RADIOSONDE REPLACEMENT SYSTEM (RRS) Workstation User Guide for RWS Software Version 3.4.0.2

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

RADIOSONDE REPLACEMENT SYSTEM (RRS) Workstation User Guide for RWS Software Version 3.4.0.2 RADIOSONDE REPLACEMENT SYSTEM (RRS) Workstation User Guide For RWS software version 3.4.0.2 July, 2018 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service Headquarters Field Systems Operations Center Observing Systems Branch 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 Introduction 9 1.1 Purpose ........................................................................................................................9 1.2 Organization ................................................................................................................9 1.3 RRS Software Adjustments For New Radiosondes ..................................................10 2 System Description 11 2.1 System Overview ......................................................................................................11 2.2 System Hardware ......................................................................................................11 2.2.1 Telemetry Receiving System (TRS) .............................................................12 2.2.2 Signal Processing System (SPS) ...................................................................13 2.2.3 Radiosonde Replacement System Workstation ............................................13 2.2.4 RRS Workstation Software ...........................................................................14 2.2.5 Different Compact Disks ..............................................................................14 2.2.6 Printer ............................................................................................................15 2.2.7 External Hard Drive ......................................................................................15 2.2.8 RSOIS Sensors ..............................................................................................16 2.2.9 Precision Digital Barometer (PDB) ..............................................................16 2.2.10 GPS Base Station Antenna............................................................................16 2.2.11 GPS Repeater ................................................................................................16 2.2.12 GPS Radiosonde ...........................................................................................16 3 Simulated Flight - Overview of Operations 18 3.1 Pre-flight Sequence ...................................................................................................18 3.2 In-Flight Procedures..................................................................................................30 3.3 Flight Termination ....................................................................................................45 4 RRS Observation-Preflight / Release Sequence 46 4.1 Turning on Power to the TRS ...................................................................................46 4.2 Preparing Balloon and Flight Train during TRS warm-up .......................................49 4.3 Preparing the Radiosonde .........................................................................................49 4.4 Completing the Preflight Information .......................................................................49 4.5 Radiosonde Baseline Process ....................................................................................58 4.6 Launching the Balloon ..............................................................................................61 4.7 Controlling the TRS with RWS ................................................................................62 4.8 Release Detection and Release Surface Observation ................................................66 5 RRS Observation- Checking and Editing Data 69 5.1 Data Editing ..............................................................................................................69 5.1.1 Post-Release Surface Observation ................................................................69 5.1.2 Flight Release Detection ...............................................................................70 5.1.3 Marking / Unmarking Data ...........................................................................72 5.2 Checking Sounding Data Quality .............................................................................82 5.2.1 Pressure Data ................................................................................................82 5.2.2 Temperature Data..........................................................................................86 5.2.3 RH data .........................................................................................................88 5.2.4 Wind Data .....................................................................................................92 5.2.5 Missing Data .................................................................................................94 5.2.6 Height Data ...................................................................................................97 5.3 Workspaces ...............................................................................................................97 6 RRS Observation - Check and Status Messages 100 6.1 Check Messages ......................................................................................................100 6.2 Status Messages ......................................................................................................101 6.2.1 Status Messages Explanations ....................................................................102 7 RRS Observation - Plot Selection & Management 107 7.1 Plot Selection ..........................................................................................................107 7.2 Adding a New Plot ..................................................................................................109 7.3 Managing Plot Collections ......................................................................................110 8 RRS Observation - Plot Format Designer 111 8.1 Data Content ...........................................................................................................112 8.1.1 Vertical Axis ...............................................................................................112 8.1.2 Horizontal Axis ...........................................................................................112 8.2 Data Scaling ............................................................................................................113 8.2.1 Vertical Scaling ...........................................................................................113 