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M211752EN-E
User Guide
Vaisala Radiosonde
RS41-SGM

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Summary of Contents for Vaisala Radiosonde RS41-SGM

  • Page 1 M211752EN-E User Guide Vaisala Radiosonde RS41-SGM...
  • Page 2 Visit our Internet pages at www.vaisala.com. © Vaisala 2018 No part of this manual may be reproduced, contained in this manual. Vaisala makes no published or publicly displayed in any form or by representations on this manual’s compliance with any means, electronic or mechanical (including...
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    About This Document..................5 Version Information.....................5 Related Manuals....................5 Documentation Conventions................6 Trademarks......................6 Regulatory Compliances..................6 Product Overview..................... 9 Introduction to Vaisala Radiosonde RS41............9 Unwinder......................10 Packing......................... 11 Product-Related Safety Precautions............... 12 ESD Protection....................13 Lithium Battery-Related Precautions.............. 14 Operation......................15 Preparing the Sounding..................15 Preparing the Radiosonde Balloon..............
  • Page 4 RS41-SGM User Guide M211752EN-E List of Figures Figure 1 Vaisala Radiosonde RS41 with Unwinder............10 Figure 2 RS41 Unwinder....................... 11 Figure 3 RS41 Radiosondes and Unwinders in a Delivery Package......11 Figure 4 Radiosonde RS41 Optional Accessories............20 Figure 5 RS41 Unwinder Details..................
  • Page 5 List of Tables List of Tables Table 1 Manual Versions....................... 5 Table 2 Related Manuals....................... 5 Table 3 Unwinder Properties..................... 10 Table 4 RS41 LED Lights.....................30...
  • Page 6 RS41-SGM User Guide M211752EN-E...
  • Page 7: About This Document

    RS41 in this manual. For information on the sounding software, see the appropriate sounding system documentation. In this manual, RS41 refers to Radiosonde RS41-SGM, unless otherwise mentioned. RI41 refers to both RI41 and RI41-B, unless otherwise mentioned. Table 1 Manual Versions...
  • Page 8: Documentation Conventions

    Indicates that you need to take some notes during the task. 1.4 Trademarks DigiCORAâ and MARWINâ are registered trademarks of Vaisala Oyj. 1.5 Regulatory Compliances Vaisala Radiosonde RS41 complies with the following performance and environmental test standards: • 2004/108/EC Electromagnetic Compliance: EN 61000-4-2, EN 61000-4-3 and EN 55022 / EN 302 054-2 •...
  • Page 9 Chapter 1 – About This Document • RoHS compliance: RoHS Directive (2011/65/EC)
  • Page 10 RS41-SGM User Guide M211752EN-E...
  • Page 11: Product Overview

    Vaisala Radiosonde RS41 temperature sensor utilizes linear resistive platinum technology. The small size of the sensor results in low solar radiation error and guarantees fast response. Wind data, height and pressure are derived from Vaisala Radiosonde RS41 GPS data combined with differential corrected GPS data from the ground station.
  • Page 12: Unwinder

    RS41-SGM User Guide M211752EN-E Figure 1 Vaisala Radiosonde RS41 with Unwinder Sensor boom Power switch Additional sensor interface connector Antenna LED light Unwinder Unwinder stick 2.2 Unwinder The unwinder is specifically designed for use with Radiosonde RS41. The unwinder is installed to the radiosonde so that it bends the sensor boom to the correct sounding position, ensuring repeatable results in the soundings.
  • Page 13: Packing

    Figure 2 RS41 Unwinder 2.3 Packing For easy transport and extra protection in the field, Radiosonde RS41-SGM is delivered in small shipping packages containing three radiosondes in their handling packages and three unwinders. The package has been tested to comply with MIL-STD 810G for transit drop, vibration and low pressure.
  • Page 14: Product-Related Safety Precautions

