USER'S GUIDE Vaisala Radiosonde RS92-K and RS92-KL M210299EN-D
PUBLISHED BY Vaisala Oyj Phone (int.): +358 9 8949 1 P.O. Box 26 Fax: +358 9 8949 2227 FIN-00421 Helsinki Finland Visit our Internet pages at http://www.vaisala.com/ © Vaisala 2007 No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical (including photocopying), nor may its contents be communicated to a third party without prior written permission of the copyright holder. The contents are subject to change without prior notice.
________________________________________________________________________________ Table of Contents CHAPTER 1 GENERAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Contents of This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Version Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Related Manuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________ CHAPTER 4 STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 CHAPTER 5 FAILURE REPORT AND WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Failure Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
________________________________________________________________________________ List of Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11 Figure 12 Figure 13 Figure 14 Figure 15 Figure 16 Figure 17 Figure 18 Figure 19 Figure 20 Figure 21 Vaisala Radiosonde RS92-K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Loading Weights onto the Gas Nozzle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Attaching the Balloon to the Gas Nozzle . . . . . . . .
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________________________________________________________________________________ List of Tables Table 1 Table 2 Table 3 Manual Versions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Related Manuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Ordering Codes for Optional Sounding Accessories . . . . . . . . . .
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Chapter 1 ________________________________________________________ General Information CHAPTER 1 GENERAL INFORMATION This chapter provides general notes for the manual and the product. About This Manual This manual provides information for operating the Vaisala Radiosonde RS92-K and RS92-KL. Contents of This Manual This manual consists of the following chapters: - Chapter 1, General Information: This chapter provides general notes for the manual and the product.
User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________ Version Information Table 1 Manual Versions Manual Code Description M210299EN-D M210299EN-C This manual Previous version Related Manuals Table 2 Related Manuals Manual Code Manual Name M210329EN M210488EN M010024EN M210811EN Ground Check Set GC25 User's Guide Vaisala DigiCORA® User's Guide DigiCORA II MW15 User's Guide Configuring and Operating MW11/15 Systems, RS92 Radiosonde, and GC25 Using Cable Connection Ge
Chapter 1 ________________________________________________________ General Information Feedback Vaisala Customer Documentation Team welcomes your comments and suggestions on the quality and usefulness of this publication. If you find errors or have other suggestions for improvement, please indicate the chapter, section, and page number. You can send comments to us by email: manuals@vaisala.com.
User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________ Recycling Recycle all applicable material. Dispose of batteries and the unit according to statutory regulations. Do not dispose of with regular household refuse. License Agreement All rights to any software are held by Vaisala or third parties. The customer is allowed to use the software only to the extent that is provided by the applicable supply contract or Software License Agreement.
Chapter 2 __________________________________________________________ Product Overview CHAPTER 2 PRODUCT OVERVIEW This chapter introduces the features and advantages of the radiosonde. Introduction to Vaisala RS92-K and RS92-KL The Vaisala Radiosonde RS92-K and RS92-KL offer excellent accuracy in humidity, pressure, and temperature measurement. These radisondes feature a heated twin humidity sensor, a silicon pressure sensor, and a small, fast temperature sensor. The RS92-KL uses Loran-C windfinding.
User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________ Figure 1 0710-105 Vaisala Radiosonde RS92-K 1 = Hole for frequency tuning (covered by tape) 2 = Battery casing 3 = Antenna 4 = Temperature sensor 5 = Humidity sensors 6 = Sensor boom 7 = GC25 interface The Vaisala Radiosonde RS92-K and RS92-KL can be used with the Vaisala DigiCORA® Sounding System MW31 and MW21, and the Vaisala DigiCORA® Sounding System MW11, MW12, or MW15.
Chapter 3 ________________________________________________________________ Operation CHAPTER 3 OPERATION This chapter contains information that is needed to operate this product. General It is essential that you carry out the pre-launch steps as instructed and always in the same way. Follow the instructions in the following sections and refer to Appendix A on page 39 for proper and safe balloon preparation. The workorder for a sounding is as follows: 1.
User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________ Preparing the Balloon and Optional Sounding Accessories The balloon and optional sounding accessories must be prepared before connecting the radiosonde battery and thereby activating the radiosonde. This is necessary because the radiosonde should be launched within 15 minutes of battery connection. WARNING Read the safety instructions in Appendix A before proceeding.
