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MITRAS
Transmissometer
Runway Visual Range
Advanced Training Material
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Contents
Mitras Overview
System description
RVR assessment
Functional Description
Operating principle
Mitras Visibility
Calculation
Hardware
LM11
Installation
Operation
Communication
Commands
Troubleshooting
Maintenance
Periodic Maintenance
Operational Check
Calibration and
Linearization Check
Aligning Optics
Replacing a Subassembly
HANDS-ON HANDS-ON exercises
Commands and communication
Maintenance
Troubleshooting and repair
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MITRAS Transmissometer
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MITRAS System
Conforms to all ICAO and WMO requirements for RVR
and Meteorological Optical Range (MOR)
Accurate RVR assessment is a result of accurate MOR
measurement => reduces airport down-time
Improved accuracy with fully automatic measurement
and unique contamination control with compensation
(longer maintenance interval)
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Single Baseline System
Double Baseline System
LIGHT TRANSMITTER
LIGHT RECEIVER
LIGHT TRANSMITTER LIGHT RECEIVER
LIGHT RECEIVER
Light transmitter and Light receiver
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Double baseline for CAT IIIB
Double baseline for CAT IIIB is implemented by means of
two different beams from one transmitter.
The assessment of visibility ranges from 2/3 times the
short baseline up to 50 times long baseline.
With 10m and 200m base lines visibility from 7m upto 10 000m.
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Definition of MOR
MOR can be measured by measuring the attenuation of light
attenuation is mainly caused by scattering, to a small
degree also by absorption (in smoke, dust, )
100 %
intensity
5 %
intensity
MOR
MOR is defined as the distance where the intensity of a light
beam has been attenuated to 5% of the original intensity
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What is Runway Visual Range?
Runway Visual Range (RVR) = Range over which the pilot on the
center line of the runway can see:
- Runway markings, or
- Edge lights of the runway, or
- Center line lights.
RVR is not an observation nor a measurement.
RVR assessment calculation follows Allards law which takes into
account:
- Visibility (m)
- Background luminance (cd/m
2
)
- Airfield lighting intensity percentage
- Airfield lighting characteristics (cd)
For RVR calculations 5 m is used as the average eye level of a pilot in
an aircraft.
Traditionally RVR has been assessed by counting edge light lamps by
the runway. The lamps are at 60 m distance from each other. At CAT I
airport at least 14 lamps should be seen and 7 lamps at CAT II airport.
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RVR Assessment
MOR (Visibility)
MITRAS
Background
luminance (LM11)
=> Illumination
treshold
Runway light
setting
RVR Calculation
MIDAS IV
RVR value
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GATEGORY DECISION HEIGHT RVR
CAT I 60 m (200 ft) 550 m or vis. 800m
CAT II 30 m (100 ft) 350 m
CAT IIIA <30 m or no heigth 200 m
CAT IIIB <15 m or no heigth 50 m
CAT IIIC no heigth no limitations
Assessment of Runway Visual Range 1/3
Runway visual range is the range over which a pilot can see runway
lights or runway surface markings. Assessment of RVR is based on
Koschmieders law (MOR in the case of objects or markings)
Allards law (in the case of lights), also taking into account the
prevailing atmospheric conditions and runway light
characteristics.
Landing limits in different airport categories
The different categories for precision approach and landing operations are
described in table (from ICAO Annex 14, 3rd edition 1999).
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Assessment of Runway Visual Range 2/3
Take-off limits in all categories (from ICAO / DOC9365, 2nd edition 1991)
Commonly acceptable take-off minima is 175m.
When the facilities are: runway edge ligths, runway centre line
ligths, centre line markings and touchdown, mid-point (if
missing 350m) and stop-end RVR.
Otherwise take-off minima is 500m.
When the facilities are: runway edge ligths and either centre line
ligths or centre line markings.
VFR flights (VFR = Visual Flight Rules) require (Annex 2, 9th
edition 1990)
visibility > 5000 m
clouds > 450 m
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RVR / Visibility instrumentation for different airport
categories are summarized in table.
At CAT II and III the RVR instrumentation is
requirement and at CAT I recommendation (Annex 3,
14thEdition July2001).
Assessment of Runway Visual Range 3/3
CAT I CAT II CAT IIIA CAT IIIB CAT IIIC
RV lights edge edge+center as CAT II as CAT II + TWY as CAT IIIB
Instruments 1 2-3 3 3 3
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Annex 3, 14thEdition July2001:
Reporting steps of 25 m, when RVR < 400 m
Reporting steps of 50 m, when 400 RVR 800 m
Reporting steps of 100 m, when > 800 m
Visibility rounded down to steps in METAR:
50 m, when visibility < 800 m
100 m, when visibility between 800 m and 5000
1000 m, when visibility between 5000 m and 10000
reported as 10km when visibility is 10 km and over except
when the conditions for the use of CAVOK apply.
Reporting steps
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R U N W A Y
R U N W A Y
R U N W A Y
ATC/TOWER
Digital display
M
M
RVR Computer and
accessories
MIDAS IV: Small system
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R U N W A Y
CEILOMETER
CT25K
0...25000 ft
Precipitation
Geonor
R U N W A Y
RWY TEMP RWY TEMP RWY TEMP
RWY TEMP RWY TEMP
RWY TEMP
WINDS
PTU
PTU
WINDS
MIDAS IV: Large system
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MAINTENANCE
WORKSTATION
(RCM)
OBSERVER
WORKSTATION
(OWS)
CENTRAL DATA
UNITS (CDUs)
FIELD SENSORS
FORECASTER
WORKSTATION
(FWS)
WEATHER VIEW
WORKSTATION
(WV)
SWITCH OVER
UNIT
DATABASE
SERVER
UPS
DIGITAL
DISPLAYS
AFTN
INTERFACE
SERIAL
OUTPUT
RUNWAY
LIGHT
SETTING
<SOH>RVR_08<STX>
ZCZC.. METAR ENGM ...
1% 3% 10% 30%
LOCAL AREA NETWORK
ATIS
MIDAS IV: Large system
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MITRAS Operating Principle
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Measurement principle (1)
Light source
- Xenon flashlamp
- Represents the spectrums of sunlight and runway lights
- Very stable, expected lifetime 55000 h
- Light intensity can be controlled
Benefits of reference measurement (transmitted intensity)
- Short-term long-term variations are compensated
very accurately
- Transmissometer stability better than 0.3%
- Unusual situation detected immediately
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Optics of MITRAS Transmissometer
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Measurement principle (2)
Averaging time
- Normal operation 30 s or 60 s
- In alignment mode 15 s
Pulse measurement principle
- Light pulse duration 1.5 s (half-width)
- Continuous light doesnt interfere: A 75000W lamp at 30 m
distance has no influence
Representative spectral response
- Green optical filters are used to approximate the specral
response of the human eye
Economy mode
The flashing interval automatically changes according to the
visibility.
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Measurement interval and
normal/economy mode
Transmissometer measures the transmittance between the
Light Transmitter LP11 and Light Receiver LR11. It calculates
the moving average over 60 or 30 samples.
In normal mode it measures transmittance every second.
In economy mode it automatically changes the flashing
interval according to the visibility.
