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155/2001155/2001

After Extensive Field Testing: Launching of New RS90-AG Customer Satisfaction Survey for WOBS Customers: Valuable Customer Feedback Using Product Platforms: Next Generation of Surface Weather Software Products New ROSA Generation: Evolution Rather Than Revolution 40813_VaisalaNews_155 7.12.2000 18:29 Sivu 2

Contents

President’s Column 3 Serving Better Our Customers 4 Customer Satisfaction Survey for WOBS Customers: Valuable Customer Feedback 6 Next Generation of Surface Weather Software Products 8 Meteorological Data Management System: Aurora’s payload system was MetMan for Multi-purpose Data Collection 10 developed for high missions, for use on Compact MAWS301 Automatic Weather Station 12 low speed platforms such as Demanding Tactical Military Needs 14 Pathfinder, Altus and Perseus B. Due to funding cuts, the Vaisala Technology for the U.S. Air Force 17 dropsonde payload was not Military Exhibition EUROSATORY 2000 in France 18 permitted to be deployed and Climatological Conditions on the My Thuan Bridge 19 operated from Pathfinder. Nevertheless, Aurora tested and Major Contract from the U.S. qualified the payload for flight, 20 using its high altitude test Using L and S-Band Boundary Layer and a chambers. Vaisala’s were an integral part of this Millimeter-wave Doppler with Vaisala MAWS: scientific experiment. Weather Observations 20 Researchers are using dropson- Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne: des to get a more accurate pic- Fostering Plant Conservation 24 ture of hurricanes. Fire RAWS Unit on the Bircher Burned Over 26 Launching of RS90-AG Radiosonde 29 Vaisala’s MAWS301 Automatic Global Positioning System 31 Weather Station is a new gener- ation weather station especially Significant Radiosonde Order designed for applications where from Met Service Canada 32 no commercial power or com- Vaisala’s Next Generation munication networks are avail- 32 able or economically installed. Radiosounding Ground Equipment MAWS301 is a compact, envi- DigiCORA III Sounding System with ronmentally robust and low Radiotheodolite and GPS Finding 38 power system providing reliable and continuous data on a mul- Orders for Upper Air Systems from North America 40 titude of meteorological and hy- Aurora’s Research Project: drological parameters. Carrying Dropsondes into the Atmosphere 40 Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation: Tracking Severe Storms 45 Vaisala’s new Ice New ROSA Generation Prediction System, for the – Evolution Rather Than Revolution 47 monitoring of surface weather, was installed at Copenhagen Airport Cuts Costs: Copenhagen Airport in New Tools for Winter Maintenance 50 1999. It considerably aids Copenhagen International Airport 53 winter maintenance deci- sion-making by enabling WAS425 Ultrasonic Wind Sensor: airport staff to easily moni- Sales Have Taken Off in U.S. Aviation Market 54 tor conditions on the exten- sive network of runways Focus on Italian Airfields 56 and taxiways. The system Vaisala Acquires Jenoptik Impulsphysik 58 comprises a network of Vaisala to Deliver Detection to Poland 58 weather station sub nets, including 25 sensors. Order for the Thunderstorm System from Spain 59 Vaisala News on the Internet 59

Vaisala in Brief

– We develop, manufacture – We focus on market seg- Editor-in-Chief: Editors: and market products and ments where we can be Marit Finne Bellcrest Language services for environmental world leaders, the pre- Publisher: Services Oy and industrial measure- ferred supplier. We pay Vaisala Oyj Printed in Finland by ments. high attention on customer P.O. Box 26 Sävypaino, Finland satisfaction. Our main FIN-00421 Helsinki – Purpose of those mea- value discipline is Product FINLAND surements is to provide Leadership. Competitive Phone (int.): basis for better quality of advantage is enhanced by +358 9 894 91 life, cost savings, protection economies of scale and of environment, improved scope. Telefax: safety and performance. +358 9 8949 2227 Internet: www.vaisala.com Design and Artwork: 2 155/2001 Non-Stop Studiot Oy ISSN 1238-2388 40813_VaisalaNews_155 7.12.2000 18:29 Sivu 3

President’s Column

Core Products

eather observation ny. We invest in research and I am happy that we can again data is the core prod- development to be able to sup- offer new and better products to W uct for professional ply increasingly better measure- our customers and help them meteorologists. The ment solutions to support our build their competitiveness. We quality of this data significantly customers’ competitiveness. understand that many of them affects the quality and competi- Customer feedback is an im- want to thoroughly evaluate tiveness of their final product. I portant part of this. and test products before buying believe that the theory of C.K. On the other hand, when we them. Unfortunately, we lack Prahaland and Gary Hamel *) deliver measurement solutions, common reliable standards to concerning core products and they also have their own core verify product performance. core competence is also valid products. In each measurement The long testing period slows for organizations in the meteor- system, a sensor, measuring al- down the introduction of new ological field. In making pur- gorithm or measuring concept, technology and thereby the de- chasing decisions related to the including automation, may be velopment of the whole field. If observation network, meteorol- the core product affecting the only we users and manufactur- ogists set the limits for future total performance. Our own re- ers in this field could together competitiveness. search is focused on these core create verification methods so We at Vaisala have defined products. One example is our that the process of overlapping our own role in the meteorol- sensor technology, including and successive retesting could ogical field on that basis. It is the HUMICAP® and BARO- be avoided. It would be of ben- our job to provide measure- CAP® sensors. Behind the suc- efit to all. ment solutions that allow cus- cessful core products are core tomers to build their own com- competence and unique experi- petitiveness. The critical factors ence, which have been created are observations performance, as a result of sustained team- observations availability and work. Such a level of compe- their total cost. tence can be only achieved if Vaisala’s approach is to pro- we have sufficient, high quality vide added value through prod- resources. We are dedicated to uct leadership. We are a strong- the continuous improvement Pekka Ketonen ly technology-oriented compa- of our core products. President and CEO

*) C.K. Prahaland and Gary Hamel, “The Core Competence of the Corporation”, Harvard Business Review, May-June 1990

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Marit Finne Editor-in-Chief Vaisala News Vaisala Helsinki Finland Serving Our Customers Better

Today, more than ever, we at Vaisala live in a channel at Vaisala. We inter- for ABB’s industrial automa- competitive world. Our challenge is to continu- viewed Mr. Laisi to find out tion business in Finland, first in more about his plans for the fu- sales and marketing and then ously provide our customers with improved ture. in a general management posi- products and better services. We also need to re- tion running a factory. member that, whatever we do, it should add New global WOBS “During that time, the ABB value in the eyes of our customers. In this situa- sales channel director company in Finland developed its operations on a global scale tion increased efficiency is essential. Vesa Laisi leads the Weather and it is this expertise that I Observations (WOBS) sales hope I can contribute to the channel – one of two global Vaisala Group. Vaisala is just sales channels in the Vaisala now going through a strong de- n June 1, 2000, the Group – which bears the main velopment phase aimed at en- Vaisala Group’s new responsibility for sales and suring its role as a global player O global organization marketing to meteorological in- in the environmental measure- was inaugurated. It stitutes, road and airport au- ment business. I have both a marked the beginning of a thorities, and research and mil- technical and a commercial ed- major change in our thinking itary customers. ucation which I believe will and in our way of serving cus- “These customers are profes- help me to understand how to tomers. It was also the moment sional users of weather data and develop products and services when Vesa Laisi, a master’s set very challenging demands to meet customer require- graduate in both engineering on our sales organization. It is ments, and how to develop and and economics, joined the essential for our long-term suc- manage a sales channel to meet company. He is the new global cess to have professional sales these requirements and opti- director of the WOBS sales and marketing operations and mize our customer service.” services within the Vaisala What exactly are the areas Group and in our distribution that Vesa Laisi feels should be We aim to continuously provide our customers with improved products and network,” says Mr. Laisi. improved in the future? better services. Professional sales and marketing operations and services within Before joining Vaisala, Vesa the Vaisala Group and in our distribution network play a major role in our Laisi worked for twelve years future development.

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Vesa Laisi is the new meet all our customers’ needs. an important operation for us, global director of the The world is entering a period and we will invest heavily in of- WOBS sales channel when any asset, any process, fering cost-effective services at Vaisala. can be turned into a service that will help our customers to that is available via Internet. improve the quality of data We want to be a pioneer to- they sell to customers or use gether with our customers in themselves.” putting Internet into effective operational use.” Aim is to grow

Valuable customer “The Vaisala Group has decid- relationships ed to grow, and our growth will be faster than the industry av- “Good customer relationships erage in this business. But what are one of our key assets. It re- will that bring to our cus- lates to the value that our cus- tomers. Being a bigger compa- tomers perceive in us. Our goal ny does not bring any value to Listening to the phase. I am positive that, in the is for customers to perceive the our customers, as such. If we customer future, our customers will see value delivered by us to be are able to turn this growth us as an even more reliable, higher than all the other alter- into better products and ser- “We should increase our relia- professional and service-mind- natives available. I am not say- vices, then our customers will bility, professionalism and ser- ed company.” ing that this is easy to achieve. perceive us as a good partner, vice-mindedness, and work The results of the customer But we hope that our customers able to meet the challenges of a more effectively for the benefit survey are presented on pages 6- will feel that we are very willing fast changing market place.” of our customers. We should 7 of this issue of Vaisala News. to work closely with them in a build better contacts with our partnership. I am sure that this Customers encouraged customers so that they consider Responsiveness will add value for all of us. We to express their opinions Vaisala a reliable and easy part- aim to help our customers to ner to do business with. Of A key success factor in any serve their customers better.” “Finally, I want to encourage all course, this is more easily said globalization process is how to our customers to keep in touch than done. But I am a great be- set up operations to optimize After sales service with us. Whatever you have in liever in listening to the cus- responsiveness. “We need effi- mind, just let us know. In this tomer.” cient tools in real-time commu- “We have noticed that there is a way we can improve our opera- In line with this philosophy, nications and real-time work- paradigm shift taking place on tions to meet your expectations a customer satisfaction survey flow – internally and externally. the market towards service- now and in the future. I feel it was sent to some of the Vaisala We intend to utilize Internet based business. This requires a is very interesting to be with WOBS customers in summer solutions and partners to build new kind of thinking from us. you on this exciting journey 2000. The purpose of the sur- a truly interactive company In addition to what we are into the future,” concludes vey was to determine improve- which is easy to do business today, I see us in the future as a Vesa Laisi. ment priorities for the Vaisala with.” high-tech service provider for Group based on the responses “Our aim is to use Internet the new globally interconnect- of our customers. “We have as a personal, quick, cost-effec- ed market place. Service will be completed the study. We are tive and responsive channel to moving on to the action plan

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Customer satisfaction survey for WOBS customers Valuable Customer Jaakko Hirvensalo, M.Sc. (Eng.) Quality Manager Upper Air Division Vaisala Helsinki Finland Feedback

The Vaisala Weather Overall evaluation Observations (WOBS) Loyality/value of customer Sales Channel con- index relationship ducted a customer sat- isfaction survey among its global cus- Customer benefit tomer groups in sum- Customer benefit assessment improvement mer 2000. The results analysis are being used in Vaisala’s continuing search to develop new solutions to meet cus- Assessment of Improved analysis tomer needs. process of processes

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aisala regards cus- consisted of customer inter- perceived value can also be tomer feedback as views and a questionnaire in added by creating system solu- V extremely valuable. which respondents were en- tions for individual customer In recent years, it couraged to express their opin- needs. A summary of the survey has become common for com- ions. We asked customers to results and consequent im- panies everywhere to measure answer questions related to provement actions have be sent various aspects of their opera- Vaisala core processes and strat- to respondents in autumn 2000. tions. The measurement of cus- egy concerning customer bene- The next customer satisfac- tomer satisfaction is one of the fits and added value features. tion survey is planned for the most important indicators to The survey questionnaire year 2002. By then, we hope to use when developing the com- was targeted at customers repre- see progress in the areas that are pany’s operations, services and senting the synoptical, military, currently considered as priority business. Growing customer research, oceanic, airport and areas for improvement. satisfaction also points to fu- road weather segments of each We would like to thank all ture success for the company. sales area. In all, 464 WOBS the respondents for supporting customers were contacted and Vaisala’s ongoing effort to con- Respondents a 39 per cent response rate was tinuously achieve higher levels encouraged to express achieved. of customer satisfaction. their opinions Results indicated a Vaisala Weather Observations high level of satisfaction (WOBS) Sales Channel con- Figure 1. ducted a customer satisfaction According to the survey, Vaisala Overview of results: The survey among its global cus- products generally have a measurement of loyalty and tomers. After careful prepara- strong position on the market value indexes are used to tions, the survey was carried and their performance is highly evaluate the overall customer out during June-August 2000. appreciated. The majority of relationship. The customer The survey routines, including customers are satisfied with and benefit assessment leads to mailing of questionnaires and loyal to Vaisala and will conti- benefit improvement analysis analysis of the customer re- nue to do business with us in and the assessment of processes sponses, were outsourced to the future. Vaisala has a strong Gallup Insight in Helsinki, a position in comparison with is used for an improvement specialist in customer surveys. competitors, especially among analysis of Vaisala’s The aim of the survey was to synoptic and defense cus- fundamental operations. identify areas for improvement tomers. which will hopefully result in Priority areas for improve- increased customer loyalty, and ment are on the after sales side to predict customers’ future of our operations. Customer- buying behavior. The survey

We asked customers to answer questions related to Vaisala core processes and strategy concerning customer benefits and added value features. According to the survey, Vaisala products generally have a strong position on the market and their performance is highly appreciated. The majority of customers are satisfied with and loyal to Vaisala and will continue to do business with us in the future.

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Next Generation of Surface Weather

Jarmo Harju, M.Sc. (Eng.) R&D Manager Software Products Surface Weather Division Vaisala Helsinki Finland

Using product platforms provides ypically, people do not only for the product devel- significant benefits. The idea is to not consider Vaisala opment company, but also for T as being a software the customer or end user, be- continue re-using the product development house. cause: platform many times, instead of Some may, perhaps, consider building similar functions over us as an embedded software de- • product quality improves, and over again. One benefit is veloper, but most categorize us since the platform compo- as sensor manufacturers. nents are tested more care- improved product quality; the This is not really the case fully because they are used platform components are tested anymore, at least, not entirely. for multiple applications; more carefully, because they are Naturally, Vaisala’s core area of competence is still sensor tech- • time-to-market shortens, used for multiple applications. nology, but today, most of since major parts of the Additionally, the product’s time- Vaisala’s R&D effort is in soft- product exist before devel- to-market shortens. ware development. Altogether, opment is begun; Vaisala has about 100 software • good performance is possi- development professionals. ble for all applications, since The majority of them work in a the platform must support Windows environment, rather the highest performance re- than with embedded systems. quirements; Product platforms • the total development effort decreases in the long term, Many major product develop- since and Vaisala is able to ment oriented companies build build more products for the their new products on product end user. platforms, or core products. The idea is to continue re-using Recipe for a the same product platform software platform components many times, in- stead of building similar func- tions over and over again. Building software products is Using product platforms not easy, and building software leads to significant benefits, platforms is even more diffi-

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Figure 1. The network flow editor.

cult. Platform development is and the user applications. Most more demanding than product of them are simple database ap- development in many respects. plications that control the data- When specifying the require- base. Customers, too, own ap- ments for a platform, one must plications can use the database collect the requirements for all as an interface where they may the future applications instead read the measurement data. of for a single application The communication be- alone. This means that the ap- tween the platform compo- plication with the most de- nents takes place through stan- manding requirement sets the dard interfaces, either through standard for all the other appli- MSMQ or DCOM. DCOM is cations, too. For example, air- Microsoft’s specification for port meteorological systems the Distributed Common must be extremely reliable. Object Model. This is similar This means that the other ap- graphical user interfaces and choice, so we selected Windows to CORBA (Common Object plications can also benefit from correct workflow design help NT 4.0 as our platform, and Request Broker Architecture), similar reliability. the user to understand the con- plan to migrate to Windows and enables component usage The platform needs to have cept and facilitate using the 2000 in the coming months. in a network environment. long life span, even in today’s software. The backbone of the archi- One of the most challenging constantly changing world. One The system parameters are tecture is the MSMQ problems has been the scalabili- sure way of guaranteeing this is stored in a single central data- (Microsoft Message Queue) ty requirement. The same appli- to incorporate the kind of tech- base rather than in multiple queue management system. cation must not only operate nology that has a reputation for data files. They can be edited in When a data message enters on single laptop environment, lasting reliability. This is not the whole network using a sin- the system it is placed on a but also on a network of dozens necessarily easy, but many mis- gle user interface. Also, a graphi- queue. It is then ‘parsed’, i.e.; it of workstations and servers. It takes can be avoided, if the tech- cal network topology editor has is read from a queue and has to support one weather sta- nology is open and widely ac- been created (see Figure 1). placed in another queue, and tion or thousands of weather cepted. In this case, ‘open’ The installation programs so on. Wherever a queue exists stations. In practice, the only means that the interfaces, for- work through Microsoft. as part of the architecture, a possible solution is to distribute mats and algorithms are com- Applications can easily be in- TCP/IP (Transmission Control the applications to a network monly available and can easily stalled and removed. The num- Protocol / Internet Protocol) using specific networking ‘mid- be attached to other systems. ber of installation parameters is network can be used, and it is dleware’, such as MSMQ. A platform is easier to man- limited, and only the necessary this that allows us to distribute age if it is split into compo- options are given to the user. the application to the network Significant benefits nents. Components are isolat- environment easily. MSMQ ed units with a standard inter- Applications takes care of most things for us. We strongly believe that using face. They can be used in many If MSMQ is the backbone of the new software platform will applications wherever the same The first application using the the system, the relational data- lead to significant benefits, function is required. software platform will be a base is the heart. All parameters both for our customers and for One of our key principles product called MetMan (see and data are stored within the Vaisala. End users get more has been “not to do something pages 10-11). This is an applica- database. The database engine high quality products with bet- more than once”. This watch- tion for managing weather sta- of most of our high-end systems ter reliability. We can create word is applied internally by tion networks and for collect- is Oracle 8.1. The Microsoft products more effectively and never building the same func- ing data from weather stations. Access (JET) database can be concentrate on the application tion twice. We also apply it by The first users of this are to be used for low-end applications. itself, instead of having to solve using commercial components meteorological institutes and The database is an interface be- secondary technical issues. built by third parties, whenever similar organizations. tween the data collection engine possible. This allows us to con- After MetMan, the same centrate our efforts on the part platform will be extended to that is specific to the applica- new areas such as tactical mete- tion, rather than having to orology, road weather and avia- solve common programming tion weather. Later, the plat- problems. form may be used for new ap- plication areas that Vaisala de- Three principles: cides to enter. Usually, the easy, easy and easy basic architecture of observa- tion applications is congruous. The main aim for a platform is that it must be easy: easy to op- Technical architecture erate, easy to configure and easy to install. Complex con- There was no doubt about the cepts, however, cannot be operating system for us: made to look easier than they Microsoft Windows has particu- are. Weather station network larly dominated the workstation configuration is a complex con- markets for a long time. Also, cept, which we cannot attempt our customers clearly indicated to oversimplify. However, that this would be the best Figure 2. The parameter editor.

