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Home > Products > Snowmaking Automation > AutoSno for Air/Water Guns
AutoSno for Air/Water Snow Guns
AutoSno, our state-of-the-art snowmaking automation system, is now available
for the Snow Giant V Snow Gun


Ratnik Snow Giant V AutoSno Installation

Snow Giant V Air/Water Snow Gun with AutoSno Control each air/water snow gun individually to maximize snow output. The Ratnik AutoSno Snowmaking Automation System allows you to control up to 100 guns on an individual basis, so you can fine tune your snowmaking operations and save on labor costs like never before. This advancement is compatible with our entire line of Ratnik Snow Giant snow guns: the Baby Snow Giant X-2, Snow Giant II, Snow Giant II+II and Snow Giant V.


How does AutoSno work?
  • The AutoSno System uses air and water hydrant actuators and snow gun controllers to execute automatic operation of air/water snow guns.

  • The system automatically adjusts air/water ratios during snowmaking operations, as weather conditions change, to maximize snowmaking output.

  • It makes adjustments to air/water ratios in response to current weather conditions, based on a preset snow gun operating curve.
  • Fully automatic operations constantly seek the best productivity point at all times, resulting in increased production of up to 50% over manually operated snow guns.

  • Automatic operations produce consistent snow quality even in varying temperatures.
AutoSno Controller Mounted on Automatic Hydrant with Wireless Controls
  AutoSno Software Screenshots

 

System Profile

  • The AutoSno System consists of a base station control PC and indvidual snow gun controllers, connected to a trail network controller. The trail network controller can operate up to 100 guns, and multiple network controllers can be added to create larger systems. Communications between the trail network controllers and the base station can be accomplished by wireless radio, fiber optic or traditional cable.

    Baby Snow Giant X-2 Snow Gun with AutoSno
 
  • The system will analyze wet-bulb temperature data from strategically placed weather stations and determine the proper air/water ratio to assign to each individual gun. Once assigned, individual guns will adjust water flow to maintain optimum air/water ratio for the temperature conditions. Control system logic is distributed among the base station controller and each individual snow gun, providing a more reliable and robust control network.
  • AutoSno control software provides the operator a high level of flexibility and adjustment capability. While snow gun operating curves are programmed into the sytem controller, the operator can choose to offset the curves to make different consistencies of snow. These adjustments can be made from the base station or the trail network controller via touchscreen while the guns are operating. On a more advanced level, operators can create or modify the actual curves to suit their local requirements
  • Snow gun controllers have various fail-safe and manual override capabilities in the event of system problems, including power and communications failure.
  • Standby generator with automatic transfer switch addresses power interruptions. In the event of a power outage, the generator provides power for a short duration to shut the gun line down.
  • Ratnik AutoSno engineering services include complete electrical and mechanical installation drawings, and periodic site visits to manage system construction and startup.
 

System Advantages

  • The AutoSno System is easy to install, operate and service using standard, proven components.
  • Above-ground installation eliminates the need for manholes.
  • System allows you to control each snow gun on an individual basis.
  • Baby Snow Giant, Snow Giant II, Snow Giant II + II and Snow Giant V installations take advantage of new low-air technology, reducing compressed air usage between 40 and 50%.
  • Wireless radio communications capability provides installation flexibility and reliability.
  • Snow guns can be started and shutdown quickly, taking advantage of narrow operating windows.
  • Software is simple to operate and provides the operator flexibility to make adjustments.
 

AutoSno + the Snow Giant V Snow Gun = Maximum Snow Output

  • Consider enhancing your new or existing Snow Giant V Snow Guns with AutoSno to make your snowmaking operations as cost-effective and low-maintenance as possible.
  • High capacity Snow Giant V Snow Guns can be spaced wider apart on the slopes at every 200 to 250 feet (60 to 75 meters), so fewer snow guns and automation components are needed.
  • This is the most economical way to automate air/water snowmaking operations.
  • By using AutoSno with the Snow Giant V Snow Gun, you will achieve maximum snow output with optimal energy expenditure.
  Typical Above-Ground Installation

Ratnik Baby Snow Giant X-2 AutoSno InstallationRatnik Baby Snow Giant X-2 AutoSno InstallationRatnik Baby Snow Giant X-2 AutoSno InstallationRatnik Baby Snow Giant X-2 AutoSno InstallationRatnik Baby Snow Giant X-2 AutoSno Installation

We invite you to call us at (585) 924-9111 or email us at info@ratnik.com for more details on how to put AutoSno to work for your snow resort.
 
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