WeatherNode™
v4.0
User Guide
Weather and Emergency Data Collection/Display System
Xenocode, Inc.
3392B Fort Meade Road, Laurel, Md. 20724
(301) 725-4009 / FAX (301) 725-4839
http://www.weathernode.com
http://www.xenocode.com
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
Section 1 Rapid Start
1.1
Installation (Satellite users)
1.2
Installation (Radio users)
1.3
Installation (Internet users)
Section 2 – Software Operation
2.1
WeatherNode main menu
2.2
Housekeeper
2.3
EMWIN engine
2.4
State/National
2.5
Image Modules
2.6
AFOS Graphics Modules
2.7
Pacific
2.8
Auto-print Manager
2.9
X-10 Controller
2.10 FTP Engine
Section 3 - Troubleshooting
Appendix F – Frequencies
Appendix P – Product categories
Appendix O - Graphical overview
INTRODUCTION
This system should not be used instead of official warning mechanisms, but as an
additional layer of information to stay current on weather events.
Using this software and a simple radio receiver or scanner, a satellite antenna, or an
Internet connection, timely global weather reports, emergency information, charts, satellite
images and other emergency management data can be received. Wireless EMWIN
(Emergency Managers Wireless Information Network) systems are among the first to be
notified of severe weather conditions or other emergencies.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The minimum computer system required for WeatherNode is a 486DX100 with at least 16
Megabytes of ram, 20 Megabytes hard disk space, Windows 95, minimum 640 x 480 x
256 color display, and one free serial communications port, or one Internet connection.
The bottom line is that this software is designed to be configurable to best accommodate
available hardware. The better the computer and video are, the more that can be done
with WeatherNode software, since it allows multiple windows to be displayed
simultaneously.
WHAT IS WEATHERNODE?
WeatherNode is a software program that enables receipt of EMWIN information on a
computer. WeatherNode can display text, set alarms, automatically print, display and
animate images and graphics, and use external devices (such as pagers or strobe lights and
sirens) to inform of special events as they occur. It is possible to receive information about
severe weather events (such as tornadoes, earthquakes, or similar) within the same minute
of issuance by government agencies.
WHAT IS EMWIN?
EMWIN is a wireless broadcast service that was developed by the National Weather
Service to provide a low-cost means of transferring weather and emergency data from a
central point, The National Weather Service and other participating agencies, to an
unlimited number of interested parties in range of the data signals. Recently, it has also
been made available on the Internet for customers who are not in range of a wireless
broadcast. For an overview of the EMWIN system, see Appendix O.
WHY WIRELESS DATA?
Using a wireless broadcast allows an unlimited number of users to receive simultaneous
data without the typical loading and associated slow down of shared networks such as the
Internet. In addition, during an emergency, it is not unusual for telephone and similar
'wired' connectivity to be lost. A wireless signal allows reception by anyone within range
of the transmission even if they are without local 'wired' services. In some areas, the
EMWIN satellite transmissions are intercepted and retransmitted on a local VHF radio
frequency to allow reception using a scanner or receiver and a demodulator. These local
area rebroadcast stations can tailor the data stream to provide localized information that
fits the needs of their emergency managers and local citizens. The National Weather
Service provides the signal to the GOES satellites, and rebroadcast of the signal is a local
area effort.
Section 1 – Rapid Start
1.1 Installation: Systems receiving data from satellite.
Plug the satellite receiver's demodulator output into an available serial port on the
computer then install the software using diskettes or the program downloaded from
Internet. Links to active download sites can be found at http://www.weathernode.com.
Start the WeatherNode program.
On the WeatherNode screen, click Modules and select EMWIN Engine. On the EMWIN
engine, set the data rate to 9600 and select the serial port where the demodulator is
connected
Assemble and apply power to the receiver and satellite system as detailed in the assembly
instructions included with the satellite system. If the satellite system includes a frequencyagile receiver, tune the receiver to 137.225 MHz.
The satellite antenna must be aimed either at GOES 8 (located over the equator, due south
of the east coast of the US, at about 45 degrees elevation), or at GOES 9 (located over
the equator, due south of the west coast of the US, at about 45 degrees elevation). As an
aiming reference point, GOES 8 is 75 degrees west and GOES 9 is 135 degrees west in
geostationary orbit directly above the equator. If you use a satellite other than GOES 8 or
GOES 9, contact your equipment vendor for information about aligning the antenna for
best results.
Using the above satellite locations as a guide, move the antenna until the EMWIN Engine
begins to ingest data. Watch the signal level meter on the ESP-96 Signal Processor, and
adjust the antenna up, down, left, and right and rotate the feed assembly until the meter is
at maximum.
1.2 Installation: Systems receiving data from radio.
Plug the radio receiver's demodulator output into an available serial port on your
computer then install the software using diskettes or the program downloaded from
Internet. Links to active download sites can be found at http://www.weathernode.com.
Start the WeatherNode program.
On the WeatherNode screen, click Modules and select EMWIN Engine. On the EMWIN
engine, set the data rate to 1200 (may be 2400 or 9600 in some areas) and select the serial
port where the demodulator is connected. Now, adjust the frequency of the radio receiver
to the local transmitter. For data rate and frequency information in specific cities, check
http://www.weathernode.com.
1.3 Installation: Systems receiving data from Internet.
Install the software using diskettes or the program downloaded from Internet. Links to
active download sites can be found at http://www.weathernode.com.
Start the WeatherNode program.
Connect to an Internet Service Provider.
On the WeatherNode screen, click Modules, Plug-ins, FTP Engine to start the FTP
Engine. The WeatherNode system must be online at all times to receive full data sets.
Note: Since the internet data sets are delivered as zipped data, notification times can
significantly lag the issuance of specific products. For best notification times, a direct
satellite connection should be used.
