User's Guide for the Stormscope® WX-500
Contents
1. Passing over a cable beneath the taxiway can cause a line of discharge points across the screen as shown in figure 4 12 Similar concentrations of discharge points across the screen may appear while taxiing due to electrical signals from nearby equipment such as arc welders or subway rails After passing the source of the interference clear the screen Developing Cluster Within the 25 nmi Range Figure 4 13 shows a developing thunderstorm 12 nmi from the aircraft If you see a screen such as this with a developing cluster within 25 nmi you should change course to avoid the storm and continue to monitor the Stormscope sensor information displayed on the MFD User s Guide 4 9 Weather Display Interpretation Stormscope WX 500 Figure 4 12 Line of Discharge Points W hile Taxiing Rate STRIKE Xx AK r Figure 4 13 Developing Cluster Within 25 nmi Range 4 10 User s Guide Chapter 5 Specifications Table 5 1 Stormscope W X 500 Specifications Part Number 805 1 1500 001 Features Gell or Strike mode 200 nmi range Built in self tests Automatic heading stabilization Microphone inhibit line Integrity indicator Dimensions Processor includes mounting tray and pull handle 0 6 inches 14 22 centimeters high 2 2 inches 5 59 centimeters wide 12 0 inches 20 48 centimeters deep Antenna 1 00 inch 2 54 centimeters high 3 45 inches 8 76 centimeters wide 6 85 inches 17 40 centimeters long Weight Proc2. 12 00 U S User s Guide Aerospace BFGoodrich Avionics Systems Inc e 55 p Stormscope System Advantages Welcome BFGoodrich Avionics Systems the world s most experienced company in airborne thunderstorm avoidance instruments is pleased to welcome you to the family of tens of thousands of pilots who are enjoying the benefits of safer flight with a Stormscope weather mapping system The Original Don t be fooled by Stormscope system look alikes There is only one Stormscope system and only one company that makes the Stormscope line of weather mapping systems The Stormscope system the original mostaccurate weather mapping system is manufactured by BFGoodrich Avionics Systems Fly with Greater Confidence You now own the leading instrument in the world for airborne detection and mapping of thunderstorms Unlike any other product your new Stormscope sensor will enable you to make better informed thunderstorm avoidance decisions so you can fly more safely and with greater confidence than ever before Convenient Features The advanced patented technology in your new Stormscope was developed over many years and is so unique so revolutionary it surpasses all others Here are some of its features Precisely maps electrical discharges 200 nmi range e 120 and 360 view of surrounding airspace Outputs both cell and strike data A Stormscope WX 500 User s Guide 12 00 U S WX 500 S
3. RS eas 4 3 448 TWO Clusters Itti a 44 40 Ranee 0 21101 eccL 4 5 40 Progresser 2204 EA 4 5 41 Ranee Chances to 00 essences 4 1 4 8 Aircraft Turns to Avoid T 4 1 49 Randomly Scattered Discharge Points eee 4 8 410 Cluster and Splattering Within 25 nmi s deed rta 4 8 4 11 Discharge Points Aircrafts Nose 4 9 412 Line of Discharge Points While Taxiing eee 4 10 413 Developing Cluster Within 25 nmi Range eee 4 10 List of Tables Table Title Page 3 1 Error 3 2 5 Stormscope W X 500 5 eene nns 5 1 iv User s Guide Chapter 1 Description GENERAL DESCRIPTION The Stormscope WX 500 Series II Weather Mapping Sensor detects electrical discharges associated with thunderstorms within a 200 nmi radius of the aircraft This information is then sent to an external multifunction display MFD that plots the location of the associated thunderstorms The WX 500 is a passive sensor that listens for electromagnetic signals with a receiving antenna There s no transmitter and no harmful transmissions The WX 500 operates as well on the ground as in the air thereby giving the pilot important planning information even before takeoff Figure 1 1 shows the two major components o
4. contains three thunderstorms Aircraft Progresses 100 nmi Figure 4 6 shows that the aircraft has maintained its heading and progressed 100 nmi The two thunderstorms off the nose of the aircraft appear to have expanded horizontally on the screen This effect is normal anytime you get close to a storm The line of thunderstorms previously at 9 30 now appears at 8 30 4 4 User s Guide Stormscope WX 500 Weather Display Interpretation Rate 117 Rate 125 T 3 SEX Figure 4 5 Range Set at 200 nmi Rate 118 Rate 127 STRIKE CELL Figure 4 6 Aircraft Progresses 100 nmi User s Guide Weather Display Interpretation Stormscope WX 500 Range Changes to 100 nmi Figure 4 7 shows the screen a short time later in the 120 weather view at the 100 nmi range The thunderstorms at 8 30 are not visible in this view but the thunderstorms off the nose of the aircraft appear in greater detail as two separate thunderstorms The thunder storms at 11 30 and 12 15 are centered 90 nmi from the aircraft Information is now sufficient to map a route around the thunderstorms Aircraft Turns to Avoid Thunderstorms Figure 4 8 shows the screen a short time later after the aircraft has turned to the right to avoid the thunderstorms When connected to a compatible heading system the WX 500 automatically rotates new discharge points to their correct position relative to the new heading SP
