WS FORM B-48
(11-03) NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
STATION _____________________________________________________ TYPE _____________________________________________________ PREPARED BY: DATE:
UPPER AIR PROGRAM REVIEW GUIDE
INSTRUCTIONS -
Use this form as a guide during station program reviews. Make entries as required by your Regional Headquarters. Omit entries for items not appropriate to the station. Distribute: Original kept at Regional Headquarters Copies - 1 to station and 1 copy to NWS Upper Air Program Office (Keep on file for a minimum of 3 years or until site has had the Upper Air Program inspected at least on two more occasions. Note: YES - No problems noted NO - Some areas needing attention (This does not mean that this item is necessarily unsatisfactory - See Remarks and WS Form B-33 or Station Report for specifics)
I.
PRE-RELEASE AND INSTRUMENT PREPARATION
A. B. C. D. E. F. Balloons properly stored Balloon conditioner operational and used if available Balloon inflated no more than 45 minutes prior to release Balloon handled properly and with care during inflation Correct lift used for existing wind and weather conditions Train regulator correctly used and when required
YES +
NO -
REMARKS
G. Orientation check with target antenna performed after 15 minute system warm-up H. Adequate time allowed for instrument preparation and entry of baseline data into computer before release I. Instrument handled with care and sensors closely inspected for defects J. Battery in water the proper time (VIZ 2 Min/VSL 3 Min)
K. Proper battery voltage used and verified with the power supply/battery tester (VIZ 17.5V/VSL 15V) L. Baseline check performed with instrument on battery power and either suspended or placed on nonconductive material to eliminate antenna loading M. Hygristor (if used) properly handled and placed in clips Differences
N. Hygristor value entered in MicroART correctly. from calibration data and the hygristor value from the sonde, use the value from the sonde.
O. Antenna locked on peak signal with motors in standby before doing baseline check P. Proper entries made on the radiosonde return mail bag
Q. Sensor boom positioned away from the rawinsonde at approximately 30 degrees R. Surface observation taken within 10 minutes of release and reentered if necessary
II.
RELEASE, FLIGHT AND POST-FLIGHT
A. Train properly assembled using 70-120 feet of twine or a train regulator B. Release time within the release window hour from the synoptic time) (No more than + 1
C. Motors placed on standby during transportation of the instrument to the release point D. FAA Tower contacted before balloon release for clearance
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E. F. G. H. I.
Only one observer required to do a normal release Observers know how to do a timed release Azimuth and elevation set for optimum lock-on Surface observation updated if required Observers proficient with editing procedures
J. Observers proficient at calling-up plots along with met and position data to ensure data quality, includes VAR2 screen K. Observers proficient with recovery procedures for inflight problems such as a power failure, etc. L. Data and coded messages checked for accuracy before transmission M. N. Coded messages transmitted on time Upper air flights are properly stored and archived
III. GROUND, OBSERVING AND INFLATION EQUIPMENT
A. B. C. D. E. Target antenna operating properly General performance of the tracking equipment Appearance of equipment Remote control panel operating properly Tracking equipment level and oriented
F. Surface observing equipment located within a 1/4 mile or less of the release point and considered representative G. Pressure read at baseline height - Proper Pressure correction entered into station.dat for height difference between baseline point and release point H. Radome area free of clutter and no metal objects in front of antenna above its base I. Inflation system periodically checked for leaks using approved solution J. snags) Inflation table top clean and in good condition (Free of
K. Inflation hose in satisfactory condition and grounded properly L. M. N. Inflation nozzle and weights in satisfactory condition A complete set of inflation weights available Clinometer at the release site and used as needed
IV.
COMPARATIVE EQUIPMENT
A. Condition of optical theodolite (lenses clean; lights and vernier screws operate properly; numbers readable; sun-shield and lens cap available) B. C. D. E. Theodolite secured and protected in a case or shelter Theodolite shelter locked when unattended (If available)
Pibal timer available and in satisfactory condition General condition of the theodolite shelter (If available)
F. Theodolite support level and firmly in place and in general good working order
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G.
List all orientation points (el & az): Minimum 2 points __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ (EL__________ __________ __________ __________ AZ___________)
H.
General test satisfactory
V.
COMPARATIVE OBSERVATIONS
A. Comparatives completed accurately and consistently RMS________
B. Result and date of last comparative. Date_______
C. Comparative observations made after major component replacement or repair or change in tracking alignment
VI.
A.
INFLATION BUILDING AND RELEASE AREA
Inflation building's overall appearance satisfactory Release area free of hazards and is overall satisfactory Mechanical features operational (overhead doors, louvers, B.
C. etc.)
D. Compass points (180 Degrees = North) painted around release area or some other similar device available to determine azimuth at release E. An intercom or some communication system operational between office and inflation building
VII.
