All Weather Inc AWOS 3000 User manual

User’s
Manual
3000-001
Rev.G
Automated Weather Observing System
All Weather Inc. • 1165 National Drive • Sacramento, CA 95834 • USA • 800.824.5873 • www.allweatherinc.com
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FAA APPROVED
ECP236 — 2018 Feb 6
NOT FAA APPROVED

Copyright © 2011–2017, All Weather, Inc.
All Rights Reserved. The information contained herein is proprietary and is provided solely for the
purpose of allowing customers to operate and/or service All Weather, Inc. manufactured equipment
and is not to be released, reproduced, or used for any other purpose without written permission of All
Weather, Inc.
Throughout this manual, trademarked names might be used. Rather than put a trademark (™) symbol
in every occurrence of a trademarked name, we state herein that we are using the names only in an
editorial fashion and to the benefit of the trademark owner, and with no intention of infringement. All
Weather, Inc. and the All Weather, Inc. logo are trademarks of All Weather, Inc.
Disclaimer
The information and specifications described in this manual are subject to change without notice.
Latest Manual Version
For the latest version of this manual, see the Product Manuals page under Reference on our web site at
www.allweatherinc.com/.
All Weather, Inc.
1165 National Drive
Sacramento, CA 95834
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Contact Customer Service
Phone support is available from 8:00am - 4:30pm PT, Monday through Friday. Call 916-928-1000
and ask for “Service.”
Online support is available by filling out a request at www.allweatherinc.com/customer/support.html
E-mail your support request to [email protected]

Revision History
Revision
Date
Summary of Changes
D
2011 May 31
Added 7150 BP sensor.
E
2016 August 22
Updated for 1793 VHF Transmitter
F
2017 October 5
Updated for new motherboard
G
2017 December 18
Removed AWOS Net details

CONTENTS AWOS 3000 USER’S MANUAL
Table of Contents
1.SYSTEM OVERVIEW..........................................................................................................................................................1
1.1 General...........................................................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Sensor Station................................................................................................................................................................2
1.3 Data Collection Platform (DCP)......................................................................................................................................2
1.3.1 DCP Display Screens..........................................................................................................................................3
1.4 Central Data Processor (CDP)....................................................................................................................................... 3
1.4.1 Voice Output........................................................................................................................................................3
1.4.1.1 VHF Radio..................................................................................................................................................3
1.4.2 Data Reduction....................................................................................................................................................4
1.4.3 Data Archiving.....................................................................................................................................................4
1.5 Remote Display Options.................................................................................................................................................4
1.5.1 Web Displays ......................................................................................................................................................5
1.6 AWOS Configurations....................................................................................................................................................6
1.6.1 AWOS I ...............................................................................................................................................................6
1.6.2 AWOS II ..............................................................................................................................................................6
1.6.3 AWOS A..............................................................................................................................................................6
1.6.4 AWOS A-V ..........................................................................................................................................................7
1.6.5 AWOS III .............................................................................................................................................................7
1.6.6 AWOS III-P..........................................................................................................................................................8
1.6.7 AWOS III-T..........................................................................................................................................................8
1.6.8 AWOS III-PT........................................................................................................................................................9
1.6.9 AWOS III-PTZ .....................................................................................................................................................9
1.7 Sensor Reporting Table...............................................................................................................................................10
1.8 AWOS Output Modes...................................................................................................................................................12
1.8.1 Mode 1—Full-Time Automated Operation.........................................................................................................12
1.8.2 Mode 2—Full-Time Automated Operation with Local Notice to Airmen (NOTAM)............................................12
1.8.3 Mode 3—Full-Time Automated Operation with Manual Weather Augmentation and Local NOTAM Option ....12
1.8.4 Mode 4—Part-Time Manual Operation.............................................................................................................12
2.CENTRAL DATA PROCESSOR....................................................................................................................................... 14
2.1 CDP Rack Layout.........................................................................................................................................................15
2.2 Back Panel Connections..............................................................................................................................................15
2.3 CDP Top-Shelf Components........................................................................................................................................15
2.3.1 CPU Board........................................................................................................................................................17
2.3.2 SATADOM......................................................................................................................................................... 17
2.3.3 Interface Board..................................................................................................................................................17
2.3.4 Power Supply....................................................................................................................................................17
2.3.5 Communications................................................................................................................................................17
2.3.6 VHF Ground-to-Air Radio..................................................................................................................................17
2.3.7 Voice Modem ....................................................................................................................................................17
2.3.8 Monitor Volume Controls...................................................................................................................................17
2.4 CDP Bottom-Shelf Components...................................................................................................................................18
2.5 UPS.............................................................................................................................................................................. 18
2.6 GPS Receiver...............................................................................................................................................................19
2.7 NADIN Connection.......................................................................................................................................................19