5. nmi radius of the aircraft and sends the resulting discharge signals to the processor The processor digitizes analyzes and converts the discharge signals into range and bearing data then stores the data in memory The processor then communicates this information to the external display as cells and strikes The WX 500 updates the MFD every 2 seconds Cell Data A clustering algorithm is used to identify the location of storm cells Cell data is most useful during periods of heavy electrical discharge activity Displaying cell data during these periods frees the pilot from sifting through a screen full of discharge points to better determine where the storm cells are located Strike Data Strike data is most useful during periods of light electrical activity because it may plot the initial discharges associated with a building thunderstorm sooner than the cell display mode would The WX 500 plots strike discharge points in relation to where the discharges are actually detected instead of plotting them close to an associated group of discharge points as is done in the cell display mode 1 2 User s Guide Stormscope WX 500 Description Strike Rate The estimated strike rate may be used by pilots to determine if storm cells are building or decaying The strike rate is calculated by the MFD for the current range and view It represents the approximate strikes per minute FEATURES Detects and plots intra cloud inter cloud and cloud to gr
6. storm behind the storm or may understate its intensity With the WX 500 electrical discharges are mapped throughoutthe storm area The size of the cluster of discharge points detected by your WX 500 indicates the size of the storm area The speed with which the discharge points appear indicates the intensity ofthe storm regardless of the size of the cluster The more intense the storm the faster the discharge points appear User s Guide 2 3 Chapter 3 Operation INTRODUCTION As mentioned earlier WX 500 functions are controlled through the MFD For detailed operating instructions refer to your aircraft Flight Manual Supplement and the documen tation supplied with the MFD The focus of this chapter is to provide supplemental information which may be background information or a more detailed explanation of a particular operational feature We assume the user is already familiar with their aircraft Flight Manual Supplement and the operation of the MFD Chapters 2 and 4 discuss thunderstorms and weather display interpretation POWER UP At power up the WX 500 executes a power up self test The self test takes approximately 25 seconds to ensure that all major WX 500 functions are operating properly Functions tested include antenna reception memory and microprocessor functions An error message is displayed ifa faultis detected Refer to the section on error messages later in this chapter for more information CONTINUOUS AND OPERATOR INITI
7. turbulence downbursts hail icing tornadoes and lightning Dissipating Stage In the dissipating stage the updraft weakens and at the same time the convective wind shear and other hazardous conditions begin to subside There may be high rainfall rates in this stage but the severe dangers are diminishing 2 2 User s Guide Stormscope WX 500 Storm Mapping Principles THE WX 500 AND WEATHER RADAR The storm mapping technology used in the WX 500 is fundamentally different than the technology used in weather radar Weather radar operates by transmitting UHF radio waves in the direction of interest and then receiving echoes from water droplets whereas the WX 500 operates by receiving signals already present in the atmosphere due to electrical discharges The WX 500 processor analyzes the unique characteristics of these signals their signal strength and their varying rates of recurrence to determine the location and intensity of the thunderstorms that generated the discharges The WX 500 can receive radiated electromagnetic signals from electrical discharges up to 200 nmi away The cumulus stage of a thunderstorm usually precipitation free is unlikely to appear on weather radar however it generally does contain electrical discharges which will be detected by the WX 500 as a light but increasing cluster of discharge points The WX 500 is not subject to attenuation Weather radar however is subject to attenuation and may not see the
