XF-CQ10 forward scatter visibility sensor for road

The XF-CQ10 forward scatter visibility sensor for roads is a meteorological observation device that uses optical methods to measure visibility (meteorological optical range) data in the ground-level atmosphere. The device can monitor visibility conditions in the installation area in real time, and the visibility measurement data is widely used in transportation, aviation, maritime navigation, military operations, air pollution monitoring, and atmospheric physics research.

  • Atmospheric temperature: -40-60℃
  • Atmospheric humidity: 0-100%RH
  • Supply: 12-24VDC
  • Output: RS485(Modbus)
  • Range: 10m-10km
  • Accuracy: <2km
  • MOQ: 1

Введение

A forward scatter visibility sensor for roads (Also known as a visibility sensor) is an optical meteorological device that measures atmospheric visibility (meteorological optical range) by analyzing the scattering of light in the air, providing real-time visibility data to support road traffic safety and intelligent transportation systems.

Structure

The visibility sensor is a standalone device that can be mounted on a suitable pole using the included mounting hardware. The device consists primarily of four components: an optical transmitter, an optical receiver, a built-in heating element, and a control and processing unit.

  • Optical Transmitter Unit – Emits a stable infrared or laser light beam into the air to detect particle scattering.
  • Optical Receiver Unit – Receives the forward-scattered light from atmospheric particles and converts it into electrical signals.
  • Scattering Measurement Chamber – A precisely designed optical path that ensures accurate forward scattering detection.
  • Signal Processing Module – Processes the received signals and calculates the meteorological optical range (MOR) visibility value.
  • Environmental Protection Housing – Weather-resistant enclosure that protects internal components from rain, dust, and harsh outdoor conditions.
  • Heating / Anti-Condensation System – Prevents condensation, frost, or snow from affecting the optical components.
  • Communication Interface – Supports outputs such as RS485, Modbus, or other protocols for integration with road weather monitoring systems.
  • Mounting Bracket / Support Structure – Provides stable installation on roadside poles or traffic monitoring stations.
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The forward scatter visibility sensor for roads features a compact and robust design with a sleek, streamlined appearance. The main body of the device is constructed from a high-strength, weather-resistant metal housing, offering excellent resistance to corrosion, UV rays, wind, and rain. Designed specifically as sensors for poor visibility conditions, it delivers accurate and reliable measurements in fog, haze, rain, and other low-visibility environments. Below are the detailed features of the forward scatter visibility sensor for roads:

Installation Diagram

Технические характеристики

To ensure stable operation in various road weather monitoring scenarios, this forward scatter visibility sensor for roads has been meticulously designed and rigorously tested to deliver high-precision measurements, stable data output, and adaptability to a wide range of temperatures. The following are the product’s technical specifications:

 Параметры

Heat≤6W
Out PutRS48(MODBUS)
Диапазон измерений10m~10km
Measurement≤2km ±2%;
Точность2km~10km ±5%
Data Update Rate15s/60s
Product weight<10kg
Operating temperature-40℃~+60℃

Features atmospheric visibility sensor

Applications

forward scatter visibility sensors monitor changes in atmospheric visibility in real time, providing critical data support for traffic safety management and environmental monitoring. By accurately measuring the effects of aerosols, haze, and precipitation on light propagation, these devices deliver stable and reliable visibility data even under complex meteorological conditions. As a result, they are widely used in various fields, including road traffic, aviation and maritime navigation, meteorological monitoring, and environmental research.

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Road Traffic Monitoring

Deployed in scenarios such as highways, urban roads, bridges, tunnel entrances, and airports, this airport visibility sensor provides real-time monitoring of changes in road and runway visibility conditions.

Aviation Weather Monitoring

Deployed at airports and in the vicinity of runways to monitor visibility conditions within the airport area.

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Marine and Maritime Monitoring

Applied at ports, shipping lanes, and marine weather stations to monitor maritime visibility conditions in real time.

