Upper Air Sounding Systems
Sounding the Future
Content
Welcome to GRAW Radiosondes
03
Radiosonde DFM-09
04
Groundstation GS-E for Office Use
06
Groundstation GS-H with Handheld Receiver
07
Antenna Sets
08
Software GRAWMET
10
Ozone - Sounding
12
Accessories
13
Our Company History
14
Welcome to GRAW Radiosondes
GRAW Radiosondes is a well-established German company which has developed and
manufactured Upper Air Sounding Systems since 1938. Our customers are military, academic research, and meteorological institutions worldwide.
Today GRAW Radiosondes is a member of the NORIS Group which is a family owned
business focused on measurement technologies. We have access to more than 250 professionals worldwide but still benefit from the flexibility and quick decision of a family
owned business. GRAW Radiosondes is located at the headquarters of NORIS Group in
Nuremberg, Germany.
We would like to extend a very warm welcome to GRAW Radiosondes!
Michael Schmidmer
Florian Schmidmer
03
Radiosonde DFM-09
Extremely Low Weight
High-Power Lithium Battery
GRAW’s latest state-of-the-art radiosonde,
Shelf storage life of several years
the DFM-09, is currently the smallest and
Simple activation, just a small on/off switch
lightest synoptic radiosonde available on
No special preparation
the market today.
Environmentally friendly
The
DFM-09
has
dimensions
of
200 mm x 42 mm x 60 mm and weighs just
Fulfills all transportation and storage
regulations
90 grams (Ready to Fly)! The DFM-09 has
already proven itself to many customers
Differential C/A-Code GPS for Wind Finding
worldwide - delivering excellent perform-
The GRAW radiosonde family has a stan-
ance, ease of use, and high reliability.
dard on-board C/A code-correlated GPS
receiver. The sonde’s positional informa-
Sensor Boom
tion is transmitted to the groundstation
All sensors are delivered Ready to Fly -
where it is corrected with the ground-
100 % factory calibrated and with no
station’s differential GPS system. The re-
additional ground calibration necessary
sulting data is used to accurately calcu-
prior to launch
late the wind speed and direction of the
The temperature and humidity sensor
sonde’s ascent - at all heights.
boom ensures precise measurements
Fully coded GPS allows the groundstation
during ascent, it is unaffected by any
to be used on the move, such as launch-
thermal influences of the sondes
ing from a vehicle or from a ship.
housing
A mirrored surface reduces errors due
High Quality Telemetry
to solar radiation
Each sonde contains a high specification
A ceramic temperature sensor delivers
telemetry transmitter. The radio transmis-
a fast response due to its low mass and
sion from the sonde meets demanding
low thermal capacity
radio requirements and can cope with
Fast, capacitive polymer humidity
long slant ranges, even as far as 300 km.
sensor
The use of code-spreading, a method
where link-errors can be readily detected
Function and Design
and corrected and other modern digital
The DFM-09 radiosonde is designed to
radio techniques such as interleaving
reliably measure the atmospheric profile
which minimises the effect of burst errors,
of pressure, temperature, humidity, wind
ensures that the data is reliably received
speed, and wind direction from the sur-
at the distant groundstation.
face to an altitude of 40 kms. Continuous
The continuous on-board measurements
data sets are sent to the groundstation by
of all sensors and transmission of their
a high quality radio-telemetry link.
data is performed in a time-window of
less than one second.
04
Additionally, in a spare channel, diagnostic information from the sonde’s on-board
Built In Test (BIT) systems are transmitted,
thus ensuring the data sent is reliable during the ascent.
Microprocessor Controlled
All important functions of the radiosonde
are controlled by an on-board, low power
microprocessor. The microprocessor controls the radiosonde initilisation, sensor
measurements, communication, and in
flight data quality control.
Freely Programmable Frequency
Each radiosonde can transmit in a narrow
channel anywhere within the meteorological band (400 to 406 MHz).
The sonde uses an on-board frequency
synthesiser, which is automatically set to
Radiosonde DFM-09
Weight
< 90 g, ready to start
Size
200 mm x 42 mm x 60 mm
Battery
Dry Lithium
Activation
Switch
Wind finding
Differential GPS (20 channels)
Transmission-rate
One full data set per second
Bandwith
< 20 kHz
Frequency deviation
+/- 3 kHz
Modulation
FSK
Error correction telemetry
Code-spreading, interleaving
Temperature resolution
0.1 °C
Temperature accuracy
< 0.2 °C
Humidity resolution
1 % rH
Humidity accuracy
< 5 % rH
Pressure accuracy
< 0.3 hPa
Geopotential height accuracy
< 10 m
Wind speed accuracy
< 0.2 m/s
Accuracy horizontal position
<5m
the desired transmission channel during
initialisation.