A.
SAFETY CHECKLIST
Hydrogen/helium cylinders properly secured and marked (Cylinders should be secured individually or in pairs)
B. Caps on all cylinders both full and empty, not connected to the supply hose C. Type of device used to secure cylinders (chain, bungee cord, etc) ___________________________________________________________ D. Hydrogen cylinders not manifolded (Supply hose feeds off a single cylinder) E. Inflation door, inflation hoses, and nozzle grounded properly F. G. H. I. J. K. Only spark proof tools used (Hydrogen Sites) UL approved two stage regulator used Spare UL approved regulator available Hydrogen safety switch used and operated properly Fill rate follows NWS instructions Backup inflation available at hydrogen generator sites
L. Hydrogen/helium supply lines protected from damage and arranged so as to eliminate any hazard to the observers M. Hydrogen sites - Hydrogen Warning Signs prominently displayed on all sides of the inflation and hydrogen generator building, easy to read, and visible from all approaches N. Operating and safety instructions prominently displayed in the inflation area
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O.
Personnel familiar with safety rules
P. Emergency and safety training procedures included in the Station Duty Manual and reviewed every six months Q. All work, areas near entrances and doors clean and free of ice and snow R. Building clean, not cluttered, not used for general storage and free of flammable materials S. Provisions for disposal of flammable waste materials available other than in the inflation building T. Approved fire extinguishers available and inspected annually and checked monthly U. V. Inflation building locked when unattended Guard rails in place and secure
W. First aid material readily available in generator and inflation areas X. Inflation and release area properly lighted
Y. Building equipped with explosion proof covers on light fixtures and safety electrical switches (Hydrogen Sites)
VIII. UPPER-AIR COMPUTERS
A. Hard disk contains only authorized files and is using the current software version with computer virus check B. floppy C. safely D. Upper air program boots properly; both hard drive and Upper air software maintained on diskette and stored (MicroART, station.dat and calibration files) Computer connected to a surge protector
E. Printer works properly and ribbon is sufficiently dark to make clear readable printouts F. Archive, store and other diskettes in good condition and maintained properly G. Data transfer to backup computer works correctly Region Sites Only) (Pacific
H. Temporary archive, store, calibration, and results files routinely deleted off hard drive I. Diskettes formatted using the "Diskette" subdirectory
J. Station elevation and latitude/longitude input into Station.dat correctly - Elevation 4 feet above inflation building floor - Latitude/Longitude at release point
IX.
ADMINISTRATIVE
A. Upper air manuals, up to date, complete and in good condition (FMH-3, Interim Changes, MicroART Training Guide And WSOH-10) B. NWS Policy Directive 10-14, “Upper Air Program” along with applicable upper air procedural directives and supplements available C. Limiting Angle Chart up to date (Within last 5 years)
D. WS Form A-22, B-29, B-47, B-85 and H-6 completed and distributed in a timely manner with station copies being maintained as required. E. F. Review NCEP, NCDC and Regional Statistics for past year All observers certified with certificate on-site
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G. All major and minor equipment problems properly documented in EMRS. H. 2. An adequate amount of expendable supplies on hand: 7. Floppy diskettes Twine (20 ply) 9. Printer paper 10. Printer ribbons 11. Hygristors (If required) 12. Batteries
1. Helium or hydrogen Balloons 8. 3. Radiosondes 4. Lighting Units 5. Parachutes 6. Train regulators
I. Rejected rawinsondes returned to NRC once a quarter with the WS H-6 Form completed properly J. Adequate storage space available
K. Any recent problems in obtaining supplies including hardware parts L. M. N. O. P. date Helium and hydrogen use rate reasonable Helium/hydrogen supplier ensuring adequate delivery Sufficient manpower scheduled during special projects Observers' questions answered and suggestions encouraged Station history and description forms complete and up to
Q. Previous month’s WS Form B-47's, WS Form A-22's, archive and high resolution data files are routinely sent by FTP to NCDC with proper file names by the 5th of each month
X.
OVERALL SITE PERFORMANCE
A. B. C. Site conducts proficiency and recurring training Failed flights and 2nd release numbers reasonable Ground equipment calibrated and functioning properly
D. General theodolite tests and optical comparisons done on time and as required since last site inspection E. All forms and documentation maintained and kept on station as required and completed properly F. Rawinsonde flights edited, transmitted, and archived properly G. Site strives to ensure data quality, termination heights and ascent rates are at least 275 meters/minute
XI.
A.
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
Weekly Maintenance Completed and Documented 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. B. Service Meter Quick-Check Azimuth Drive Current Idle Balance Elevation Drive Current Idle Balance Target Antenna Test Reset Check
Monthly Maintenance Completed and Documented 1. 2. 3. Battery Test System Checkout Simulator Profile
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C.