Visibility (MOR) Flashing interval
under 2 km 1 s
2 km <MOR<5 km 2 s
5 km <MOR<10 km 5 s
over 10 km 10 s
Background Luminance LM11 measurement interval is 1 s.
LP11 polls data ever 15 s and it is average of 10 measurement.
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LP11 / LR11 Block Diagram
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Comparison of Performance
Transmissometer vs. Forward Scattering
TRANSMISSOMETER
- large sample volume
- limited dynamic range
- accuracy maintained in all types of precipitation
- tedious installation
- continuous maintenance and calibration
FORWARD SCATTERING
- small sample volume
- large dynamic range
- precipitation may cause inaccurate results (unless the
measurement is compensated)
- easy installation
- less maintenance
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MITRAS Visibility Calculations
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Meteorological Optical Range (MOR) has been defined by
the WMO as the basic parameter to express the optical state
of the atmosphere
MOR corresponds closely with human visibility
observations (day observations)
MOR has been defined as a purely physical quantity
objective
it can be measured
Visibility & MOR
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100 %
intensity
5 %
intensity
MOR
MOR can be measured by measuring the attenuation of light
attenuation is caused by scattering and absorption
Definition of MOR
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Attenuation of Light
Law of Bouguer- Lambert:
F F e
x
=

0

Definition of MOR by WMO
MOR can be calculated from extinction coefficient
F = flux of light (at distance x)
Fo = original flux of light (x = 0)
x = distance
= extinction coefficient (= a + b)
where a = absorption coefficient
b = scattering coefficient
F/F
0
= 5% = 0.05
F/F
0
= e
-x
0.05 = e
-x

3 ln(0.05)
- = MOR x =

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Attenuation of Light
Light fog
Heavy
fog (large )
Clear (small )
Fog
Distance x
Light
flux
F
0
= 100%
F = 5%
F= F
0
e
-

x
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35 m 50 m 75 m 100 m
Transmittance Visibilities (m) at different baselines
0.995 20.947 29.925 44.887 59.850
0.990 10.447 14.925 22.387 29.850
0.950 2.047 2.924 4.387 5.849
0.930 1.447 2.067 3.100 4.134
0.900 997 1.424 2.135 2.847
0.800 470 672 1.008 1.344
0.600 206 294 440 587
0.400 115 164 246 327
0.200 65 93 140 186
0.100 46 65 98 130
0.015 25 36 54 71
Meteorological Optical Range (MOR)
MOR = - 3 x Baseline
ln (Transmittance)
Baseline
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Visibility Calculation
LPC11 software calculates visibility with Koschmieders law.
ICAO has defined the extinction coefficient to be 0.05 which has been
taken into account in the following Koschmieders visibility (MOR)
formula:
Mitras transmissometer system uses LPI11 Light Intensity measurement units in
LP11 and LR11 for measuring light.
When calculating the visibility the software takes into account intensities with and
without contamination calculation. If Contaminantion Compensation Mode is ON
MITRAS transmits the compensated visibility to RVR Computer.
If the LPI11 boards are unlinear the software takes that into account. (The
linearization correction is made by techicians).
Where Transmittance = K1 Received light intensity = K1 R (I)
Transmitted light intensity TM (I)
and K1 is set by technicians during good visibility
Visibility = - 3 x Baseline
ln (Transmittance)
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Visibility Measuring Range
Single Baseline Systems
Baseline MOR range RVR range
(at night)
35 m 25....1500 m 100....1500 m
50 m 40....2000 m 150....2000 m
75 m 50....3000 m 200....3000 m
100 m 70....4000 m 300....4000 m
200 m 70..10000 m 300..10000 m
Double Baseline Systems
Baseline MOR range RVR range
10 and 75 m 7....3000 m 40....3000 m
10 and 200 m 7..10000 m 40..10000 m
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Calculations
Transmittance calculation
Transmittance is the relationship between the received and transmitted light power. The transmitted light pulse
intensity is measured for every pulse by the transmitter and the corresponding received power by the receiver
electronics. The transmitter asks for the received intensity and sends the flash intensity.
Thus, both the receiver and the transmitter can perform the same calculations.
Because of the electronics the scaling of the light intensity meter is not the same in the receiver and in the
transmitter. Therefore, at least linear scaling is needed to convert the intensity relation to a transmittance value.
Besides linearization, scaling is sometimes needed to compensate the non-linearities in the measuring
electronics. These scaling factors are defined in the calibration procedure. Two calibration points are included in
the calculation. I.e. three linear scales are used to estimate the transmissometer response.
An additional scale (K1) is used to adjust the original lines.
The calibrated linear scales are called K2, K3 and K4.
During every measurement cycle, the "raw transmittance" is calculated as follows:
RAWinst = (R(I)-R(offset)) / (TM(I)-TM(offset)),
T(RAW) = AVE(RAWinst(30)) or AVE(RAWinst(60))
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Calculations
Visibility calculation, non-compensated
The Meteorological Optical Range, MOR or the visibility V is calculated using a contrast threshold 0.05
recommended by the ICAO and the WMO.
where B = the effective transmissometer baseline
T ( NOC ) = non-compensated transmittance
Contamination compensated visibility calculation
For the contamination compensated transmittance correction factors TM(WT) (transmitter window) and R(WT)
(receiver window) are needed.
where R(WT) can be the transmittance correction of either long or short baseline receiver window.
3 x B
-ln T ( NOC )
V =
T ( NOC )
TM ( WT ) x R ( WT )
T ( COM ) =
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Calculations
Transmittance calculation
These instant values are collected in a 60 location rotating buffer.
The latest 30 or 60 samples are used to calculate the average value T(RAW).
The two lowest and two highest sample values are excluded from the average.
The purpose of the correction is to filter out extreme instant transmittance values,
for instance a bird's flight through the optical path.
T(AVE) = K1*K1A*(K2,K3,K4*RAW)
The autocalibration feature uses the scaling parameter K1A initiated to 1.00 by the CAL command.
If then the visibility estimation has been too optimistic, i.e. one minute average of the measured transmittance
exceeds 0.998, K1A reduces from 1.00. K1A is calculated as 0.998/measured transmittance.
If K1A < 0.95, the CALIBRATION FAILURE bit is set in the status.
However, the calculated correction is used.
K2 is used below the lower calibration point (P1), K3 between the calibration points and K4 above the higher
calibration point (P2).
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Calculations
Contamination compensated visibility calculation
Contamination compensated visibility V ( COM ) is calculated by using the T ( COM ) :
The contamination compensated visibility is sent to the data processing unit, when
- the contamination compensation mode is ON
- the window transmittance is better than 0,92 (user selectable) for light receiver window and 0,92 for
light transmitter window (compared with clean windows). When transmittances of the windows are
lower than these values, the windows are considered dirty.
The non-compensated visibility value is sent to the data processing unit, when
- the contamination compensation mode is OFF
- the contamination compensated visibility value is not available.
Contamination compensation calculations
The contamination signal is measured every 10 seconds and average of six latest samples ( one minute ) is used
in the contamination calculation. The MES 4 tables are updated every minute with these one minute values.
