Vaisala CP8000, CP7000 User Manual

CP Series™

CP7000™, CP8000™

USER’S GUIDE

M210557EN-A

April 2004

PUBLISHED BY
Vaisala Oyj Tel. [phone]

P.O. Box 26 Fax [phone]
FIN-00421 Helsinki
Finland

Visit our Internet pages at http://www.vaisala.com/
FOR TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Vaisala Inc. Tel. [phone]

Tucson Operations Fax: [phone]
2705 E. Medina Rd. Toll free (US) 1 888 424 9899
Tucson, AZ 85706-7155
USA

© Vaisala 2004
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.

Please observe that this manual does not create any legally binding obligations for
Vaisala towards the customer or end user. All legally binding commitments and
agreements are included exclusively in the applicable supply contract or
Conditions of Sale.

________________________________________________________________________________

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

GENERAL INFORMATION.................. ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... ....................1

About This Manual...................................................................1

Contents of This Manual.......................................................1

Document Conventions..................... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ...2

Safety ........................................................................................3

Trademarks...............................................................................3

Copyrights................................................................................4

License Agreement.............. ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ..........................4

Warranty ...................................................................................4

Technical Support...... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... .......................................5

Chapter 2

INTRODUCTION............................................................................................7

Manuals for the CP Series.......................................................7

Models in the CP Series ..........................................................7

Thunderstorm Information Systems......................................8

LF Thunderstorm Information System ................................10

LF/VHF TIS.........................................................................11

Functional Overview............... .............................................. .12

CP7000 Functions ..............................................................14

CP8000 Functions ..............................................................15

CP Software Operation..... ... ... .... ... ... .....................................16

Calculation of Lightning Locations......................................16

LF Locations ..................................................................16

VHF Locations ...............................................................17

LF/VHF (Total Lightning) Locations...............................18

LF Cloud Lightning Reporting........................................19

Process Interconnections....................................................19

CP7000 Processes...................................... .... ... ... ... .... .20

CP8000 Processes...................................... .... ... ... ... .... .22

Operating Specifications.......................................................26

Optional Modules...................................................................28

Processing Modules............................................................28

Software Modules...............................................................28

Chapter 3

OPERATING CP.................................. .......................................... ... ... ... .... .29

Overview.................................................................................29

Core Processes ..................................................................29

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Utility Processes..................................................................30

GUI Processes....................................................................30

Starting and Stopping the CP...............................................30

Logging In ......... ... ... ... ... .......................................... .... ... .....30

Starting Core Processes.....................................................31

Starting Utility Processes....................................................32

Starting GUI Processes.......................................................32

Starting All CP Processes...................................................33

Stopping the CP............ .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... .....................33

Using the ApaControl GUI................ ... ... ...............................34

Using the Processes Panel.................. ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ..34

Using the Sensors Panel.....................................................35

Selecting Label Formats and Sort Sequence ................36

Determining Sensor Status............................................37

Displaying Additional Information about Sensors ..........40

Setting Audible Condition Alarms........................................43

Using the Archive File System Panel..................................45

Using the Overflow File System Panel........................ ... ... ..46

Using the LpaControl GUI .....................................................47

Chapter 4

CONFIGURING CP DATABASES...............................................................51

Overview .................................................................................51

Defining a URL .......................................................................52

Using the ApaConfig GUI ............. .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ..54

Changing a Device or Process Configuration.....................55

Adding a New Device Configuration Table .........................56

Saving Configuration Settings.............................................56

Reversing Changes to a Database.....................................58

Configuring the realtime Database.......................................58

Assigning Transport IDs......................................................59

Configuring an External Network ........................................60

Configuring Sensors............................. ... .... ... .....................61

Configuring Lightning Displays............................. ... .... ... ... ..66

Configuring the pdad Process.............................................69

Configuring the pandad Process .... .....................................69

Configuring the located Process.................................... ... ..71

Chapter 5

MANAGING SENSORS...............................................................................73

Overview .................................................................................73

Attaching to LPATS or SAFIR Sensors................................74

Using the Attach GUI ................. ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ........74

Setting Attach Options ...... ... ... ............................................74

Attaching to an IMPACT Sensor.........................................75

Attaching a VHF-ITF Sensor with AttachIt ..........................78

Attaching to LS LF Modules Using Telnet...........................79

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Chapter 6

ARCHIVING SENSOR DATA ......................................................................81

Overview.................................................................................81

Archive Operation..................................................................82

Normal Archive Operation...................................................83

Troubleshooting Archive Operations...................................83

Archiving to Recordable CD ...... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... .84

Normal Operation with a CD Writer ....................................85

Troubleshooting CD-R Archive Operations.........................86

Hold File Is Full..............................................................86

Spool Area Is Full ........................................ .... ... ... ... .... .86