CONTENTS AWOS 3000 USER’S MANUAL
2.8 Optional KVM Extender for Remote Operation............................................................................................................19
2.8.1 KVM Extender Operation ..................................................................................................................................22
2.9 Optional AWOS/ATIS Interface....................................................................................................................................23
2.9.1 Remote Switch..................................................................................................................................................25
2.9.2 ATIS Interface Cable.........................................................................................................................................25
2.10 CDP Block Diagram................................................................................................................................................... 25
3.AWOS 3000 SOFTWARE VIEWS.....................................................................................................................................27
4.ALARMS............................................................................................................................................................................ 28
4.1 Alarms List....................................................................................................................................................................29
4.1.1 Acknowledging and Deleting Alarms.................................................................................................................29
4.2 Blink Alarm...................................................................................................................................................................30
5.TOWER VIEW.................................................................................................................................................................... 31
5.1 Special Characters.......................................................................................................................................................32
5.2 Winds...........................................................................................................................................................................33
5.2.1 Wind Speed.......................................................................................................................................................34
5.2.2 Wind Direction...................................................................................................................................................34
5.2.3 Wind Direction Range .......................................................................................................................................34
5.2.4 Wind Gust..........................................................................................................................................................34
5.2.5 Variable Wind Direction.....................................................................................................................................34
5.3 Visibility........................................................................................................................................................................35
5.4 Present Weather..........................................................................................................................................................36
5.5 Sky Condition...............................................................................................................................................................38
5.6 Temperature.................................................................................................................................................................39
5.6.1 Air Temperature ................................................................................................................................................39
5.6.2 Dew Point..........................................................................................................................................................39
5.6.3 Relative Humidity ..............................................................................................................................................39
5.7 Air Pressure..................................................................................................................................................................40
5.7.1 Altimeter Setting................................................................................................................................................40
5.7.2 Density Altitude .................................................................................................................................................40
5.8 Precipitation..................................................................................................................................................................41
5.9 Variable Visibility..........................................................................................................................................................42
5.10 Lightning.....................................................................................................................................................................43
5.11 Remark.......................................................................................................................................................................45
6.NAVIGATING THE MENUS............................................................................................................................................... 46
7.RESTRICTED FUNCTIONS..............................................................................................................................................47
7.1 Edit Menu.....................................................................................................................................................................47
7.1.1 Configuration > Airport > General Tab..............................................................................................................47
7.1.1.1 Barometric Pressure Offsets....................................................................................................................48
7.1.2 Configuration > Sensors Tab.............................................................................................................................49
7.1.3 Alarm Configuration Menu.................................................................................................................................50
7.1.3.1 Setting Range Alarm Values....................................................................................................................51
7.1.3.2 Setting Static Alarm Values......................................................................................................................51
7.1.4 Configuration > Voice Tab.................................................................................................................................52
7.1.5 Voice Remark....................................................................................................................................................53
7.1.5.1 Recording the Airport Name.....................................................................................................................53