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Meteorological Monitoring Systems

Serving as a vital component of automated weather stations, it is utilized at meteorological observation sites for the long-term monitoring of changes in atmospheric visibility.

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Environmental and Scientific Monitoring

Used to study fog, haze, aerosol concentrations, and atmospheric optical properties, providing a reliable data foundation for environmental management and scientific research.

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Intelligent Transportation Systems

In Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS), visibility sensors can operate in conjunction with sensors for temperature, humidity, and pavement conditions to provide data support for traffic management.

custom

We offer flexible product customization services, enabling us to optimize the functionality, interfaces, and structural design of our visibility sensors to suit diverse application scenarios and project requirements. Backed by a professional R&D team, we are able to provide reliable, customized solutions for road weather monitoring, intelligent transportation, and scientific research projects.

Customization Options

  • Customizable Interfaces
    Supports various communication protocols, including RS485 and Modbus, and can be customized to provide other data output methods based on system integration requirements.
  • Customizable Structure
    Can be designed with different dimensions, mounting methods, or bracket structures to accommodate the installation requirements of various road monitoring devices.
  • Functional Customization
    Functions such as heating, protection, or data acquisition can be expanded according to project requirements to adapt to different climatic environments and monitoring needs.
  • System Integration
    Supports integration with Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS), automatic weather stations, and traffic management platforms to enable collaborative multi-sensor monitoring.
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forward scatter visibility sensor for roads Производитель и поставщик

Yantai Sensor is a professional forward scatter visibility sensor for road manufacturers and suppliers, specializing in high-precision road visibility monitoring solutions for transportation safety and environmental observation. Our road visibility sensors are designed for reliable, long-term operation in complex outdoor environments such as highways, bridges, tunnels, meteorological stations, airports, and intelligent transportation systems.

With independent R&D capabilities, advanced production facilities, and a professional environmental testing laboratory, each forward scatter visibility sensor undergoes strict quality inspections, including high-temperature and humidity aging, salt spray resistance, vibration testing, and optical performance evaluation. Backed by multiple patents and certifications such as CE, ISO, and RoHS, we provide high-quality visibility sensors along with flexible OEM/ODM services to support road weather monitoring systems (RWIS), smart transportation infrastructure, environmental monitoring, and global safety projects.

Сертификаты

We have CNAS, ISO, CE, and RoHS certifications, and all weather monitoring systems meet rigorous international standards.

Вопросы и ответы

What is a forward scatter visibility sensor for road?

A forward scatter visibility sensor for road is an optical meteorological instrument that measures atmospheric visibility by analyzing the light scattered by particles such as fog, haze, rain, and dust. It is widely used in road weather monitoring systems to provide real-time visibility data for traffic safety and intelligent transportation management.

How does a forward scatter visibility sensor work?

A forward scattering visibility sensor emits a beam of light into the air. When the light encounters particles like fog droplets or dust, part of the light is scattered forward and detected by a receiver. The sensor analyzes the intensity of the scattered light to calculate the meteorological optical range (MOR), which represents the visibility distance.

What is the typical measurement range of a road visibility sensor?

Most road visibility sensors measure visibility from about 10 meters up to 10 kilometers. This range is suitable for detecting low visibility conditions such as fog, haze, heavy rain, and snow that can affect road traffic safety.

How is the visibility data used in road weather monitoring systems?

In a Road Weather Information System (RWIS), the visibility sensor works together with temperature, humidity, and road surface sensors. The data helps traffic authorities issue warnings, control variable message signs (VMS), and improve real-time traffic management during fog or low visibility conditions.

How often does the visibility sensor update data?

Typical visibility monitoring sensors provide data updates every 15 seconds to 60 seconds, allowing real-time monitoring of rapidly changing weather conditions.

What is the difference between a forward scatter visibility sensor and a transmissometer?

A forward scatter visibility sensor measures visibility using light scattering and requires only a single compact unit, making it easier to install and maintain. A transmissometer measures visibility by transmitting light between two separated devices over a fixed distance, which requires more installation space and alignment.