The scaling is initiated with the CLEAN command after cleaning the windows.
3 x B
- lnT ( COM )
V ( COM ) =
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RVR Computer Calculations
RVR Computer calculates RVR data every 15 s. It polls
MITRAS transmissometers for visibility, background
luminance and status data. It receives runway light
percentage data from the interface unit or uses manually
input value. It has the characteristics of airfield lights in
its memory.
When calculating the RVR the RVR Computer takes into
account marked discontinuity. It calculates instant RVR
and following 10 minute values: average, one-minute
minimum and one-minute maximum.
It compares last 5 minute RVR values to those for 5 to 10
minutes earlier and calculates tendency (U=up, D=down
and N=neutral).
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RVR Computer Calculations
MIDAS IV RVR compoter transmits RVR values to the
DD50 digital displays, printers and operators display.
The transmission to the DD50 includes instant RVR data
and the 1 and 10 minute RVR values with following rules:
- average if the one-minute minimum and maximum does
differs from the average RVR less than 20% or is <50 m,
- one-minute minimum and one-minute maximum, if the
average rules do not apply.
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Hardware
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LP11 Block Diagram
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LR11 Block Diagram
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LPC11 Transmissometer CPU
LPC11 has
- Intel 8031 CPU chip with 7 MHz clock, 512 kb EPROM, 64 kb RAM
maintenance terminal line.
- DUART for modem line (DMX21), current loop (LPT11), frequency
counting (LMB11), peak reset and power error control.
- Analog multiplexer and 12 A/D converter.
- D/A converter.
LPC11 is used in Light Transmitter LP11 and
Light Receiver LR11
- same software
- different jumper setting
Blinking LEDs indicate as follows:
- Green LED blinking at 1 s interval (normal).
- Red LED indicates Reset, or an error found by star up self-test, or
watchdog circuit has given a hardware reset.
- Yellow LED blinks when LPC11 triggers the flash lamp to flash.
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LPC11 Processor Block Diagram
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LPC11 Jumper Setting
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LPC11 Software v3.27 operation
LPC11 Software v3.27 is used in Light Transmitter LP11 and
Light Receiver LR11.
- same software operates for single and double baseline systems
- different jumper setting at LP11 and LR11 CPU boards
Software has following modules:
- Built in startup tests
- Measurement of transmitted and received light intensity
- Visibility calculation and contamination compensation calculation
- Message generation
- Communication between LP11 and LR11, LP11 and RVR
Computer, LP11/LR11 and maintenance terminal
- Contamination signal measurement, calculation and warning
- Monitoring temperature, flash lamp intensity and contamination
signals
- Warning generation if monitored signals are not within limits
- Setting reference signal levels when the optics has been cleaned
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LPF11 Flash Control Unit
The inputs are High voltage (750 VAC) and logic signals:
- triggering pulse for Xenon flash lamp
- flash voltage signal for controlling high voltage
Intensity control with Flash Gain, charged energy
E = CU where C = capacitance and
U = charging high voltage (300-800 V)
Xenon flash lamp is a stable light source. Light pulse duration
is 1.5 micro sec.
The arc is bored between 2 electrodes mounted inside a glass
bulb.
Triggering socket is a potted assembly. It is connected to the
Flash Control Unit with 4 leads.
Flashing interval is 1 s normal mode and in economy mode
1 s to 10 s.
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LPF11 Circuit Diagram
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LPH11 Heating Control Board
Controls the heating of the internal optics and protection
window.
The electronics of optics operates best in stable
temperature. The operating temperature range is defined
with a jumper on the LPH11.
The heating of protection windows prevents surfaces
from condensating water.
The green led light shows that window heating is on.
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LPH11 Circuit Diagram
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LPH 11 Jumper Setting
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Contamination Detector
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DMX21 FSK Modem
MITRAS communicates to the RVR Computer via 300 bps
leased modem line.
Line speed 300 bps, Even parity, 7 data bits and 1 stop bit
The DMX21 operates in ANSWER mode and its switches
should be Up, Middle and Down.
The LEDs indicate polling (RXD), answering (TXD), and Carrier
detected.
Troubleshooting
- Cover the LEDs with hands in order to see how the LEDs are
blinking.
- Check that RXD LED blinks every 15 s when RVR Computer polls
it and the MITRAS answers with longer message (TXD LEDs blink).
- Check that the green LED on the LPC11 CPU board blinks every
second. If not reset the MITRAS light transmitter LP11.
- Turn off power. Remowe the DMX21 and check the jumper
setting. Restart the LP11 again.
- Check cables and their connections.
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13100LP Cabling Diagram
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12930LP Wiring Diagram
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LM11 Background Luminance Meter
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LM11 Background luminance meter
Connected to the MITRAS LP11 transmitter
Measurement range: 4 30.000 cd/m
2
Spectral response range: 300700 nm, peak = 550nm
Internal heating to avoid condensation
Cable to
transmitter
Mechanical
interface
Tilt adustment
Optics
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LM11 Background luminance meter
MEASUREMENT PRINCIPLE
LM11 measures the amount of ligth coming from a 7
o
cone to
the 46 mm lens.
incoming ligth is focused on the matte glass
matte glass will prevent from increasing the luminance
values caused by bright spots
matte glass provides a smooth average response
The ligth spectrum is detected by PIN photodiode
green filtered
photoelectric current is converted into frequency which
linearly corresponds to cd/m
2
divided by 10.
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LM11 Background luminance meter
Internal heating to avoid condensation
body and lens heated
monitored by two thermistors
INSTALLATION
The meter should be directed towards the North sky
Direct sunligth into meter should be avoided
The meter is normally tilted upwards to the horizontal level
at angle of 20
o
to 50
o
Recommended installation angle of 30
o
Directed sligthly above the runway ligths
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Background Luminance Meter LM11
Side view: 1 Housing
2 Back plate
3 Aluminium body
4 Hood
5 Power transistor
6 Cable with connector
7 Matte glass
8 Green filter
9 PIN photodiode
10 Lens
11 Front plate
12 O-ring
13 Rubber gasket
14 M4 screws
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Installation
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Selecting location
Transmissometers should be located in position which
ensure representative measurements for intended purpose
(see references from Users Guide).
Locations at airport (according to ICAO Annex 3):
CAT I runways
One transmissometer near the touchdown zone, 50m
baseline recommended
CAT II runways
Less than 2400m long: Two transmissometers
More than 2400m long: Three transmissometers
CAT III runways
Three transmissometers, double baseline systems with 10m
and 75m baselines recommended
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Sensor Locations at Airport
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Transmissometer foundation recommendation
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Base plate set assembly & installation
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LP11 Cabling and earthing recommendation
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Cabling diagram for single baseline
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Service platform principal dimensions
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Communication
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I/O Lines
Output interfaces
Both the light transmitter and the light receiver have three separate serial lines which are used as follows:
Light transmitter
(Line 0) Maintenance line (CPU) RS-232C
(Line 1) to RVR computer (DUART B) modem or MITIF
(Line 2) to light receiver (DUART A) current loop
Light receiver
(Line 0) Maintenance line (CPU) RS-232C
(Line 1) Auxiliary (DUART B) (RS-232C)
(Line 2) to light transmitter (DUART A) current loop
Maintenance line
The maintenance line is used for monitoring, testing and calibration purposes. Maintenance line commands are
described in title "Commands".