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Jarmo Harju, M.Sc. (Eng.) R&D Manager Surface Weather Division Vaisala Helsinki etMan is a new data Map interface Finland collection and net- M work management Meteorological data is spatial system for our sur- data associated with a geograph- Meteorological Data Management System face weather customers. It gath- ical location. The most natural ers data from automatic weath- way of handling the data is er stations and intelligent sen- through a GIS (Geographical sors and runs on a PC with the Information System) interface. Microsoft® Windows NT™ We have selected ESRI Map MetMan for operating system. Through this Objects, the leading commercial product range Vaisala is provid- GIS package, which the end- ing a meteorological data man- user can use to access the data. agement solution that can be At first, the user views a map Multi-purpose scaled from a single weather on which the weather stations station observation console to are visible as symbols, in their data collection and storage of correct location. By clicking a comprehensive automatic symbol, the user can view the Data Collection weather stations networks. measurement data for the sta- tion in question, and the data There are three versions history log, if he so desires. of MetMan: The measurement data val- ues can be displayed on a map Vaisala is launching a new generation of • MetMan Observation that indicates, for example, the Meteorological Data Management System soft- Console is for single point across the coun- ware – the MetMan product range. There are applications. try. The powerful GIS engine can be used to create a statisti- three versions of MetMan; MetMan • MetMan Network 100 is the cal model of the area. It can be Observation Console is for single point applica- mid-range solution for a colored according to the tem- network of up to 100 weath- perature and the map that is tions. MetMan Network 100 is the mid-range so- er stations. lution for a network of up to 100 weather sta- produced as a result is very easy • Lastly, MetMan Network to publish. In short, with the tions. Lastly, MetMan Network 400 supports 400 supports even the latest GIS technology, the pos- even the largest weather station networks. largest weather station net- sibilities are endless. Through the new products, Vaisala is providing works. Relational database a meteorological data management solution to a (See Table 1 for more specific wide range of meteorological users. information on the different versions). The fact that MetMan utilizes a standard relational database means all kinds of things for the end user. The data itself is a valuable asset, which is stored securely within the database. Standard administration utili- ties and security features can be used to manage the data. In the database, the data is easily avail- able for customers’ own appli- cations, as it is with MetMan end user products. For example, it is very easy to transfer the data to your own web pages. The user may use standard tools to analyze and display the data. Vaisala can recommend some of the best tools to use for the analysis. In many cases, it is possible to use tools that are al- ready in use at the customer site. All system parameters are stored within the same data- base, and this goes for the whole measurement network. Not only are the parameters for all the computers included, but the weather station parameters are in the database, too. For ex- ample, after installing a new physical sensor or a weather

Figure 1. The map and data displays. 10 155/2001 40813_VaisalaNews_155 7.12.2000 18:30 Sivu 11

station the user simply inputs logos or standard features to the the parameter information on user interface. We have taken all the database and the system is this into account in the design ready to go. of the system. Standard data dis- BUFR is the WMO (World plays and editors, such as real- Meteorological Organization) time and history data display or standard for meteorological SYNOP editor are included in measurement definitions. the MetMan product options. Vaisala uses the BUFR codes as These applications can easily be a basis for all the measure- modified using Visual Basic ments. Numerous pre-defined tools. Most of the pre-designed measurements are installed on graphical elements (such as the the database, saving a great deal wind rose) can be selected for of configuration work at the de- the customer’s own application. ployment phase. We have only touched on MetMan’s many features. Customer-specific MetMan has been available applications since autumn 2000, and the next release will be available during Even though Vaisala has exten- 2001. For further information sive experience in meteorologi- please contact your Vaisala rep- cal products, MetMan cannot resentative or the MetMan prod- fulfill all the needs of potential uct manager Mr. Sami Leino users. Therefore, we have mul- (email [email protected]). Figure 2. The SYNOP editor. tiple built-in interfaces for cus- tomers’ own applications. Parsers are components that MetMan MetMan MetMan translate incoming messages Observation Network 100 Network 400 into intelligent data. Many of Console our clients have defined their own message formats that they Standard features use when sending the measure- Queuing system NT4.0 Wkst + NT4.0 Server + MSMQ NT4.0 Server + MSMQ ment data from a weather sta- tion to the central station. Vaisala Queues or MetMan is designed with an NT4.0 Enterprise Edition in-built slot into which cus- Station support For one station Basically for 25, Basically for 100 tomers may install their own up to 100 parser and thus use their own Database support Jet in Workstation Jet in Server Oracle Server PC with message formats with MetMan. NT4.0 Wkst The standard relational data- base offers a state-of-the-art in- Collects the data from stations X X X terface for customer specific ap- Data logging to database or ASCII file X X X plications. Numerous commer- cial development tools can be Real time displays in table or graphics X X X used to build up new client- Alarms X X X server or web-based applica- History data viewer X X X tions. Typically, various methods of Configuration editors X X X communication are used in Configuration checking tool X X X measurement applications. We have selected a communication Terminal program X X X library for MetMan that enables Multiple data transmission protocols X X dozens of drivers to be used for Multiple data message formats X X different types of communica- tion. The communication alter- Station group support X X natives available are numerous Automatic log file retrieval from AWS X X and range from PSTN (Public Switching Telephone Network) Options and ISDN (Integrated Services SYNOP Editor with manual / X X X Digital Network) to GSM short automatic message transmission messages and email communi- cations. Also, various methods GIS interface for history data viewer X X X of satellite communication are Separate modem server PC X X supported. Server duplication X X Often, customers want to tai- lor the data displays according Support for user defined components X to their specific needs. They may want to add their own Table 1. Properties of MetMan versions (Changes possible without prior notice).

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Compact, environmentally robust

MAWS301 Automatic Hannu Kokko, B.Sc. (Eng.) Product Manager Surface Weather Division Vaisala Helsinki Weather Station Finland

Vaisala’s MAWS301 automatic Advanced measurement weather station is a new genera- technology tion weather station especially Based on the latest measure- designed for applications where ments and communications no commercial power or com- technology, the MAWS301 weather station interfaces with munications networks are avail- various telecommunications able or economically installed. equipment such as PSTN and MAWS301 is a compact, envi- GSM modems and modems as well as satellite ronmentally robust and low . Imbedded with so- power system providing reliable, phisticated technology, MAWS continuous data on a multitude is the ideal choice for a wide of meteorological and hydrolog- range of meteorological appli- cations requiring reliable and ical parameters. accurate meteorological mea- surements and low cost-of-own- ership. The MAWS301 series of weather stations also provide a planned and economical future upgrade path. The complete MAWS301 The accurate measurements automatic weather station with a begin with the sensors. The option insalled in Brazil. basic suite of sensors measures wind, , , relative and precipita- tion. Measurements can also be taken of multi-level soil tem- perature, soil moisture, solar ra- diation, net radiation, water level and temperature. The ex- tended set of sensors includes smart sensors such as cloud height with cloud coverage algorithm, visibility (MOR), present weather and water quality parameters.

User-friendly and accurate configuration

MAWS is easy to install and set up. The sensors are equipped with ready-made cables and connectors for quick installa-

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tion. All modules are easily mounted on DIN rails, allow- ing easy maintenance. No spe- cial tools are needed. Sensor measurements, calculations, data logging and data transmis- sions are performed according to user-configured programs. The operation of MAWS can be easily modified with the help of the user-friendly MAWS Lizard II configuration software. Using the ready-made templates and libraries, this set-up pro- gram guides the user through In addition to the the simple set-up routines. Not standard PSTN modems, only is it easy to use, but there BOX501 offers space for are enough set-up options and optional wireless telemetry advanced features to satisfy equipment such as GSM even the most demanding user. data modems, radio MAWS301 combines Vaisala’s modems and satellite proven sensor technology with transmitters. a new compact data logger de- sign derived from long exper- tise and field experience in syn- optic, climatological and re- ensures reliable operation at flash memory is available on- RS-232 port is the standard. search applications and in de- low maintenance costs. board the CPU for the logging Two optional plug-in modules manding industrial use. The of measured and calculated can be used for enhancing ver- use of a 32-bit CPU, a 16-bit Data output data. An optional compact satile performance: A/D conversion, and advanced flash memory module offers ex- software features such as data The data output formats of panded memory capacity with • DSI485 – isolated RS-485 validation ensure the continu- MAWS can be freely and ef- removable memory cards up to for distances up to 1,500 ous accuracy of your weather fortlessly configured by the several tens of Mbytes. This in- meters information. user to suit the requirements of dustry standard card is easily re- particular applications. The moved and data read into the • DSU232 – dual RS-232 Reliable operations data transmission can be self- PC for further processing. This ports timed, polled or sent automati- secure memory technology • DMX501 – fixed line MAWS is compact and rugged, cally when a measured and/or does not require regularly modem for longer distances. being tolerant of difficult ope- calculated parameter exceeds changed back-up batteries at all. rating conditions, and its de- its alarm threshold. Various statistical calcula- In addition to the standard sign is weather-proof. Only the Each sensor and calculated tions can be made on-site, thus PSTN modems, BOX501 offers highest quality materials are parameter has its own user-con- reducing the amount of data to space for optional wireless used. BOX501 is a robust en- figurable alarm settings. The be transmitted or logged. The telemetry equipment such as closure with IP66 (NEMA4X) configurability of the multiple logging parameters and sched- GSM data modems, radio protection. It comes with a serial channels and telemetry ules are all user-configurable, of modems and satellite transmit- white painted solar radiation options allows the same equip- course. ters. All telemetry equipment is shield for additional protec- ment to serve several users and offered complete with all ne- tion. The cables are of high- applications simultaneously. Power supply options cessary mounting accessories, quality polyurethane, with coaxial surge arrestors, cables molded connectors that are wa- Statistical calculations MAWS means low power con- and antenna. tertight in accordance with the sumption. Typically only a 14 IP68 standard. All the inputs Statistical calculations include W solar panel is used for pow- Easy upgrading have transient protection and minimum, maximum, average, ering MAWS301 with options the RF inputs are protected standard deviation and cumula- for extended periods of time. A The design of MAWS301 en- with coaxial surge arrestors. tive values, calculated over user- 24 W solar panel as well as a ables the system to be easily up- The built-in quality control set periods. The periods are also mains (AC) power supply are graded with new sensors, calcula- software checks the sensor data user-configurable for each cal- optional to power even an ex- tions, output formats and log- against the user-set climatologi- culation. In addition, a library tended system with communi- ging schedules at any time to ac- cal limits and step changes be- of ready-made calculations is cations devices. commodate the user’s changing tween successive measure- available, including unit con- There are three alternative requirements. Software modifi- ments. Statistical calculations versions, dewpoint, QNH, sizes of back-up batteries avail- cations are made using the are made only when the mini- QFF, QFE, evapotranspiration, able with capacities of 7, 12 or MAWS Lizard II Set-up program mum user-set number of sam- frost point, wind chill, heat 24 Ah. with new sensors simply con- ples is available. The built-in stress, sunshine duration, etc. nected to the free connectors. test program monitors several Communications options The large number of sensors and internal parameters. Versatile data logging telemetry options coupled with All of this ensures that the MAWS has up to 5 serial ports Vaisala’s continuous develop- measured data can be relied MAWS301 provides easy data for interfacing with telemetry, ment guarantees an upgrade upon. The design of MAWS logging. 1.7 Mbytes of secure terminals and displays. One path far into the future.

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Versatile automated weather observation for Demanding Tactical Military

Military forces have a universal need for automated weather stations that can be rapidly deployed and used in diverse field operations. They have also tended increasingly to use commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) products. Vaisala’s new generation MAWS201M Tactical Meteorological Observation System meets the versatile requirements of military forces, and is a genuine COTS product.

ilitary forces have a to be portable, capable of quick perature and relative humidity universal need for deployment worldwide, and and . In addition M rapid-deployment, operational in tactical situa- to the basic functions of pow- automated weather tions in a variety of environ- ering and taking measurements stations that can be used in di- ments. from the sensors, the verse field operations. Two systems can be con- MAWS201M also processes the Furthermore, they are increas- nected to a Windows NT- statistical calculations, per- ingly using commercial-off-the- based workstation via hardwire forms data quality control, logs shelf (COTS) equipment. The or radio modems. The work- data into a secure Flash memo- challenge is to provide COTS station displays the data nu- ry, and formats the data for Hannu Kokko, B.Sc. (Eng.) systems that can be easily merically and graphically, codes output in application-specific Product Manager shipped, installed and field-up- aviation weather reports in formats. Surface Weather Division graded with a variety of sensors METAR/SPECI, and archives The MAWS201M uses a 32- Vaisala Helsinki to give full aviation support ca- and transmits the data for fur- bit Motorola CPU, a 16-bit Finland pabilities in the METAR for- ther processing. A handheld A/D conversion, and advanced mat, for example. display is also available for software to ensure the continu- Vaisala’s new generation viewing all measured and cal- ous accuracy of the measured MAWS201M Tactical Meteorol- culated data while still in the data. The built-in quality con- ogical (TACMET) Observation field. trol software validates the sensor System offers all these capabili- data against the climatological ties, and is a genuine COTS High-performance limits set by the user, and the product. Basic System step changes between successive measurements. The modular de- Field-deployable The MAWS201M Basic System sign and efficient Built-In-Test weather station for is a high-performance system (BIT) diagnostics allow quick tactical situations fitted into a very compact identification, removal and re- equipment package built placement of defective LRUs The MAWS201M TACMET around a stable tripod design. (Lowest Replaceable Units) in System is a field-deployable, The system can be powered by the field. compact weather station, capa- mains power (AC) or by an in- The MAWS201M has 5 seri- ble of monitoring two general tegrated solar panel when al I/O ports for interfacing types of environmental para- mains power is not available. with intelligent sensors such as meters – meteorological para- Back-up batteries, which can be those used in enhancement meters (wind, air temperature, used for a minimum seven days configuration, and for trans- humidity, pressure, precipita- without charging, are also in- mitting data to users via land- tion) and aviation support pa- cluded. line cable and/or VHF or UHF rameters (cloud height and The MAWS201M interfaces radio modem. cover, visibility/precipitation with a basic set of sensors for The data can be presented type, thunderstorms/light- and direction, on either a handheld display ning). The system is designed barometric pressure, air tem- unit or a Windows NT-based

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• Real-time data display • METAR/SPECI coding and editing • Data and message storage • System diagnostics

Laptop PC with METAR/SPECI message out Software in to the Forecast System via serial line or LAN (FTP) y Needs Windows NT

Communications via land-line cable or VHF/UHF radio modem

Basic MAWS201M Basic MAWS201M Enhancements Enhancements (optional) (optional)

SYSTEM 1 SYSTEM 2 (OPTIONAL)

Figure 1. The complete MAWS201M System with enhancements and options.

workstation, both of which are pensate for uneven terrain. Its described in more detail below. installation is easier and faster, if no exact leveling is required. Versatile enhancements The cloud cover algorithm used in the CT25KAM is a fur- The Basic System can be en- ther development of the algo- hanced with sensors for cloud rithm specified by FAA. The height and cover, visibility, pre- cloud cover (amount) is report- sent weather and lightning de- ed in 0 to 8 octals, according to tection, all of which are needed the WMO (World Meteorol- for aviation support. The en- ogical Organization) regula- hancement sensors are all pow- tions. The cloud height/vertical ered by mains power, but have visibility accuracy is within 50 a back-up battery supply with feet in a range of up to 25,000 an in-built charger to support feet. In addition to reporting operation in the limited mode the standard four layers of for 24 hours. cloud, the system reports fifth layers in the remark fields of Cloud height and cover the METAR report.

Cloud height and cover is de- Visibility and tected by the CT25KAM, present weather which is a portable model of Vaisala’s FAA-approved (ap- The PWD11A visibility and proved by the US Federal evalu- Aviation Administration) ates the Meteorological Optical known as the Range (MOR) by measuring CT25K. The CT25KAM has a the intensity of infrared light unique single lens design, mak- scattered at an angle of 45°. ing it lighter, more reliable and The scatter measurement is easier to maintain. The converted to visibility after a heater/blower window condi- careful analysis of the signal tioner ensures performance in properties. Special processing is all specified environmental used in the case of precipita- conditions, and under all pre- tion. The MOR range (visibili- cipitation types. It also signifi- ty) of the PWD11A is from cantly reduces the need for op- 10m…20,000 m. erator maintenance in the field. The PWD11A is a lightweight A special tilt sensor is pro- instrument designed to operate vided to automatically com- continuously with minimum Figure 2. The MAWS201M Basic System.

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maintenance. Condensation is optical intensity is proportional avoided by lens heating, result- to the volume of the reflecting ing in better performance in all particles. conditions and reduced opera- tor maintenance. The PWD11A is quickly installed on the tripod of the Basic System. No tools The SA20 StrikeAlert Thunder- are required. storm sensor is designed to de- The present weather is also tect and locate lightning activi- measured with the same instru- ty within a 50 nautical mile ment. The PWD11A present range of the sensor. The SA20 weather detector uses the same is also an FAA-approved sen- sensing technology as the sor. FD12P present weather sensor, The SA20M detects lightning which is FAA-approved and occurring within clouds, be- has been found to be one of tween clouds and between the the best sensors in an extended clouds and the ground. The abili- comparison organized by the ty to detect inter-cloud activity WMO. allows the SA20M to detect The PWD11A software de- lightning during the buildup tects precipitation droplets from stages of a thunderstorm, before rapid changes in the scatter sig- sufficient charge buildup has oc- nal. The droplet data is used to curred to generate a ground estimate precipitation intensity strike. Consequently, the SA20M and precipitation amount. In provides early warning of poten- addition to the optical signal, a tially fatal, single-event, ground capacitive detector is used strikes. to estimate precipitation intensi- The primary functional com- ty and the precipitation type. ponents of the SA20M are the The output of the capacitive antenna, strike processor board Figure 4. The complete system can become operational in less than 30 minutes. rain detector is proportional to and main processor board. The the water amount on the capaci- antenna is mounted on top of a tive sensing surfaces, while the ground plane with the proces-

sor boards mounted below, re- tervals for display on the opera- Figure 3. The complete MAWS201M TACMET system with enhancements. sulting in a compact, single tor terminal or the handheld sensor lightning detection sys- test set. The data includes the tem. distance and direction of the The antenna is a set of closest lightning and the total crossed loop antennas and a count of the lighting activity vertical electrical field antenna. during the last 15 minutes. Circuitry to simulate a light- ning strike at a predetermined Portable system range and bearing is integrated into the antenna for continu- The TACMET system is de- ous BIT purposes. signed for maximum portabili- To ensure proper function- ty and ease of use. The me- ing of all components, BIT is chanical parts are made of performed every four seconds. lightweight, but robust, an- The main processor initiates a odized aluminum and durable ‘test strike’ through the strike plastic. All cables, made of processor board and the anten- polyurethane, are fitted with na. This provides a complete quick release connectors mak- analog test of the antenna and ing installation and unpacking the strike processor. If the cor- quick and easy, even under the rect test result is not returned, most difficult conditions. an error condition is set and is System configuration and not cleared until a valid test re- site-specific parameters can be sult is obtained. set with the handheld terminal, The display/output messages or remotely with the PC work- generated by the SA20M in the station. current TACMET configura- The carrying cases are made tion use the standard METAR of cellular polypropylene reporting format. Output con- (EPP), which is lightweight but sists of a 15-minute ‘moving very rugged material. It pro- window’ of all reported light- vides excellent cushioning and, ning activity. Output messages after a shock or push, will re- are generated at five-second in- turn to its initial form by itself.

