Coastal WEATHERPAK MTR User manual

820 First Avenue South Seattle, WA 98134 USA www.CoastalEnvironmental.com
[phone] [phone] Fax: [phone] ISO 9001:2008 Certified
WEATHERPAK

MTR
User’s Manual
November 26, 2012
©2012 Coastal Environmental Systems, Inc. P/N: 0302-140-001 Rev. D

WEATHERPAK®MTR
User’s Manual
P/N: 0302-140-001 Rev. D 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................... 5
CHAPTER 2 SITING AND SETUP.................................................................................................................. 7
2-1 SITING CONSIDERATIONS ......................................................................................................................... 7
2-1.1 COMPASS ACCURACY .......................................................................................................................... 7
2-1.2 PROPER WIND MEASUREMENT............................................................................................................. 7
2-1.3 RADIO TRANSMISSION.......................................................................................................................... 7
2-1.4 GPSOPERATION................................................................................................................................. 7
2-2 SYSTEM ASSEMBLY................................................................................................................................. 8
2-2.1 RECEIVER/DISPLAY CONNECTIONS....................................................................................................... 8
2-2.2 CONNECTING TO A COMPUTER WITH SERIAL PORT (USED ON EARLIER MTR VERSIONS)......................... 8
2-2.3 CONNECTING TO A COMPUTER WITH SERIAL TO USB CONVERTER ........................................................ 9
2-2.4 CONNECTING TO A COMPUTER WITH THE ETHERNET PORT .................................................................... 9
2-3 TRIPOD AND WEATHERPAK®SET UP .................................................................................................... 9
CHAPTER 3 SYSTEM OPERATION .............................................................................................................. 9
3-1 CONFIGURING THE DISPLAY ..................................................................................................................... 9
3-2 RECEIVER/DISPLAY FUNCTIONS AND OPERATION ................................................................................... 10
3-3 USING THE TOUCH SCREENS................................................................................................................. 11
3-3.1 THE ACTIVE WPAK SCREEN.............................................................................................................. 11
3-3.2 THE WEATHERPAKS DETECTED SCREEN ............................................................................................ 11
3-3.3 THE GRAPH DATA SCREEN ................................................................................................................ 13
3-3.4 THE PREVIEW SCREEN ...................................................................................................................... 13
3-3.5 WEATHERPAK STATUS SCREEN.......................................................................................................... 14
CHAPTER 4 WEATHERPAK®AND PLUME MODELING SOFTWARE...................................................... 16
4-1 ALOHA®DATA LINE INTERPRETATION ................................................................................................... 18
CHAPTER 5 MAINTENANCE ....................................................................................................................... 18
5-1 PERIODIC MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................................................................................... 18
5-2 TROUBLESHOOTING .............................................................................................................................. 18
5-2.1 THE WEATHERPAK

...................................................................................................................... 18
5-2.2 THE RECEIVER/DISPLAY .................................................................................................................... 18
5-2.3 DATA TRANSMISSION INDICATOR LIGHT .............................................................................................. 19
5-2.4 THE COMPUTER................................................................................................................................. 19
5-3 REPLACING TOWER BATTERIES AND FUSE ............................................................................................. 19
5-3.1 TOWER BATTERIES............................................................................................................................ 19
5-3.2 TOWER FUSE .................................................................................................................................... 20