Chapter 3 ________________________________________________________________ Operation 2. Attach the balloon to the gas nozzle by securing the balloon with a piece of string or a clamp. Figure 3 0705-017 3. Attaching the Balloon to the Gas Nozzle Inflate the balloon following the balloon manufacturer’s inflation instructions. Do not leave the balloon-filling shed while inflating the balloon.
User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________ 4. When the balloon is sufficiently filled, in other words, the balloon just raises the gas nozzle, close the gas valve.
Chapter 3 ________________________________________________________________ Operation 5. Secure the neck of the balloon tightly with a string and remove the balloon from the gas nozzle.
User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________ 6. Fold the neck of the balloon over and secure firmly. Tie the string high enough to ensure that the unwinder fits easily. Figure 8 0705-022 7. Folding the Neck of the Balloon Leave the balloon waiting in the balloon filling shed while you prepare the radiosonde. Make sure the balloon does not touch anything. Hold the balloon by the neck.
Chapter 3 ________________________________________________________________ Operation 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.
User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________ Non-Totex Parachute If you are using a parachute that has no firm objects to prevent the unwinder from twisting, you have to use a hanger board (Vaisala code RS46157). 1. Tie the parachute to the balloon with a string. 2. Tie the hanger board to the parachute with a string of approximately 20 cm in length. See Figure 9 on page 21 for details.
Chapter 3 ________________________________________________________________ Operation Figure 9 Vaisala Radiosonde Sounding Accessories Option 1 = Sounding with a Totex parachute Option 2 = Sounding with no sounding accessories Option 3 = Sounding with a radar reflector Option 4 = Sounding with a non-Totex Parachute 0705-045 Now you can proceed to unpack the radiosonde.
User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________ Unpacking the Radiosonde Follow these steps to unpack the radiosonde. CAUTION Do not touch or hit the sensors on the sensor boom. By carefully handling the radiosonde and the sensor boom you ensure that the radiosonde functions properly during sounding. 1. Open the foil bag as indicated on the bag. Figure 10 0705-023 2. Opening the Foil Bag Lift the cardboard flap protecting the sensor boom.
Chapter 3 ________________________________________________________________ Operation 3. Remove the radiosonde from the package, free the antenna, and take the unwinder out of the package. 4. Make sure the plastic lip, under which the string runs, is level with the unwinder bottom plate. If the lip is bent, bend it gently back to level the position. Figure 12 0601-050 Unwinder Details Proceed to perform the sounding preparations.
User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________ Figure 13 0705-025 Vaisala Ground Check Set GC25 1 = Chamber 2 = Display 3 = Buttons 4 = Communication cable 5 = Radiosonde tray 6 = Power switch Follow these steps to perform the sounding preparations. 1. Open the chamber of the Ground Check Set and place the radiosonde onto the radiosonde tray. Close the chamber. 2. Connect the communication cable to the Ground Check Set interface in the radiosonde.
Chapter 3 ________________________________________________________________ Operation 3. Switch on the PC and start a new sounding with the DigiCORA® sounding software. For detailed instructions on using the software, refer to the DigiCORA® User’s Guide. 4. Switch on the Ground Check Set by pressing the power switch. The green LED in the power switch is lit. 5. If needed, tune the radiosonde frequency. The radiosonde is tuned at the factory to the default frequency of 403 MHz.
User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________ NOTE CAUTION The timer countdown is different for analog (RS92-K and RS92-KL) and digital radiosondes (for example, RS92-SGP): For analog radiosondes, the timer countdown starts on the ground, beginning when the radiosonde is connected to the Ground Check Set. Therefore, you have to add some extra time to the timer to be able to activate and connect the battery and launch the radiosonde.
Chapter 3 ________________________________________________________________ Operation Now proceed to connect the radiosonde battery. Connecting the Battery General The RS92-K and RS92-KL are powered by the RSB931 Wateractivated Battery.
User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________ Connecting the Water-activated Battery Follow these steps to connect the water-activated battery: 1. Open the foil bag as indicated on the bag. Figure 17 0705-028 Battery Package for Water-Activated Battery 2. Take the battery out of its casing. 3. Place the battery in a water container with the connectors facing upwards and immerse in water for four minutes. Use fresh tap water, with a temperature of 15...25 °C.
Chapter 3 ________________________________________________________________ Operation 4. Take the battery out of the water after four minutes of immersion. Do not squeeze water out of the battery. 5. Put the battery back into the casing. One end of the battery is waxed to prevent leakage. The waxed end should point downwards. Figure 19 0705-041 6. Connect the battery connector to the radiosonde. Figure 20 0710-109 7.