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VaisalaVaisala TechnologyTechnology forfor thethe U.S.U.S. AirAir ForceForce

aisala has received a major production order from the American company Raytheon Inc., to V supply the U.S. Air Force (USAF) with Tactical Figure 5. Real-time data display of basic parameters. Meteorological (TACMET) Observation Sys- tems. The order was obtained as a result of international competitive bidding and successful completion of USAF qualification tests. Deliveries started in August 2000. The cases are equipped with lated data from the Maws201M “The importance of weather conditions and their moni- handles, hinges and latches systems, automatically gener- toring is rapidly growing worldwide. This order serves as where padlocks can be used. ates METAR/SPECI reports an excellent international reference for Vaisala. We won The two carrying cases of the (aviation routine weather re- the international bidding because of our technological ex- Basic System weigh only 46 kg. ports) and interfaces with an pertise,” says Pekka Ketonen, President and CEO of operator. The data is archived Vaisala. Data displays for 30 days on hard disk and The system to be delivered is designed to measure and also distributed further to other collect meteorological data and to observe aviation There are two different types of systems via the serial port or as weather. The weather stations monitor air temperature, display unit available. Both an FTP transfer. and speed, relative humidity, air pressure, provide timely, real-time, in- The workstation software al- precipitation amount and type, soil moisture and tem- theater weather information for lows the user to edit the perature, lighting conditions, cloud height and cover, visi- users at the installation site or METAR reports with easy-to- bility and lightning. The system is designed to be capable remotely at a command center. use templates. The aviation of quick deployment and to operate in the most de- special weather reports (SPECI) manding conditions. Handheld display are automatically generated The TACMET systems are part of Vaisala’s range of whenever the relevant criteria is surface weather observation products. The technology of The QMD101M is a light- observed, or if initiated by the the weather stations is based on the company’s standard weight, rugged, easy-to-read, operator. products, which have been delivered to meteorological handheld display device. It has In addition, this software institutes and aviation authorities in various countries. a 160 x 160 graphic LCD with provides real-time graphical backlight for night-time opera- data displays in multiple win- tion. The backlight setup allows dows. The stored data can be the user to adjust the number of viewed in the ASCII format. seconds before the backlight The Event Monitor allows the automatically turns off. operator to monitor system per- It provides paged screens for formance and sensor alarms. measurement and calculation In any configuration, up to results, an alarm screen that two MAWS201M systems can shows active alarms and a setup be connected to the Laptop PC screen for setting environmen- workstation using landline ca- tal variables such as time, date, bles, VFH/UHF radio modems station name, altitude, etc. or any combination of these. The display is a low-power de- vice. It is powered directly from the MAWS201M in the field, or from mains power in indoor use. The handheld terminal can be connected to the Basic System directly via cable or by VHF/UHF radio modems.

PC workstation software Vaisala’s Tactical Meteorological (TACMET) Observation System is a field-deployable, compact weather station for various The Windows NT software col- operations. Pictured the production facilities. lects the measured and calcu-

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MilitaryMilitary ExhibitionExhibition EUROSATORYEUROSATORY 20002000 The EUROSATORY 2000 International Exhibition Adam Hibberd for Land and Land-air Defense was held in Paris in Systems Engineer June 2000. The event provided Vaisala with the op- Vaisala Melbourne portunity to showcase its latest weather observation Australia technology.

aisala was one of a dozen Finnish com- panies participating in this major mili- V tary exhibition, which is arranged in Paris every two years. Vaisala was at- tending the exhibition, one of the most important international military exhibitions in Europe, for the third time since 1996. Delegations from more than one hundred countries were officially invited to the event by the French Ministry of Defense. This year, Vaisala exhibited the new MAWS201M TACMET System and the RT20A Radiotheodolite equipment and concepts. The exhibition marked the beginning of the in- ternational launch of the MAWS201M TACMET System. A fully equipped and operational TACMET system with typical surface weather sensors plus cloud height, present weather, visibili- ty and thunderstorm sensors was exhibited. Some of the system features highlighted were its broad sensor capability with full aviation support, com- pact size and lightness for rapid mobility as well as its versatile user and communication functions. Exhibition of the RT20A Radiotheodolite em- phasized its operation with the new generation DigiCORA III sounding system concept. This was demonstrated using a simulation program on a field-use computer. Actual photos from the ex- isting systems were used to illustrate transporta- tion concepts for the systems fielded in various countries. Customers from countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Greece, the Netherlands and the USA visited Vaisala’s stand and had the opportunity to see a PC/video projector presenta- tion on the DigiCORA III/ Radiotheodolite and the various transportation concepts. The visitors gave both the systems and the pre- sentation itself a warm reception. Exhibitions such as this provide representatives of the various military branches the perfect opportunity to see and become acquainted with existing state-of-the- art weather observation systems. Also beneficial for Vaisala was the amount of fruitful discussion with visitors. The exhibition provided visitors with a much more accessible forum for the latest product information than provided by equipment presentations alone. Vaisala’s exhibition stand showcased a number of new advances in product development.

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MAWS weather station recording Climatological Conditions on the My Thuan Bridge

The My Thuan Bridge over the Mekong River in MAWS weather stations southern Vietnam is one of the country’s high- A Vaisala MAWS weather sta- est priority national infrastructure projects. The tion has been installed on the Bridge has a cable stayed design, so wind and northern tower of the My rain directly affect the vibration capacity of the Thuan Bridge, approximately 130 m above the river level. A stay cables. Vaisala’s weather stations have been second MAWS has been in- used to record climatic conditions and thus to stalled on a light pole on the enable the performance of the stay cables to be main deck, approximately 54 assessed. m above the river level. Wind speed and direction is dis- played on a Vaisala WD20 wind display. All other weather data, including wind, is logged. The My Thuan Bridge has a cable stayed design. Wind and n Australian compa- rain directly affect the vibration ny, Baulderstone capacity of the stay cables. The A Hornibrook Engin- MAWS weather stations will be eering, was endorsed The My Thuan Bridge has a cable used to record climatic condi- by the Governments of stayed design, so wind and rain tions and thus to enable the Australia and Vietnam as the performance of the stay cables directly affect the vibration capacity successful tenderer for the con- of the stay cables. to be assessed. struction of the My Thuan Bridge, scheduled for comple- tion at the end of the year 2000. Vietnamese engineers and man- The first bridge agers. across the Mekong The My Thuan Bridge, over the Mekong River in southern Up to 300 Australians and over Vietnam, is one of Vietnam’s 1500 Vietnamese have been highest priority national infra- employed during the life of the structure projects. It will be project. the first bridge across the The bridge site is technically Mekong in Vietnam and will very difficult and construction provide a significant contribu- has required a high degree of tion to economic develop- engineering excellence, which ment in the Mekong delta as a Australia is well equipped to whole. The cost of building provide. Along with its devel- the bridge is being shared be- opment benefits, the project tween Australia and Vietnam. has involved a high level of Australia’s share of the con- technology transfer to, and struction costs will amount to training for, a large number of some AUD$59 million. Vaisala’s weather stations have been installed to record climatic conditions on the My Thuan Bridge.

Vaisala gratefully acknowledges the advice and assistance of Ausaid – the Australian government’s overseas aid program, in the preparation of this article.

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Major Contract

from the Shigeki Shimizu, BBA Technical Consultant Vaisala Tokyo U.S. National Japan Weather Kyoto University’s Radio Science Center for Service Space and Atmosphere is engaged in meteorol- ogical observations in Japan and Indonesia. They use L and S-band boundary layer radars, a millimeter-wave Doppler radar, and Vaisala’s ra- he Vaisala has received a major contract diosondes and MAWS automatic weather sta- from the U.S. Department of T Commerce / NOAA, National Weather tions to identify atmospheric mechanisms. Service. The contract is for Vaisala to develop and deliver new ultrasonic wind speed and direction instruments. These instruments will be installed in Automated Surface Observing Systems at major airports throughout the United States. The deliveries are scheduled to take place between 2001–2004. Observations in The measuring principle used by these instru- Indonesia ments represents the latest technology, which will become the standard and replace traditional tech- Kyoto University’s Radio nology. The contract marks an important step in Science Center for Space and the application of this new technology. The Atmosphere (RASC) com- United States has the largest meteorological mar- menced observations in ketplace in the world and offers the Vaisala Group Indonesia in 1998 with a single substantial potential for the future. The contract L-band boundary layer radar was awarded to Vaisala after more than four years (BLR) and Vaisala’s MAWS au- of extensive testing and international bidding. tomatic weather station. They The measuring instruments to be delivered are were installed at a pre-selected based on ultrasonic technology. They are used to observation site in West measure wind speed and direction. Because the in- Sumatra near the equator. struments have no moving parts, data reliability, The L-band BLR is capable even in the most demanding conditions, is im- of obtaining three-dimensional proved and maintenance requirements reduced. wind profiles (including verti- Vaisala was additionally awarded a contract to cal velocity when there is no develop and supply meteorological dewpoint in- precipitation) at of up struments to the United States National Weather to about 3,000 m. The vicinity Service in early 2000. of the equator is known as a cardinal region of atmospheric global circulation, but its mechanism has not been fully unraveled. During intensive observa- tion periods, were also used to measure wind speed, atmospheric pressure, temperature and humidity. The radiosonde enables weath- er observations at higher alti- tudes than is possible with the L-band BLR, and thus ra-

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Using L and S-band boundary layer radars and a millimeter-wave Doppler radar with Vaisala’s MAWS Weather Observations

diosonde monitoring data is Indonesia also has its own an indispensable complement surface observation system, but to data obtained from the L- compared with its counterparts band BLR. in advanced countries, the data For the purpose of intensive is often unreliable, because of observation, the RASC imple- maintenance or handling prob- ments joint observation pro- lems, and is largely in analog jects in collaboration with form (chart sheets, etc.). In Kobe University and the order to obtain more reliable University of Tokyo. Each of data which can be stored in dig- these two universities uses ital form, the RASC has in- ozonesondes with Vaisala’s stalled a Vaisala MAWS auto- sounding systems for aerologi- matic weather station brought cal observations. However, from Japan. continuous round-the-clock observations at fixed points Mobile radar with radiosondes are too diffi- observations in Japan cult to always conduct success- fully. The combined observa- The RASC has two types of tions of L-band BLR, ra- small-sized (onboard type) radar diosondes and surface weather systems. give us the first really effective One is an onboard type mil- aerological observation sys- limeter-wave Doppler radar tem. This combination allows mainly intended to observe a more accurate grasp of con- clouds and which are hard- tinuous height profiles. ly monitorable by convention-

Dr Hashiguchi from Kyoto University’s Radio Science Center for Space and Atmosphere is responsible for all equipment and observations in Kyoto and Indonesia.

Vaisala’s MAWS automatic weather station in the boundary observations site of the Indonesian .

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al types of meteorological radar. This is Japan’s first mil- limeter-wave Doppler radar, with a transmission frequency of 34.75 GHz in a millimeter- wave band and a transmission power of 100 kW. It has proven effective mainly in the observa- tion of cumulous convection and thunder clouds in coastal areas. The other is an onboard type S-band BLR system consisting of an antenna, a transceiver and a signal processor installed on board a truck that enables the mobile observation of at- mospheric behavior in the at- mospheric boundary layer. It features a transmission frequen- cy of 3.05 GHz in an S-band and a peak transmission power of 500 W. It generally permits observation at an altitude range of 200–1,500 m, excluding humid weather on rainy days, S-band boundary layer radar mounted on a truck with Vaisala’s MAWS weather station. under which circumstances the observation can cover an even higher altitude. This radar sys-

tem is mostly used to observe Research Institute of the Japan typhoons and localized torren- Meteorological Agency, are tial downpours. collaborating in making inten- sive and concurrent observa- MAWS automatic tions of rain from the land and weather station plus the sea. The RASC has also radar observation used the S-band BLR to partici- pate in monitoring the lower It has not been common prac- atmosphere and rain clouds. tice for the RASC to carry out At the time of the next radar surface observation concur- observation, the MAWS auto- rently with radar observation. matic weather station is expect- However, the incorporation of ed to provide complementary a MAWS automatic weather surface weather data which will system will make it possible to hopefully contribute to more collect surface weather data to accurate observation. support every case of mobile observation. When mobile ob- System application servation is concisely carried out in a relatively short period A is also used in of time, the easily installable the observation of meso-scale MAWS is believed to play a disturbances. Continuous, very effective role in collecting round-the-clock aerological ob- highly accurate surface obser- servation will make it possible vation data useful to mobile to monitor the passage of a radar observation. front that can hardly be identi- Today, one of the major an- fied from weather charts. In nual public concerns in the view of the fact that surface Kyushu area is the localized weather data is indispensable to torrential downpours that this observation, the incorpora- occur in the rainy season (in tion of a MAWS automatic June). weather station will be a perfect In an effort to accurately ana- solution to the construction of lyze such localized torrential a very effective observation sys- A boundary layer radar and a meteor radar operated near Jakarta with BPPT downpours, various institutes, tem. (the Science and Technology Agency) and LAPAN (the Aero Space Agency). including the Meteorological

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The 14th Professor Vilho Vaisala Award WMO Solid Precipitation Measurement Intercomparison

Two Canadian scientists, Barry Goodison and Paul Louie, and a Chinese Canada with the WMO, and scientist, Daqing Yang, have won the 14th Professor Vilho Vaisala Award Mr Jussi Mykkänen, Research Director and representative of for their paper “WMO Solid Precipitation Measurement Intercomparison Vaisala, Finland. – Final Report”. The paper is the result of a 7-year experiment at some 25 Dr Barry Goodison, the meteorological sites operated by 13 WMO member countries. Project Leader, is at present the Director of the Climate Processes and Earth Observa- tion Division of the Canadian wo Canadian scien- vices of all 185 WMO member Climate Centre. Dr Daqing tists, Barry Goodison countries. Yang, who made an outstand- T and Paul Louie, and According to Professor ing contribution to the project a Chinese scientist, Obasi, Secretary-General of the by developing the adjusting Daqing Yang, have won the WMO, the results “are most method for the wind-induced 14th Professor Vilho Vaisala relevant for climate monitor- systematic under-catch of the Award. Their paper “WMO ing” as they contribute to ob- reference gauge, is now Assis- Solid Precipitation Measure- taining long-term and homoge- tant Research Professor at the ment Intercomparison – Final neous precipitation measure- University of Alaska, USA. Mr Report” is the result of a 7-year ments and provide solid Paul Louie, who also made an experiment at some 25 meteorol- grounds for the development outstanding contribution to ogical sites operated by 13 and transfer of appropriate the project through the devel- WMO member countries. It technologies to improve the ac- opment of improved methods, aimed to assess national meth- curacy of climate observation procedures and compatibility ods of, and instruments for, methods and procedures and of climate data sets, is a Senior measuring solid precipitation the compatibility of climate Research Meteorologist at the (snowfall). The award ceremony data sets. Therefore, Professor Canadian Climate Centre. was held in Toronto in February Obasi expressed appreciation 2000. and gratitude, not only to the Designed to encourage three scientists who led the pro- research programs Results relevant for ject, but also to all national climate monitoring project leaders and the numer- The Award is given by the ous scientists and operational WMO to encourage and stimu- Various types of national staff of all participating WMO late interest in important re- gauges were compared in differ- member countries that were ac- search programs in the field of ent climatic regions over at tively involved. instruments for and methods least five winter seasons against of meteorological and climatic a newly agreed reference design Award ceremony observations supportive of that had never previously been WMO’s programs. used internationally. New Hosted by Environment Cana- The Professor Vilho Vaisala methods of adjusting current da, the Award ceremony was Award, which consists of medals, and historical archive data have attended by Dr A. Nymark, diplomas and cash, was institut- Marit Finne been developed through the Deputy Minister of the ed in 1985 when the WMO Editor-in-Chief experiment. These methods Environment in Canada, Dr Executive Council accepted an Vaisala News can now be tested and adapted Gordon A. McBean, Assistant offer of a scientific research paper Vaisala Helsinki for the meteorological and hy- Deputy Minister and in the field of instruments and Finland drological equipment and ser- Permanent Representative of methods of observation.

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Peter Symes Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Manager, Gardens North Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Simon Harrod Fostering Plant Sales Manager Vaisala Melbourne Australia Conservation

Founded over 150 years ago, the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Australia is a leading institution committed to advancing the know- Renowned throughout the world as ledge and enjoyment of plants and fostering their conservation. The one of the finest landscaped gardens Royal Botanic Gardens aims to make people more aware of the essen- in existence, the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne extends over 36 tial role that plants play in all life on earth. Vaisala’s automatic weath- hectares, and displays more than er station was installed in the Gardens in 1998 to provide weather in- 52,000 individual plants. formation and reference evaporation data.

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here are four key areas Evaporation fall. Data is transmitted via a nificant landscape values, inter- within the Royal issues in focus modem link to the Irrigation nal and external requirements, T Botanic Gardens – Control Room. The Vaisala location security and the ability the Royal Botanic A key requirement in estimat- Qterminal program is used to to measure representative Gardens Melbourne (RBGM), ing Readily Available Water access current weather informa- weather conditions. the Royal Botanic Gardens (RAW) in the soil is accurate tion and displays of rainfall and The present location of the Cranbourne, the National and site-relevant evaporation evaporation values for the pre- weather station has proved in- Herbarium of Victoria, and the information. When the RBGM vious four days from the auto- valuable in providing accurate Australian Research Centre for implemented its Water matic weather station. Apart and reference evaporation data Urban Ecology. Budgeting Model (WBM) – see from supplying rainfall and which is representative of the Renowned throughout the definitions in the box – it first evaporation information, the general site conditions at the world as one of the finest land- relied on data supplied by the weather station can also pro- RBGM. scaped gardens in existence, Melbourne Bureau of vide details of rainfall intensity, the Royal Botanic Gardens . a useful property in assessing Melbourne extends over 36 Trials were carried out by in- water infiltration of the soil and hectares, displays more than putting the evaporation data run-off data during storms. Definitions 52,000 plants (representing from sites at Laverton and over 12,000 species from Spring Street, Melbourne into The information is used by the Readily Available around the globe), and attracts the Water Budgeting Model. Royal Botanic Gardens to: Water (RAW) over 1.7 million visitors per The conclusion was that this This is the water potentially year. data was not representative • assist in the control and available for plant growth enough of the actual evapora- management of plant pests between the matric poten- tion rates at the RBGM. It was and diseases, tials of – 10 kPa and – 300 also difficult to obtain accurate • program the Automatic kPa at a particular soil enough data for the Irrigation depth. Index during this time. Irrigation System, Investigations were therefore • educate students about Water Budget Model commenced with Burnley weather conditions, and College to obtain and site an A management system that A-Class Evaporation Plan. • record rainfall for the estimates water deficits in However, in May 1997, an Bureau of Meteorology and the soil and controls irriga- outbreak of bacterial disease be- other government agencies tion. It considers variables lieved to be fireblight in the such as the City of such as effective rain, root Royal Botanic Gardens again Melbourne. depth, RAW, irrigation effi- highlighted the necessity to ciency, reference evapora- monitor weather conditions. Accurate and reference tion and crop factors. The Department of Agriculture evaporation data therefore provided funds to pur- Irrigation Index chase an Automatic Weather A performance indicator to Station (manufactured by Providing an optimum site for compare the water applied Vaisala) to be sited within or an automatic weather station in to the estimated water re- near the RBGM. Consequently, a 150-year-old public garden quirement over the irriga- Vaisala’s automatic weather sta- can be a difficult task. The tion season. tion was installed in February eventual location depends on a 1998. In addition to providing number of factors such as sig- data to assist in disease manage- ment, a modified Penman- Monteith algorithm was imple- mented in the weather station software to provide the neces- sary reference evaporation data. During February 1999, the management of Government House grounds reverted back to the Office of the Governor of the RBG. By late February 1999, the automatic weather station had been relocated to the newly developed Observatory Gate precinct.