8. 00 Figure 2 2 shows that the rate of electrical discharges detected in an area is directly related to the amount of convective wind shear turbulence present n fact as convective wind shear increases the rate of electrical discharges increases at an increasing rate This relationship means that if you find the electrical discharges you ve found the wind shear Increasing Rate of Electrical Discharges Light Moderate Severe Increasing Turbulence Due to Convective Wind Shear Figure 2 2 Discharge Rate a Function of Wind Shear STAGES OF A THUNDERSTORM All thunderstorms begin as cumulus clouds build to an intense mature stage and finally dissipate Each of these stages in the life ofa thunderstorm presenta different set of dangers to aircraft The WX 500 maps all stages in the life of a thunderstorm so that you may avoid a thunderstorm that can build mature and dissipate in as little as 20 minutes Cumulus Stage The cumulus or beginning stage of a thunderstorm is usually precipitation free In this stage the risks to an aircraft and its occupants include strong vertical winds severe turbulence icing and convective wind shear Mature Stage In the mature and most intense stage of a thunderstorm the water droplets within the cloud collide and combine to form rain and hail and at cooler temperatures sleet and snow This stage poses many hazards to aircraft including heavy precipitation high winds convective wind shear severe
9. 000000 000000000666 6 Cell Data VVC Strike Data ee 66669666696660906000990600090 9009 90 9999 9 Strike Rate e 6666t96666666606t0660009060600009600090990 09 9999 Features Chapter 2 Storm Mapping Principles Anatomy of a Thunderstorm Stages of a Thunderstorm Cumulus 4 coo iiec Meat Mature Dissipating The 500 and Weather Radar Chapter 3 Operation Introduction 6699996699969999066999066906999999999999999999 Power Up PHS HH HHH HHH HEH HEH HEH HHH HEH HEHE HEHEHE FH SHES EH EF OEO HOO OSD Continuous and Operator Initiated Self Test Clear All Discharge Points Heading Stabilization Gic tese bae ETIORMESSISESA ptis Nontatal Recovers ble Faults oett Nonrecoverable Faults Pata 0 22200428 Lern Chapter 4 Weather Display Interpretation Introduction 6 6999 66996969966999066996999699069999069999999969999999999 Radial Spread Typical Patterns Three Clusters within the 200 nmi Range Two Clusters
10. ATED SELF TEST In addition to the power up self test the WX 500 performs a continuous self test Items tested include antenna operation microprocessor functions memory and heading inputs This continuous self test is performed several times each minute There are also provisions for an operator initiated self test that can be executed through the MFD CLEAR ALL DISCHARGE POINTS Clearing the discharge points periodically while you re monitoring thunderstorms is a good way to determine if the storm is building or dissipating Discharge points in a building storm will reappear faster and in larger numbers Discharge points in a dissipating storm will appear slower and in smaller numbers There are provisions to clear discharge points through the MFD or an optional REMOTE CLEAR button Ifyou have the standard heading stabilization feature connected and turned on you do not have to clear discharge points after every heading change to ensure that the discharge points are positioned correctly with respect to the current heading HEADING STABILIZATION The heading stabilization feature automatically adjusts the position of the discharge points on the display when your aircraft changes heading Normally if the WX 500 is installed to use the heading stabilization feature you should never have to turn heading stabilization off however a situation may occur in which the heading input appears to be invalid but no heading flag is displayed In this ca
11. ECIAL PATTERNS Randomly Scattered Discharge Points Atmospheric instability associated with cumulus clouds or developing or dissipating thunderstorms could cause randomly scattered discharge points as shown in figure 4 9 Random discharge points are more likely to appear in the strike display mode than in the cell display mode due to the cell display mode s clustering algorithm If you observe random discharge points continue to monitor the screen for developing clusters which indicate thunderstorm activity Cluster and Splattering Within 25 nmi Figure 4 10 illustrates the 360 weather view at the 25 nmi range One moderately active thunderstorm appears as a cluster of discharge points at 8 30 centered 14 nmi away with a splattering of discharge points throughout the 25 nmi range Such splattering is due to electrical discharges within 3 to 5 nmi of the aircraft and indicates that the aircraft is too close to the thunderstorm Continue to head away from the main cluster While the main cluster should be your primary concern you should also avoid any grouping of discharge points within the 25 nmi range Switch to the other range settings to ensure that there is no thunderstorm activity indicated along your intended path You ll notice in figure 4 10 that the location of random individual discharge points is about the same on both the cell and storm display modes This is true because in the cell display mode the WX 500 plots every electrical