Section 2 - SOFTWARE OPERATION
2.1 - WeatherNode Main Menu
Once the software installation is complete, select Start, Programs, WeatherNode, and
WNODE40 to start the program. The first time WeatherNode runs it starts two modules.
•
WeatherNode Main Menu
•
Housekeeper.
Every time thereafter when the WeatherNode main menu is started it will start all
modules that were running the last time it was used.
Now that the WeatherNode main menu and the Housekeeper are running, start the module
that gets data coming into the system. For systems using a satellite or radio input select
the EMWIN engine module. For systems using the Internet, first connect to the Internet
Service Provider then select Plug-ins and start the FTP Engine.
2.2 - Housekeeper
A tremendous amount of data is ingested by a WeatherNode system every day. If a
WeatherNode system were configured to automatically print all text products when
received, over 40,000 pages of paper per day would be printed. The Housekeeper
manages data by deleting old files, controlling the files that are saved, decompressing,
unpacking and archiving files.
General Information
All files received by any WeatherNode module (EMWIN Engine, FTP Engine, etc.) are
stored in the pre-processing path (c:\weather\wxdata\newfiles is the default). Once every
five seconds the Housekeeper checks the pre-processing path for files. If any are found,
they are transferred to the post-processing path and a message is generated by the
Housekeeper to tell all WeatherNode modules what file was transferred. At the top of
each minute, the post-processing path is checked for the presence of any compressed files.
If any are found, they are decompressed and the resultant files are moved to the preprocessing path for distribution by the Housekeeper. Housekeeper activity is monitored by
the activity display. The meaning of each activity indicator is detailed below:
Waiting:
The Housekeeper is waiting for five seconds to elapse before checking the preprocessing path.
Checking Disk:
The pre-processing path is being checked. If it's the top of a minute, the postprocessing path is also being checked for compressed files.
Decompressing:
A compressed file (other than .zip files) is being decompressed. Possible
compressed files are:
.zag
A file created in pkzip format that is comprised of multiple messages packed into
one large message then compressed. The advantage to this file is that the compression can
reach 5:1 or better since the header information for each file is not stored along with the
file.
.zis
A single file created in pkzip format. This file is the same as a .zip file, but is not
transmitted as such due to incompatibility issues between .zip files and early versions of
the WeatherNode 3.0 Housekeeper.
.zap
The same contents as the .zag file, but created using the PKWare data compression
library (which is not compatible with pkunzip). The NWS no longer sends these files, but
retransmission stations using the Xenocode Retransmission Engine do.
.nws
The same contents as the .zis file, but created using the PKWare data compression
library. These files are no longer transmitted.
Unpacking:
Recovering files from a .zag or .zap file after it has been decompressed.
Checking Files:
Looking for a .zip file in the post-processing path.
UnZipping:
Decompressing a .zip file. Since this process happens in the background, it is not
uncommon for the activity indicator to move from unzipping to Waiting or Checking Disk
while the process is still active.
Save Products
It is sometimes desirable to ONLY store specific products on a WeatherNode system. If
hard disk space is very limited, or WeatherNode is used for recalling information from
only one state, use the Save Products keywords to limit the data WeatherNode stores.
When the Housekeeper processes incoming files, it checks for the presence of Save
Products keywords. If none are found, the Housekeeper saves everything it receives. If
there are any Save Products keywords, ONLY products that match one of the keywords
will be saved. The "?" wildcard is allowed.
Most WeatherNode installations should leave this list empty.
Here are some examples:
torbwimd.txt - Saves all tornado warnings issued by "bwi" in Maryland.
??????md.txt - Saves all messages issued from any Maryland reporting station.
tor?????.txt - Saves all tornado warnings issued by all reporting stations in all
states.
????????.txt - Saves all text messages.
NOTE: It is more efficient to simply leave the keyword list empty if your WeatherNode
system should save all messages received since the keyword list does not need to be
searched each time a new message is received.
System Information
At the top of each minute, a check of resources is performed and the results are displayed
here. In addition, every five minutes, the disk is checked for total files in the postprocessing path and the results are displayed here. If any resource falls below 30% or the
total number of files in the post-processing path is greater then 4,000, a message is
generated that displays on all AFOS and Image Processors, and on the State/National
module to alert you to a potentially unstable situation. If you see a message about
resources being low or too many files, you should stop some programs and/or reduce the
number of files being stored by decreasing the purge time or removing archive keywords.
Purge Old Files
Each file received by WeatherNode is stored in the post-processing path (normally
c:\weather\wxdata\rxfiles) overwriting files with the same name. It is not unusual for a
normal WeatherNode system to store 1000 or more files. Files marked for archiving do
not overwrite previous versions as each file is assigned a numeric extension that designates
the order in which it was received. An archived file set can store up to 1000 files from a
single keyword (extension .000 - .999). When WeatherNode selects a county, it checks all
available files to determine if a menu should be activated. The greater the number of files
on a system, the longer county selection takes, so it's very important to purge old files.
The Housekeeper Purge system handles this task by checking the creation date of all files
against the purge schedule at the top of each hour. Files that have expired are deleted from
the disk, and archive sets are renumbered as earlier versions of a file are deleted.
To change the purge schedule:
Click a file type in the Purge Schedule, change the Days and/or Hours entries and click
"Update Selected Entry".
To add a new entry to the purge schedule:
Click "Add A New Entry", change the Name, Days, Hours, and File type entries, then
Click "Update Selected Entry".
To delete an entry:
Highlight the entry by clicking on it, then click "Delete Selected Entry".
The Housekeeper keeps a copy of the Purge list that shipped with the program. To restore
the original Purge list, simply click "Load Default Purge List".