Weather station for weather monitoring

The Vaisala automatic weather station is equipped with sen- sors for wind speed and direc- tion, temperature, relative hu- Vaisala’s automatic weather station is equipped with sensors for wind speed midity, solar radiation and rain- and direction, temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation and rainfall.

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On Monday, July 24, 2000, a fire on the Bircher near Durango, Colorado, burned over an NIFC Fire RAWS (Remote Automated Weather Station) unit. The fire blew up and then made a canyon gobbling run in the middle of the night. The Fire RAWS is an enhanced RAWS unit that collects weather infor- mation and can alert firefighters on call by transmitting information via radio. For a couple of days, the Bircher fire reached nightmare proportions. Fire RAWSRAWS UnitUnit onon thethe Bircher Burned Over

Kelly Andersson Contract Web Editor & Technical Specialist for US Forest Service Fire & Aviation Management Arizona, USA

huck Maxwell, fire weather program C leader for the Albu- querque office of the NWS, was the Incident Meteorologist (IMET) ordered by Joe Hartman’s Type II team and dispatched to the scene of the fire. “I came up Saturday morning,” he says, “and I just followed the smoke trail and the plume from New Mexico. I checked in before noon and spent about three hours getting my stuff set up. The next day was nothing short of a nightmare.” Hartman’s team, who was managing the incident, also or- dered the Fire RAWS from NIFC. “We were dispatched on Saturday from Boise,” says Denise Buske, one of the two specialists who came with the unit. “We arrived on Sunday about noon and deployed the unit at about 3 p.m. at the Park Point Lookout.”

The Bircher fire at the Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado put up smoke

PHOTOS COURTESY:PHOTOS CHUCK MAXWELL columns that could be seen for miles.

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Fire RAWS unit Park Point Lookout, where Vaisala’s Remote Automated Weather Station – high tech meets the unit was deployed, is the fireline safety highest point in the park with Wildland Fires in the western U.S. have been the worst for low to moderate coverage of years. In fact, records are being broken regarding the number The Fire RAWS, in its second fuels – mostly piñon-juniper of wildfires being fought and the amount of acreage burned, year of testing, detects any un- and gambel oak. “It’s a wide and this represents a national disaster. Vaisala has a role to usual measurements – such as area,” says Buske, “and we play in that we are the sole provider of NIFC (National high or a change in tem- wanted the winds on the east Interagency Fire Center) Fire RAWS (Remote Automated perature or humidity – and can side, so we deployed it there Weather Station) equipment. More than one thousand fixed then automatically warn fire- about 50 feet (15 m) from the and portable RAWS stations are being used by the inter- fighters via a hand-held radio. lookout. There was about two agency wildland fire community. The system includes a com- feet (61 cm) of dirt and gravel The NIFC in Boise, Idaho, is the national headquarters for plete weather station; it also all around, with small brush on wildland fire management. It is home to the largest cache sup- transmits weather observations the south side. We figured there ply of fire fighting equipment, and its ‘dispatch central’ for fire over the GOES satellite, which was somewhat of a buffer zone resources has provided dispatches not only across the country broadcasts to various locations around in case it did get but also to other countries, for international disaster manage- and can, for example, provide burned.” ment. A number of fire management agencies operate from information over the Internet. Events change quickly in situ- NIFC, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Sensors on the Fire RAWS, ations where there is a fire, and Land Management (BLM), the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the which are calibrated before when the group headed down U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, the each use, monitor wind speed from Park Point Lookout, the National Weather Service (NWS), the Office of and direction, peak winds, air fire made a run over the road, Services and the National Association of State Foresters. More temperature, fuel temperature blocking the firefighters’ way information is available from the NIFC website at www.nifc.gov and moisture, relative humidity out. A number of decisions This article dramatically portrays a ‘real life’ fire situation and (RH) and solar radiation. were discussed – should the explains, in detail, how equipment is critical to the fire fighting Programmed warning thresh- group stay to monitor the fire, decisions that are made. olds include low RH, high tem- go down into town, or go the perature, increased wind speed other way out from the point? or significant changes in wind Several options were also dis- direction. The Fire RAWS units cussed in the case of a scenario are individually calibrated and where the fire were to burn fine-tuned for accuracy beyond over the point. If the Fire manufacturers’ specifications, RAWS was pulled and saved and the Fire RAWS specialists that evening there would be no take accuracy very personally, valuable weather data from the according to Mark Barbo, logis- unit. Based on the weather The installation of the Fire RAWS station. Over one thousand fixed and tical Fire RAWS coordinator at readings and the IMET and portable RAWS stations are used by the interagency wildland fire community. NIFC. Fire Behavior Analyst informa-

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tion, the group concluded that ing when necessary. “If you get the fire was laying down for the into a situation where there is a evening and would probably dangerous canyon, and they’re not reach the point until about going to put crews in there, we 10 a.m. the following morning. can deploy a unit right where The decision was made to go they are. The crew boss has the back into town, to attend the code and can access the unit at morning briefing, and then to any time. The crew will hear go back to the point and pull it the crew boss hitting the unit, (the Fire RAWS) out before the In the evening, the convection column went up to a height of over 40,000 feet. and they can follow the RHs fire got there. while they’re there. But they Mario Marquez is one of the have their thresholds – if the technical specialists with the RH hits 7, then my crew is Fire RAWS unit. He says the ity and dryness of the air over a The morning after going to be out of that hole – one variable was whether the fire) of about 12. The Haines that’s my threshold.” fire would settle down to the goes to certain cutoffs, like the Marquez says they could tell According to Kolleen south of the escarpment. “It temperature difference between the next morning, when they Shelley, U.S. Forest Service na- might have got all the way up two levels, with the dew point tried to get the data outputs tional RAWS coordinator, the here to the point, or it might at a lower level. The tempera- from the RAWS unit, that it BLM and USFS are working have backed down. With a lit- ture difference is directly relat- had been burned over. together on field implementa- tle RH recovery, it would have ed to instability, and the cutoff “Monday morning we saw it tion for the program. “Though backed down, but the wind for that is a difference of 22 – wasn’t putting out data, and we the technology has been avail- pushed it into an area that was and what we had was a differ- knew the fire had got to it. The able for some time,” she says, mostly grassy fuels, and then it ence of about 26 – very unsta- data told me a lot without even “people at the did a 180 wind switch and ble. The indices went way be- coming out here. I could deter- weather unit at NIFC started pushed up through the yond simply exceeding the dif- mine the fire pattern when the getting requests from field per- drainages.” ferences – it crushed them.” fire hit it. This was a wind-dri- sonnel for weather data that “Like they said at the brief- “The plume had set up over ven topography fire, and when was representative of what was ing,” adds Marquez, “you this north-south canyon and it crested over the saddle it happening on the fireline. should expect the unexpected. then burned into the middle,” made an upslope run.” They combined the hardware You can try to predict and fore- explains Maxwell. “We had up- After the briefing at the they had with enhanced soft- see, and you can use your train- canyon winds, and that got the Incident Command Post (ICP), ware and made the firefighters’ ing and experience. But if I wind going up the canyon, the 15-mile (24 km) drive up to need a reality.” could predict stuff I wouldn’t with a hot fire, and pulled it the point was made to where Shelley says the Fire RAWS be doing this.” right up into the column and the burned-over unit was locat- units not only collect a wide just blasted. It consumed all ed. This was the first time that range of fire weather data, but Weather and fire fuels in all directions, and after a Fire RAWS was burned over. they can also record all the data behavior ranged from that, the plume took off. The “We found the wind speed and for the duration of an incident. extreme to bizarre fire had started to calm down direction were both working,” This data automatically goes out some, to the point where it was he says, “and there was a little every hour via the GOES satel- During the briefing on just extreme, and the crews did soot on the RAWS station it- lite to ASCADS (the Auto- Saturday night, the weather some burnouts. But then a dry self. The cables were melted mated Sorting Conversion and forecast and fire behavior fore- thunderstorm formed and and fused together. But the Distribution System), which for- cast for Sunday were outlined moved south, and we had a unit itself was in pretty good wards the data to the Weather for the fire personnel. “We push of wind from the east. shape.” Information Management Sys- looked at the numbers and ex- That blew the column over, tem (WIMS), the BLM’s web plained them,” says Maxwell, making it a wind-driven fire. How the units are used server, the National Weather “and we discussed how the fire That continued for about an Service, and the Western Regio- would behave if it was driving hour. Then the winds went The Fire RAWS unit is used to nal Climate Center. the weather. You can’t predict a away and it became calm.” support operations on the fire The burned-over unit has plume-dominated event, but “Then the convection col- and to assist with aviation re- now been refurbished and re- we explained what could hap- umn went up about 6 p.m., sources. “It’s a safety issue,” calibrated and is ready for its pen if we got into that situa- and it just nuked. It went up to Barbo says. “Air Ops (Opera- next assignment. tion. Then we went back out- over 40,000 feet (12 km) – and tions) are using the data to help side, and that’s when every- that was just the radar reflectiv- with retardant spread and mix- thing basically went nuclear.” ity; it could have actually been tures, elevation, wind direction “It was hot and dry,” he says, another 10,000 feet (3 km). We and approaches.” “with single-digit relative hu- were all watching it grow, a Barbo says that the unit and midity and a Haines Index (an group of about 100 people its use are being tested by the atmospheric index used to indi- standing there with their heads Incident Command System cate the potential for wildfire up, and traffic was pulling over (ICS) as a tool to advise the growth by measuring the stabil- on the road and gawking at it.” command staff to issue a warn-

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Jon Währn, M.Sc. (Eng.) Development Manager Upper Air Division Vaisala Helsinki Finland

LaunchLaunch ofof thethe RS90-AGRS90-AG RadiosondeRadiosonde

Vaisala’s RS90-AG radiosonde was designed to be fully compatible with existing ground equipment.

Vaisala started deliver- he RS90-AG radio- used in the RS90-A and RS90- In several tests, RS90 sensors ies of the RS90-AG ra- sonde was designed AL. The similar type of trans- have demonstrated their su- T to be fully compati- mitter is also used in the other premacy over RS80 sensors. diosonde in November ble with existing RS90 models. One of the tests, performed in 2000 after extensive ground equipment, so no up- The GPS receiver in the May 1997 in Vienna, was sum- field testing. The new grades are needed for ground RS90-AG is basically the same marized in Vaisala News No. radiosonde belongs to stations that are already com- as the one used in the GPS121 147/1998. The following are the patible with RS80 GPS sound- module (this module is used in main advantages that the RS90 the RS90 series, incor- ings and RS90 PTU (pressure, the RS80 series GPS sondes sensors have over RS80 sensors: porating GPS-based temperature and humidity) and in dropsondes). The GPS soundings. electronics have been modi- Thin-wire temperature sensor windfinding. It com- ® pletes the RS90 series fied, but the operating princi- (F-THERMOCAP ): RS90 radiosonde ple is corresponding to the one along with the earlier models used in the GPS121 module. models, the RS90-A • Better overall accuracy and the RS90-AL. The design was based on exist- Accurate RS90 • Short response time due to ing RS90 radiosonde electron- transducer low thermal mass Finally, both Loran-C ics integrated with Vaisala’s and GPS-based GPS receiver technology. GPS Vaisala News No. 136/1995 pro- • Low radiation error windfinding options receivers have been used with vided an introduction to the RS80 radiosondes since 1997. structure of RS90 sensors, so this Silicon micro-machined pres- are available together ® The transducer used in the article will only give an overview sure sensor (BAROCAP ): with the high, uniform RS90-AG is the same as that of the RS90 transducer. quality PTU (pressure, • Better overall accuracy temperature and hu- Model Sensors Wind finding • No measurement errors midity) measurements when ambient temperature that are provided by RS90-A 400 MHz PTU - changes rapidly RS90-AL 400 MHz PTU Loran-C the RS90 transducer. • Insensitive to transportation RS90-AG 400 MHz PTU GPS shocks

Table 1. RS90 radiosonde models available.

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Figure 1. RS90 radiosensor transducer: (1) Pressure sensor, (2.) Temperature sensor, (3.) Humidity sensors, (4.) Protective cap, (5.) Sensor boom, (6.) Transducer electronics, (7.) 10-pin interface connector. 2

3

diosonde can be calculated Structure of very accurately. This is known RS90-AG sonde 5 as differential GPS calculation 4 (DGPS), and by utilizing this The RS90-AG is fitted into the technique all errors common ‘common’ RS90 mechanics with 6 to both receivers are cancelled minor modifications. The major 1 (for example, satellite clock visual difference is the GPS an- error and ionospheric delay of tenna next to the sensor boom. the signals). This antenna (Quadrifilar Helix) is of the same type that is used in Improved windfinding the GPS121 module. The anten- performance na PCB is covered with a plastic strip, which is necessary because The performance of the GPS excess humidity or rain on the sounding system has been im- antenna PCB (printed circuit proved over the last three years board) can change the imped- and the RS90-AG is fully utiliz- ance of the antenna and thus at- Thin-film technology humidity the receiver tracks the satellite ing these improvements. tenuate the signals tracked. sensor (H-HUMICAP®): carrier signal. Frequencies meas- Figure 3 shows the detailed ured in the receiver vary be- Below is a short description of structure of the RS90-AG sonde. • Better overall accuracy cause of the Doppler frequency major improvements relating shift (i.e. the shift from the to the GPS sounding system: RS90-AG field • Short response time original transmitting frequen- and pilot tests • Reduced icing in freezing cy). • WAAS satellite signal rejec- conditions by using defrost- The individual carrier fre- tion: WAAS satellite signal Three main test series were per- ing method with two heated quency of each satellite is mea- identification and rejection formed to verify the wind find- sensors sured in the user receiver, and is in ground equipment soft- ing capabilities of the sonde. dependent on the relative ve- ware eliminate WAAS signal The three stations represented locity between the satellite and interference in windfinding. different environments: one RS90-AG GPS receiver the receiver. These frequency (WAAS = Wide Area was located in Jokioinen, peak values, measured by state- Augmentation System) Finland, another in Vienna, Vaisala’s GPS radiosondes and of-the-art PLLs (phase lock Austria, and the third in Kuala codeless receiver technique loops), are transmitted to a • Two phase unwinder: the Lumpur, Malaysia. Conditions were introduced in Vaisala via a 1200 baud reliability of the unwinder in Malaysia were expected to News No. 139/1996. By using digital downlink. was improved through new be more difficult than in the the already introduced GPS re- The ground station has a design. This significantly re- other places, for two reasons: ceiver technology, existing GPS local ‘code-correlating’ GPS re- duced the number of un- cards in ground equipment ceiver, which provides satellite winder stucks during • Ionospheric scintillation is may be fully used without up- orbital data and reference meas- launch. strongest in equatorial areas. grades. urements. By combining data • Improved GPS receiver elec- Strong scintillation affects Codeless technology means from the local GPS receiver tronics: GPS module elec- GPS satellite signal propaga- that information included in and from the GPS receiver in tronics were modified for tion and may degrade the GPS satellite signals is not de- the radiosonde, the three-di- better signal-to-noise ratio performance of the GPS re- coded in the receiver. Instead, mensional velocity of the ra- and for higher short and ceiver. long term frequency stabili- • Extremely cold temperatures ty of the receiver. during sounding, due to the • Wider GPS intermediate fre- tropical atmosphere. quency (IF) bandwidth: Temperatures as low as -90 °C ground equipment software occur in the tropopause lev- was modified to tolerate els (height of 10-15km), wider IF drift of the ra- which the sonde electronics diosonde. and battery have to be able to cope with. • GPS module pre-aging and production humidity con- trol: pre-aging of the oscilla- All in all, 96 soundings were tor circuitry and production carried out with 600 g humidity control improve and standard uplift. The results the short and long term fre- showed that there was no great quency stability of the re- difference in performance be- Figure 2. Block diagram of Vaisala’s codeless GPS receiver. ceiver. tween the three test locations.