12. TYPICAL PATTERNS Three Clusters within the 200 nmi Range Figure 4 2 illustrates the 360 weather view at the 200 nmi range Using this knowledge the three clusters of discharge points on the left hand screen cell display mode can be interpreted as representing three thunderstorm cells at the following azimuth and range Cluster Azimuth clock position Range 1 11 o clock 180 nmi 2 4 o clock 15 nmi 3 4 o clock 180 nmi Analysis of the righthand screen strike display mode yields a similar but less certain interpretation due to radial spread The screen can also tell us about the relative amount of electrical discharge activity in thunderstorm cells Clusters 2 and 3 have more discharge points than cluster 1 indicating greater electrical discharge activity All three clusters however must be avoided because you can t necessarily determine the severity of thunderstorms based strictly on the number of discharge points For example in the western United States a severe thunderstorm may only have a few electrical discharges When the range is changed to 100 nmi figure 4 3 only cluster 2 remains visible Clusters and 3 are beyond the 100 nmi range and therefore no longer appear on the screen Clusters 1 and 3 would again be visible if the range were returned to 200 nmi Cluster 2 is now more defined and the discharge points are larger The interpretation of cluster 2 remains the same a moderately active thunderstorm at azimuth 4 o clo
13. ck range 75 nmi Notice on the righthand screen strike display mode that there is less radial spread than on the 200 nmi range In general radial spread is reduced on the shorter ranges 4 2 User s Guide Stormscope WX 500 Weather Display Interpretation Figure 4 2 Three Clusters Within 200 nmi Rate 28 STRIKE Figure 4 3 Range Changed to 100 nmi User s Guide 4 3 Weather Display Interpretation Stormscope WX 500 Two Clusters within the 200 nmi Range Figure 4 4 illustrates the 360 weather view at the 200 nmi range Using this knowledge the two clusters of discharge points on the screen can be interpreted as representing one thunderstorm cell at 5 30 about 150 nmi from the aircraft and another thunderstorm cell 1 o clock about 100 nmi from the aircraft The cluster at 1 o clock has less radial spread in the strike display mode and fewer discharge points than the cluster at 5 30 indicating a lower rate of electrical activity Both clusters must be avoided Figure 4 4 Two Clusters Within 200 nmi MAPPING HEADINGS PAST THUNDERSTORMS Figures 4 5 through 4 8 and the following paragraphs depict the progression of an aircraft past several thunderstorms Range Set at 200 nmi Figure 4 5 shows the 360 weather view at the 200 nmi range Two thunderstorms appear almostas one cluster of discharge points off the nose of the aircraft centered 180 nmi away A second cluster at 9 30 indicates a storm system which
14. discharge detected within the 25 nmi range at the exact location detected unless the discharge is associated with a cluster of discharges in which case the discharge point is clustered with the associated discharge points You ll also notice that there are more points in the cluster of points at 8 30 in the cell display mode than there are in the strike display mode This is due to the cell display mode s clustering algorithm pulling in individual discharge points associated with the cluster 4 6 User s Guide Stormscope WX 500 Weather Display Interpretation Figure 4 7 Range Changes to 100 nmi Rate 45 STRIKE Figure 4 8 Aircraft Turns To Avoid Thunderstorms User s Guide 4 7 Weather Display Interpretation Stormscope WX 500 Figure 4 9 Randomly Scattered Discharge Points Figure 4 10 Cluster and Splattering Within 25 nmi 4 8 User s Guide Stormscope WX 500 Weather Display Interpretation Discharge Points Off Aircraft s Nose Figure 4 11 illustrates the 360 weather view at the 200 nmi range The discharge points ahead of the aircraft could be caused by a strong thunderstorm just beyond the 200 nmi range Another scenario might be that electrical discharge signals are arriving via atmo spheric skip from a distant thunderstorm well beyond the WX 500 range In either case no immediate action is required Figure 4 11 Discharge Points Off Aircraft s Nose Line of Discharge Points While Taxiing
15. e 6 1 Warranty Information Stormscope WX 500 RELATED POLICIES AND PROCEDURES a If the original registered owner of a Stormscope W X 500 sells the aircraft in which the W X 500 is installed during the warranty period the remaining warranty may be transferred Written notification of the transaction must be submitted by the initial recipient of the warranty to ATTENTION WARRANTY ADMINISTRATOR BFGoodrich Avionics Systems 9353 52nd Street S E Grand Rapids MI 49588 0873 U S A Equipment must be installed by a BFG Avionics Systems authorized dealer or installer Installation of equipment by facilities not specifically autho rized will void the equipment warranty Notice of a claimed product defect must be given to BFG Avionics Systems or a designated BFG Avionics Systems service agency within the specified warranty period d A product which is defective in workmanship and or material shall be 6 e returned to BFG Avionics Systems via any authorized dealer with trans portation charges prepaid After correction of such defects the equipment will be returned to the dealer transportation prepaid by BFG Avionics Systems via surface transportation Any other means of transportation must be paid by the customer The risk of loss or damage to all products in transit shall be assumed by the party initiating the transportation of such products All items repaired or replaced hereunder shall be warranted for the unexpired