Line parameters:
300 baud, 7 data bits, 1 stop bit, even parity
Communication protocol:
- Conversation mode, character by character
- XON/XOFF handshake
- Timeout 60 seconds
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Transmissometer Message
where
P, ID, V, B, S constant characters
X variable value
_ ASCII character 20 hex (Space)
<CR> ASCII character 0C hex (Carriage return)
<STX> ASCII character 02 hex (Start of text)
<ETX> ASCII character 03 hex (End of text)
<LF> ASCII character 0A hex (Line feed)
Status of receiver 2 is set spaces if a single baseline system is used.
Status of each equipment consists of two HEX-ASCII characters.
<STX>ID_X_V_XXXXXX_B_XXXXX_SXXXXXX_<CR><LF><ETX>
Status of receiver 2 (VI)
Status of receiver 2 (V)
Status of receiver 1 (IV)
Status of receiver 1 (III)
Status of transmitter (II)
Status of transmitter (I)
Background luminance
Visibility
Transmitter ID (0...7)
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Transmitter status:
BIT.0 = 1 Meas mode (0 = OFF) (1 = ON)
BIT.1 = 2 Cont/other (0 = OFF) (1 = ON)
BIT.2 = 4 Optical surface (0 = OK) (1 = DIRTY)
BIT.3 = 8 Power supply (0 = OK) (1 = FAIL)
BIT.4 = 1 Heating (0 = OK) (1 = FAIL)
BIT.5 = 2 Flash lamp (0 = OK) (1 = WEAK)
BIT.6 = 4 BL meter (0 = OFF) (1 = ON)
1)
BIT.7 = 8 Measurement loop (0 = OK) (1 = FAIL)
Receiver status:
BIT.0 = 1 Meas mode (0 = OFF) (1 = ON)
BIT.1 = 2 Cont/other (0 = OFF) (1 = FAIL)
BIT.2 = 4 Optical surface (0 = OK) (1 = DIRTY)
BIT.3 = 8 Power supply (0 = OK) (1 = FAIL)
BIT.4 = 1 Heating (0 = OK) (1 = FAIL)
BIT.5 = 2 Calibration (0 = OK) (1 = FAIL)
BIT.6 = 4 Test (0 = OK) (1 = FAIL)
BIT.7 = 8 Consistency (0 = OK) (1 = FAIL)
2)
1)
ON if the background luminance (BL) meter is set on with the command MODE
2)
Only in double baseline system
Status
I
II
IV
(VI)
III
(V)
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Operation and Maintenance Connection
Modem line to data processing unit
Normally, the data processing unit uses this line for message polling from the MITRAS light transmitter(s) but one
can also use it for maintenance purposes similar to the MITRAS maintenance line.
Line parameters:
- 300 baud, 7 data bits, 1 stop bit, even parity
- Optional 1200 baud for RS-232 interface (Not used)
Communication protocol:
- Data packet protocol
- Data validity confirmed with character parity check
- Timeout 60 seconds
Commands
The MITRAS Transmissometer software has operator's commands for monitoring, testing and calibrating the unit.
Commands can be given via both the maintenance line and the modem line,
i.e. computer/auxiliary line.
NOTE: The line is automatically closed after 60 seconds, if no commands are given.
If you want to keep the maintenance line open, give a space as input. After a space mark, you can later give the
command you want.
All commands or inputs are entered for processing by pressing ENTER or CARRIAGE RETURN. In some cases the
command can be followed by a space and the desired parameter value(s).
OPEN Opens the line for operator commands.
OPEN <ID> for modem line.
HELP Outputs a list of commands.
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Commands
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Operation and Maintenance Commands
The transmissometer command set consists of six different types of commands:
1. Transmissometer initializing commands for start-up
- not normally used after start-up period
2. Transmissometer initializing commands for operational use
- can be used during operational use
3. Message commands
- can be used for maintenance and test purposes and also for data output
4. Mode selecting commands
- aimed at mode altering during operational use
- effects of mode selecting commands must be familiar to the operator
before use
5. Routine maintenance commands
- used to maintain accurate operation of the transmissometer
- some of these commands require that the user is authorized to change
parameters, e.g. to calibrate according to visual observation
6. Special maintenance commands
- needed only when troubleshooting failures or when testing special
functions of the transmissometer.
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Initializing Commands for Startup
CONF With this command you may initialize (and set) the system parameters.
Usually this command is used during installation only.
The system response to CONF command is presented below:
>CONF
CONFIGURATION STARTED 0000-00-00 00:44:51
MITRAS SOFTWARE VERSION V3.25 2000-04-19
TRANSMITTER ID 1
SINGLE BASELINE
MEAS MODE ON
ECOM MODE ON
AUTO CALIBRATION ON
JUMPER FIELD 00100000
SELECT OPERATION MODES
MEAS MODE (1=ON, 0=OFF) 1
ECON MODE (1=ON, 0=OFF) 1
CONT MODE (1=ON, 0=OFF) 1
AUTO CALIBRATION (1=ON, 0=OFF) 1
BL METER (1=ON, 0=OFF) 1
AVE COUNT (1=60, 0=30) 1
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Initializing Commands for Startup cont.
SET THE BASELINE
BASELINE 49.40
INITIALIAZE SCALING FACTORS
K1 0.5807
K2 1.0000
K3 1.0000
K4 1.0000
TRANSMITTER OFFSET (mV) 0.0
RECEIVER OFFSET (mV) 0.0
BACKGROUND LUMINANCE SCALE KBL 10.000
INITIALIZE CALIBRATION POINTS
P 1 0.5000
P 2 0.9900
CURRENT FLASH GAIN 127
AP 24.0000
DIRTY LIMIT 0.920
CONFIGURATION END
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Initializing Commands for Startup cont.
PAR With this command all the necessary parameters, such as transmissometer scaling
factors, calibration points, baseline etc. can be reviewed at one glance by the operator.
> PAR
SYSTEM PARAMETERS
TRANSMITTANCE SCALING FACTORS
K1 0.5807
K1A 1.0000
K2 1.0000
K3 1.0000
K4 1.0000
RECEIVER OFFSET (mV) 0.0
CALIBRATION POINTS P1 0.50 P2 0.99
AVERAGING 60S, CONT ON
TRANSMITTER OFFSET (mV) 0.0
BACKGROUND LUMINANCE SCALE KBL 10.000
BASELINE 49.40
FLASH GAIN 127
CONTAMINATION SCALES AP 24.0 DIRTY LIMIT 0.920
WINDOW SIGNAL SCALE 1.092
SETF Sets the flashlamp intensity, may be used for calibration and maintenance purposes.
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Initializing Commands for Operational Use
OPEN Reserves the communication line and serves as password to the system.
OPEN <ID>
In modem line multiple transmissometers are separately connected to the line, when
the operator is using the OPEN mode. Only the unit with correct identification (ID)
switches the carrier on.
CLOSE Is the counterpart of the OPEN command switching the carrier off and releasing the
line. Must be used as the last command when maintenance session is finished.
