Midas IV Synop User's Guide M010033en-D

Synoptic Observations
Software
MIDAS IV SYNOP
USER'S GUIDE
M010033EN-D
January 2004
PUBLISHED BY
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Vaisala 2004
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Vaisala Oyj Phone (int.): +358 9 8949 1
P.O. Box 26 Fax: +358 9 8949 2227
FIN-00421 Helsinki
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VAISALA________________________________________________________________________ 1
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Contents of This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Version Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Related Manuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Feedback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Regulatory Compliances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
License Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
CHAPTER 2
PRODUCT OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Introduction to MIDAS IV SYNOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
MIDAS IV SYNOP as Part of MIDAS IV AWOS . . . . . . . . . . 12
Event Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
AFTN Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Actuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
MIDAS IV SYNOP Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
CHAPTER 3
SYNOP TEMPLATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Introduction to the SYNOP Template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Report Identification Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Report Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Report Data Under WMO Headers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Report Data under Plain-Language Headers . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Types of Report Data Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Automatic Data Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Manual Data Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Obligatory/Optional Data Fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
SYNOP Main View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Section 0 Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Section 1 View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Section 1 Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Section 3 View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Section 3 Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Section 5 View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
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Section 5 Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Coded Report of Complete Synop Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Build Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Send Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Send Synop Automatically Check Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Menu Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Status Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
CHAPTER 4
OPERATING MIDAS IV SYNOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Starting and Exiting MIDAS IV SYNOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Using the Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Editing and Sending Regular SYNOP Reports . . . . . . . . . .43
Sending Delayed (Retarded) Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
SYNOP Message Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Validations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Validations When Entering Values. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Validations When Building the Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Missing Data Validation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Present Weather Validation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Cloud Data Validation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Turning off Validation Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Editing and Sending Additional SYNOP Reports . . . . . . . .51
Editing and Sending Corrected SYNOP Reports . . . . . . . .52
Sending SYNOP Reports Automatically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
CHAPTER 5
TROUBLESHOOTING MIDAS IV SYNOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
APPENDIX A
GLOSSARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
INDEX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
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List of Figures
Figure 1 Report Identification Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Figure 2 Report Data Under WMO Headers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Figure 3 Plain-Language Data Field Corresponding to WMO
Data Field. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Figure 4 SYNOP Template, SYNOP Main View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Figure 5 Section 1 View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Figure 7 Radiation Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Figure 8 Add/edit Clouds Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Figure 9 Supplementary Information Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Figure 11 An Example of SYNOP Editing and Sending Times . . . . . . . . 44
Figure 12 Validation Message Window (Build). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Figure 13 IA-5 Message Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Figure 14 ITA-2 Message Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Figure 15 Validation Message Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Figure 16 Validation Message Window (Build). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Figure 17 Corrected SYNOP Report (IA-5 Format) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
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List of Tables
Table 1 Manual Revisions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Table 2 Related Manuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Table 3 International Recommendations Applied to MIDAS IV SYNOP
Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Table 4 Data Field Types under WMO Group Headers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Table 5 Section 0 Data Fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Table 6 Wind Speed Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Table 7 Section 1, Temp./Hum./Vis./Prec. Frame. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Table 8 Section 1, Wind Frame. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Table 9 Section 1, Present and Past Weather Frame. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Table 10 Section 1, Clouds Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Table 11 Section 1, Pressure Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Table 12 Section 1 Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Table 13 Section 3, Temperature Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Table 14 Section 3, Precipitation and Evaporation Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Table 15 Section 3, State of Ground Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Table 16 Section 3, Sunshine and Radiation Frame. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Table 17 Section 3, Surface Pressure Frame. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Table 18 Section 3, Clouds Frame and Add/edit Clouds Window . . . . . . . 32
Table 19 Section 3, Supplementary Information Window. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Table 20 Section 3 Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Table 21 Examples of Section 5 Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Table 22 Examples of Section 5 Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Table 23 SYNOP Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Table 24 Edit Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Table 25 View Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Table 26 Help Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Table 27 MIDAS IV SYNOP Toolbar Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Table 28 Values Checked for Missing Obligatory Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Table 29 Present Weather Coded Checked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Table 30 Troubleshooting MIDAS IV SYNOP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
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Chapter 1 ________________________________________________________ General Information
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CHAPTER 1
GENERAL INFORMATION
This chapter describes the structure of this manual, and provides safety,
contact, and version history information.
About This Manual
This manual provides information for operating the Vaisala Synoptic
Observations Software MIDAS IV SYNOP. The application is
designed to seamlessly work with the Automated Weather Observing
System MIDAS IV AWOS.
This manual is intended for observers who produce SYNOP reports at
airports.
Contents of This Manual
This manual consists of the following chapters:
- Chapter 1, General Information: This chapter describes the
structure of this manual, and provides safety, contact, and version
history information.
- Chapter 2, Product Overview: This chapter gives an overview of
the Synoptic Observations Software MIDAS IV SYNOP.
- Chapter 3, SYNOP Template: This chapter contains information
on the MIDAS IV SYNOP user interface, the SYNOP template.
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- Chapter 4, Operating MIDAS IV SYNOP: This chapter contains
instructions on how to use the MIDAS IV SYNOP application.
- Chapter 5, Troubleshooting MIDAS IV SYNOP: This chapter
describes some common problems that might occur when using the
MIDAS IV SYNOP application, and solutions to the problems.
- Appendix A, Glossary: This glossary contains descriptions and
definitions for unique terms and definitions used in this manual.
- INDEX
Version Information
Related Manuals
Feedback
Vaisala Customer Documentation Team welcomes your comments and
suggestions on the quality and usefulness of this publication. If you find
errors or have other suggestions for improvement, please indicate the
chapter, section, and page number. You can send comments to us by e-
mail: manuals@vaisala.com.
Table 1 Manual Revisions
Manual Code Description
M010033en-A Applicable for Synoptic Observations Software
MIDAS IV SYNOP from version 1.4 onwards.
M010033en-B Customer-specific version.
M010033en-C Applicable for Synoptic Observations Software
MIDAS IV SYNOP from version 1.41 onwards.
M010033en-D This manual. Applicable for Synoptic
Observations Software MIDAS IV SYNOP from
version 2.0 onwards.
Table 2 Related Manuals
Manual Code Manual Name
M010027en MIDAS IV AWOS Users Guide
M010028en MIDAS IV AWOS Maintenance Manual
Chapter 1 ________________________________________________________ General Information
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Safety
Throughout the manual, important safety considerations are highlighted
as follows:
Regulatory Compliances
MIDAS IV SYNOP is designed in accordance with the international
recommendations as presented in the following sources.
Trademarks
Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT, Windows 2000, and
Windows XP are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in
U.S. and/or other countries.
License Agreement
All rights to any software are held by Vaisala or third parties. The
customer is allowed to use the software only to the extent that is
provided by the applicable supply contract or Software License
Agreement.
CAUTION
Caution warns you of a potential hazard. If you do not read and follow
instructions carefully at this point, the product could be damaged or
important data could be lost.
NOTE
Note highlights important information on using the product.
Table 3 International Recommendations Applied to MIDAS
IV SYNOP Software
Document Name Year
Manual on Codes. WMO No. 306. Volume I.1 (1995 edition,
incl. Supplement No. 4, Aug. 2003)
1995/2003
Regional Codes and National Coding Practices (1998).
1
1. Applicable for the regional codes that have been implemented
1998
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Technical Support
For technical questions, contact the Vaisala technical support:
E-mail helpdesk@vaisala.com
Phone (int.) +358 9 8949 2789
Fax +358 9 8949 2790
Chapter 2 __________________________________________________________ Product Overview
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 11
CHAPTER 2
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
This chapter gives an overview of the Synoptic Observations Software
MIDAS IV SYNOP.
