VAISALA RI41 Ground Check Device User Guide

VAISALA RI41 Ground Check Device

Specifications

• Product Name: Vaisala Ground Check Device RI41
• Model Number: M212988EN-A
• Compatibility: Works with radiosondes RS41-SGP(E) and RS41-SG(E)
• Language: English
• Manufacturer: Vaisala

About this Document
The user guide provides detailed information on using the Vaisala Ground Check Device RI41. It includes version information, related manuals, documentation conventions, and trademarks.

Product Overview
The Vaisala Ground Check Device RI41 is designed to be used with radiosondes RS41-SGP(E) and RS41-SG(E). It helps in checking ground status and preparing for sounding.

Creating Connections
To use the RI41, follow the steps outlined in the manual to properly connect it to the radiosonde. This ensures accurate data collection during sounding operations.

Preparing a Sounding
Before conducting a sounding, make sure to prepare the radiosonde with the ground check device. This involves connecting the radiosonde with RI41, displaying ground check status, tuning radiosonde frequency, and configuring frequencies as needed.
Preparing Radiosonde with Ground Check Device

Follow these steps for preparing the radiosonde

1. Connect the radiosonde with RI41.
2. Display ground check status for RS41-SGP(E) using RI41.
3. Display ground check status for RS41-SG(E) with RI41.
4. Tune the radiosonde frequency.
5. Configure radiosonde frequencies accordingly.

FAQ

Q: Can the RI41 be used with other radiosonde models?
A: The RI41 is specifically designed for use with radiosondes RS41-SGP(E) and RS41-SG(E) and may not be compatible with other models.
Q: How often should the ground check be performed?
A: It is recommended to perform a ground check before each sounding operation to ensure accurate data collection.

User Guide

Vaisala Ground Check Device RI41

PUBLISHED BY
Vaisala Oyj
Vanha Nurmijärventie 21, FI‑01670 Vantaa, Finland
P.O. Box 26, FI‑00421 Helsinki, Finland
+358 9 8949 1 www.vaisala.com docs.vaisala.com
© Vaisala 2024

No part of this document may be reproduced, published, or publicly displayed in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical (including photocopying), nor may its contents be modified, translated, adapted, sold, or disclosed to a third party without prior written permission of the copyright holder. Translated documents and translated portions of multilingual documents are based on the original English versions. In ambiguous cases, the English versions are applicable, not the translations.

The contents of this document are subject to change without prior notice.
Local rules and regulations applicable to the products and services may vary and they shall take precedence over the information contained in this document. Vaisala makes no representations on this document’s compliance with the local rules and regulations applicable at any given time, and hereby disclaims any and all responsibilities related thereto. You are instructed to confirm the applicability of the local rules and regulations and their effect on the intended use of the products and services.
This document does not create any legally binding obligations for Vaisala towards customers or end users. All legally binding obligations are set forth exclusively in the applicable contract or in the relevant set of General Conditions of Vaisala (www.vaisala.com/policies).

 About this document

Version information
This document provides instructions for Vaisala Ground Check Device RI41.
Table 1 Document versions (English)

Related manuals
Table 2 Related manuals

Document code        Name

M212750EN| MW51 Installation Guide
M212675EN| MW51 Technical Reference
M212751EN| MW51 User Guide
M212718EN| MW51 Product Description

Documentation conventions

WARNING!

Warning alerts you to a serious hazard. If you do not read and follow instructions carefully at this point, there is a risk of injury or even death.

Caution
Caution warns you of a potential hazard. If you do not read and follow instructions carefully at this point, the product could be damaged or important data could be lost.

Highlights important information on using the product.

Trademarks
Vaisalaâ and DigiCORAâ are registered trademarks of Vaisala Oyj.
All other product or company names that may be mentioned in this publication are trade names, trademarks, or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Product Overview

Vaisala Ground Check Device RI41

Vaisala Ground Check Device RI41 is available in 2 models: RI41, and the similar RI41‑B, which is equipped with a barometer module. The RI41‑B is used together with RS41 radiosondes with in-built pressure sensors, such as the RS41‑SGP. During the ground preparation procedure, the reference barometer in the RI41‑B is used to adjust the measurement of the in-built pressure sensor in the radiosonde.