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The major interest, however, soundings, the results were was on a performance compar- convergent. The overall con- ison between the RS80 GPS clusion was that raw wind data sondes and the RS90-AG. For availability in RS90-AG sound- this comparison, data from ings was at the same level or RS80 GPS soundings was col- higher than in RS80-15G lected in sounding conditions soundings. The advantage of similar to those in the RS90- the RS90-AG design is the firm AG pilot tests. Performance and solid construction of the analysis, with emphasis on data sonde, with good internal isola- availability, was carried out. tion between the GPS receiver Although comparable data was and the 400 MHz transmitter. available for only part of the

Global Positioning System

Figure 3. Structure of the RS90-AG radiosonde. Trying to figure out where you are and where you are going is probably one of man’s oldest needs. Navigation and positioning are crucial to so many activities, and yet the process has always been quite problematic. Over the years various tech- nologies have been used to simplify the task. Finally, the U.S. Department of Defense decided that the military had to have an extremely precise form of worldwide positioning. The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a world- wide radio-navigation system formed from a con- stellation of 24 satellites and their ground stations. GPS uses these ‘man-made stars’ as reference points to calculate positions. In a sense, it is like giving every square meter on the planet a unique address. GPS receivers have been miniaturized to just a few integrated circuits and so are becoming very economical. That makes the technology ac- cessible to virtually everyone. These days GPS is finding its way into cars, boats, planes, construc- tion equipment, movie-making gear, even laptop computers. Vaisala uses GPS in its wind finding system. GPS was designed for high accuracy and worldwide coverage. The satellites orbit the earth at a distance of approximately 20,000 km in six or- bital planes, each at an inclination of 55 degrees. Each satellite continuously transmits a digitally- modulated spread spectrum signal on two carrier frequencies (1.226 GHz and 1.575 GHz) with a power level below thermal background noise. Both carriers are modulated with the military P/Y code, so the effective signal is 20 MHz wide. The 1.575 1 GC Interface GHz carrier is also modulated with a ‘civil’ version, 2 Suspension rib (cover for GC Interface) called the C/A code, which makes the effective 3 Battery activation in AUTOSONDE signal 2 MHz wide. 4 Battery compartment lid Vaisala produces an upper air sounding system in which the wind finding is based on GPS. This 5 Temperature sensor concept offers good vertical resolution and accu- 6 humidity sensors (2) racy of radiosonde wind profiling. Accurate three- 7 Sensor boom dimensional positioning, and wind computation re- 8 Tranducer, with pressure sensor inside quire four satellites. Using more than four satellites simultaneously is an advantage, because an ideal 9 Battery connector geometrical configuration can then be formed. 10 Transmitter/Wind receiver board 11 400 MHz telemetry antenna 12 Ground plane 13 Battery 14 GPS antenna

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Significant Radiosonde Mika Salkola, M.Sc. (Eng.), Aapo Koski, M.Sc. (Eng.), Order from Met Marika Svennas, M.Sc. (Eng.) Service Canada and Jukka Valle, B.Sc. (Met..) Upper Air Division Vaisala Helsinki aisala has received a major order from the Finland Meteorological Service of Canada. The order fol- V lows up on a similar delivery agreement made in 1997. According to the agreement, Vaisala will sup- ply Canada’s nationwide upper air observation network with radiosondes from 2000 to 2003. The contract also includes ra- diosonde station deliveries and maintenance services. In addition to the radiosonde order, Vaisala has been able to introduce other products to Meteorological Service of Canada. The North American markets are an area of substan- tial potential for Vaisala. For the next three years, Vaisala will provide 33 upper air observation stations, with the required radiosondes, to the aisala has been ac- Meteorological Service of Canada. The order also includes tively involved in additional radiosonde stations and updates. V the development of upper air sounding systems since 1936. Several generations of Vaisala ra- diosounding ground equip- Vaisala will supply Canada’s nationwide upper air ment are currently in use observation network with radiosondes from 2000 to 2003. worldwide. The fast development of technology enables Vaisala to renew its ground equipment continuously, applying the lat- est solutions to challenging customer requirements.

1. Challenges for next generation sounding systems

User needs vary a lot, depend- ing on the application. Because of the need to save costs, many customers want systems that are easy to use, so that opera- tors can perform soundings with little need for training. On the other hand, certain cus- tomer segments, especially the research community, want more flexibility and openness in their systems.

1.1 Connectivity

The ability to connect with sev- eral types of networks is a fea- ture that is taken for granted in state-of-the-art sounding sys- tems. In addition to facilitating data transmission and distribu- tion, it should be possible, with the increasing level of system automation, to control several systems from one central loca- tion. Network connections

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Vaisala’s Next Generation Radiosounding Ground Equipment

allow remote software updates connection through a network 2. The DigiCORA III – Networking so that the customer can always will enable system health moni- approach and practical In addition to providing serial benefit from the latest product toring and software updates aspects connection, dial-up network- features and use the most up- from other locations. ing and various LAN protocols to-date versions. Human errors can be reduced 2.1 Standard operating system (TCP/IP, SPX/IPX, NetBEUI), On the other hand, network by using simplified user inter- Windows NT can create net- connections set totally new re- faces and operating procedures. The Microsoft® Windows NT works that scale from the local quirements for security and sys- A simulation capability should 4.0 / 2000 Terminal Server to the global level. tem integrity. Sufficient pro- be provided to allow analysis of Edition™ was selected as the All measured data and mete- tection must be provided in data validity, the optimization of sounding software platform for orological messages can be sent order to prevent inadvertent or processing parameters and the DigiCORA III. Its proven sta- forward by using Windows hostile access to the networked training of operators without bility, robust high-performance NT’s networking capabilities. sounding system. any need to launch a . multi-tasking, native 32-bit code and extremely versatile Security 1.2 Cost of labor 1.4 Configurability communications alternatives Windows NT offers built-in were the main reasons. C2-level file security. A single The cost of labor is an impor- In order to facilitate product For the user, the availability workstation can have multiple tant driver for radiosounding configuration, the radiosound- of localized versions of users, each with complete secu- development. The system ing system should be designed Windows NT facilitates opera- rity and privacy using their should enable the usage of part so that most of its components tion of the sounding system. A own profiles and preferences. time operators. The sounding are directly applicable to all wide range of other off-the- preparations should be suffi- customer segments. In general, shelf applications is also avail- ciently simple to allow them to this means that the system able for Windows NT. be done without need for ex- should be highly scalable and tensive training and detailed capable of fulfilling the require- system understanding. ments set by both synoptic and Operator prompts and local research users. instructions should be available In order to hide features con- in the operator’s native lan- sidered unnecessary by certain guage. A sufficient level of au- user segments, a sufficient level tomation should be installed to of configurability should be de- enable genuine release-and-for- signed into the system. This is get functioning. Furthermore, of utmost importance for the it should be possible to hand simplest operating procedures. over system control to a remote location after balloon launch. 1.5 Compatibility 1.3 Reliability Downwards compatibility with the existing operational system To achieve a high rate of data components should be main- availability, the system should tained as much as possible. All be sufficiently robust and fault the main windfinding methods tolerant. The product structure from Loran-C and GPS to the Figure 1. The DigiCORA III sounding system configuration includes a should allow simple and fast Radio Direction Finder should maintenance, and units should be covered, as well as compati- workstation running the system software, a sounding processing subsystem be easily replaceable. Remote bility with existing radiosondes. and the required antennas.

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From the left: Aapo Koski, Mika Salkola, Jukka Valle and Marika Svennas.

Remote use based on software modules provides a basic platform that The possibility of remote oper- communicating on a messag- enables dynamic installation of ation and maintenance with ing basis, which means that specialized UI modules, each the Windows NT Terminal they are loosely coupled. This of which is dedicated to some Server Edition brings indis- enables modification of a mod- specific purpose and might be pensable flexibility. ule without affecting the rest of connected to specific data. the system, and allows the in- They are used to control the 2.2 Open data management troduction of new functions by system, or to visualize and uti- simply installing new modules. lize the measured data. A commercial database engine, The client/server architec- The UI modules can be easi- Microsoft JET, was selected as ture also makes workload shar- ly installed and removed with- the basis of the data manage- ing possible by distributing in- out any software changes. ment system. MS JET is a wide- dividual modules to other ly used MS Office component processors connected to the Different users and thus its data archives can be same communication domain. The UI behavior and outlook accessed using standard MS can be configured for different Office tools like Excel or Access. 2.4 Configurable user user needs by changing the user Each sounding produces an interface options and privileges. A extensive range of data, includ- sounding operator needs only a ing several kinds of raw data, Layered structure simple control view, while an filtered data, parameters and A layered User Interface (UI) ar- advanced researcher needs sev- messages. All the data from chitecture structure has been ap- eral visualization and analysis one sounding is archived in a plied. The visible topmost layer tools and access to all possible single database file. is very thin and is the only part data. To ensure real-time sounding that is dependent on the operat- All users can store their own performance, memory-mapped ing system. It is on top of a face- preferences regarding the UI vi- run-time data storage is needed less layer where all the UI func- sual outlook. A system admini- between the data producers tions and logic are implement- strator can specify access rights and the data archiving proce- ed. For each component in the for each user. dure. The link between the run- visible layer there is a corre- time data storage and the data sponding faceless counterpart. Resource database archive is bi-directional and re- The system can be easily User Interface language transla- versible. Run-time data can be adapted to the needs of different tion and other forms of locali- regenerated from a data archive operating environments merely zation are simplified by locat- to perform an analysis or a sim- by changing the visible layer of ing all the UI resources in a sys- ulation of a sounding. the UI. Other visible UI alterna- tem external data repository. tives could be a simple text- The translation can be done 2.3 Flexible system architecture based console or an Internet- without any software changes aware browser application. at the end-user’s site by local A client/server software archi- support organizations or users. tecture was selected due to its Dynamic modules The database management flexibility. This architecture is The user interface framework system used for UI resources

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such as text, pictures and voic- fit from the client/server archi- Error handling and recovery: es is the same as that used for tecture. In the client/server so- All operations during sounding the archived sounding data. lution, a client application acts are stored in log files to enable This makes the system architec- as data consumer to an intelli- later detailed inspection of the ture very coherent. gent data producer, the server. sounding process. Each time The client applications do not the DigiCORA III core 2.5 Utilization of subsystems define where the data is stored, processes are started, the sys- launch a wide range of other or how it is fetched and man- tem creates a backup of the pa- tasks, such as special data calcu- The sounding processing sub- aged, nor do they perform low- rameter database and the neces- lations, audible messages, and system connected to a new level data manipulation. sary registry settings for later sounding data printouts. sounding workstation can be Instead, the client communi- restoration, if required. The triggering server monitors any existing Vaisala system with cates its data need to the server sounding data in real-time ARCNET networking capabili- at an abstract level and the serv- 3.3 Message creation through notifications from the ties in order to offer a planned er performs the bulk of the data process which handles the upgrade path. These subsys- processing. The real-time sounding data is sounding data storage. The trig- tems are MW11, MW12, stored in a global memory as gers are implemented using a MW15 or RT20A radiotheodo- The following server processes Windows NT memory- simple scripting language, which lite. Utilization of these subsys- handle most of the sounding mapped files. The data storage allows simple flow control, calls tems was one main design basis process: process provides a generic mes- of external functions, and access- for the DigiCORA III. saging service. Any process ing current sounding data. As a The sounding system is com- • The database server, which may register as a client and be specified notification about a patible with all of the Vaisala receives messages from notified of sounding data change in monitored sounding RS80 and RS90 radiosondes clients and passes all the changes, such as new levels or data is received, e.g. a new data operating at a frequency of 400 message data to a database manually edited significant layer is available, a trigger script MHz or 1680 MHz. driver by calling it. The data points. is executed. If the specified con- returned by the driver is This enables configuration ditions in the script are fulfilled, 3. Implementation then sent back to clients. All of a wide range of on-demand the actions defined in the script the database engine specific triggered events, realized are taken. 3.1 DigiCORA III system operations are in the driver, through the triggering server description which is built on top of a and the spooling server. The Spooling commercial database engine. main purpose of this software When a message has been auto- The DigiCORA III sounding The connection to any architecture is automatic gener- matically or manually generated, system shown in Figure 1 has other database engine can ation and distribution of mete- it is put in a temporary storage. two main components – a be obtained simply by modi- orological messages. The spooler server sees to it that sounding workstation which fying the driver. the message is sent to its destina- contains the DigiCORA III Meteorological messages tion. The spooler server is a software and stores the sound- • The data server process Several meteorological mes- process that transfers data at pre- ing data, and a sounding pro- which supports real-time sages are available; the WMO defined intervals to predefined cessing subsystem with measur- data handling and delivery. standard messages, as well as target devices. The targets for ing processor boards which re- • The sounding controller BUFR and CREX. The NATO each message are defined in the ceive and preprocess the data. process which handles gen- STANAG module extends the database. The spooler server fre- The data is sent by the indi- eral sounding control logic use of DigiCORA III to cus- quently checks the temporary vidual measuring processor and functions. tomers with tactical weather storage for generated messages. boards to the sounding work- observation needs. The avail- When a message is found, the station, where the sounding • The user control process able messages, parameters and spooler server checks the data- software collects, analyses, pre- (UCP) which is the platform message formats are specified base for target destinations and sents and stores the data. The for user interface modules. in the DigiCORA III database. distributes the message. The mes- workstation is able to generate • The sounding computation The user can predefine sages can be sent to logical files, and relay meteorological mes- processes, e.g. the GPS calcu- which messages should be gen- serial ports, another spooler serv- sages through a variety of avail- lation, which consumes raw erated at what time during or er and external processes through able connections. data from the GPS process- after the sounding. The user is standard output streams. The DigiCORA III sounding ing board and the sounding also able to configure where The spooler server together system can be used in a variety program, which starts the the messages should be sent with the triggering server and of environments to meet the PTU-computation threads and whether a header or footer scripting language provides a diverse requirements of users. and provides calculated data section should be appended. powerful tool for configuring al- The basic solution measures for other processes. Real-time message generation most any user-defined action ac- pressure, temperature and hu- is invoked by utilizing the trig- cording to the available sound- midity (PTU). Several options • The message coding processes gering server. ing data. are available for wind finding, • The message triggering and including GPS, Loran-C and distributing processes Triggering 3.4 User interface Radio Direction Finding. The triggering server is de- Special measurements, such as • The implemented signed to launch predefined ac- The DigiCORA III user interface and radioactivity, can client/server architecture al- tions according to user-speci- (UI) and user control process also be incorporated. lows several monitoring and fied conditions. In addition to (UCP) combine sounding con- system controlling clients to the main purpose of this soft- trol, data management and mete- 3.2 System architecture be connected simultaneous- ware module – automatic mes- orological message creation and ly to one sounding station. sage generation based on mon- provide the means to communi- The applications required to ac- itored sounding data – the trig- cate and interact with the sound- cess and manipulate data bene- gering server is also able to ing processes.

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The main components UCP Framework of the UCP are: The UCP is the platform for specialized UI components. • Faceless UI components UCP handles dynamic invoca- providing basic UI func- tion of user interface modules tions and attributes without (UIM). All the UIMs are im- a visual outlook. plemented as dynamically loaded libraries (DLLs) that can • Visible UI components pro- be installed in or removed viding a visual outlook for from the system without any the user interface. modifications to basic UI func- • System interface compo- tions. nents linking with underly- ing sounding hardware and Visualization database services. The versatility of DigiCORA III software is increased with a The standard software pro- variety of data visualization vides the user with a uniform tools. and familiar Windows-based The Metgraph module pro- graphical UI for all its functions. vides graphical representation

Figure 2. Vaisala’s DigiCORA III sounding system. 36 155/2001 40813_VaisalaNews_155 7.12.2000 18:31 Sivu 37

of calculated sounding data common data source. Both live taneously with a real-time and editing of significant and simulated soundings are sounding. points. The Metgraph view in- possible. Multiple sounding cludes single or multiple graphs systems can be controlled from User privileges are assigned of temperature, humidity, wind a single workstation, enabling rights to perform certain ac- speed and direction and wind the operation of multiple live tions on the system. Examples components. The significant soundings simultaneously. of assignable privileges are: point editor can be invoked sounding. The simulation can while viewing the graph and Voice output • Privilege to edit a specific be accelerated or decelerated as modifications can be verified The system is able to guide the group of system parameters required. The only difference immediately. Meteorological user with audible instructions from a live sounding is that the messages are generated accord- during the operation. To enable • Privilege to change visual sys- sonde coefficients are not en- ing to the user-modified signifi- the voice messages, a text-to- tem options such as colors, tered during the initial stages of cant points. speech engine is integrated in appearance of the UI, etc. the sounding. The Tephigram is a thermo- the system. • Privilege to use a specific dynamic diagram used in opera- The voice messages can be UIM component of the sys- 4. User-friendly, high- tional meteorology. It is used used to notify the user about tem. performance solution for strict thermodynamic calcu- the completion of a certain task lations. Its large angle between or of warnings or error situa- Some privileges, such as to The next generation radiosound- isotherms and dry adiabats ren- tions. All voice messages can edit a group of system parame- ing system, the Vaisala DigiCORA ders it most effective for assess- be modified and edited by the ters, are implicitly defined, III, offers user-friendliness and ing degrees of stability. user. while others, such as to allow high-performance with vastly im- The is a tool for the user to select between wind proved system management. looking at wind shear. Wind Localization calculation options, are expli- DigiCORA III sets new standards speed and direction as a func- The UI enhances system use citly defined. for upper-air sounding with its tion of height is plotted on a through a configurable access The privilege management open software architecture, flexibil- polar diagram, resulting in a level and translatable operator system makes it easy to add or ity and networking capabilities. graph that traces the vertical prompts. remove privileges when needed. Distributed modular client/ wind shear of the intervening All the instruction strings server software architecture cou- layers. The Hodograph shows and control texts in the basic User groups pled with powerful networking the effect of friction on wind mode of the DigiCORA III UI The users of the sounding soft- capabilities on an industrial speed and direction in the fric- are easily translatable. A me- ware can be divided into standard operating system open tion layer, and above it the rela- chanism with a resource data- groups according to the type of up new opportunities for re- tive stability of the atmosphere base is provided that enables sounding tasks they perform. mote data access, remote oper- can be inferred from the plot. the sounding control UI to The default groups are sound- ating and remote maintenance The way in which the hodo- load text strings depending on ing operators, sounding man- of radiosounding systems. graph rotates with height in the the currently selected language. agers and administrators. The The DigiCORA III is an free air is important for deter- The translation mechanism privileges of each group are open system focused on users’ mining thermal advection. provides an easy and quick way stored in the DigiCORA III views and based on industry These visualization tools can to translate the basic sounding database and can be adjusted standards. The sounding work- be operated in two modes. In operation to any other lan- according to local demands. station architecture provides the standard mode they are guage, including bitmaps and The users are assigned to ap- many benefits for the user, in connected to only one sound- sound effects. All text strings, propriate groups using the terms of both cost and main- ing, and the edited data from bitmaps and sound files are Windows NT user manage- tainability. The sounding soft- this sounding can be viewed. In user-editable. ment tool. This utility can be ware with its self-explanatory the advanced mode, it is possi- used for a variety of purposes. user interface offers the sim- ble to view multiple simultane- 3.5 Configurability For example, the parameter plest possible operation and ous soundings – the present database access and advanced lowers operator training re- soundings and several archived The open data management ar- research options can be turned quirements, while providing ones. chitecture and choice of oper- on and off by altering the user new functions and operating ating system enable a very con- group rights in the database. options that reach far into the Wizards figurable yet secure system. future of upper air observa- The UI module for the sound- Windows NT provides a means Individual users tions. ing operation guides the user of specifying user groups and The operating system’s user The modular design gives an through the various stages of user privileges. management policy also enables easy upgrade path from earlier preparing and launching the ra- individual configuration of the generations of Vaisala Digi- diosonde. This module is wiz- User privileges user interface. Users can have CORA, since many of the fa- ard-like; the views always in- DigiCORA III UI is a MDI their own preferred settings of miliar terms and functions of clude instructive pictures or (Multiple Document Interface) graphical tools like Metgraph. the previous models are em- texts and can have voice output. application. In the basic mode, These adjustments are saved ployed. only one MDI child window is under each user’s account in the Multiple sessions visible for the control of one Windows NT registry. The DigiCORA III utilizes the real-time sounding or archived advanced multi-tasking proper- sounding. In the advanced user 3.6 Sounding simulation ties of Windows NT, which mode, several basic UI views allow multiple sounding ses- may be active at the same time, Sounding simulation uses a se- sions to be run simultaneously. facilitating the handling of lected archived sounding, and Each session has access to a archived sounding data simul- is in every respect like a live

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DigiCORA III Sounding System with Keijo Luukkonen, M.Sc. (Eng.) Program Manager Radiotheodolite Upper Air Division Vaisala Helsinki and GPS Finland Windfinding

Utilizing state-of-the-art processing technology, aisala’s upper air The sounding software itself, the DigiCORA III upper air sounding system, equipment, compris- which includes data processing V ing the DigiCORA algorithms that have proven integrated with a radiotheodolite and GPS III sounding system, themselves in field use totaling windfinding, is ideal for field use in tactical and radiotheodolite and GPS nearly 10,000 years, incorpo- test range applications. windfinding, is ideal for both rates new functions and operat- tactical field conditions and ing options that reach into the test range applications. future of radiosounding, mak- The requirement for indepen- ing DigiCORA III the perfect dent and passive windfinding is long-term solution for a sound- fulfilled by using a radiotheodo- ing system. lite, which also enables use of Thanks to the excellent stor- cheaper radiosondes, i.e. sondes age capabilities of current PCs, without GPS modules. The GPS all the sounding data collected windfinding capability is an easy- can be stored and archived for to-use and very accurate alterna- later analysis and possible simu- tive for soundings in situations lation with different parameter in which GPS is acceptable, such settings. as test range applications. DigiCORA III’s ability to store sounding data from dif- User-friendly features ferent weather situations and to of the system simulate soundings with this data opens up excellent oppor- The DigiCORA III sounding tunities to train and drill opera- system is based on a PC plat- tors to use the system. It is also form, i.e. a sounding worksta- a valuable feature in defense tion, connected to subsystems applications where there is a which receive telemetry and need to maintain operator navigation signals and pre- skills even though the system is process these signals. The PC- not operated daily. based solution ensures ease of All upper air WMO and use, low costs for training and STANAG messages – automati- maintenance, and a wide range cally or manually triggered – of connectivity options. can be easily sent through the The new graphical user inter- standard PC-based interfaces. face, known from the PC Vaisala’s policy of maintain- world, utilizes user-proven ing a seamless upgrade path for terms and functions and offers new features will guarantee vastly improved system control smooth operation through new Tilted RT20A radiotheodolite in a test. and management. generations of equipment.