Blank CD Is Required ....................................................87

CD Needs to Be Mounted..............................................87

Image File Failure........................................ .... ... ... ... .... .88

CD Creation Failure.......................................................88

CD Did Not Verify...........................................................88

Archiving to Tape.... .......................................... ... .... ... ... ... .... .89

Normal Operation with a Tape Drive...................................89

Troubleshooting Tape Archive Operations .........................90

Archiving to Removable Magneto-Optical Media................90

Normal Operation with Removable Media ..........................90

Changing Removable Media...............................................91

Changing Media after Switch to Overflow......................92

Changing Media before Switch to Overflow...................92

Recovering when Archive and Overflow are Full...........92

Formatting Media and Creating a UNIX File System..........93

Troubleshooting Removable Media....................................95

Chapter 7

REPROCESSING HISTORICAL DATA......................................................97

Overview.................................................................................97

Reprocessing Archived Raw Data........................................98

Reprocessing LF Lightning Data.........................................98

Reprocessing VHF Lightning Data......................................98

Chapter 8

MONITORING SENSOR PERFORMANCE.................................................99

Overview ................................................................................ 99

Starting sensorqa Utilities...................................................100

Starting sensorqa for LF Sensors............................... ... ...100

Starting sensorqa for VHF Sensors..................................100

Commands for sensorqa.....................................................101

Statistics Measured by sensorqa.......................................101

Accumulating Sensor Statistics for located... ... .... ... ... ... ...103

Log Files for sensorqa.........................................................103

Resetting Sensor Statistics.................................................104

Configuring sensorqa..........................................................105

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Using the sensorqa Process......................... ... ... ... ... .... ... ...105

Real-Time Viewing of Position and Sensor Data..............105

Displaying Current Stroke Rates.......................................107

Interpreting the sensorqa Report ......................................107

Detection Efficiency .....................................................107

Gain Calibration...........................................................108

Percent Uncorrelated...................................................109

Percent Recycled.........................................................109

Angle Deviations..........................................................109

GPS Time Deviations...................................................110

Signal Deviations.........................................................110

Viewing Real-Time Position and Sensor Data...................111

Correlated Sensor Data ....... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ...112

Uncorrelated or Rejected Sensor Data.............................113

Reprocessing with sensorqa ..............................................114

Reprocessing LF Data ......................................................114

Reprocessing VHF Data ...................................................115

Chapter 9

ANALYZING DETECTION ACCURACY ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ...117

Overview ...............................................................................117

Using intersect ..................... ... ... ... .......................................118

Starting intersect Using the GUI Icon................................118

Using the Mouse...............................................................120

Configuring intersect................................... ... ... ... ... .... ... ...121

Setting the Data Mode ...... .......................................... ... ...123

Saving Data to a File.........................................................123

Loading Data from a File...................................................124

Selecting Sensor Labels ...................................................125

Monitoring a Sensor............. ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ...125

Displaying Timing Information...........................................127

Using Sensor Time Circles ..........................................127

Using Time Deviation Crosses.....................................128

Controls for the Map Area.................................................129

Viewing the Base Map.................................................130

Zooming on the Map....................................................130

Displaying the Previous Map View......................... ... ...132

Displaying the Next Map View .....................................132

Replotting the Map.......................................................132

Configuring the intersect Maps ....................................133

Using the Range Finder...............................................133

Setting up the Map Display .................................................135

Defining a New Base Map.................................................135

Configuring the Base Map................................. ... .............136

Setting Units of Measure ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ......................137

Configuring Map Layers.......... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ...138

Displaying Map Layers......................................................140

Resetting the Base Map.... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ...141

Displaying ASCII Lightning and Sensor Data....................142

Using the Lightning Viewer ...............................................143

Understanding the Data....................................................143

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Creating Maps for intersect.................................................144

Restrictions on Converting MIF to MDB............................144

Example of Converting MIF to MDB .................................145

Chapter 10

ANALYZING NETWORK REGIONAL QUALITY ......................................147

Overview...............................................................................147

Configuring regionqc...........................................................147

Setting the Region Boundaries of regionqc ......................148

Setting the Frequency of regionqc....................................149

Running regionqc Manually................................................149

Interpreting the regionqc Report............... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ...150

Average Chi-Square .........................................................151

Percent Optimized ............................................................151

Stroke Count.....................................................................151

Median Semi-major Axis...................................................151

Average Number of Sensors.............................................152

Chapter 11

ADVANCED CP CONFIGURATION..........................................................153

Overview...............................................................................153

