Automated Weather Observing System AWOS Net User s Manual 3211-001 Rev. A All Weather Inc. 1165 National Drive Sacramento, CA 95834 USA 800.824.5873 www.allweatherinc.com
Copyright 2011 2018, All Weather, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The information contained herein is proprietary and is provided solely for the purpose of allowing customers to operate and/or service All Weather, Inc. manufactured equipment and is not to be released, reproduced, or used for any other purpose without written permission of All Weather, Inc. Throughout this manual, trademarked names might be used. Rather than put a trademark ( ) symbol in every occurrence of a trademarked name, we state herein that we are using the names only in an editorial fashion and to the benefit of the trademark owner, and with no intention of infringement. All Weather, Inc. and the All Weather, Inc. logo are trademarks of All Weather, Inc. Disclaimer The information and specifications described in this manual are subject to change without notice. Latest Manual Version For the latest version of this manual, see the User Manuals page on our Web site at http://www.allweatherinc.com/support/support-library/user-manuals/. All Weather, Inc. 1165 National Drive Sacramento, CA 95834 Tel.: (916) 928-1000 Fax: (916) 928-1165 Contact Customer Service Phone support is available from 8:00am - 4:30pm PT, Monday through Friday. Call 916-928-1000 and ask for Service. Online support is available by filling out a request at www.allweatherinc.com/support/online-support/ E-mail your support request to support@allweatherinc.com
A W O S N E T U S E R ' S M A N U AL Revision History Revision Date Summary of Changes A 2018 July 27 Initial Release
A W O S N E T U S E R ' S M A N U AL Table of Contents 1. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION... 1 1.1 AWOS Installations... 2 1.2 AWOS Net Models... 1 2. INSTALLATION... 2 2.1 AWOS Net Interface Installation... 2 2.2 Communication Packages... 3 2.2.1 RS-232 Local Communication Package... 3 2.2.2 RS-232 Extended Communication Package... 4 2.2.3 RS-485 Communication Package... 5 2.2.4 UHF Radio Communication Package... 6 3. OPERATION... 7 3.1 Data Display... 7 3.1.1 Site Description Fields... 7 3.1.2 Pressure... 8 3.1.3 Winds... 8 3.1.4 Temperature... 8 3.1.5 Visibility... 8 3.1.6 Clouds... 9 3.1.7 Present Weather... 9 3.1.8 METAR... 9 3.2 Configuration... 9 3.3 AWOS Net Data Handling... 9 3.4 Buttons and Status LEDs... 10 3.5 Installing Software Updates... 10 4. MAINTENANCE... 11 5. WARRANTY... 12 6. APPENDIX A CHANGE LOG... 13 A.1 Revision A... 13
S Y S T E M D E S C R I P T I O N Chapter 1 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION AWOS Net is a data dissemination and display network that leverages the capability of All Weather, Inc.'s Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) to broadcast current weather data to a flexible network of display stations. Using AWOS Net, preprocessed data from the FAA-certified AWOS is available to local and remote displays. AWOS Net consists of an AWOS Net Interface and Communication Interface connected to an AWOS, along with one or more remote displays. FAA WMSCR METARs AWOS Sensors AWOS Net Internet usawosweb.com AWOS 3000 Internet awosnet.com Pilots and Users Figure 1. AWOS Net Architecture 1
S Y S T E M D E S C R I P T I O N A W O S N E T U S E R ' S M A N U AL AWOS Net is only capable of receiving data from the AWOS system. It cannot send any information to the AWOS and therefore cannot distort or otherwise alter the AWOS data. There are four communication options for the AWOS Net. The 3211-A is connected directly to the AWOS by RS-232. The 3211-E is also connected by RS-232, but has provisions to be extended by as much as 100 feet using a customer-supplied CAT5/6 cable. The 3211-U has a UHF radio for communication to the AWOS when the AWOS Net is not desired or able to be near the AWOS. The 3211-R has RS-485 communication to the AWOS for hardwired connections to an AWOS that either already uses RS-485 or where the distance between the AWOS and AWOS Net is between 100 and 4000 feet. The 3211 is an AWOS Net Interface only with no monitor. If desired, monitoring and viewing can be accomplished either by a customer-supplied 16:9 HDMI monitor or from any web browser via an Internet connection. 