Quarterly Maintenance Completed and Documented 1. 2. Battery Test Power Supply Alignment
D.
Semi-Annual Maintenance Completed and Documented 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Clean Filters Lubricate (ART-1) Lubricate Pedestal Housing & Elevation Housing Synchro Alignment RCU Release Tone Adjustment
E.
Miscellaneous Requirements 1. 2. Receiver Alignment Done Prior to Tracking Alignment Receiver Alignment Done After Replacing: RF Assembly..Video Amplifier..AGC/Range Demodulator.. AFC/AGC/AM Detector.. AFC Mode Programmer.. Mux Control..Retransmitter 3. Tracking Alignment Done After Replacing: Any Part of Pylon..Elevation Tachometers (ART-2).. Motor (ART-1)..Clutches (ART-2)
Note:
Verification of Maintenance should be done using EMRS
From Internet Explorer go to: (Do not use Netscape) http://cmorahome.nws.noaa.gov/emrs/html/emrs.htm Username, Password and Database entries are required. Each Region and Site has assigned entries. Regional Personnel should ask the Electronics Program Manager (EPM) and Site Personnel should go to the Electronics System Analysts (ESA)
XII.
REGIONAL ITEMS (List items of concern)
References and Procedures for WS Form B-48
I. PRE-RELEASE AND INSTRUMENT PREPARATION
A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, Paragraph Paragraph Paragraph Paragraph Paragraph Paragraph Paragraph Table 6-1 4.4 4.5 5.5 4.4 4.3 5.2.4 6.5
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I. J. K. L. M. N. O. P. R.
WSOH-10, Appendix D WSOH-10, Appendix D WSOH-10, Appendix D WSOH-10, Paragraph 6.9 WSOH-10, Appendix D VIZ MicroART Training Guide, Paragraph 4.2.4, 4.2.5, 8.2 WSOH-10, Appendix D WSOH-10, Appendix D WSOH-10, Paragrpah 6.8.2
II.
A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J. K. L. M. N.
RELEASE, FLIGHT AND POST-FLIGHT
WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, MicroART MicroART MicroART WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, Paragraph 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 5.6 Paragraph 6.2 Paragraph 6.10 Paragraph 6.12.1 Paragraph 6.13.5 & Table 6.1 Paragraph 6.13.5 & Table 6.1 Paragraph 6.13 Paragraph 6.8.2, MicroART Training Guide, Paragraph 5.3.11 Training Guide, Chapter 9 Training Guide, Chapter 9 Training Guide, Chapter 13, Paragraph 13.2 Paragraph 7.6, MicroART Training Guide, Paragraph 10.2 Paragraph 7.7 Paragraph 8.6.1, MicroART Training Guide, Paragraph 11.2, 11.3, 11.4
III.
A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J. K. L. M. N.
GROUND, OBSERVING AND INFLATION EQUIPMENT
WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, Paragraph 6.6, 6.7 Paragraph 6.6, 6.7, 10.9, 11.3, 11.3.4, Visual Inspection Paragraph 11.3 & Visual Inspection Paragraph 3.3.2, 6.13, Table 6.1, Visual Inspection & Operate the Control Panel Switches and Buttons Paragraph 6.6, 6.7 Appendix E, W/OSO1 Memo dated 5/18/95 Paragraph 11.6 Appendix E, Visual Inspection Appendix E, Hydrogen Gas Safety Study 12/92, Page 11 Paragraph 12.4.1.2, Visual Inspection Paragraph 12.5 Appendix E, Visual Inspection Appendix E Exhibit 12-5, Visual Inspection
IV.
A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H.
COMPARATIVE EQUIPMENT
WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, Appendix E, FMH-3, Paragraph 6.19 Appendix E, FMH-3, Paragraph 6.19, 6.20 Paragraph 12.4.1.1 Paragraph 11.3.4.2, Appendix E, Appendix E, Visual Inspection Paragraph Appendix E Paragraph 11.3.4.2, Appendix E, Inspect Station History Forms Paragraph 11.3.3, Inspect Last WS Form B-29
V.
COMPARATIVE OBSERVATIONS
A. B. C. Review WS Form B-17 Review WS Form B-17 & WS Form B-29 Review WS Form B-17 & EMRS
VI. INFLATION BUILDING AND RELEASE AREA
A. B. C. D. E. WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, WSOH-10, Paragraph 12.4 & 12.4.1.1 Paragraph 12.4.1.1 Paragraph 12.4.1.1, Visual Inspection Appendix E, Visual Inspection Paragraph 12.4.1.1, Visual Inspection
VII. SAFETY CHECKLIST
A. B. WSOH-10, Paragraph 12.4.1.2, Visual Inspection of Inflation Building WSOH-10, Paragraph 12.4.1.2, Visual Inspection of Inflation Building
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C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J. K. L. M. N. O. P. Q. R. S. T. U. V. W. X. Y.