DATE With this command you can ask for the date or change it. To change the date,
input a new date after the command as follows:
>DATE 1988 02 31.
TIME With this command you can ask for the time or change it. To change the time,
input a new time after the command:
>TIME 23 45.
NOTE: The time and date are mainly for test purposes and not accurate. There is no battery
back-up either.
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Initializing Commands for Operational Use cont.
HELP Displays the transmissometer commands. Some of them are not effective in the receiver.
>HELP
MITRAS TRANSMISSOMETER COMMAND SET
MES <N> <C DELAY> DISPLAY MESSAGE NUMBER N
PAR DISPLAY SYSTEM PARAMETERS
STATUS DISPLAY STATUS MESSAGE
CLEAN INIT CONTAMINATION MEASUREMENT
CONF INIT CONFIGURATION
CAL <MOR> CALIBRATION ADJUST
FCAL TWO POINT FILTER CALIBRATION
CHECK <FILTER> CALIBRATION CHECK
MODE SET OPERATION MODES
SETF SET FLASH LAMP GAIN
DMES <C DELAY> RAW DATA MESSAGE
OPEN <ID> RESERVE THE COMMUNICATION LINE
CLOSE RELEASE THE COMMUNICATION LINE
ALIG ALIGNMENT HELP
TCON CONTAMINATION TEST
AMES <NBR> <INTRVAL> AUTOMATIC MESSAGE
FRE BL FREQUENCY INPUT TEST
AN N ANALOG INPUT TEST, CHANNEL N
RESET RESET COMMAND
TIME <HH MM <SS
DATE <YYYY MM DD>
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Message commands
The operator may give message commands in the form MES or in the form MES N C T, where
N is the message number; values for N are 0...5.
C is used when continuous output is desired
T is the nominal time interval between output, when certain output
interval is desired in seconds. T may range from 1 to 59 seconds.
MES 1 C 10 Gives message 1 with a 10 seconds delay between messages.
MES 0 (or MES) Output message consists of date, time, transmissometer ID, visibility,
contamination compensated visibility, background luminance and
transmissometer status:
1988-12-31 23:59:59 ID 1 V2450 CV2870 B1200 S4101
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Message Commands cont.
MES 1 Output message consists of date, time,
TM(I) = light transmitter flashlamp intensity
R(I) = light intensity from long baseline receiver
T(RAW) = averaged raw transmittance value
T(NOC) = non-compensated transmittance value
V(NOC) = non-compensated visibility value
T(COM) = contamination compensated transmittance value
V(COM) = contamination compensated visibility value
DATE TIME TM(I) R(I) T(RAW) T(NOC) V(NOC) T(COM) V(COM)
1988-12-31 23:59:59 2543 3211 1.0500 0.8500 2450 0.8720 2870
MES 2 Output message consists of date, time,
TM(T) = light transmitter optics temperature
TM(C) = average of scaled transmitter contamination measurements
TM(WT) = light transmitter window transmittance
R(T) = light receiver optics temperature
R(C) = long baseline receiver contamination measurement
R(WT) = light receiver window transmittance
DATE TIME TM(T) TM(C) TM(WTP) R(T) R(C) R(WT)
1988-02-04 12:30:59 30.8 0.9500 0.9992 31.2 0.9400 0.9985
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Message Commands cont.
MES 3 Output message consists of the transmittance measurement table,
which includes the last 60 instant RAW values.
The averaged output is a mean of the last 30 or 60 values
of this table depending on the selected mode.
MES 4 Output message consists of scaled contamination measurement table(s)
of both the light transmitter and the light receiver(s).
The last 60 one minute instant values are displayed.
MES 5 Output message consists of visibility, compensated visibility,
background luminance and transmissometer status.
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Message Commands cont.
Certain airport systems require an automatic message sending mode. If the automatic message
mode is not used, the RVR system polls a message from Mitras.
AMES N T The AMES command defines the data message, which is sent as the
automatic message or as the default polled message. The output of the
automatic message can be seen only in normal data output (modem/MITIF),
not via a maintenance line connection.
The software versions 3.22 or later include AMES command.
N Message number (0...6). Message -1 disables the automatic message.
T Message time interval (1...255 seconds). If value is not given the previous
interval setting is used.
NOTE: The default automatic message mode setting in MIDAS RVR system is
AMES 6 15
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Mode Selecting Commands
MODE With this command the operator can change the functional modes of the transmissometer.
These functions are also included in the CONF command (configuration session).
The mode in question is selected simply by inputting 0 or 1.
The following modes and alternatives are available:
MEAS MODE 1) ON - visibility measurements are made
2) OFF - stand-by, flashlamp is not used
ECON MODE 1) ON - during good visibility flashing rate is reduced, for low visibility
automatically increased
- purpose: to save flashlamp and make continuous measurement possible
2) OFF - economy mode is not applied, flashing rate is fixed to 1 flash/second.
CONT MODE 1) ON - contamination compensation is used
2) OFF - no compensation is made
BL METER 1) ON - background luminance measurement is done
2) OFF - no background luminance measurement
AVE COUNT 1) 60 - 60 values used for transmittance averaging
2) 30 - 30 values used for transmittance averaging
AUTOCALIBRATION 1) ON - switches autocalibration on
2) OFF - no autocalibration
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Routine Maintenance Commands
HELP Displays the transmissometer commands. All of them are not effective in the
light receiver unit
STATUS Outputs both light transmitter and light receiver(s) status information. Use
only via data processing unit or at the light transmitter.
DMES DMES displays the raw data message in double baseline format.
DMES C Continues the display until ESC is pressed.
DMES C 30 Continues the display until ESC is pressed keeping a 30 seconds' delay
between messages.
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DMES command output
TM(I) RL(I) RS(I) TL(AVE) TS(AVE) V(L) V(S) BL C(TM) C(L) C(S)
1317 1464 //// 0.9524 ////// 4615 ///// 840 0.9998 0.9983 /////
TM(I) = flash light intensity from the A/D converter
RL(I) = received intensity from the long baseline receiver
RS(I) = received intensity from the short baseline receiver in double baseline systems
TL(AVE) = scaled transmission without contamination compensation
TS(AVE) = as TL(AVE) but from the short baseline data
V(L) = visibility calculated from the upper limit corrected TL(NOC)
V(S) = visibility calculated from the upper limit corrected TS(NOC)
BL = background luminance value
C(TM) = scaled (clean = 1) contamination value of the transmitter window
C(L) = scaled contamination value of the long baseline receiver window
C(S) = scaled contamination value of the short baseline receiver window
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Routine Maintenance Commands cont.
CAL The final calibration and routine corrections can be done using this command.
Software readjusts the K1 scale and initiates the autocalibration factor K1A.
The new K1, K1A and the corresponding transmittance are displayed.
K1 should now be close to value 1.0 (if FCAL is first carried out).
The system response to the CAL command is presented below.
>CAL 10000
K1(L) T(L)
0.756 0.9778
CALIBRATION DONE
CLEAN Give the CLEAN command only when it is necessary. The CLEAN command sets new
reference values for contamination measurement. The system response to the CLEAN
command is presented below.
