1. Product Overview
The Induskey INK428 Visibility Meter (Long Range) operates on precise measurement of the atmospheric extinction coefficient (optical attenuation coefficient). Based on the Koschmieder principle, the meteorological optical range (MOR) is derived from the extinction coefficient σ. The instrument employs forward-scatter measurement at a 33° angle with a 940nm infrared light source, enabling accurate visibility detection both day and night. With an extended measurement range up to 100,000 m, the INK428 is ideal for long-range meteorological observation, airport runway visual range (RVR) monitoring, and maritime navigation applications where extended visibility assessment is critical. Phase-locked amplification technology maximizes signal-to-noise ratio, ensuring reliable detection even in low-visibility conditions.
2. System Architecture
The INK428 operates as a fully integrated long-range visibility sensing unit with the following core components:
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940nm Infrared Emitter: Stable pulsed light source with real-time optical power monitoring for consistent output energy.
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High-Sensitivity Wide-Dynamic-Range Receiver: Captures forward-scattered infrared energy at 33° angle.
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Phase-Locked Amplifier: Lock-in amplifier technology extracts signal from noise, maximizing anti-interference capability.
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Signal Acquisition Processor: Calculates extinction coefficient σ and derives MOR via the Koschmieder equation.
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Software Linearization Module: Digital compensation algorithms enhance measurement linearity across the full 1–100,000 m range.
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Self-Diagnostic System: Continuously monitors 12V DC power, internal temperature, and receiver status.
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Integrated Heater: Prevents condensation and ice formation on optical surfaces for sub-zero reliability.
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Stainless-Steel Enclosure: Rugged housing; 740 × 336 × 118 mm, ≤15 kg, salt-fog resistant for coastal deployment.
3. Key Features & Competitive Advantages
A. Extended Measurement Range
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1 ~ 100,000 m measurement with selectable sub-ranges for diverse applications.
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Ideal for long-range meteorological observation and aviation RVR requirements.
B. High Accuracy
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±2% (≤1,000 m); ±20% (>1,000 m) with 1 m resolution.
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Proven industrial-grade design with MTBF ≥15,000 hours.
C. Phase-Locked Amplification
D. Day/Night Operation
E. Optical Power Monitoring
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Real-time light-source energy monitoring ensures stable, reliable emitter output.
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Self-diagnostic capability prevents measurement drift.
F. Unique Optical Design
G. Self-Diagnostic Capability
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Monitors power supply, internal temperature, and receiver status continuously.
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All parameters user-configurable for flexible deployment.
H. Built-In Heater
I. Rugged Enclosure
J. Flexible Interfaces
4. Technical Specifications
| System Parameter |
Specification |
| Measurement Performance |
|
| Measurement Range |
1 ~ 100,000 m (selectable) |
| Accuracy |
±2% (≤1,000 m); ±20% (>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 |
RS232 / RS485 |
| Output Interval |
60 s (adjustable) |
| Data Update Rate |
1 record/minute |
| Self-Monitoring |
12 V power, internal temperature, receiver status |
| Parameter Setting |
All parameters configurable via interface |
| Physical & Environmental |
|
| Enclosure Dimensions |
740 × 336 × 118 mm |
| Weight |
≤15 kg |
| Operating Temperature |
-45 ~ +50 °C |
| Operating Humidity |
0 ~ 100 %RH |
| Atmospheric Pressure |
≥650 hPa |
| Reliability (MTBF) |
≥15,000 hours |
| Salt-Fog Resistance |
Suitable for coastal areas |
5. Applications
The Induskey INK428 is engineered for versatile deployment across long-range visibility-critical infrastructure:
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Airport Runway Visual Range (RVR): Precision long-range visibility measurement for aviation safety and landing system support.
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Long-Range Meteorological Observation: National and regional weather service stations requiring extended MOR measurement.
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Maritime Navigation and Port Operations: Shore-based and shipboard visibility monitoring for marine safety and harbor operations.
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Highway Visibility Monitoring: Extended-range visibility data for expressway traffic management in flat terrain.
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Air Quality and Haze Assessment: Atmospheric transparency measurement for environmental supervision and pollution monitoring.
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Military and Defense Installations: Long-range visibility assessment for operational planning and surveillance systems.
6. Optional Cloud Platform
To maximize operational oversight, the INK428 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 optical power status, internal temperature, and receiver health remotely.
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Multi-Site Centralized Management: Enables GPS positioning of multiple long-range visibility meters across airport perimeters, meteorological networks, or coastal monitoring stations, facilitating data-driven intelligent management.
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Alarm Notification: Supports programmable threshold alarms for low-visibility conditions (fog, heavy haze, sandstorm) and equipment self-diagnostic alerts configured to automatically dispatch notifications to aviation operations, port authorities, and meteorological centers via SMS and email.
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Data Export & Reporting: Generates continuous historical visibility curves and operational logs for meteorological research, aviation compliance reporting, maritime safety analysis, and environmental assessment.
