Instruction Manual

Chapter 3 ________________________________________________________________ Operation
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 19
Totex Parachute 5710-5
The recommended parachute is the Totex type 5710-5 (Vaisala code
15046). In the Totex parachute an elastic ribbon loop hangs the
unwinder securily under the spreader.
Attach the parachute directly to the balloon with the parachute string.
See Figure 9 on page 21 for details. For unwinder attaching instructions,
see section Totex Parachute on page 31.
Radar Reflector
When using a radar reflector, it prevents the unwinder from swinging.
Therefore, attach the unwinder to the reflector with a rubber plate
accessory (Vaisala code RS46158), which lets the unwinder swing, and
the balloon string is unwind smoothly.
1. Tie the radar reflector to the balloon with a string of approximately
50 cm in length.
2. Attach the rubber plate (RS46158) to the radar reflector.
See Figure 9 on page 21 for details. For unwinder attaching instructions,
see section Radar Reflector on page 31.
CAUTION
The strength of all the strings used during soundings must exceed 25
kp (250 N). Knots in the strings weaken the strength to the minimum
of 40 % of the original string strength. This results in a string strength
of 10 kp (100 N) which is sufficient for RS92-SGP soundings.
Table 3 Ordering Codes for Optional Sounding Accessories
Item Code Note
Totex parachute 15046
Rubber plate RS46158 Used with a radar reflector
Hanger board RS46157 Used with a non-Totex parachute