The highly-sensitive groundstation receiver system does not require a steered
antenna and can receive valid data from
sondes up to 300 km slant range using its
compact dual antenna set.
Quick and Easy Initialisation
Prior to launch, a simple cable connection
starts up the sonde, sets its frequency and
downloads the calibration data for the
sensors from its on-board non-volatile
memory. During this rapid and simple
initialisation phase, the sonde is also
checked and tested by the groundstation.
The sonde is now ready for immediate release.
05
Groundstation GS-E for Office Use
and the last IF (intermediate frequency)
processing are done entirely in software.
PWD
Usually this means using a DSP, but in the
PWA ANT.1 ANT.2
GPS
case of the GS-E, this processing is done
on a PC. Most modern PCs are now faster
and more powerful than many DSPs were
only a few years ago.
The radiosonde signal is received by a
software-defined PC-based narrowband
and providing local GPS information. All
receiver (400 MHz to 406 MHz). This PC-
400 MHz receiver integrated
functions of the GS-E are software-con-
based receiver is USB-controlled and
Initialisation cable between GS-E or PC
trolled by a standard PC via USB.
compatible with modern desktop and
Components
notebook computers with USB interface.
and radiosonde
SDR (Software Defined Receiver)
Overview
The core of the GS-E is a so-called software
Antenna Switch (Diversity)
The main function of the GS-E ground-
defined receiver. A Software Defined Re-
The GS-E provides a USB controlled an-
station is receiving the radiosonde signal
ceiver (SDR) is such where demodulation
tenna switch. This gives the possibility
to connect two 400 MHz antennas at the
same time to ensure 100 % coverage. The
Groundstation GS-E
selection of the right antenna is done
RECEIVER
Type
DDS-based dual-conversion superheterodyne with software-defined last IF stage
and demodulator
Frequency range
400 MHz - 406 MHz
Tuning steps
20 kHz
GPS
Channels
20
CONNECTIONS
400 MHz antenna
2
GPS antenna
1
GPS repeater
1
USB connection to PC
1
USB connection to radiosonde
1
PC REQUIREMENTS
Operating system
Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7
Interface
USB
POWER SUPPLY
AC
100 V/AC to 240 V/AC
DC
10 V/DC to 30 V/DC
DIMENSIONS
Size
320 mm x 190 mm x 90 mm
Weight
3300 g
06
completely automatically by the software
GRAWMET by continuously checking the
signal strength of both inputs.
GPS Module
An integrated GPS module provides exact
position information of the groundstation. This GPS information can be used for
applying differential GPS mode.
Software
The GS-E is fully controlled by the meteorological software GRAWMET via USB.
This includes the tuning of the receiving
frequency, control of AFC (Automatic Frequency Control), selecting of the optimal
filters, frequency sweeping, selection of
the right antenna, etc.
Groundstation GS-H with Handheld Receiver
Groundstation GS-H
PC
Standard notebook
(e. g. existing customer notebook)
Handheld receiver
Tuneable between 400 MHz and 406 MHz
Handheld size
58 mm x 86 mm x 27 mm
Handheld weight
185 g
Components
Overview
Optional with standard notebook with
The GS-H groundstation is a highly por-
USB-interface and soundcard
table system. It is well suited to use by
Handheld 400 MHz receiver with inte-
universities and research establishments
grated antenna
that do not prefer fixed antennas and
Initialisation cable between notebook
which require limited soundings on a
and radiosonde
project by project basis.
The complete ground-system consists of
a standard notebook and the GS-H with
404
.25
0
AM
BA
LOCND
K
T
SEST
M
D
SCO
ANE
V/
S.MM
SKIPW
integrated 400 MHz antenna, all powered
by batteries.
07
Antenna Sets
Different antenna configurations are available for the GS-E groundstation:
1. Omnidirectional Antenna
1.
The omnidirectional antenna is the perfect solution for most climactic situations
3.
as it guarantees full receiving coverage of
the radiosonde signal except for a small
gap directly overhead in high altitudes.
Under normal climactic situations, the
omnidirectional antenna is 100 % sufficient for reliable soundings.
As a standard, the omnidirectional antenna comes with a low noise amplifier and
a 40 m antenna cable. Other lengths are
available on request.
Omnidirectional Antenna
Type
Dipole antenna
Bandwidth
400 – 407 MHz
Gain
3.5 dBi
Height
71 cm
Weight
1.9 kg
2. Overhead Antenna
The overhead antenna complements the
omnidirectional antenna and is useful for
special climatic situations. It closes the
receiving gap of the omnidirectional antenna directly overhead in high altitudes.