Classifying Cloud Lightning for LF Sensors.....................154

Changing the Startup Configuration..................................155

Opening the startup.cfg File..............................................156

Configuring a Core Process..............................................157

Adding a New Core Process.............................................159

Removing a Core Process................................................159

Reverting to the Previous Configuration File ....................160

Saving a Configuration File to Disk....................... ... ... ... ...161

Exiting the StartupConfig GUI...........................................162

Using Automatic Disk Management...................................162

Managing Space Used by a Directory ..............................163

Managing the Number of Directory Files ..........................164

Remotely Accessing CP......................................................164

Using the ApaControl GUI ................................................164

Running sensorqa Remotely.............................................165

Starting sensorqa for LF Sensors................................165

Starting sensorqa for VHF Sensors.............................166

Configuring the CP Remotely ...........................................166

The Configuration Database Editor..............................166

The Configuration Database Command Shell .............167

The Configuration Database Replicator.......................167

The Configuration Database Sanity Checker...............167

Using Universal ASCII Lightning Format...........................167

Multicasting..........................................................................169

Multicasting on a Local Workstation .................................169

Multicasting across Multiple Workstations ........................170

Using TCP/IP ........................................................................171

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Using TCP/IP to Communicate with Sensors....................171

Setting Up a TCP/IP Socket Server for a Display .............172

Sharing CP Data...................................................................172

Chapter 12

UNIX SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION...........................................................175

Overview ...............................................................................175

User Accounts......................................................................175

System Environment ...........................................................176

System Host Name Aliases.................................................176

System Backup ....................................................................177

Root Privileges.....................................................................177

Setuid Root Processes......................................................178

Sysadmin Privileges..........................................................178

Shutting Down the Workstation..........................................178

Shutdown Command to Power Off....................................179

Rebooting the Workstation................................................179

Automatic CP Startup and Shutdown ................................179

Chapter 13

TROUBLESHOOTING...............................................................................181

Overview ...............................................................................181

Monitoring the CP System Functions ................................181

Monitoring GPS Time Synchronization.............................181

Monitoring System Error Messages........ .... ... ... ... ... ....... ...183

Troubleshooting Sensors with sensorqa ..........................183

Troubleshooting located Configuration.............................183

Troubleshooting with lpterm...............................................184

Troubleshooting GPS Clocks .............................................185

Arbiter GPS Clock............. ... ... ... .... ... ................................185

Network GPS Clock ..........................................................186

Troubleshooting Common Problems.................................186

Appendix A

CLOUD DETECTION EFFICIENCY...........................................................193

Appendix B

INTRODUCTION TO LIGHTNING DETECTION .......................................197

Lightning Phenomena ................................................... ... ...197

Anatomy of a CG Lightning Flash.....................................197

Radio Frequency Characteristics of Lightning ..................198

Uses of Lightning Data...... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ......200

LF/VLF Lightning Location Methods..................................201

A Brief History...................................................................201

Basic Direction Finding .....................................................202

Basic Time-of-Arrival.........................................................203

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Improved Accuracy from Combined Technology..............205

Stroke Peak Current .........................................................207

VHF Detection.......................................................................208

Direction Finding Based on VHF Interferometry...............208

Wide Baseline TOA Methods Operating at VHF...............209

VHF Signal Strength......................... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ...210

Lightning Location System Performance..........................210

Measurement of Location Accuracy..................................210

Data Consistency..............................................................212

Detection Efficiency ..........................................................213

Use of Location Quality Indicators.....................................213

References............................................................................214

Appendix C

GLOSSARY ...............................................................................................217

INDEX ........................................................................................................229

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List of Figures

Figure 1 Lightning Sensors and Radiation Frequency Detection...........9

Figure 2 Example of an LF TIS ............................................................10

Figure 3 Example of an LF/VHF TIS....................................................11

Figure 4 Flow Chart of Total Lightning Location Processing................18

Figure 5 CP7000 Process Interconnections.............. ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... .20

Figure 6 CP8000 Process Interconnections.........................................23

Figure 7 Terminal Icon .........................................................................31

Figure 8 Typical Window for Accessing the GUIs................................33

Figure 9 APA Control Window .............................................................35

Figure 10 Managing Sensors with the ApaControl GUI .........................36

Figure 11 Sensors Menu........................................................................37

Figure 12 APA Control Window .............................................................38

Figure 13 Color Indicators for State of Sensor.......................................39

Figure 14 Sensor Information Button .....................................................41

Figure 15 Setting Thresholds.................................................................43

Figure 16 Data Archive Change Button .................................................46

Figure 17 Opening LP Archive Control ..................................................47

Figure 18 Opening the Devices Dialog Box ...........................................48

Figure 19 Storage Device Types for LpaControl....................................48

Figure 20 APA Config Window...............................................................55

Figure 21 Adding a New Device Configuration Table ............................57

Figure 22 Verification to Commit Database Changes to Disk................58

Figure 23 Transport Configuration Table Edit Panel..............................59

Figure 24 Network Configuration Table Edit Panel................................60

Figure 25 Sensor Configuration Table Edit Panel..................................61