C O N T E N T S AWOS 3000 USER’S MANUAL
8. FILE MENU........................................................................................................................................................................ 54
8.1 Login............................................................................................................................................................................. 54
8.2 Logout .......................................................................................................................................................................... 54
8.3 Historical Data.............................................................................................................................................................. 55
8.4 Printer Setup ................................................................................................................................................................ 57
8.4.1 Automatic Printing ............................................................................................................................................. 57
8.4.2 Printer Status..................................................................................................................................................... 57
8.4.3 Print Test Page.................................................................................................................................................. 58
8.4.4 Set Top of Form ................................................................................................................................................ 58
8.5 Minimize ....................................................................................................................................................................... 58
8.6 Exit ............................................................................................................................................................................... 58
9. EDIT MENU........................................................................................................................................................................ 59
9.1 Group and User Authorizations.................................................................................................................................... 60
9.2 Group Authorizations.................................................................................................................................................... 61
9.2.1 Adding a Group ................................................................................................................................................. 62
9.2.2 Editing a Group ................................................................................................................................................. 63
9.2.3 Deleting a Group ............................................................................................................................................... 63
9.3 User Authorizations...................................................................................................................................................... 64
9.3.1 Adding a User.................................................................................................................................................... 65
9.3.2 Editing a User.................................................................................................................................................... 66
9.3.3 Deleting a User.................................................................................................................................................. 66
9.4 Configuration................................................................................................................................................................ 67
9.4.1 Airport Tab......................................................................................................................................................... 68
9.4.1.1 General .................................................................................................................................................... 68
9.4.1.2 Runways .................................................................................................................................................. 69
9.4.2 Reports Tab....................................................................................................................................................... 70
9.4.2.1 METAR Tab ............................................................................................................................................. 70
9.4.2.2 NADIN Tab............................................................................................................................................... 71
9.4.3 Sensors Tab ...................................................................................................................................................... 71
9.4.4 Voice Tab .......................................................................................................................................................... 72
9.4.4.1 Status....................................................................................................................................................... 72
9.4.4.2 Playback Mode......................................................................................................................................... 72
9.4.4.3 Enabling Phone Output............................................................................................................................ 73
9.4.4.4 Enabling VHF Radio Output..................................................................................................................... 73
9.4.4.5 Voice Test Mode ...................................................................................................................................... 73
9.4.5 Misc Tab............................................................................................................................................................ 74
9.4.5.1 General Tab ............................................................................................................................................. 74
9.4.5.2 Time Tab.................................................................................................................................................. 75
9.5 Alarm Configuration...................................................................................................................................................... 76
9.6 Turn On/Off Sensors .................................................................................................................................................... 76
9.7 Handling Archive Data.................................................................................................................................................. 77
9.8 Voice Remark............................................................................................................................................................... 77
9.8.1 Recording a Voice Remark ............................................................................................................................... 77
9.8.2 Playback Mode.................................................................................................................................................. 78
9.8.3 Enabling Voice Output....................................................................................................................................... 78
9.8.4 Voice Remark Expiration................................................................................................................................... 78
9.8.5 Telephone Access to Voice Remarks ............................................................................................................... 78