User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________ 8. Check from the DigiCORA® sounding software that the telemetry link is working well. For detailed instructions on using the sounding software, refer to the DigiCORA® User’s Guide. The radiosonde is now prepared for launch. In order to ensure 120 minutes of flight time, the radiosonde has to be launched within 15 minutes of battery connection. Proceed now to launch the radiosonde.
Chapter 3 ________________________________________________________________ Operation 2. Make sure that the hook comes out the other side as shown in Figure 21 on page 31. The unwinder is now attached firmly to the balloon. Figure 21 0705-042 Attaching the Unwinder to the Balloon If you use optional sounding accessories, follow these instructions to attach the unwinder. Totex Parachute The Totex parachute 5710-5 has an elastic ribbon loop below the spreader.
User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________ Releasing the Balloon In order to ensure 120 minutes of flight time, the radiosonde should be launched within 15 minutes of battery connection. Follow these steps to release the balloon: 1. Make sure the balloon string is not tangled. 2. Hold the unwinder to prevent the string from running out before the release. 3. Release the balloon and allow the radiosonde to lift from your hand.
Chapter 4 __________________________________________________ Storage and Transportation CHAPTER 4 STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION This chapter provides information for the transport and storage of the product. Storage Radiosondes must be stored and used properly in accordance with applicable instructions, the User’s Manual, and specifications issued by Vaisala.
User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________ CAUTION The radiosonde string is not resistant to prolonged exposure to sunlight. Store radiosondes in their original unopened vacuum envelopes. Transportation Vaisala radiosondes must be transported in their original shipping packaging.
Chapter 5 _________________________________________________ Failure Report and Warranty CHAPTER 5 FAILURE REPORT AND WARRANTY This chapter presents information about the failure report and radiosonde warranty.
User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________ Technical Support For technical questions, contact the Vaisala technical support: E-mail helpdesk@vaisala.com Fax +358 9 8949 2790 If the product needs repair, please follow the instructions below to speed up the process and to avoid extra costs to you. NOTE 1. Read the warranty information. 2.
Chapter 5 _________________________________________________ Failure Report and Warranty Storage Conditions Radiosonde shall be stored indoors in its original unopened vacuum envelope within the following environmental limits: - temperature +5 °C to +40 °C - relative humidity below 85% Additional storage requirements for Vaisala AUTOSONDE: - the maximum number of days radiosonde can be loaded in AUTOSONDE is 14 - relative humidity below 50% - temperature +15 °C to +35 °C Transportation and Handlin
User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________ Early termination of sounding caused by balloon burst, user error, or any external cause, is not covered by this warranty. Making Warranty Claims A failure report shall be provided for each failed radiosonde stating the radiosonde serial number, a description of the failure, and sounding site and date. A template provided by Vaisala can be used for this.
Appendix A _______________________________________ Safety Instructions for Balloon Operators APPENDIX A SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR BALLOON OPERATORS This appendix contains details of safe and proper balloon preparation. Photocopy these instructions and place the list in clear view in the balloon filling shed and in the sounding compartment.
User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________ 1. No smoking or nake flame allowed. 2. If possible, avoid wearing clothing made of nylon or other synthetic fibers to prevent a build-up of static charges. Do not wear shoes with rubber soles. 3. Wear protective glasses. 4. Regularly check that the gas tube fits securely to the gas cylinder or generator nozzle and to the balloon inflation nozzle. 5.
____________________________________________________________________________ Index INDEX A accessories activating the radiosonde attaching the unwinder 18 27 30 handling the balloon 18 14, 39 14 14 32 39 17 17 14 14, 39 I inflating the balloon 14 L launching the radiosonde 30 M 27, 28 27 monitoring the sounding 32 N C checking reception connecting the battery 23 12 24 25 36 H B balloon folding the neck handling inflating lifting gas releasing safety instructions securing the neck tying ballo
User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________ battery features launching sensor boom storing transportation and handling unpacking warranty reception, checking reconditioning recycling releasing the balloon reporting failures returning faulty material 27 11 30 26 33 33 22 36 32 25 10 32 35 36 workorder storing the radiosonde 13 33 T technical support timer setting Totex parachute transportation and handling tying the balloon 36 25 19, 31 33, 37 17 U unpacking the
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