Figure 26 Sensor Configuration Table Edit Panel..................................65

Figure 27 Display Configuration Table Edit Panel .................................67

Figure 28 Edit Panel for pdad Table ......................................................69

Figure 29 Edit Panel for pandad Table ..................................................70

Figure 30 Edit Panel for located Table...................................................71

Figure 31 Attach Options Dialog Box.....................................................75

Figure 32 Accessing the Attach GUI......................................................76

Figure 33 AttachImpact Window ............................................................77

Figure 34 AttachIt Window.....................................................................79

Figure 35 LpaControl Functional Diagram .............................................82

Figure 36 LP Archive Control Window ...................................................85

Figure 37 APA Control Window .............................................................91

Figure 38 Viewing of Sensor, Position, and ASCII Data ......................106

Figure 39 Fields for Position Data........................................................111

Figure 40 Sample of Correlated Sensor Data......................................112

Figure 41 Fields for Correlated Sensor Data .................................... ...113

Figure 42 Fields for Uncorrelated or Rejected Data.............................114

Figure 43 Typical intersect Window .....................................................119

Figure 44 Icon for intersect GUI...........................................................120

Figure 45 Opening the Intersect Configuration Dialog Box..................121

Figure 46 Intersect Configuration Dialog Box ......................................121

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Figure 47 Save Dialog Box for History Buffer.......................................124

Figure 48 Load File Into Dialog Box for History Buffer.........................124

Figure 49 Selecting a Sensor Label Format.........................................125

Figure 50 APA Control Window............................................................126

Figure 51 Selecting an Active Sensor..................................................126

Figure 52 Monitor Options....................................................................127

Figure 53 Displaying the Default Base Map.........................................130

Figure 54 Zooming to Area of Interest..................................................131

Figure 55 Range Finder Dialog Box.....................................................133

Figure 56 Map Configuration Dialog Box .............................................136

Figure 57 Layer Configuration Dialog Box ...........................................138

Figure 58 Lightning Viewer Dialog Box................................................142

Figure 59 Sample regionqc Report ......................................................150

Figure 60 Startup Configuration Editor Window...................................156

Figure 61 Opening a File......................................................................157

Figure 62 Opening the startup.cfg File.................................................157

Figure 63 Startup Configuration Editor Window...................................158

Figure 64 Adding a New Process.........................................................159

Figure 65 StartupConfig Message Dialog Box.....................................160

Figure 66 Confirm Revert Dialog Box...................................................161

Figure 67 File Changes Message .... .... ................................................161

Figure 68 Confirm Exit Dialog Box .......................................................162

Figure 69 Data Sharing from One CP to Another.................................173

Figure 70 CG and Cloud Flashes at Various Frequency Ranges........198

Figure 71 Relationship, Frequency and Lightning Detection Method...199
Figure 72 Optimal Location Algorithm for Magnetic Direction Finding .202

Figure 73 Hyperbolic Intersection.........................................................203

Figure 74 Ambiguous Location, 3-Sensor Hyperbolic Intersection ......204

Figure 75 Circular Intersection Using Three Sensors ..........................205

Figure 76 Circular Intersection Step Using Four Sensors....................205

Figure 77 IMPACT Method on a Baseline Between Two Sensors.......206

Figure 78 IMPACT Method: 3 LPATS TOA, 2 IMPACT Sensors.........207

Figure 79 Triangulation for Interferometric Location ............................209

Figure 80 Confidence Ellipse: Unfavorable Sensor Geometry.............211

Figure 81 Confidence Ellipse: Favorable Sensor Geometry ................211

Figure 82 Using Confidence Ellipse to Identify Most Likely Stroke ......214

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List of Tables

Table 1 Document Conventions............................................................2

Table 2 Guide to Information by CP Model...........................................8

Table 3 Supported TIS Modules .........................................................12

Table 4 Supported Sensors ................................................................13

Table 5 Supported Display Programs.................................................14

Table 6 Processes Used by CP7000..................................................21

Table 7 GUIs Used by CP7000...........................................................22

Table 8 Processes Used by CP8000..................................................24

Table 9 GUIs Used by CP8000...........................................................25

Table 10 Physical Specifications ..........................................................26

Table 11 Data Processing Capabilities.................................................26

Table 12 CP to Sensors Communication Interfaces.............................27

Table 13 Output Protocols ....................................................................27

Table 14 Storage Capacity for Lightning Data......................................27

Table 15 GUIs.......................................................................................30

Table 16 Sensor Display Options in APA Control.................................36

Table 17 Status Characters and Their Meanings .................................38

Table 18 Sensor State Indicators............... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... .40

Table 19 Thresholds Dialog Box, Default Settings ...............................44

Table 20 Sensor Configuration .............................................................63

Table 21 Display Formats Supported ...................................................67

Table 22 Angles and Times for located Process ..................................72