WEATHERPAK®MTR
User’s Manual
P/N: 0302-140-001 Rev. D 3
TABLE OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1 COMPUTER WITH RECEIVER/DISPLAY ................................................................................................... 5
FIGURE 2 BACK OF RECEIVER/DISPLAY BOX ....................................................................................................... 8
FIGURE 3 TOWER SET-UP ................................................................................................................................... 9
FIGURE 4 CONFIGURATION SCREEN................................................................................................................... 10
FIGURE 5 ACTIVE SCREEN................................................................................................................................. 11
FIGURE 6 WEATHERPAK®S DETECTED SCREEN ............................................................................................. 12
FIGURE 7 GRAPH DATA SCREEN........................................................................................................................ 13
FIGURE 8 PREVIEW SCREEN.............................................................................................................................. 14
FIGURE 9 STATUS SCREEN................................................................................................................................ 15
FIGURE 10 "NO DATA"ALERT SCREEN ............................................................................................................... 15
FIGURE 11 ALOHA®SCREEN CAPTURE .............................................................................................................. 16
FIGURE 12 ALOHA®WITH MARPLOT®MAP ...................................................................................................... 17
FIGURE 13 BATTERY REPLACEMENT.................................................................................................................... 20
FIGURE 14 FUSE LOCATION................................................................................................................................. 20
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 1 WEATHERPAK®MTR COMPONENTS................................................................................................. 6
LIST OF APPENDICES
APPENDIX A GAMMA SENSOR
APPENDIX B VEHICLE MOUNTING A WEATHERPAK®
APPENDIX C WEATHERPAK®USB CONNECTION AND VIRTUAL COM PORT SET UP
APPENDIX D COASTAL ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS SALES TERMS AND CONDITIONS

WEATHERPAK®MTR
User’s Manual
P/N: 0302-140-001 Rev. D 4
IMPORTANT NOTES
Please call Coastal Environmental Systems if any issues arise or if you have questions regarding the WEATHERPAK®
MTR.
Coastal Environmental Systems, Inc.
820 First Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98134
Main: 800-488-8291 · Fax: [phone]
Parts & Service: x157
[e-mail]
•WHEN CONTACTING US, PLEASE REFER TO THE MODEL NUMBER AND SERIAL NUMBER of your
WEATHERPAK®. The serial number is located on a silver label under the radiation shield near the top of the
WEATHERPAK®, on a silver label located near the bottom of the WEATHERPAK®cylinder, or on the
Weatherpak Status screen on the Receiver/Display unit.
•WASH OR DECON THE WEATHERPAK

WHEN FULLY ASSEMBLED. Do not allow water to enter the
connectors. WEATHERPAKis water-resistant only when completely assembled.
•FOLLOW THE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE.(See “Periodic Maintenance Schedule” Chapter 5, Section 5-1).
•DO NOT OPEN OR DISASSEMBLE THE WEATHERPAK

.The WEATHERPAK®is double O-ring sealed and
purged with desiccant to assure a watertight seal. Opening the cylinder will allow moisture in, damage the
electronics, and invalidate your warranty.
•DO NOT REMOVE THE ANTENNA FROM THE WEATHERPAK

. If the WEATHERPAKis activated without
the antenna, the radio will be damaged.
•REPLACING TOWER BATTERIES AND FUSE. WARNING: DO NOT LEAVE BATTERIES IN TOWER WHEN
STORING OR SHIPPING TOWER ASSEMBLY. BATTERIES MAY LEAK CAUSING DAMAGE TO UPPER
TOWER SECTION.

WEATHERPAK®MTR
User’s Manual
P/N: 0302-140-001 Rev. D 5
CHAPTER 1 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
The WEATHERPAKMTR measures wind speed and wind direction, air temperature, relative humidity and barometric
pressure. Gamma radiation sensor is optional. In addition, the WEATHERPAK®calculates the wind stability class and
provides location information. Atmospheric conditions are sampled every second and the system computes a 5-minute
running average. Data is then transmitted every 30 seconds to the display and plume model.
Figure 1 - Computer with Receiver/Display
WEATHERPAKwas specifically designed for use by Hazardous Materials Responders. The following is a list of some
of the features that make the WEATHERPAK®MTR unique:
•WEATHERPAKMTR features an advanced electronic interface, which allows the use of features such as GPS
and SmartDetect™, the MTR’s unique automatic networking capability, as well as future enhancements as they
are needed.
•The wind sensor is an advanced technology, “ultrasonic” style anemometer. The ultrasonic wind sensor has no
moving parts, is very accurate (particularly at very low wind speeds), and does not require periodic calibration.
•WEATHERPAKMTR features a multi-function, 5.7” full color, flat panel touch screen display in a ruggedized
enclosure. Multiple display screens are available via the touch screen, which displays data from multiple
WEATHERPAK®weather stations.
•WEATHERPAK®MTR is the only WEATHERPAK®that offers an optional gamma radiation sensor.