Archive
Archiving adds a very powerful feature to WeatherNode, the ability to keep multiple
versions of a message for later review. During severe weather it is not unusual for multiple
warnings to be issued for different counties within a very short period of time. Without
archiving, each warning overwrites the previous one so the earlier one is no longer
available. HOWEVER, archiving also increases the number of messages stored on your
computer, so it should be used with caution.
To Add Archiving
Enter an archive keyword into the box indicated and press "Enter". Valid archive
keywords are comprised of an 8 character filename, followed by ".txt". The ? wildcard is
allowed. Here are some examples:
torbwimd.txt - Archives all tornado warnings issued by "bwi" in Maryland.
tor???md.txt - Archives all tornado warnings issued from any Maryland reporting
station.
tor?????.txt - Archives all tornado warnings issued by all reporting stations in all
states.
????????.txt - Archives all text products. - CAUTION.... This WILL fill your hard
drive!
To delete a Keyword
Point at it and click the mouse button to highlight it, then click "Delete Keyword".
WeatherNode Data Path Configuration
Program Path:
This is where the program and all supporting files are stored.
Post-processing Files Path:
The post-processing path is where files are stored after being processed by the
Housekeeper.
Tracking Files Path:
When files are received via broadcast methods, tracking files are created to track
the completeness of the file. These files contain information about the creation date and
what blocks were received, good, bad, or not at all.
Temporary Storage Path:
As files are being received from a broadcast system, they are stored here until all
blocks have been received.
Pre-processing Files Path:
After files have been received completely, regardless of the source, they are moved
to this path where the Housekeeper finds them and moves them to the post-processing
path. In the process of moving the files, the Housekeeper tells all other WeatherNode
applications when files have been moved.
Auto-executable Files Path:
WeatherNode has the ability to shell to an executable file that has been received.
This path is where the .exe files are stored once they have been received.
Animation Files Path:
Animation files created by AFOS and Image Processors are stored in this path.
Windows Path:
This is where your \windows directory is located.
2.3 - EMWIN Engine
The EMWIN Engine
This module is for use ONLY with systems that ingest data from satellite or local
rebroadcast. To ingest data from the Internet, use the FTP Engine plug-in.
General Information
Careful monitoring of the indicators on The EMWIN Engine can tell you a lot about the
effectiveness of your WeatherNode system. You should pay particular attention to the
following:
Receiving File
The messages in this box tell you how the com port is working.
Messages Are:
Bad Com. Port - The EMWIN Engine is unable to open the selected COM port.
No Data In - The EMWIN Engine has successfully opened the COM port, but there is no
data coming from the Demodulator. Check the cable between your receiver and the
Demodulator, the cable between the Demodulator and your computer and the cable
between the COM port connector on the back of your computer and the COM port inside
the computer. This short cable has been known to be defective in approximately 10% of
COM port problems. Be certain that the port you have selected is not assigned to an
internal modem.
Parsing Data - The EMWIN Engine has successfully opened the COM port, and can
sense data being ingested. When this message appears, The EMWIN Engine is searching
the incoming data for the start of a block.
Data Interrupted - The connection between your computer and the EMWIN demodulator
has been interrupted.
No Rx. Signal - The EMWIN Engine has successfully opened the COM port, but cannot
find the start of a block. Either you have an extremely poor signal, or no signal at all.
Weak Rx. Signal - The EMWIN Engine has successfully opened the COM port and has
found the start of a block, but the header information in the block was corrupt, so The
EMWIN Engine could not save the block. You have a very marginal signal, or there is a
source of interference acting on your received signal.
Filename - When a filename is shown, The EMWIN Engine has successfully opened the
COM Port, has found the start of a block, and has found valid header information. Check
the Monitor Blocks section for more information about the block. If a yellow block is
shown, the data was received with errors. If the block is green, the block was received
without errors. A very occasional yellow block is to be expected due to the nature of radio
signals, but if you receive a lot of yellow blocks, you have a marginal received signal. In
either case, the block is stored in a temporary directory pending receipt of the remaining
blocks that make up the message.
================================
Data Quality:
The data quality monitor on the EMWIN engine helps you determine how well your
system is working. As each block is received and processed, it is added to the Blocks
Received indicator. Each block that has been received without error is added to the Blocks
Good indicator. The ratio of Blocks Received to Blocks Good is reflected as a percentage
in the Data Quality indicator. The counter automatically resets when the block counter
reaches 1000, but it can be manually reset at any time by clicking the Reset Counter
button. If the System Configuration Log Errors is "Yes" then a line is added to
\weather\blocklog.txt after each block is completed. The status of received blocks over
time can be monitored by insuring that Log Errors is turned on, and using the View
Blocklog button to check status. To insure you receive most information, you must strive
for 100% good data. If your system receives 95% good blocks or better, you will probably
be happy with the data received. Data Quality of 85% to 95% will result in some
compressed files and graphics being decompressed, and Data Quality of less than 85% will
probably deprive you of all graphics and most compressed files. The blocklog file is
automatically erased when it reaches a size of 20K or greater.
================================
System Configuration
Com Port:
Select the com port that your demodulator is connected to. Be sure you haven't selected a
com port that has been disabled by the addition of another device. Be especially aware of
possible IRQ conflicts.
Data Rate
For GOES Satellite systems, select 9600 baud. For MOST other data sources, select 1200
baud. If you aren't sure, check http://www.weathernode.com/data.htm for a current list of
retransmission stations and the baud rate each is using.
Beep
Sounds a beep on good blocks, bad blocks, or not at all. This is handy for monitoring a
receive system for interference. By causing the Engine to beep on bad blocks, the
application can be minimized and will sound a beep when incorrect data has been received.
If your system is configured with a sound card, the default sound (as defined in the control
panel "Sounds" setup) is played
Auto-exe O.K.
