GRAW - Model GS-B - Ground Station - Brochure

Upper Air Sounding SystemsSounding the FutureContentWelcome to GRAW Radiosondes 03Radiosonde DFM-09 04Groundstation GS-E for Office Use 06Groundstation GS-H with Handheld Receiver 07Antenna Sets 08Software GRAWMET 10Ozone - Sounding 12Accessories 13Our Company History 1403GRAW Radiosondes is a well-established German company which has developed and manufactured Upper Air Sounding Systems since 1938. Our customers are military, aca-demic research, and meteorological institutions worldwide.Today GRAW Radiosondes is a member of the NORIS Group which is a family owned business focused on measurement technologies. We have access to more than 250 pro-fessionals worldwide but still benefit from the flexibility and quick decision of a family owned business. GRAW Radiosondes is located at the headquarters of NORIS Group in Nuremberg, Germany.We would like to extend a very warm welcome to GRAW RadiosondesWelcome to GRAW RadiosondesMichael Schmidmer Florian Schmidmer04Extremely Low WeightGRAW’s latest state-of-the-art radiosonde, the DFM-09, is currently the smallest and lightest synoptic radiosonde available on the market today. The DFM-09 has dimensions of 200 mm x 42 mm x 60 mm and weighs just 90 grams (Ready to Fly) The DFM-09 has already proven itself to many customers worldwide - delivering excellent perform-ance, ease of use, and high reliability. Sensor Boom All sensors are delivered Ready to Fly - 100 % factory calibrated and with no additional ground calibration necessary prior to launch The temperature and humidity sensor boom ensures precise measurements during ascent, it is unaffected by any thermal influences of the sondes housing A mirrored surface reduces errors due to solar radiation A ceramic temperature sensor delivers a fast response due to its low mass and low thermal capacity Fast, capacitive polymer humidity sensorFunction and DesignThe DFM-09 radiosonde is designed to reliably measure the atmospheric profile of pressure, temperature, humidity, wind speed, and wind direction from the sur-face to an altitude of 40 kms. Continuous data sets are sent to the groundstation by a high quality radio-telemetry link.High-Power Lithium Battery Shelf storage life of several years Simple activation, just a small on/off switch No special preparation Environmentally friendly Fulfills all transportation and storage regulationsDifferential C/A-Code GPS for Wind FindingThe GRAW radiosonde family has a stan-dard on-board C/A code-correlated GPS receiver. The sonde’s positional informa-tion is transmitted to the groundstation where it is corrected with the ground-station’s differential GPS system. The re-sulting data is used to accurately calcu-late the wind speed and direction of the sonde’s ascent - at all heights.Fully coded GPS allows the groundstation to be used on the move, such as launch-ing from a vehicle or from a ship.High Quality TelemetryEach sonde contains a high specification telemetry transmitter. The radio transmis-sion from the sonde meets demanding radio requirements and can cope with long slant ranges, even as far as 300 km.The use of code-spreading, a method where link-errors can be readily detected and corrected and other modern digital radio techniques such as interleaving which minimises the effect of burst errors, ensures that the data is reliably received at the distant groundstation.The continuous on-board measurements of all sensors and transmission of their data is performed in a time-window of less than one second.Radiosonde DFM-0905Additionally, in a spare channel, diagnos-tic information from the sonde’s on-board Built In Test (BIT) systems are transmitted, thus ensuring the data sent is reliable dur-ing the ascent.Microprocessor ControlledAll important functions of the radiosonde are controlled by an on-board, low power microprocessor. The microprocessor con-trols the radiosonde initilisation, sensor measurements, communication, and in flight data quality control.Freely Programmable FrequencyEach radiosonde can transmit in a narrow channel anywhere within the meteoro-logical band (400 to 406 MHz).The sonde uses an on-board frequency synthesiser, which is automatically set to the desired transmission channel during initialisation.The highly-sensitive groundstation re-ceiver system does not require a steered antenna and can receive valid data from sondes up to 300 km slant range using its compact dual antenna set.Quick and Easy InitialisationPrior to launch, a simple cable connection starts up the sonde, sets its frequency and downloads the calibration data for the sensors from its on-board non-volatile memory. During this rapid and simple initialisation phase, the