Introduction to MIDAS IV SYNOP
The Synoptic Observations Software MIDAS IV SYNOP is used for
creating and sending SYNOP reports, normally to the AFTN line.
MIDAS IV SYNOP is designed to seamlessly work with the Automated
Weather Observing System MIDAS IV AWOS.
Typically, MIDAS IV SYNOP is configured to display the template
every three hours. The SYNOP Template window is displayed on the
screen ten minutes before the prescheduled sending time. The time
period between displaying the SYNOP Template window and the
prescheduled sending time can be configured for each installation. For
more information on the editing and sending times, see section Editing
and Sending Regular SYNOP Reports on page 43.
In addition to scheduled regular reports, corrected SYNOP reports and
additional SYNOP reports can be created and sent whenever necessary.
The MIDAS IV AWOS system can also include an automated SYNOP
functionality. When this functionality is configured and selected, the
software sends SYNOP reports automatically. This feature is often used
when the station is unmanned.
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MIDAS IV SYNOP as Part of MIDAS IV AWOS
The MIDAS IV SYNOP is designed to function as a part of the
Automated Weather Observing System MIDAS IV AWOS. The
MIDAS IV AWOS system includes several applications for observing
weather data, sending weather reports, monitoring the status of the
system, and troubleshooting the system. The following sections list
some MIDAS IV AWOS applications that can be used with MIDAS IV
SYNOP.
Event Monitor
The Event Monitor application is used for viewing system event
messages. For example, if data is missing from the SYNOP template,
the Event Monitor message gives more information on the nature of the
error.
For more information on Event Monitor, see MIDAS IV AWOS Users
Guide. For details on Event Monitor messages, see MIDAS IV AWOS
Maintenance Manual.
AFTN Monitor
AFTN Monitor is an application used for viewing the SYNOP message
in the format it was sent to the AFTN line. AFTN Monitor can show
messages in the ITA-2 and IA-5 formats specified by ICAO (Annex 10).
For more information on AFTN Monitor, see MIDAS IV AWOS Users
Guide.
Actuals
The Actuals application is used for entering manual or backup data.
When a sensor is out of order or being maintained, it can be set to
Backup or Manual mode in the Actuals weather data windows. In
Backup mode the missing weather data is provided by a predefined
secondary sensor. In manual mode the data has to be entered manually
by the user.
For more information on Actuals, see MIDAS IV AWOS Users Guide.
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MIDAS IV SYNOP Configuration
Each MIDAS IV AWOS and MIDAS IV SYNOP installation is
customized. During system delivery, Vaisala personnel will define the
system parameters according to local requirements. Thus, your MIDAS
IV SYNOP application might not include all the data fields and
parameters described in this manual.
CAUTION
System configuration is only allowed by authorized Vaisala personnel.
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Chapter 3 __________________________________________________________ SYNOP Template
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CHAPTER 3
SYNOP TEMPLATE
This chapter contains information on the MIDAS IV SYNOP user
interface, the SYNOP template.
Introduction to the SYNOP Template
The MIDAS IV SYNOP user interface consists of the SYNOP
Template window. The template has four different views:
- SYNOP Main view, including all sections
- Section 1 View
- Section 3 View
- Section 5 View.
SYNOP Main View contains all the report data for all sections,
including sensor values and coded values. The data are arranged in data
groups under the WMO group headers (designed in accordance with the
WMO guidelines of the Manual on Codes Annex II).
For the users who prefer working with sensor values, the separate
section views offer an alternative way of working. Section 1 View,
Section 3 View, and Section 5 View contain the report data for the
corresponding sections. The data are arranged both in data field groups
under WMO group headers (coded values and sensor values) and under
plain-language headers (sensor values).
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The views can be selected from the toolbar. Each view contains the
same menus, toolbar, report identification data, buttons for building and
sending the report, and the field where the coded report is displayed.
The following sections describe these elements. For specific
instructions on how to edit and send SYNOP reports, see Chapter 4,
Operating MIDAS IV SYNOP, on page 41.
Report Identification Data
Report identification data is located at the top of the SYNOP Template
window and is displayed in all views. See Figure 1 on page 16.
0212-229
Figure 1 Report Identification Data
Report identification data includes the following:
- Name (SYNOP, CORRECTED, or RETARDED, if included in the
configuration)
- ICAO location indicator
- UTC time and date
- Abbreviation for the corrected SYNOP report (for example, CCA,
CCB, CCC), or for the retarded SYNOP if included in the
configuration (for example, RRA, RRB, RRC)
The UTC time is the time when the system has updated the template
data, not the sending time of the report. The time is expressed using the
Coordinated Universal Time format. Notice that it is not transferred to
the Coded report of complete SYNOP field.
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Report Data
The report data is displayed in all the views in the following locations:
- SYNOP Main View contains all the report data for all sections
under WMO headers, including sensor values and coded values.
See Figure 4 on page 21. The data are arranged in data groups
under the WMO group headers (designed in accordance with the
WMO guidelines of the Manual on Codes Annex II). For more
information, see section Report Data Under WMO Headers on
page 17.
- Section 1 View, Section 3 View, and Section 5 View contain the
report data for the corresponding sections. For an example of a
section view, see Figure 5 on page 23. The data are arranged both
in data field groups under WMO group headers (sensor values and
coded values) and under plain-language headers (sensor values).
For more information, see section Report Data under Plain-
Language Headers on page 18.
Report Data Under WMO Headers
The report data is displayed under WMO headers in the SYNOP Main
View and on the left in Section 1 View, Section 3 View, and Section 5
View.
The data groups under WMO group headers consist of the following
parts:
- WMO group header
- Coded value field
- Sensor value field
For an example, see Figure 2 on page 18.
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0301-006
Figure 2 Report Data Under WMO Headers
Group headers are designed in accordance with the guidelines of the
WMO Manual on Codes (Annex II), with the exception that subscripts
are not used. Thus, for example, the MiMiMjMj header on the SYNOP
template corresponds to the WMO header MiMiMjMj.
The coded value field has a white background and can be edited
manually. The system generates the coded value by applying a set of
predefined rules to the sensor value.
The sensor value field has a gray background, showing the value
measured by the sensor. The sensor value fields in SYNOP Main View
cannot be edited.
Report Data under Plain-Language
Headers
In Section 1 View, Section 3 View, and Section 5 View the sensor
values are also displayed in data fields under plain-language headers.
For an example of a section view, see Figure 5 on page 23.
The report data under the plain-language headers correspond to the
WMO headers. Changes made by the user in the fields under plain-
language headers are automatically updated in the coded value fields
under the WMO headers, and vice versa. The original sensor values
(raw values) under the WMO headers are not effected by the editing.
Figure 3 on page 19 illustrates an example of the correspondence
between the sensor values under the plain-language header
The following numbers refer to Figure 2 on page 18:
1 = WMO Group headers
2 = Coded value fields
3 = Sensor value fields
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(Temperature) and the values under the WMO group header (1snTTT).
In the example below, the original sensor value (17.8) has been edited
by the user under the plain-language header (to 18.0), and updated
automatically in the coded value field under the WMO header.
0212-230
Figure 3 Plain-Language Data Field Corresponding to WMO
Data Field
Types of Report Data Fields
The data fields on the SYNOP template can be divided into different
types:
- Automatic data fields / Manual data fields
- Obligatory data fields / Optional data fields
- Data reported at all times / Data reported at certain times only
1 = Sensor value, in this example, edited by the user
2 = Coded value, updated with the values edited by the user
3 = Original sensor value (raw value)
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The type of data fields under WMO headers can be generally
recognized from the appearance of the coded value fields, as shown in
Table 4 on page 20.
