Welcome to the DLOC Topic 2: Introduction to the Weather Surveillance Radar - 88 Doppler (WSR-88D) web module. This on-line tutorial contains the same exact content as the documentation in the DLOC Student Guide. DLOC students only need to either complete this web module or to read the Topic 2 Student Guide prior to taking the exam in the NWS Learning Center.

The WSR-88D system is made up of computer controlled data processing, control, and display units, with some units employing subcomponents. In order to effectively operate the WSR-88D and produce the best quality data, it is important to have a basic understanding of these units, their subcomponents, and the flow of data through the system. This module provides a system description of the five equipment, or component, groups and their primary subcomponents, as well as some of the different user systems that visualize WSR-88D output. These different groups are:

• the Radar Data Acquisition (RDA) Unit,
• the Wideband Communications Between the Radar Data Acquisition and The Radar Product Generator,
• the Radar Product Generator (RPG),
• the Master System Control Function (MSCF),
• the Product Distribution Communications, and
• the Different User Systems (e.g., AWIPS, OPUP).

Objectives

1. Given a list of WSR-88D equipment groups and their primary subcomponents, you will be able to identify the function(s) they perform.
2. Given a list of WSR-88D system users, you will be able to identify the systems (i.e., Principal Users) or data streams (i.e., Other Users) that they use to access and visualize WSR-88D data.
3. Given descriptive statements concerning the WSR-88D, you will be able to identify the correct term or acronym for the system, or subcomponent, being described.
   
4. Given a descriptive layout of the WSR-88D, without reference, you will be able to identify where the MSCF fits into the system as a whole.
5. Given a list of WSR-88D functions, without reference, you will be able to identify which can be performed at the RPG Human Control Interface and which can be performed at the RDA Human Control Interface.

Instructions

To begin the tutorial, just click on the link "Start the DLOC Topic 2 Module!" below. The tutorial will launch in a new window. The tutorial navigation is located on the left-hand side of the window with the content appearing on the right. To navigate through the module, you can:

1. Use the cursor to select the individual topics (or the Next and Previous buttons) from the navigation panel,
2. Use the left and right arrow keys to step forward and backward through the topics, or
3. Use the <Tab> and <Enter> keys to select various topics (or buttons) from the navigation panel (NOTE: The Tab order is set so you can select both the Next and Previous buttons, as well as the first page in each of the WSR-88D System Groups. To view subsequent pages under each System Group, you will need to use either method 1 or 2.) The up and down arrows will also work to Tab forward and backward, respectively.

In cases where the content text is long, you will need to use the scrollbar on the content text window to view all of the information.

System Requirements

This tutorial requires you to have Adobe Flash Player 9 plug-in installed. You may also experience problems if Javascript is not enabled in your browser. If you regularly experience slow Internet connectivity, you can try downloading the tutorial and running it locally.