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Vaisala DSC211 – Contactless Remote Sensor for Road Conditions

Vaisala DSC211 – Contactless Remote Sensor for Road Conditions

Detect ice, water, and snow from a distance without interfering with the road surface. Vaisala DSC211 uses advanced laser technology to measure road conditions and friction from a pole – the perfect solution for bridges and runways where operational safety is critical.

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Vaisala DSC211 sets a new standard for non-contact road surface measurement. Using spectroscopic laser technology, the sensor can identify exactly what is covering the road surface from up to 15 meters away. It accurately distinguishes between dry road surfaces, moisture, water, ice, slush and snow.

The advantage of the DSC211 compared to traditional sensors is that it does not require any costly installations in the asphalt itself. This eliminates the risk of damage during plowing or paving and makes maintenance extremely easy. The sensor also calculates the road surface friction in real time, which provides an objective basis for decision-making for skid control. Thanks to its ability to measure the thickness of the water film, it can also warn of the risk of aquaplaning on busy roads and airports.

Technical specifications

Measurement technique: Contactless spectroscopic laser.

Measuring distance: 2 to 15 meters.

Parameters: Road surface condition (7 different), water film thickness (0–2 mm), ice layer thickness, snow layer thickness, friction.

Operating temperature: -40°C to +60°C.

Interfaces: RS-485, RS-232, Ethernet.

Enclosure: IP66 – Designed for tough outdoor environments.

Heating element: Built-in to keep the lens free from condensation and ice.

Installation & Commissioning

DSC211 is mounted on a standard mast or existing infrastructure at the side of the road.

Simple alignment: The laser is aimed at the desired measurement point on the road surface.

Minimal disruption: No traffic closure required for installation in the asphalt.

Integration: Fully compatible with Vaisala weather stations and Stormex cloud-based dashboards.

Documentation & Certifications (PDF)

Vaisala Datasheet: Full technical performance and optical specification.

White Paper: Documentation on the accuracy of laser measurement compared to mechanical measurements.

CE marking: Approved for industrial use and road infrastructure.

Support & Warranty

As a Stormex Solutions customer, you can always feel confident with your purchase. We deliver equipment of the highest industrial quality and offer comprehensive support for all our systems.

  • Warranty period: We offer a 2-year functional warranty on all hardware as standard (unless otherwise stated in the product sheet).
  • Technical Support: Do you have questions about installation or configuration? Our technical support is available via email and phone to help you get the most out of your equipment.
  • Swedish expertise: All support is in Swedish and is based in our headquarters in Luleå.
  • Spare Parts & Service: We stock the most common accessories and have close contact with the manufacturers for quick handling of service issues.
Areas of use

Bridges & Viaducts: Since bridges freeze before surface roads, the DSC211 is ideal for providing early warnings without weakening the bridge structure with recessed sensors.

Airports (Runway Safety): Measure friction and hydroplaning risk on runways in real time to optimize safety during takeoffs and landings.

Critical Road Sections: Monitor accident-prone curves or steep slopes where rapid weather changes require immediate action from the road operator.

Industrial areas & Ports: Secure logistics flows by having full control over the risk of slipping in terminal areas without disrupting heavy traffic during installation.

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