USER'S GUIDE
Vaisala Radiosonde
RS92-D
M210987EN-C
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 2010
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Contents of This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Version Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Related Manuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
General Safety Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Feedback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Product-Related Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Recycling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
License Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
CHAPTER 2
PRODUCT OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Introduction to Vaisala Radiosonde RS92-D . . . . . . . . . . .11
CHAPTER 3
OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Preparing the Balloon and Optional Sounding
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Balloon Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Optional Sounding Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Totex Parachute 5710-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Radar Reflector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Non-Totex Parachute. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Unpacking the Radiosonde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Preparing the Sounding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Connecting the Battery Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Connecting the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Removing the Battery Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Launching the Radiosonde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Attaching the Unwinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Attaching the Unwinder to the Balloon. . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Totex Parachute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Radar Reflector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Non-Totex Parachute. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Releasing the Balloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Checking the Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Monitoring the Sounding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
VAISALA________________________________________________________________________ 1
User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________
CHAPTER 4
STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Transporting Lithium Batteries and RS92 Radiosondes . .32
CHAPTER 5
FAILURE REPORT AND WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Failure Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Radiosonde Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Vaisala Radiosonde Warranty Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Storage Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Transportation and Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Criteria for Radiosonde Failures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Making Warranty Claims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
APPENDIX A
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR BALLOON OPERATORS . . . . . . . . . . . .39
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List of Figures
Figure 1 Vaisala Radiosonde RS92-D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Figure 2 Loading Weights onto the Gas Nozzle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Figure 3 Attaching the Balloon to the Gas Nozzle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Figure 4 Inflating the Balloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Figure 5 Balloon Raises the Gas Nozzle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Figure 6 Securing the Neck of the Balloon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Figure 7 Removing the Balloon from the Gas Nozzle . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Figure 8 Folding the Neck of the Balloon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Figure 9 Vaisala Radiosonde Sounding Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Figure 10 Opening the Foil Bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Figure 11 Contents of the Radiosonde Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Figure 12 Placing the Antenna Into Flight Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Figure 13 Unwinder Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Figure 14 Placing the Sensor Boom into Flight Position . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Figure 15 RSB511 Dry-cell Battery Set (Number 1) and RSB611
Lithium Battery (Number 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Figure 16 Battery Package. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Figure 17 Battery Connector Shown with RSB611 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Figure 18 Connecting the Battery Connector to the Radiosonde. . . . . . .27
Figure 19 Removing the Battery Case. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Figure 20 Attaching the Unwinder to the Balloon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Figure 21 Lithium Battery Handling Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
VAISALA________________________________________________________________________ 3
User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________
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List of Tables
Table 1 Manual Versions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Table 2 Related Manuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Table 3 Ordering Codes for Optional Sounding Accessories . . . . . . . . . .18
Table 4 RS92-D Battery Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
VAISALA________________________________________________________________________ 5
User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________
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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-D.
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.
- Chapter 2, Product Overview: This chapter introduces the features
and advantages of the radiosonde.
- Chapter 3, Operation: This chapter contains information that is
needed to operate this product.
- Chapter 4, Storage and Transportation: This chapter provides
information for the transport and storage of the product.
- Chapter 5, Failure Report and Warranty: This chapter presents
information about the failure report and radiosonde warranty.
- Appendix A, Safety Instructions for Balloon Operators: This
appendix contains details of safe and proper balloon preparation.
VAISALA________________________________________________________________________ 7
User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________
Version Information
Table 1 Manual Versions
Manual Code Description
M210987EN-C May 2010. Updated instructions for transporting
lithium batteries.
M210987EN-B January 2010. For RS92-DD and RS92-DL.
M210987EN-A June 2009. For RS92-DD only
Related Manuals
Table 2 Related Manuals
Manual Code Manual Name
M010117EN Radiotheodolite RT20A and DigiCORA®
M210329EN Ground Check Set GC25 User’s Guide
M211025EN Configuring and Operating MW12, RT20 Systems
and RS92 Radiosondes
WARNING
CAUTION
NOTE
General Safety Considerations
Throughout the manual, important safety considerations are highlighted
as follows:
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.
8 ___________________________________________________________________ M210987EN-C
Chapter 1 ________________________________________________________ General Information
Recycle all applicable material.
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.
Product-Related Safety Precautions
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
CAUTION
CAUTION
Conduct soundings in a safe environment and in accordance with all
applicable restrictions and regulations.
