The first Triton sonic wind profiler - a new tool for sodar-based wind assessment - is being shipped today, and more than 15 additional units will ship to customers over the next two months.

All of the beta customers who participated in Second Wind's rigorous product testing program are also expected to keep the units they have purchased, Second Wind said today in announcing commercial availability of the product. the Triton device was designed to address common challenges that have limited the use of sodar for wind resource assessment. It captures accurate wind data up to 200 meters, in any weather, at any location, without being attended. Readings look like anemometry results, with no expert analysis required. Customers can access their Triton data in real time from any computer over the SkyServe satellite wind data service - available both for Triton and Second Wind data loggers. Every 10 minutes, SkyServe transmits data from the Triton over the Globalstar satellite network. It combines weather data with precise time and location stamps, using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. Second Wind opened its own Triton manufacturing operation in Somerville, MA and is preparing to fill orders with a lead time of one to three weeks. Packages, including power and satellite communications, start at US$ 40,000.