C O N T E N T S AWOS 3000 USER’S MANUAL
10. VIEW MENU....................................................................................................................................................................... 80
10.1 Selecting the Data View ............................................................................................................................................. 80
10.2 Tower View................................................................................................................................................................. 81
10.3 Diagnostics View........................................................................................................................................................ 82
10.3.1 System Diagnostics......................................................................................................................................... 82
10.3.2 DCP Diagnostics ............................................................................................................................................. 84
10.3.2.1 Statistics................................................................................................................................................. 85
10.3.2.2 Status..................................................................................................................................................... 87
10.3.2.3 Sensor Data ........................................................................................................................................... 88
10.3.2.4 Recent Reponses................................................................................................................................... 88
10.3.3 Cloud Height Indicator Diagnostics ................................................................................................................. 89
10.3.4 Freezing Rain Diagnostics .............................................................................................................................. 91
10.3.5 Lightning Diagnostics ...................................................................................................................................... 93
10.3.6 Precipitation Identification/Intensity Diagnostics ............................................................................................. 95
10.3.7 Visibility Diagnostics........................................................................................................................................ 97
10.3.7.1 Configuration.......................................................................................................................................... 98
10.3.7.2 Mode ...................................................................................................................................................... 98
10.3.7.3 Emitter/Detector ..................................................................................................................................... 99
10.3.7.4 Other .................................................................................................................................................... 100
10.3.8 GPS Diagnostics ........................................................................................................................................... 101
10.4 Archives View........................................................................................................................................................... 103
10.4.1 Navigation and Data Panes........................................................................................................................... 104
10.4.2 Snap Shot Archive......................................................................................................................................... 104
10.4.3 Delete Archive ............................................................................................................................................... 104
10.4.4 Save Archive ................................................................................................................................................. 105
11. MANUAL OBSERVATIONS MENU ................................................................................................................................ 106
11.1 Manual Observations and Automatic Data............................................................................................................... 106
11.2 Manual Observation Text Colors.............................................................................................................................. 107
11.3 Air Pressure Manual Observation ............................................................................................................................ 108
11.4 Air Temperature Manual Observation ...................................................................................................................... 109
11.5 Clouds Manual Observation ..................................................................................................................................... 110
11.6 Lightning Manual Observation.................................................................................................................................. 111
11.7 Precipitation Manual Observation ............................................................................................................................ 112
11.8 Present Weather Manual Observation ..................................................................................................................... 113
11.9 Visibility Manual Observation ................................................................................................................................... 114
12. REPORTS MENU ............................................................................................................................................................ 115
12.1 Entering a METAR Remark...................................................................................................................................... 115
13. SYSTEM STATUS MENU................................................................................................................................................ 117
13.1 Alarms... ................................................................................................................................................................... 117
13.1.1 Acknowledging and Deleting Alarms............................................................................................................. 118
13.2 Blink Alarm ............................................................................................................................................................... 118
14. HELP MENU .................................................................................................................................................................... 119
14.1 About........................................................................................................................................................................ 119

C O N T E N T S AWOS 3000 USER’S MANUAL
15. MAINTENANCE............................................................................................................................................................... 120
16. REMOTE MAINTENANCE MONITORING (RMM) .......................................................................................................... 121
16.1 Hardware Requirements .......................................................................................................................................... 122
16.2 Establishing Communication with the AWOS........................................................................................................... 122
16.3 AWOS RMM Commands ......................................................................................................................................... 123
16.4 Password Processing............................................................................................................................................... 125
16.5 $OPENFIL: Entering Filenames............................................................................................................................... 125
16.5.1 Retrieving Data Files..................................................................................................................................... 125
16.6 $ONLINE and $OFFLINE: Specifying Sensor Names ............................................................................................. 126
16.7 RMM Command Processing and Command Responses......................................................................................... 126
16.8 Terminating the RMM Session................................................................................................................................. 127
16.8.1 Automatic Termination .................................................................................................................................. 127
APPENDIX A. DCP MESSAGE FORMAT ............................................................................................................................... 128
APPENDIX B. DRAWINGS ...................................................................................................................................................... 131

S Y S T E M O V E R V I E W AWOS 3000 USER’S MANUAL
1
1. System Overview
The AWOS 3000 is a modular weather monitoring system that continuously measures an array
of weather parameters at an airfield or helipad. The AWOS outputs the data to display terminals
and broadcasts current conditions over VHF radio to pilots in the vicinity.
1.1 General
Figure 1 shows the main AWOS components.
Sensor
Station
Data Collection
Platform
(DCP)
AWOS Net Remote
Displays
Console
(Operator Interface
Device)
AWOS Web Web Displays
Optional Remote Display
Outputs
Internet
Internet
KVM Extender
Local
Operator Interface
Device
Central Data
Processor
(CDP)
Data Output
& Archiving
Figure 1. AWOS Components
A sensor station measures meteorological parameters, which are collected by a Data Collection
Platform (DCP). Data processing, communications, and overall system operation is controlled by
the Central Data Processor (CDP), which also archives and outputs the weather observations.
Chapter
1

