Useful Tools for ARAs

• QC and Location Reports

• Looking at AirNowTech and WRCC source sites

• Checking Temporary Monitor site

• Checking NESDIS ID and transmission (GOES) 

• IWFAQRP Monitor Troubleshooting | IWFAQRP Monitoring V5: ARA Version

FAQs 

Q:   I just set up my smoke monitor, how long before I see it on the Monitoring Site map?

A:   After verifying the monitor is transmitting successfully to AirSis/WRCC, you should expect to see the monitor show up on the Monitoring Site map within 3 hours.

Q:   I see my monitor in AirSis/WRCC but not on the Monitoring Site, why?

A:   2 things to check: Time and the QC reports. 

Time: Typically, monitors will appear within 3 hours after a successfully transmitting to WRCC/AirSis source site

QC Reports: If the monitor is not operating correctly (parameters are not within specified thresholds), data will be marked as invalid. If all data are marked as invalid, you may not see the monitor on the map. 

Q:   I just moved my monitor, how long before the location is updated on the map?

A:   When a monitor is moved, it is considered a "new" monitor deployment and you can expect to see the monitor in the new location within 3 hours of it successfully transmitting to AirSis/WRCC. Note that the "old" monitor will still appear until the data "ages out" in 10 days.

GOES Tips

• Quick way to determine GOES-15 satellite angle and location to optimize monitor location

http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=goes-15 

• GOES transmission / relay issues: 

Equatorial orbit, need view south to transmit  

Far north positions (AK) can be problematic 

Transmission lags can occur due to sequencing, limited bandwidth, and “collisions.” 

GOES listens to everyone, but in specific turns. However, since many sites use a turn, every site will not be listened to on a given turn – your monitor may skip a turn. 

If your monitor conflicts with another’s ID or is in a turn with a louder signal, it can get lost. 

Questions: 

ARAs may post questions / issues to the IWFAQRP channel #monitoring-site or #monitoring-cache according to issue/question

External inquiries regarding the site may be directed to Dr Sim Larkin, US Forest Service, PNW AirFire Team, sim.larkin (at) usda.gov