Table of Contents
Ozonesonde
The ozonesondes is a 2.3 lb. instrument that is lifted to about 110,000 feet by a helium filled rubber balloon that is about 5.5 feet in diameter at the surface. The weight of an ozonesonde package is small enough (less than 6 lbs.) so that it doesn’t fall under the reporting requirements in Section 101 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARS). However, it is important to contact the local airport control tower or local Flight Service Station (FSS) to let them know about the weather balloon ozone measurement project and see if we should call in before a balloon is released.
Conducting Balloon Flights
Ideally balloon flights occur whenever the ER-2 aircraft conducts a research flight. The hope is to fly every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday throughout the campaign.Of course this will change a little bit depending on when the interesting weather happens, but we can plan for about 3 launches every week.
Setting Up The Antenna
The antenna used is a Harsh/Synergetics 15A-N model. Details and specifications can be found here.
The Type-N coaxial cable leading from the antenna should be connected to the port on the preamp labeled “ANT.” The preamp should be as close to the antenna as possible and no more than three feet away.
From the preamp, another coaxial cable should connect to the port labeled “RX” and run inside to the SDRplay near the computer. Connect this cable to the port marked “ANT B.”
The preamp should not be connected to a power source via the USB port. Connecting to the “ANT B” port and selecting “Antenna B + Bias-Tee” in the Skysonde Server will power the preamp.
Installing SkySonde Software
The SkySonde software must be installed from NOAA here. Click each green download button and go through the installation steps for each software component.
Once the software is downloaded, open SkySonde Server and when a data source window opens, select “Software-Defined Radio: SDRplay (all models).” If no data source window appears, use the data source drop down menu on the window that does open. If the program crashes after this point, you will need to follow the next set of instructions to download the driver for the SDRplay.
Downloading the SDRplay Driver
If the driver for the SDRplay has not been installed on your computer, it must be downloaded from here. Choose “RSPdx” in the first dropdown list and your computer's operating system from the second dropdown list. After clicking next, choose “API” and download the latest version of the API/HW Driver. (Due to formatting issues on this site, you may need to scroll up to see the entire page.)
Make sure the SDRplay is unplugged before starting the installation, and follow the instructions carefully when installing the driver.
Pre-Launch
Preparing The Ozonesonde
Read through the documentation and watch tutorials here for how to prepare and launch the sondes. Initial preparation of a sonde must take place 10-14 days before it is launched.
Flight Notifications
It is important to notify air traffic controllers of our balloon launch in advance. The first step is to file a NOTAM 1-2 days before the launch. Several calls also need to be placed on the day of the launch. Follow this link for further information: Flight Notifications
Receiving Stations Setup
Analysis results (Patrick Cullis - email August 20) comparing flights on August 17, 2021 (403 MHz) and August 19, 2021 (405 MHz) indicate that 403 MHz provides better ground data.
Always use 403 MHz for the radiosonde.
Post-Launch
Recovering The Ozonesonde
We hope to track the sondes while in flight and recover them if possible. This allows us to relaunch them in the future and reduces waste and cost.
If the final coordinates of the sonde are on private property, it is important to visit nearby homes, determine who the landowner is, and get permission to walk on their property. When talking to the landowner, it's a good idea to carry UND business cards and explain what the balloon launches are for.
After the sonde is recovered and back in the lab, you can cut off the balloon, dereeler, and parachute and throw them away. The iMet radiosonde is also not reusable because the battery cannot be replaced. However, the ozonesonde can be cleaned and reused for future launches. If recovered on the day of the launch, you only need to dump out the solutions and thoroughly rinse out the cells and tubing with distilled water. Also make sure to remove the cell leads from the board and short them.
Processing Data
All data processing during the DCOTSS campaign will be done by NOAA. All we need to do is send the data files and a scanned version of the checklist to Patrick Cullis at NOAA. Unless it was manually changed in Skysonde Client before the launch, all flight data will be saved to Documents > Skysonde Data. Find the correct flight and ZIP that folder before sending. His email is patrick.cullis@noaa.gov
Flight Log
NOAA is also keeping a flight log for the DCOTSS campaign here. They have requested that we fill in the metadata for each launch on this spreadsheet. This should be done as soon after the launch as possible.