SondeMonitor 5.3.1

Here are some key features of "SondeMonitor":

Analogue and digital sondes:
· SondeMonitor decodes the messages from both analogue (6-tone) radiosondes (Vaisala RS80 series) and digital radiosondes (Vaisala RS92SGP and RS92AGP series) using a simple UHF scanner receiver and the soundcard of a PC or laptop.

Data output:
· SondeMonitor generates a data file of the raw sample frequency data from analogue radiosondes and the raw hex data from digital radiosondes.

Raw display:
· SondeMonitor displays the raw measurand data in either table form or graphical form as a quick look and to identify the balloon burst instant.

Graphical displays:
· SondeMonitor displays the decoded data in either table form or graphical form (right). A median filter and a smoothing filter are both supplied to improve the signal to noise ratio of the telemetry from analogue sondes that lack the error checking machanisms of the digital sondes.

Stueve diagram:
· SondeMonitor can display the decoded telemetry data from a digital sonde in a real-time using a Stueve diagram (below right) that develops as the sonde ascends. The diagram shows temperature and humidity against log pressure (altitude) together with measured wind data if the GPS telemetry decode is armed.

GPS position tracking:
· SondeMonitor can display a map showing the ground track of digital (GPS) radio sondes during their flight mission or processed from the telemetry data afterwards (right) It can also ouput the current sonde position as a pseudo-GPS receiver in serial NMEA format.

· Finder display
· SondeMonitor can display a window showing the real time distance and direction of the sonde. If you have a GPS receiver connected to SondeMonitor, it will display the relative bearing of the sonde with respect to your direction of travel. This greatly facilitates pursuit of the sonde.

MultiMap(tm) support:
· At a click of a button, SondeMonitor can show you the current position of a digital sonde over a MultiMap(tm) display.

Google Map(tm) support:
· At a click of a button, SondeMonitor can show you the current position of a digital sonde over a Google Map(tm) display.

GPS output:
· SondeMonitor can output the current position of a digital sonde in NMEA serial format. This serial data can be connected to other mapping software to show the position of the sonde.

OLE/COM output:
· SondeMonitor provides an OLE/COM (Automation) output that gives the current position of the sonde and can be used in conjunction with other software. CombiPlotter from COAA can make use of this data.

scripting language:
· SondeMonitor can be controlled with a simple script language contained in a text file. Script commands include starting and stopping processing, downloading GPS satellite date from the Internet or from a local receiver, arming the GPS solution, performing shell operations, time scheduling and looping. If you have a serial controlled receiver, you can even tune the receiver with the script.

Requirements:

· UHF receiver and antenna capable of receiving WFM mode (analogue) or NFM mode (digital) on UHF frequencies between 400 and 406 MHz. For reception of the RS92AGP sondes (currently used in Germany)
· Compatible radiosonde launches within UHF line of sight (up to 300km).