Automatic Data Fields
Which data fields are automatic depends on the configuration and the
sensors included in the system. When the SYNOP template appears on
the screen, the MIDAS IV AWOS system has already filled in the
automatic data fields with sensor data.
If automatic data is missing, the system fills in the coded value fields
under WMO headers with slashes (///). The number of slashes
corresponds to the number of data characters in the coded value. Under
plain-language headers, the fields are blank when data is missing.
Manual Data Fields
Manual data fields must be filled in manually by the user. Data fields
can be manual for two reasons: the MIDAS IV system does not include
the sensor that measures the value in question, or the data is optional in
SYNOP reports. Manual data fields are blank.
Obligatory/Optional Data Fields
Some data fields are obligatory, that is, it is specified by WMO that they
have to be included in every SYNOP report. Optional data fields
include data that can be reported, but are not required by WMO. The
inclusion of optional data fields depends on the configuration of the
system.
Some data are reported at all reporting times, others only at specific
times, depending on the nature of the parameter and the system
configuration. For example, the 6RRRtR field might only be reported
Table 4 Data Field Types under WMO Group Headers
Coded Value Field Type
White, blank Manual
White, with value Automatic
White, with slashes Automatic, data is missing
Grey, blank (Disabled) Data reported at certain times only
or not included in the configuration
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 21
at 6 AM and 6 PM. The data fields that are reported at specific times
only are disabled when it is not their reporting time.
For more information on the data fields, see Table 12 on page 26, Table
20 on page 33, and Table 22 on page 37.
SYNOP Main View
SYNOP Main View contains all the report data for all sections,
including sensor values and coded values. The report data are arranged
in data groups under the WMO group headers (designed in accordance
with the WMO guidelines of the Manual on Codes Annex II). Figure 4
on page 21 presents a typical SYNOP Main View.
0309-010
Figure 4 SYNOP Template, SYNOP Main View
Section 0 includes information about the station type and the wind
speed unit used. For explanation of the Section 0 data and headers, see
section Section 0 Data on page 22.
1 = Report identification data
2 = Report data under WMO group headers (coded values and
sensor values)
3 = Coded report of complete SYNOP field
4 = SYNOP toolbar
5 = Buttons and selections for building and sending the report
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Section 1 contains data for global exchange. For explanation on the
Section 1 data and headers, see section Section 1 Data on page 25.
Section 3 contains data for regional exchange. For explanation on the
Section 3 data and headers, see section Section 3 Data on page 32.
Section 5 contains data for national use. For explanation on the Section
5 data and headers, see section Section 5 Data on page 37.
Section 0 Data
The Section 0 data are displayed in SYNOP Main View. Section 0
includes information about the station type and the wind speed unit
used.
Table 5 on page 22 lists the data fields of Section 0. The fields marked
as automatic are automatic only if the system includes the appropriate
sensor and configuration.
There is a separate selection for wind speed source in the Wind Speed
frame. If the wind speed value is edited manually in any of the views,
the Estimate option is selected automatically by the system.
Table 5 Section 0 Data Fields
Parameter Explanation Comment
MiMiMjMj Type of station (fixed or mobile land
station or sea station)
Automatic, obligatory
YYGGiW YY = day, GG = time of observation,
iW = source and unit of wind speed,
0 = estimated wind speed in m/s, 1 =
measured wind speed in m/s, 3 =
estimated wind speed in knots, 4 =
measured wind speed in knots
Automatic, obligatory
Table 6 Wind Speed Selection
Option Explanation
Estimate Select if wind speed value is based on
observation
Obtained from sensor Select if wind speed value is obtained from a
wind speed sensor
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 23
Section 1 View
Section 1 contains data for global exchange. Section 1 View contains
the data for Section 1 in two locations:
- In data groups under WMO headers on the left (sensor values and
coded values)
- In data fields under plain-language headers on the right (sensor
values)
Each plain-language data field has a corresponding data field (or part of
it) indicated by a WMO header. If the user edits a plain-language data
field, the corresponding coded value field under the WMO header is
updated automatically, if the transformation is possible. The original
sensor values (raw values) under the WMO headers are not effected by
the editing. Figure 5 on page 23 presents a typical Section 1 View.
0212-232
Figure 5 Section 1 View
sensor values)
4 = SYNOP toolbar
5 = Report data under plain-language headers (sensor values)
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24 __________________________________________________________________ M010033EN-D
Section 1 data are also displayed in SYNOP Main View in Section 1
frame under the WMO group headers, see Figure 4 on page 21.
The Section 1 plain-language headers for sensor values correspond to
the WMO headers and symbols as described in the following tables. For
explanations of the WMO headers and symbols, see Table 12 on page
26 or the WMO Manual on Codes No. 306 (see Table 3 on page 9).
Table 7 Section 1, Temp./Hum./Vis./Prec. Frame
Plain-Language Header WMO Header WMO Symbol
Temperature (T) 1snTTT TTT
Dew-point (Td) 2snTdTdTd TdTdTd
Relative humidity (U) 29UUU UUU
Visibility (V) hVV VV
Precipitation (R) 6RRRtR RRR
Table 8 Section 1, Wind Frame
Wind direction (d) Nddff dd
Wind speed (f) Nddff ff
Table 9 Section 1, Present and Past Weather Frame
Present weather (w) 7wwW1W2 ww
Past weather, W1 list 7wwW1W2 W1
Past weather, W2 list 7wwW1W2 W2
Table 10 Section 1, Clouds Frame
Base of lowest cloud (h) hVV h
Total cloud cover (N) Nddff N
Amount of low/middle cloud (Nh) 8NhCLCMCH Nh
Low cloud (CL) 8NhCLCMCH CL
Middle cloud (CM) 8NhCLCMCH CM
High cloud (CH) 8NhCLCMCH CH
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 25
Section 1 Data
Section 1 data are displayed in Section 1 View and SYNOP Main View.
Obligatory SYNOP data is required for every report. However, if the
criteria specified by WMO are not met, the system leaves the value out
of the final report.
Table 12 on page 26 lists the typical Section 1 data. The WMO code
tables mentioned in the table refer to code tables in WMO Manual on
Codes No. 306 (see Table 3 on page 9).
Table 11 Section 1, Pressure Frame
Pressure at station level QFE (P0) 3P0P0P0P0 P0P0P0P0
Pressure reduced to sea level
QFF (P)
4PPPP PPPP
Pressure tendency characteristic
3h (a)
5appp a
Pressure tendency QFF 3h (p) 5appp ppp
Geopotential height (h) 4a3hhh hhh
NOTE
The hVV group does not include the iR and ix values as specified by
WMO. However, the system retrieves the corresponding information
to the Coded report of complete SYNOP field from groups
7wwW1W2 and 6RRRtR.
NOTE
The fields marked as automatic in Table 12 on page 26 are automatic
only if the system includes the appropriate sensor and configuration.
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Table 12 Section 1 Data
WMO Header Explanation Plain-Language
Header
Type
hVV h = Base of lowest cloud layer Base of lowest cloud (h) Automatic
VV = Horizontal visibility Visibility (V) Automatic
This field corresponds to the iRixhVV group
as specified in WMO Manual on Codes,
section 12.2.1
Nddff N = Total cloud cover Total cloud cover (N) Manual
dd = Wind direction in tens of degrees Wind direction (d) Automatic
ff = Wind speed Wind speed (f) Automatic
(00fff) fff = Wind speed Wind speed (f) Automatic,
optional
Used only if wind speed is > 99 units.
