Lesson 11: Introduction to Radiosondes and Networks

Overview of the content

This lesson will cover:

• Radiosonde fundamentals
• Global and regional radiosonde networks
• Radiosonde data visulization
• Checklists prior to launch

Learning objectives

After completing this lesson, you will:

• Understand fundamentals about radiosonde, including
  • the components of a radiosonde system and its measurements,
  • the variety of radiosonde networks and data display (Skew-T diagram)
• Be familiar with the checklists prior to launch

Introduction

Sounding

Sounding is the determination of one or several upper-air meteorological variables by means of instruments carried aloft by balloon, aircraft, kite, glider, rocket, and so on.

Radiosonde

As described by the National Weather Service, a radiosonde is a small instrument package that is suspended below a balloon filled with either hydrogen or helium

The goal of a radiosonde is:

1. To make accurate measurements of important atmospheric parameters (usually temperature, pressure, humidity and wind) above the surface
2. To send this information back in as close to real-time as possible

Learning resources

• This presentation by Dr. June Wang offers an overview of Radiosonde Basic Research and Development [download from Google Drive - newly uploaded 4/7/23]
• This overview from the National Weather Service will also be helpful 

Checklists

Initialization checklist:Start check 30 minutes prior to launch 

[download this as a PDF (same content as listed below)]

• Check batteries and change/charge if below 50% - ICOM/GSU/Computer/ 
• Ground Station turned on and connected before starting GRAW program 

• Connect sonde for initialization 
• Open the GRAW program 
• Go to Settings (top left corner of screen – notebook icon) 
• Program Settings > Communications Tab 
• Detect both COM Ports and Receiver 

• Exit out of settings 
• Click Sounding/Simulation (do not use the wizard – it is good to troubleshoot with this if the sonde will not initialize) 
• Click Initialize radiosonde 
• Set sonde and ground station to proper frequency 
• Enter ground values recorded on data form by Lufft position 

• Double check frequency and ground values are correct 
• Click start sounding 
• Enter lat/long and altitude (both lat and long require negative sign in Chile) 
• Confirm raw data is coming in  
• Turn sonde to on position 

• Unplug radiosonde from computer and deliver to acclimation table 
• Double check raw data is still coming in 
• Run balloon fill prediction with current ground values (balloon = 600g; payload = 100g)  
• Help with fill while sonde acclimates 
• Get sonde to attach to balloon. 

• Launch balloon 
• Confirm software detected launch (if it doesn’t within 30 seconds launch manually) 

Saving Conventions: 

Primary fill checklist: Begin 10 minutes prior to flight   

[download this as a PDF (same content as listed below)]

• Check regulator attachment to helium tank  
• Wait for OK to fill from person initializing and DGAC 

• Note beginning psi level of helium tank 
• Have initializer yell out fill value 
• If tank will need to be changed during fill have 2nd tank next to 1st  
• Get gloves  
• Get balloon from box  

• Attach helium nozzle to balloon neck  
• Fill balloon (clockwise is open)  
• Tap pressure gauge occasionally to get accurate level  
• Remove nozzle from neck of balloon (don’t let go of balloon!)  
• Allow secondary fill to attach sonde with zip tie 

• Fold neck of balloon over and hold neck for duct tape  
• Yell for verification of data from initializer  
• Count down and launch  
• Organize fill area and prep for next launch (remove empty tanks, throw away any garbage, replace tools to proper locations)  

Secondary Fill Checklist: Begin fill 10 minutes prior to flight  

[download this as a PDF (same content as listed below)]

• Set out zip ties and 2x 1.5’ pieces of duct tape  
• Have wire clippers in pocket  

• Get gloves 
• Wait for OK to fill from person initializing 
• Unroll balloon  
• If tank is changed mid-fill – Use all of 1st tank and note amount needed from 2nd tank then move regulator to 2nd tank  
• Yell for radiosonde (primary initializer brings to fill)  

• Attach zip-tie and radiosonde loop tightly to neck of balloon  
• Clip extra end of zip-tie  
• Cover zip-tie with one piece of duct tape  
• Duct tape thoroughly over folded balloon neck 
• Double check dereeler is not tangled  
• Make sure no strings from sonde are tangled 
• Count down and launch  
• Organize fill area and prep for next launch (remove empty tanks, throw away any garbage, replace tools to proper locations)  

Video content

How Your National Weather Service Launches Balloons -- NOAA National Weather Service Albany, NY [YouTube video, 3:26]

• This video generally describes how the NOAA National Weather Service launches a weather balloon from its forecast office in Albany.

Readings / articles

The NOAA office provides more information on sounding analysis at https://www.spc.noaa.gov/exper/soundings/help/index.html

Additional resources also available on their Jetstream Online Education page: https://www.weather.gov/jetstream/radiosondes

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