WSOH-10, Paragraph 12.5, Visual Inspection of Inflation Building WSOH-10, Paragraph 12.4.1.2 WSOH-10, Paragraph 12.5 and Hydrogen Safety Study 1986, Paragraph 5. (A.) WSOH-10, Paragraph 12.5 WSOH-10, Paragraph 12.5 WSOH-10, Appendix E, Visual Inspection WSOH-10, 5.5.3, Observe Balloon Fill Procedures WSOH-10, Paragraph 5.5.2, Inspect Regulator Pressure During Balloon Fill Required at Hydrogen Generator Sites WSOH-10, Paragraph 12.4.1.2, 12.5, Appendix E WSOH-10, Paragraph 12.5 WSOH-10, Paragraph 12.5 WSOH-10, Appendix E, Talk to Staff Station Duty Manual WSOH-10, Paragraph 12.4.1.1 WSOH-10, Paragraph 12.4.1.1, 12.4.1.2, Visual Inspection WSOH-10, Paragraph 12.5, Appendix E WSOH-10, Paragraph 12.4.1.2, EHB-15, Visual Inspection WSOH-10, Paragraph 12.4.1.1, Visual Inspection WSOH-10, Paragraph 12.4.1.1, Visual Inspection WSOH-10, Paragraph 12.4.1.2 WSOH-10, Paragraph 12.4.1.1, 12.4.1.2, Visual Inspection WSOH-10, Paragraph 12.5, Visual Inspection
VIII. UPPER-AIR COMPUTERS
A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J. MicroART MicroART MicroART MicroART MicroART MicroART MicroART MicroART MicroART WSOH-10, Training Guide, Training Guide, Training Guide, Training Guide, Training Guide, Training Guide, Training Guide, Training Guide, Training Guide, Paragraph 11.6 Paragraph Paragraph Paragraph Paragraph Paragraph Paragraph Paragraph Paragraph Paragraph 2.7, 2.8, 2.7, 2.7, 2.7, 2.7, 2.7, 2.7, 3.2 Visual Inspection and Operate MicroART Computer 2.10, Visual Inspection and Operate MicroART Computer 6.2, Appendix A, Visual Inspection 6.2, Appendix A, Visual Inspection 7.5, Visual Inspection and Operate Printer 2.13.3 - 2.13.6, Visual Inspection Visual Inspection and Operate 3.2, Visual Inspection and Operate MicroART Computer
IX.
A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J. K. L. M. N. O. P. Q.
ADMINISTRATIVE
Visual Inspection of Upper Air Manuals and Training Guide Visual Inspection of Upper Air References WSOH-10, Paragraph 11.3.2.3, Visual Inspection of Limiting Angle Diagram and Station Horizon WSOH-10, Chapter 10, Visual Inspection of WS Form B-29s, B-47s and B-85s Visual Inspection of Posted QC Data WSOH-10, Paragraph 11.4.2, Visual Inspection of Observing Certificates WSOH-10, Paragraph 11.3, Visual Inspection of Equipment and EMRS website WSOH-10, Paragraph 11.1, Visual Inspection of Supplies WSOH-10, Paragraph 10.5.1, Visual Inspection of H-6 Forms & Rejected Rawinsondes Visual Inspection of Storage Area WSOH-10, Paragraph 11.1, 11.5, Discussion with Staff WSOH-10, Paragraph 11.1, 11.5, Discuss Usage Rates with Staff, Observe Nozzle Lift Used on WS Form B-29 WSOH-10, Paragraph 11.1, Note Number of Hydrogen/Helium Tanks on Site Observe Site Operation and Look at Duty Schedules WSOH-10, Paragraph 11.2, Talk with Staff Members Visual Inspection of Station History Forms WSOH-10, Chapter 10, Check WS Form B-47 Dates
X. OVERALL SITE PERFORMANCE
A. B. C. D. E. F. G. Visual Inspection and Discussion with Staff Visual Inspection of WS Form B-29s WSOH-10, Paragraph 3.2.1, 3.3, Visual Inspection of WS Form B-29s and Site Equipment WSOH-10, Paragraph 11.3.3, 11.3.4.1, Review WS Form B-17 and WS Form B-29 WSOH-10, Chapter 10, MicroART Training Guide, Chapters 9 and 10 Review MicroART Store Files, MicroART Training Guide, Chapter 9,10,12 Review WS Form B-29s, Discuss Flight Performance with Staff, Rework Some Flights
XI. ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
A. B. C. D. E. Engineering Engineering Engineering Engineering Engineering Handbook Handbook Handbook Handbook Handbook 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance Note Note Note Note Note 21 21 21 21 19, 20
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