As a standard, the overhead antenna
comes with a low noise amplifier and a
40 m antenna cable. Other lengths are
available on request.
Overhead Antenna
Type
Helical antenna
Bandwidth
398 – 408 MHz
Gain
3.5 dBi
Height
50 cm
Weight
2.6 kg
08
4.
2.
3. GPS Antenna
The local GPS antenna facilitates the prestart preparation as it enables the user to
check the GPS functionality of the radiosonde in-house before start. Also, the co-
4. Tripods
GPS Antenna
Type
Helical antenna
Centre frequency
1575.42 MHz
Weight
0.2 kg
For mobile applications, all antenna can
be mounted on a tripod. Depending on
the used antenna, different versions of
tripods are available.
ordinates of the groundstation are made
available automatically. The local GPS
antenna always comes together with an
indoor GPS repeater.
09
Software GRAWMET
Software Features
Software Adaptation to User Needs
Processing and Display of Measured Data
GRAWMET is the meteorological soft-
The program offers a host of variable set-
Processing of measured data is done by
ware system for all GRAW-groundstations
ting possibilities of the software and thus
means of data reduction methods. All
based on Windows XP, Vista or Win-
can be closely matched to user’s needs. It
measured data are checked and stored
dows 7. The main functions of GRAWMET
is possible amongst other things to mod-
in the form of time profiles. These time
are the initialisation of the radiosonde for
ify various parameters, such as units of
profiles are the basis for generating the
launch and the evaluation and display of
measurement or the number of the mea-
weather messages. Display on the screen
radiosonde data during the ascent.
sured value curves shown in the graphic
is in the form of tables or graphic evalu-
The system generates WMO and STAN-
display.
ations.
graphical and tabulated evaluations. The
Automatic Frequency Setting
Automatic Creation of Weather Messages
software uses the common windows style
During initialisation, it might be neces-
The program computes and automati-
graphical user interface (GUI) making it
sary to change the transmitting frequen-
cally generates standardised current
easy to work with. Data from the radio-
cy for the ascent. All measured data are
weather messages upon reaching the
sonde is received by the groundstation
transmitted to the groundstation on this
specific altitude limit. Optionally, the user
for further processing by GRAWMET.
frequency. Setting of the frequency is
can change the altitude limits. Provisional
provided by the software.
computation of weather messages before
AG weather messages as well as various
Automatic Launch Recognition
the set altitude limits are reached is also
The actual time of the balloon launch is
Status Tree
possible. For greater clarity, all messages
automatically recognised by the system.
This field shows the current data of the
computed are presented in the status
Launch time computation is through
radiosonde ascent. It is subdivided into
tree.
linear regression. As soon as a defined
four areas.
Generated Messages (Extract)
number of valid measured values have
The sounding data area shows the actual
been received, the measured values are
basic data, the current balloon ascent
WMO weather messages:
acknowledged and then stored as valid
rate and the flight time.
PILOT, TEMP, CLIMAT, BUFR, CREX
ascent data.
In the probe/receiver area information
Reports according to
on the radiosonde and the receiver are
FM35 TEMP, FM36 TEMP SHIP or
Quality Control of Data
displayed: channel of the radiosonde
All data is checked for any measured values
and the receiver, receiving level, num-
optionally
that deviate from predetermined toler-
ber of probe, etc.
Other messages are available on request
ance limits. Any measured values outside
The GPS area visualises the altitude,
these limits will not be processed while
latitude, longitude and the number of
These weather messages are displayed
an ascent is in progress. Any discrepan-
satellites.
on the screen in tabulated form and can
cies found are entered into the log file and
The last field shows information on the
be filed for future reference. During the
displayed on the screen. Incoming data is
status of the weather messages.
ascent, all data of the weather message
FM38 TEMP MOBIL can be coded
also compared with a predetermined ex-
can be viewed by scrolling. The message
pectancy window. Data is passed through
headings and body of the message can
a track filter for the elimiation of any errors
be later edited in order to supplement
in the run of measured values.
messages, if incomplete.
10
Weather Indices
GPS modules being capable of receiving
Log File
GRAWMET creates the following weather
20 satellites at the same time.
All operator inputs as well as alarm mes-
indices automatically:
sages are automatically saved in a log file.
LFC, LCL, CCL, Showalter Index, CAPE,
Data Saving
Indication is in the form of a live display.
CINH, EL-Equilibrium Level, K-Index, Total
The program saves all data and mes-
A scroll function permits paging up and
Index, KO Index.
sages in a database and in a simulation
down in the log file.
file based on XML. This permits later data
Graphic Data Processing
transmission or simulation of the flight.