S Y S T E M O V E R V I E W AWOS 3000 USER’S MANUAL
2
Optional remote display interfaces are also possible.
The KVM Extender can be used for a remote operator terminal to interface to the CDP
using a patch cord between the KVM Extender units.
AWOS Net can be used to broadcast data via an Ethernet connection to all active remote
displays or via the Internet to allow remote users to view the AWOS data on any
compatible computer using a standard Web browser.
A NADIN connection is possible via a direct connection to the CDP or via a Virtual Private
Network using the AWOS Net and AWOS Web interface.
1.2 Sensor Station
The sensor station measures a full array of meteorological parameters using a configurable suite
of sensors. Available sensors include wind speed, wind direction, barometric pressure, air tem-
perature, dew point temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, cloud height and sky condition,
visibility, present weather, thunderstorm detection, and freezing rain. The standard configura-
tions are listed later in this chapter.
A self-supporting tower is used as the mounting platform for the basic sensor suite. Tilt-over
towers can be provided as required. When included, the ceilometer, visibility sensor, thunder-
storm/lightning detector, and freezing rain sensor are mounted on separate foundations. All
outdoor enclosures meet IP65 (NEMA 4X) specifications.
The AWOS is protected by a comprehensive network of lightning and transient surge protection
components. Tranzorbs, MOVs, and resistors protect all sensor lines, power lines, telephone
lines, and communication lines against lightning-induced surges and power line transients and
surges.
1.3 Data Collection Platform (DCP)
The sensor station is paired with a Data Collection Platform (DCP). Located on the sensor tower,
the DCP collects data from the sensors, performs error detection on the received information,
converts the sensor data into engineering units, and transmits message packets containing sensor
data and status information to the Central Data Processor (CDP) every 5 seconds.
Communications between the DCP and CDP can be accomplished via RS-485 landline or UHF
radio link. The DCP data packets contain a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) that allows the CDP
to determine if any transmission errors have occurred. The CDP ignores data that is not received
correctly.
The dual barometric pressure sensor is housed within the DCP. A keypad and display built into
the DCP allow for on-site viewing of data and sensor maintenance.

S Y S T E M O V E R V I E W AWOS 3000 USER’S MANUAL
3
1.3.1 DCP Display Screens
A keypad and LCD display screen are located inside the DCP enclosure, and are used to view
sensor data and to perform maintenance checks. The * and # keys on the keypad are used to
move through the screens. To move to a higher numbered screen, press the # key. To move to a
lower numbered screen, press the * key. The DCP screens are explained in the Model 1190 Data
Collection Platform User's Manual.
1.4 Central Data Processor (CDP)
Data processing, communications, and overall system operation is controlled by the Central Data
Processor (CDP). The CDP is mounted in an industrial-grade rack along with a UPS. The rack
also houses the VHF ground-to-air radio and any of the CDP options, including UHF data link
radio, and AWOS Net. These options are explained in Chapter 2.
1.4.1 Voice Output
A VHF transmitter broadcasts AWOS data in voice format to aircraft in the vicinity. Remote
users can also listen to weather information over a phone line or, using the optional AWOS Net,
access the data over the Internet.
The voice output is generated automatically using collected AWOS data. Custom voice remarks
can be added to the voice output by the operator when conditions warrant (see Chapter 2).
1.4.1.1 VHF Radio
The VHF transmitter operates in the 118–136 MHz band, with the following specifications.
Channel Spacing
25 kHz
RF Power Output
3 W maximum
Frequency Stability
±0.001% (-30°C to +60°C)
Emission Type
6K00A3E (formerly 6A3E)
Spurious and Harmonic Emissions
80 db minimum up to 90% modulation