16. ease to operate In this case turn off the WX 500 and see your authorized Stormscope dealer for service 3 4 User s Guide Chapter 4 Weather Display Interpretation Never use your Stormscope system to attempt to penetrate a thunder storm The FAA Advisory Circular Subject Thunderstorms and the Airman s Information Manual AIM recommend that a pilot avoid by at least 20 miles any thunderstorm identified as severe or giving an intense radar echo There are several atmospheric phenomena other than nearby thun derstorms which can cause isolated discharge points in the strike display mode Clusters of two or more discharge points in the strike display mode however do indicate thunderstorm activity when they reappear after clearing the screen Avoid the clusters and you ll avoid the thunderstorms In the cell display mode even a single discharge point may represent thunderstorm activity and should be avoided INTRODUCTION The examples in this chapter are designed to help you relate the cell or strike patterns shown on your MFD to the size and location of thunderstorms that may be near your aircraft A blue and white grid in the examples represents the airspace around your aircraft See figure 4 1 Each square in the grid represents a 100 by 100 nmi area A circle represents the area being monitored by your WX 500 Areas of gray or black indicate thunderstorms The darker the area the greater the rate of electrical discharge acti
17. essor 2 5 pounds 1 13 kilograms Antenna 0 84 pound 0 38 kilogram without doubler plate Electrical Characteristics Input voltage 11 to 32 volts Current 0 82 A maximum 12 volts dc O 38 A maximum 28 volts dc Operating Altitude Processor 55 000 feet maximum Antenna 55 000 feet maximum RTCA Compliance Processor Environmental DO 160C Category Fe BA NBM XXXXxXXZ ABJABZTZAZEZXX Processor Software DO 178B Level D Antenna DO 160C Category Fe AC YCLM JXSFXXXXXXXZXZKXXESXKX TSO Compliance TSO C110a Stormscope WX 500 User s Guide 5 1 Chapter 6 Warranty Information INTRODUCTION The Stormscope WX 500 sensor is warranted for 2 years from the date of installation notto exceed 30 months from the date of shipment from BFGoodrich Avionics Systems subject to the following limitations WARRANTY STATEMENT BFGoodrich Avionics Systems hereinafter called BFGAS warrants each item of new equipment manufactured or sold by BFGAS to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use as intended for a period of 30 months from date of shipment by BFGAS to an authorized facility or 24 months from date of installation by an authorized facility whichever occurs first No claim for breach of warranties will be allowed unless BFGAS is notified thereof in writing within thirty 30 days after the material workmanship defect is found The obligation of BFGAS shall be limited to replacin
18. f the WX 500 Figure 1 2 shows how the components are connected to each other and to other aircraft systems WX 500 Processor Figure 1 1 Major Components Processor The processor houses the data acquisition circuitry plus circuitry to process heading and communicate with the external MFD The processor is tray mounted Antenna This combined crossed loop and sense antenna is sealed in an aerodynamic flat pack and mounted on the outside of the aircraft Stormscope thunderstorm detection systems can Stormscope WX 500 User s Guide 1 1 Description Stormscope WX 500 correlate the electric and magnetic signatures of lightning strikes better than other systems due to its patented sense channel technology The antenna has been designed to help filter out pulsed noise from sources other than atmospheric electrical discharges Electromagnetic Signals Radiating from Atmospheric Electrical Discharges Associated with Thunderstorms Discharge Signals NY163 Antenna Display RS 232 or RS 422 Device MFD ooo Antenna Power 12 l WX 500 Hemote l Processor i l Lo Co L ____ Heading Input External Comm Power Clear Mic Input Heading Valid Input Input Inhibitl 11 32 V dc Figure 1 2 Functional Diagram FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION The antenna detects the electric and magnetic fields generated by intra cloud inter cloud or cloud to ground electrical discharges that occur within a 200
19. g or repairing at its factory the equipment found defective under terms of this warranty certificate providing that such equipmentis returned in an approved shipping container transportation charges prepaid to BFGAS Grand Rapids Michigan or such other location as BFGAS may authorize BFGAS reserves the right to have necessary repairs performed by an authorized agency This warranty shall not apply to any unit or part thereof which has not been installed or maintained in accordance with BFGAS instructions or has been repaired or altered in any Way so as to adversely affect its performance or reliability or which has been subjected to misuse negligence or accident This warranty is exclusive and is accepted by buyer in lieu of all other guaranties or warranties express or implied including without limitation the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose Buyer agrees that in no event will BFGAS liability for all losses from any cause whether based in contract negligence strict liability other tort or otherwise exceed buyer s net purchase price nor will BFGAS be liable for any special incidental consequential or exemplary damages BFGAS reserves the rightto make changes in design or additions to or improvements in its equipment without the obligation to install such additions or improvement in equipment theretofore manufactured A Subsidiary of The BFGoodrich Company Stormscope WX 500 User s Guid
