Once all of
RRS User Interface Display Screenshot
Radome
Housing the
Antenna
WFO Reno, NV – Upper-Air Building
The observer must calculate the appropriate amount of lift for each sounding depending on the surface and atmospheric conditions present. This is achieved by using a weight system in order to attain the desired 5.0 m/s for the ascent rate. When high winds or precipitation are present more lift (hydrogen gas) will be added to the weather balloon in order to achieve the desired ascent rate.
Lifting Column
and
Weights
Inflation Lifting Column and Weights
As the balloon is being filled with the desired amount of hydrogen gas, the observer creates the sounding train by measuring the appropriate amount of string, attaching the parachute, and the chemlight or train regulator if necessary. Once the balloon has achieved its desired lift, the flow of h
Weather Balloon Inflation Complete
ydrogen gas will shut off automatically. Then the observer securely ties off the weather balloon and attaches it to the sounding train. Once all of these steps are completed the weather balloon and sounding train are ready to be launched.
Hydrogen Tank Storage Room
Inflation Table with Weather Balloon Prepared for Inflation
TRS Antenna Located Inside the Radome
the needed supplies are gathered for the flight, the observer will turn on and power up the Radiosonde Replacement System (RRS). This is typically done one hour before launch time, or even earlier if cold weather conditions are present. The RRS consists of the observing computer, an antenna which is housed in a radome, a remote unit for controlling the antenna, and a surface based observing weather system.
www.weather.gov 
