Chapter 4 ________________________________________________________________ Operation
VAISALA _______________________________________________________________________ 19
Launching the Balloon
To launch the balloon:
1.
Fasten the unwinder to the neck of the inflated balloon (for
instructions, refer to the appropriate radiosonde manual).
2.
Make sure that the radiosonde string unwinds properly and is
inside the launcher, see item J in Figure 2.
3.
Insert the unwinder through the nozzle opening inside the
canvas bag so that the string is taut and does not damage the
balloon during release.
4.
Launch the balloon by releasing the straps of the canvas belt and
lifting off the canvas, see item F in Figure 2. The balloon will
come out by itself.
If the canvas bag is wet the balloon may cling to the walls of the
bag. In that case release the balloon with the launching strap
inside the bag.
Once past the launcher trim, the balloon will pull the radiosonde
from the holder and the sounding will start.