Course Number: S1003 - ASOS MAINTENANCE
Type of Course: Residence 13 working days
Objectives:
To provide NWS Electronic Technicians with the knowledge and
skills necessary to calibrate, perform preventive maintenance,
and perform corrective maintenance on the ASOS system including
all sensors. Corrective maintenance will be taught to the Field
Replacement Unit (FRU) level consistent with the current ASOS
maintenance philosophy. Students will understand both the diagnostic
and operational levels of ASOS communications software. Students
will leave the course with an understanding of the overall concept
of the ASOS system.
Contents:
This course will cover organization and use of system manuals;
hands-on use of diagnostic firmware for the detection of failed
sensors and assemblies, and testing of replaced units; hands-on
use of built-in test equipment; removal and replacement
instructions for failed assemblies; preventive maintenance
requirements and procedures; the running of remote maintenance
monitoring and diagnostic systems test; maintenance alignment of
sensors; system interconnections; firmware installation and
trouble-shooting; and an introduction to all aspects of ASOS software.
Information on current ASOS problem areas as identified by field
technicians and specialists which will be of interest to technicians
until the problems have been corrected.
Syllabus: Please read prior to attending: ASOSsyllabus.docx
Suggested Review:
- ASOS Web Training : ACU-DCP, LBC, WINDS, Temp-Dew, DTS1 Dewpoint Sensor, VIS, LEDWI
- ASOS video - An Introduction to ASOS (METAR Update)
{This video may already be at the station, check
with your MIC. Otherwise it can be ordered free
of charge from NLSC:
- ASN = XASO-4
- NSN = NWS9-61-340-0006
This 30 minute video is an excellent overview of
the ASOS system. It is your responsibility to
acquire the video and watch it before arriving
for class}
Materials: All materials are provided.
ACE Recommendations:The American Council on Education has recommended
three semester hours in Digital & Electronics Systems Maintenance in
the lower division baccalaureate associate degree category.
Recommendation retroactive to 10/93 to present.
The ACE has also reviewed the previous ASOS Maintenance Course. The
ASOS I was recommended for two semester hours in Electronic in the
vocational degree category retroactive to 1/92. For ASOS II, the
recommendation is three semester hours in the Meteorological
Instrumentation and one in Physical Science Laboratory in the lower
division baccalaureate/assoc degree category retroactive to 2/92.