Table 23 Data Archive Terms and Definitions ......................................83

Table 24 Commands for sensorqa......................................................101

Table 25 Statistics Measured by sensorqa.........................................102

Table 26 Possible Output Displayed by sensorqa ..............................105

Table 27 Optimal Detection Efficiency by Sensor...............................108

Table 28 Functions of Mouse Buttons in intersect Window ................120

Table 29 Options Used to Configure intersect....................................122

Table 30 Attributes to Configure Base Map........................................137

Table 31 Default Map Layers..............................................................138

Table 32 Options to Configure Map Layers ........................................140

Table 33 NLDN Use of regionqc.ksh Values ......................................148

Table 34 Cloud Classification Methods for LF Sensors......................154

Table 35 UALF Record Fields.............................................................168

Table 36 User Accounts......................................................................175

Table 37 Required Files......................................................................176

Table 38 Host Name Aliases ..............................................................176

Table 39 Common Problems and Their Solutions ..............................186

Table 40 The Scaling Constant and Probability Relationship.............211

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Chapter 1 _________________________________________________________General Information

CHAPTER 1

GENERAL INFORMATION

About This Manual

This manual provides information for configuring, operating, and
maintaining the CP7000™, and CP8000™ models of the CP Series™
central analyzers. The CP (Central Processor) controls, manages, and
monitors a lightning location system.

Contents of This Manual

This manual consists of the following chapters:

- Chapter 1, General Information, provides important safety, contact,
and warranty information for the product.

- Chapter 2, Introduction, provides an overview of the CP Series
central processors and Vaisala thunderstorm information systems.

- Chapter 3, Operating CP, describes how to operate the CP Series
software.

- Chapter 4, Configuring CP Databases, describes how to configure
the CP database parameters.

- Chapter 5, Managing Sensors, describes how to attach to a sensor
for control and diagnostic operations.

- Chapter 6, Archiving Sensor Data, describes procedures for
archiving sensor data to storage media.

- Chapter 7, Reprocessing Historical Data, describes how to
reprocess lightning stroke and event data after storage.

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- Chapter 8, Monitoring Sensor Performance, describes how to use

the sensorqa utility to monitor sensor performance.

- Chapter 9, Analyzing Detection Accuracy, describes how to use the

intersect process to analyze lightning data.

- Chapter 10, Analyzing Network Regional Quality, describes how to

use the regionqc utility to evaluate the quality of LF stroke data
within the nominal operating area of the lightning location system.

- Chapter 11, Advanced CP Configuration, provides information
regarding CP Series software modification to accommodate specific
system configurations.

- Chapter 12, UNIX System Administration, gives an overview of
system administration tasks.

- Chapter 13, Troubleshooting, provides guidelines for diagnosing
trouble with the CP Series.

- Appendix A, Cloud Detection Efficiency, provides brief definitions
of the adjustable parameters used in cloud lighting detection.

- Appendix B, Introduction to Lightning Detection, provides a basic
introduction to lightning detection and measurement.

- Appendix C, Glossary, defines terms used in this manual.

Document Conventions

Different typefaces, type styles, and phraseology indicate specific user
interactions with the system as illustrated in Table 1 below.

Table 1 Document Conventions

Item Example

System prompts, source code, and program
output are in a mono-spaced typeface.

User input is a bold, mono-spaced typeface. volcheck
Optional entry is enclosed in square brackets

(for example, /v).
Descriptive term used in place of user-specific

name is in italics and enclosed in angle
brackets (for example, table).
Key names are all capital letters. ENTER

Use of ENTER key at the end of a command <ENTER>
Key combinations that are held down

simultaneously are all capital letters and
separated by a plus symbol.

c:\temp>

format a: [/v]

the <table>.map file

CTRL+X

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Chapter 1 _________________________________________________________General Information

Table 1 Document Conventions (Continued)

Item Example

ASCII values are enclosed in angle brackets. <CR><LF>
User interface items and command words are

in bold.

Click Cancel or use the

quit command.

Safety

Throughout the manual, important safety considerations are
highlighted as follows:

WARNING

CAUTION

NOTE

Trademarks

Warning alerts you to a serious hazard. If you do not read and follow
instructions very carefully at this point, there is a risk of injury or even
death.

Caution warns you of a potential hazard. If you do not read and follow
instructions carefully at this point, the product could be damaged or
important data could be lost.

Note highlights important information on using the product.

Vaisala and the Vaisala logo are registered trademarks of Vaisala Oyj in
the United States and/or other countries.

CP Series, CP7000, CP8000, AP5000, IMPACT ESP, TED, PLWS,
VIS, LPATS IV, FALLS, LTraX, NLDN, and National Lightning
Detection Network are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vaisala
Inc.