sonde is also checked and tested by the groundstation. The sonde is now ready for immediate re-lease.Radiosonde DFM-09Weight < 90 g, ready to startSize 200 mm x 42 mm x 60 mmBattery Dry LithiumActivation SwitchWind finding Differential GPS (20 channels)Transmission-rate One full data set per secondBandwith < 20 kHz Frequency deviation +/- 3 kHzModulation FSKError correction telemetry Code-spreading, interleavingTemperature resolution 0.1 °CTemperature accuracy < 0.2 °CHumidity resolution 1 % rHHumidity accuracy < 5 % rHPressure accuracy < 0.3 hPaGeopotential height accuracy < 10 mWind speed accuracy < 0.2 m/sAccuracy horizontal position < 5 m06PWD PWA GPSANT.1 ANT.2Components 400 MHz receiver integrated Initialisation cable between GS-E or PC and radiosondeOverviewThe main function of the GS-E ground-station is receiving the radiosonde signal and providing local GPS information. All functions of the GS-E are software-con-trolled by a standard PC via USB.SDR (Software Defined Receiver)The core of the GS-E is a so-called software defined receiver. A Software Defined Re-ceiver (SDR) is such where demodulation Groundstation GS-E for Office Useand the last IF (intermediate frequency) processing are done entirely in software. Usually this means using a DSP, but in the case of the GS-E, this processing is done on a PC. Most modern PCs are now faster and more powerful than many DSPs were only a few years ago.The radiosonde signal is received by a software-defined PC-based narrowband receiver (400 MHz to 406 MHz). This PC-based receiver is USB-controlled and compatible with modern desktop and notebook computers with USB interface.Antenna Switch (Diversity)The GS-E provides a USB controlled an-tenna switch. This gives the possibility to connect two 400 MHz antennas at the same time to ensure 100 % coverage. The selection of the right antenna is done completely automatically by the software GRAWMET by continuously checking the signal strength of both inputs.GPS ModuleAn integrated GPS module provides exact position information of the groundsta-tion. This GPS information can be used for applying differential GPS mode.SoftwareThe GS-E is fully controlled by the me-teorological software GRAWMET via USB. This includes the tuning of the receiving frequency, control of AFC (Automatic Fre-quency Control), selecting of the optimal filters, frequency sweeping, selection of the right antenna, etc.Groundstation GS-ERECEIVERType DDS-based dual-conversion superheter-odyne with software-defined last IF stage and demodulatorFrequency range 400 MHz - 406 MHzTuning steps 20 kHzGPSChannels 20CONNECTIONS400 MHz antenna 2GPS antenna 1GPS repeater 1 USB connection to PC 1USB connection to radiosonde 1PC REQUIREMENTSOperating system Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7Interface USBPOWER SUPPLYAC 100 V/AC to 240 V/ACDC 10 V/DC to 30 V/DCDIMENSIONSSize 320 mm x 190 mm x 90 mmWeight 3300 g07AM250404.TSSET MODESCAN V/MS.MWSKIPBANDLOCKGroundstation GS-H with Handheld ReceiverComponents Optional with standard notebook with USB-interface and soundcard Handheld 400 MHz receiver with inte- grated antenna Initialisation cable between notebook and radiosondeGroundstation GS-HPC Standard notebook (e. g. existing customer notebook)Handheld receiver Tuneable between 400 MHz and 406 MHzHandheld size 58 mm x 86 mm x 27 mmHandheld weight 185 gOverviewThe GS-H groundstation is a highly por-table system. It is well suited to use by universities and research establishments that do not prefer fixed antennas and which require limited soundings on a project by project basis. The complete ground-system consists of a standard notebook and the GS-H with integrated 400 MHz antenna, all powered by batteries.08Antenna Sets1. Omnidirectional AntennaThe omnidirectional antenna is the per-fect solution for most climactic situations as it guarantees full receiving coverage of the radiosonde signal except for a small gap directly overhead in high altitudes. Under normal climactic situations, the omnidirectional antenna is 100 % suffi-cient for reliable soundings. As a standard, the omnidirectional anten-na comes with a low noise amplifier and a 40 m antenna cable. Other lengths are available on request.Overhead AntennaType Helical antennaBandwidth 398 – 408 MHz Gain 3.5 dBiHeight 50 cmWeight 2.6 kgDifferent antenna configurations are available for the GS-E groundstation:2. Overhead AntennaThe overhead antenna complements the omnidirectional antenna and is useful for special climatic situations. It closes the receiving gap of the omnidirectional an-tenna directly overhead in high altitudes.As a standard, the overhead antenna comes with a low noise amplifier and a 40 m antenna cable. Other lengths are available on request.Omnidirectional AntennaType Dipole antennaBandwidth 400 – 407 MHz Gain 3.5 dBiHeight 71 cmWeight 1.9 kg1. 