WEATHERPAK®MTR
User’s Manual
P/N: 0302-140-001 Rev. D 6
In addition to the above features, MTR shares the following with the rest of the WEATHERPAKline of products:
•Automatically updates CAMEO/ALOHA, CHARM, MIDASand most other plume modeling software
programs.
•Built-in electronic compass allows the WEATHERPAKto be set up in any orientation – will automatically
determine True North and give you true wind direction. 1
•Set-up time is less than one minute.
•The electrical connections are designed to be intrinsically safe and the housing and tower are constructed of
6061-T6 aluminum, a non-corrosive and non-sparking alloy.
•Designed to withstand decontamination procedures. The WEATHERPAKhousing is double O-ring sealed and
dried with a desiccant to protect the electronics against moisture.
•All electronics are grounded at a single point to protect the WEATHERPAKagainst EMI (electro-magnetic
interference) and RFI (radio frequency interference), thus assuring reliable data and transmission.
This manual will familiarize you with the installation, operation, and maintenance of the WEATHERPAKMTR. Please
read all of the instructions before attempting to operate or troubleshoot the system.
WEATHERPAK®MTR SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Description
Part Number
WEATHERPAK®sensor package with wind monitor
Please Call
Three meter tower, including:
1220-109-040
Upper tower section with j-box and KamLock
--
Lower tower section
--
Tower leg – 3 each
--
Receiver/Display box
1201-140-002
Receiver/Display power supply
4050-000-094
Receiver/Display power cable
6016-000-001
GPS antenna and cable (for Receiver/Display box)
1914-000-108
USB data output cable
6003-000-094
Receiver/Display radio receiver antenna
1914-000-068
WEATHERPAK® carry-case
3603-000-040
Tower carry-bag
3603-101-009
User’s Manual
0302-140-001
Quick reference card for assembly and ALOHA®
0302-140-002
WEATHERPAK® Training Guide (CD)
1220-109-001
Table 1 - WEATHERPAK®MTR Components
1 Declination (the variation of True North from Magnetic North) for your location is configured by Coastal Environmental Systems prior to shipping. If necessary, the declination can
be reconfigured. Please contact Coastal’s Customer Service Department if this is necessary.

WEATHERPAK®MTR
User’s Manual
P/N: 0302-140-001 Rev. D 7
CHAPTER 2 SITING AND SETUP
2-1 SITING CONSIDERATIONS
The following siting considerations must be addressed:
2-1.1 Compass Accuracy
The WEATHERPAKcontains an electronic compass
for automatic alignment to True North. If placed
laterally near a large mass of steel or other magnetic
material, an erroneous compass reading may result.
(The top of a van is OK, but next to it is not an ideal
location). Try to place the WEATHERPAKat least
30 meters laterally from large vans, busses, cranes,
etc.
2-1.2 Proper Wind Measurement
Select a site that is as unobstructed as possible. Structures, trees, terrain, etc. will disrupt the wind flow for a
considerable distance. For example, if the WEATHERPAKis placed immediately North of your vehicle and the
wind is coming from the South, an erroneous wind data reading will result.
2-1.3 Radio Transmission
Deploy the WEATHERPAKas close as safety permits to the hot zone. The WEATHERPAK’s UHF radio has
a range of 5 to 7 miles2“line-of-sight”. Do not attempt to transmit through structures containing steel, or through
hills.
2-1.4 GPS Operation
There is a GPS receiver inside the MTR Receiver/Display box and a GPS receiver inside the WEATHERPAK®
MTR. These GPS receivers work together and provide data to the SmartDetect™ firmware, which in turn
furnishes direction and distance information for additional WEATHERPAK®MTRs operating in the vicinity. (The
MTR receiver will also accept data from Coastal Environmental Systems’ WEATHERPAK® TRx and TRx2s, but
since only the MTR has a GPS, location information for the others is not available).
The GPS in the Receiver/Display must be connected to an external GPS antenna. The receiver will
automatically begin to search for and track GPS satellite signals at power-up. The antenna must have good
exposure to the sky.
The performance of a GPS receiver at power-up is determined largely by the availability and accuracy of the
satellite ephemeris data and the availability of a GPS system almanac. When the WEATHERPAK®is powered-
up, the GPS searches for satellites from a cold start (no almanac). The GPS will begin to compute position
solutions within the first two minutes. The WEATHERPAK®system should be powered up as soon as possible
upon arrival at the incident scene.
2 This distance assumes ideal conditions. Reception range will vary depending on radio signal path.