When a program with an extension of .exe is received, The EMWIN Engine transfers it to
the \weather\wxdata\rxtmp\exefiles\(filename) directory and automatically starts the
program. This capability was added to accommodate information that has yet to be
defined. If you do not want the program to execute after it has been received, change the
(Setup) System Configuration 'Allow Auto-executable' to No.
Log Errors
To allow monitoring of long-term error performance, set System Configuration Log errors
to \blocklog.txt to yes. Once configured, the EMWIN Engine will add a line to the file
\weather\blocklog.txt every time the block counter resets from 1000 to 1. By checking the
log with the Windows Notepad, you can determine how well your system is working.
NOTE IMPORTANT - The EMWIN Engine deletes this file after it reaches a size of 20K.
If you want to save the contents, you should manually copy the file before it is deleted.
Start Window:
This setting determines if the EMWIN Engine starts Normal, Maximized, Minimized, or as
a Statbar.
The Status bar (Statbar) is a convenient way to tell what your EMWIN Engine is doing
without displaying the entire Engine. Click anywhere on the red gauge to show or hide the
Statbar title.
Minimize to
Select Statbar to cause the Status Bar to appear when the minimize button on the EMWIN
engine is clicked. Select Icon to make the EMWIN Engine minimize to an Icon.
================================
How the EMWIN Engine treats files:
Files with an extension of .TXT are transferred to the directory of available files once all
blocks have been received regardless of whether or not they contain errors. This insures
that, even with very poor reception, you will be alerted to severe weather conditions.
All other files (graphic and compressed) are held in the temporary directory until they have
been completely received. They are not transferred to the working directory until they are
known to be 100% good to eliminate the possibility of a rogue byte causing your system
to stop. If they have not been received 100% good within 24 hours, they are deleted.
Options
Beep
Sounds a beep on good blocks, bad blocks, or not at all. This is handy for
monitoring a receive system for interference. By causing the Engine to beep on bad
blocks, the application can be minimized and will sound a beep when incorrect data has
been received. If your system is configured with a sound card, the default sound (as
defined in the control panel "Sounds" setup) plays.
File Inspector
Starts the File Inspector utility that shows the quality and content of received files.
Housekeeper
Activates the Housekeeper window.
Show Receive
Toggles between display of block monitor and a text window that shows the
contents of each received block.
2.4 - State/National Module
State/National Module without and with County Level Map
File
Save
Saves the last displayed file.
Print
Prints the last displayed file on the default printer.
Exit
Saves the window size and position, then stops the program.
Edit
Clear Display
Erases test in the text display area.
Cut
Cuts text that has been selected by clicking and dragging the mouse.
Copy
Copies text that has been selected by clicking and dragging the mouse to the
Windows clipboard .
Paste
Pastes text from the Windows clipboard to the current cursor position on the text
display.
Restore Info Bar
Occasionally, messages may be sent that will change the Info Bar (normally says
"State/National Module"). Use this selection to restore the default message.
Alarms
Activate On Alarm
This menu can be either checked or not checked (a checkmark appears to the left
of the menu). When checked, it causes the State/National module to activate when an
alarm is received, even if the module is minimized.
Add Selected County
Adds the selected county to the alarm configuration grid.
Add Selected State
Adds the selected state to the alarm configuration grid.
Clear Screen Alarms
Clears all screen alarms. The action of this menu is the same as clicking the "Clear"
button.
Clear External Alarms
Clears all external alarms by sending a command to all active modules.
Track Alarms
This menu can be either checked or not checked (a checkmark appears to the left
of the menu). When checked, it causes the State/National module to center the county
affected and display the county map.
View Alarm Configuration
Displays the alarm configuration grid.
Alarm Configuration
Since the alarm configuration grid is central to all county, state and national alarms, it is
essential that it be configured correctly. A well configured alarm grid will result in a
system that is very informative and responsive while a poorly configured alarm grid will
consume excessive processor time and cause the system to be sluggish and hard to use.
General Information
The alarm grid consists of rows, where state or county names are displayed, and columns
where product types are displayed. All product types to the left of, and including, Zone
Forecasts are associated with state menus and all product types to the right of Zone
Forecasts are associated with the national menus. Since one national product selection is
all that's required to generate an alarm, it is both redundant and system hungry to set
national alarms in more than one row. A National alarm (any product to the right of Zone
Forecasts) should never be set in more than one row. Alarms should be set for your
county and a few surrounding counties to reduce the processor time required to parse
incoming messages and to paint the corresponding counties. As a general rule, the more
counties the State/National module must paint the harder your computer must work.
To set an alarm
Click at the intersection of the row and column to highlight the intersection. You
can also click and drag through several intersections, or click an intersection, hold the shift
key and click another intersection to highlight a group of rows or columns. A single
intersection is highlighted by a dotted outline and multiple selections are painted blue.
Once the intersections are highlighted, click the color, sound, and external alarms you
want to associate with the selected products.
To clear an alarm setting
Follow the procedure above, but click the color, sound, and external alarms until
none are selected.
Red, Yellow and Green
These settings determine the color an affected county will be painted when an
alarm is received. See Maximum Alarms Allowed (Below).
Sound
When sound is turned on, an alarm will play the default system sound (as defined
in the Windows Sounds Properties configuration screen).
External Alarms
The alarm grid informs plug-in modules when an alarm is generated by sending a
notification message to all modules. The message contains the filename of the file that
generated the alarm, an on/off command, and a level setting. The level setting corresponds
to one, or all, of the external alarm settings. The plug-in must only monitor for the
message and compare its' external alarm settings to those of the alarm grid. To set an
auto-print function, for instance, you could select External #1 in the alarm grid, then
External #1 on the Auto-print plug-in and, as long as the auto-print module is running,
each message that generates an External #1 alarm will automatically print.