1.1 AWOS Installations The AWOS sensors measure an array of parameters under control of the Data Collection Platform (DCP). The DCP transmits the collected data to the Central Data Platform (CDP) for processing via an RS-232, RS-485, or UHF radio link. The 3211-A and 3211-E communicate with the CDP via an RS-232 data link. The 3211-U communicates via a UHF radio link on the same frequency as the CDP-to-DCP communication link. The 3211-R communicates with the CDP utilizing a RS-485 data link. All of the 3211-A, 3211-E, and the 3211-R can still be used with an AWOS using a UHF data link between the CDP and DCP if the AWOS Net Interface is hard-wired to the CDP. At a minimum of once per minute, the CDP broadcasts its latest data for all monitored parameters. The AWOS Net Interface acquires the data via the AWOS communications line from the CDP, then encapsulates it and makes it available via Ethernet to all active remote connections. This permits AWOS Net Remote Displays to receive current data within milliseconds of the CDP broadcasting the update. To ensure the reliability of the data, all communications are validated for timeliness and correctness before display to the user. The remote displays mirror the data displayed at the CDP following processing and application of the AWOS algorithms. Remote users can also view the weather data in a standard web browser via internet connections. 2
S Y S T E M D E S C R I P T I O N A W O S N E T U S E R ' S M A N U AL 1.2 AWOS Net Models Several AWOS Net models are available. The full part number is "3211-" followed by a letter according to the tables below. As an example, a 3211-A would be appropriate for WMSCR system with no display. The "retrofit" options (Z and S) have the bare minimum of parts needed to replace a Fortigate VPN router or 2211 AWOS Net. For those retrofit options, no cables or monitors are included since those parts already exist at the customer site. Install Location Display Network Communications A AWOS Internal E Extended RS-232 3211 no display R RS-485 U UHF Z Retrofit Internal S Retrofit External Inside AWOS 3000, powered by AWOS x x Outside AWOS, has AC power plug x x x x HDMI Monitor HDMI Cable VGA Adapter (customer VGA display) Has 10' Ethernet Cable x x x x Has 2' Ethernet Cable x RS-232 Inside AWOS x RS-232 Extended (customer CAT5 cable) x RS-485 x UHF x Table 1-3211 Models 1
I N S T A L L A T I O N Chapter 2 INSTALLATION 2.1 AWOS Net Interface Installation Figure 2 shows the connections for the 3211 AWOS Net Interface. The connections that are used are identified. Micro USB 5V Power Input USB (Serial adapter) Ethernet Figure 2. AWOS Net Interface Connections Connector Micro USB Connector USB RJ-45 Jack Description 5 Volt DC Power Input AWOS Serial Data Input (USB-Serial Adapter Required) LAN / Ethernet connection 2
I N S T A L L A T I O N A W O S N E T U S E R ' S M A N U AL 2.2 Communication Packages A serial link between the AWOS Net Interface and the AWOS Peripheral Interface enables AWOS Net to communicate with the AWOS. There are four different communication packages for the AWOS Net RS-232 Local, RS-232 Extended, RS-485, and UHF radio. The RS-232 communication package connects to the AWOS Net Interface differently from the RS-485 and UHF radio packages. A Communication Interface houses the appropriate hardware for the desired communication link for RS-485 and UHF radio communication packages. 2.2.1 RS-232 Local Communication Package The RS-232 local communication package should be used when the AWOS Net will be mounted inside the AWOS CDP. The RS-232 local communications package connects the AWOS Net serial directly to the AWOS with no extra cable length. Figure 3. RS-232 Local Connection to AWOS Net Interface 3
I N S T A L L A T I O N A W O S N E T U S E R ' S M A N U AL 2.2.2 RS-232 Extended Communication Package The RS-232 extended communication package should be used when the AWOS Net will be within 100 feet of (but not inside) the AWOS CDP and a CAT5/6 cable (not supplied by AWI unless requested) can be used to connect the two together. The RS-232 extended communication package consists of an RS-232 Y-cable for listening to the CDP communication and a DB9 to RJ-45 adapter securely mounted to the data communications serial connector on the AWOS Net Interface. The CAT5e cable between the AWOS Net and the CDP is connected to RJ-45 adapter and not the Ethernet jack. Figure 4. RS-232 Extended Connection to AWOS Net Interface 4