1snTTT sn = Sign of data (0 = positive, 1 =
negative), TTT = Air temperature in tenths
of degrees Celsius, for example, 15.3 C =
153)
Temperature (T) Automatic
2snTdTdTd sn = Sign of data (0 = positive, 1 =
negative), TdTdTd = Dew point in tenths of
degrees Celsius.
Dew point (Td) Automatic
If this data is not available, the group
29UUU is reported, see below.
(29UUU) UUU = Relative humidity (U) in percent (first
figure is zero for values under 100)
Relative humidity (U) Automatic,
optional
Reported if dew point data is not available.
See above.
3P0P0P0P0 P0P0P0 = Pressure at station level in
tenths of a hectopascal, omitting the
thousands digit.
Pressure at station level
QFE (P0)
Automatic
4PPPP PPP = Pressure reduced to sea level in
tenths of a hectopascal, omitting the
thousands digit.
Pressure reduced to
sea level QFF (P)
Automatic
Depending on the configuration, this group
can be replaced with the 4a3hhh group.
4a3hhh a3 = standard isobaric surface No field Automatic
hhh = geopotential height in meters,
omitting the thousands digit.
Geopotential height (h) Automatic
Depending on the configuration, this group
can be replaced with the 4PPPP group.
5appp a = Pressure tendency characteristic during
the three hours preceding the time of
observation
Pressure tendency
characteristic 3 h (a)
Automatic
ppp = Amount of pressure tendency at sea
level during the last three hours preceding
the time of observation, in tenths of a
hectopascal
Pressure tendency QFF
3h (p)
Automatic
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 27
6RRRtR RRR = Amount of precipitation that has
fallen during the period preceding the time
of observation. 000 = no precipitation.
Precipitation (R) Automatic,
typically
reported at
main SYNOP
times: at 6, 12,
18, and 24
hours. Other
options
include every
1 or 3 hours.
tR = Duration of period of reference for
amount of precipitation, ending at time of
the report. Typical period is 6, 12, 18, or 24
hours (see WMO code table 4019).
No field
7wwW1W2 ww = Present weather. See WMO code
table 4680.
Present weather (w) Automatic
W1W2 = Past weather Past weather (W1W2):
W1 and W2
W1 automatic,
W2 manual
8NhCLCMCH Nh = Amount of all CL cloud present or if
none, the amount of all CM cloud present
Amount of low/middle
cloud (Nh)
Manual
CL = Clouds of the genera Stratocumulus,
Stratus, Cumulus, and Cumulonimbus. See
WMO code table 0513.
Low cloud (CL) Manual
CM = Clouds of the genera Altocumulus,
Altostratus, and Nimbostratus. See WMO
code table 0515.
Middle cloud (CM) Manual
CH = Clouds of the genera Cirrus,
Cirrocumulus, and Cirrostratus. See WMO
code table 0509.
High cloud (CH) Manual
9GGgg GG = hour, gg = minutes The actual time of
observation. Included when the actual time
of observation differs by more than 10
minutes from the standard time reported in
Section 0.
No field Automatic,
optional
WMO Header Explanation Plain-Language
Header
Type
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28 __________________________________________________________________ M010033EN-D
Section 3 View
Section 3 contains data for regional exchange. Section 3 View contains
the data for Section 3 in two locations:
- In data groups under WMO headers on the left (coded values and
sensor values)
values).
it) indicated by a WMO header. If the user edits a data field under a
plain-language header, the corresponding WMO data field (coded
value) is updated automatically. The original sensor values (raw values)
under the WMO headers are not effected by the editing. Figure 6 on
page 28 presents a typical Section 3 View.
0212-233
sensor values)
4 = SYNOP toolbar
5 = Report data under plain-language headers (sensor values)
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 29
frame under the WMO group headers.
Radiation data is displayed in a separate Radiation window, which is
displayed by clicking the Radiation 1h or Radiation 24h button. See
Figure 7 on page 29.
The Coded values frame contains the coded values (Code) and sensor
values (Raw) under WMO group headers. The Radiation during the
preceding 24 h frame contains the sensor values under plain-language
headers.
0212-234
Figure 7 Radiation Window
The cloud data can be inserted and edited using the Add/edit cloud
window, which is displayed when you click the Edit button in the
Clouds frame. See Figure 8 on page 30.
The cloud data for cloud layers 1 to 3 and for cumulonimbus clouds can
be added and edited by selecting from the corresponding lists.
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30 __________________________________________________________________ M010033EN-D
0212-235
Figure 8 Add/edit Clouds Window
Supplementary data is displayed in a separate Supplementary
information window, which is displayed when you click the
Supplementary information button. For an example of the window,
see Figure 9 on page 30.
The Coded values frame on the left contains the coded values (Code)
and sensor values (Raw) under WMO group headers. The
Supplementary values frame on the right contains the sensor values
under plain-language headers.
0212-236
Figure 9 Supplementary Information Window
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 31
The Section 3 report data under the plain-language headers correspond
to the WMO headers and symbols as described in the following tables.
For explanations of the WMO headers and symbols, see Table 12 on
page 26 or the WMO Manual on Codes No. 306 (see Table 3 on page 9).
Table 13 Section 3, Temperature Frame
Max. temperature (Tx) 1snTxTxTx snTxTxTx
Min. temperature (Tn) 2snTnTnTn snTnTnTn
Temperature change (dT) 54g0sndT sndT
Table 14 Section 3, Precipitation and Evaporation Frame
Precipitation (R) 6RRRtR RRR
24h precipitation sum (R24) 7R24R24R24R24 R24
Evaporation /
evapotranspiration (E)
5EEEiE EEE
Type of evap. (iE) 5EEEiE iE
Table 15 Section 3, State of Ground Frame
State of ground (E) 3Ejjj E
Ground temperature 3EsnTgTg TgTg
State of ground with snow (E') 4E'sss E'
Depth of snow (s) 4E'sss sss
Table 16 Section 3, Sunshine and Radiation Frame
Daily hours of sunshine (S) 55SSS SSS
Duration of sunshine in the
past hour (S)
553SS SS
Radiation 24 h 0-6F24F24F24F24 0-6F24F24F24F24
Radiation 1 h 0-6FFFF 0-6FFFF
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Section 3 Data
Section 3 data are displayed in the Section 3 View and SYNOP Main
View.
The data for section 3 is included in accordance with regional decisions.
Depending on the configuration, the data can be enabled or disabled for
certain times.
Table 20 on page 33 lists the typical Section 3 data. The WMO code
tables mentioned in the table refer to code tables in WMO Manual on
Codes No. 306 (see Table 3 on page 9).
Table 17 Section 3, Surface Pressure Frame
Change of pressure (p24) 58p24p24p24p24 /
59p24p24p24p24
p24, p24
Table 18 Section 3, Clouds Frame and Add/edit Clouds
Window
Amount (Ns) 8NsChshs Ns
Genus (C) 8NsChshs C
Height (hs) 8NsChshs hs
Direction of CL clouds (DL) 56DLDMDH DL
Direction of CM clouds (DM) 56DLDMDH DM
Direction of CH clouds (DH) 56DLDMDH DH
Genus of cloud (C) 57CDaeC C
Direction of cloud (Da) 57CDaeC Da
Elevation angle (eC) 57CDaeC eC
Table 19 Section 3, Supplementary Information Window
Supplementary information 9SPSPsPsP
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 33
NOTE
The data marked as automatic in Table 20 on page 33 are automatic
only if the system includes the appropriate sensor and configuration.
WMO Header Explanation Plain-Language Header Type
1snTxTxTx sn = Sign of the data, TxTxTx =
Maximum temperature in tenths
of degrees Celsius
Max. temperature (Tx) Automatic
2snTnTnTn sn = Sign of the data, TnTnTn =
Minimum temperature in tenths of
degrees Celsius
Min. temperature (Tn) Automatic
3Ejjj E = State of ground without snow
or measurable ice cover (code
table 0901)
State of ground (E) Manual
jjj = Regional information Manual or
automatic, see
example
groups below.