>CLEAN
CONTAMINATION SIGNAL CALIBRATION IS DONE IN FEW MINUTES
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Routine Maintenance Commands cont.
CHECK<filter value>
The calibration quality is checked with test filters and the CHECK command. The
software displays the 'target visibility' calculated from the current visibility taking into
account the attenuation caused by the filter in use. The software outputs the reached
visibility (VIS) value of each second. It calculates and displays the difference from the
filter visibility (VER) and the filtered reference transmittance (TER).
The system response to the CHECK <filter value> command is presented below:
>CHECK 0.6
CALIBRATION CHECK
REF TRANSMITTANCE(S) AND CORRECT FILTER VISIBILITIES
CURRENT T, FILTER VISIBILITY
0.9766 421
VIS VER TER
436 15 0.005
CHECK END
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Special Maintenance Commands
FCAL The FCAL (filter calibration) command is used to determine the scaling factors K2, K3, and K4 used in
the transmittance scaling. These factors are automatically recalculated after each filter calibration
procedure. Visibility must be stable during the sequence, which takes about five minutes. Windows
should be clean. The factors K2, K3, and K4 can be initialized to the default value 1.0 with the CONF
command. The command sequence for a double baseline system is presented below.
>FCAL
FILTER CALIBRATION
GIVE CORRECT VISIBILITY VALUE <10000>
GIVE FILTER P1 (LOW) VALUE <.518>
SET FILTER AND TYPE ESC WHEN VALUE IS STABLE
INST(L) AVE(L) INST(S) AVE(S)
0.5510 0.5511 0.5510 0.5511
GIVE FILTER P2 (HIGH) VALUE <.906>
SET FILTER AND TYPE ESC WHEN VALUE IS STABLE
INST(L) AVE(L) INST(S) AVE(S)
0.9310 0.9320 0.9110 0.9107
NEW SCALING FACTORS K2 K3 K4
0.9078 1.1070 0.9042
ARE THE SCALES OK ? (Y/N) Y
NEW SCALES ARE UPDATED TO EEPROM
FILTER CALIBRATION DONE
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Special Maintenance Commands cont.
TCON This command is for contamination measurement test purposes. The output includes a
direct contamination signal (stray light included), reference intensity from
contamination detector light source and scaled contamination measurement value.

> TCON
CONTAMINATION MEASUREMENT TEST
SIGNAL : REF =
3908 3908 1.0000
3909 3909 1.0000
ALIG This command helps one in the alignment process during the transmissometer
installation. It displays continuously (until ESC is pressed) the maximum transmission
since start and the difference of the latest value from the maximum. Bel-character
"beep" is echoed when a new maximum is reached.
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Special Maintenance Commands cont.
The normalizing scale for this result value is calculated by the clean command.
AN N Analog channel input test. Outputs A/D conversion result from selected channel
number N.
AN 1 Outputs continuously A/D conversion results of the light intensity measurement
channel.
AN 2 Outputs continuously A/D conversion results of the temperature measurement channel.
AN 3 Outputs continuously A/D conversion results of the contamination measurement
channel.
AN 4 Outputs continuously A/D conversion results of the contamination
measurement reference channel (contamination lamp intensity).
FRE Frequency input test for background luminance meter interface. Result is output in Hz.
>FREQ
FREQUENCY INPUT
INST(1S), AVE(10S)
1020 1020
1019 1020
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Troubleshooting
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Status
MES includes status bits in 4 character hexadecimal
number for single baseline system and 6 character for
double baseline.
Status 4101 is OK for transmissometer with Background
luminance meter and 0101 for others (double baseline
410101 and 010101).
STA command gives status in plain language.
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Status Information
The transmissometer output for STATUS command is:
TRANSMISSOMETER STATUS
TRANSMITTER REC(L) REC(S)
MEAS MODE ON ON ON
CONT/OTHER STATUS OK OK OK
OPTICAL SURFACE OK OK OK
POWER SUPPLY OK OK OK
HEATING OK OK OK
FLASH LAMP OK
BL METER ON
MEASUREMENT LOOP OK
CONTAMIN. LAMP OK OK OK
CALIBRATION OK OK
TEMPERATURES 30.3 29.5 31.2
CONTAMINATION 0.0 0.0 0.0
MEASURED DATA
T(LONG) T(SHORT) V(L) V(S) BL C(T) C(L) C(S)
0.9523 0.9840 4608 3769 333.0 0.9998 0.9983 1.0044
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Alarms Presented in Central Computer
Alarms on operator's terminal of data processing unit
BLANK = Transmissometer operation is OK.
Transmissometer status
FAIL = Any of transmissometer status alarm bits may be set on, i.e. maintenance
needed.
OFF = Transmissometer measurement mode is OFF;
the measurement mode can be set ON by maintenance commands.
Optical surface
DIRTY = The protective windows of the transmissometer should be cleaned.
Cleaning of the background luminance meter lens should be done at the
same time.
If the status DIRTY remains on after cleaning the windows,
check the operation of contamination compensation.
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Status Information
The first eight status bits of the status message are included in the standard message sent to the
data processing unit. The standard message includes 8 status bits for the light transmitter and 8
status bits for the light receiver. The CONT/OTHER FAIL is used as a common failure indication
for status bits 9, 10, 11 etc. Only bit 9 is operative and informs on contamination lamp brightness.
Status bits 10, 11, etc. are not presented, they are reserved for future use.
The status information can be analyzed by means of the following alternatives:
MEAS MODE OFF - Transmissometer is in stand-by mode.
MEAS MODE ON - Normal visibility measurement is performed.
CONT/OTHER STATUS OK - Contamination lamp intensity high enough, no failures detected.
CONT/OTHER STATUS FAIL - Contamination lamp intensity below 1000 (too low)
or some other failure detected.
OPTICAL SURFACE OK - No cleaning of protective windows is needed.
OPTICAL SURFACE DIRTY - Protective windows should be cleaned.
- Transmittance is decreased with four percent per window and
the visibility output is slashed.
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Status Information
Transmissometer status information in detail
The corresponding status bits in the light receiver(s) operate in the same way.
There are some special status bits available only at the light receiver side:
CALIBRATION OK - No calibration error detected.
CALIBRATION FAILURE - The transmittance data is continuously 0.998 which is an
unusual situation.
- The autocalibration constant K1A is less than 0.95.
- The cause can be in the light transmitter or receiver.
- If this status occurs from time to time, the optical alignment
should be checked.
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Troubleshooting Hints
Hints for troubleshooting:
POWER SUPPLY FAIL * Check the fuses on the mother board.
* Replace the LPP11 power supply unit.
HEATING FAILURE 1. Check internal temperature by the STATUS command.

2. Check the heating fuses, heating supply switch and heating voltage on
the connector X7 of LPT11 (a.110 VAC).
3. Observe the length of the heating duty cycle indicated by the green LEDs on
the LPH11 unit: is it reasonable concerning ambient temperature?
* If not, replace LPH11 and check the length of the heating duty cycle again.
If this did not help, check the temperature voltage signal from the LPI11 output TEa.