Maximum Alarms Allowed
These settings control the maximum number of counties that can be painted in
each color. If, for instance, the maximum green alarms allowed is set to 30, only 30
counties will be painted green. If you have set an alarm for an entire state, only the last 30
counties (alphabetically) will be painted (actually, all are painted, but the first painted are
erased to make room for the last 30). When this happens, it appears that some counties are
not alarming, but WeatherNode is following your instruction and only painting 30
counties. As the number of alarms allowed is increased, and more counties are painted,
more processor time is consumed by the painting task. This will seriously slow computers
with a minimal processor and/or video card. If you will alarm for an entire state, you must
use a computer that's up to the task.
Bookmarks
Add
Adds the currently selected county to the bookmark list.
Remove
Removes the currently selected county from the bookmark list.
All US (???)
Causes the State menu to recall messages for all states.
State
Refresh Menu
Every time a state is selected from the county map, the post-processing path
(where the files are stored) is tested to see what files are available for the state. The
absence of files for any menu entry causes that entry to become disabled so it is possible to
tell at a glance if products are available. If you leave your system on one state for an
extended period it is a good idea to have the system check for files to update the menu to
reflect new and deleted files. Simply click this menu to update both the State and National
menu.
WSFO
Often, a WSFO (Weather Service Forecast Office) has responsibility to report
conditions in several states. To cause the State menu to recall products based on a specific
WSFO, click this menu. Once the WSFO has been selected, this entry will change to the
state name. To return to product selection based on a state, click the state name.
Warnings
Displays warnings that are available for viewing.
Discussions and Reports
Displays discussion and report products.
Forecasts
Displays forecast products.
View State Map
Displays a map of the state with major cities and highways. Click anywhere on the
map to hide it.
National
Refresh Menu
Every time a state is selected from the county map, the post-processing path
(where the files are stored) is tested to see what files are available for the state. The
absence of files for any menu entry causes that entry to become disabled so it is possible to
tell at a glance if products are available. If you leave your system on one state for an
extended period it is a good idea to have the system check for files to update the menu to
reflect new and deleted files. Simply click this menu to update both the State and National
menu.
2.5 - Image Processor
Edit
Fit Window (Fine)
To reduce the size of an image and retain the best resolution possible, select this
option. This option requires more processor time than the course option, but results in a
better image.
Fit Window (Course)
To reduce the size of an image quickly, select this option. While this option
requires much less processor time, the resultant image is not as clean as with the fine
option.
Note: If either of the above options are turned on while an animation is
automatically updating on receipt of new files the animation slides created from the new
files will be saved as the reduced image.
Use Fixed Palette
Palettes are used by graphic displays that support 256 or fewer colors. On those
systems, when running multiple windows, better color resolution can often be
accomplished by forcing all windows to use a fixed palette. Using a fixed palette will slow
the process of moving from one window to another.
Restore Infobar
The Infobar is the space to the right of the VCR-style buttons where information
pertinent to the operation of WeatherNode is displayed. Occasionally, a message may be
sent that causes this area to display text messages other than the default "WeatherNode
Image Processor" information. Selecting this option will restore the Infobar to its' default
message.
Animate
Auto-Animate
Toggles Auto-animation on and off.
Erase All Animation Slides
Erases all animation slides.
Reload Animation
Occasionally a slide may be incorrectly colored as a result of palette interference
from another application while the animation is loading. This menu allows the animation to
be reloaded and all slides to be repainted.
Setup
The Setup menu opens a setup box that allows slides to be added or deleted and
display speed to be adjusted. The Add, Delete, and Insert buttons are inactive while the
animation is running or when no animation is active. To enable the buttons, start then
pause the animation by clicking the pause button.
File
Autoload Last
On startup, loads the file that was being displayed by the Image Processor when it
was last stopped.
Autoload New
Loads and updates the currently displayed file when a new file with the same
filename is received. If the Image Processor is animating, the new file is added to the end
of the animation and the oldest file is deleted from the animation.
Lock Size
Locks the width and height of and Image Processor. This is handy if you are
generating automatic animations with automatic resizing as any change in the plotting size
will be reflected in the resultant animation slide.
Lock Position
Prevents an Image Processor from being moved. Note that this also does not allow
the Processor to be maximized or minimized.
Load
Loads files from disk in any of the popular image formats.
Save
Saves a file to disk in any of the popular image formats. Using this feature, you can
load graphics in one format and save them in another.
Print
Prints an image on the default system printer.
Exit
Saves the Image Processor settings and window position and stops the Processor.
2.6 - AFOS* Graphic Processor
*AFOS - Automation of Field Operations and Services - Acronym to denote the National Weather Service
communications and display system that became operational in 1979. It remains the main method of
distributing forecast charts and alphanumeric data to and from National Weather Service offices.
Edit
Use Fixed Palette
Palettes are used by graphic displays that support 256 or fewer colors. On those
systems, when running multiple windows, better color resolution can often be
accomplished by forcing all windows to use a fixed palette. Using a fixed palette will slow
the process of moving from one window to another.
Restore Infobar
The Infobar is the space to the right of the VCR-style buttons where information
pertinent to the operation of WeatherNode is displayed. Occasionally, a message may be
sent that causes this area to display text messages other than the default "WeatherNode
AFOS Processor" information. Selecting this option will restore the Infobar to its' default
message.
Animate
Auto-Animate
Toggles Auto-animation on and off.
Erase All Animation Slides
Erases all animation slides.
Reload Animation
Occasionally a slide may be incorrectly colored as a result of palette interference
from another application while the animation is loading. This menu allows the animation to
be reloaded and all slides to be repainted.
Setup
The Setup menu opens a setup box that allows slides to be added or deleted and
display speed to be adjusted. The Add, Delete, and Insert buttons are inactive while
animations are running or when no animation is active. To enable the buttons, start then
pause the animation by clicking the pause button..
File
Autoload New
Loads and updates the currently displayed file when a new file with the same
filename is received. If the AFOS Processor is animating, the new file is added to the end
of the animation and the oldest file is deleted from the animation.