(3EsnTgTg), E = state of ground without snow State of ground (E) Manual
sn = sign of data, TgTg =
minimum ground temperature
Ground temperature Automatic
4E'sss E' = State of ground with snow or
measurable ice cover (code table
0975)
State of ground with snow
(E')
Manual
sss = Total depth of snow (code
table 3889)
Depth of snow (s) Manual
5j1 j2j3j4(j5j6j7j8j9) The use of this group is explained
in WMO 306 section 12.4.7 and
code table 2061. Depending on
the configuration, optional high
and low limits for reporting might
be used for this group.
Manual or
automatic, see
example
groups below.
5EEEiE EEE = Amount of evaporation or
evapotranspiration, in tenths of a
millimeter, during the last 24 h.
See Code table 1806.
Evaporation /
evapotranspiration (E)
Automatic
iE = Type of evaporation (code
table 1806)
Type of evap. (iE) Automatic
54g0sndT g0 = Period of past weather, (2h =
1, 3 h = 2, 6h = 5)
No field Automatic
sn = sign of change (0 = positive,
1 = negative), dT = Temperature
change
Temperature change (dT) Automatic
The use is described in WMO 306
section 12.4.7.3.
55SSS SSS = Duration of sunshine
during in the past 24 hours.
Daily hours of sunshine (S) Automatic
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553SS SS = Duration of sunshine during
the past hour.
Duration of sunshine in the
past hour (S)
Automatic
56DLDMDH DL = Direction of CL clouds Direction of CL clouds (DL) Manual
DM = Direction of CM clouds Direction of CM clouds (DM) Manual
DH = Direction of CH clouds Direction of CH clouds (DH) Manual
57CDaeC C = Genus of cloud C = Genus of cloud (C) Manual
Da = Direction of cloud drift Da = Direction of cloud (Da) Manual
eC = Elevation angle of the top of
the cloud
eC = Elevation angle (eC) Manual
58p24p24p24p24 Positive or zero change of surface
pressure over the last 24 hours
Change of pressure (p24) Automatic
59p24p24p24p24 Negative change of surface
pressure
Change of pressure (p24) Automatic
(0-6)
F24F24F24F24
(0-6) = Radiation type,
F24F24F24F24 = Solar radiation
in the past 24 hours
Radiation 24 h window Automatic
(0-6)FFFF (0-6) = Radiation type, FFFF =
Solar radiation in the past hour
Radiation 1 h window Automatic
6RRRtR RRR = Amount of precipitation
that has fallen during the period
preceding the time of observation
(code table 3590).
Precipitation (R) Automatic,
typically
reported at
main SYNOP
times: at 6, 12,
18, and 24
hours. Other
options
include every
1 or 3 hours.
tR = Duration of period of
reference for amount of
precipitation, ending at time of the
report. Typical period is 1, 2, 3, 9,
or 15 hours.
No field
7R24R24R24R24 Total amount of precipitation
during the 24-hour period ending
at the time of observation, in
tenths of a millimeter.
24h precipitation sum (R24) Automatic, if
reported,
reported once
every 24 h
8NsChshs Ns = Amount of individual cloud
layer or mass
Clouds frame - Amount (Ns) Manual
C = Genus of cloud layer Clouds frame - Genus (C) Manual
hshs = Height of base of cloud
layer or mass (code table 1677)
Clouds frame - Height (hs) Manual
This group is repeated from 0 to 4
times, if needed.
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 35
Section 5 View
Section 5 includes data for national use. This section includes manual
and/or automatic data fields, and must be filled in manually in
accordance with the national recommendations. The content of Section
5 View depends on the configuration of the system.
Section 5 View contains the data for Section 5 in two locations:
- In data groups under WMO headers on the left (coded values and
sensor values)
values)
it) indicated by a WMO header. If the user edits a data field under a
plain-language header, the corresponding WMO data field (coded
value) is updated automatically, in case of the automatic fields listed in
Table 22 on page 37. The original sensor values (raw values) under the
WMO headers are not effected by the editing.
Figure 10 on page 36 presents an example of a Section 5 View.
9SPSPsPsP Supplementary information. The
use of this group is explained in
WMO 306 section 12.4.11 and
code table 3778. Depending on
the configuration, optional high
and low limits for reporting in the
final coded report might be used
for this group.
Supplementary information
window
Manual or
automatic, see
example
groups below.
910ff Highest gust during 10 minutes
preceding the observation.
window
Automatic
911ff Highest gust during the period
covered by W1, W2 in group
7wwW1W2.
window
Automatic
915dd Direction of wind Supplementary information
window
Automatic
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36 __________________________________________________________________ M010033EN-D
0309-009
frame under the WMO group headers.
The Section 5 plain-language headers depend on the configuration of
the system. Some examples are described in Table 21 on page 36.
Table 21 Examples of Section 5 Data
Plain-Language Header WMO Header
Sea state etc 0Stzfxfx
QFF 1PPPP
Max air temp 3snTxTxTx
Min air temp 4snTnTnTn
Rel. humidity 89UUU
00000
1
1. Codes 00000 - 9000 are supported. You can enter the value in the field
without the first character (0-9): it is added in the final code automatically.
Wind
10000 Visibility
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 37
Section 5 Data
Section 5 data are displayed in Section 5 View and SYNOP Main View.
Table 22 on page 37 lists some examples of Section 5 data. Section 5
headers have been defined in the system configuration. Data can be
manual or automatic. Fields can be enabled/disabled for certain times.
Maximum number for section 5 data fields is 10. Optional high and low
limits might be used for reporting in the final coded report.
Table 22 on page 37 lists some example explanations of Section 5 data.
The headers and their explanations can differ between different
configurations.
Table 22 Examples of Section 5 Data
WMO Header Explanation Type
0Stzfxfx S = State of sea. See WMO code table 3700. Manual
tz = Time of maximum mean wind speed or
changes in wind speed during last 3 h
Manual
fxfx = Maximum mean wind speed (10 min
average) during observation period (for
example, since the preceding main
observation hour or last 12h)
Automatic
1PPPP PPP = Pressure at mean sea level in tenths
of a hectopascal omitting the thousand digit
Automatic
3snTxTxTx sn =sign of data, TxTxTx = max Temperature
(XX.X C)*10
Automatic
4snTnTnTn sn =sign of data, TxTxTx = min Temperature
(XX.X C)*10
Automatic
89UUU UUU = Minimum relative humidity in percent
(first number is zero for all other values than
100)
Automatic
99UUU UUU = Maximum relative humidity in percent
(first number is zero for all other values than
100)
Automatic
00000 - 90000 Configurable content. The first character (0-
9) will be added in the code automatically.
Manual
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Coded Report of Complete Synop Frame
The Coded report of complete Synop frame is displayed at the bottom
of all views. The frame contains the Coded report of complete Synop
field, the Build button, the Send button, the Send Synop automatically
check box, and the No consistency check check box.
The coded SYNOP report is displayed in the Coded report of complete
Synop frame after the report has been built. It is possible to make
changes to the report directly in the Coded report of complete Synop
frame after building the report. These changes are not updated in the
data fields. The recommended way is to edit the data in the report data
fields and then build the report again. For more information, see
Chapter 4, Operating MIDAS IV SYNOP, on page 41.
Build Button
The Build button builds the report, that is, it generates the report code
text to the field in the Coded report of complete Synop frame.
Send Button
The Send button sends the report to the AFTN line.