2. 3. 4. 09GPS AntennaType Helical antennaCentre frequency 1575.42 MHz Weight 0.2 kg3. GPS AntennaThe local GPS antenna facilitates the pre-start preparation as it enables the user to check the GPS functionality of the radio-sonde in-house before start. Also, the co-ordinates of the groundstation are made available automatically. The local GPS antenna always comes together with an indoor GPS repeater.4. TripodsFor mobile applications, all antenna can be mounted on a tripod. Depending on the used antenna, different versions of tripods are available.10Software FeaturesGRAWMET is the meteorological soft-ware system for all GRAW-groundstations based on Windows XP, Vista or Win-dows 7. The main functions of GRAWMET are the initialisation of the radiosonde for launch and the evaluation and display of radiosonde data during the ascent. The system generates WMO and STAN-AG weather messages as well as various graphical and tabulated evaluations. The software uses the common windows style graphical user interface (GUI) making it easy to work with. Data from the radio-sonde is received by the groundstation for further processing by GRAWMET.Automatic Launch RecognitionThe actual time of the balloon launch is automatically recognised by the system. Launch time computation is through linear regression. As soon as a defined number of valid measured values have been received, the measured values are acknowledged and then stored as valid ascent data.Quality Control of DataAll data is checked for any measured values that deviate from predetermined toler-ance limits. Any measured values outside these limits will not be processed while an ascent is in progress. Any discrepan-cies found are entered into the log file and displayed on the screen. Incoming data is also compared with a predetermined ex-pectancy window. Data is passed through a track filter for the elimiation of any errors in the run of measured values.Software GRAWMETSoftware Adaptation to User NeedsThe program offers a host of variable set-ting possibilities of the software and thus can be closely matched to user’s needs. It is possible amongst other things to mod-ify various parameters, such as units of measurement or the number of the mea-sured value curves shown in the graphic display.Automatic Frequency SettingDuring initialisation, it might be neces-sary to change the transmitting frequen-cy for the ascent. All measured data are transmitted to the groundstation on this frequency. Setting of the frequency is provided by the software.Status TreeThis field shows the current data of the radiosonde ascent. It is subdivided into four areas. The sounding data area shows the actual basic data, the current balloon ascent rate and the flight time. In the probe/receiver area information on the radiosonde and the receiver are displayed: channel of the radiosonde and the receiver, receiving level, num- ber of probe, etc. The GPS area visualises the altitude, latitude, longitude and the number of satellites. The last field shows information on the status of the weather messages.Processing and Display of Measured DataProcessing of measured data is done by means of data reduction methods. All measured data are checked and stored in the form of time profiles. These time profiles are the basis for generating the weather messages. Display on the screen is in the form of tables or graphic evalu-ations.Automatic Creation of Weather MessagesThe program computes and automati-cally generates standardised current weather messages upon reaching the specific altitude limit. Optionally, the user can change the altitude limits. Provisional computation of weather messages before the set altitude limits are reached is also possible. For greater clarity, all messages computed are presented in the status tree.Generated Messages (Extract) WMO weather messages: PILOT, TEMP, CLIMAT, BUFR, CREX Reports according to FM35 TEMP, FM36 TEMP SHIP or FM38 TEMP MOBIL can be coded optionally Other messages are available on requestThese weather messages are displayed on the screen in tabulated form and can be filed for future reference. During the ascent, all data of the weather message can be viewed by scrolling. The message headings and body of the message can be later edited in order to supplement messages, if incomplete.11Weather IndicesGRAWMET creates the following weather indices automatically:LFC, LCL, CCL, Showalter Index, CAPE, CINH, EL-Equilibrium Level, K-Index, Total Index, KO Index.Graphic Data ProcessingVarious parameters can be displayed and printed in the form of different graphical