    RS41-SGM User Guide M211752EN-E Figure 3 RS41 Radiosondes and Unwinders in a Delivery Package 2.4 Product-Related Safety Precautions WARNING! Conduct soundings in a safe environment and in accordance with all applicable restrictions and regulations. WARNING! Do not use the radiosonde in an area with power lines or other obstructions overhead.
  • Page 15: Esd Protection

    Chapter 2 – Product Overview WARNING! Vaisala recommends the use of a parachute even if it is not required by applicable restrictions. CAUTION! Do not modify the unit. Improper modification can damage the product or lead to malfunction. CAUTION! Do not use the radiosonde for any purpose other than for soundings.
  • Page 16: Lithium Battery-Related Precautions

    RS41-SGM User Guide M211752EN-E 2.6 Lithium Battery-Related Precautions CAUTION! Do not place the lithium battery in fire or apply heat to the battery. Do not pierce the battery with nails, strike the battery with a hammer, step on the battery, or otherwise damage the outer casing. Do not subject the battery pack to strong impacts or shocks.
  • Page 17: Operation

    3. Prepare the radiosonde with the ground check device. When the radiosonde is prepared outdoors with Ground Check Device MWH322, Vaisala recommends that the radiosonde is prepared in its cardboard package to provide extra protection for the radiosonde sensor. Remove the foil bag before the preparations.
  • Page 18: Handling The Balloon

    (or hydrogen generator) with a flexible plastic hose. 2. Select the nozzle which best fits into the neck of the balloon. 3. Load the additional weights that are needed to obtain the required lift, for example, Vaisala Filling Balance FB13 weights as in the figure below.
  • Page 19 Chapter 3 – Operation 4. Secure the neck of the balloon to the balance nozzle with a clamp as shown in the figure below. Look out for sharp objects near the filling balance so that no damage is caused to the relaxed balloon. 5.
  • Page 20 RS41-SGM User Guide M211752EN-E 6. When the balloon is sufficiently filled, in other words, the balloon just raises the gas nozzle, close the gas valve. 7. Before removing the balloon from the gas nozzle, tie the neck of the balloon tightly above the balance nozzle with approximately 0.5 m (2 ft) bit of string.
  • Page 21 Chapter 3 – Operation 8. Remove the balloon from the gas nozzle. 9. Fold the neck of the balloon over and secure firmly. Cut off any extra string. The figure below shows an example of a secured balloon neck. In the figure, the balloon is attached to a balloon holder hook.
  • Page 22: Preparing Optional Sounding Accessories

    RS41-SGM User Guide M211752EN-E 3.3 Preparing Optional Sounding Accessories The unwinder is designed to be attached directly to the folded balloon neck, but in case you cannot attach the unwinder to the balloon, the unwinder can also be used with optional sounding accessories which provide the necessary support during the sounding.
  • Page 23: Totex Parachute 5710-5

    3.3.1 Totex Parachute 5710-5 The recommended parachute is Totex type 5710-5 (Vaisala code 15045). See option 1 in Figure 4 (page 20). Totex parachute 5710-5 has an elastic ribbon loop below the spreader. Attach the unwinder to the loop by pushing the hook out the other side in the same fashion as with the folded balloon neck.
  • Page 24: Preparing Rs41 Unwinder

    See option 2 in Figure 4 (page 20). Visit www.vaisala.com/RS41 to watch a short video on how to attach the unwinder to the balloon. It is very important to prepare the unwinder carefully, following the instructions below.
  • Page 25: Handling The Unwinder String

    Chapter 3 – Operation 2. When you pull the unwinder stick out, make sure that the string unwinds and that it is not tangled. Figure 5 RS41 Unwinder Details Unwinder stick Unwinder hook Unwinder bottom plate Unwinder clip 3.4.2 Handling the Unwinder String In the unwinder body, the unwinder string runs under a round plastic clip (number 4 in Figure 5 (page 23)) on the bottom plate.
  • Page 26: Attaching The Unwinder To The Balloon