20. ntended to assist the pilot in interpreting lightning data output by the WX 500 Each MFD will show the information consistent with the capabilities of that particular display Safety Summary These warnings and cautions appear later in this guide and are repeated here for emphasis IE vean Never use your Stormscope system to attempt to penetrate a thunderstorm The FAA Advisory Circular Subject Thunderstorms and the Airman s Information Manual AIM recommend that a pilot avoid by at least 20 miles any thunderstorm identified as severe or giving an intense radar echo There are several atmospheric phenomena other than nearby thunder storms which can cause isolated discharge points in the strike display mode Clusters of two or more discharge points in the strike display mode however do indicate thunderstorm activity when they reappear after clear ing the screen Avoid the clusters and you ll avoid the thunderstorms In the cell display mode even a single discharge point may represent thunderstorm activity and should be avoided ii Stormscope WX 500 User s Guide Table of Contents List of Illustrations List of Tables Chapter 1 Description General Description Processor ee 6666966669666090606099060009900090999 9909 99999 Antenna PHHHSHSHHHHHH HHH HEHEHE HEH HHH EE HHE SHES ESE OH SE OH OOS j ID j j unctiona escription 0000000
21. ound electrical discharges Completely passive system requiring no transmitter All control functions available through the MFD 200 nmi range Cell and strike data output to the MFD Heading stabilization automatically repositions discharge points on the display relative to the latest aircraft heading when connected to a compatible heading system Three types of self test Power up self test Continuous self test Operator initiated self test Remote clear allows operator to clear discharge points from a remotely mounted clear screen button not supplied e Mic inhibit inhibits thunderstorm processing when the communications transmit ter is keyed to preventthe processing of corrupted data some installations need to use this feature others don t User s Guide 1 3 Chapter 2 Storm Mapping Principles ANATOMY OF A THUNDERSTORM TheStormscope model WX 500 is intended to help pilots avoid the dangers associated with thunderstorms convective wind shear lightning icing tornadoes etc The WX 500 locates thunderstorms by detecting the electrical discharges that thunderstorms always generate Figure 2 1 shows how thunderstorms create electrical discharges and radiate electromagnetic signals Figure 2 1 Electrical Discharges in Thunderstorms a The convective flow of air currents warm air going up and cold air going down leads to friction between the opposing air currents and wind shear in the space between the o
22. portion of the original warranty BFG Avionics Systems is in no way obligated or responsible for supporting or participating in the costs of the installation warranty The entire re sponsibility lies with the BFG Avionics Systems authorized dealer making the installation BFG Avionics Systems is only responsible for the product warranties outlined in the warranty statement BFG Avionics Systems cannot authorize warranty credit for troubleshoot ing of other systems in the aircraft in order to reduce noise interference with the Stormscope W X 500 sensor User s Guide Record of Important Information Dealer Information Name Address City State Zip Telephone Equipment Information Date of Purchase Installation Date from FAA Form 337 Processor Model Number Part Number Serial Number Firmware Version Antenna Model Number Part Number Serial Number Note To ensure that a repaired Stormscope meets the FAA TSO gets for eign government approval and meets BFGoodrich Avionics Sys tems Inc performance standards your WX 500 must be reinstalled and tested by a BFG authorized Stormscope dealer BFGoodrich Aerospace 009 11501 001 Rev A 9 10 97 BFGoodrich Avionics Systems Inc 5353 52nd Street S E Stormscope P O Box 873 Series II weather Mapping Systems Grand Rapids MI 49588 0873 USA
