Running Radar from the Radar Status Menu

Figure 1. Radar Status Menu

The Radar Status menu provides tools for running, configuring, controlling, and monitoring an IRIS radar or analysis system.

Because it involves real-time processes, the Radar Status menu is a radarop menu. Anyone may view the menu.

The DEFAULT configuration is automatically loaded when IRIS first starts. You must configure it to be either a non-operating state or the desired working state. In most cases, Vaisala recommends the latter.

On most radars, with DEFAULT mode configured as the desired working state, IRIS runs the scheduled tasks automatically and there is no need to perform the following steps.

tip

The name assigned to the Radar Status menu defines a complete mode of operation.

To set up a mode of operation, set-up and save the Radar Status menu.

  1. Make sure IRIS has started.
  2. Select Menus > Radar Status.

    When IRIS starts, the IRIS DEFAULT configuration loads.

  3. If you want to use a mode other than DEFAULT, select File > Open and then a configuration file from the list.
    cautionCAUTION

    Do not set the DEFAULT IRIS configuration for the Radiate switch to come up as On or Auto if it could represent a hazard to personnel.

    For installations where this could be a problem, create a DEFAULT file which starts the radar with Radiate and Antenna Servo as Off, so the antenna does not start scanning automatically when the IRIS command is issued.

  4. Check the status of the devices to make sure all subsystems function normally.

    In particular, check that the RCP status is Computer and not Local. If the status is Local, set the mode switch on the radar console so IRIS can control the system.

  5. Verify that the Radar Process is On. Toggle real time display On or Off, as required.
  6. Toggle T/R Power and Servo Power on.
  7. Set Radiate to Auto or On, as required.

    Auto allows IRIS to automatically turn the transmitter off when the system is idle.

  8. To check or schedule tasks or products:
    1. If tasks are scheduled and one is running, check that the Ingest Process shows the name of the active task, and the antenna speed and position indicators show that the antenna is moving.
    2. Schedule additional tasks or products, if needed.