Do not use the radiosonde in an area with power lines or other
obstructions overhead. Make sure that you check the area for such
obstructions before using the radiosonde.
Do not use the radiosonde without consultation and cooperation with
local and other applicable aviation authorities.
Do not modify the unit. Improper modification can damage the
product or lead to malfunction.
Do not use the radiosonde for any purpose other than for soundings.
Recycling
VAISALA________________________________________________________________________ 9
User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________
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.
10 __________________________________________________________________ M210987EN-C
Chapter 2 __________________________________________________________ Product Overview
CHAPTER 2
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
This chapter introduces the features and advantages of the radiosonde.
Introduction to Vaisala Radiosonde RS92-D
The digital Vaisala Radiosonde RS92-D offers excellent accuracy in
humidity, pressure, temperature, and wind measurement.
The radiosonde features digital data transmission, which offers
important advantages over analog data transmission. Data availability
during a sounding is excellent, and telemetry errors are always detected.
The digital transmitter also consumes less power than an analog
transmitter, and more channels are available in the meteorological
frequency band.
The sounding system used with RS92-D reads the calibration
coefficients stored in the radiosonde memory via a cable or telemetry
link. The humidity sensors can be reconditioned to remove any
chemical contaminants to ensure excellent humidity measurement
accuracy.
The RS92-D is compliant with the European ETSI standard for digital
radiosondes operating in the 1680 MHz band, EN 302 054. The
radiosonde transmitter frequency can be set electronically.
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 11
User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________
0705-015
Figure 1 Vaisala Radiosonde RS92-D
1 = Temperature sensor
2 = Humidity sensors
3 = Sensor boom
4 = Additional sensor interface connector
5 = Battery case
6 = GC25/Radiosonde cable interface
7 = Antenna
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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 sections below
and refer to Appendix A on page 39 for proper and safe balloon
preparation.
The workorder for a sounding is as follows:
1. Prepare the balloon and optional sounding accessories.
2. Unpack the radiosonde.
3. Prepare the sounding.
4. Connect the battery.
5. Launch the radiosonde.
6. Monitor the sounding with the sounding system.
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User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________
Preparing the Balloon and Optional Sounding Accessories
The balloon and the 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
WARNING
Read the safety instructions in Appendix A before proceeding.
Normally the balloon-lifting gas (hydrogen or helium) is supplied in
gas bottles, but hydrogen can also be produced with a hydrogen
generator. Carefully study the operation and safety instructions for the
gas bottle facilities or the hydrogen generator.
Take extreme caution when handling the inflated balloon.
Balloon Preparation
It is recommended that the balloon be prepared in a balloon filling
shed. The balloon filling shed must be well ventilated so that possible
gas leaks do not remain inside the shed, even in situations when there
is no electricity.
Follow these steps to prepare the balloon:
1. Load weights that are needed to obtain the required lift onto the gas
nozzle.
0705-020
Figure 2 Loading Weights onto the Gas Nozzle
14 __________________________________________________________________ M210987EN-C
Chapter 3 ________________________________________________________________ Operation
2. Attach the balloon to the gas nozzle by securing the balloon with a
piece of string or a clamp.
0705-017
Figure 3 Attaching the Balloon to the Gas Nozzle
3. Inflate the balloon following the balloon manufacturer’s inflation
instructions. Do not leave the balloon-filling shed while inflating
the balloon.
0705-018
Figure 4 Inflating the Balloon
4. When the balloon is sufficiently filled, in other words, the balloon
just raises the gas nozzle, close the gas valve.
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 15
User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________
0705-019
Figure 5 Balloon Raises the Gas Nozzle
5. Secure the neck of the balloon tightly with a string before removing
the balloon from the gas nozzle.
0706-105
Figure 6 Securing the Neck of the Balloon
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Chapter 3 ________________________________________________________________ Operation
0705-021
Figure 7 Removing the Balloon from the Gas Nozzle
6. Fold the neck of the balloon over and secure it firmly. Tie the string
high enough to ensure that the unwinder fits easily.
0705-022
Figure 8 Folding the Neck of the Balloon
7. 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.
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User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________
NOTE
When using a balloon with an integrated parachute, make sure that a
sufficiently long piece of the parachute string is poking out of the
balloon neck in order to fasten the string to the radiosonde unwinder.
