Instrument Development for Automatic Stations

Abstract

The design and development of effective data acquisition instrumentation must be based on sound requirements rather than vague operational desires. This philosophy formed the basis for the system cost-effectiveness study that was conducted as the point of departure for the design and development of the instrumentation elements of an automatic meteorological observing station (AMOS III-70).

This paper provides a broad overview of the system approach that was used as a basis for developing the requirements for AMOS III-70, as well as details of the equipment developed to meet those requirements. The final test and evaluation proved the value of the approach and the resulting station for operation.