WEATHERPAK®MTR
User’s Manual
P/N: 0302-140-001 Rev. D 8
2-2 SYSTEM ASSEMBLY
2-2.1 Receiver/Display Connections
The WEATHERPAK® MTR Receiver/Display box contains the radio receiver and features a 5.7” color TFT display with a
touch screen. In addition, it contains GPS and electronics that allow the WEATHERPAK®to communicate with the
computer. The touch screen on the display provides access to multiple screens that display the weather data in a variety
of ways, including: Active, Preview, and Weatherpak Status screens, a columnar list of other WEATHERPAK®s in the
vicinity, and sensor data graphs.
Figure 2 - Back of Receiver/Display Box
1. Connect the external GPS and radio antenna to the appropriate connectors on the back of Receiver/Display
box. (See Figure 2).
2. Connect the USB data cable. (The Ethernet connection will only be used in rare instances where the
Receiver/Display box will be connected to a network).
3. Plug the Receiver/Display box power supply AC cord into a power source (110V, unless otherwise marked) then
plug the mini-plug end into the plug on the back of the Receiver/Display box.
4. Press the green power “On/Off” button on the front of the unit. The power indicator light will illuminate, the
Coastal Environmental Systems splash screen will immediately appear, and the display will complete its boot-up
within 20-30 seconds.
2-2.2 Connecting to a Computer with Serial Port (used on earlier MTR versions)
1. Plug one end of the Serial data cable into the Serial connector (RS 232) on the back of the Receiver/Display box
and the other end into an available 9-pin Serial port on your PC.
2. Turn the Receiver/Display on.
3. The receiver power indicator light should now be on. The system will take approximately 20-30 seconds to boot-
up.
4. With the WEATHERPAKassembled and running and after the Receiver/Display box has completed the boot-
up routine, the amber colored data light will blink approximately every 30 seconds as an indication that data is
being received from the WEATHERPAK®.