8.2.2 Horizontal Scaling ......................................................................................113 8.3 Data Lines ...............................................................................................................114 8.3.1 Changing the Line Style..............................................................................114 8.3.2 Changing the Line Colors ...........................................................................115 8.3.3 Show Parameter ..........................................................................................115 8.3.4 Line Transparency ......................................................................................116 8.3.5 Displaying Levels Markers .........................................................................116 8.4 Wind Data ...............................................................................................................117 8.4.1 Wind Display Formats ................................................................................117 8.5 Background .............................................................................................................118 8.6 Titles .......................................................................................................................119 8.7 Closing/Saving the Format Designer ......................................................................120 9 RRS Observation – Manipulating Plot Displays 123 9.1 Zooming ..................................................................................................................123 9.1.1 Banding a Region with the Mouse ..............................................................123 9.1.2 Incremental Zooming ..................................................................................124 9.2 Panning ...................................................................................................................124 9.3 Plots Form Toolbars ................................................................................................124 9.3.1 Data Parameters ..........................................................................................124 9.3.2 Background Options ...................................................................................125 9.3.3 Wind Data Panel Options............................................................................126 4 9.3.4 Marking Mode ............................................................................................126 9.3.5 Plot Type Selection .....................................................................................127 9.3.6 Plot Format Designer Button ......................................................................127 9.3.7 Save Plot Format Button .............................................................................128 9.4 Context Menu..........................................................................................................128
Recommended publications
  • Frequency Plan, 2004
    BOTSWANA RADIO FREQUENCY PLAN, 2004 . Botswana Radio Frequency Plan, 2004 Published on 16 April 2004. TABLE OF CONTENTS Part 1 PRELIMINARY 1. Introduction. 2. Definitions. 3. Interpretation of Table of Frequency Allocations. Part II TABLE OF FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS 4. Table of Frequency Allocations. 5. ITU Radio Regulations Footnotes National Radio Frequency Plan 2004 Page 1 BOTSWANA RADIO FREQUENCY PLAN, 2004 . PART 1 - PRELIMINARY 1. Introduction The basis for the Botswana Radio Frequency Band Plan is Section 43 of the Telecommunications Act, 1996 [No. 15 of 1996] and Article 5 of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio Regulations. The ITU Radio Regulations are annexed to the ITU Convention and are revised by the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference, normally held every three years. The Botswana frequency allocations are broadly in consonance with the ITU requirements for Region 1, within which Botswana falls under 2. Definitions In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires, “Act” refers to the Telecommunications Act No. 15 of 1996. “Administration” means a government or public authority of a country that is responsible for giving effect to the obligations of the country as a member of International Telecommunications Union (ITU). Botswana Telecommunication Authority (BTA) is the Botswana administration. “Additional Allocation” means an allocation, in the form of Footnote, which is added in this area or in this country to the services or services which are indicated in Table of Frequency allocation. “Aeronautical Mobile Service” a mobile service between aeronautical stations and aircraft stations, or between aircraft stations, in which survival craft stations may participate; emergency position-indicating radiobeacon stations may also participate in this service on designated distress and emergency frequencies.
    [Show full text]
  • Imet-4 Radiosonde 403 Mhz GPS Synoptic
    iMet-4 Radiosonde 403 MHz GPS Synoptic Technical Data Sheet Temperature and Humidity Radiosonde Data Transmission The iMet-4 measures air temperature with a The iMet-4 radiosonde can transmit to an small glass bead thermistor. Its small size effective range of over 250 km*. minimizes effects caused by long and short- wave radiation and ensures fast response times. A 6 kHz peak-to-peak FM transmission maximizes efficiency and makes more channels The humidity sensor is a thin-film capacitive available for operational use. Seven frequency polymer that responds directly to relative selections are pre-programmed - with custom humidity. The sensor incorporates a temperature programming available. sensor to minimize errors caused by solar heating. Calibration Pressure and Height The iMet-4’s temperature and humidity sensors are calibrated using NIST traceable references to As recommended by GRUAN3, the iMet-4 is yield the highest data quality. equipped with a pressure sensor to calculate height at lower levels in the atmosphere. Once Benefits the radiosonde reaches the optimal height, pressure is derived using GPS altitude combined • Superior PTU performance with temperature and humidity data. • Lightweight, compact design • No assembly or recalibration required The pressure sensor facilitates the use of the • GRUAN3 qualified (pending) sonde in field campaigns where a calibrated • Status LED indicates transmit frequency barometer is not available to establish an selection and 3-D GPS solution accurate ground observation for GPS-derived • Simple one-button user interface pressure. For synoptic use, the sensor is bias adjusted at ground level. Winds Data from the radiosonde's GPS receiver is used to calculate wind speed and direction.