Optional Sounding Accessories
The RS92 unwinder RSU911 is designed to be attached directly to the
folded balloon neck. However, you can use the same unwinder if you
use optional sounding accessories, such as a parachute or a radar
reflector.
Always attach the unwinder to a relatively firm support, such as the
balloon or the parachute spreader. The support must not let the
unwinder twist freely, or otherwise the suspension string might unwind
at too high a speed and the radiosonde hit the ground during the launch.
The unwinder must also be able to swing slightly during the sounding.
Attach all optional sounding accessories next to the balloon, or
otherwise they disturb the measuring environment of the radiosonde
and no proper temperature and humidity measurements can be made.
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 soundings.
Table 3 Ordering Codes for Optional Sounding Accessories
Item Code Note
Totex parachute 15046
Rubber plate RS46158 Used with a radar reflector
Hanger board RS46157 Used with a non-Totex parachute
Totex Parachute 5710-5
The recommended parachute is the Totex type 5710-5 (Vaisala code
15046). In the Totex parachute, an elastic ribbon loop hangs the
unwinder securely under the spreader.
Attach the parachute directly to the balloon with the parachute string.
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Chapter 3 ________________________________________________________________ Operation
See Figure 9 on page 20 for details. For unwinder attaching instructions,
see section Totex Parachute on page 29.
Radar Reflector
Attach the unwinder to the radar reflector with a rubber plate accessory
(Vaisala code RS46158). The rubber plate accessory lets the unwinder
swing properly, making sure that the suspension string is unwound
smoothly.
1. Tie the radar reflector to the balloon with a string of approximately
50 cm in length.
2. Attach the rubber plate (RS46158) to the radar reflector.
See Figure 9 on page 20 for details. For unwinder attaching instructions,
see section Radar Reflector on page 30.
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 20 for details. For unwinder attaching instructions,
see section Non-Totex Parachute on page 30.
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User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________
0906-090
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
Now you can proceed to unpack the radiosonde.
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Chapter 3 ________________________________________________________________ Operation
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 the sounding.
1. Open the foil bag as indicated on the bag.
0912-232
Figure 10 Opening the Foil Bag
2. Lift the cardboard flap protecting the sensor boom. Be careful to
avoid touching or hitting the sensors on the sensor boom.
0912-138
Figure 11 Contents of the Radiosonde Package
1 = Radiosonde
2 = Unwinder
3=Battery
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User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________
3. Remove the radiosonde from the package, straighten the antenna,
and take the unwinder out of the package.
1002-102
Figure 12 Placing the Antenna Into Flight Position
4. Remove the small plastic rubber wire from the unwinder.
0601-048
Figure 13 Unwinder Details
1 = Rubber wire
2 = Unwinder lip
5. 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.
Proceed to prepare the sounding.
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Chapter 3 ________________________________________________________________ Operation
Preparing the Sounding
NOTE
Radiosonde RS92-D is typically operated with the radiosonde cable or
by reading the calibration coefficients via radio. See the relevant
sounding system manuals for details. For instructions on using the
Ground Check Set GC25, see Ground Check Set GC25 User’s Guide.
Follow these steps to prepare the sounding:
1. Start a new sounding with the sounding system. The sounding
system goes through reconditioning, frequency tuning, and timer
setting. For detailed instructions, see the relevant sounding system
manuals.
2. When prompted, connect the radiosonde cable to the GC25/
radiosonde cable interface in the radiosonde. Text "UP" on the
connector faces upwards.
3. When the sounding system is finished, the message "Ready for
sonde release!" appears on the display. Disconnect the radiosonde
cable.
4. Set the sensor boom into flight position; Back of the radiosonde
facing you, press the sensor boom gently forward with your thumbs
until the plastic clips on both sides of the sensor boom click (you
may have to spread the plastic clips slightly) and the sensor boom
sits firmly in the bent position.
CAUTION
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 23
Only touch the bottom of the boom. Do not touch or hit the sensors.
User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________
0905-083
Figure 14 Placing the Sensor Boom into Flight Position
The sensor boom is now in the flight position and remains so
throughout the sounding. Now proceed to connect the radiosonde
battery.
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Chapter 3 ________________________________________________________________ Operation
Connecting the Battery Set
General
The RS92-D battery set ordering codes are given in Table 4 on page 25.