Autosave New
Automatically saves a file that has been updated by the Autoload New option to a
new file. This is a good way to present an AFOS graphic to other systems by plotting it in
the AFOS Processor, then saving it as a .gif file.
Autosave
When checked, the Autosave option is turned on.
Select Filename
Enter the complete path and filename for the new file.
Lock Size
Locks the width and height of and AFOS Processor. This is handy if you are
generating an automatic animation as any change in the plotting size will be reflected in
the resultant animation slide.
Lock Position
Prevents an AFOS Processor from being moved. Note that this also does not allow
the Processor to be maximized or minimized.
Load
Loads files that have been defined in the Select AFOS Graphic window.
Save
Saves a file using the format and filename defined in the Save Graphic window.
Exit
Saves the AFOS Processor settings and window position and stops the processor.
2.7 - Pacific Module
From the WeatherNode module menu, select Pacific to start the module. The Pacific
module can be used to display a map of the Pacific, select individual Island Nations, and
monitor text and image products of interest related to that area of the world.
GOES 8 and GOES 9 satellite footprints
Currently, the satellite footprints of EMWIN are much larger than normal satellite
footprints and cover 40 times more surface of the earth than a typical CONUS only (48
United States) satellite signal. Roughly two billion people live under these footprints.
The signal stretches from roughly Western Africa to Australia (East to West), and from
near the Arctic to near Antarctica (North to South). The EMWIN signal has data that is
needed in those areas also (Seismic, Tsunami, Cyclone, Volcanic Activity, Sea surface
temperatures, local reports, and other information).
2.8 - Auto-print Module
File
Exit
Saves the Auto-print Manager window size, position and settings and stops the
module.
General Information
Auto-print Trigger
The Auto-print Manager prints files in response to external alarm triggers. The
trigger can be from any WeatherNode application that is capable of generating an alarm.
For example, when tornado warnings are set in the WeatherNode State/National module
to color a county red and generate an external alarm #1, The Auto-print Manager will
print the file when a tornado warning is received for the appropriate county if the Autoprint Trigger is set to External #1. The Auto-print manager must be running for autoprinting to take place.
2.9 - X10 Controller
File
Exit
Saves the X10 Controller window size, position, and selections and stops the
module.
General Information
Send X10 Commands to port
The X10 Controller module interfaces to the computer via an unused COM port
using an X10 Home Control Interface (Model CP290) or equivalent. It cannot share the
COM port with any other application (including the EMWIN Engine). Enter the COM
port that the CP290 is attached to in the space provided.
X10 Unit Code
The X10 Controller module sends commands to X10 modules over house wiring.
Each module has switches to configure for a house code (the X10 Controller module
always sends to house code "A") and a unit code. Click the unit code that corresponds to
the unit code switch setting on the remote module until the corresponding red block
changes to green.
External (#1-#8)
When a WeatherNode module generates an alarm, it can also inform external
devices of the alarm. For example, if the Alarm Configuration Grid in the State/National
module is configured to alarm on a tornado warning, and External #1 is enabled, the
State/National module will send a message to all external devices to tell them that a
tornado warning was received. If the X10 Controller module is monitoring External #1, it
will send a command to any remote modules that are configured to respond to External
#1.
Test
Clicking the Test box for an External Alarm will send a "turn on" message to each
remote module. Removing the test marker will send a "turn off" message to each remote
module.
2.10 - FTP ENGINE
The FTP Engine is a WeatherNode plug-in module that allows your WeatherNode system
to automatically receive the latest EMWIN data on a regular basis from servers on the
Internet. To use the FTP Engine, first log in with your ISP, then select the WeatherNode
main module plug-ins menu and start the FTP Engine. The FTP Engine will periodically
download new information and make it available to the Housekeeper for processing.
While not as timely or reliable as a direct connection to the EMWIN data stream, it is the
easiest to use and is an excellent method for staying informed of weather and other
emergencies.
NOTE: Since Internet connections can become unreliable with loading, it is very likely
that your system will not update during times of peak usage.
Section 3 - Troubleshooting
Occasionally there is a report of a system that won't receive data. This section will explain
some of the most common questions and offer solutions.
Radio and Satellite users:
The primary support question received is from users who have set-up the system and
cannot receive data. By far the majority of these calls are solved as soon as the computer
communications (COM) port is configured properly. When the COM port is properly
configured, and the demodulator is connected to a data source, the buffer indicator in the
EMWIN engine will begin to fill. Be absolutely certain that the COM port you are
connecting the demodulator to is an actual active com port. Many times an internal
modem or a serial mouse has been installed and com1 or com2 disabled by the modem or
mouse installer. The port connector on your computer may still be connected inside the
computer, but jumpers of BIOS settings may have been changed to disable the port.
The second most common support questions are due to poor receive signal. On the
EMWIN engine are several tuning tools to determine your receive data quality. The
primary indicator is a percentage Data Quality indicator that displays system data quality
level. The system is designed to function well with any level above 95%, but you should
strive for 99% or higher. If you are using a local rebroadcast, you may need to improve
your antenna placement to raise the signal quality. If you are using a satellite, you may
need to aim your dish better or get a larger dish. Occasionally, even a normally perfect
signal may receive interference from nearby transmitters or electrical noise from appliances
etc.
Other support questions:
The EMWIN engine captures 2 or 3 green blocks, then misses a block, and repeats. This
problem has been traced to two items:
- Some Logitech mouse drivers cause COM ports to drop a data bit, which causes the
EMWIN engine to miss a data block. The only solution for this is to replace the Logitech
mouse and driver.
