Preparing the radiosonde with Ground Check Device RI41 - RS41-SG

RS41-SG and RS41-SGP User Guide
Document code
M211667EN
Revision
H
Language
English
Product
RS41-SG
Document type
User guide

In the sounding preparations, RI41 is connected to the sounding software computer with a USB cable and operated with the help of the sounding software. RI41 is switched on by connecting it to the sounding system and turning on the computer.

For information on configuring RI41 as the ground check option in the sounding software, see the MW41 on-line help. The on-line help also provides information on other options for preparing the radiosonde for the sounding.

Figure 1. Ground Check Device RI41
CAUTION Do not touch the radiosonde sensors, they are fragile and can be easily contaminated. SLD235227-A-Hazard Warning Label During radiosonde regeneration, the temperature of the sensor boom is about 150 °C for 3 minutes.

Follow the steps below to prepare the radiosonde for a sounding with RI41:

  1. Open the radiosonde package and remove the radiosonde from the package.
    The foil bag contains illustrated instructions for preparing the radiosonde.
  2. Place the radiosonde on RI41 carefully. The radiosonde is automatically switched on when placed on RI41. Make sure that the radiosonde sensor boom does not hit the support plate on RI41 as this might damage the sensor boom.
  3. The sounding software automatically detects the radiosonde and begins the sounding preparations.
  4. During the radiosonde pre-flight preparation phase, several steps are carried out. These consist of ground check procedures for sensors, as well as optional features for setting the radiosonde in-flight operation parameters, such as a timer for turning the radiosonde power off after a desired time, pressure, or altitude.
    In this phase, you can also set the radiosonde transmitter frequency or, alternatively, apply the station’s default frequency. Use the sounding software to modify the settings. The pre-flight procedure depends on the radiosonde and ground check device model.
    • RS41-SG with RI41:
      • T check: The radiosonde performs an in-built functional temperature check.
      • Reconditioning: Preparation of humidity sensor. Cooling after reconditioning
      • U check: The radiosonde performs a physical zero humidity check.
      • Updating radiosonde: The parameters and preparation results are updated to the radiosonde.
    • RS41-SGP with RI41 or RI41-B:
      • T check: The radiosonde performs an in-built functional temperature check.
      • Reconditioning: Preparation of humidity sensor.
      • Cooling after reconditioning
      • U check: The radiosonde performs a physical zero humidity check.
      • Stabilizing: Waiting for the pressure sensor to stabilize. Enter the pressure reference value from your own reference source or, with RI41-B, retrieve the pressure reference value automatically from the barometer module in RI41-B.
      • Ground check: Once the conditions have stabilized, that is, the PTU values are steady, ground check is performed.
      • Updating radiosonde: The parameters and preparation results are updated to the radiosonde.
  5. After the ground check is finished, the sounding software indicates the results with a message. Remove the radiosonde from the ground check device.
  6. Before the radiosonde is launched, you can return to the preparation phase anytime by replacing the radiosonde on RI41. The sounding software automatically returns to the ground check phase.
    If there is any delay in starting the sounding, for example, if you must wait before launching the sounding balloon, you can switch the radiosonde off by pressing the power switch. When you are ready to launch the balloon, switch the radiosonde back on.