Send Synop Automatically Check
Box
This check box is available only in MIDAS IV AWOS systems that
include the function of sending the SYNOP report automatically. When
the Send Synop automatically check box is selected, the report is sent
automatically. See section Sending SYNOP Reports Automatically on
page 53.
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 39
Menu Bar
The menus and menu commands available in MIDAS IV SYNOP are
presented in the following tables.
Table 23 SYNOP Menu
Command Description
Build Generates the report text to the Coded report of
complete SYNOP field
Send Sends the report to the AFTN line
SYNOP Request Updates the report data fields
Corrected Request Displays the last SYNOP report in case a corrected
SYNOP needs to be created
Print Prints the current template window
Print Preview Displays the template as it will look when printed
Print Setup Opens the Print Setup window for changing the
printer and paper settings
Exit Exits the MIDAS IV SYNOP
Table 24 Edit Menu
Command Description
Undo Cancels the last action
Cut Cuts the selected text and places it to the Clipboard
Copy Copies the selected text and places it to the
Clipboard
Paste Pastes the text from the Clipboard to the cursor
location
Copy to Clipboard Copies the screen as a bitmap image to the
Clipboard
Table 25 View Menu
Command Description
Toolbar Shows/Hides the toolbar
Status Bar Shows/Hides the status bar
Main View Opens the SYNOP Main View
Section 1 View Opens the Section 1 View
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Toolbar
The toolbar of the MIDAS IV SYNOP contains the buttons presented in
Table 27 on page 40.
Status Bar
The status bar displays information on the current state of the SYNOP
template. It also shows context-sensitive help texts on the toolbar
buttons and menu commands. When you move the mouse over a button,
a short description of it is shown on the status bar.
Table 26 Help Menu
Command Description
About SYNOP Displays software version and copyright information
Table 27 MIDAS IV SYNOP Toolbar Buttons
Button Name and Description
Corrected SYNOP displays the last SYNOP report in case a
corrected SYNOP needs to be created.
Build creates the report text to the Coded report of complete
SYNOP field.
Send sends the report to the AFTN line.
Cut cuts the selected text and places it to the Clipboard.
Copy copies the selected text and places it to the Clipboard.
Paste pastes the text from the Clipboard to the cursor location.
Print prints the current template window.
About displays software version and copyright information.
Main View opens the SYNOP Main View
Section 1 opens the Section 1 View.
Chapter 4 _________________________________________________ Operating MIDAS IV SYNOP
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 41
CHAPTER 4
OPERATING MIDAS IV SYNOP
This chapter contains instructions on how to use the MIDAS IV
SYNOP application.
Starting and Exiting MIDAS IV SYNOP
The MIDAS IV SYNOP application starts automatically at system
startup. Depending on the system configuration, you might need to start
it by clicking its icon on the desktop or on the Application Toolbar.
When creating a non-scheduled SYNOP, select SYNOP Request from
the SYNOP menu before editing the fields.
The MIDAS IV SYNOP application must be kept open at all times to
ensure that the SYNOP template appears on the screen at the specified
intervals. When you do not need to use the application, you can
minimize the template window.
CAUTION
Do not exit MIDAS IV SYNOP unless for a special reason, such as
system maintenance. If it is necessary to exit MIDAS IV SYNOP for
a special reason, you can do it by pressing ALT+F4.
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Using the Views
MIDAS IV SYNOP offers you the following views for checking and
editing the data:
- SYNOP Main View, contains data for all sections. See Figure 4 on
page 21 and section SYNOP Main View on page 21.
- Section 1 View, contains data for section 1. See Figure 5 on page
23 and section Section 1 View on page 23.
If you are familiar with the WMO headers and codes, you can work
solely in SYNOP Main View. In SYNOP Main View, the sensor values
and coded values are displayed only under WMO group headers. You
can edit the data in the coded value fields. See Figure 2 on page 18.
If you benefit from the plain-language headers, you can work on the
separate section views one at a time and ignore the SYNOP Main View.
In the section views, (Section 1, Section 3, and Section 5 Views) the
data is displayed under WMO group headers (coded values and sensor
values) and under plain-language headers (sensor values). Each plain-
language data field has a corresponding data field (or part of it)
indicated by a WMO header. You can edit the values under the plain-
language headers. When you do this, the corresponding coded value
data fields under WMO headers are updated automatically. The original
sensor values (raw values) under the WMO headers are not effected by
the editing.
In Section 3 View you have to open a separate window for the cloud,
radiation, and supplementary information data.
To switch from view to another view, do one of the following:
1. Click the appropriate view button in the toolbar, for example,
for Section 1 View.
2. Select the view from the View menu, for example, View - Section
1 View.
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 43
Editing and Sending Regular SYNOP Reports
The SYNOP Template window appears automatically at a predefined
time before the prescheduled sending time of the SYNOP report.
SYNOP reports are divided into three groups:
- Main SYNOP reports are sent at UTC hours 00, 06, 12, and 18.
- Intermediate SYNOP reports are sent at UTC hours 03, 09, 15, and
21.
- Non-standard SYNOP reports are sent at other hours, for example,
at 01 and 02.
The editing time and period are individually configured for each
MIDAS IV SYNOP installation. In the example presented in Figure 11
on page 44, the editing time starts at ten minutes to an hour and the
editing period is 10 minutes. For a main SYNOP at 06 UTC, the
template appears on the screen at 5.50. You have 10 minutes to edit and
send the report. During this period, the values in the template are not
updated by the system.
In some systems, the option of retarded SYNOP reports is included. In
this case, if you do not send the report within the predefined time, the
system automatically changes the report type to retarded (RRA).
Users Guide ______________________________________________________________________
44 __________________________________________________________________ M010033EN-D
0111-005
Figure 11 An Example of SYNOP Editing and Sending Times
When the SYNOP Template window appears, the MIDAS IV System
has filled in automatically the data in the automatic fields in all the
views. Your task is to check and edit the data if necessary. You can
work with SYNOP Main View or the section views. For more
information on using the different views, see section Using the Views
on page 42.
NOTE
Before starting the editing, check that the Send Synop automatically
check box is not selected. If the check box is selected, the SYNOP
report will be sent automatically at the prescheduled sending time,
even if the editing has not been finished.
NOTE
If you want to view the error and validation messages, make sure the
No consistency check check box is NOT selected.
12
1
2
3
4
7
8
9
10
11
Edit
Send
Send
Send
Send
Edit
Edit
Edit
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 45
To edit and send a regular SYNOP report, do the following:
1. Check that there are no slashes in the automatic data fields under
the WMO headers. If there are slashes, inform the maintenance
personnel, and edit the automatic fields manually. For information
on the data field types, see Table 12 on page 26 and Table 20 on
page 33.
2. Fill in the manual fields, typically clouds, past weather, and state
of ground. If the system displays error messages, correct the errors.
3. When you have finished editing, build the report by clicking the
Build button. The system validates the report.
4. If the system finds missing or invalid values, it displays a message
informing you about it. For an example, see Figure 12 on page 45.
0212-238
Figure 12 Validation Message Window (Build)
- If you select Yes, the system updates the code field with the
inconsistent values and the missing values with slashes.
- If you select No, the system does not update the code with the
inconsistent or missing values. Correct the values and build
again.
For more information on validations performed by the system, see
section Validations on page 47.
5. The system displays the final report code in the Coded report of
complete SYNOP field. Check the report code. If you want to
change the data, make your changes in the template data fields.
Then click Build again.
Users Guide ______________________________________________________________________
46 __________________________________________________________________ M010033EN-D
6. When the report is ready for sending, click the Send button. The
system sends the report to the AFTN line and to other workstations
in the system.