- Some sound cards which will cause a COM port to miss a data bit. If you have set your
EMWIN engine to 'beep' on good or bad blocks, try turning off the 'beep' and see if quality
improves. If it does, then your current sound card and/or driver interfere with your
computer COM ports. This is especially prevalent in Windows 95 installations running the
original SoundBlaster drivers. Creative Labs offers updated drivers for their cards on their
web site.
When the EMWIN engine starts, the system 'locks up'.
- The EMWIN engine is a communications program and as such expects to have exclusive
use of a COM port. Interrupt (IRQ) conflicts will cause your system to lock-up when a
COM port tries to access an IRQ that's already assigned to another device.
When the EMWIN engine is stopped, then restarted, the system 'locks up'
- This problem is prevalent in systems that use UARTS that are not 100% compatible with
the 16550 UART. The problem is in the way the UART handles the FIFO buffer. If you
have this problem, edit your system.ini file and add a COM(x)FIFO=0 statement to cause
the FIFO buffer to be disabled. Substitute your COM port number for (x).
The entry should look like this:
[386enh]
COM1FIFO=0
What are these files with suffixes like .ZIS and .ZIP and .ZAG?
- They are compressed data files.
Compressed data files are all actually files that were compressed using the PKWare
PKZIP standard compression. The Housekeeper will automatically decompress any
compressed files, including any .ZIS, .ZIP or .ZAG files put into /newfiles directory. For
example, surface observations are combined into a compressed file called
SAHOURLY.ZIS. By compressing the file, it's possible to fit over 220K of observations
into a file that only requires 40K of transmission time. When compressed files are being
transmitted, the effective throughput of the 9600 baud EMWIN data stream is nearly 56K.
The NWS EMWIN obtains these high effective rates by stripping file overhead and
packing the data BEFORE compression.
How often does EMWIN use compression?
- Compression is ONLY used on large data files like surface data, radar coded messages,
upper air data, and other large live data sets. Your local retransmission station may add
packed and compressed data files to allow the retransmission of more products at a lower
data rate.
What is an Eclipse Period?
- On the current GOES satellites, the electrical power and power storage do not last long
enough to allow those satellites to operate for long periods when the Earth shadow blocks
the sunlight from the Satellite solar Panels. In the spring (March) and fall (September), the
satellites are powered down for a little over an hour each night while in Earth's shadow.
When the satellites are OFF so is EMWIN. On the new series of GOES satellites (to be
launched in 2001+) the power bus has much more capability which will allow operations
even during eclipse periods.
Appendix F – Frequency list of EMWIN sources
TERRESTRIAL RADIO
Florida
Seminole County - 60 Watts 156.105 MHz - 1200 baud
St. Petersburg - 100 Watts 139.2125 MHz - 1200 baud
Illinois
Wheaton - 150 Watts - 148.6375 MHz - 1200 baud
Maryland
Laurel - 100 Watts - 142.925 MHz - 2400 Baud
Brunswick - 50 Watts - 142.925 MHz - 1200 baud
Silver Spring - 300 Watts - 400.175 MHz - 1200 baud
Michigan
Battle Creek - 50 Watts - 150.500 MHz - 1200 baud
Mississippi
Pascagoula - 100 Watts - 148.375 MHz - 1200 baud
Missouri
Buffalo - 30 Watts - 139.2125 MHz - 1200 baud
Chesterfield - 200 Watts - 460.425 MHz - 1200 baud
Kansas City - 330 watts - 139.2125 MHz - 1200 baud
Nevada - 139.2125 MHz - 1200 baud
Nebraska
Wilber - 45 Watts - 156.105 MHz - 1200 baud
North Dakota
Bismarck - 40 Watts - 143.150 MHz - 1200 baud
Grand Forks - 35 Watts - 143.150 MHz - 1200 baud
Oklahoma
Atoka - 25 Watts - 153.950 MHz - 1200 baud
Clinton - 35 Watts - 148.775 MHz - 1200 baud
Durant - 25 Watts - 150.750 MHz - 1200 baud
Enid - 45 Watts - 142.950 MHz - 1200 baud
Guymon - 60 Watts - 150.750 MHz - 1200 baud
Kiamichi Mtn. - 75 Watts - 142.950 MHz - 1200 baud
McAlester - 100 Watts - 148.775 MHz - 1200 baud
Miami - 100 Watts - 150.750 MHz - 1200 baud
Norman - 50 Watts - 169.025 MHz - 1200 baud
Oklahoma City - 200 Watts - 150.750 MHz - 1200 baud
Ponca City - 80 Watts - 150.750 MHz - 1200 baud
Poteau - 60 Watts - 150.750 MHz - 1200 baud
Stillwater - 100 Watts - 148.775 MHz - 1200 baud
Tulsa - 650 Watts - 165.0125 MHz - 1200 baud
Woodward - 100 Watts - 150.750 MHz - 1200 baud
South Carolina
Moncks Corner - 45 Watts - 141.500 MHz - 1200 baud
Tennessee
Memphis - 20 Watts - 150.750 MHz - 1200 Baud
Memphis - WYPL 89.3FM/67 KHz Subcxr - 1200 baud
Texas
Austin - 50 Watts - 150.435 MHz - 1200 baud
College Sta. - KEOS 89.1FM/67 KHz Subcxr - 1200 baud
Dallas - 60 Watts - 150.435 MHz - 1200 baud
Houston - 50 Watts - 150.435 MHz - 1200 baud
La Feria - 100 Watts - 150.435 MHz - 1200 baud
Longview - 75 Watts - 150.435 MHz - 1200 baud
Temple - 100 Watts - 150.435 MHz - 1200 baud
Wichita Falls - 50 Watts - 150.435 MHz - 1200 baud
Wyoming
Cheyenne - 159.180 MHz - 1200 baud
GOES 8 AND GOES 9 SATELLITES 9600 baud - 1690.7 MHz.
Appendix P – Product Categories
This list defines the filenames reserved for use on the EMWIN system.