Table 4 RS92-D Battery Sets
Ordering Code Battery Description
RS92-DD RSB511 Dry-cell Battery Set
RS92-DL RSB611 Lithium Battery Set
1001-135
Figure 15 RSB511 Dry-cell Battery Set (Number 1) and
RSB611 Lithium Battery (Number 2)
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User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________
Connecting the Battery
Follow these steps to connect the battery to the radiosonde:
1. Open the foil bag as indicated on the bag.
0912-138
Figure 16 Battery Package
2. Take out the battery connector (number 1 in Figure 17 on page 26)
by gently pulling the wires.
0912-140
Figure 17 Battery Connector Shown with RSB611
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Chapter 3 ________________________________________________________________ Operation
3. Connect the battery connector (number 1 in Figure 18 on page 27)
to the radiosonde (number 2).
0912-141
Figure 18 Connecting the Battery Connector to the
Radiosonde
4. The radiosonde has now been activated. Close the battery case.
5. Check from the sounding system software that the telemetry link is
working well. For detailed instructions on using the sounding
software, refer to the sounding system user manuals.
The radiosonde is now prepared for launch. In order to ensure 120
minutes of flight time, it is recommended that the radiosonde is
launched within 15 minutes of battery connection.
Proceed now to launch the radiosonde.
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User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________
Removing the Battery Case
If you need to remove the battery case from the radiosonde, use, for
example, a small coin to loosen the battery case. Push the coin into the
small opening between the radiosonde and the battery case to loosen the
case and remove it. See Figure 19 on page 28.
0809-005
Figure 19 Removing the Battery Case
Launching the Radiosonde
The radiosonde is now ready for launch.
Attaching the Unwinder
The unwinder is used to unwind the suspension string gently and
slowly. To do this, the unwinder must be attached firmly, so that it does
not rotate relative to the balloon. If the unwinder moves freely, the
suspension string unwinds too quickly, and it is possible that the
radiosonde hits the ground upon launch.
The unwinder is designed to be tied directly to the balloon.
If you cannot attach the unwinder directly to the balloon, for example,
when using a radar reflector or a parachute, sounding accessories are
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Chapter 3 ________________________________________________________________ Operation
needed to restrict the movement of the unwinder. For instructions, refer
to section Optional Sounding Accessories on page 18.
Attaching the Unwinder to the Balloon
Follow these steps to attach the unwinder directly to the balloon:
1. Pass the unwinder hook through the loop created by the tied
balloon neck.
2. Make sure that the hook comes out the other side, as shown in
Figure 20 on page 29. The unwinder is now attached firmly to the
balloon.
If you are using a balloon with an integrated parachute, fasten the
parachute string poking out of the balloon neck to the unwinder.
0705-042
Figure 20 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. Attach the unwinder to the loop by pushing the hook out the
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 29
User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________
other side in the same fashion as with the folded balloon neck (see
section Attaching the Unwinder to the Balloon on page 29).
Radar Reflector
There is a rubber plate attached to the radar reflector. Attach the
unwinder to this plate.
Non-Totex Parachute
There is a hanger board tied to the parachute. Attach the unwinder to the
bottom of the hanger board.
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 suspension 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. Keep the string length between the radiosonde and the
unwinder as short as possible.
Checking the Reception
Immediately after the release, check the reception of the radiosonde
frequency on the receiver.
Proceed to monitor the sounding with the sounding system.
Monitoring the Sounding
If you have not already done so, enter the surface observation
information in the sounding system. Refer to the sounding system’s user
manual for detailed instructions on using the sounding system software.
30 __________________________________________________________________ M210987EN-C
Chapter 4 __________________________________________________ Storage and Transportation
CHAPTER 4
STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION
This chapter provides information for the transport and storage of the
product.
Storage
CAUTION
Radiosondes must be stored and used properly in accordance with
applicable instructions, the User’s Guide, and specifications issued by
Vaisala.
Proper storage conditions must fulfill the following requirements:
Radiosondes must be kept in their original packaging (unopened
vacuum envelopes) in a dry, ventilated indoor storage space, and within
the following key environmental limits (ref. IEC 60721-3-1 class 1K2):
- Temperature +5 °C to +40 °C
- Relative humidity below 85%
The suspension string is not resistant to prolonged exposure to
sunlight. Store the radiosondes in their original unopened vacuum
envelopes.