MapInfo, MapInfo Professional, MapBasic, and the MapInfo logo are
registered trademarks of MapInfo Corporation.

Sybase, the Sybase logo, Sybase SQL, Open Client, and Open
Client/Server are trademarks of Sybase Incorporated.

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Sun, Sun Microsystems, the Sun logo, Sun Blade, Sun Ultra, Sun
SPARCstation, and Solaris are trademarks, registered trademarks or
service marks of Sun Microsystems, Incorporated in the United States
and other countries.

UNIX is a registered trademark in the United States and other
countries, exclusively licensed through X/Open Company Limited.

Linux is trademarked in the United States and other countries by Linus
Torvald.

Storm TraX is a registered trademark of Sonalysts, Incorporated in the
United States and/or other countries.

All other company, product names, and brands used herein may be the
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Copyrights

getline.c is Copyright © 1991, 1992, 1993 by Chris Thewalt
([e-mail])
Permission to use, copy, modify, and distribute this software for any
purpose and without fee is hereby granted. This software is provided
“as is” without express or implied warranty.

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.

Warranty

For certain products Vaisala normally gives a limited one year
warranty. Please observe that any such warranty may not be valid in
case of damage due to normal wear and tear, exceptional operating
conditions, negligent handling or installation, or unauthorized
modifications. Please see the applicable supply contract or conditions
of sale for details of the warranty for each product.

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Chapter 1 _________________________________________________________General Information

Technical Support

For technical support, return authorization (RMA), repair status, and
spare parts, contact the Customer Response Center.

Tel: [phone] (within USA & Canada)

+011 520 294 2145 (international)

E-mail: [e-mail]

[e-mail]

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Chapter 2 _______________________________________________________________ Introduction

CHAPTER 2

INTRODUCTION

Manuals for the CP Series

This manual provides instructions for operating the CP Series and
interpreting sensor data. Use this manual to follow step-by-step
procedures for both graphical user interface (GUI) and command line
operation of the CP Series.

The CP Series™ Reference Guide provides concise information
regarding all screens, panels, menus, options, and buttons related to the
CP GUIs. Consult this manual to find information regarding a
particular function or option of the CP graphical user interfaces.

Models in the CP Series

The CP Series consists of two models, CP7000 and CP8000. These
models provide specific functions related to the type of lightning
sensor providing data input—low frequency (LF) or very high
frequency (VHF).

This manual is organized so that information about the two CP models
is easy to access. At the beginning of each chapter, a table indicates the
location of information specific to each CP model. Information not

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listed in the table is common to all CP models. In this chapter, look for
information specific to CP7000 and CP8000 in the following sections:

Table 2 Guide to Information by CP Model

For
Information on:

Lightning location
systems

CP functions Table 3 on page 12,

Lightning location
calculations

Process
interconnections

Reference Specific to
CP7000 CP8000

Section LF Thunderstorm
Information System on page 10

Section CP7000 Functions on
page 14
Section LF Locations on page 16Section LF Locations on page 16,

Section CP7000 Processes on
page 20

Section LF Thunderstorm
Information System on page 10,
Section LF/VHF TIS on page 11

Table 3 on page 12,
Section CP8000 Functions on
page 15

Section VHF Locations on page
17,
Section LF/VHF (Total Lightning)
Locations on page 18

Section CP8000 Processes on
page 22

Thunderstorm Information Systems

A Vaisala Thunderstorm Information System (TIS) detects the
existence of lightning discharges: cloud-to-ground lightning, cloud
lightning, and breakdown events (see Appendix C, Glossary, for
definitions). The TIS then determines the locations where cloud-to­ground lightning has struck the earth or where breakdown events have
occurred.

Detection is accomplished through the use of multiple, remote sensors
that detect the signals emitted by lightning discharges and filter out the
signals from nonlightning sources (see Figure 1 on page 9). Each
sensor detecting a lightning event sends data about that event to a
Central Processor (CP) that determines event locations.

To ensure that the data set applies to the same event, CP collects
lightning data from each sensor, compares the time at which the event
was recorded by each sensor , then mathematically computes the
precise location of the lightning event. CP also records several other
descriptive characteristics of each lightning event. The CP processes
the data to determine lightning locations and monitors sensor status.
Output from CP can be sent to printers, lightning display programs,
terminals, and/or archival databases. CP stores the data and
disseminates the results to other TIS modules and users in a variety of
formats.

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Chapter 2 _______________________________________________________________ Introduction

Figure 1 Lightning Sensors and Radiation Frequency

Detection

The information provided by a TIS is useful in tracking the movement
of electrified storms, in mobilizing the crews and equipment used to
repair the damage that is caused by these storms, and in analyzing the
effect of lightning on various systems and types of equipment.

