Sommer - Laser Snow Depth Sensor LSH-10

The next generation laser snow depth sensor provides precise, reliable and maintenance free measurements in millimeter resolution

A handheld laser up printer, used for marking or cutting materials, with a blue handle and silver body, labeled 'SOMER'.

The Sommer’s LSH-10 laser-based snow depth sensor stands for unreached accuracy in measuring snow level. The LSH use his millimeter-accuracy to output the very high resolution even over long measurement distances.An optimized heating system used in the LSH enables the sensor to work in all weather conditions without any maintenance. Opto-electronic/laser based rangefinder technology makes sure to provide the best measurement data possible.

Features and Advantanges

  • Continuous and non-contact measurement

  • Reliable sensor in extreme conditions

  • State-of-the-art laser technology

  • Correct measurement in snowfall, difficult reflection conditions

  • Integrated lightning protection

  • High measurement accuracy

  • Energy-saving sensor operation - smart heating control

  • Output values: snow depth, distance to surface, echo strength, signal quality, status

  • Sensor integration - interfaces: SDI-12, RS-485, 4...20mA, parametrisation via Commander software

 

Implementation

Thanks to its high-energy laser waves, this snow depth sensor guarantees reliable results even in the most difficult reflection conditions, such as powder or fresh snow.

The sensor offers high reliability, low power consumption and ease of use in the field. Thanks to the latest technology, the laser can be operated down to -10°C without heating. Intelligent heating means that only minimal energy is required to temper the laser module and front screens.

Applications

The LSH-10 snow depth sensor is designed for operation in severe weather environments, such as Antarctic research stations or high-mountain locations, where robustness is critical. The sensor is maintenance-free and provides permanently reliable measurement data, even under extreme conditions. It is suitable for operation in temperatures ranging from –40 to +50 °C. High-energy laser pulses ensure accurate measurements even in challenging reflection conditions, including powdery or freshly fallen snow.

LSH-10 Snow Depth Sensor - Specifications

Snow Depth Measurement

  • Range 0 to10 m (0 to 32.8 ft)

  • Resolution 0,1 mm

  • Accuracy < +/-3mm

  • Measurement principle laser distance measurement

Laser Data

  • Laser Diode Laser 635nm (visible red)

  • Laser class II compliant with standard IEC 825-1, EN 60825

  • Laser power <1mW

  • Laser measuring point diameter <10mm at 10 m distance

  • Certificates CE, FCC certificate, EMC 61326-1, EB 610101-1

Energy Consumption

  • Current consumption without heating active (measurement approx. 1 sec.) typ. 40 mA

  • Current consumption with heating typ. 1.2 A (heating active parameterisable typ <-7°C)

  • Current consumption @12 VDC sleep <0.4mA

  • Heater laser module 1.0 A (active typ <-7°C....-5°C)

  • Heating disc 1.2 A (smart heating control)

  • Energy consumption 10 mAh / day (with measuring interval 15 min)

 Interfaces

  • Digital interface RS-485 and SDI-12 various ASCII formats/Modbus RTU

  • Supply voltage 9 ... 27 VDC

  • Operating temperature -40°C...50°C

  • Operating temperature without heating -10°C to 50 °C

  • Protection class IP 66

  • Lightning protection Integrated lightning protection (discharge capacity 0.6 kV peak)