    [Show full text]
  • Comparison Between GPS Radio Occultation and Radiosonde Sounding Data
    Comparison Between GPS Radio Occultation and Radiosonde Sounding Data Dione Rossiter Academic Affiliation, Fall 2003: Senior University of California, Berkeley SOARS® Summer 2003 Science Research Mentors: Christian Rocken, Bill Kuo, and Bill Schreiner Writing and Communications Mentor: David Gochis Community Mentor: Annette Lampert Peer Mentor: Pauline Datulayta ABSTRACT Global Positioning System (GPS) Radio Occultation (RO) is a new technique for obtaining profiles of atmospheric properties, specifically: refractivity, temperature, pressure, water vapor pressure in the neutral atmosphere, and electron density in the ionosphere. The data received from GPS RO contribute significant amounts of information to a range of fields including meteorology, climate, ionospheric research, geodesy, and gravity. Low-Earth orbiting satellites, equipped with a GPS receiver, track GPS radio signals as they set or rise behind the Earth. Since GPS signals are refracted (delayed and bent) by the Earth's atmosphere, these data are used to infer information about atmospheric refractivity. Before the GPS RO data are used for research and operations, it is essential to assess their accuracy. Therefore, this research provided quantitative estimates of the accuracy of GPS RO when compared with measurements of known accuracy. Profile statistics (mean, standard deviation, standard error) were computed as a function of altitude to quantify the errors. Comparing RO data with nearby (300km; 2hr) radiosonde data yielded small mean error for all of the statistical plots generated, affirming that the RO technique is accurate for measuring atmospheric properties. Comparison of RO data with sounding data from different radiosonde systems showed that the RO technique was of high enough accuracy to differentiate differences in performance of various types of radiosonde systems.
    [Show full text]
  • GPS-Based Measurement of Height and Pressure with Vaisala Radiosonde RS41
    GPS-Based Measurement of Height and Pressure with Vaisala Radiosonde RS41 WHITE PAPER Table of Contents CHAPTER 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 4 Executive Summary of Measurement Performance ............................................................................. 5 CHAPTER 2 GPS Technology in the Vaisala Radiosonde RS41 ........................................................................................... 6 Radiosonde GPS Receiver .................................................................................................................. 6 Local GPS Receiver .......................................................................................................................... 6 Calculation Algorithms ..................................................................................................................... 6 CHAPTER 3 GPS-Based Measurement Methods ............................................................................................................... 7 Height Measurement ......................................................................................................................... 7 Pressure Measurement ..................................................................................................................... 7 Measurement Accuracy..................................................................................................................... 8 CHAPTER
    [Show full text]
  • ESSENTIALS of METEOROLOGY (7Th Ed.) GLOSSARY
    ESSENTIALS OF METEOROLOGY (7th ed.) GLOSSARY Chapter 1 Aerosols Tiny suspended solid particles (dust, smoke, etc.) or liquid droplets that enter the atmosphere from either natural or human (anthropogenic) sources, such as the burning of fossil fuels. Sulfur-containing fossil fuels, such as coal, produce sulfate aerosols. Air density The ratio of the mass of a substance to the volume occupied by it. Air density is usually expressed as g/cm3 or kg/m3. Also See Density. Air pressure The pressure exerted by the mass of air above a given point, usually expressed in millibars (mb), inches of (atmospheric mercury (Hg) or in hectopascals (hPa). pressure) Atmosphere The envelope of gases that surround a planet and are held to it by the planet's gravitational attraction. The earth's atmosphere is mainly nitrogen and oxygen. Carbon dioxide (CO2) A colorless, odorless gas whose concentration is about 0.039 percent (390 ppm) in a volume of air near sea level. It is a selective absorber of infrared radiation and, consequently, it is important in the earth's atmospheric greenhouse effect. Solid CO2 is called dry ice. Climate The accumulation of daily and seasonal weather events over a long period of time. Front The transition zone between two distinct air masses. Hurricane A tropical cyclone having winds in excess of 64 knots (74 mi/hr). Ionosphere An electrified region of the upper atmosphere where fairly large concentrations of ions and free electrons exist. Lapse rate The rate at which an atmospheric variable (usually temperature) decreases with height. (See Environmental lapse rate.) Mesosphere The atmospheric layer between the stratosphere and the thermosphere.