Sending Delayed (Retarded)
Reports
If you fail to edit and send the report within the predefined editing
period, you have two options, depending on the configuration of the
system.
If the system does not include the optional retarded SYNOP function:
- You can continue editing the report and send it as a regular SYNOP
report. However, some fields in the template are disabled and you
cannot edit them directly. In such a case, you can enter those values
directly in the Coded report of the complete SYNOP field.
If the system includes the optional retarded SYNOP function:
- The system automatically changes the report type to RETARDED.
Youc an continue editing the report and when you send it, the
system adds the RRA code to it.
SYNOP Message Formats
Depending on the system configuration, the SYNOP report can be sent
to the AFTN line in either the IA-5 format or the ITA-2 format. The
system adds the AFTN headers automatically to the actual message
before sending it to the AFTN line. These headers are shown only in the
AFTN Monitor application, not on the SYNOP template.
CAUTION
You can also edit the SYNOP code in the Coded report of complete
Synop field directly, but the edited values will not be updated in the
data fields. Thus, if you edit the Coded report of complete SYNOP
field, do not click the Build button. Clicking Build makes the system
generate a new coded report text and, thus, overwrites the manual
changes you have made.
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 47
Figure 13 on page 47 presents a sent SYNOP report as it appears in the
AFTN Monitor in IA-5 format:
0301-059
Figure 13 IA-5 Message Format
Figure 14 on page 47 presents a sent SYNOP report as it appears in the
AFTN Monitor in ITA-2 format:
0301-060
Figure 14 ITA-2 Message Format
Validations
The system performs two sets of validations. One when you enter the
values manually, and the other when you build the report.
Validations When Entering Values
When you enter values manually in the data fields, the system checks
that certain values, for example, temperature, dew point, and pressure
fall within the normal range. If there are invalid values, the system
displays an error message. An example is presented in Figure 15 on
page 48.
Users Guide ______________________________________________________________________
48 __________________________________________________________________ M010033EN-D
0212-239
Figure 15 Validation Message Window
To deal with the first validation message windows, do the following:
- Click the OK button and correct the value.
Validations When Building the Report
When you click the Build button, the system performs another set of
validations. If the system finds invalid or missing values, it informs the
user about them with error messages.
0212-238
Figure 16 Validation Message Window (Build)
To deal with the validation message windows, do one of the following:
- If you select Yes, the system updates the code field with the
inconsistent values and the missing values with slashes.
- If you select No, the system does not update the code with the
inconsistent or missing values. Correct the values and build the
report again.
NOTE
The system does not display all the validation messages, if the No
consistency check check box is selected.
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 49
The system checks that:
- Temperature (T) is higher or equal to dew-point temperature (Td)
- If cloud amount is reported, also the 8NhCLCMCH group is
reported and vice versa
- When reporting past weather, W1 is greater than W2
- No obligatory data is missing
- Present weather codes are unambiguous with other data reported
- Cloud reporting is consistent.
Missing Data Validation
Depending on the configuration, the system checks that there is no
missing data in the obligatory data fields listed in Table 28 on page 49.
If data is missing, the system informs you about it with error messages.
Table 28 Values Checked for Missing Obligatory Data
Field Data
hVV Cloud height and visibility
1snTTT Temperature
1snTdTdTd Dewpoint temperature
wwW1W2 Present and past weather
Nddff Total cloud coverage, wind direction and speed
3P0P0P0P0 Pressure at station level
4PPPP Pressure at mean sea level
5appp Pressure tendency
6RRRtR Precipitation (in section 1 and section 3)
1snTxTxTx Max. temperature
2snTnTnTn Min. temperature
3Ejjj State of the ground without snow or measurable ice
cover (Configurable)
4Esss State of ground with snow and total depth of snow
7R24R24... Rain amount (24h)
5jjjj Configurable
9SpSpspsp Configurable
Users Guide ______________________________________________________________________
50 __________________________________________________________________ M010033EN-D
Present Weather Validation
The system checks the present weather data listed in Table 29 on page
50. If the data is ambiguous, the system informs you about it with error
messages.
Table 29 Present Weather Coded Checked
Code Condition
04 Visibility is below 10 km
RH is less than %70
05, 06 Visibility is between 1 and 10 km
RH is less than %70
07, 08, 09 Visibility is 8 km or less
10 Visibility is between 1 and 10 km
RH is %70 or more
11, 12 Visibility is less than 1 km
17 CB Cloud is observed
18 Wind speed is 22 knots or more with 16 knot instantaneous
increase and continues for a period of 1 minute
30 - 35 Visibility is less than 1 km
36 - 39 Visibility is 8 km or less
40 Visibility is between 1 and 5 km at the station
41 Visibility is between 0 and 5 km at the station
42 - 49 Visibility is less than 1 km (1 km is excluded)
48, 49 Air temperature is 0 C or less
50 - 59 Stratus clouds exist
56, 57 Air temperature is 5.4 C or less
70 - 79 Air temperature is 6.5 C or less
74, 75 Visibility is 2 km or less
80 - 90 Cumuloform (such as Cumulus, Cumulonimbus) clouds are
observed
83 - 86 Air temperature is 6.5 C or less
89, 90 Cumulonimbus clouds must exist
95 - 99 Cumulonimbus clouds must exist
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 51
Cloud Data Validation
The system performs the following cloud reporting consistency checks:
- When the sky is obscured (Ns = 9), the first 8-group must read 89/
hshs, where hshs is the vertical visibility. Genus of cloud C is not
reported.
- When no Cumulonimbus clouds are observed, the number of
groups must not exceed three. Cumulonimbus clouds, when
observed, must always be reported, so that the total number of
groups used can be four.
- Selection of cloud layers must follow 1-3-5 rules:
- Coverage of lowest level clouds must be 1/8 or more.
- Coverage of following second level clouds must be 3/8 or more.
- Coverage of following third and fourth level clouds must be 5/8 or
more.
- The order of reporting the groups must always be from lower to
higher levels.
Turning off Validation Messages
To turn off the validation messages, do the following:
Select the No consistency check check box. The system does not
display error messages related to the validations.
Editing and Sending Additional SYNOP Reports
In addition to the regular SYNOP reports that the system generates
automatically, you can send additional SYNOP reports whenever
necessary.
To edit and send an additional SYNOP report, do the following:
1. From the SYNOP menu, select SYNOP Request.
2. Check and edit the data fields in the same way as with regular
SYNOP reports. For details, see section Editing and Sending
Regular SYNOP Reports on page 43.
Users Guide ______________________________________________________________________
52 __________________________________________________________________ M010033EN-D
Editing and Sending Corrected SYNOP Reports
After you have sent a regular SYNOP report, you may notice things that
need to be corrected, such as typographic errors or missing values. In
such a case, you can send a correction to the last sent report by
generating a corrected SYNOP report.
To send a corrected SYNOP report, do the following:
1. Click the button on the toolbar. The data of the last sent report
appears in the template data fields. The name of the report changes
to CORRECTED.
2. Edit the data that needs to be corrected in the report data fields.
3. Click the Build button. The system generates the corrected text in
the Coded report of complete SYNOP field.
4. Check the code in the Coded report of complete SYNOP field.
5. Click the Send button. The corrected report is sent to the AFTN
line. The system adds the correction code CCA in the first
corrected report. In case you send a second correction to the same
report, the code is CCB, and so on.
Figure 17 on page 52 presents a sent corrected SYNOP report as it
appears in the AFTN Monitor in IA-5 format.
0301-061
Figure 17 Corrected SYNOP Report (IA-5 Format)
NOTE
You can also make corrections directly in the Coded report of
complete SYNOP field. If you edit the field, do not click the Build
button after you have finished editing, or the changes you have made
will be lost.
