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ANSWERS TO REVIEW QUESTIONS - 14269_82
Sensor Package

Aerographers Mate, Module 01-Surface Weather Observations
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CHAPTER  2 SURFACE  OBSERVATION  EQUIPMENT INTRODUCTION As a surface aviation weather observer, you must have a thorough knowledge of the equipment used in the observation  process. This chapter will guide you through the various types of equipment used to conduct a  surface  aviation  weather  observation,  both  ashore  and aboard ship. Both primary and backup systems are covered. AUTOMATIC  WEATHER  STATIONS LEARNING  OBJECTIVE:  Describe the major components   and   characteristics   of   the Automated  Surface  Observing  System (ASOS),  the  Shipboard  Meteorological  and Oceanographic  Observing  System  (SMOOS), and the meteorological buoy. Automatic  weather  stations  are  electronic  packages that sample, record, and display or transmit weather information to a collection site or user. In the mid- 1970's,  several  systems  were  introduced  that  could measure  temperature,  wind,  pressure,  and  precipitation. By the early 1980's, sensors were developed that could determine sky cover and visibility. In the mid-1980's remote  observation  sites  were  in  use,  providing  full spectrum  observation  data  via  satellite  and  phone  lines. In  1988,  installation  was  started  on  a  network  of Automatic   Meteorological   Observation   Stations (AMOS) in the Pacific to support the Joint Typhoon Warning Center. In the late 1990's, we will see more of these automatic weather stations installed. The automated weather stations in use by the Navy and  Marine  Corps  at  shore  stations  are  called Automated Surface Observing Systems (ASOS), while the equipment system used for shipboard observations is  called  the  Shipboard  Meteorological  and Oceanographic Observing System (SMOOS). The widely used meteorological buoys are also a type of fully automated weather stations. AUTOMATED  SURFACE  OBSERVING SYSTEM (ASOS) The  Automated  Surface  Observing  System  (ASOS) is a configuration of fully automated observation equipment  that  will  replace  observation  equipment  at all  shore  stations.  These  automated  systems  are currently   being   installed.   The   AN/GMQ-29 semiautomatic  weather  station,  the  AN/GMQ-32 transmissometer system, the AN/GMQ-13 cloud height set, and the AN/UMQ-5 wind-measuring set will be replaced. The ASOS automatically collects, processes, and error checks observation data and formats. In addition,  ASOS  automatically  displays,  archives,  and reports weather elements included in a surface weather observation. Display and Control Terminal The   ASOS   equipment   consists   of   several components that look very much like a standard desk- top computer. The heart of an ASOS is the acquisition control unit (ACU). The ACU receives data by radio link from up to three data collection packages (DCPs). The DCPs are located near the sensors at the touchdown end of a runway and get raw data from individual sensors via a fiber-optic link. Inside  the  meteorological  office,  a  computer keyboard and video monitor serve as an interactive user terminal that allows the observer to both receive data and  send  commands  to  the  ACU.  A  computer-style printer prints out selected data and observations. The system is also equipped with an audio alarm and a microphone that is used to record supplements to the voice-produced  telephone  weather  report.  Telephone and radio modems are used to link the system with various users, maintenance personnel, and on-line weather reporting circuits. A liquid crystal display (LCD) display maybe located in the control tower to keep the air traffic controllers informed of the latest weather  conditions.  Software  menus  guide  the  user through  entry  of  supplemental  observation  data,  file maintenance, and other procedures. The  ASOS  provides  several  types  of  data  for various requirements. The product outputs are as follows: Complete  weather  observations  updated  each minute Wind speed and direction updated every 5 seconds 2-1







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