4. If the heating duty cycle is reasonable and replacement
of LPP11 (or LPI11) did not help:
* Check whether the bimetallic switch in the electronics box is conducting
( turn mains heating and supply power off and measure resistance over it,
should be lower than 1 ohm ).

* Check the cables, connectors and heating elements.
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Troubleshooting, cont.
Hints for troubleshooting :
FLASHLAMP FAILURE 1. Check the TM(I), i.e. intensity of the flashlamp by the DMES or MES 1 commands,
should be over 1000.
2. Check the flashlamp intensity setting values.
* Try to give a bigger value for SETF and check whether the brightness of the flashlamp
increases to a sufficiently high level, for instance over 1500 is acceptable.
* If the cause for reduced intensity was aging of flashlamp, check the stability of it after
giving a new SETF value, and taking TM(I) values in one hour's intervals,
at least 10 values each time.
CURRENT LOOP FAILURE 1. Give reset to the light transmitter, check the operation of the current loop by
means of the green LED on the LPT11 unit.
2. Give reset to the light receiver(s).
3. Check the current loop supply voltage on the LPT11.
NOTE: More hints for troubleshooting can be found from Users Guide.
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Maintenance
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Periodic Maintenance
The periodic maintenance of the transmissometers guarantees that the MITRAS
system operates within the range of its characteristics and the ICAO
recommendations.
The following table presents the recommended interval for periodic maintenance.
Maintenance Action Recommended
interval
Maximum
Interval
Operational check of
transmissometers via data
processing unit or PC
1 week 2 weeks
Cleaning of windows 1 month or as
indicated
3 months
Cleaning of windows if no
contamination compensation
1 week or as
indicated
2 weeks
Alignment and calibration check 6 months (or after
wet or frosty
season)
12 months
General checking of cables,
connectors, and parts in
electronics box and optics heads,
and Backround Luminance Meter
LM11
6 months 12 months
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Check After 1 Month of Operation
Stability troubleshooting during start-up period, first 6 months:
At start-up after installation
- Make sure that the transmissometer is not in the contamination compensation mode.
- Clean the windows.
- Check the calibration of the transmissometer.
- With PAR check thar the K1A equals 1.00.
Alignment check after one month's operation
(The main purpose is to check that the transmissometer alignment is stable.)
- Change ECONOMY mode OFF.
- Clean the windows.
- Check the upper-range value(s) by giving MES 1 C or DMES. If it has decreased 3 percent or more:
* Check that anchor bolts and frangible bolts are fixed properly.
* Realign the light transmitter and the light receiver(s).
* Check that the fixing nuts of the alignment adjustment screws are locked properly.
* Recalibrate the transmissometer.
- If the upper-range value has changed less than 3 percent,
the installation of the transmissometer can be considered stable.
- Check K1A by giving PAR.
- Give CAL to rescale the transmissometer,
if the upper-range value has changed more than 1 percent.
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Checks After 2 Months of Operation
Stability check 2 months after installation
- Clean the windows.
- Compare the transmissometer output transmittance values with the values you
checked one month ago.
- If changes are less than 1 %, stability of the transmissometer is OK.
NOTE: Changes in visibility conditions may increase fluctuation in transmittance values.
With a 75 m baseline transmissometer the output changes 1.1 % when visibility changes
from 15 km up to 50 km.

- With MES 1 C check the upper range value. If changes are in the range of 1.5 %...3 %, the obtained
differencies in the upper-range values may be due to visibility variations, which must be first
considered. However, the checkpoint at 50 % should not change more than 1.5 %, and the
checkpoints 10 %, 25 % should not change more than 1 %.
- Check that K1A is between 0.95 and 1.00.
* In case change of upper-range values is 1.5 %...3 %, repeat the stability check
on the next clear day.
- If the above mentioned limits are exceeded, go through the linearization check.
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Operation and Maintenance
Contamination compensation operational check
- When stability check is passed, change the transmissometer to operate
in the contamination compensation mode.
- Make a calibration check after one month's operation of contamination compensation.
- Do not clean the windows.
By STA command you can read the contamination percentage, signals and actual transmittance values.
- Save or write down the values.
- Clean now the transmitter window and see by DMES that C(T) is 0.9...1.1 and stable.
- Recheck by STA and save the values. The change of T(LONG) and T(SHORT) compared to
the change in the percentage value shall be approximately the same.
- Repeat the steps for the receiver window(s).
- If the differencies are more than 1.5 %, you may calculate a new compensation power Ap:


where C = contamination signal before cleaning
T = T before/T after
NOTE: Ap = 24 is recommended to be used.
In ( C )
ln ( T )
Ap =
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Calibration and Linearization check
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Calibration CHECK-1
1) Collect tools, filters, laptop terminal, cable, manual, cleaning liquid, unlinted
cloth and ladder.
2) Take a copy of Calibration Sheets, visibility over 10 km and no wind over
the runway to the transmissometers.
3) Connect the Laptop PC to LP11 and start Terminal emulation-program at PC.
Check STA for status and DMES C for the outputted visibility.
4) Clean optical windows of LP11, LR11 and LM11.
5) Check the current settings of the jumper (X2) from Heating Control Board
LPH11.
6) Switch the AC and heating power on both the transmitter LP11 and receiver
unit(s) LR11. Inside temperature need about 30 to 60 minutes to stabilize.
7) Use STATUS command to check that transmissometer status does not
indicate FAIL.
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Calibration CHECK-2
8) Use MODE command to select the correct functional modes.
>MODE
SELECT OPERATION MODES
MEAS MODE (1=ON, 0=OFF) 1 1
ECON MODE (1=ON, 0=OFF) 1 0
CONT MODE (1=ON, 0=OFF) 1 0
AUTO CALIBRATION (1=ON, 0=OFF) 1 0
BL METER (1=ON, 0=OFF) 1 X
AVE COUNT (1=ON, 0=OFF) 1 1
9) Test the contamination measurement of the transmitter and receiver unit(s)
with the TCON command. The SIGNAL and REF parameters must be at range
1000...3500 when protective windows are clean. TCON command must be
given separately for both transmitter and receiver(s).
10) Use DMES command to verify that the scaled contamination values C(TM)
and C(L) (and C(S) for short baseline) are close to 1 (0.96...1.04) when the
windows are clean. If the value is below 0.96, clean the windows againg and
repeat test. If the value is below 0.96 after several cleanings, give CLEAN
command. If the value is above 1.04, give CLEAN command.
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Calibration CHECK-3
11) Use the CONF command to check that the baseline length is correct.
12) In the case the Ligth Intensity Measurement Board LPI11 of the receiver is
replaced, check that the scaling factors K1, K1A, K2, K3 and K4 are initialized
correctly before the calibration and linearization checks are performed. Use
the CONF command to write down the previous set values.
After this initialize all the scaling factors K1, K1A, K2, K3 and K4 of the
corresponding baseline(s) to 1.
13) Use DMES C command to check current visibility value V(L) (and V(S)) and
compare the value with reference visibility value. If the reference visibility
value and V(L) (and V(S)) correspond calibration is not needed.
If the V(L) is not close to reference value, give the correct MOR value with CAL
command
>CAL <MOR_visibility> ie. > CAL 10000
14) Use MODE command to retreive earlier functional modes (see step 8).