RI41 requires no cable for radiosonde configuration and is powered on automatically when connected to the sounding workstation with a USB cable.
The radiosonde is automatically switched on when placed on RI41. During the preparations, the status is clearly indicated by DigiCORA Software.
RI41 transmits the results of the radiosonde ground check to the ground equipment and allows the user to configure the radiosonde. Configuration is performed automatically using a wireless short‑range communication link. A short‑range wireless communication link is also used for turning the radiosonde power on. The communication link is based on RF technique with a range of about 5 cm.

Creating connections

Connecting RI41

Make sure you have installed DigiCORA before connecting RI41.

1. Connect the ground check device USB cable to the computer’s USB port. The ground check device is powered on when it is connected to the computer.
   For more information on how to configure RI41 as the ground check device to be used as the connection between the radiosonde and the sounding workstation, see MW51 User Guide (M212751EN).

Preparing a sounding

Preparing radiosonde with ground check device

Connecting radiosonde with RI41
Before you connect the radiosonde to the ground check device, connect the ground check device to the sounding workstation by using a USB cable and turn on the computer and log in to DigiCORA. For installation instructions, see MW51 Installation Guide (M212750EN).

1. Place the radiosonde on the ground check device carefully. Make sure that you place the radiosonde on so that you place the back end (antenna end) of the radiosonde on the device first.
   CAUTION! Make sure that the radiosonde sensor boom does not hit the support plate on the ground check device, as this may damage the sensor boom.
   The radiosonde is automatically switched on when placed on the ground check device. The sounding software automatically detects the radiosonde and begins the preparations.
   During the radiosonde preparations, the sounding software performs several steps. These consist of ground check procedures for sensors, as well as optional features for setting the radiosonde inflight operation parameters. The preparation procedure depends on the radiosonde and ground check device model.

2. After the sounding software has indicated that the ground check is finished, remove the radiosonde from the ground check device.

3.  If there is any delay in starting the sounding, for example, if you must wait before releasing the radiosonde balloon, switch the radiosonde off by pushing the power switch. When you are ready to release the balloon, switch the radiosonde back on.

Displaying ground check status for RS41-SGP(E) using RI41

The ground check phases are slightly different depending on the radiosonde model and the ground check device.
When the ground check device detects the radiosonde, DigiCORA automatically goes to the preparation phase. The status is indicated with progress bars for each step of the preparation phase.

If the ground check device you are using to prepare RS41‑SGP(E) does not include a pressure sensor, type the reference pressure and select Apply. If the pressure sensor is included, the value is obtained automatically.

During the ground check, the following preparation steps are performed for the radiosonde:

• Temperature: In-built functional temperature check
• Humidity: Preparation of humidity sensor, cooling, and physical zero humidity check
• Pressure: Manual entry of the pressure reference value, or with RI41-B, retrieve pressure reference value automatically from barometer module in the ground check device
• Finalizing: Parameters and ground check device results updated to radiosonde

The preparation status changes to Preparation completed when all the preparation steps are successful and it is then safe to remove the radiosonde from the ground check device.
The Radiosonde status shows if any error occurs and causes the preparation to fail.

Displaying ground check status for RS41-SG(E) with RI41

The ground check phases are slightly different depending on the radiosonde model and the ground check device.
When the ground check device detects the radiosonde, DigiCORA automatically goes to the preparation phase. The status is clearly indicated with progress bars for each step of the preparation phase.

During the ground check, the following preparation steps are performed for the radiosonde

• Temperature: In-built functional temperature check
• Humidity: Preparation of humidity sensor, cooling, and physical zero humidity check
• Finalizing: Parameters and ground check device results updated to radiosonde

The preparation status changes to Preparation completed when all the preparation steps are successful and it is then safe to remove the radiosonde from the ground check device.
The Radiosonde status shows if any error occurs and causes the preparation to fail.

Tuning radiosonde frequency
If needed, you can manually tune the radiosonde frequency while DigiCORA is preparing the radiosonde.