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 53
Sending SYNOP Reports Automatically
The MIDAS IV SYNOP can be set to automatically send SYNOP
reports without used intervention, for example, when the station is
unmanned.
To use the automatic sending, do the following:
1. Select the Send Synop automatically check box. The system
automatically selects and disables the No Consistency check
check box.
2. Do not close the SYNOP application. If you close the application,
the reports will not be sent.
3. At the configured SYNOP sending times the system builds the
report automatically and sends it to the AFTN line.
If you need to edit the report while the automatic sending is in use, clear
the Send Synop automatically check box before editing, and
remember to select it again, if you want to continue the automatic
sending.
To stop using automatic sending, clear the selection from the Send
Synop automatically check box. Then clear the selection from the No
consistency check check box, if needed.
Users Guide ______________________________________________________________________
54 __________________________________________________________________ M010033EN-D
Chapter 5 ____________________________________________ Troubleshooting MIDAS IV SYNOP
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 55
CHAPTER 5
TROUBLESHOOTING MIDAS IV SYNOP
This chapter describes some common problems that might occur when
using the MIDAS IV SYNOP application, and solutions to the
problems.
For information on the system architecture and the system maintenance
applications, see MIDAS IV AWOS Maintenance Manual. For
instructions on installing, using, and maintaining the sensors and other
field devices, refer to the appropriate field device manuals.
Table 30 Troubleshooting MIDAS IV SYNOP
Problem Probable Cause Solution
The SYNOP Template window
does not appear on the screen
at the editing time.
The MIDAS IV SYNOP
application may have been closed
by mistake.
Open the application by clicking
the SYNOP icon in the
Application Toolbar.
The report identification data is
not displayed.
In non-scheduled reports, the
data is displayed only after
making a SYNOP request.
Select SYNOP Request from
the SYNOP menu.
The three-hour pressure
tendency value on the SYNOP
template is missing, even
though all other values from
pressure sensor are OK.
There is not enough data to be
reported because data gathering
has been going on for less than
three hours.
Check how long the data
gathering has been going on.
You cannot edit a field in the
SYNOP template. The field
background is gray.
The field might be active and
reported only at specific times.
For more information on data
fields, see section Report Data
on page 17.
or The predefined editing period
may have passed.
or If the period has passed,
enter the report text directly in
the Coded report of complete
SYNOP field, and click Send.
Users Guide ______________________________________________________________________
56 __________________________________________________________________ M010033EN-D
There are slashes in automatic
fields.
Data flow from sensors is
interrupted or no sensor data is
available.
Check the Event Monitor
messages. If there is a DATA
MISSING message, contact
maintenance. If instructed, set
the sensor to Backup or Manual
mode in the Actuals application.
Table 30 Troubleshooting MIDAS IV SYNOP
Problem Probable Cause Solution
Appendix A ________________________________________________________________ Glossary
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 57
APPENDIX A
GLOSSARY
This glossary contains descriptions and definitions for unique terms and
definitions used in this manual.
additional SYNOP
report
A SYNOP report that can be sent whenever necessary and is
prompted by the user, not by the system. See also regular SYNOP
report.
Auto Send
functionality
An optional functionality that generates and sends the SYNOP report
automatically, if selected.
automatic data fields Report data fields in the SYNOP template that are automatically filled
in by the system. See also manual data fields.
coded report The coded SYNOP report which the system generates from the data
in the report data fields.
coded value fields The value fields in the SYNOP template in which the system
generates the coded value by applying a set of predefined rules to the
sensor value. See also sensor value fields.
corrected SYNOP
report
A SYNOP report generated and sent as a correction to the previous
report.
editing period The period of time between the displaying of the SYNOP template
and the scheduled sending time of the report. During this period, the
values in the template are not updated by the system. The editing
period is individually configured for each MIDAS IV system.
Users Guide ______________________________________________________________________
58 __________________________________________________________________ M010033EN-D
group headers The headers of the report data field groups, designed in accordance
with the guidelines of the WMO Manual on Codes, Annex II, with the
exception that subscripts are not used. Thus, for example, the
MiMiMjMj header on the SYNOP template corresponds to the WMO
header MiMiMjMj.
identification data Report identification data is located at the top of the SYNOP
Template window. The report identification data include name of the
report, ICAO location indicator, UTC time and date, and the
abbreviation for the corrected SYNOP report (for example, CCA,
CCB, CCC).
manual data fields Report data fields that must be filled in manually by the user either
because the MIDAS IV system does not include the sensor that
measures the value in question, or because the field is optional. See
also automatic data fields.
obligatory data fields Report data fields that have been specified by WMO to be included in
every SYNOP report. See also optional data fields.
optional data fields Report data fields that include data that can be reported, but are not
required by WMO. See also obligatory data fields.
regular SYNOP report A SYNOP report prompted by the system at the start of the scheduled
editing period. See also additional SYNOP report.
retarded SYNOP
report
(Optional feature) A SYNOP report that the system automatically
generates from a report that has not been edited and sent within the
predefined editing period.
sensor value fields The value fields in the SYNOP template that show the value
measured by the sensor. See also coded values fields.
____________________________________________________________________________ Index
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 59
INDEX
A
Additional SYNOP reports 51
AFTN line 46
Auto Send functionality 38
Automated SYNOP reports 53
Automatic data fields 19, 20
B
Building SYNOP reports 38, 45
Buttons
Build button 38
Send button 38
toolbar buttons 40
C
Coded report 38
Coded values 17, 18
Corrected SYNOP reports 52
D
Data field types 19
Data fields
automatic 19
coded values 17
for global exchange data 23, 25
for national exchange data 35, 37
for regional exchange data 28, 32
group headers 17
manual 19
obligatory 19, 20
optional 19, 20
raw values 17
reported at all times 19, 20
reported at certain times 19, 20
sensor values 17, 18
under plain-language headers 18
Delayed SYNOP reports 46
E
Editing additional SYNOP reports 51
Editing periods 43
Editing regular SYNOP reports 45
Editing times 43
Exiting MIDAS IV SYNOP 41
H
How to
edit regular SYNOP reports 45
send additional SYNOP reports 51
send corrected SYNOP reports 52
send regular SYNOP reports 45
use the MIDAS IV SYNOP application 41
I
ICAO location indicator 16
International recommendations 9
Introduction to MIDAS IV SYNOP 11
Introduction to the SYNOP template 15
M
Main view 21
Making corrections to SYNOP reports 52
Manual data fields 19, 20
Manually edited values 18
Menu bar 39
Menu commands 39
MIDAS IV AWOS 12
O
Obligatory data fields 19, 20
Operating MIDAS IV SYNOP 41
Optional data fields 19, 20
P
Problems with MIDAS IV SYNOP 55
R
Regular SYNOP reports 43
Regulatory compliances 9
________________________________________________________________________________
VAISALA_______________________________________________________________________ 60
S
Section 0 data 22
Section 1 data 25
Section 1 view 23
Section 3 data 32
Section 3 view 28
Section 5 data 37
Section 5 View 35
Sending
additional SYNOP reports 51
automated SYNOP reports 53
corrected SYNOP reports 52
delayed SYNOP reports 46
regular SYNOP reports 43
Sending times 43
Sensor values 17, 18
Starting MIDAS IV SYNOP 41
Status bar 40
SYNOP as part of MIDAS IV 12
SYNOP report
editing period 43
editing times 43
message format 46
sending times 43
template 15
System configuration 13
T
Time
editing time 43
sending time 43
UTC time 16
Toolbar 40
Troubleshooting MIDAS IV SYNOP 55
U
UTC time 16
V
Validations 47
W
WMO recommendations 9

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