    [Show full text]
  • Aviation Weather Services (AC 00-45H)
    U.S. Department Advisory of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Circular Subject: Aviation Weather Services Date: 1/8/18 AC No: 00-45H Initiated by: AFS-400 Change: 1 1 PURPOSE OF THIS ADVISORY CIRCULAR (AC). This AC explains U.S. aviation weather products and services. It provides details when necessary for interpretation and to aid usage. This publication supplements its companion manual, AC 00-6, Aviation Weather, which documents weather theory and its application to aviation. The objective of this AC is to bring the pilot and operator up-to-date on new and evolving weather information and capabilities to help plan a safe and efficient flight, while also describing the traditional weather products that remain. 2 PRINCIPAL CHANGES. This change adds guidance and information on Graphical Forecast for Aviation (GFA), Localized Aviation Model Output Statistics (MOS) Program (LAMP), Terminal Convective Forecast (TCF), Polar Orbiting Environment Satellites (POES), Low-Level Wind Shear Alerting System (LLWAS), and Flight Path Tool graphics. It also updates guidance and information on Direct User Access Terminal Service (DUATS II), Telephone Information Briefing Service (TIBS), and Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR). This change removes information regarding Area Forecasts (FA) for the Continental United States (CONUS). 1/8/18 AC 00-45H CHG 1 PAGE CONTROL CHART Remove Pages Dated Insert Pages Dated Pages iii thru xii 11/14/16 Pages iii thru xiii 1/8/18 Pages 1-8 and 1-9 11/14/16 Page 1-8 1/8/18 Page 3-57 11/14/16 Pages 3-57 thru
    [Show full text]
  • The Impact of Dropsonde and Extra Radiosonde Observations During NAWDEX in Autumn 2016
    FEBRUARY 2020 S C H I N D L E R E T A L . 809 The Impact of Dropsonde and Extra Radiosonde Observations during NAWDEX in Autumn 2016 MATTHIAS SCHINDLER Meteorologisches Institut, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat,€ Munich, Germany MARTIN WEISSMANN Hans-Ertel Centre for Weather Research, Deutscher Wetterdienst, Munich, Germany, and Institut fur€ Meteorologie und Geophysik, Universitat€ Wien, Vienna, Austria ANDREAS SCHÄFLER Institut fur€ Physik der Atmosphare,€ Deutsches Zentrum fur€ Luft- und Raumfahrt, Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany GABOR RADNOTI European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, Reading, United Kingdom (Manuscript received 2 May 2019, in final form 18 November 2019) ABSTRACT Dropsonde observations from three research aircraft in the North Atlantic region, as well as several hundred additionally launched radiosondes over Canada and Europe, were collected during the international North Atlantic Waveguide and Downstream Impact Experiment (NAWDEX) in autumn 2016. In addition, over 1000 dropsondes were deployed during NOAA’s Sensing Hazards with Operational Unmanned Technology (SHOUT) and Reconnaissance missions in the west Atlantic basin, supplementing the conven- tional observing network for several intensive observation periods. This unique dataset was assimilated within the framework of cycled data denial experiments for a 1-month period performed with the global model of the ECMWF. Results show a slightly reduced mean forecast error (1%–3%) over the northern Atlantic and Europe by assimilating these additional observations, with the most prominent error reductions being linked to Tropical Storm Karl, Cyclones Matthew and Nicole, and their subsequent interaction with the midlatitude waveguide. The evaluation of Forecast Sensitivity to Observation Impact (FSOI) indicates that the largest impact is due to dropsondes near tropical storms and cyclones, followed by dropsondes over the northern Atlantic and additional Canadian radiosondes.