WEATHERPAK®MTR
User’s Manual
P/N: 0302-140-001 Rev. D 9
2-2.3 Connecting to a Computer with Serial to USB Converter
In the event the computer does not have a USB port, you must employ a “Serial to USB” converter, which is
available at your local computer supply store. Connect the Serial cable to the converter. Follow the directions
provided with the Serial to USB device.
2-2.4 Connecting to a Computer with the Ethernet Port
This method is to be employed only if the Receiver/Display must be connected to a network. Please contact
Coastal Environmental Systems, Inc. for further information.
2-3 TRIPOD AND WEATHERPAK®SET UP
Assemble the tower in the following manner:
1. Insert and lock the legs onto the bottom section of the
tower, forming the tower’s tripod base.
2. Align the slot on the WEATHERPAKwith the guide pin
on the quick release and push straight in. DO NOT
“screw” the WEATHERPAKonto the KamLock
connector. The KamLock provides a precision sealed fit
and may require an extra push to seat the
WEATHERPAK®properly. Once the weather station is
properly seated, press the arms of the clamp down to
assure a tight fit. The battery indicator light (on the
tower junction box) should illuminate when the
WEATHERPAK®is properly seated into the KamLock.
3. Place the entire unit (upper tower section and
WEATHERPAK) onto the tripod, engage the twist-lock
and turn clockwise ¼ turn.
4. The WEATHERPAKis now running and sampling data.
When the WEATHERPAKis removed from the
KamLock connector, it will stop sampling and shut itself
off.
CHAPTER 3 SYSTEM OPERATION
Once set up, the WEATHERPAKautomatically begins sampling
weather conditions and transmits data to the Receiver/Display
every 30 seconds. (See “Data Line Interpretation” in Section 3-
3.5, for additional information.)
The Receiver/Display takes approximately 20-30 seconds to
complete a boot-up routine. When this process is complete, it is ready to accept the first transmission from the
WEATHERPAK®. The data may now be viewed on the display or viewed and archived using Coastal Environmental
Systems’ optional INTERCEPT™ software. Plume modeling software requires five minutes of data before a valid plume
can be presented,
3-1 CONFIGURING THE DISPLAY
During the boot-up process two touch screen buttons will appear labeled Configure and Skip Configuration.
When selected, the Configure button opens a series of screens which allow the operator to select from several
data display configuration choices. Once these selections have been made (typically the first time you boot-up
your new system), the values are stored in memory. It is not necessary to configure the system every time it is
used. The configuration screen will time-out in approximately five seconds, or you can touch the Skip
Configuration button to proceed. Configuration choices are:
Figure 3 – Tower Set-up

WEATHERPAK®MTR
User’s Manual
P/N: 0302-140-001 Rev. D 10
•Screen 1: Pressure Temperature and Wind –Metric or English units.
•Screen 2: Latitude and Longitude – Various decimal or Hs:Ms formats.
•Screen 3: Forward All Weatherpak Data –If using ALOHA®always, select “No”. The “Yes” selection is for
custom applications only. Selecting “Yes” will prevent ALOHA®or other plume models from working properly.
•Screen 4: Calibrate Touch Screen – Calibrating re-aligns the touch screen. There is no need to calibrate the
display screen every time the system is used. If, over time, the screen becomes misaligned or the touch screen
buttons do not function properly, re-start the Receiver/Display box and follow the procedure presented on this
screen.
Figure 4 - Configuration Screen
3-2 RECEIVER/DISPLAY FUNCTIONS AND OPERATION
The touch screen on the display provides access to multiple information screens which display the weather data
in a variety of ways. The screens include: the Active and Preview screens, a raw data screen, a columnar list
of all WEATHERPAK®s in the vicinity, and sensor data graphs. The following is a summary of the function of
each screen:
•The Active screen is the most important and most frequently used information screen. It displays the data
received from the Active WEATHERPAK®. An Active WEATHERPAK®is defined as the weather station
selected to provide data to the plume model. Access to all other screens is initiated here.
•The Weatherpaks Detected screen displays data from all WEATHERPAK®’s detected in the vicinity, in a
columnar fashion. If any of the remote systems are WEATHERPAK®MTR’s, the relative position (direction and
distance) will also be displayed for those stations.
•The Preview screen displays data from any one of the stations listed on the Weatherpaks Detected screen
and allows the operator to view the status of that system and change its Active or Default status, if desired.
Please Note: Reset the default upon receiving your new WEATHERPAK®MTR. It is common practice for
organizations to purchase multiple WEATHERPAK®weather stations and then distribute the systems to several
teams without taking into account the factory default setting. (See Section 3-3.4, “Changing or Setting the
Default WEATHERPAK®”).
•The Weatherpak Status screen displays the unique serial number of the WEATHERPAK®, its tower battery
voltage, and the raw data line being transmitted by the selected system. The MTR Info screen (accessed by the
button at the bottom of the Weatherpak Status screen) lists the serial number of the Receiver/Display box, the
firmware version and the network ID.
•The Graph Data screens display simple graphs of wind direction, wind speed, air temperature, barometric
pressure and relative humidity. The time line auto-scales to a maximum of three hours.