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 31
User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________
Transportation
Vaisala radiosondes must be transported in their original shipping
packages. These packages are designed and built to survive and protect
their contents in the environmental conditions described herein with the
terminology and standards per standard: IEC 60721-3-2. The
transportation of radiosondes requires climatic conditions 2K2 and
mechanical conditions 2M1 of this standard:
- Transportation in weather-protected conditions.
- Transportation using conventional means (car, truck, and/or
aircraft), with free fall not exceeding 0.25 m in any circumstances.
- Following additional markings on packaging.
Do not transport the radiosonde with the battery connected.
Transporting Lithium Batteries and RS92 Radiosondes
RSB611 lithium batteries and RS92 radiosondes with lithium batteries
are classified as:
- UN 3090 Lithium metal batteries
- UN 3091 Lithium metal batteries packed with equipment
Consignments must be packed, labeled, and documented according to
the IATA packing instructions.
When transporting the radiosondes with lithium batteries, take the
following requirements into account:
- The package must display a lithium battery handling label, see
Figure 21 on page 33 for an example. The original radiosonde
shipping should be used for transport, and it already has the lithium
battery handling label.
- The consignment must include a document indicating the lithium
content, describing proper handling and procedures for damaged
packages, and a telephone number for additional information. The
original radiosonde consignment includes a SHIPPER'S
DECLARATION FOR ARTICLES NOT REGULATED AS
32 __________________________________________________________________ M210987EN-C
Chapter 4 __________________________________________________ Storage and Transportation
DANGEROUS GOODS, which should be reused for this purpose
after updating the appropriate information.
NOTE
1002-100
Figure 21 Lithium Battery Handling Label
If the lithium battery is faulty, do not transport it.
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 33
User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________
34 __________________________________________________________________ M210987EN-C
Chapter 5 _________________________________________________ Failure Report and Warranty
CHAPTER 5
FAILURE REPORT AND WARRANTY
This chapter presents information about the failure report and
radiosonde warranty.
Failure Report
In case of some malfunction, write a failure report consisting of the
following issues:
- What failed (what worked / did not work)?
- Where did it fail (location and environment)?
- When did it fail (date, immediately / after a while / periodically /
- How many failed (only one defect / other same or similar defects /
- What was connected to the product and to which connectors?
- What was done when the failure was noticed?
Include the radiosonde serial number in the failure report.
randomly)?
several failures in one unit)?
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 35
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.
1. Read the warranty information.
2. Contact Vaisala technical support via e-mail or fax and request for
RMA (Return Material Authorization) and shipping instructions.
3. Proceed as instructed by Vaisala technical support.
NOTE
RMA must always be requested from Vaisala technical support before
returning any faulty material.
Radiosonde Warranty
The following Vaisala Radiosonde general warranty statement is
effective as of 02/2007. However, please refer to the applicable supply
contract for the specifics of your warranty terms. If there is a
discrepancy between the general radiosonde warranty statement and the
radiosonde warranty statement in the supply contract, the provisions of
the official radiosonde warranty statement in the supply contract
prevail.
Vaisala Radiosonde Warranty Statement
Vaisala repairs or, at its discretion, replaces any Vaisala RS92
radiosonde that is proven, with reasonable satisfaction, to have failed
within 13 months of shipment by reason of faulty materials or
workmanship, under the following conditions and provided that
radiosonde is stored and used properly in accordance with applicable
instructions and manuals issued by Vaisala.
36 __________________________________________________________________ M210987EN-C
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 Handling
Radiosondes shall be transported in the original shipping packaging,
which is designed and built to survive and protect the contents in the
environmental conditions specified in standard IEC 60721-3-2: climatic
conditions of class 2K2, and mechanical conditions of class 2M1 of the
standard are required. Instructions on the packaging for transportation
and handling shall be followed.
Criteria for Radiosonde Failures
Pre-flight failures under warranty:
- Radiosonde fails during the sounding preparation, or ground check
correction exceeds one of the following limits:
P: ± 3 hPa
T: ± 1 °C
U: ± 4 %RH (at 0 % RH)
In-flight failures below altitude of 100 hPa under warranty:
- Radiosonde stops transmitting one or more parameters
- Radiosonde transmits clearly erroneous data
- There is a continuous telemetry link failure exceeding 2 minutes
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 37
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.