23. pposing air currents The closer together the opposing air currents are the greater the shearing force of the air currents b The friction between the opposing air currents causes electrical charges in the area to separate As positive and negative electrical charges are separated they accumulate in masses of similar charges positive charges near the top of the cloud and negative charges near the bottom c Electrical discharges occur as the accumulated masses of separated posi tive and negative charges attempt to rejoin These discharges continue to occur repetitively as long as the convective wind shear persists A few of the discharges are visible as lightning but most electrical discharges occur within a cloud or between clouds and are hidden by those clouds Only a small percentage of discharges occurs between the clouds and the ground Cloud to ground lightning occurs when the negatively charged lower part of a cloud induces a positive charge on an object on the ground The immense charge separation finally breaks down the insulating air and a discharge occurs dumping negative charge from the cloud onto the object and the surrounding ground d All electrical discharges radiate electromagnetic signals in all directions at the speed of light The electromagnetic signals have unique characteristics and varying rates of recurrence and signal strength Stormscope WX 500 User s Guide e 1 Storm Mapping Principles Stormscope WX 5
24. se you should turn heading stabilization off until the heading input is corrected If you are flying with heading stabilization turned off or do not have a compatible heading system you can clear all discharge points after each heading change to display new discharge points in the proper location relative to the nose of the aircraft Stormscope WX 500 User s Guide 3 1 Operation Stormscope WX 500 ERROR MESSAGES The WX 500 detects most common faults and sends error messages to the MFD indicating the nature of the faults and which functions may be inoperative These error messages enable your authorized Stormscope dealer or BFG Avionics Systems factory service personnel to quickly diagnose and correct the fault Table 3 1 lists all the possible error messages the probable causes and the recommended actions Table 3 1 Error Messages Error O1 Main processor F Turn off the unit and see your Processor Fault dealer for service Errors 05 thru O8 Main processor Turn off the unit and see your Processor Fault memory dealer for service Errors OS thru 12 DSP memory F Turn off the unit and see your Processor Fault dealer for service Errors 14 and 15 DSP F Turn off the unit and see your dealer for service Processor Fault Error 16 Antenna Fault Error 17 Processor Fault Error 18 Processor Fault Error 19 Processor Fault Antenna is not able to receive or forward the necessary thunderstorm data or it could be a fa
25. table User s Guide 3 3 Operation Stormscope WX 500 Table 3 1 Error Messages Continued Error Fault Source Type Recommended Action Error 52 MFD NF H See your dealer for service if Invalid Antenna this error occurs frequently Change Request Error 53 thru 54 MFD NF H See your dealer for service if Communications this error occurs frequently Buffer Overload F Fatal NF Nonfatal NR Nonrecoverable Description follows table Nonfatal Faults If a nonfatal fault occurs all functions not directly affected by the fault will continue to operate See your authorized Stormscope dealer as soon as possible to correct the fault Recoverable Faults A recoverable fault is one that allows the affected functions to automatically resume proper operation after the fault goes away A messaging error errors 43 through 51 53 and 54 is an example of a recoverable fault Messaging errors are likely caused either by excessive noise on the communication lines or an MFD communications problem These messages automatically clear after the message is processed and therefore may appear only briefly on the MFD Nonrecoverable Faults A nonrecoverable fault will allow you to continue operation but without the function that is affected by the fault The affected function will not resume proper operation until the system is turned off and repaired Fatal Faults If a fatal fault occurs all functions will c
26. tormscope Series 11 Weather Mapping Sensor User s Guide Methods and apparatus disclosed and described herein have been developed solely on company funds of BFGoodrich Avionics Systems Inc No government or other contractual support or relationship whatsoever has existed which in any way affects or mitigates proprietary rights of BFGoodrich Avionics Systems Inc in these developments Methods and apparatus disclosed herein may be subject to U S Patents existing or applied for BFGoodrich Avionics Systems Inc reserves the right to add improve modify or withdraw functions design modifications or products at any time without notice O Copyright 1997 BFGoodrich Avionics Systems Inc Stormscope i is a registered trademark of BFGoodrich Avionics Systems Inc Designed and manufactured i in the United States of America by e BFGoodrich Avionics Systems Inc Nes BI 5353 52nd Street S E 1 P O Box 873 Grand Rapids MI 49588 0873 USA Aerospace 616 949 6600 or 800 253 9525 Fax 616 285 4224 Important Notice All Stormscope WX 500 functions are controlled through various Multi Function Displays MFDs The many capabilities of the WX 500 allow MFD manufacturers to create screens compatible with the various functions of their display The display screens illustrated in this guide are intended to be characteristic of a group of MFDs that are configured to work with the WX 500 The examples are i