Prefix
Name
---------AFD
Area Forecast Discussion
AIR
Upper Air (Data)
APT
Polar Orbiter Images
ASH
Volcanic/FIRE Warnings and reports
AWS
Area Weather Summary
CEM
Civil Emergency Message
CFW
Coastal Flood Warning
CHT
Charts DIFAX/WEFAX
CLI
Climate Reports
CMP
Composite Images(CMPALLUS.GIF)
CMP
Compressed Files (CMPMxxxx.ZAG)
CWF
Coastal Waters Forecast
DY1
DY2
ELN
EMA
EPH
EQR
ESF
ESS
FAA
FEE
FFW
FFA
FFS
FLN
FLW
FWF
GLF
GLO
GLS
GMS
GO9
G10
GPH
HAA
HAD
HAF
HAM
HAP
HAS
HAT
HAW
HEA
HED
HEF
HEM
HEP
HES
HET
HEW
HFF
HLS
HNA
HND
HNF
HNM
Day One Convective Outlook
Day Two Convective Outlook
El 'Nino images
Emergency manager activation msg.
Ephemeris data for satellite orbits
Earthquake Data
Flood Potential
Water Supply Forecast
Aviation Reports (Pilot briefs)
Feedback to all users
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Advisory
Flash Flood Statement
National Flood Summary
Flood Warning
Fire Weather Forecast
Great Lakes Forecast
Great Lake Outlook
Great Lakes Summary
GMS Satellite Images
GOES 9 Satellite Images
GOES 10 Satellite Images
Graphic Files (AFOS Graphics)
Hurricane Probabilities Atlantic
Hurricane Discussion Atlantic
Hurricane Forecast Advisory Atlantic
Hurricane NCEP Model Comparison Atlantic
Hurricane Public Advisory Atlantic
Hurricane Monthly Summary Atlantic
NCEP Tropical Discussion Atlantic
Tropical Weather Outlook Atlantic
Hurricane Probabilities East Pacific
Hurricane Discussion East Pacific
Hurricane Forecast Advisory East Pacific
Hurricane NCEP Model Comparison East Pacific
Hurricane Public Advisory East Pacific
Hurricane Monthly Summary East Pacific
NCEP Tropical Discussion East Pacific
Tropical Weather Outlook East Pacific
High Seas Forecast
Hurricane Local Statement
Hurricane Probabilities North Pacific
Hurricane Discussion North Pacific
Hurricane Forecast Advisory North Pacific
Hurricane NCEP Model Comparison North Pacific
HNP
HNS
HNT
HNW
HSA
HSD
HSF
HSM
HSP
HST
HSS
HSW
HWA
HWD
HWF
HWM
HWP
HWS
HWT
HWU
HWW
HTM
ICE
IMG
INT
LFP
LGT
LSH
LSR
MET
MIS
MOD
MWS
NAH
NSH
NOW
NPW
NWX
OFF
OMR
PAA
PNS
PRO
PSR
RAD
Hurricane Public Advisory North Pacific
Hurricane Monthly Summary North Pacific
NCEP Tropical Discussion North Pacific
Tropical Weather Outlook North Pacific
Hurricane Probabilities South Pacific
Hurricane Discussion South Pacific
Hurricane Forecast Advisory South Pacific
Hurricane NCEP Model Comparison South Pacific
Hurricane Public Advisory South Pacific
NCEP Tropical Discussion South Pacific
Hurricane Monthly Summary South Pacific
Tropical Weather Outlook South Pacific
Hurricane Probabilities West Pacific
Hurricane Discussion West Pacific
Hurricane Forecast Advisory West Pacific
Hurricane NCEP Model Comparison West Pacific
Hurricane Public Advisory West Pacific
Hurricane Monthly Summary West Pacific
Hurricane NCEP Tropical Discussion West Pacific
Hazardous Weather Update
Tropical Weather Outlook West Pacific
HTML Documents
Ice Statement
General Images (IMGALLUS.GIF)
International Overviews
Local Forecast
Lightning Images
Lake Shore Forecast
Local Storm Report
Meteosat Images
Miscellaneous Products
Model Run Images
Marine Weather Statement
Agriculture Products (Intn'l /National)
Near Shore Forecast
NOWcasts (Short Term Forecast)
Non-precipitation Warning
National Weather Summary
Offshore Forecast
Other/Offshore Marine Reports
Pager Messages
Public Information Statements
Propagation Reports
Post Storm Report
Radar Images (RADALLUS.GIF)
REC
RER
RFW
RVA
RVR
RVS
RWS
SAH
SAO
SAW
SCS
SEL
SES
SFD
SFP
SHP
SIX
SLS
SKY
SMW
SPS
STP
SUM
SVR
SVS
SWO
SWR
SWX
TAF
TID
TOR
TRK
TSU
TVL
UVI
WSW
WWA
ZFP
Recreation Forecasts
Record Event Reports
Red Flag Warning (Fire Warning)
River Summary
River Forecast
River Statement
Regional Weather Summary
Surface Observations (Data)
SAORCMUS.TXT Contains RCM's
Selected Area Watches
Selected cities (scs11-scs14)
Watch areas
Seismic/Earthquake Images
State Forecast Discussion
State Forecast
Live Ship Reports
Six to Ten day outlook
Areal update
SKYWARN Activation Message
Special Marine Warning
Special Weather Statement
State Temp & Precip Reports
State Weather Summary
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Weather Statement
Severe Weather Outlook
State Weather Roundup
Space Weather (solar activity)
Aviation Terminal Forecasts/airports
Tide Data
Tornado Warning
Tracking Files (storm tracks)
Tsunami
Travelers Forecasts
National Ultra-Violet index
Winter Storm Warning
Weather Watch
Zone Forecast
Appendix O - Overview of the EMWIN system