A radiosonde found defect prior to launch shall be returned to the
nearest Vaisala office.
Report of an in-flight failure shall be accompanied by either 1) sounding
data file (MW21, MW31 and AUTOSONDE systems) or 2) sounding
status report printout (MW11/MW12/MW15 systems) for each failed
sounding.
Failure report and any radiosonde failed prior to launch shall be sent to
Vaisala within 180 days after the failure, or within a year from
extremely remote or shipborne stations.
38 __________________________________________________________________ M210987EN-C
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.
1. No smoking or naked 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. Take care to prevent a gas leak in the shed when interrupting
inflation to replace a gas cylinder.
6. Never use a repaired balloon.
7. Should a leak develop in the balloon during inflation, do not let gas
escape from the balloon inside the shed if possible. Instead, release
the defective balloon without load. It is not advisable to deflate the
balloon, even outside the shed.
8. Do not touch the balloon with bare hands except when holding it
by the neck. Wear soft cotton gloves.
9. Ensure that there are no pointed objects in the shed. Nails, hooks,
hinges, padlocks, etc., are dangerous as they might scratch the
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 39
User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________
inflated balloon. The balloon film is only 0.05 ... 0.1 mm thick
upon launch; the slightest scratch could cause the balloon to burst
prematurely.
10. Keep the doors of the shed shut while inflating the balloon on a
windy day. However, ensure that the shed is properly ventilated.
11. No unauthorized person shall be allowed admittance to the shed
while the hydrogen generator is in operation or balloon inflation is
going on.
12. Ensure that all tools and other implements not essential for balloon
inflation have been removed from the shed.
13. Do not take any electrical devices (cell phone etc.) to the balloon
filling shed or close to the balloon inflated with hydrogen. Safe
distance when outdoors is typically 1.5 meters.
14. Always keep the radiosonde at least 50 cm below the level of the
gas nozzle and the inflated balloon, and at least 1.5 meters away
from the gas cylinder/hydrogen generator, connectors, and tubing.
Avoid taking the radiosonde inside the balloon filling shed, if
possible.
WARNING
15. Follow all regulations concerning hydrogen safety.
New operator! Carefully study the instructions for using the hydrogen
generator and for the correct method of inflation.
40 __________________________________________________________________ M210987EN-C
____________________________________________________________________________ Index
INDEX
A
accessories 18
activating the radiosonde 25
attaching the unwinder 28
B
balloon
folding the neck 17
handling 14, 39
inflating 14
lifting gas 14
releasing 30
safety instructions 39
securing the neck 16
tying 16
balloon filling shed 14
battery
connecting 25, 26
ordering codes 25
removing casing 28
RSB511 Dry-cell Battery Set 25
RSB611 Lithium Battery 25
C
checking reception 30
connecting the battery 25
D
loading weights 14
removing the balloon 17
Ground Check Set GC25 23
guarantee 36
H
handling the balloon 14, 39
I
inflating the balloon 14
L
launching the radiosonde 28
N
non-Totex parachute 19, 30
O
optional sounding accessories 14, 18
non-Totex parachute 19
ordering codes 18
radar reflector 19
Totex parachute 18
ordering codes
batteries 25
optional sounding accessories 18
DigiCORA® 23
F
failure report 35
failures covered by warranty 37
faulty material 36
folding the balloon neck 17
G
gas nozzle
attaching the balloon 15
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 41
P
performing sounding preparations 23
R
radar reflector 19, 30
radiosonde
activating 25
battery 25
features 11
launching 28
parts 12
User's Guide ______________________________________________________________________
storing 31
transportation and handling 31
unpacking 21
warranty 36
reception, checking 30
recycling 9
releasing the balloon 30
reporting failures 35
returning faulty material 36
S
safety instructions 9, 39
securing the balloon neck 16
sounding
preparations 23
workorder 13
storing the radiosonde 31
T
technical support 36
Totex parachute 18, 29
transportation and handling 31, 37
tying the balloon 16
U
unpacking the radiosonde 21
unwinder, attaching 17, 28
W
warranty 36
claims 38
covered failures 37
storage conditions 37
transportation and handling 37
42 __________________________________________________________________ M210987EN-C
*M210987
EN
*
www.vaisala.com
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