Thunderstorm information systems help industries reduce the risks
associated with the destructive effects of one of nature’ s most powerful
forces. These industries include: communications, electric power
utilities, industrial facilities that rely on stable electric power, airports
and aviation companies, forestry organizations, and the meteorological
industry. The TIS is designed to enhance the user’s understanding of
lightning and to benefit those organizations affected by its occurrence.

Dependant upon the type of sensors employed (see Figure 1 above),
three types of thunderstorm information systems are supported by the
CP models:

- Low frequency (LF) lightning location, supported by CP7000 or
CP8000

- Very high frequency (VHF) lightning location, supported by
CP8000

- LF/VHF lightning location, supported by CP8000

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User’s Guide______________________________________________________________________

LF Thunderstorm Information System

A typical LF TIS provides stroke and flash locations (latitude and
longitude) from CP7000 or CP8000. The sensor network detects
lightning in the LF/VLF range using either magnetic direction finding,
time-of-arrival, or a combination of the two location methods. All the
sensors detect LF lightning return strokes, and some sensor models
detect cloud flashes.

Figure 2 below illustrates a configuration for a lightning location
system that uses several LF sensors, the CP7000 or CP8000 central
processor, and an output device to display LF lightning location data.

Figure 2 Example of an LF TIS

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Chapter 2 _______________________________________________________________ Introduction

LF/VHF TIS

A typical LF/VHF TIS provides stroke and flash locations (latitude,
longitude, and altitude) from CP8000. The sensor network detects
lightning in the LF and VHF ranges. The LF lightning information for
a flash combines all aspects of the event: ground strike points of the
return strokes, cloud activity, and the radiation sources in between.

Figure 3 below illustrates a configuration for an LF/VHF TIS that uses
VHF/LF sensors, VHF interferometry sensors, LF sensors, and
network communication. This system supports a variety of displays.

Figure 3 Example of an LF/VHF TIS

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User’s Guide______________________________________________________________________

Functional Overview

In a TIS, CP provides the following functions:

- Collection of sensor data and calculation of lightning locations (see
section Calculation of Lightning Locations on page 16)

- Configuration of TIS modules (see Chapter 4, Configuring CP
Databases, on page 51)

- Command and control of sensors (see Chapter 5, Managing
Sensors, on page 73)

- Storage and archiving of raw data (see Chapter 6, Archiving Sensor
Data, on page 81)

- Simultaneous reprocessing of lightning locations from raw data (see
Chapter 7, Reprocessing Historical Data, on page 97)

- Access to stored lightning location information (see Chapter 8,
Monitoring Sensor Performance, on page 99)

- Accumulation of sensor and network performance statistics with the
information available either from real-time or periodic log files (see
Chapter 8, Monitoring Sensor Performance, on page 99 through
Chapter 10, Analyzing Network Regional Quality, on page 147)

The functional differences of the CP models are described in the
following sections. Table 3 below provides an overview of the TIS
modules supported by the CP models. See Table 4 on page 13 for
additional details about the supported sensors. See Table 5 on page 14
for supported display programs.

Table 3 Supported TIS Modules

CP Model

CP7000 LF

CP8000 LF/VHF CP IMPACT family

TIS
Type

External
Networks

2)

CP

Sensors

IMPACT family
LPATS family
SAFIR 3000-2 LF
LS7000 family
LS5000

LPATS family
SAFIR 3000-2 VHF/LF
LS8000 family

Displays

®

LTraX

™ 3)

PLWS

4)

PDM

3)

LTraX

4)

PLWS

4)

PDM

3)

1)

Options

AP2000

DAM

AP2000

DAM

1) Other displays supported: TED, TWXS, 24-Byte TIS, NDS, Storm TraX®, THUNDER, VIS™.

2) CP workstations can be connected using the share function and lpbridged process.

3) Displays real-time 2-D stroke and/or flash data.

4) Displays real-time 3-D VHF event data and 2-D flash data.

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Table 4 Supported Sensors

Sensors

1)

LS8000 LF TOA and LF MDF:

LS7500 LF TOA:

LS7200 LF TOA:

LS7000 LF TOA and LF MDF:

LS5000 LF TOA:

IMPACT family
141-T
141-TES

LPATS family
Series III (with GPS)
LPATS IV

Measured Parameters CP Model

CP8000
Bearing angle to strike point
Peak signal strength
Sensor signal arrival time
Signal rise time
Signal peak-to-zero time
VHF-ITF:
Azimuth
Event signal arrival time
Signal amplitude
Signal density

CP8000
Sensor peak signal arrival time
Peak field value
Signal rise time
Signal decay time
VHF-ITF:
Azimuth
Event signal arrival time
Signal amplitude
Signal density

CP8000
Azimuth
Event signal arrival time
Signal amplitude
Signal density

CP7000
Bearing angle to strike point

CP8000
Peak signal strength
Sensor signal arrival time
Signal rise time
Signal peak-to-zero time