Various parameters can be displayed and
Free Demo of Software
On request, a free demo version of the
printed in the form of different graphical
Data Transmission and Outputting
software is available for training purposes
presentations:
All weather messages can be output by
and for off-line evaluations of prior as-
Thermodynamic Diagram, Tephigram, T-
means of a printer, via an interface to a
cents.
Log (P) Diagram, Emagram, Hodograph,
receiver or disseminated via other data
Altitude Diagram, Refractive Index, etc.
interfaces, such as Firewire, Ethernet, USB
Multiple Languages
or modem.
The system is designed as a multiple lan-
Wind Data Determination
guage system. Apart from the main lan-
To calculate wind parameters, the soft-
Network Support
guages (English, German, French, Span-
ware uses GPS data provided by the ra-
The system can be operated from mul-
ish), several other languages are available.
diosonde. Wind speed and wind direc-
tiple groundstations at the same time.
Please contact us!
tion values are calculated by the changes
Flights can be monitored in realtime from
in the GPS position and GPS velocity
any remote station by simply setting
Google-Earth Support
vectors of the radiosonde. The DFM-09 is
up an internet connection to the main
The flight-path of the radiosonde can also
equipped with the latest state of the art
groundstation.
be monitored by Google-Earth.
11
Ozone - Sounding
GRAW Ozone-sonde
The GRAW ozone-sonde consists of the
ternal temperature sensor is integrated
scientific radiosonde model DFM-97 in
to measure the air temperature in the
conjunction with the ECC ozone-sensor.
ozone-channel of the ECC-sensor.
The current output of the ECC sensor
In total, 10 inputs are available on the
is directly connected to one of the free
DFM-97 radiosonde for the use of any ex-
inputs of the DFM-97. An additional ex-
ternal sensors.
12
Accessories
Balloon Filling Unit SO-2
Unwinder UW1
Unwinder UW2
This unit facilitates the filling and prepa-
The unwinder (dereeler) UW1 is manufac-
The unwinder (dereeler) UW2 is designed
ration of the balloons:
tured of stainless steel and designed for
to facilitate the launching of lightweight
The neck of the balloon is put over the
heavier payloads and very constant un-
radiosondes (such as the DFM-09 and
nozzle of the SO-2 which is connected
winding speeds.
DFM-06) under all weather conditions.
to a gas (helium or hydrogen) cylinder
Its own weight is about 70 grams and the
The UW2 is connected between the ra-
or storage tank. Weights are put on the
cord is available in different lengths. This
diosonde and the balloon by a cord which
arms of the SO-2 depending on the re-
unwinder is mainly used for scientific ap-
slowly increases its length after release of
quested free lift. The filling of the balloon
plications or heavy payloads.
the balloon. The unwinding speed of the
is automatically stopped once the desired
cord is controlled by a small rubber bal-
free lift is reached and the balloon may
loon which acts as a brake.
then be tied to the radiosonde. The SO-2
can be used for balloons 200 grams and
larger. For smaller balloons other suitable
units are available.
Unwinder UW1
Unwinder UW2
Cord length
30 m (other lengths on request)
30 m (other lengths on request)
Maximum payload
5 kg
600 g
Unwinding speed
0.1 m/s (payload 200 g)
0.5 m/s (payload 200 g)
0.3 m/s (payload 2.5 kg)
1.5 m/s (payload 600 g)
70 g
30 g
Weight
13
Our Company History
1938
1948
1990
Founding of the company Dr. Graw
Relocation of the company to Nurem-
Development of the first purely digital
Messgeräte in Berlin/Germany by the
berg/Germany
radiosonde DFM-90
physicist Dr. Graw
1976
1995
1942
Mr. Horst Schmidmer (former owner
Development of the first “real“ fully
Dr. Graw developed the heart of the
of NORIS Group) takes over all shares of
coded differential GPS-radiosonde
radiosondes, the GRAW morse encoding
Dr. Graw
DFM-90 DGPS
cylinder
1938
14
1942
1948
1976
1990
1995
1998
1998
2004
Development of the optimized DFM-97
Start of the development of the
GPS-radiosonde
GPS-radiosonde DFM-06
2003
2006
Renaming to
Market launch of the DFM-06 radiosonde
“GRAW Radiosondes GmbH & Co. KG“
2010
Market launch of the DFM-09 radiosonde
2003
2004
2006
2010
GRAW Radiosondes GmbH & Co. KG
Muggenhofer Strasse 95
90429 Nuremberg | Germany
PR-GRS en V02.00 - 04/2011 - Errors and omissions excepted.
Tel.: +49 911 3201-100
Fax: +49 911 3201-150
[email protected] | www.graw.de