Anémomètre : guide d’achat en ligne

Welcome to the anemometer buying guide! As you browse our pages, we invite you to learn more about this device used to measure wind speed.

First, we want to share all the practical information to better understand the anemometer and anemometry.
Next, we want to offer you the best tips and guides for choosing your anemometer. To do this, we have selected the best anemometers currently available.

To provide you with optimal quality content, we have conducted tests and trials in real situations, allowing us to give our opinion on different models, whether they are propeller or portable anemometers.

What is an anemometer used for?

It is a tool used in meteorology to analyze and measure the wind. Primarily, the meteorologist will calculate the speed and pressure of the wind. With this data, they will be able to determine trends and thus forecast the weather.

How it works

The anemometer is a small mechanism that rotates due to the wind; this can be a propeller like a wind turbine or other systems that we will see later. By measuring the rotation speed of the mechanism, we can calculate the wind speed.

When the anemometer is connected to a weather station, the speed is then transcribed through a magnetic, mechanical, or electronic process so that it can be displayed on the weather station’s screen. Some stand-alone anemometers also have their own LCD screens to directly display the wind strength.

Who uses the anemometer?

Previously, this type of tool was mainly used by meteorologists; however, this measuring instrument is used in many other fields and is also becoming popular among individuals who wish to take their own measurements at home.

In the professional field, the anemometer will have applications in various sectors. Thus, it is used in air and maritime transport, green and renewable energy, industry, and also in construction and public works. The wind strength can play an important role in each of these areas, affecting decision-making based on the data transmitted by the tool.

It can also find occasional use for checking air flow, for example, when installing a ventilation system.

The agricultural world is also a major user of anemometers, particularly in the wine and horticultural sectors for adjusting sprays.

In the domestic field, DIY enthusiasts and amateur gardeners are eager to use an anemometer at home. It allows, together with other sensors, to obtain an accurate picture of the weather around their home.

Finally, the anemometer has other uses and is an important element for outdoor activity enthusiasts requiring wind use. Thus, the anemometer helps ensure safety and good practices in outdoor activities.

Some outdoor activities where the anemometer is useful

• mountain sports: climbing, skiing, hiking, mountaineering…
• water sports: windsurfing, dinghy sailing, catamaran, surfing, kitesurfing…
• others: paragliding, kite, golf, drone…

Anemometer in sports

The anemometer is used to measure wind strength and is essential for validating a record in certain disciplines:

• long jump
• triple jump
• sprints

How to choose your anemometer?

Before diving into the purchase of an anemometer, it is essential to consider the buying criteria.

Why buy this anemometer?
Is it for professional use or leisure?
What budget do you have to invest?
Will it be a device used often or occasionally?

The answers to these questions to ask before buying an anemometer help to adjust the choice of the device.

Type of anemometer

There are several types of anemometers depending on use and location. To measure the wind, they either use a blade, a cup, or ultrasonic technology.

The choice of one type of anemometer over another will primarily depend on usage. Some models are designed for professional use, while others are specifically adapted for outdoor leisure activities.

It is therefore essential to clearly identify your needs before acquiring an anemometer. Similarly, there are portable anemometers and fixed blades that can be connected to a weather station.

Measurement and data ranges

An anemometer is a device used to measure wind speed, direction, and pressure according to the devices. Other features may exist depending on the models to enrich the basic data.

Some models of anemometers are thus able to assess gust speed, record maximum and minimum speeds, and establish averages or even the direction of the wind.

Regarding data ranges, the higher-end the model, the wider the ranges will be.

We have done our best to select the most qualitative models for you thanks to our various product tests.

The size of the device

Of course, depending on your equipment needs, the size can vary significantly. Moreover, between a fixed anemometer and a portable device, the dimensions can be very different.

For use in any location, a portable anemometer is very useful and fits in your pocket, while the blades must be fixed at a high point, like the top of a roof.

Obviously, depending on the size, the device will be more or less portable. Again, determining the initial use of the device is essential before ordering an anemometer.

Anemometer: additional options

Options can also influence the choice between different anemometers. Connected models can be directly linked to a smartphone to immediately access the data on its screen. Thus, it is possible to know the wind speed and obtain all measurements even when you are not at home. Similarly, it is possible to set up alerts to be immediately informed of a change in direction that could hinder spraying in agriculture.

The memory option can also be a criterion depending on the user’s needs. Some devices store several weeks of data, while others display it only for a few seconds.

Other options can also be interesting to enhance the anemometer to obtain a greater amount of data to exploit. It is easy to find devices with built-in rain gauges or thermo-hygrometric sensors.

What are the differences between a cup anemometer and a portable anemometer?

The two main categories of the most common anemometers are the cup anemometer and the portable anemometer. These are the most used and sought-after models. Of course, there are other types of anemometers that we will address in dedicated pages.

