8-May-2006
Technical Bulletin 001

8339/8340 Firmware Upgrade

Overview

This technical bulletin describes the 1.52 firmware release for the 8339/8340 ceilometer. The 1.52 firmware release applies to models 8339-D, 8339-E, 8339-F, 8339-G, 8340-D, 8340-E, 8340-F and 8340-G.

The 1.52 release is based on extensive testing and human observations throughout the past six months in both northern and southern hemispheres and under a variety of weather and environmental conditions.

Modifications

The firmware modifications have been in response to customer issue reports and AWI observations from sensors located throughout the world. A variety of weather (fog, snow, rain, freezing rain, high humidity and mist) and environmental (smog, dust, cold and hot extremes) conditions have been used in testing the firmware release.

Some of the reported issues that the new firmware release rectifies include:

• Sticky low clouds – clouds reported below 5,000 feet would continue to persist after the cloud had passed.
• False low clouds – under certain conditions including high humidity, haze, smog and highly polluted conditions the ceilometer would report false clouds.
• AGC failure – under a rare set of conditions the ceilometer would report false clouds at sunrise, sunset or when approach strobe lights would come on.

The 1.52 firmware release provides greater noise rejection and increased sensitivity to cloud detection. Additional features included in the 1.52 release are improved laser life and monitoring, new reporting formats and enhanced diagnostics.

Obtaining the Update

The 8339/8340 firmware is easy to update. Simply contact AWI Service at service@allweatherinc.com to request your upgrade kit. The kit includes an upgrade software tool, service port cable and the 1.52 Firmware. Please include your ceilometer’s serial numbers with the request.

www.allweatherinc.com

For specifics on any instrument, call 1-800-824-5873,
email us at marketing@allweatherinc.com
or fill out a request for more information form