AWI Model 8339 Laser Ceilometer Certified by FAA

Sacramento, CA (November 15, 2007) —All Weather, Inc. of Sacramento, California announced today that its new laser-based ceilometer—a device for measuring the height and thickness of cloud cover—has been certified by the Federal Aviation Administration for use in airport weather stations. The Model 8339 ceilometer marks a major advance in the ability of airports to communicate cloud conditions to pilots with consistent accuracy and reliability.

The Model 8339 is the first ceilometer to simultaneously detect and measure up to four layers of clouds. It is able to detect clouds up to an altitude of 25,000 feet, with its upper limit capped at 12,500 feet in FAA applications. This combination of range and cloud resolution provides more accurate data in all weather conditions, even heavy precipitation and low clouds. The Model 8339 discerns extremely thin obscurations, with a resolution of 12.5 feet over its full range. Both vertical visibility and ground-based obscurations can be reported in addition to higher layers of clouds.

“The Model 8339 fills a vital niche in weather reporting,” said Don Soenen, President of AWI. “Our goal is to provide airports and meteorological stations with the critical weather information they need, even when the skies are obscured.”

Reliable and accurate Light Detection And Ranging optical radar (LiDAR) is the Model 8339’s core technology. A low-power laser transmitter with a high-reliability gallium arsenide diode transmits light pulses, which are scattered and partially reflected by cloud cover in their path. A silicon avalanche photodiode receiver captures the returning signal, and the ceilometer’s sophisticated signal processing is applied to extract accurate cloud height and depth from the signal. The receiver is adjustable to allow for gain and response control in varying environmental conditions.

Advanced digital signal processing algorithms ensure the Model 8339 provides accurate reporting of cloud base locations in all weather conditions. The selectable range of 30, 60, or 120 second measurement intervals means a high degree of flexibility for a variety of aviation weather applications. The sensor’s comprehensive flexibility extends to its output options as well, with RS485 and RS232 outputs providing for data transmission over both long and short distances.

Manufactured to Federal Aviation Administration AWOS (Automated Weather Observing System) and National Weather Service ASOS (Automated Surface Observing System) standards, the Model 8339’s rugged, weatherproof housing protects the unit in extreme operating conditions, from –40˚C to +60˚C.  A sophisticated array of built-in tests executes in the background during operation to ensure consistent sensor operation. During snow, rain, and ice conditions, a powerful heater/blower keeps the lenses clear, and a “dirty window” detector notifies the operator when dust, water, or contaminants have accumulated on the sensor’s windows.

No consumables are required in the operation of the Model 8339, such as blower filters and desiccants used in most other models, keeping maintenance of the sensor to a minimum.

About All Weather Inc.
All Weather, Inc. (AWI) is a leading developer of high-accuracy, high-dependability weather information systems that help users minimize risks in an unpredictable world. The company provides AWOS aviation weather systems and air traffic control display systems, as well as a wide range of high-accuracy meteorological sensors and systems, including laser ceilometers, runway visual range systems, lightning detection sensors, and a variety of other meteorological sensors. AWI’s ASOS, AWOS, and AWSS systems meet the stringent standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), FAA, and Transport Canada. AWI has installed more than 2000 high-end automated weather systems around the globe, working with such leading authorities as the U.S. National Weather Service, FAA, ICAO, WMO and commercial users around the world. For more information, see www.allweatherinc.com.

© 2007 All Weather Inc. All rights reserved.