S Y S T E M O V E R V I E W AWOS 3000 USER’S MANUAL
4
1.4.2 Data Reduction
The CDP data reduction software performs quality control checks on the data prior to
meteorological algorithm processing to ensure that the data received is accurate and complete,
and that the associated equipment is working properly. If data from any sensor is erroneous or
missing (e.g. sensor power loss), the parameter and all other parameters derived from the missing
parameter are reported “missing” in the weather observation. The CDP continues to sample data,
and if the error condition is corrected, the weather parameter is restored in the AWOS report.
The CDP sets upper and lower limits on the sensor output corresponding to the normal operating
limits of the sensor.
1.4.3 Data Archiving
The CDP stores collected AWOS data in a series of data logs covering all aspects of AWOS
operation. The logs can be viewed in Archives View (see Section 10.4), and are organized as
follows.
Alarms
Communication Status
DCP Message
METAR
One Minute Data
Printer
System Status
Historical data can also be viewed and saved using the Historical Data option on the File menu
(see Section 8.3).
1.5 Remote Display Options
Two types of optional remote display interfaces are available.
The KVM Extender can be used for a remote operator terminal to interface to the CDP
using a patch cord between the KVM Extender and the CDP. The KVM Extender con-
sists of a local unit, located near the CDP, and a remote unit, located near the remote
operator interface, and the distance between the local and the remote units can be up to
700 feet. This is useful when the CDP is installed in an equipment room and the actual
operator of the AWOS is located elsewhere, such as in the observation tower.
AWOS Net can be used to broadcast data via an Ethernet connection to all active remote
displays or via the Internet to allow remote users to view the AWOS data on any
compatible computer using a standard Web browser.

S Y S T E M O V E R V I E W AWOS 3000 USER’S MANUAL
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The KVM Extender uses a proprietary bidirectional communication protocol, while AWOS Net
is restricted to relaying data provided by the CDP.
AWOS Net
Remote
Display
Console
(Operator Interface
Device)
KVM Extender
Central Data
Processor
(CDP)
Voice Output
• VHF radio
• Modem
Data Collection
Platform
(DCP)
RS-485
or UHF
proprietary
protocol
RS-232
RS-485
or UHF
Web Display
Internet
Ethernet
Figure 2. CDP Interfaces with DCP and Optional Remote Stations
The remote console (Operator Interface Device) connected to the CDP by the KVM Extender has
complete bidirectional communication capability to interact with the CDP.
Remote displays are display-only stations that use AWOS Net to obtain their data from the CDP.
The AWOS Net consists of an AWOS Net Controller and a communication interface
communicating with the CDP using an RS-232 or an RS-485 landline, or a UHF radio link.
The AWOS Net Controller acquires the data via the CDP communication interface, then
encapsulates it and broadcasts it via Ethernet connection to all active remote connections. This
permits AWOS Net Remote Displays to receive current data within milliseconds of the CDP
broadcasting the update. To ensure the reliability of the data, all communications are validated
for timeliness and correctness before display to the user. The AWOS Net cannot send any
information to the AWOS, and therefore cannot distort or otherwise alter the AWOS data.
The remote displays mirror the data displayed at the CDP following processing and application
of the AWOS algorithms.
1.5.1 Web Displays
Web displays allow remote users to view the AWOS data on any compatible computer using a
standard Web browser.

SYSTEM OVERVIEW AWOS 3000 USER’S MANUAL
6
1.6 AWOS Configurations
AWOS systems are available in several configurations. The configurations differ primarily in the
sensors included and the communication output mode used (landline or radio).
1.6.1 AWOS I
AWOS I systems provide data for the following parameters.
Wind Speed and Gust
Wind Direction and Variable Wind Direction
Temperature
Relative Humidity
Dew Point
Barometric Pressure
Altimeter Setting
Density Altitude
1.6.2 AWOS II
AWOS II systems add a visibility sensor, rain gauge and day/night detector to the AWOS I array.
The system provides data for the following parameters.
Wind Speed and Gust
Wind Direction and Variable Wind Direction
Temperature
Relative Humidity
Dew Point
Barometric Pressure
Altimeter Setting
Density Altitude
Visibility and Variable Visibility
Rainfall
Day/Night Detection
1.6.3 AWOS A
AWOS A is a minimal system requiring only a Barometric Pressure sensor. The AWI AWOS A
provides FAA certified data for the following parameter.
Barometric Pressure
As long as the Altimeter Setting is calculated using the certified Barometric Pressure, the
resulting Altimeter Setting is considered to be certified. This is the calculation that must be used
for the AWOS A to be FAA certified. See Section 1.6.4 for more information.

