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M211667EN-G

User Guide

Vaisala Radiosonde

RS41-SG and RS41-SGP

Summary of Contents for RS41-SG

Page 1: ...M211667EN G User Guide Vaisala Radiosonde RS41 SG and RS41 SGP ...

Page 2: ...e based on the original English versions In ambiguous cases the English versions are applicable not the translations The contents of this manual are subject to change without prior notice Local rules and regulations may vary and they shall take precedence over the information contained in this manual Vaisala makes no representations on this manual s compliance with the local rules and regulations ...

Page 3: ... 3 2 2 Filling the Balloon 16 3 3 Preparing Optional Sounding Accessories 20 3 3 1 Totex Parachute 5710 5 21 3 3 2 Non Totex Parachute 21 3 4 Preparing RS41 Unwinder 22 3 4 1 Detaching Unwinder Stick 22 3 4 2 Handling the Unwinder String 23 3 4 3 Attaching the Unwinder to the Balloon 24 3 5 Preparing the Radiosonde with Ground Check Device RI41 25 3 6 Preparing RS41 Sensor Boom 29 3 7 Checking the...

Page 4: ...winder 11 Figure 3 Radiosonde RS41 Optional Accessories 20 Figure 4 RS41 Unwinder Details 23 Figure 5 Unwinder Clip Is Level with the Unwinder Bottom Plate 24 Figure 6 Ground Check Device RI41 26 Figure 7 Lithium Battery Handling Label 32 RS41 SG and RS41 SGP User Guide M211667EN G 2 ...

Page 5: ...List of Tables Table 1 Manual Versions 5 Table 2 Related Manuals 5 Table 3 Unwinder Properties 10 Table 4 RS41 LED Lights 30 List of Tables 3 ...

Page 6: ...RS41 SG and RS41 SGP User Guide M211667EN G 4 ...

Page 7: ...S41 M211667EN E November 2016 Updated with the new Vaisala User Guide template M211667EN D December 2015 Updated information on radiosonde LED light functionality Updated instructions for handling the balloon and the unwinder M211667EN C March 2015 Updated for MW41 software release 2 3 Information on handling the unwinder updated 1 2 Related Manuals Table 2 Related Manuals Manual Code Description ...

Page 8: ...the product Tip gives information for using the product more efficiently Lists tools needed to perform the task Indicates that you need to take some notes during the task 1 4 Trademarks DigiCORAâ and MARWINâ are registered trademarks of Vaisala Oyj 1 5 Regulatory Compliances Vaisala Radiosonde RS41 complies with the following performance and environmental test standards 2004 108 EC Electromagnetic...

Page 9: ... RoHS compliance RoHS Directive 2011 65 EC Chapter 1 About This Document 7 ...

Page 10: ...RS41 SG and RS41 SGP User Guide M211667EN G 8 ...

Page 11: ...st design Physical Zero Humidity Check and In built Functional Temperature Check ensure reliable performance in every situation The radiosonde is also easy to use For example there is no need for the user to connect the batteries to the radiosonde to activate it The radiosonde is automatically activated when placed on the ground check device To make it easier to check the status of the radiosonde ...

Page 12: ... The unwinder is specifically designed for use with Radiosonde RS41 The unwinder is installed to the radiosonde so that it bends the sensor boom to the correct sounding position ensuring repeatable results in the soundings Table 3 Unwinder Properties Object Property Material of the string Non UV treated polypropylene Tenacity 115 N RS41 SG and RS41 SGP User Guide M211667EN G 10 ...

Page 13: ...s The shipping box has been tested following the standards to tolerate the mechanical and environmental transportation conditions Inside the shipping box the radiosondes are packed in their own handling packages The shipping box size is 740 x 400 x 320 mm length x width x height and it weights 10 9 kg Unwinders are packed in a separate cardboard box and shipped in the same box with the radiosondes...

Page 14: ... modify the unit Improper modification can damage the product or lead to malfunction CAUTION Do not use the radiosonde for any purpose other than for soundings CAUTION 2 5 ESD Protection Electrostatic Discharge ESD can damage electronic circuits Vaisala products are adequately protected against ESD for their intended use However it is possible to damage the product by delivering electrostatic disc...

Page 15: ...alt water or allow the battery to get wet Do not disassemble or modify the battery The battery contains safety and protection devices which if damaged may cause the battery to generate heat rupture or ignite Do not leave the battery in direct sunlight or use or store the battery inside cars in hot weather Doing so may cause the battery to generate heat rupture or ignite Using the battery in this m...

Page 16: ...RS41 SG and RS41 SGP User Guide M211667EN G 14 ...

Page 17: ...unding with Ground Check Device RI41 Radiosonde RS41 can also be prepared with Ground Check Device MWH322 For further instructions see the appropriate sounding system documentation 3 2 Preparing the Radiosonde Balloon Read the safety instructions in Safety Instructions for Balloon Operators page 33 before proceeding Normally the balloon lifting gas hydrogen or helium is supplied in gas bottles but...