presentations: Thermodynamic Diagram, Tephigram, T-Log (P) Diagram, Emagram, Hodograph, Altitude Diagram, Refractive Index, etc.Wind Data DeterminationTo calculate wind parameters, the soft-ware uses GPS data provided by the ra-diosonde. Wind speed and wind direc-tion values are calculated by the changes in the GPS position and GPS velocity vectors of the radiosonde. The DFM-09 is equipped with the latest state of the art GPS modules being capable of receiving 20 satellites at the same time. Data SavingThe program saves all data and mes-sages in a database and in a simulation file based on XML. This permits later data transmission or simulation of the flight.Data Transmission and OutputtingAll weather messages can be output by means of a printer, via an interface to a receiver or disseminated via other data interfaces, such as Firewire, Ethernet, USB or modem.Network SupportThe system can be operated from mul-tiple groundstations at the same time. Flights can be monitored in realtime from any remote station by simply setting up an internet connection to the main groundstation.Log FileAll operator inputs as well as alarm mes-sages are automatically saved in a log file. Indication is in the form of a live display. A scroll function permits paging up and down in the log file.Free Demo of SoftwareOn request, a free demo version of the software is available for training purposes and for off-line evaluations of prior as-cents.Multiple LanguagesThe system is designed as a multiple lan-guage system. Apart from the main lan-guages (English, German, French, Span-ish), several other languages are available. Please contact usGoogle-Earth SupportThe flight-path of the radiosonde can also be monitored by Google-Earth.12Ozone - SoundingGRAW Ozone-sondeThe GRAW ozone-sonde consists of the scientific radiosonde model DFM-97 in conjunction with the ECC ozone-sensor. The current output of the ECC sensor is directly connected to one of the free inputs of the DFM-97. An additional ex-ternal temperature sensor is integrated to measure the air temperature in the ozone-channel of the ECC-sensor. In total, 10 inputs are available on the DFM-97 radiosonde for the use of any ex-ternal sensors.13AccessoriesUnwinder UW1 Unwinder UW2Cord length 30 m (other lengths on request) 30 m (other lengths on request)Maximum payload 5 kg 600 gUnwinding speed 0.1 m/s (payload 200 g)0.3 m/s (payload 2.5 kg)0.5 m/s (payload 200 g)1.5 m/s (payload 600 g)Weight 70 g 30 gBalloon Filling Unit SO-2This unit facilitates the filling and prepa-ration of the balloons:The neck of the balloon is put over the nozzle of the SO-2 which is connected to a gas (helium or hydrogen) cylinder or storage tank. Weights are put on the arms of the SO-2 depending on the re-quested free lift. The filling of the balloon is automatically stopped once the desired free lift is reached and the balloon may then be tied to the radiosonde. The SO-2 can be used for balloons 200 grams and larger. For smaller balloons other suitable units are available.Unwinder UW1The unwinder (dereeler) UW1 is manufac-tured of stainless steel and designed for heavier payloads and very constant un-winding speeds. Its own weight is about 70 grams and the cord is available in different lengths. This unwinder is mainly used for scientific ap-plications or heavy payloads.Unwinder UW2The unwinder (dereeler) UW2 is designed to facilitate the launching of lightweight radiosondes (such as the DFM-09 and DFM-06) under all weather conditions. The UW2 is connected between the ra-diosonde and the balloon by a cord which slowly increases its length after release of the balloon. The unwinding speed of the cord is controlled by a small rubber bal-loon which acts as a brake. 141938 1942 1948 1976 1990 1995 1998Our Company History1938Founding of the company Dr. Graw Messgeräte in Berlin/Germany by the physicist Dr. Graw1942Dr. Graw developed the heart of the radiosondes, the GRAW morse encoding cylinder1948Relocation of the company to Nurem-berg/Germany1976Mr. Horst Schmidmer (former owner of NORIS Group) takes over all shares of Dr. Graw1990Development of the first purely digital radiosonde DFM-901995Development of the first “real“ fully coded differential GPS-radiosonde DFM-90 DGPS2003 2004 2006 20101998Development of the optimized DFM-97 GPS-radiosonde2003Renaming to “GRAW Radiosondes GmbH & Co. KG“2004Start of the development of the GPS-radiosonde DFM-062006Market launch of the DFM-06 radiosonde2010Market launch of the DFM-09 radiosondeGRAW Radiosondes GmbH & Co. KG Muggenhofer Strasse 9590429 Nuremberg | GermanyTel.: +49 911 3201-100 Fax: +49 911 3201-150info@graw.de | www.graw.dePR-GRS en V02.00 - 04/2011 - Errors and omissions excepted.