    [Show full text]
  • Coastal Weather Program
    Commandant 2100 Second Street, S.W. United States Coast Guard Washington, DC 20593-0001 (202) 267-1450 COMDTINST 3140.3D 13 JAN 1988 COMMANDANT INSTRUCTION 3140.3D Subj: Coastal Weather Program 1. PURPOSE. To set forth policy for weather observation, reporting, and dissemination from Coast Guard shore units and offshore light stations; and, to direct the coordination with the National Weather Service (NWS) for these activities. 2. DIRECTIVES AFFECTED. Commandant Instruction 3140.3C is canceled. 3. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES. To support the National Weather Service in conducting its federally-mandated weather forecasting and dissemination program by: a. Designating those stations and units required to report weather observations. b. Ensuring that weather reports are made in the suitable format as prescribed by the NWS. c. Ensuring that uniform and timely communication procedures and methods are used to convey this information to the NWS. d. Providing procedures for units not participating in a regular weather reporting program which may be required to make weather observations in support of NWS special programs. 4. POLICY. Title 14 Section 147 of the U.S. Code authorizes the Commandant to procure, maintain, and make available facilities and assistance for observing, investigating, and communicating weather phenomena and for disseminating weather data, forecasts and warnings in cooperation with the Director of the National Weather Service. To this end the Commandant supports a program to ensure the high quality and quantity of weather observations for NWS marine weather forecasts. The Coast Guard, as a user, depends upon high quality forecasts for our missions in the marine environment. COMDTINST 3140.3D 13 JAN 1988 5.
    [Show full text]
  • On the Use of Radiosondes in Freezing Precipitation
    MARCH 2018 W AUGH AND SCHUUR 459 On the Use of Radiosondes in Freezing Precipitation SEAN WAUGH NOAA/OAR/National Severe Storms Laboratory, and Cooperative Institute for Mesoscale Meteorological Studies, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma TERRY J. SCHUUR Cooperative Institute for Mesoscale Meteorological Studies, University of Oklahoma, and NOAA/OAR/National Severe Storms Laboratory, Norman, Oklahoma (Manuscript received 13 April 2017, in final form 4 January 2018) ABSTRACT Radiosonde observations are used the world over to provide critical upper-air observations of the lower atmosphere. These observations are susceptible to errors that must be mitigated or avoided when identified. One source of error not previously addressed is radiosonde icing in winter storms, which can affect forecasts, warning operations, and model initialization. Under certain conditions, ice can form on the radiosonde, leading to decreased response times and incorrect readings. Evidence of radiosonde icing is presented for a winter storm event in Norman, Oklahoma, on 24 November 2013. A special sounding that included a particle imager probe and a GoPro camera was flown into the system producing ice pellets. While the iced-over temperature sensor showed no evidence of an elevated melting layer (ML), complementary Particle Size, Image, and Velocity (PASIV) probe and polarimetric radar observations provide clear evidence that an ML was indeed present. Radiosonde icing can occur while passing through a layer of supercooled drops, such as frequently found in a subfreezing layer that often lies below the ML in winter storms. Events that have warmer/deeper MLs would likely melt any ice present off the radiosonde, minimizing radiosonde icing and allowing the ML to be detected.
    [Show full text]
  • Allianz Risk Barometer
    ALLIANZ GLOBAL CORPORATE & SPECIALTY ALLIANZ RISK BAROMETER IDENTIFYING THE MAJOR BUSINESS RISKS FOR 2021 The most important corporate perils for the next 12 months and beyond, based on the insight of 2,769 risk management experts from 92 countries and territories. About Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) is a leading global corporate insurance carrier and a key business unit of Allianz Group. We provide risk consultancy, Property-Casualty insurance solutions and alternative risk transfer for a wide spectrum of commercial, corporate and specialty risks across 10 dedicated lines of business. Our customers are as diverse as business can be, ranging from Fortune Global 500 companies to small businesses, and private individuals. Among them are not only the world’s largest consumer brands, tech companies and the global aviation and shipping industry, but also wineries, satellite operators or Hollywood film productions. They all look to AGCS for smart answers to their largest and most complex risks in a dynamic, multinational business environment and trust us to deliver an outstanding claims experience. Worldwide, AGCS operates with its own teams in 31 countries and through the Allianz Group network and partners in over 200 countries and territories, employing over 4,450 people. As one of the largest Property-Casualty units of Allianz Group, we are backed by strong and stable financial ratings. In 2019, AGCS generated a total of €9.1 billion gross premium globally. www.agcs.allianz.com/about-us/about-agcs.html METHODOLOGY CONTENTS The 10th Allianz Risk Barometer is the biggest yet, incorporating the views of a record 2,769 respondents from 92 countries and territories.