1. In the Preparation window, on the Frequency row, select Change.
   The Change radiosonde frequency window opens.

2. If there is a transmission peak in the spectrum, select another frequency away from the peak. The recommended minimum frequency difference between radiosondes is 200 kHz.
   If the spectrum is flat and there are no peaks, you can set the radiosonde to any frequency.
   

3. To set the new frequency, use the arrow buttons or select the correct frequency in the radio spectrum, and select Save.

If you want to set pre-selected frequencies, see Configuring radiosonde frequencies
(page 14).

Configuring radiosonde frequencies
You can configure pre-selected (default) frequencies for the radiosonde. During ground check, DigiCORA automatically sets the frequency to the radiosonde. You can configure more than one frequency as backup.

1. Select Administration > Radiosonde.
   

2. To add frequencies, type a value in the input field and select Add.
   The values must be within 400.16–405.99 range, (maximum of 2 decimal places).
   You can remove frequencies by selecting the remove button X.
   If you want to reorder the list, use the arrow up and arrow down buttons.
   DigiCORA uses the first free frequency from the list. If DigiCORA cannot set any frequency, it prompts the user to select one manually.

3. After you have added the pre-selected (default) frequencies, select Apply.
   If you want to discard the changes, select Discard to clear the list.

Maintaining hardware

Updating RI41

• All the necessary tools are on the installation package in the Tools directory. After installation, they can be found from C:\DigiCORA\Tools.
• To start the update, go to C:\DigiCORA\Tools\RI41FirmwareUpdate and run UpdateGC41.exe.
• To update the firmware, the ground check device must be connected to the sounding workstation computer with the USB cable during the entire update process.
• CAUTION! Do not disconnect the ground check device USB cable from the sounding workstation computer during the update, or interrupt the update in any way. Switching the ground check device off before the update is finished may cause serious malfunction.
• If the ground check device already contains the firmware version you are about to update, select Exit to cancel the update.
• If you wish to update the firmware anyway, select Update anyway.
• If the message Cannot find any connected GC41 device is shown, connect the ground check device to the sounding workstation computer with the USB cable and select OK.
• If the message is displayed again after you have connected the cable, wait a while and then select OK again.
• Also, make sure that you have not configured RI41 into use in DigiCORA. In that case, disable RI41 from the DigiCORA settings in Administration > System overview > Ground check device, and run the RI41 software update again.

1. In the GC41/RI41 Updater window, select Update.

2. The update command has now been sent to RI41 and you must wait for 10 seconds.

3. The update begins. A progress bar is displayed in the Updater window.

4. When the software has been successfully updated, select Close.
   A pop-up window displaying information on the updated device is shown.

5.  Select OK to close the pop-up window.

The firmware has now been updated.

Calibrating RI41-B barometer module
To calibrate RI41-B barometer module you need to have a reliable reference barometer.

1. Log in to DigiCORA as DigiCORA Administrator.

2. Go to Administration > System overview > Ground check device and select Calibration.
   The system shows you the current barometer pressure reading, offset value, and date of the last calibration.

3. Type a reference sensor value from the reference barometer and select Calibrate. The system calculates new offset values and sends the calculated offset value to the barometer module.
   New pressure and offset values are shown.

4. In case of an error, calibrate again.

Replacing RI41-B barometer module

• Flathead screwdriver
• Torx T20 screwdriver

Removing old barometer module

CAUTION! Disconnect RI41-B from the workstation before replacing the barometer module.

1. Remove screws (6 pcs) on the bottom of RI41-B with the Torx screwdriver and remove the bottom cover.
   

2. Barometer module inside RI41-B

3. Barometer module pressure tube

4. Remove the barometer module.

5. Use the flathead screwdriver to loosen the pressure tube.

6. Pull the pressure tube out of the tube fitting piece

Attaching new barometer module

1. Attach the new barometer module’s pressure tube by pushing it to the tube fitting piece.

2. Check the connector positions on the barometer module and place the barometer module in the correct position in RI41-B.

