New Avionics Corp. Releases Rain and Ice Sensor

New Avionics Corp. released its Ice Meister model 9734 ice detection sensor. The 9734 uses an optical sensor and a 950-nm infrared laser that determines both the optical opacity of the precipitation on the sensor as well as the optical index of refraction for the state of the precipitation.

This ice sensor is different in that it has no moving parts and sees the ice rather than gauging its temperature. The slanted vertical design allow for non-ice precipitation to run off and leave it free to sense frozen moisture buildup. The sensitivity can also be adjusted to detect human breath or monitor levels in a freezer.

The Ice Meister was originally designed for aerospace, but has been re-appropriated for industry and home use. Some applications include industrial, commercial and household refrigerators, sprinkler controls, windpower farms, heliports and roadway signs. The Ice Meister starts at $750 and varies based on configurations.