CP8000
Sensor peak signal arrival time
Peak field value
Signal rise time
Signal decay time

LF TOA and LF MDF:

Bearing angle to strike point

CP7000,

CP8000
Peak signal strength
Sensor signal arrival time
Signal rise time
Signal peak-to-zero time

LF TOA:

Peak signal strength

CP7000,

CP8000
Sensor signal arrival time
Signal rise time
Signal peak-to-zero time

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User’s Guide______________________________________________________________________

Table 4 Supported Sensors (Continued)

Sensors

SAFIR 3000-2 LF TOA:

SAFIR 3000-2 VHF-ITF:

SAFIR 3000-2 (VHF/LF) LF TOA:

1)

Measured Parameters CP Model

CP7000,
Sensor peak signal arrival time
Peak field value
Signal rise time
Signal decay time

Azimuth
Event signal arrival time
Signal amplitude
Signal density

Sensor peak signal arrival time
Peak field value
Signal rise time
Signal decay time
VHF-ITF:
Azimuth
Event signal arrival time
Signal amplitude
Signal density

CP8000

CP8000

CP8000

1) The maximum numbers for a TIS are 512 sensors and 1024 transports. In networks with both
IMPACT and LPATS sensors, the minimum configuration is one IMPACT and three LPATS
sensors.

Table 5 Supported Display Programs

Display

LTraX Latitude, Longitude Latitude, Longitude,

PLWS Latitude, Longitude Latitude, Longitude,

PDM Latitude, Longitude Latitude, Longitude,

1) Other displays supported: TED,TWXS, 24-Byte TIS, NDS, Storm TraX, THUNDER, VIS.

1)

Type of Lightning Data Displayed
CP7000 CP8000

Total Lightning

Total Lightning

Altitude, Total LIghtning

CP7000 Functions

CP7000 processes lightning data from sensors that detect lightning in
the LF range. CP7000 calculates lightning location; providing latitude,
longitude, and time-of-arrival for each lightning event. The real-time
locations are for cloud-to-ground (CG) return strokes and/or flash data.
When configured for cloud lightning location, CP7000 calculates
locations for cloud lightning detected by some sensor models (see
section LF Cloud Lightning Reporting on page 19). Location

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Chapter 2 _______________________________________________________________ Introduction

information is displayed as latitude and longitude. CP7000 also
provides remote diagnostics of sensor functions.

The operational state of the CP processes and related sensors can be
determined, and network performance statistics gathered, logged, and
analyzed. Over time, the log files can be analyzed and changes in the
performance of the lightning network can be detected.

CP8000 Functions

CP8000 processes lightning signal data from sensors that detect
lightning events in both LF and VHF ranges. CP8000 calculates the
lightning location and time-of-arrival for each lightning event. CP8000
derives latitude and longitude from the raw data of LF sensors and
latitude, longitude, altitude from the data of VHF sensors. CP8000 also
provides remote diagnostics of sensor functions.

CP8000 supports all CP-compatible network displays; and can merge
the LF flash data with VHF flash data to produce a total lightning
output composed of cloud and cloud-to-ground data.

The operational state of the CP processes and related sensors can be
determined, and network performance statistics gathered, logged, and
analyzed. Over time, the log files can be analyzed and changes in the
performance of the lightning network can be detected.

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User’s Guide______________________________________________________________________

CP Software Operation

CP uses Common Desktop Environment (CDE) for the graphical user
interface (GUI). CDE eliminates the requirement for always using a
command line interface, and allows use of the graphical interface over
a network.

The CP software runs on a Sun workstation with a UNIX-based
operating system that supports a single or multiprocessor
configuration. All software in the CP models is based on the same code
nucleus. CP functions as a single unit without software of other TIS
modules running on the same workstation. Vaisala configures all
workstations it ships for operating the appropriate CP software.

Calculation of Lightning Locations

CP receives raw sensor data through the input-output daemon. Sensor
daemons take the raw sensor data, decode the lightning data contained,
and create well-defined sensor data messages. Data collected from
sensors can be processed as LF locations, VHF locations, and/or
LF/VHF total lightning locations.

LF Locations

Data collected by LF sensors is used to calculate stroke location data.
The location data can be used to calculate flash locations. The real­time lightning stroke and flash locations can be distributed to displays
or collected for further processing as total lightning.

The processed data includes:

- Date, time to 100-nanosecond resolution with local time zone
support (sensor clock accuracy varies by sensor type)

- Latitude, longitude (WGS-84)

- Signal strength and polarity, as either the average range normalized
signal or estimated peak current in kiloamperes

- Multiplicity for flash data, or zero for stroke data

- Number of sensors participating in the lightning location

- Degrees of freedom when optimizing the location

- Semi-major axis of the 50% positional confidence ellipse in
kilometers

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