Anemometer

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anemometer

how to measure wind speed using a cup anemometer

 pdf version
Remove the clear plastic lid from the cup anemometer and decide which of the four scales of measurement you will use:
  • metres per second (m/s)
  • knots (kts)
  • the Beaufort scale
  • kilometres per hour (km/h)

Hold the instrument up, at arms length, like the Statue of Liberty, while the cups rotate in the wind. Press and hold the red button to lock the red indicator line in place. Lower the instrument and take the reading. Now release the red button.
Anemometer

Dos and Do nots

Tick Hold the anemometer up high so your body does not act as a wind-break, giving inaccurate readings.
Cross Do not spin the cups with your fingers because you may break the instrument.
Tick Replace the protective lid when the anemometer is not being used.

How it works

The most common types of cup anemometer have three or four cups. The wind pushes the cups, which turn the shaft they are connected to. The spin of the shaft is translated into wind speed readings by a system of gears.

Click here for information on the Beaufort Wind Scale