I N S T A L L A T I O N A W O S N E T U S E R ' S M A N U AL 2.2.3 RS-485 Communication Package The RS-485 communication package should be used when the AWOS Net will be more than 100 feet from the AWOS CDP and a hard-wired connection is desired. The RS-485 communication package is a passive (port-powered) RS-485 adapter which connects to the AWOS Net's USB/RS-232 adapter. The RS-485 connection is made between the adapter and the existing CDP-DCP RS-485 line. USB SERIAL ADAPTER DB9-M DB9-F / RS-485 ADAPTER CDP RS-485 LINE DCP Figure 5. RS-485 Connections to AWOS Net Interface 5
I N S T A L L A T I O N A W O S N E T U S E R ' S M A N U AL 2.2.4 UHF Radio Communication Package There are times when the AWOS Net Interface cannot be hardwired to the AWOS CDP. This may be to use the display ability of the AWOS Net at a different building. The UHF radio communication package listens to the UHF communication from the CDP. The UHF antenna for the AWOS Net must still have line-of-sight with the CDP antenna in order to receive the data from the CDP. The UHF radio communication package is contained in one enclosure and connects to the AWOS Net Interface's DB-9 connector. Figure 6. UHF Connections to AWOS Net Interface 6
O P E R A T I O N Chapter 3 OPERATION 3.1 Data Display The Remote Displays present weather data in a combination of text and graphic formats, as shown in Figure 7. The paragraphs below give a brief explanation of the data fields. For a complete description of the algorithms, refer to the AWOS User's Manual. Missing or invalid data are designated with the following symbols: /// Data not available \\\ Data expired ### Sensor not active *** Sensor not installed 3.1.1 Site Description Fields At the top of the display are, at a minimum, the site ID, the date, and the time. All three fields are supplied by the connected AWOS. If the AWOS supplies the site name to the AWOS Net, it will also be displayed. If the AWOS does not supply a site name, the AWOS Net will attempt to display the site name based on data from awosnet.com. If no site name is available, the site name will not be displayed. If the AWOS provides a runway number to the AWOS Net, the wind display will show a runway with the correct orientation. If no runway data is provided, the AWOS Net will attempt to find the correct runway number from awosnet.com. If no runway number can be determined, a runway graphic will not be displayed on the wind display. At the bottom of the display is an advisory notice. If a phone number and radio frequency are available from awosnet.com, they will be added to the advisory message. 7
O P E R A T I O N A W O S N E T U S E R ' S M A N U AL Figure 7. Remote Display Screen Example 3.1.2 Pressure The pressure is displayed in inches of mercury (inhg). Density Altitude is calculated by the CDP and reported in feet. Density altitude is not reported if it is less than 1000 above the field elevation. 3.1.3 Winds Two minute average wind data is presented on the graphic dial on the left of the text display. The outer ring on the wind direction dial shows a yellow band for variable wind. Variable wind is calculated using a 10-minute average of wind direction readings. The wind speed is displayed into knots. 3.1.4 Temperature Temperature and dew point are displayed in Celsius and relative humidity is display in percent. 3.1.5 Visibility Visibility is a ten-minute average calculated each minute from sensor readings taken at tensecond intervals. Visibility is displayed in miles. 8
O P E R A T I O N A W O S N E T U S E R ' S M A N U AL 3.1.6 Clouds The type of cloud cover is represented by the following codes: CLR clear ( 6% sky cover) FEW few ( 6% to 24% sky cover) SCT scattered ( 25% to 49% sky cover) BKN broken ( 50% to 87% sky cover) OVC overcast (>87% sky cover) VV00n indefinite ceiling (haze or fog) Cloud height is shown in hundreds of feet (12,000 feet, for instance, is represented by 120 ). Cloud height data is updated every minute based on a 30-minute sliding window. 3.1.7 Present Weather Data from the Present Weather sensor are weighted over a ten-minute period by the CDP and are updated every minute. Data from the Lightning sensor will also be displayed with the Present Weather sensor data. If there is a thunderstorm at the airport, the lightning data display will override the present weather data display. 