-------- Original Message --------
Hello,
This is a notification that all remaining 11 National Weather Service
(NWS) upper air stations using the Vaisala RS80-57H radiosonde will
either transition to the Sippican B2 radiosondes (for use with the
existing 1950s ART tracking system) or the Radiosonde Replacement System
(RRS) within the next 12 months.
*NWS stations using the Vaisala RS80 radiosonde as of November 1, 2009:*
McGrath, AK
Kodiak, AK
Bethel, AK
Kotzebue, AK
Cold Bay, AK
In Pacific Region:
Lihue
Chuuk
Koror
Ponape
Pago Pago
Yap
Vaisala Inc., no longer manufactures the RS80 radiosonde and remaining
supplies of the instrument are projected to run out in early 2010 at
current usage rates. Thus, a number of sites listed above must
transition to the B2 radiosonde before they get RRS so as to maintain
24/7 operations.
NWS is currently testing the B2 radiosonde at McGrath, Alaska, which has
used the Vaisala RS80 since November, 1995. Non-synoptic test soundings
have been taken (and transmitted) at the office with the B2 radiosonde
since November 1, 2009, and will continue for about another week . If
all goes well, McGrath, as well as Kodiak, could switch over to the
Sippican B2 radiosonde as early as mid to late November. Lihue, Koror
and Chuuk may switchover to the B2 radiosonde in December at the
earliest. Additional sites will likely switchover to the B2 radiosonde
later in 2010. Sites transitioning to the B2 radiosonde are expected to
eventually implement RRS within the next few years.
I will keep you informed as these sites transition to the B2 radiosonde
or RRS.
Bill Blackmore
Upper air Operations
National Weather Service HQ
NOAA U.S. Dept. of Commerce