Calypso: portable ultrasonic wind sensor

Calypso Instruments introduces a new handheld ultrasonic wind sensor under the simple name Calypso.

Calypso - next generation sensor

The device is quite small and lightweight. The form factor, in turn, allows it to be both held in hand and easily installed on the boat.

With progress, many bulky analog aircraft systems are becoming more and more compact. They are integrated into a single yacht ecosystem and are always at hand for the captains. The ultrasonic wind sensor is no exception.

Wireless wind sensors are not new. They have been in use for more than a dozen years. But, surprisingly, it was Calypso that the creators were able to pack so compactly. The device contains a fairly powerful toolkit for ultrasound studies. And yet it has no moving parts!

The sensor looks like a washer with a tapered knob. In general, the design is quite miniature, if not tiny - the total diameter is only 7 centimeters, and the height is 5.7 centimeters.

Where to shove it?

This form factor, again, allows the sensor to be installed virtually anywhere on your yacht. A mast, a freeboard arch, or even just carrying in the hand is not a problem, because in addition to its small size, the device boasts a low weight. 135 grams is something!

With regard to battery life. Everything here is no less interesting. The main power supply is via the solar panel. On the other hand, the Calypso also has a built-in backup battery. This allows the sensor to stay in sleep mode for almost a year!

Inside the case, oddly enough, there are four ultrasonic transducers. They are needed for the correct operation of the device. Every second, these transducers perform in-depth analysis and monitoring of the actual wind speed and direction. In addition, Calypso also monitors the apparent (apparent) wind.

The battery capacity is also a nice bonus. If the sensor can “sleep” for a year, then in active mode it will keep a charge for 30 days. Without recharging!

So even during a long journey, you should not be left without your faithful partner. And even the worst weather will not tear you apart.

Calypso also supports communication with the boat's instrument system, a smartphone or even a smartwatch. This is possible thanks to Bluetooth, the range of which Calypso has as much as 50 meters.

01.10.2021