    RS41-SGM User Guide M211752EN-E 2. If the clip is bent up, bend it gently back to level position as shown in Figure 6 (page 24). Figure 6 Unwinder Clip Is Level with the Unwinder Bottom Plate 3.4.3 Attaching the Unwinder to the Balloon The unwinder must be attached firmly, so that it is not able to twist freely, or the suspension string might unwind at too high a speed and the radiosonde hit the ground during the launch.
  • Page 27 Chapter 3 – Operation 3. Align the unwinder so that it points directly downwards from the balloon neck, as illustrated in the figure below. CAUTION! To ensure a successful sounding, align the unwinder so that it points downwards from the balloon neck.
  • Page 28: Preparing The Radiosonde

    RS41-SGM User Guide M211752EN-E 3.5 Preparing the Radiosonde CAUTION! Do not touch the radiosonde sensors, they are fragile and can be easily contaminated. During radiosonde regeneration, the temperature of the sensor boom is about 150 °C for three (3) minutes.
  • Page 29 Chapter 3 – Operation 1. Open the radiosonde package and follow the instructions printed on the foil bag to prepare the radiosonde. The figure below provides an example of the instructions.
  • Page 30 When the radiosonde is prepared outdoors with Ground Check Device MWH322, Vaisala recommends that the radiosonde is prepared in its cardboard package to provide extra protection for the radiosonde sensor. Remove the foil bag before the preparations.
  • Page 31: Preparing Rs41 Sensor Boom

    Chapter 3 – Operation 3.6 Preparing RS41 Sensor Boom Before launching the radiosonde, bend the sensor boom to the correct sounding position using the unwinder stick. This also attaches the radiosonde to the unwinder and the balloon. 1. Push the unwinder stick to its position at the end of the radiosonde. 2.
  • Page 32: Checking The Led Light

    RS41-SGM User Guide M211752EN-E 3. Make sure that the unwinder is firmly attached to the radiosonde. 3.7 Checking the LED Light After preparing the radiosonde for the sounding, check the radiosonde status by checking the LED light on the radiosonde cover. When the green LED light is steady, the radiosonde is ready for the release.
  • Page 33: Storage And Transportation

    4.2 Transportation Vaisala radiosondes must be transported in their original shipping packages.These packages are designed and built to survive and protect their contents in the environmental conditions described herein with the terminology and standards per standard IEC 60721-3-2. The...
  • Page 34: Figure 7 Lithium Battery Handling Label

    RS41-SGM User Guide M211752EN-E • The consignment must include a document indicating the lithium content, describing proper handling and procedures for damaged packages, and a telephone number for additional information. Figure 7 Lithium Battery Handling Label If the lithium battery is faulty, do not transport it.
  • Page 35: Appendix A: Safety Instructions For Balloon Operators

    Appendix A – Safety Instructions for Balloon Operators Appendix A. Safety Instructions for Balloon Operators Photocopy these instructions and place the list in clear view in the balloon filling shed and in the sounding compartment. WARNING! New operator! Carefully study the instructions for using the hydrogen generator and for the correct method of inflation.
  • Page 36 RS41-SGM User Guide M211752EN-E 14. Always keep the radiosonde at least 50 cm below the level of the gas nozzle and the inflated balloon, and at least 1.5 meters away from the gas cylinder/hydrogen generator, connectors, and tubing. Avoid taking the radiosonde inside the balloon filling shed, if possible.
  • Page 37: Appendix B: Radiosonde Warranty

    Appendix B – Radiosonde Warranty Appendix B. Radiosonde Warranty...
  • Page 38 RS41-SGM User Guide M211752EN-E...
  • Page 39: Technical Support

    Technical Support Contact Vaisala technical support at helpdesk@vaisala.com. Provide at least the following supporting information: • Product name, model, and serial number • Name and location of the installation site • Name and contact information of a technical person who can provide further information on the problem For more information, see www.vaisala.com/support.
  • Page 40 RS41-SGM User Guide M211752EN-E...
  • Page 42 www.vaisala.com...

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