Page 18: ...n is structurally sound and has no perforations or other apparent defects in the nozzle section 3 2 2 Filling the Balloon 1 Connect the side tube of the filling balance to the pressure reducing valve on the gas cylinder or hydrogen generator with a flexible plastic hose 2 Select the nozzle which best fits into the neck of the balloon 3 Load the additional weights that are needed to obtain the requ...

Page 19: ...ar the filling balance so that no damage is caused to the relaxed balloon 5 Turn on the gas from the pressure reducing valve Let the gas flow slowly into the balloon Do not leave the balloon filling shed while inflating the balloon Follow the balloon manufacturer s instructions when inflating the balloon Chapter 3 Operation 17 ...

Page 20: ...he balloon just raises the gas nozzle close the gas valve 7 Before removing the balloon from the gas nozzle tie the neck of the balloon tightly above the balance nozzle with approximately 0 5 m 2 ft bit of string RS41 SG and RS41 SGP User Guide M211667EN G 18 ...

Page 21: ...ure firmly Cut off any extra string The figure below shows an example of a secured balloon neck In the figure the balloon is attached to a balloon holder hook 10 When the balloon is ready make sure it does not touch anything Hold the inflated balloon by the neck Chapter 3 Operation 19 ...

Page 22: ...sories refer to a hanger board or a parachute The unwinder must always be attached to a relatively firm support 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 However the unwinder must be able to swing slightly during the sounding Similar to the balloon the unwinder and the o...

Page 23: ...oop below the spreader Attach the unwinder to the loop by pushing the hook out the other side in the same fashion as with the folded balloon neck 3 3 2 Non Totex Parachute If you are using a parachute that has no firm objects to prevent the unwinder from twisting use a hanger board The hanger board provides more stability during the sounding See option 3 in Figure 3 page 20 3 3 2 1 Making a Hanger...

Page 24: ...hort video on how to attach the unwinder to the balloon It is very important to prepare the unwinder carefully following the instructions below Correct handling of the unwinder ensures a successful sounding 3 4 1 Detaching Unwinder Stick To start using the RS41 unwinder you must first detach the unwinder stick from the unwinder body 1 The unwinder stick number 1 in Figure 4 page 23 is attached bet...

Page 25: ...andling the Unwinder String In the unwinder body the unwinder string runs under a round plastic clip number 4 in Figure 4 page 23 on the bottom plate This keeps the string attached to the unwinder and the radiosonde attached to the balloon 1 To prevent the string from getting tangled in the clip during the sounding make sure the round plastic clip is level with the unwinder bottom plate Chapter 3 ...

Page 26: ... at too high a speed and the radiosonde hit the ground during the launch However the unwinder must be able to swing slightly during the sounding Follow the steps and figures below to attach and align the unwinder correctly when it is attached directly to the balloon 1 Pass the unwinder hook through the loop created by the tied balloon neck 2 Make sure the hook comes out the other side as shown in ...

Page 27: ...41 In the sounding preparations RI41 is connected to the sounding software computer via 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 ...

Page 28: ... not touch the radiosonde sensors they are fragile and can be easily contaminated During radiosonde regeneration the temperature of the sensor boom is about 150 C for three 3 minutes CAUTION RS41 SG and RS41 SGP User Guide M211667EN G 26 ...

Page 29: ...nstructions 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 Chapter 3 Operation 27 ...

Page 30: ...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 hav...

Page 31: ...ition using the unwinder stick This also attaches the radiosonde to the unwinder and the balloon 1 Push the unwinder stick to its position at the end of the radiosonde 2 As you push the unwinder stick pushes the sensor boom to the bent position and the unwinder snap lock clicks into place Chapter 3 Operation 29 ...

Page 32: ...ving GPS signal To receive the GPS signal take the radiosonde outside with line of sight to GPS satellites Green LED is steadily lit 1 The radiosonde is ready and works fine determined by the radiosonde in built diagnostics The diagnostics cover for example temperature and humidity sensors 2 GPS satellites are detected Once GPS signal has been found after radiosonde start up the LED light becomes ...

Page 33: ... 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 4 2 1 Transporting RS41 Radiosondes...

Page 34: ...um content describing proper handling and procedures for damaged packages and a telephone number for additional information Figure 7 Lithium Battery Handling Label If the lithium battery is faulty do not transport it RS41 SG and RS41 SGP User Guide M211667EN G 32 ...

Page 35: ...ead 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 inflated balloon The balloon film is only 0 05 0 1 mm thick...

Page 36: ...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 15 Follow all regulations concerning hydrogen safety RS41 SG and RS41 SGP User Guide M211667EN G 34 ...

Page 37: ...Appendix B Radiosonde Warranty Appendix B Radiosonde Warranty 35 ...

Page 38: ...RS41 SG and RS41 SGP User Guide M211667EN G 36 ...

Page 39: ...me model and serial number Name and location of the installation site Name and contact information of a technical person who can provide further information on the problem For more information see www vaisala com support Recycling Recycle all applicable material Follow the statutory regulations for disposing of the product and packaging 37 ...

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