Cup anemometer

The cup anemometer is a device for measuring wind strength and direction. It is designed for fixed use.

The cup anemometer is highly regarded for the reliability of its measurements. With remarkable precision, it allows for the analysis of a significant amount of information over large ranges.

It is possible to store all the data in a weather station or a dedicated application if it is a connected model.

Access to historical data is possible for a limited time. Data transfer will be necessary to preserve an archived history.

In general, the cup anemometer is used by professionals whose activity depends on the wind. The same applies to individuals in DIY or gardening.

This type of device is usually connected to a complete weather station or weather consoles. They are considered high-end devices for their precision, reliability, and usability.

The installation of a cup anemometer should not be taken lightly. Most often, the device is placed on the roof of a building or on a structure like a boat mast.

The typical range for this type of product is generally 100 meters, although some models offer a range of up to 300 meters!!!

The anemometer can be complemented by other sensors such as a hygrometer, rain gauge, or temperature sensor…

Portable anemometer

Unlike the cup anemometer, which is fixed by nature, the portable anemometer is a small portable device.

Unlike the fixed model, the portable anemometer can be taken anywhere and is suitable for measurements in different locations. It can complement a fixed installation or be used in various professional, associative, leisure, or domestic applications…

Portable devices are of good quality; however, they have minimal functions and are considered slightly less accurate than their cup counterparts. Essentially, they allow the calculation of wind speed, but some models are also capable of measuring perceived temperature and air currents.

As mentioned earlier, these portable tools are slightly less effective and have a lesser capacity regarding data ranges. Most pocket anemometers do not even have memory to record a data history.

However, they are very popular because they are small, easy to use, and very accessible in terms of price.

Thus, athletes, DIYers, or enthusiasts can invest in a low-cost portable device while avoiding the constraints of installation and use.

Ultrasonic anemometer

A small revolution in measuring wind speed and direction, ultrasonic sensors allow for very precise measurements even during high wind events. While propeller anemometers suffer from mechanical inertia, the ultrasonic anemometer measures the airflow using an ultrasonic wave. Therefore, it is capable of providing extremely accurate information about the wind at very high as well as very low speeds.

The most well-known ultrasonic anemometer is the device marketed by Netatmo. However, these devices have been used in the professional field for several years, particularly for the management of onshore or offshore wind farms. They are valued for their reliability and low maintenance needs, as well as the accuracy of the measurements, even in extreme conditions.

How to install your anemometer?

If a portable anemometer does not require installation, cup models require a thorough study of the location before installation.

The reliability of the anemometer to provide accurate measurements depends on its installation.

First of all, it is advisable to choose a free location, generally called « free field, » that is, a location free from obstacles. Indeed, the presence of obstacles can distort the measurements and calculations of wind speed and direction.

The perfect place is usually on the roof of a house, shelter, or warehouse. The middle of a field or beach are also interesting locations depending on the needs and the measurements to be taken.

The key point to remember: choose a free field, without obstacles.

The minimum recommended height is 3 meters, but it is possible to install your anemometer at a higher level. An optimal height is about 10 meters. However, it is not always possible to reach such a height. Therefore, one must adapt to their installation environment.

In summary: install your mast as high as possible.

Calibrating your anemometer

Once the anemometer is positioned on its support, it is time to proceed to calibration. This operation is essential to obtain reliable results.

First, you need to take the reference point indicated by the manufacturer: North or South. To do this, it will be necessary to use a compass.

Geographical and magnetic points are different; you need to be careful about the type of compass used.

The user manual and/or a marker left by the manufacturer on the device will indicate the procedure to follow for calibration.

It is now time to secure the anemometer by ensuring that it is properly leveled. A bubble level is present on some models; otherwise, equip yourself with yours and place the anemometer parallel to the bar.
Also, make sure that there is no play in the installation.

Another important point is that it may be necessary to add a lightning protection system on the roof or near the location where the anemometer is installed to protect it from lightning.

Some models also allow for « ground » installation.

Connecting the anemometer to the weather station

Once the physical installation is complete, it is time to connect the anemometer to the weather station. This operation is relatively easy to implement.

You can now test your first measurements.

If your measurements are inconsistent or strange, you may need to check the installation or calibration of the device.

Maintaining an anemometer

Regarding the maintenance of the wind measurement device, it is very simple; there is no specific maintenance required.

At most, it is advisable to check the calibration of the equipment from time to time. The installation of an anemometer easily lasts ten years or more, depending on the chosen model. Cup or propeller models may require the replacement of certain parts depending on wear or breakage. Ultrasonic anemometers, on the other hand, are less likely to wear out, giving them a longer lifespan.

Equipped with this information, you now have all the keys to choose the anemometer you need.