Stronger cups for Inspeed anemometer?

[J Tyler]

Driving down the highway I had one of the cups break off. I've only had it on the roof for around 6 weeks. No hail. However, I installed it 6 weeks ago, and left it there. Living in Dallas, we are on the highway twice a day going 70-75mph. I believe this took its toll on the unit.

I have not ordered replacement cups yet (only $12) because I am wondering if anyone here has found a stronger solution.

I already have enough equipment to load up into the truck when we go out, so it would be nice to not have to run the wired anemometer up onto the roof each time. In other words, I'd like to route it once and leave it up there. But, if they are going to break every 2 months, I might have to.

BTW, it was a loud bang when it broke off! Clearly the cup hit the metal roof. Then, because it was out of balance it made one heck of a racket up there! We pulled over at the next exit, found the problem, and pulled it off the roof.

 

[Ben Holcomb]

I would just route it up each time you go out. They aren't really made to be durable for the $100 they cost. It's a great measurement tool for people who want a reading from storms, but definitely aren't built to take all the abuse of driving down the freeway daily.

More than just the cups breaking, I imagine you'd wear out the bearings and what not in it.

 

[Tyler Allison]

Yeah..you should not be running a measuring device on top of your car 24x7. It should go up when you go out to chase and then packed away when you are done. Sucks...but that's how you take care of it.

 

[Skip Talbot]

I'm not aware of any stronger cups that you can just buy for the Inspeed. Lorenzo is pretty good about getting replacements out though. You'll break them even if you don't have them up 24/7, however. I've gone through a couple sets of cups while chasing.

If you are crafty you might be able to strengthen them or build your own. You'll also have to calibrate them though using another anemometer to get an accurate reading out of them

 

[Bart_Comstock]

I had a horrendous amount of trouble with these back in 2007. I would loose a cup every other chase, especially when driving into a robust gust front. Lorenzo is good at giving free replacements but it didn't change the fact that IMHO the anemometer was useless due to its rate of failure.

I do know there was a slight modification on design of the stand which supposedly helps resolve my issues. Just spend the money on a kestrel and get your hands wet.

 

[D. Hayes]

I've had mine on my truck for almost 3 years and only broke one cup when I zipped into a carwash bay and smacked the pipes overhead. The new set I pushed higher and they catch trees from time to time and are holding up great.

 

[James Hilger]

I know it's not answering your question, but i had good luck with mine. I've had a few readings just over 100 mph while driving and it did good. I noticed if i had it towards the back, it would hum real bad. I moved it towards the middle more and it stopped. I didn't leave it on constantly, but i did leave it on for a few days at a time.

 

[J Tyler]

James, where I have mine located ALSO hums real bad when I get up to around 75 - 80 mph on the highway. I am willing to bet that is what caused it to eventually fail.

Ben and Tylers comments have me leaning toward just adding "put anemometer on the roof" to my list of stuff to do before I head out. I hate to, because I'm one of those who like to do a nice, neat, permanent install on all my equipment rather than have wires exposed, ect.

 

[Alan Broerse]

Sometimes bird strikes will take one or more cups out, 2 years ago I had a hawk fly up from the shoulder of the road and strike my instrument package...yes it did take out 2 cups and I saw the hawk go tumbling thru the rear view mirror. A sparrow will go the same damage.....as well as those maneating grasshoppers in sw OK. and Texas....lol speed times mass equals cup damage.....