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Sounding Workstation (Windows NT)

DigiCORA III Software Printer RT20A * Console * Basic graphics Radiotheodolite Main system * Sounding processing * Messages components * PTU+W output * Telecommunication Telecommunication RS80-67 ARCNET terminal/equipment A meteorological system for or INTERFACE defense applications, based on RS80-15G the DigiCORA III concept, MPA201 can be built from the following Tape Sounding main modules (see block dia- Reader Portable UHF and Processing gram): SPT11A Local GPS Antenna Subsystem CG25 • Windows NT workstation (PC) running DigiCORA III Power and software data cable 16957ZZ 24 VDC • MPA 201 ARCNET inter- (30 m) 24 VDC Power to Printer face and SPT11A calibration Sounding Processing Balloon Power Supply RP20 data reader Subsystem includes Launcher FB16A • SPS220 sounding processing MWF210 Frame subsystem (AC or DC oper- MWP301 Power Supply ated) AC 24 VDC UPP210 Receiver Processor URR20 UHF receiver • UHF telemetry and local MWG203/210 GPS processor GPS antenna, CG25, with cables • RT20A radiotheodolite for RDF windfinding with cable • Cable connecting the NT Functions of the main Sounding processing A block diagram of Vaisala’s MW21 workstation and the SPS220 components subsystem DigiCORA III sounding system with an RT20 radiotheodolite and GPS • RP20 power supply The DigiCORA III can be ap- The following units, housed in wind finding. • Radiosondes plied in a variety of environ- the SPS220 sounding process- ments – including mobile de- ing subsystem, are used for fense applications – to meet the GPS windfinding: The processing boards of the diverse requirements of upper radiotheodolite transmit pres- air sounding. Special measure- • URR20 UHF telemetry re- sure, temperature and humidi- ments (ozone and radioactivity, ceiver ty (PTU) data, as well as anten- for example) can also be incor- na angle data, through the porated and will be available in • UPP210A receiver processor sounding processing subsystem the near future. (PTU processor on the card) to the workstation. Consequent- • MWG203 GPS processor ly, the processors in the sound- Radiotheodolite with a ing processing subsystem trans- tilt sensor The local GPS antenna con- cal data from the soundings. mit PTU and GPS wind data nects to the GPS processor and The data itself is received and from the GPS sounding. The RT20A radiotheodolite an- provides the system with calen- preprocessed by a sounding In the workstation, the tenna tracks the flight of the ra- dar and orbit information on processing subsystem. DigiCORA III software per- diosonde, converts the ra- the satellites. The UHF teleme- forms data collection, presenta- diosonde signal to PTU data try antenna connects to the Operating system tion, analysis and storage auto- and measures the azimuth and UHF receiver, which detects matically and under the con- elevation angles of the pointing the radiosonde signal for pro- Data and message creation and trol of the operator. The work- direction. The altitude of the cessing into PTU data in the re- relaying are based on station also creates and relays radiosonde is calculated by the ceiver processor. The sounding DigiCORA III’s integration meteorological messages to DigiCORA III software by processing subsystem is re- with Windows NT or Windows customer-appointed locations using radiosonde PTU data. motely controlled by the 2000. The software has a num- using serial connections, tele- Using pointing angles and alti- DigiCORA III software. ber of predefined, editable mes- phone services or various net- tude data, the computer can There can be up to four sage formats. The users can also work protocols. calculate the wind data. SPS220 subsystems connected define their own message for- The DigiCORA III is com- Vaisala’s RT20A radio- to a single DigiCORA III work- mats with a built-in message patible with all Vaisala ra- theodolite is the only radio- station. Each SPS220 can editor. The messages can be diosonde types. The RS80 and theodolite in the market that house two wind processing triggered manually or automat- RS90 families of radiosondes has a tilt sensor to eliminate cards. ically at predefined stages dur- are equally suitable. The most unintentional tilting of the an- ing or after sounding. suitable type depends on the tenna due to soft ground or NT-based workstation These can then be relayed for- windfinding solution used. other reason. If the attitude of ward using Windows NT’s net- The FB16A balloon filling the antenna changes, the A PC runs the DigiCORA III working capabilities, including system and RP20 power supply sounding data is unusable with- software and acts as a collector serial connection, dial-up net- are optional accessories. out a tilt sensor. and repository for meteorologi- working and all LAN protocols

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supported by NT. In other words, a network of DigiCORA III-based stations can form a scalable and automatic data and meteorological message relaying infrastructure for local, national and international needs.

Sounding software

The sounding software utilizes the advanced multi-tasking Orders for properties of Windows NT. This allows the software to run Aurora’s payload sys- multiple sounding sessions Upper Air tem was developed for concurrently, each of which can access a common data high altitude drop- source. The soundings can be sonde missions, for either live or sounding simula- Systems tions using previously saved use on low speed plat- sounding data. At present only forms such as one of these can be a live Pathfinder, Altus and sounding, but the architecture from North allows for operating multiple si- Perseus B. Due to multaneous live soundings funding cuts, the from a single workstation, once America dropsonde payload the hardware capability be- was not permitted to comes available. During September and October 2000, Vaisala received DigiCORA III provides the several substantial new orders from North America for be deployed and opera- user with a very rich collection its upper air observation system products. Deliveries ted from Pathfinder. of data from each sounding, as will take place over the next three to five years. Nevertheless, Aurora all received data can be saved “The orders include new upper air observation solu- and stored for later analysis. tions for our customers, as well as additional orders for tested and qualified The database for storing sound- existing solutions. These new observation solutions the payload for flight, ings uses the Microsoft access have recently been introduced in North America, and using its high altitude format. Customers can there- the new orders confirm the market acceptance of the fore query the database with solutions. The North American market represents test chambers. standard Microsoft Office 97 about one third of Vaisala’s annual sales and is an area Vaisala’s dropsondes tools, like Excel 97. Separate of considerable potential for Vaisala in the future,” says were an integral part API data access will be avail- Pekka Ketonen, President and CEO of Vaisala Group. able in the future, allowing cus- The US Department of Defense has placed an order of this scientific exper- tomers to make and use cus- for new upper air observation systems through Vaisala’s iment. Researchers are tom data processing and analy- cooperation partner in the United States. These new using dropsondes to sis tools to suit their specific re- Vaisala systems will measure upper air meteorological get a more accurate quirements. data. The order incorporates an initial engineering and manufacturing development phase for four systems. picture of hurricanes. Meteorological Production options are estimated to cover 82 addition- messages al systems. Furthermore, the Department of Defense has placed orders both for their annual radiosondes for Several meteorological mes- the next five years and for 17 observation systems. sages are available: the WMO The US National Weather Service placed an order for standard messages, as well as radiosondes to be delivered in 2001 and 2002. BUFR and CREX. The NATO According to the agreement Vaisala will deliver some STANAG module extends the 50,000 radiosondes annually, which represents about use of DigiCORA III to cus- two third of the US national requirements for upper air tomers with tactical weather weather observations. observation needs. Additionally, the Mexican Meteorological Office or- The available messages, para- dered radiosondes for use at all 14 of the national syn- meters and message formats are optic upper air stations in Mexico. specified in the DigiCORA III database. The user can prede- fine which messages should be generated at what time during or after the sounding. The user is also able to configure where the messages should be sent and whether a header or footer section should be appended. Real-time message generation is invoked utilizing the trigger- ing server.

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Aurora’s Research Project on the UAV Dropsonde Payload

Marit Finne Editor-in-Chief Carrying Dropsondes Vaisala News Vaisala Helsinki Finland into the Atmosphere PHOTO COURTESYPHOTO OF DRYDEN NASA FRC, USA.

On the high altitude igh altitude (over mation on the payload posi- demonstrate dropsonde launch dropsonde missions, H 55,000 feet) drop- tion and status is sent back to and telemetry collection from Aurora’s payload system sonde missions can the atmospheric researcher via a high altitude unmanned-air was developed for use on be flown from a very the same over-the-horizon sys- vehicle (UAV) using over-the- low speed platforms such limited number of aircraft. These tem. Radiosonde telemetry is horizon communications tech- as Perseus B. include NASA’s ER-2, Aero- received line-of-sight and port- nology. The system was to be Vironment’s Pathfinder UAV, ed onto the Internet via ORB- flown from AeroVironment’s General Atomic’s Altus, and COMM. Researchers can Pathfinder UAV in Hawaii.” Aurora’s Perseus B UAV,” says monitor and control experi- Glenn Jackson from Aurora. ments remotely, thus reducing Dedicated team of the cost and inconvenience of specialists High altitude in-field deployments. Figure 1 research missions is a high level schematic repre- A very small team of specialists sentation of the data flow dur- staffed the project. Glenn Aurora’s payload system was ing operations. This graph de- Jackson was the project manag- developed for use on low picts the message pathways and er, chief engineer and mechani- speed, high altitude platforms the major components of the cal/structures engineer. Mark such as Pathfinder, Altus and UAV dropsonde system. Callender was the avionics and Perseus B. On these vehicles On April 1, 1998, the high- dropsonde engineer, and Will the payload dispenser is altitude UAV dropsonde pro- Marchant was the long-range mounted on the wing and dis- ject was kicked-off with NASA communications and software penses dropsondes via the ERAST funding. Mark Cal- engineer. Dr. John Langford, The text is based on releases and ORBCOMM over-the-horizon lender explains: “The basic company president, provided interviews from Aurora Flight Sciences. communications system. Infor- objective of the project was to technical advice and manage-

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ORBCOMM Satellite

Aurora UAV DS Payload on Pathfinder UAV

Vaisala Dropsonde

Vaisala Receicer, ground station computer and ORBCOMM Subscriber Communicator (SC) Orbcomm System

Hawaii Anywhere in the world

Command/Control Path Dropsonde Data Path

Figure 1. Operating concept of UAV dropsonde system.

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Altitude

Payload Power

Payload T- Amb. couples Temperature

Figure 2. UAV/Vaisala dropsonde payload configuration drawing. Figure 3. Altitude qualification testing data.

ment direction. David Tsou, a support by telephone and via Pathfinder deployment in “GPS signals were fed into student at Virginia Tech, joined the Internet. Hawaii. The overall test duration the chamber using an amplified the project as an engineering “Due to funding cuts, the was representative of the GPS antenna. Thermocouples assistant. All of the design, fab- dropsonde payload was not per- Pathfinder mission. Payload op- provided skin temperature meas- rication, coding, testing, and mitted to be deployed or to op- erations during the test were rep- urements on the payload struc- assembly was carried out by erate from Pathfinder. Never- resentative of operations on the ture, dropsondes and avionics. this team. The Aurora manu- theless, Aurora tested and quali- Pathfinder and included com- Thermocouple data was record- facturing and quality group fied the payload for flight, using plete power cycling and cold ed by hand and through a com- provided critical support, ad- its high altitude test chambers. soaking of the payload. In total, puterized data acquisition sys- vice and assistance through de- These tests demonstrated sonde 18 hours were spent operating tem. Electric power (12 VDC) sign reviews and inspections. drop and telemetry from as high the integrated payload. was fed into the chamber and The NASA point-of-contact as 70,000 feet and at tempera- “The payload consisted of a powered the ORBCOMM (POC) was John Del Frate tures as low as -50° C,” con- lightweight composite shell transceiver and the payload con- from Dryden Flight Research cludes Dr. Longford. structure with provisions to be trol system, as if the payload was Center and AeroVironment’s suspended under the wing via a integrated on Pathfinder,” ex- POC was Kirk Flittie. To keep Requirements, strut. A microcontroller inter- plains Mark Callender. “Payload people focused on the task and design and testing faces with the satellite trans- current draw was monitored to simplify communications ceiver and controls sonde re- with a current probe and the for the customer, the project The system requirements were lease. The dispenser contains benchtop power supply’s cur- manager was the single point of derived from Pathfinder inter- four Vaisala dropsondes,” says rent meter. A 400 MHz mono- contact for Aurora manage- face guidelines, government Glenn Jackson. (See Figure 2). pole was strung inside the ment, NASA and AeroViron- range requirements, and chamber to pipe-out the teleme- ment. NASA’s requirement to drop ra- Dropsonde payload try signal from the dropsondes. diosondes above 55,000 feet. In integrated in the This monopole was directly Thorough tests at this particular project, specifica- altitude chamber connected to the Vaisala teleme- high altitude chambers tions were created to minimize try transceiver. Data was ported the impact to the operations Before each test, Mark Cal- to a laptop PC and processed in The project relied heavily on and performance of the lender, Will Marchant, David real time using Vaisala’s off-the-shelf technology. “Testing Pathfinder UAV, while allowing Tsou and Glenn Jackson as- Dropview software. The altitude was conducted in parallel with for a meaningful demonstration sembled and integrated the chamber door contained a win- the engineering effort to prove of the system in operation. dropsonde payload in one of dow and the payload was posi- designs and validate ideas. According to Project Aurora’s three altitude cham- tioned in such a way that on- These tests included an engi- Manager Glenn Jackson, two bers. For testing purposes, an board diagnostic LEDs were visi- neering mock-up of the drop- sets of integrated altitude cham- extruded aluminum strut was ble outside the chamber.” sonde dispenser, transceiver ber tests were conducted. Each used to attach the payload to testing, payload computer bread- test was completed with the the altitude chamber support 70,000 feet altitude and board testing, and dropsonde hardware required for a structure (See Figure 3). –50°C ambient altitude testing,” says Dr. John temperature reached Longford, President of Aurora. Specification Value Units Additionally, Mark Callender Mass 9.1 kg The testing took place on traveled to Helsinki, Finland, August 5, 1998. The sondes and received training and tech- Power 50 W were repacked appropriately nical support from Vaisala with Command and loaded in the dispenser. The regard to their hardware and & Control OTH NA maximum altitude achieved was software. Similarly, throughout approximately 70,000 feet and the program, Vaisala engineers Altitude 55,000+ ft the minimum ambient tempera- from the United States and ture reached was –50° C. Finland provided technical Table 1. Payload system specifications.

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Vaisala’s Dropsondes Used for Hurricane Research

Vaisala’s current RD93 drop- most violent storm systems in sonde is the successor to the our atmosphere, but they com- prototype sonde used in bine size and violence in a way Aurora’s 1998 scientific experi- that no other weather phenom- ment. Vaisala is continuing to enon does. Hurricanes are awe- develop the dropsonde to some storms that have been a allow the METRECO concept massive problem for residents to be successfully brought into and sailors ever since the early operation and made commer- days of colonization. Today, cially available for high altitude hurricane damage costs billions platforms. The RD93 is a gene- of dollars. ral-purpose dropsonde for air- Thankfully, the number of craft use. It is designed for high people injured or killed during altitude drops, and the data sys- tropical cyclones in the United tem architecture supports four States is on the decline, largely simultaneous dropsonde sound- because of improvements in ings. forecasting and readiness for During their missions, the emergencies. Nonetheless, risks PHOTOS PHOTOS COURTESY OF NOAA, USA. aircraft release dropsondes from hurricanes are rising. Due which are used for weather re- to population increases and the The visible spectra satellite image of Hurricane Hugo on September 21, 1989. connaissance, hurricane and development of the coastal Hugo had strengthened explosively to category 4. Tropical storm winds and weather research. areas, more people and proper- rising waters were already battering the coast. All preparations and ty are vulnerable to the hurri- evacuation measures should have been completed by this time. Hurricanes are unique cane threat. Hurricanes cannot be con- Satellite images of hurricanes trolled, but our vulnerability show a unique and characteris- can be reduced if we are better tic cloud formation, signaling prepared. an intense tropical weather sys- The main hazards associated tem. There is nothing similar to with tropical cyclones and es- hurricanes in the atmosphere. pecially hurricanes are storm Born in warm tropical waters, surge, high winds, heavy , these spiraling masses require a and flooding, not to mention complex combination of atmos- tornadoes. The intensity of a pheric processes to grow, ma- hurricane is an indicator of the ture and then die out. They are damage it could potentially neither the largest, nor the cause.

Ben Sawyer Bridge, which connects to Sullivans Island, is shown after the The damage caused to a small vessel at Roosevelt Roads Naval Base by passage of Hurricane Hugo. (Late September 1989). Hurricane Hugo. (Late September 1989, Puerto Rico).

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Typical Perseus B missions might include measurements for tracking severe storms, for example.

Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation Tracking Severe Storms

Glenn Jackson ounded in 1989 to test cells, including one that is ware/software integration and Aurora Flight Science develop affordable capable of simulating atmos- testing to be performed under Corporation F robotic aircraft as a pheric profiles up to 85,000 ft. conditions that closely simu- Manassas, Virginia tool for researching late the flight environment. USA global changes, Aurora Flight Extensive software The SIL includes a hardware- Sciences Corporation (AFSC), development tools in-the-loop simulator as well as is now focusing on four lines of avionics units similar to those business: rapid prototyping, Aurora has extensive software used on the aircraft. Visual composites and metal manu- development tools suitable for scene generation capabilities facturing, fault-tolerant con- real-time embedded designs were recently added to the SIL. trols, and flight services. and compatible with the com- High Speed Data Acquisition With its headquarters at the puters installed in our UAVs systems such as DSPACE are Manassas Regional Airport in and in the O-2. Our avionics used for control law develop- Manassas, Virginia (30 miles software development environ- ment and for troubleshooting west of Washington DC), ment consists of a network of 5 with high dynamics events Aurora runs a combined ISO Sun workstations, running the such as those encountered in 9001-certified engineering of- Microware FasTrak develop- electronics engine control sys- fice and composite, metalwork- ment tool set. This is specifical- tems. ing, and electronics shop in a ly designed to produce code for 30,000 square feet facility. In the OS-9 operating system Composite aircraft and addition to the main facility in used on Aurora’s flight com- aerodynamic parts Manassas, Aurora also has a puters. 13,000 square feet facility A Systems Integration In September 1994, Aurora which contains three engine Laboratory (SIL) allows hard- opened a 68,000 square feet fa-

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Perseus B UAV, with its three-stage turbocharged engine, will carry 50–200 kg payloads to an altitude of 20 km for duration of up to 24 hours.

feet facility currently builds wing pods can carry additional metal components, supporting fuel or payloads. the Air Force/Army Joint The aircraft is powered by an STARS, the Army IFTE, and Aurora Arion Iib engine. The the Navy E-2C programs. Arion Iib has a horizontally op- Together, our Fairmont and posed, four-cylinder, four- Clarksburg facilities provide stroke, liquid-cooled engine complete capabilities for manu- core as well as a three-stage tur- facturing modern aircraft struc- bocharger and intercoolers. tures. The propulsion system design permits operation at altitudes Perseus B flight system up to 20 km. The following table provides the specifica- The Perseus B flight system con- tions of the Perseus B aircraft: sists of an aircraft and a ground station. The aircraft takeoff is Various flight missions operated manually from the ground by a pilot using a for- Typical Perseus B missions ward-pointing video camera might include measuring the PHOTO COURTESYPHOTO OF DRYDEN NASA FRC, USA. and instruments. The aircraft is earth’s radiation or water vapor then flown in semiautonomous budgets or tracking severe cility in Fairmont, West or autonomous modes by on- storms. Virginia, for the production of board computers using way- Scientific payloads are built composite aircraft and aerody- point navigation. The primary up and checked out at home namic parts. Aurora Flight communications system is the laboratories using interface Sciences of West Virginia is a L/S-band radio. Payloads are specifications provided in small business that specializes carried in the forward payload Aurora’s Payload Users Guide in prototype work and produc- bay. All payloads installations (PUG). The payload frame be- tion runs, manufacturing high- are configured so that instru- comes part of the aircraft struc- quality airframe composite ments can be prepared in the ture; the structure and fairing parts at a low cost. This ISO- Principal Investigator’s (P.I.’s) can be purchased from Aurora 9002-certified location consists laboratory and mounted to the or can be built by the user sub- of both engineering offices and aircraft in the field. ject to the requirements out- a large composite production Perseus B UAV, with its lined in the PUG. The aircraft shop. three-stage turbocharged en- themselves are prepared at a Aurora of West Virginia is a gine, will carry 50–200 kg pay- main operating base, typically wholly owned subsidiary of loads to an altitude of 20 km Aurora’s main facility in Aurora Flight Sciences for duration of up to 24 hours. Manassas Virginia. New pay- Corporation and draws upon The Perseus B aircraft is a high- loads are integrated and ground Aurora Flight Sciences wing monoplane similar in tested for compatibility and Corporation’s resources in air- general layout to a sailplane. safety with the aircraft at this craft design and testing to sup- The aircraft has a tricycle land- main base during their devel- port customer needs. Aurora ing gear, which allows it to ope- opment phase. Once certified West Virginia has provided rate from conventional run- for use, they can be integrated manufacturing support to its ways in the same manner as in the field. parent company on both the other aircraft traffic. External Perseus and Theseus un- manned aerial vehicle (UAV) programs, as well as to prime aerospace companies. Examples include manufacturing the di- agonal stabilizers, or V-Tails, The basic concept regarding operation of for the Global Hawk aircraft for the Perseus B aircraft is as follows: Teledyne Ryan Aeronautical (now Northrop Grumman) and Height 3.5 m the wing for the X-34 vehicle for Orbital Sciences Corpora- Length 7. 6 m tion. Wingspan 21.8 m In early 2000, Aurora ac- Gross takeoff mass 1100 kg quired the Northrop Grumman production manufacturing Speed Range 46 – 69 KIAS plant located at the Benedum Maximum nose payload 150 kg Airport near Clarksburg, West Virginia. This 56,000 square Maximum pod payload 90 kg per side

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New ROSA Generation – Evolution Rather Than Revolution

With the new DRI521 and DRI511 sensor interface cards, the ROSA DM32 weather station can better fulfill the ith the new DRI521 meausurement requirements of road authorities who are responsible to keep traffic running safely in all weather coditions. and DRI511 sensor W interface cards, the ROSA DM32 weath- er station can better fulfill the measurement requirements of road, runway and rail mainte- nance authorotiesauthorities who are concerned with slip- pery pavement conditions. The ROSA weather station is com- pact because it is specifically de- Vaisala is on the verge of launching the DM32, signed for its purpose. Despite which is the next generation in ROSA road the new added measurements weather station technology. The changes repre- and features in the ROSA sta- tion, the weather station configu- sent evolution rather than revolution; for exam- ration has remained very sim- ple, the new DRI521 sensor interface card re- ple. Neither has the road state places its predecessor, the DRI50. The existing analysis been changed. The analysis algorithms were modi- functions and the road state analysis remain the fied and optimized together same. However, the new card incorporates addi- with the design of the DRS511 Panu Partanen, M. Sc. (Eng.) tional new properties and features, which have sensor, which was released in Product Manager not yet been seen in road weather stations. April 1999. Surface Weather Division Vaisala’s ROSA weather sta- Vaisala Helsinki A new simplified one-slot sensor interface tion has been designed for road Finland card, the DRI511, is being released at the same and runway weather observa- time as the new DRI521 sensor interface card. tion and pavement ice detec- tion. The ROSA road weather The DRI511 provides a cost-effective means of station has been in operational increasing the number of road sensors in the use since the mid-90s. The ROSA station or the potential to add cost-effec- heart of the weather station has tive remote stations. been the DM31 unit, which in- cludes the DRI50 sensor inter- face card. The DM31 unit will

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Two options for the radiation cipitation measurements are re- shield are available, either the quired, the PWD11 present old DTR13 ‘work horse’ or the weather detector should be MAWS type DTR502 smaller used. The PWD11 detector also dimension radiation shield. has a precipitation classification The decision regarding which function (rain, or sleet), one to use should be based on which is very valuable data the level of accuracy required when analyzing the state of a for specific measurements, but road. If even higher measure- both radiation shields meet all ments are required, the FD12P criteria for the purposes of road present weather detector should state analysis. be used. Additionally, the PWD11 Precipitation and and the FD12P both provide visibility visibility information. The measurement range of the Precipitation information is PWD11 is lower, but in many also required for a road analysis. cases it is sufficient for road The simplest way to provide users. If information on visibil- this is with the DRD11A pre- ity is required, but not infor- cipitation detector. Although it mation on precipitation classi- does not provide precipitation fication, the FD12 visibility classifications, it gives rain sensor can be connected to the Vaisala’s new DR521 sensor interface card (right) and on/off information together ROSA weather station. simplified one-slot sensor interface card, the DRI511, with an estimate of the rainfall Different types of were launched recently. intensity. If more accurate pre- can be added to the ROSA

be replaced with the new DM32 unit and the DRI50 in- terface card with the DRI521 and DRI511 cards.

Several road sensors

One DRI521 or DRI511 card can house up to two DRS511 road sensors. With the DRI511 one-slot interface card, it is now possible to economically increase the number of the road sensors and to house up to six sensors in one ROSA weather station. Remote ROSA weather sta- tions are connected to the mas- ter ROSA station via the RS485 cable. This configura- tion is useful if more road sen- sors are needed within the RS485 range, which is 1.2 km from the master ROSA station. In a remote weather station, where a master station provides the atmospheric measurement data, it is possible to house as many as ten road sensors in one station.

Air temperature and humidity

The air temperature and hu- midity data is always required by the ROSA weather station for it to be able to make a com- plete analysis of road surface conditions. As before, Vaisala’s HMP45D is used for that task.

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weather station. The most natu- combined wind sensor can be Sometimes there is a need for Economical power ral choice is the RG13 rain used in the ROSA station. additional snow height meas- savings gauge. The rain gauge provides An additional temperature urement in the ROSA station information on precipitation measurement channel is avail- and the SR50 sensor can be The power consumption of accumulation, but in most able in the DRI521 just as was used for this purpose. The SR50 the DM32 unit is clearly lower cases the same data provided the case for the DRI50. measures the distance caustical- than that of the older DM31. by the PWD11 sensor is more Normally in a ROSA weather ly, and can thus measure the The DRI521 card requires useful. The rain gauge needs station this temperature is meas- snow lying next to the ROSA about 0.8 watts (without sen- servicing, and, thus, may not ured from a depth of 30 cm station. Again, the PWD11 pre- sors), whereas the previous be the best alternative for road- under the ground, but this sent weather detection provides model, the DRI50, required side installation. measurement channel can be information on the snow accu- 2.2 watts. This is directly bene- used for any temperature meas- mulation too, so it can be used ficial in cases where solar pan- Options for wind, urement requirements, such as in most cases. els are used for operation. pressure, snow, additional air temperature meas- The radiation measurement is Solar panel sets are normally radiation… urement, for example. also sometimes needed in the tailored for each project sepa- The ROSA weather station, although rately, since the local condi- A wind measurement feature is system in the ROSA weather the roadside environment may tions and the sensor configura- very often integrated into the station has changed. With the not be best possible place to tion of the ROSA station have ROSA weather station. As be- DRI521 sensor interface card measure solar radiation. Several a significant effect on the solar fore, the WAA151 and WAV151 the PMB100 integrated pres- radiation sensors that can be system dimensioning. sensors and the WAT12 trans- sure measurement module added to the new DRI521 sen- The standard battery backup mitter-based wind measurement should be used. Since this sen- sor, including luxmeters and net option for ROSA – the package, the DM32WIND, are sor does not require any of the radiation sensors. DM32BAT24V system – pro- available for the ROSA weather input pins, one sensor interface vides long-lasting power back- station. With the new sensor in- card can contain more meas- New increased options up for the station. The number terface card, even the WMS301 urements than before. for controlling relays of the batteries used in the sys- tem can easily be increased de- The system has four configu- pending on specific require- rable I/O pins. Some of them ments. Additionally, an option- are in use in the optional meas- al short-term battery backup, urements mentioned above, providing a couple of hours such as for snow height meas- backup powering for the sys- urement or for radiation meas- tem, can be integrated into the urements, but they also allow for station. Since it fits into the new measurements to be includ- standard ROSA enclosure ed in the system, if required. BOX30S or BOX53S, it repre- There are also additional op- sents a cost effective option tions for controlling relays should short mains voltage from the ROSA weather sta- breaks occur. tion. The relays can be config- As before, there are several ured with simple system com- communication options. The mands, and the status of the ROSA weather station (or to be relays can be seen in the exact, the DRI521 and DRI511 weather station standard mes- interface cards) has a multi- sage. The relays can be con- plexed RS232/RS485 serial port nected into the configurable connection. The weather station I/O pins or into a separate can be connected via a direct open drain pin. RS232/RS485 connection, The battery voltage measure- through Hayes compatible full- ment is taken directly from the duplex dial-up modems (e.g. the DMF133 frame, so the input DMX50ICE), leased line modems pins do not need to be used for (e.g. the DMX55U), GSM modems that. The system can also meas- (e.g. the Siemens M20T), radio ure several other voltages from modems, etc. the frame, thus facilitating re- The new measurement op- mote maintenance and fault di- tions and operational functions agnostics. The ROSA weather in the ROSA DM32 station to- station can operate on 115/230 gether with the DRS511 road AC mains power or on 11-30 sensor launched in 1999 and VDC power. the new road surface analysis algorithm all strengthen Vaisala’s Vaisala’s ROSA weather station position at the forefront of has been designed for road and road weather station technology. runway weather observations.

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Copenhagen Airport cuts costs Vaisala’s new Ice Prediction System, for the monitoring of surface weather, was installed at Copenhagen Airport New Tools for in 1999. It considerably aids winter maintenance decision-making by en- abling airport staff to easily monitor conditions on the extensive network Winter of runways and taxiways. The system comprises a network of weather sta- tion sub nets, including 25 sensors. Maintenance

At any airport, for both airlines and passengers, weather delays are a major inconvenience. Accurate real- time aviation weather monitoring is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve airport safety.

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The new face of “The IceCast is a very good “The system reliability is high Copenhagen Airport tool for winter maintenance and and the data quality very good. helps us to save money. As the Working with Vaisala was pleas- Since Copenhagen Airport was airport traffic in Copenhagen is ant and we are confident that privatized in 1990, it has under- growing rapidly, we had to look the system will work to our ex- gone a major change of face. The for a new way of dealing with pectations. We are very much new Terminal 3 was opened in winter maintenance. We can’t looking forward to the coming 1997, and the Finger D in 1999. afford to lose time because of winter when we shall have 24 The airport has been modern- ice clearance, so pre-salting is hour forecast data and more ized and has an excellent public very important for us. We have sensors near the APRON area.” Frank Zokoll, M.Sc. (Eng.) transportation system, allowing to be ready before the snow falls Systems Support passengers direct access to a DSB or the ice forms.” Comprehensive system Vaisala Birmingham (Danish Railways) train station. Mr Meincke explains how, United Kingdom From here trains leave to either years ago, the maintenance crew So far, the new Ice Prediction side of the Øeresund Straight, could only react once the haz- System consists of 25 runway the stretch of water between ardous surface conditions exist- surface sensors at 19 outsta- Denmark and Sweden. ed. Now, with the help of weath- tions. During 2000, the number This year, Copenhagen er radar, local weather informa- of stations and sensors will in- Airport is celebrating its 75th tion and Vaisala’s IceCast, the crease to avoid any ‘white’ spots anniversary. It is classified as a maintenance crew can spread on the map. CAT IIIb category airport, and, de-icing chemicals on the run- Sites were located with the with 850 to 900 flights per day, ways before the freezing occurs. help of thermal mapping, to is the major hub of northern On three occasions, the main- give the best possible overview Europe. It is still undergoing tenance crew at Copenhagen of the ground conditions at the major construction changes to Airport trusted the IceCast airport. Installation is taking handle the increase in traffic, System, and especially its place in two phases, with the one of which is the installation NowCasts, more than the local runways and taxiways being of Vaisala’s Ice Prediction weather information systems. It covered first. In the next phase, System. proved them right and they were weather stations will be located The airport’s importance is in- able to keep the airport open within the APRON area. At that dicated by its high percentage of and safe. That convinced them point, crucial data from the neu- transit passengers – currently that they had the right tool in ralgic points will be available. In around 50 per cent of all passen- their hands. this way, the user will gain all gers. In addition, cargo flights “We are not sure if it reduced the information he needs for are increasing and, with the new costs on de-icing chemicals. winter maintenance. bridge to Malmö, Sweden, even However, as it was such a mar- more passengers are expected to ginal winter, requiring a lot of Fast and simple use Copenhagen. de-icing actions, it is hard to tell data collection how much chemical would Prepared before have been used without the Outstations are equipped with the ice forms IceCast System. Certainly, keep- wind sensors, rain detectors, air ing the airport open was much temperature and humidity The Field Service department is more important for us. The probes, plus the important run- responsible for the ground con- chemicals were used right in way surface sensors. ditions at Copenhagen Airport. time and the airport traffic de- In addition, two FD12P pre- Their main task is winter main- partment did not experience sent weather sensors have been tenance, particularly the re- any delays due to ice and snow. installed on either side of the moval of snow and ice. Dan Meincke, a manager in the Field Service department, says that the airport chose Vaisala because it was the most advanced system available on the market. He elaborates fur- ther: “We regard thermal map- ping as an integral part of the system and highly value the in- formation we gain from the mapping data. We especially like the status map, since it gives us a good overview and quick information on weather conditions all round the air- port. Our decision making is well supported by this tool.” Mr Meincke also mentions the IceCast System’s ease of hand- ling and easy-to-read displays Vaisala’s visibility sensor, the FD12P slave station, which aid decision making. installed at Copenhagen Airport.

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airport. They provide the user New Status Map ForeCast and NowCast with information about visibili- ty, precipitation type, accumu- The new Status Map combines NowCast (the new forecasting lated snow and water, and the an easy-to-use and understand- process) handles the forecast present weather. This helps the able data display with a real calculation and provides the user to ‘see’ what is happening time spatial map, showing the user with information on what at all points of the airport. data the user wants to see. will happen on the runways Basic weather data is meas- Each icon represents the lo- within the next 3 hours. This ured in the slaves and master Dan Meincke is a manager in the cation of an installed surface task is carried out by the units. Slaves are polled at fre- Field Service department at sensor. To give a very quick IceBreak Nowcast Model. quent intervals to pass on the Copenhagen Airport. overview of the surface condi- IceBreak is a numerical, physi- data to master sites. Master sites tions, the icons can be confi- cally-based model, though in are linked to the airport internal gured to display one data para- the Nowcasting version, some TCP/IP network and in turn get meter from the outstations, e.g. statistical measures are used to polled by two IceCast servers. surface temperature or surface generate short-term forecasts of The two Servers act in parallel, state. In addition, they show a air temperature, wind speed, so providing backup to each wind wedge for the prevailing etc. from which the heat flows other in the event of failure. wind direction and speed. in the pavement are calculated. “One major problem the air- To give even more advanced User-friendly IceView port faces is the wind,” says information, the ForeCast runs Dan Meincke. “Being so close once a day using actual meas- IceView is the user-display ap- to the sea, it is absolutely cru- urements from the sites, but plication which shows the actu- cial for us to know whether the also taking atmospheric fore- al data, the different types of wind will blow the snow away, cast data from the Danish forecast, and incoming alarms or if the surface is warm Meteorological Institute to cal- from IceAlarm in a variety of enough to melt the snow. If it is culate a 24 hour forecast for ways. Running on a Windows not, it will require quick action surface state and surface tem- operating system, it allows users from our side to keep the air- perature across the airport. to set up the display that best port open. All this information meets local requirements. can be quickly obtained from just one look at the Status The different types of display are: Map.”

• Status Table One of 8 Vaisala master outstations showing the most recent data installed along the runway at from all sensors and allowing Copenhagen Airport. quick access to the critical para- meters.

• Station Table showing data for a particular station or sensor over time.

• Station Graph showing the same as the station table, but in graphical form. Most users find it easier to see trends from this display.

• Status Map an entirely new feature – a con- figurable airport map, showing one icon for each surface sen- sor location at the airport. The icon itself displays real time data from the chosen sensor.

• Forecast Graph

Two different types of forecasts are generated at the airport with- in the Ice Prediction System – 3 hour and 24 hour forecasts. The 24 hour forecasts are overlaid by actual data from site, giving the Field Service department ad- vance information on which to prepare their actions. Figure 1. Vaisala installed a new ice prediction and surface weather monitoring system at Copenhagen Airport in 1999.

