lightning strikes ?

[MacGarage]

My pole is aluminum. I never had any strike issues after 13 years. It has swayed in some pretty good wind storms though!

Do you think an anemometer would attract a strike?

[ramblinche81]

At one of my last job sites our flag pole was over the main utility services conduit into building. After we blew out  server switches modems and phone boxes three times, we relocated flag pole with better grounding.   I have no idea what makes a tall object more or less likely to attract a strike vs nearby objects.  There were 20-30 trees as tall and taller than flagpole within 100 ft of pole.