Abstract

This Technical Note describes a procedure to convert rawinsonde and radiometersonde observations from raw data into the standard message format in the field with the use of two inexpensive programmable calculators and a miniaturized wind-plotting board. The unique combination of elements of an au... Show moreThis Technical Note describes a procedure to convert rawinsonde and radiometersonde observations from raw data into the standard message format in the field with the use of two inexpensive programmable calculators and a miniaturized wind-plotting board. The unique combination of elements of an automatic processing system concept (i.e. the simple programmable pocket calculators) and aspects of the more conventional graphical analysis method (i.e. the small-scale wind-plotting board) makes the system described here economical, portable, and easy to operate by support personnel with a minimum of training, especially in locations with difficult logistical requirements. This method was developed at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) for use with portable rawinsonde and radiometersonde systems at remote field sites in Southeast Asia and Nepal in support of the upper-air observational program of the International Monsoon Experiment (MONEX) in 1978-79. The success of the system and data analysis method points to its use as a reference for future field applications. Show less