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Copenhagen International Airport

NowCast (the new forecasting process) handles the forecast calculation and provides the user with information on what will happen on the runways within the next 3 hours.

“This way the airport gets all IceAlarm warns of possible information required,” hazardous conditions Dan Meincke explains. “The airport is growing quickly and IceAlarm is another module of we need information. It needs the IceCast System at Copen- to be in a quick, accessible for- hagen Airport. Predefined alarm mat and it must be easy to un- limits are programmed by the derstand. We get both with the user to get an extra visual alarm Copenhagen Airport is situated in ForeCast, NowCast and real on screen, should hazardous sur- Kastrup, a town on the island of data. This way we can quickly face or wind conditions arise. Amager only 8 km southeast of compare what is really going This tool also allows messages to Copenhagen, Denmark. The airport is on, and can plan well in ad- be passed on to an SMS (Short in the middle of a large-scale extension vance.” Messaging Service) center, and project, which is having a considerable from there to a pre-defined mo- impact on airport routines. In coming 24-hour forecast with bile phone. years, activities are expected to intensi- thermal mapping fy, in step with increasing air traffic. The most advanced The airport is northern Europe’s main In the winter of 1998/1999, the safety systems airport and air-traffic hub, acting as a airport had a major thermal transfer airport for traffic between other mapping contract undertaken. Copenhagen airport now has parts of the world and many national The results show the cold and one of the most advanced ice and regional airports in Scandinavia warm areas in the runway/taxi- prediction and monitoring sys- and the area south of the Baltic. way network across the airport tems available anywhere (Figure Copenhagen Airport has direct con- under different weather condi- 1). Data is gathered around the nections to a total of 125 destinations tions. This helps the user to airport by the installed weather worldwide. Each year, there are ap- identify the cold spots on mar- station network. The data is proximately 280,000 movements (take- ginal nights – and gives them a passed to the two servers and offs or landings). About 17 million pas- valuable handle on just how from there to a series of work- sengers pass through the airport annu- cold they are relative to the rest stations. On these, IceView, the ally, approximately 2 million of them of the airport. Being on the display software, shows the real domestic passengers and 15 million in- Baltic Sea, marginal nights time data together with 3 hour ternational passengers. More than half were very common last winter. NowCasts and 24 hour of the latter are transfer passengers, With the 24 hour forecast, ForeCasts produced in con- who. change flights in Copenhagen the user receives a Forecast junction with the Danish Airport. Thermal Map, showing those Meteorological Institute. The investments will provide more air- areas of the airport that are like- Should any hazardous con- craft stands and expand the airport’s ly to experience some freezing ditions arise, the user can make taxiways and runways. The terminal within the next 24 hours. So, use of IceAlarm, a freely con- system will also be extended and mod- the user can not only calculate figurable alarming tool, which ernized, enabling the airport to meet the actual time when it will warns the user of certain limits airline and passenger demands for im- start to freeze, but also the that have been crossed by the proved service quality and facilities places where this will happen. conditions.

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WAS425 Ultrasonic Wind Sensor Sales Have Taken Off Kathryn Schlichting Marketing Manager Vaisala Handar Business Unit Sunnyvale, CA USA

The ultrasonic wind sensor will replace 1,000 aging and high maintenance units originally installed in Automated Surface Observing Systems (ASOS) at major airports throughout the United States.

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in U.S. Aviation Market

The year 2000 was the year of the Vaisala Low Level Wind Shear cilities. Vaisala will be deliver- Sensor Replacement ing sensors for the 62 weather Ultrasonic Wind Sensor. Acceptance of the sen- Program and LLWAS stations in the program. sor and of the technology for measuring wind Program with no moving parts has gained significant mo- U.S. Air Force Eastern mentum following years of testing and evalua- The U.S. FAA (Federal Western Range Aviation Administration) is- Standardization tion of the WAS425 by the U.S. National sued a contract to Vaisala last Program Weather Service (NWS) and Federal Aviation spring to provide ultrasonic Administration (FAA). The result of this, for wind sensors at all eleven exist- Aging and high maintenance ing low level wind shear sites mechanical wind sensors are Vaisala, is that significant numbers of sensors are located at major airports – being replaced on the weather being adopted for several large programs, most Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denver, stations located at U.S. Air of which are aviation related. Chicago and La Guardia, to Force bases. So far, over 200 ul- name a few. The first order of trasonics have been ordered to sensors from the FAA for this support this upgrade program. program was for 160 units, “We are pleased that so which will replace aging and many critical applications for high maintenance units origi- surface wind measurements are ASOS Mechanical Wind nally installed in the Low Level taking advantage of this new Sensor Replacement Wind Shear (LLWAS) systems. technological approach that Program Concurrently, the FAA will will provide improved perfor- be starting the operational tests mance and reliability”, said The U.S. NWS (National and evaluation of the ultrason- Katie Lockyer, General Weather Service) has awarded ic sensor on a new LLWAS pro- Manager, of the Vaisala Vaisala with a contract to de- gram for deployment at new Sunnyvale Operations, where velop and manufacture an ul- LLWAS sites. the sensor is produced. trasonic wind speed and direc- The Vaisala WAS425 sensor tion sensor. The sensor will re- Stand Alone Weather measures wind speeds to 125 place 1,000 aging and high System knots (65 m/s) with an accura- maintenance units originally cy of 3 % and wind direction installed in Automated Surface Another FAA program is using accuracy to 2°, even in extreme Observing Systems (ASOS) at the ultrasonic wind sensor in environmental conditions. The major airports throughout the the Stand Alone Weather sensor has no moving parts so United States. Station (SAWS). Vaisala will be it is less susceptible to icing The NWS selected Vaisala providing 285 sensors for this that typically interrupts me- after having spent more than program in 2000–2001. chanical sensor operation. The four years extensively testing elimination of moving parts standard, off-the-shelf, ultra- RSOIS – Radiosonde also improves data reliability in sonic wind sensors manufac- Surface Observing dusty or marine climates and tured by Vaisala and its com- Instrumentation greatly reduces maintenance petitors. Vaisala’s WAS425 Program activity and costs associated AHW was the unit tested by with mechanical type sensors. NWS, and the core technology The Vaisala ultrasonic wind The result is more reliability of this sensor will be incorpo- sensor is used in the weather and higher data availability rated into the sensors to be de- stations installed at all the than provided by the current livered to NWS. NWS radiosonde launching fa- technology.

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Rita Maria Leccese Managing Director Eurelettronica Icas Srl Rome, Italy Focus on Italian Airfields

Vaisala will instal two Italian-speaking AW11 avi- can be broadcast directly to the ty is below the length of the pilot using VHF radio. The long baseline. When visibility ation weather reporters at two helicopter bases AW11 transmits all weather pa- is better than the length of the located in southern Italy and Sardinia respective- rameters and weather messages longer baseline, the long base- ly. Vaisala will also supply MILOS 500 automat- (METAR/SPECI) by airband line is then used for measure- ic weather stations and sensors, an FD12P pre- radio. ments. The speech output of the The unique in-built features sent weather sensor and a MIDAS IV RVR sys- AW11 will use the Italian lan- of the MITRAS transmissome- tem to Bologna Airport. guage in reporting the weather ter make it the most sophisti- conditions, and the local opera- cated and well-proven system tor will also be able to record a currently available for visibility The AW11 aviation message header and provide measurements and RVR assess- weather reporter additional information at the ment. The advantages of MIT- end of the message. RAS are its extensive self mon- Quite soon, Vaisala’s AW11 itoring capabilities, its ad- aviation weather reporter will New weather systems vanced and highly effective op- speak Italian and farewell for Bologna Airport tical contamination compensa- Italian helicopter pilots with tion and the presence of light “Buon Giorno”. Vaisala has recently delivered intensity measurement units The Italian Police new weather systems to the both at the transmitter and the (Carabinieri) were faced with Italian Civil Aviation authori- receiver end. This translates the problem of how to provide ties (ENAV) through a system into accurate and reliable meas- essential meteorological data to integrator. The meteorological urements and a significant re- helicopters flying to airfields systems, which will be installed duction of optics cleaning. where no meteorological sup- at CAT IIIB Bologna Airport, port exists on the ground. After comprise MILOS 500 auto- their successful tender, Vaisala matic weather stations and sen- will deliver, through their sors, an FD12P present weather Italian Agent, Eurelettronica sensor and a MIDAS IV RVR Icas Srl, two Italian-speaking system. AW11 systems. They are to be The MIDAS IV RVR system installed at helicopter bases is based on well-proven MIT- (“Nuclei Elicotteri dell’Arma RAS transmissometers, config- The fully automatic dei Carabinieri”) located in ured in double baseline as the AW11 is a complete southern Italy and Sardinia re- application requires. The dou- stand-alone weather spectively. ble baseline solution consists of observation and The AW11 is a new genera- two light receivers and one reporting system designed tion integrated weather device light transmitter. The MITRAS for aviation use at small specially designed for purposes light transmitter provides sepa- airports and helipads. A such as the above. Its built-in rate beams for long and short full-scale weather report, sensors and processing system baselines. This is achieved by spoken in clear human measure and analyze the key means of a special optical as- voice, is obtainable via parameters for aviation, includ- sembly inside the transmitter ing wind speed and direction, head, equipped with a beam VHF radio or switched temperature, dewpoint, pres- splitter, which directs part of network telephone. sure, visibility, precipitation, the main beam to the short Weather data can also be cloud layer height and cover- baseline receiver. The short observed in graphical age. In addition, its automati- baseline is used for low visibili- form on a PC screen. cally edited speech messages ty measurements, when visibili-

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FULLY INTEGRATED AND READY TO USE: AW11 Aviation Weather Reporter

The AW11 Aviation Weather Reporter rep- resents a completely new generation of AWOS technology. The AW11 integrates all the sensors and features of a complete Airport Aviation Weather Observation System in one single product. It measures, processes and distributes real-time weath- er information to provide safer operating conditions at airfields. Designed especially for small airports, the entire system can be set up with no more effort than it takes to install one met- eorological sensor. In addition to wind, pressure and temperature parameters, this ready-to-use system also provides optical measurements and reports cloud layer height and coverage, visibility and precipi- tation intensity. Real-time weather condi- tions are transmitted to pilots by the built-in VHF airband transceiver and over the tele- phone. Numerical and graphical data, and automatic METAR/SPECI messages are distributed at the airport through the operator’s terminal and graphical displays.

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Vaisala Acquires Jenoptik Impulsphysik

In October 2000, Vaisala ac- quired the total shares of Jenoptik Impulsphysik GmbH of Germany. The ac- quired company develops, produces and markets weather observation systems for airports. The acquisition Vaisala will deliver a lightning detection network to monitor strengthens Vaisala’s posi- conditions and improve short-term forecasting in Catalonia, Spain. tion as a supplier of these systems, especially in Germany. The company employs 53 people near Hamburg. Tracking and Nowcasting “Impulsphysik and Vaisala are both first class companies in their respec- Thunderstorms in Catalonia tive fields of operation. The merger of the companies will create the world’s largest Vaisala has received an order from the entity supplying airports with weather observation Generalitat de Catalunya (Catalonia) to deliver systems,” says Pekka its SAFIR lightning detection network. SAFIR is Ketonen, President and the only system capable of providing thunder- CEO of the Vaisala Group. storm early detection and nowcasting functions Founded in 1949, Impulsphysik is located in at maximum efficiency over a wide area. Schenefeld, near Hamburg in Germany. In 1995 the company became part of the German Jenoptik n October 30, 2000, Monitoring severe mum efficiency over a wide area. Group. Impulsphysik manu- Vaisala was selected weather conditions SAFIR’s diverse meteorolog- factures and markets weath- O by the Generalitat de ical applications include the er observations systems and Catalunya to supply The SMC considers it very im- mapping of total lightning ac- related optical sensors for a lightning detection network for portant to have its own lightning tivity and density, the tracking the needs of aviation. These Catalonia. To meet the require- detection network to monitor and nowcasting of thunder- products will complement ments of the Meteorological severe weather and improve storm cells evolution, and au- Vaisala’s existing product Service of Catalonia (SMC) for short-term forecasting. The tomatic warning. They also in- line for aviation. total lightning detection (intra- Generalitat de Catalunya decid- clude hydrological applications Manufacturing of all airport cloud and cloud-to-ground light- ed to install and operate a sys- such as the assessment of thun- products will in the future ning), Vaisala will deliver a tem for Catalonia, despite the derstorm precipitation poten- be done in Finland. SAFIR system comprising three fact that Spain is already covered tial and data fusion with weath- The acquisition will fur- high resolution SAFIR 3000 de- by a lightning detection network er radar. ther strengthen Vaisala’s po- tection stations. operated by the National The SMC intends SAFIR to sition as a leading supplier The SAFIR solution was se- Meteorological Institute (INM), be used by Catalonian airports of weather observation sys- lected by the Generalitat de but which is limited to the de- for early identification and tems for airports. Vaisala’s Catalunya after a public tender tection of cloud-to-ground light- forecasting of en-route thun- market position in Germany competition between several ning only. derstorm hazards, by electric in other product areas is lightning detection techniques. Catalonia’s lightning detec- companies for power network also expected to improve as The SMC will install Vaisala’s de- tion network will benefit from management and dynamic a result of this acquisition. tection stations under the super- the unique capability of the lightning protection, and by The new name of the ac- vision of Vaisala Dimensions, SAFIR system to provide thun- TV and radio transmission cen- quired company is Vaisala France. The deliveries will start in derstorm early detection and ters and industries for dynamic Impulsphysik GmbH. spring 2001. nowcasting functions at maxi- lightning protection.

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The lightning detection technology was acquired by Vaisala at the beginning of 2000.

Vaisala to Deliver Lightning Detection Network to Poland

Vaisala has signed a contract to deliver and instal a national lightning detection network in Poland, to be operated by the Polish National Meteorological Institute. The lightning detection technology, which was acquired by Vaisala at the beginning of 2000, represents interesting future potential.

he Polish lightning de- cluding the aviation, telecom- tection network is very munications, electricity, indus- T important for Vaisala trial and defense sectors. The Vaisala News on the Internet since it will be an inte- project will be delivered in col- Should you wish to read articles from gral part of a future European laboration with the Ysselbach- wide thunderstorm hazard now- Envimet Group of Austria. older issues of Vaisala News, please casting network, together with the The project is part of the visit www.vaisala.com/ networks in France, Belgium, the ‘Flood management and haz- News/Magazines and Publications Netherlands, northern Germany, ard reduction project’ of the This web site contains Vaisala News Slovakia and Hungary. These net- Emergency Flood Recovery articles since no. 147/1998. Each file works were supplied earlier by Project financed by the World Vaisala. Bank. contains one article and is saved in According to the agreement, pdf format. The site will be updated Vaisala will deliver the full every time a new magazine is pub- lightning detection network, lished. central processing system and user terminals. The network will mainly use satellite telecommunications for data transmission, and will enable the Polish National Meteor- ological Institute to distribute data and warnings to key sec- tors of the Polish economy, in-

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www.vaisala.com

Europe North America

VAISALA Oyj VAISALA Inc. P.O. Box 26, FIN-00421 Helsinki 100 Commerce Way FINLAND Woburn, MA 01801-1068 Phone int.: +358 9 894 91 USA Telefax: +358 9 8949 2227 Phone int.: +1 781 933 4500 http://www.vaisala.com Telefax: +1 781 933 8029

Vaisala Malmö Vaisala Inc. Drottninggatan 1 D Boulder Operations S - 212 11 Malmö 8401 Base Line Road SWEDEN Boulder, CO 80303-4715 Phone int.: +46 40 298 991 USA Telefax: +46 40 298 992 Phone int.: +1 303 499 1701 Phone from Sweden: Telefax: +1 303 499 1767 0200 848 848 Telefax from Sweden: VAISALA Inc. 0200 849 849 Columbus Operations 7450 Industrial Parkway VAISALA GmbH Plain City, Ohio 43064-9005 Postfach 540267 USA D-22502 Hamburg Phone int.: +1 614 873 6880 GERMANY Telefax: +1 614 873 6890 Phone int.: +49 40 851 7630 Telefax: +49 40 850 8444 VAISALA Inc. Handar Business Unit VAISALA Impulsphysik GmbH 1288 Reamwood Ave. Achter de Weiden 10 Sunnyvale, CA 94089-2233 D-22502 Hamburg USA GERMANY Phone int.: +1 408 734 9640 Phone int.: +49 40 851 7630 Telefax: +1 408 734 0655 Telefax: +49 40 839 01 110 Asia and Pacific VAISALA GmbH Stuttgart Branch VAISALA KK Zweigniederlassung 42 Kagurazaka 6-Chome Pestalozzi Str. 8 Shinjuku-Ku D-70563 Stuttgart Tokyo 162-0825 GERMANY JAPAN Phone int.: +49 711 734 057 Phone int.: +81 3 3266 9611 Telefax: +49 711 735 6340 Telefax: +81 3 3266 9610

Vaisala GmbH VAISALA KK Bonn Office Osaka Branch Adenauerallee 46 a 1-12-15, Higashimikuni D-53110 Bonn Yodogawa-Ku, Osaka 532-0002 GERMANY JAPAN Phone int.: +49 228 912 5110 Phone int.: +81 6 6391 2441 Telefax: +49 228 912 5111 Telefax: +81 6 6391 2442

VAISALA Pty Ltd VAISALA Ltd 3 Guest Street Newmarket Office Hawthorn, VIC 3122 Suffolk House AUSTRALIA Fordham Road Phone int.: +61 3 9818 4200 Newmarket Telefax: +61 3 9818 4522 Suffolk CB8 7AA A.C.N. 006 500 616 UNITED KINGDOM Phone int.: +44 1638 674 400 VAISALA Beijing Telefax: +44 1638 674 411 Representative Office Wangfujing Grand Hotel VAISALA Ltd Room 518-520 Birmingham Operations 57, Wangfujing Street Vaisala House Beijing 100006 349 Bristol Road PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC Birmingham B5 7SW OF CHINA UNITED KINGDOM Phone int.: +86 10 6522 4050 Phone int.: +44 121 683 1200 Telefax: +86 10 6522 4051 Telefax: +44 121 683 1299 VAISALA Regional Office VAISALA SA Malaysia 2, rue Stéphenson (escalier 2bis) 2nd Fl. Wisma Chinese Chamber F-78181 Saint-Quentin-En- 258 Jalan Ampang Yvelines Cedex 50450 Kuala Lumpur Vaisala’s new direct numbers FRANCE MALAYSIA Phone int.: +33 1 3057 2728 Phone int.: +60 3 4257 1376 Vaisala’s direct phone and fax numbers will Telefax: +33 1 3096 0858 Telefax: +60 3 4259 1176 change. Starting January 1, 2001, callers must add the number 2 before the old extension numbers, VAISALA Dimensions SA as in the following example: +358 9 8949 2XXX.

7, Europarc Ste-Victoire ISO 9002 F-13590 Meyreuil FRANCE The old direct numbers will not be in use after Phone int.: +33 4 4212 6464 January 1, 2001. Vaisala’s operator number Telefax: +33 4 4212 6474 +358 9 89491 will remain the same. Sävypaino /Offset-kopio Oy 2000