Integrated Sounding System components received some timely modernization
and added capabilities which were valuable during two FY04 field deployments.
Three ISS participated in the North American Monsoon Experiment (NAME) (Sonora
and Baja, Mexico), and two ISS (MISS and MAPR) were deployed to the Sierra
Rotors project in California.
New Linux-based central workstations were introduced, replacing the long-used SPARC stations. This upgrade has greatly increased the data processing capability for ISS and added more flexibility in data archiving. For example, these systems can now store all raw data from the ISS, and reliably archive this data using RAID data mirroring and DVDs.
Mobile satellite internet connections were added, which decreases our reliance on dialup telephone service for data transfer back to Boulder, often a significant constraint in siting the ISS. The satellite system allows almost continuous data transfers and also simplifies remote maintenance. With the further addition of voice over IP (VoIP), this satellite link is used to supplement long distance phone service.
New pre-launch aspiration tables were built for the Vaisala GPS rawinsondes. These have increased air-flow around the temperature and humidity sensors to more quickly bring these sensors into equilibrium with the environment, and to mitigate sensor-arm heating. Wind profiler data JAZ drive backup systems were replaced with a more reliable and proven CD-based backup strategy.
FY04 was an exciting year for the new MISS, culminating in its first NSF-sponsored deployment to the Sierra Rotors project, which was conducted to further our understanding of Terrain-Induced Waves and Rotors. MISS includes all the standard ISS measurement systems, with the added advantages of easy mobility and fast deployment.
Following local Boulder-area test deployments, the design was fine-tuned and construction finalized. Many of the ISS upgrades already mentioned apply also to MISS, with some, for example the mobile satellite internet connection, being essential to its use. Additional design changes improved MISS usability and deployment speed, including quick-clips (substituted for bolts) to assemble the profiler clutter screen.
MISS ably fulfilled the requirements of Sierra Rotors deployment, collecting profiles and surface information from several sites within the Owens Valley depending on forecast conditions. Future improvements, based on limitations detected during this deployment, will be designed to speed and simplify setup and teardown, and allow for travel on rougher dirt roads.
A new display tool for wind profiler data was developed in FY2004. This tool, known as xsoap, allows researchers back at NCAR to plot measurements from any of the ISS sites as it is received back at NCAR in near real-time. The user can zoom in on the time and height range of interest and plot up a variety of parameters such as signal strength, spectral width, vertical velocity, winds, and diagnostic parameters. In addition to plotting data from on-going projects, the package can be used to plot data from past projects.
Several incremental upgrades were made to MAPR this year. Modifications
to the front-end hardware (low noise amplifier and mixers for frequency up/down
conversion) were completed to allow for easier experimentation; convenient
test points were added; the component layout was improved; and cooling capacity
was increased. The Linux PC controlling MAPR was also upgraded to have 2 CPU's,
an improved operating system, and a faster backplane, resulting in fewer dropped
pulses and increased data throughput. Data storage and handling was also upgraded
with RAID hard drives and DVDs to more reliably archive data.
In Spring 2004 MAPR participated in the Sierra Rotors field
project to study mountain wave induced rotors in the Owens Valley, CA. This project
took full advantage of MAPR's ability to continuously monitor the vertical wind,
showing persistent updrafts and downdrafts depending on the phase of the stationary
mountain wave above. Fading time, related to Doppler spectral width, is also
continuously
measured to study turbulence related to the rotor structure.
Because of MAPR’s value in identifying wave and rotor activity, its display
software was enhanced for the Sierra Rotors deployment. Near real-time display
of velocity and spectrum width time-height cross sections were added. These displays
are interactive allowing the operator to zoom in or out, focusing on details
within a time interval and altitude range of greatest
interest.