A power supply which achieves its output regulation by means of one or more active power handling devices which are alternately placed in the "off" or "on" states. It is more efficient than linear supplies which vary the conduction of power devices to ach ...

A precipitation gauge consisting of a receiver in the shape of a funnel which empties into a bucket mounted upon a weighing mechanism. The weight of the catch is recorded as inches of precipitation.

in folklore, a name for fire.

An instrument for measuring temperature by utilizing the variation of the physical properties of substances according to their thermal states. Thermometers may be classified into types according to their construction; deformation thermometer, electrical t ...

The element directly responsive to the value of the measured variable.

An instrument for the measurement of the radon content of the atmosphere.

A liquid-in-glass or liquid-in-metal thermometer using mercury as the liquid.

A general term for instruments which sample atmospheric suspensoids by impaction. Same as impactometer.

The temperature at which a solid substance undergoes fusion, i.e. melts, changes from solid to liquid form. All substances have their characteristic melting points. For very pure substances the temperature range over which the process of fusion occurs is ...

A small, moveable graduated scale adjacent and parallel to the main scale of an instrument. It provides a means for interpolating between the graduations of the main scale.

A component of the wind (often using Cartesian coordinates. i.e. X and Y wind vectors). Also, an arrow representing wind velocity, drawn to point in the direction of the wind and with a length proportional to wind speed.

The difference between the outgoing infrared terrestrial radiation of the earth's surface and the downcoming infrared counterradiation from the atmosphere.

Same as wave pole.

An instrument, dropped from high attitude and carried by a stable parachute. used to measure the vertical component of turbulence aloft.

Any meteorological instrument, such as a radiosonde, in which the recording apparatus is located at some distance from the measuring apparatus.

The correctable part of the inaccuracy of an instrument.

The change in a performance characteristic caused by a change in a specified operating condition from reference operating condition, all other conditions being held within the limits of reference operating conditions.

A diagram showing the intensity of the radiation field in all directions from a transmitting radio or radar antenna at a given distance from the antenna.

Same as humidity strip.

A mercury barometer which measures atmospheric pressure by weighing the mercury in the column or cistern.