3. Push the barometer module in place.

4. Attach the RI41-B bottom cover using the Torx T20 screwdriver and reconnect RI41-B to the workstation.

Spare parts

RI41 spare parts

RI41 is replaced as a whole device. In RI41-B, the barometer module is available as a spare part.

Table 3  RI41 spare parts

Code

RI41

| Description
---|---
Ground check device
RI41-B| Ground check device with barometer module
BARO-1QML-AVSP| Barometer module BARO-1QML-AV (A-class)

Technical data

Table 4 RI41 operating environment

Property Description/Value

Operating temperature| +10 … +45 °C (+50 … +113 °F)
Storage temperature| −40 … +65 °C (−40 … +149 °F)
Operating humidity| 10–90 %RH
Storage humidity| 5–95 %RH
Operating frequency (carrier)| 13.56 MHz
Short range wireless communication| RF technique
Communication link range| 0.04 m (1.57 in)
Electrical interface| USB 1.1/2.0
Cable with connector| USB

Table 5 RI41 inputs and outputs

Property Description/Value

Power supply
Input| Through USB interface
Voltage| 5 V DC
Typical current| 300 mA

Table 6 RI41 mechanical specifications

Property Description/Value

Dimensions (H × W × L)| 63 × 125 × 327 mm (2.48 × 4.92 × 12.87 in)
Weight| 1.1 kg (2.43 lb)
Material| Polyurethane
Cable length| 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in)

Table 7 RI41 reference sensors

Property Description/Value

Pressure| Only in the RI41-B model
Calibration of the module| Class A, NIST traceable
Uncertainty 1)| 0.15 hPa
Property Description/Value

Long term stability| 0.1 hPa/year

1. The recommended in-field calibration interval for barometer module is one year

Table 8 RI41 compliance

Property Description/Value

EU directives and regulations| Radio Equipment Directive, RED (2014/53/EU) RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU) amended by 2015/863
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)| CISPR 32 / EN 55032, Class B

FCC part 15 B, Class B

EN 61326‑1, industrial environment EN 301 489-1

EN 301 489-3

EN 301 489-19

ICES‑3 / NMB‑3 (Class B)

Radio compatibility| EN 300 220-1

EN 300 220-2

Electrical safety| IEC 62368
Compliance marks| CE, RCM, RoHS China, UKCA

RI41 regulatory statements

FCC compliance statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that the interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

CAUTION! This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

WARNING! Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
WARNING This equipment complies with FCC and ISED radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. The antenna should be installed and operated with minimum distance of 20 cm between the radiator and your body. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

ISED compliance statement
This device contains licence-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s licence-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

WARNING! This equipment complies with FCC and ISED radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. The antenna should be installed and operated with minimum distance of 20 cm between the radiator and your body. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
WARNING! Cet appareil est conforme aux limites d’exposition aux rayonnements de l’ISDE pour un environnement non contrôlé. L’antenne doit être installée de façon à garder une distance minimale de 20 centimètres entre la source de rayonnements et votre corps. L’émetteur ne doit pas être colocalisé ni fonctionner conjointement avec à autre antenne ou autre émetteur.

Warranty

For standard warranty terms and conditions, see www.vaisala.com/warranty.
Please observe that any such warranty may not be valid in case of damage due to normal wear and tear, exceptional operating conditions, negligent handling or installation, or unauthorized modifications. Please see the applicable supply contract or Conditions of Sale for details of the warranty for each product.

Technical support

Contact Vaisala technical support at helpdesk@vaisala.com Provide at least the following supporting information as applicable:

• Product name, model, and serial number
• Software/Firmware version
• Name and location of the installation site
• Name and contact information of a technical person who can provide further information on the problem

For more information, see www.vaisala.com/support

Recycling

Recycle all applicable material according to local regulations.

www.vaisala.com

References

• Product documentation portal
• Vaisala - a global leader in measurement instruments & intelligence
• Vaisala - a global leader in measurement instruments & intelligence
• Vaisala Policies | Vaisala
• Support Portal | Vaisala
• Warranty | Vaisala
• Product documentation portal

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