27. ulty connection No test strikes Invalid test strikes Main Processor data overload Continue without weather mapping functions See your dealer for service Continue without weather mapping functions See your dealer for service if this error occurs frequently Continue without weather mapping functions See your dealer for service if this error occurs frequently Continue without weather mapping functions See your dealer for service if this error occurs frequently Error 20 Antenna jumper NF H Select antenna location via Configuration configuration MFD If selection matches Changed changed since processor configuration last time power jumpers normal operation F Fatal NF Nonfatal NR Nonrecoverable Description follows table Flying within 5 nmi of a certain Government antenna near Annapolis Maryland can also cause this error to appear The recommended action in this case is to do nothing 3 e User s Guide Stormscope WX 500 Operation Table 3 1 Error Messages Continued Error Fault Source Recommended Action was applied to returns If not correctable the system continue without weather mapping functions and see your dealer for service Error 21 Main processor F Turn off the unit and see your Processor Fault dealer for service Error ee Invalid XYZ input NF H GContinue without heading Invalid Synchro gyro may still be stabili
28. vity Current Stormscope Range 100 nmi Heavy Electrical Activity 100 nmi Moderate Electrical Activity Light Electrical Activity Figure 4 1 Airspace Diagram The WX 500 detects electrical discharges and sends the processed information to the MED which may display the discharges as cells or independent strikes The examples in Stormscope WX 500 User s Guide 4 1 Weather Display Interpretation Stormscope WX 500 this chapter include screen patterns to represent both cell and strike displays These illustrations are intended to aid you in interpreting live storm data shown on the MFD Radial Spread In the strike display mode itis common for a triangular shaped stream of discharge points to appear between the aircraft symbol and a cluster of discharge points within the range of the WX 500 A similar stream of discharge points may appear radiating away from the aircraft symbol in the direction of possible thunderstorm activity beyond the range of the WX 500 These phenomena are examples of radial spread Discharge points in radial spread do not necessarily indicate the exact location of atmospheric electrical discharges To counteract radial spread BFGoodrich Avionics Systems applied its extensive research in lightning detection to develop enhanced lightning positioning algorithms These algorithms used only in the cell display mode greatly reduce radial spread and improve the depiction of thunderstorms on the display
29. within the 200 nmi Range Mapping Headings Past Thunderstorms Range Serat 200 1101 2544 Aircraft Progresses 100 nmi Range Changes to 100 nmi uides Aircraft Turns to Avoid Thunderstorms t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t t 000 6 s IV IV I p 1 1 I p oe I 1 t bo oe bo oe 1 1 N oe 1
30. y t ee He t NY Q 1 1 1 1 1 ee Ge b amp b T Coote ABO m Ee Stormscope WX 500 User s Guide Table of Contents Stormscope WX 500 Table of Gontents Continued Page SPee 46 Randomly scattered Discharge 4 6 Cluster and Splattering Within 25 nmi esteri ce oes an 4 6 Discharge Points Aircrafts NOSE see tite tae echt aote ter btoxa aede 4 9 Line of Discharge Points While Taxiing eee 4 9 Developing Cluster Within the 25 nmi Range eee 4 9 Chapter 5 Specifications cessere nennen nnnm nnn 5 1 Chapter 6 Warranty Information 6 1 6 1 Warranty Statements qus 6 1 Related Policies and Procedures aia o rH o epe i it e ete ea 62 List of Illustrations Figure Title Page 1 1 Maor COMP OME TCS Sa Se 1 1 I Rincon t Dror 1 2 21 Electrical Discharges in Thunderstorms 2 1 2 2 Discharge Rate a Function of Wind Shear esee 2 2 441 215510 ccc T EU 4 42 Clusters Wit 200 DERI cede peser ciere tere vn pet 4 3 43
31. zation See your dealer for spinning up service NF H Continue without heading Invalid Synchro Ref reference stabilization See your dealer for service Mic key inhibit NF H Check your microphone key to Mic Key Stuck line stuck The correct the problem If not microphone key correctable continue without has been weather mapping functions and depressed for see your dealer for service more than 1 minute Errors 25 thru 34 Main processor F Turn off the unit and see your Software Error dealer for service Errors 35 and 36 DSP or main NF H Continue without weather Processor Fault processor mapping functions See your dealer for service Error 4O Main processor NF H See your dealer for service if Processor Fault this error occurs frequently Error 41 DSP or main Turn off the unit and see your Processor Fault processor dealer for service Error 42 Main processor F Turn off the unit and see your Processor Fault dealer for service Error 43 MFD NF H your dealer for service if Invalid Request this error occurs frequently Error 44 thru 49 NF H See your dealer for service if Serial this error occurs frequently Communications Error 50 MFD NF H See your dealer for service if Illegal Heading this error occurs frequently Value Error 51 MFD NF H See your dealer for service if Invalid Message this error occurs frequently F Fatal NF Nonfatal NR Nonrecoverable Description follows
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