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Linearization CHECK-1
1) Check the calibration and visibility. If calibration needs adjustemnts do the
calibration procedure.
2) Use MODE command to select the correct functional modes.
>MODE
3) Clean all optical surfaces as described in calibration section.
4) Use the Mitras calibrator filter set. Use the test filters 0.90, 0.50 and 0.25 and
the combination of 0.50 and 0.25 as 0.125. Clean the filters with a mild
detergent and a soft, lint-free cloth.
5) Give command
> CHECK <Filter_value>
6) Insert the test filter into the transmitter hood in such a way the filter value can
be seen from front. Wait until the VER and TER values have settled. VER is the
difference from the filter determined visibility and TER is the difference from
the filter determined transmittance. Stop the output on the screen by pressing
the ESC key.
7) Write the FILTER, CURRENT T, VISIBILITY, VIS, VER, and TER values down to
the Calibration Sheet.
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Linearization CHECK-2
8) Remove the test filter. Give the DMES C command and wait until the V(L) (and
V(S)) value stabilizes back to the current visibility value without the filters.
Stop the output on the screen by pressing ESC.
9) Repeat the steps from a to e with all the filters and filter combinations.
10) Check from the Calibration Sheet that the TER values are within the tolerance
|TER| < 0.02. If a test filter is out of tolerance, perform the check again. Small
amounts of pollution, dust, sand, or other fluctuations may cause erroneous
results. Also check that the test filters are clean and undamaged. In case
further problems arise, contact Vaisala.
NOTE:
The FCAL command should not be used without permission from Vaisala.
11) Use MODE command to retreive earlier functional modes (see step 2).
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Calibration and linerization check sheet
Filter Calibration with FCAL Command
DATE INITIALS RVR ID
FILTER CURRENT T VISIBILITY VIS VER TER OK
DATE INITIALS RVR ID
FILTER CURRENT T VISIBILITY VIS VER TER OK
DATE INITIALS RVR ID
FILTER CURRENT T VISIBILITY VIS VER TER OK
DATE INITIALS RVR ID
FILTER CURRENT T VISIBILITY VIS VER TER OK
DATE INITIALS RVR ID
CORRECT VIS.
VALUE INST (L) AVE (L) INST (S) AVE (S)
FILTER P1 (LOW)
FILTER P2 (HIGH)
NEW SCALING FACTORS K2: K3: K4:
Linearization Check with CHECK<filter> Command
The recommended visibility tolerances are
given in the table below
MOR Visibility ( metres ) Tolerance ( metres )
< 150 25
150...500 50
500...10000 100
1000...1200 200
>1200 20 % of the reference visibility
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K001en-B
Select filters for FCAL
Linearize the T(NOC) with parameters K1, K2, K3 and K4.
At the end K1=K1A=1 and K2, K3, K4 have new values.
Choose the two (2) filter values where the LPI11 are most unlinear. Draw
Tfilter / Toutput graphics indicating TER values
Select the filters where TER are the biggest or on the different side of linar
line. If the TER of very short visibility is over 0.015 consider how many
meters the visibility differs from correct- often it could be only couple of
meters.
2003-03
K001en-B
FCAL command
FCAL Used to determine the scaling factors K2, K3 and K4 used in the transmittance scaling.
These factors are recalculated automatically after FCAL procedure. See chapter 4,
"Periodic maintenance", for further information. The command sequence is as follows:
>FCAL
FILTER CALIBRATION
GIVE CORRECT VISIBILITY VALUE <10000>
GIVE FILTER P1 (LOW) VALUE <.518>
SET FILTER AND TYPE ESC WHEN VALUE IS STABLE
INST(L) AVE(L) INST(S) AVE(S)
0.5510 0.5511 0.5510 0.5511
GIVE FILTER P2 (HIGH) VALUE <.906>
SET FILTER AND TYPE ESC WHEN VALUE IS STABLE
INST(L) AVE(L) INST(S) AVE(S)
0.9310 0.9320 0.9110 0.9107
NEW SCALING FACTORS K2 K3 K4
0.9078 1.1070 0.9042
ARE THE SCALES OK ? ( Y / N ) Y
NEW SCALES ARE UPDATED TO EEPROM
FILTER CALIBRATION DONE
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K001en-B
FCAL Linearization -1
1) Check that there is no filter in the Transmitter hood.
If there is remove the filter and wait one minute for stabilizing.
Follow the stabilizing with MES 1 C command
2) Give FCAL-command with your maintenance terminal.
3) MITRAS ask for following inputs:
VISIBILITY <visibility in meters>
LOW FILTER VALUE <low filter value>
4) Insert the low filter into the Transmitter hood. The label showing the
transmittance of filter shall be away from coming light direction.
5) Hit <ESC> key when the difference between INSTANT and AVE values
has settled. The difference should be less than 0.01.
If not restart the FCAL-command.
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K001en-B
FCAL Linearization -2

6) MITRAS asks
HIGH FILTER VALUE <high filter value>
7) Write down INST and AVE values of low filters.
8) Insert the low filter into the Transmitter hood. The label showing
the transmittance of filter shall look at the receiver LR11.
9) Hit <ESC> key when the difference between INSTANT and AVE
values has settled. The difference should be less than 0.01.
If not restart the FCAL-command.
10) MITRAS shows the new K2, K3, K4 and asks:
DO YOU WANT TO STORE THE NEW VALUES INTO EEPROM?
(Y=YES)
11) Write down INST and AVE values of high filter.
12) Write down the new K2, K3, K4 values.
13) Perform CHECK-command and check the results.
14) Update your CALIBRATION SHEET for History File.
2003-03
K001en-B
Aligning Optics
2003-03
K001en-B
Aligning Optics
The long baseline is always aligned first.
The alignment of the optics starts with aligning the light
transmitter LP11.
Next go to the LR11.
The horizontal alignment:
The flashing light should be seen at an equal distance at
either side of the receiver unit.
The vertical alignment
The flashing light should be seen (50m baseline and 2,5m
masts) at the height of 0,5m and at the distance of 2m each
sides of the receiver unit.
2003-03
K001en-B
Aligning Optics
Remove the LPI11.
Align the receiver unit in such a way that the flashing light
points roughly to the center of optics when you look through
the filters.
Connect the LPI11 back and monitor the R(I) values with
terminal.
When the R(I) is within the limits of 1500 to 3500 the
alignment is in order.
Perform a calibration check.
2003-03
K001en-B
Optics Head Alignment
1 = Allen screw for
vertical adjustment
2 = Allen screws for
horizontal adjustment
3 = Set screws for
horizontal adjustment
4 = Allen screws for
horizontal adjustment
2003-03
K001en-B
Double baseline optics adjustment
1 Knob for horizontal adjusting
Direction A
Direction A
1
1
2
2
9606-005
3
3
4
4
4 Knob for vertical locking
3 Knob for vertical adjusting
2 Knob for horizontal locking
2003-03
K001en-B
Replacing a Subassembly
2003-03
K001en-B
Replacement of contamination measurement lamp
4
5
3
7
C
6
A
9606-006
2
1
B
2003-03
K001en-B
Replacement of flashlamp