SYSTEM OVERVIEW AWOS 3000 USER’S MANUAL
7
1.6.4 AWOS A-V
AWOS A-V is a minimal system requiring only Barometric Pressure and Visibility sensors. The
FAA has certified the AWI AWOS II as an AWOS A-V. The AWI AWOS A-V provides FAA
certified data for the following parameters.
Barometric Pressure
Visibility and Variable Visibility
The remaining parameters reported by the AWOS A-V are considered to be advisory.
Wind Speed and Gust
Wind Direction and Variable Wind Direction
Temperature
Relative Humidity
Dew Point
Density Altitude
Rainfall
Day/Night Detection
There are two ways to calculate the Altimeter Setting — with and without temperature.
If the calculation uses the advisory Temperature with the certified Barometric Pressure,
the resulting Altimeter Setting is considered to be advisory.
If the calculation uses only the certified Barometric Pressure, the resulting Altimeter
Setting is considered to be certified. This is the calculation that must be used for the
AWOS A-V to be FAA certified.
1.6.5 AWOS III
AWOS III systems add a ceilometer to the AWOS II array. The system provides data for the
following parameters.
Wind Speed and Gust
Wind Direction and Variable Wind Direction
Temperature
Relative Humidity
Dew Point
Barometric Pressure
Altimeter Setting
Density Altitude
Visibility and Variable Visibility
Rainfall
Day/Night Detection
Sky Condition and Cloud Height, up to 3 layers

SYSTEM OVERVIEW AWOS 3000 USER’S MANUAL
8
1.6.6 AWOS III-P
AWOS III-P systems add a present weather sensor to the AWOS III array. The system provides
data for the following parameters.
Wind Speed and Gust
Wind Direction and Variable Wind Direction
Temperature
Relative Humidity
Dew Point
Barometric Pressure
Altimeter Setting
Density Altitude
Visibility and Variable Visibility
Rainfall
Day/Night Detection
Sky Condition and Cloud Height, up to 3 layers
Present Weather (rain, snow, drizzle, mist, fog, freezing fog, haze)
1.6.7 AWOS III-T
AWOS III-T systems add thunderstorm detection to the AWOS III array. The system provides
data for the following parameters.
Wind Speed and Gust
Wind Direction and Variable Wind Direction
Temperature
Relative Humidity
Dew Point
Barometric Pressure
Altimeter Setting
Density Altitude
Visibility and Variable Visibility
Rainfall
Day/Night Detection
Sky Condition and Cloud Height, up to 3 layers
Thunderstorm/Lightning Detection

SYSTEM OVERVIEW AWOS 3000 USER’S MANUAL
9
1.6.8 AWOS III-PT
AWOS III-PT systems add thunderstorm detection to the AWOS III-P array. The system
provides data for the following parameters.
Wind Speed and Gust
Wind Direction and Variable Wind Direction
Temperature
Relative Humidity
Dew Point
Barometric Pressure
Altimeter Setting
Density Altitude
Visibility and Variable Visibility
Rainfall
Day/Night Detection
Sky Condition and Cloud Height, up to 3 layers
Present Weather (rain, snow, drizzle, mist, fog, freezing fog, haze)
Thunderstorm/Lightning Detection
1.6.9 AWOS III-PTZ
AWOS III-PTZ systems add a freezing rain sensor to the AWOS III-PT array. The system
provides data for the following parameters.
Wind Speed and Gust
Wind Direction and Variable Wind Direction
Temperature
Relative Humidity
Dew Point
Barometric Pressure
Altimeter Setting
Density Altitude
Visibility and Variable Visibility
Rainfall
Day/Night Detection
Sky Condition and Cloud Height, up to 3 layers
Present Weather (rain, snow, drizzle, mist, fog, freezing fog, haze)
Thunderstorm/Lightning Detection
Freezing Rain

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1.7 Sensor Reporting Table
Table 1 shows reporting criteria for each of the AWOS sensors.
The Reporting Units column shows the units in which the sensor data is reported.
The Sliding Window size shows the size of the sliding window used for data averaging.
All sensors, with the exception of precipitation, use a sliding window average. Precipi-
tation reports accumulation from the top of the current hour, and is reset to 0 at the top of
the next hour.
The Time to First Report after CDP Power Up shows the length of time before data
appears on the display following power-up or restart of the CDP.