3.1.8 METAR The METAR window shows the most recent METAR report generated by the AWOS. The AWOS may generate a METAR (and display it here) more often than the 20-minute updates distributed by the FAA. 3.2 Configuration Configuration is not normally required. Because the AWOS Net uses the local AWOS to find the site ID, and uses that same site ID to get information from awosnet.com, all configuration is automatic. For advanced manual configuration options, refer to the AWOS Net Installation Manual. 3.3 AWOS Net Data Handling When an AWOS Net receives a data packet, it verifies its integrity based on an embedded CRC checksum. If there is a mismatch, the entire message is considered to be corrupted, and is discarded. In this case, the AWOS Net will retain previously received values (if there are any) until they expire. In other words, receipt of a corrupted data packet does not, in itself, invalidate any AWOS Net data. METAR data are retained for 12 minutes, and all other fields are retained for 2 minutes. Unlike the other observations, METAR data are generated every 5 minutes (or less often), and METAR data include a timestamp. 9
O P E R A T I O N A W O S N E T U S E R ' S M A N U AL 3.4 Buttons and Status LEDs There is no on/off switch. If the AWOS Net has power connected, it will turn on automatically. There is only one indicator light. The light can indicate four different states depending on the color: 5 Volt Supply Status Disk Activity No light Bad Green Bad Writing Yellow Good Writing Red Good 3.5 Installing Software Updates Software updates can be distributed three ways: 1. If the AWOS Net is able to establish a VPN tunnel to All Weather, the system can be updated remotely. No action is required at the site. 2. Software updates can be distributed on a microsd card. Unplug the AWOS Net microusb power connector, remove the AWOS Net front panel, remove the AWOS Net microsd card, insert the new microsd card, remove the AWOS Net front panel, and replace the microusb power connector. 3. Software updates can be performed by replacing the entire AWOS Net. Simply exchange the old and new units. 10
M A I N T E N A N C E Chapter 4 MAINTENANCE The AWOS Net Interface and Remote Displays require no regular maintenance. For AWOS system maintenance, refer to the appropriate system manuals and individual sensor manuals. 11
W A R R A N T Y Chapter 5 WARRANTY Unless specified otherwise, All Weather Inc. (the Company) warrants its products to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for one year from date of installation or a maximum of two years from date of shipment, subject to the following conditions. (a) The obligation of the Company under this warranty is limited to repairing or replacing items or parts which have been returned to the Company and which upon examination are disclosed, to the Company s satisfaction, to have been defective in material or workmanship at time of manufacture. (b) The claimant shall pay the cost of shipping any part or instrument to the Company. If the Company determines the part to be defective in material or workmanship, the Company shall prepay the cost of shipping the repaired instrument to the claimant. Under no circumstances will the Company reimburse claimant for cost incurred in removing and/or reinstalling replacement parts. (c) This warranty shall not apply to any Company products which have been subjected to misuse, negligence or accident. (d) This warranty and the Company s obligation thereunder is in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, consequential damages and all other obligations or liabilities. No other person or organization is authorized to give any other warranty or to assume any additional obligation on the Company s behalf, unless made in writing and signed by an authorized officer of the Company. 12
C H A N G E L O G A W O S N E T U S E R ' S M A N U A L APPENDIX A CHANGE LOG A.1 REVISION A These changes are applied to Revision A of this document. Number Reference Comment Change Description 1 General New manual 13
All Weather Inc. 1165 National Drive Sacramento, CA 95834 Fax: 916.928.1165 Phone: 916.928.1000 3211-001 Toll Free: 800.824.5873 Revision A www.allweatherinc.com July 2018