1. Product Overview
The Induskey INK416 is a high-precision visibility meter operating on the forward-scatter infrared detection principle. It measures the atmospheric extinction coefficient (optical attenuation coefficient) and derives the meteorological optical range (MOR) based on the Koschmieder equation. The instrument comprises a stable 940nm infrared emitter, high-sensitivity wide-dynamic infrared scatter receiver, signal acquisition processor, controller, integrated heater, and corrosion-resistant stainless-steel housing. Suitable for both mobile platforms and fixed installations, the INK416 is ideal for shipping, highway transport, and meteorological observation applications where accurate visibility data is critical for operational safety.
2. System Architecture
The INK416 operates as a fully integrated visibility sensing unit with the following core components:
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940nm Infrared Emitter: Stable pulsed light source directed into the atmospheric sampling volume.
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High-Sensitivity Scatter Receiver: Wide-dynamic-range infrared detector captures forward-scattered energy at a 33° angle.
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Signal Acquisition Processor: Calculates the extinction coefficient σ from scattered light intensity.
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Controller Unit: Manages data output, communication protocols, and heater operation.
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Integrated Heater: Prevents condensation and ice formation on optical surfaces for reliable sub-zero operation.
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Stainless-Steel Housing: Corrosion-resistant IP65 enclosure for long-term outdoor deployment.
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Communication Module: RS485, RS232, and 4–20mA analog output interfaces for flexible system integration.
3. Key Features & Competitive Advantages
A. Forward-Scatter Infrared Detection
B. High Accuracy & Wide Range
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±2% accuracy (≤1,000m); ±10% accuracy (>1,000m) with 1m resolution.
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Measurement range: 5 ~ 100,000 m, customizable for diverse application needs.
C. Integrated Design
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Compact unit with dimensions 700 × 350 × 200 mm and weight ≤6.5 kg.
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Easy installation on poles, brackets, or walls with minimal structural requirements.
D. Downward-Tilt Structure
E. Low Power Consumption
F. All-Weather Reliability
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Built-in heater prevents condensation and ice on optics for sub-zero reliability.
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IP65-rated stainless-steel enclosure withstands harsh outdoor climates.
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Operating range: -40 ~ 80°C, 0 ~ 100%RH.
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MTBF ≥15,000 hours for proven industrial-grade durability.
G. Lightning Protection
H. Flexible Output Options
4. Technical Specifications
| System Parameter |
Specification |
| Measurement Performance |
|
| Measurement Range |
5 ~ 100,000 m (customizable) |
| Accuracy |
±2% (≤1,000 m); ±10% (>1,000 m) |
| Resolution |
1 m |
| Forward Scatter Angle |
33° |
| Light Source Wavelength |
940 nm infrared |
| System Configuration |
|
| Power Supply |
DC 12 V |
| Power Consumption |
≤10 W |
| Communication Interface |
RS485 / RS232 / 4–20 mA |
| Output Interval |
60 s (adjustable acquisition interval) |
| Data Update Rate |
1 record/minute |
| Physical & Environmental |
|
| Enclosure Dimensions |
700 × 350 × 200 mm |
| Weight |
≤6.5 kg |
| Operating Temperature |
-40 ~ 80 °C |
| Operating Humidity |
0 ~ 100 %RH |
| Reliability (MTBF) |
≥15,000 hours |
| Enclosure Protection |
IP65; stainless-steel housing |
5. Applications
The Induskey INK416 is engineered for versatile deployment across visibility-critical infrastructure:
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Highway Visibility Monitoring: Real-time visibility data for expressway traffic management and variable speed limit systems.
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Tunnel Entrance/Exit Surveillance: Critical visibility measurement at tunnel portals for safety lighting and traffic control.
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Port and Marine Navigation: Shipboard and shore-based visibility monitoring for maritime safety and harbor operations.
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Airport Runway Visual Range (RVR): Precision visibility measurement for aviation safety and landing system support.
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Meteorological Observation Stations: Standard visibility monitoring for national weather services and research institutions.
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Air Quality and Haze Monitoring: Atmospheric transparency measurement for environmental supervision and pollution assessment.
6. Optional Cloud Platform
To maximize operational oversight, the INK416 seamlessly integrates with the optional Induskey industrial IoT Cloud Platform.
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Real-Time Remote Dashboard: Operators can wirelessly upload visibility data to directly read MOR values, monitor equipment operational status, and analyze atmospheric transparency metrics remotely.
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Multi-Site Centralized Management: Enables GPS positioning of multiple visibility monitoring devices across highway networks, airport perimeters, or port facilities, facilitating data-driven intelligent management.
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Alarm Notification: Supports programmable threshold alarms for low-visibility conditions (fog, heavy haze, sandstorm) configured to automatically dispatch notifications to traffic control, port authorities, or airport operators via SMS and email.
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Data Export & Reporting: Generates continuous historical visibility curves and operational logs for traffic safety analysis, meteorological research, aviation compliance reporting, and environmental assessment.