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Table 1. Sensor Reporting Table
Sensor
Reporting Units
Sliding Window
Size
Time to First Report after
CDP Power Up
Wind Speed
Knots
2 min
90 s
Wind Gust
(last 10 minutes)
Knots
10 min
90 s
Wind Direction
Nearest 10° magnetic
2 min
90 s
Variable Wind Direction
Nearest 10° magnetic
10 min
90 s
Temperature
°C
5 min
4 min
Dew Point
°C
5 min
4 min
Altimeter Setting
InHg
1 min
1 min
Density Altitude
Feet
5 min
4 min (not reported if <1,000’
above field elevation)
Visibility
Statute miles
10 min
8 min
Variable Visibility
Statute miles
10 min
8 min
Precipitation
0.01 inches
Up to 1 h
<1 min
Sky Condition
(up to 3 cloud layers)
100 feet
30 min
28 min
Clear (SKC/CLR): no clouds below 12,500 feet
Few: ≥6% to 24% sky cover
Scattered (SCT): ≥25% to 49% sky cover
Broken (BKN): ≥50% to 87% sky cover
Overcast (OVC): >87% sky cover
Obscured (VV): cloud bases at surface/fog
Thunderstorm/Lightning
Nautical miles
15 min
1 min
At airport: 0–5 nautical miles
In vicinity: 5–10 nautical miles
Distant: 10–30 nautical miles. In addition to distance, octant directions are
provided for lightning detected in this distance range.
Present Weather
Precipitation type and rate
10 min
8 min
Freezing Rain
Freezing rain
15 min
8 min

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1.8 AWOS Output Modes
The output of the AWOS weather observation can be classified into one of four modes of
operation. The mode in effect is dependent on the extent to which voice remarks and manual
observations are used.
1.8.1 Mode 1—Full-Time Automated Operation
In this mode, the AWOS operates 24 hours a day without any manual input. The automated
weather observations are updated on a minute-by-minute basis. There is no weather observer
input to the AWOS. However, a manual observing capability may be maintained as a backup,
provided that an agreement with the National Weather Service (NWS) to maintain a manual
observing capability exists.
1.8.2 Mode 2—Full-Time Automated Operation with Local Notice to Airmen
(NOTAM)
Operation in this mode is the same as Mode 1, with the addition of the capability to append a
manually recorded NOTAM to the automated voice reports. The airport manager is responsible
for the NOTAM information. The NOTAM information is heard on the local voice broadcast; it
is not transmitted longline. There is no weather observer input.
To operate the AWOS in Mode 2, enter a voice remark using the Voice Remarks option on the
Edit menu.
1.8.3 Mode 3—Full-Time Automated Operation with Manual Weather
Augmentation and Local NOTAM Option
Operation in this mode provides the capability for a weather observer to manually augment the
automated observation by appending a weather entry to the observation during the published
weather observer duty hours. The observer duty hours should be published in the Airport/Facility
Directory. The addition of a local NOTAM is also permitted in this mode of operation, provided
there is no interference with the observer augmentation. The weather observer is responsible for
the accuracy and timeliness of the added weather information.
Manual observations are entered using the Manual Observations menu. Any information that
cannot be entered through a manual observation can be appended using the Edit > Voice
Remarks and Reports > METAR Remark menu options.
1.8.4 Mode 4—Part-Time Manual Operation
Operation in this mode, normally used for backup, permits a weather observer to enter a com-
plete manual observation into the system. The procedures in Federal Meteorological Handbook 1
(FMH-1) or Federal Meteorological Handbook 9 (FMH-9) apply to the recording and formatting
of these manual observations.