    [Show full text]
  • Mesorefmatl.PM6.5 For
    What is the Oklahoma Mesonet? Overview The Oklahoma Mesonet is a world-class network of environ- mental monitoring stations. The network was designed and implemented by scientists at the University of Oklahoma (OU) and at Oklahoma State University (OSU). The Oklahoma Mesonet consists of 114 automated stations covering Oklahoma. There is at least one Mesonet station in each of Oklahoma’s 77 counties. Definition of “Mesonet” “Mesonet” is a combination of the words “mesoscale” and “network.” • In meteorology, “mesoscale” refers to weather events that range in size from a few kilometers to a few hundred kilo- meters. Mesoscale events last from several minutes to several hours. Thunderstorms and squall lines are two examples of mesoscale events. • A “network” is an interconnected system. Thus, the Oklahoma Mesonet is a system designed to mea- sure the environment at the size and duration of mesoscale weather events. At each site, the environment is measured by a set of instru- ments located on or near a 10-meter-tall tower. The measure- ments are packaged into “observations” every 5 minutes, then the observations are transmitted to a central facility every 15 minutes – 24 hours per day year-round. The Oklahoma Climatological Survey (OCS) at OU receives the observations, verifies the quality of the data and provides the data to Mesonet customers. It only takes 10 to 20 minutes from the time the measurements are acquired until they be- come available to customers, including schools. OCS Weather Series Chapter 1.1, Page 1 Copyright 1997 Oklahoma Climatological Survey. All rights reserved. As of 1997, no other state or nation is known to have a net- Fun Fact work that boasts the capabilities of the Oklahoma Mesonet.
    [Show full text]
  • Monthly QA Report.Docx
    OKLAHOMA MESONET / ARS QUALITY ASSURANCE REPORT April 2016 Prepared by Cindy Luttrell and Amanda Ilk [email protected] ● Mesonet technicians completed scheduled rotations of 6 rain gauges (RAIN), 2 batteries (BATV), 1 barometer (PRES), 6 humidity sensors (RELH), 4 wind directions (WDIR), 1 fasttherm (TAIR), 1 wind sentry (WS2M), and 1 wind monitor nose (WSPD). Mesonet QA Report for Standard Variables Variable Status Site Ticket Remarks TAIR Resolved NRMN 29481 High bias during high humidity. Replaced. RELH WSPD Resolved BYAR 29514 Errant high wind gust during precipitation. Current MINC 29518 Errant high wind gusts during precipitation. Errant high wind gusts during precipitation. WDIR Resolved FITT 29468 Replaced PRES Resolved PRYO 29467 Barometer samples sometimes errantly high. SRAD Primary rain gauge reported 0.02 inches during RAIN Resolved HOBA 29452 heavy thunderstorm. Secondary gauge reported over 1 inch. Secondary rain gauge reported 0 when primary Resolved ACME 29485 rain gauge reported 0.4 inches. Secondary rain gauge reported 0 when primary Resolved PUTN 29484 rain gauge reported 0.5 inches. TA9M WS2M TB10 TS05 Resolved WEBR 29346 Suspect sensor is at incorrect depth; reburied. TS10 TS25 TS60 TR05 Resolved TAHL 29382 Sensor reports -7999. Replaced. Current BLAC 29536 Sensor is slow to moistened and dries out fast. TRB10 Sensor does moisten as much as expected when TRS10 Current TIPT 29517 exposed to moisture. Moist extreme gradually changes over time. TR25 TR60 Resolved NEWK 29271 Sensor is not heating. Replaced. ARS Little Washita Watershed QA Report Variable Status Site Ticket Remarks RAIN VW05 VW25 VW45 Current A133 29483 All sensor voltages stepped down to values near 0.
    [Show full text]