Archive for January, 2008

|

More RSINet FAQs

Saturday, January 26th, 2008

More questions and answers on the RSINet NADIN Data delivery system 

  

Q: Our airport has a part-time contract tower. What is the REAL ruling on NADIN connections?

 

A: Here is the definitive answer per the official FAA memo outlining the use of NADIN at part-time towered airports:  When the tower is open and certified weather observers are on-duty, (A) the automated report must be augmented or (B) the NADIN connection must be disabled.

 

Newer AWOS units do not have the capability to augment the METAR reports. NEXWOS units made by Systems Management circa 1995 (now All-Weather, Inc) can be made to augment reports. So, the real world answer is that for most airports, the NADIN system must be disabled when the tower is open. RSI has a solution for that issue and it is included with your RSINet system if needed.

 

 

Q: We are looking to do some remodeling work on the FBO in the future. How difficult is it to move the RSINet interface with the AWOS? We don’t want to pay to have a satellite dish or phone line relocated.

 

A: The RSINet system is self contained. Pick it up and move it with the rest of the AWOS Central Data Platform. Plug it back in and you’re set. If for some reason you have issues with the relocation, just call us. You AWOS technician should have no problems performing the move. The RSINet interface is about the size of a 5 x7 index card and only weighs a couple of pounds.

Posted in News | Comments Off on More RSINet FAQs

RSINet FAQ’s

Friday, January 18th, 2008

 

I have to admit…I knew airport sponsors were looking for a reliable alternative to the high cost of NADIN service, but I didn’t anticipate all the e-mails and requests for additonal information we would get within days of announcing the product. So, here are answers to some of the questions we’ve gotten about RSINet. We’ll post more as they come in.

Tom Nichols

Owner

Remote Systems Integration

 

Q: Why can’t I use the Internet to distribute my AWOS data?

The short answer is security. The FAA is very rightly concerned about the security of their network systems. They will not allow internet delivery of any data which ultimately ends up in their system. And, with very few exceptions, any weather data using internet delivery is advisory only, meaning that pilots cannot make landing decisions based on that data source. Any graphics display, unless it is directly connected to the AWOS in an approved FAA configuration must be labeled advisory only and is not for navigation.

 

RSINet is the result of many hours of performance and certification testing with the FAA Technical Center. In order for RSINet to become FAA certified for connection into NADIN, the system was required to pass all FAA technical, security, and performance benchmarks.

 

 

Q: Is my AWOS NADIN ready?

 

That depends on the model. NADIN output is standard on all All-Weather (Qualimetrics) 900 series systems, but it is optional on Vaisala systems. If you have a Vaisala system you should check with your AWOS technician to determine if you need to install a NADIN interface “ISI”. The older NEXWOS units can be made to output NADIN with some configuration changes. If your AWOS is NADIN equipped, there still may be some configuration changes that must be performed ONLY by your technician of record.

 

Q: My AWOS is self-contained out in the field. Will RSINet work with this system?

 

Yes. In fact, the RSINet network interface will fit inside the AWOS cabinet. However, there may still be some configuration changes and additional hardware needed, See the above answer.

 

Q: Does my AWOS technician have to install this equipment?

 

No. RSINet will install it, or if you wish you can do it yourself in about 5 minutes. If the NADIN port needs to be enabled or a NADIN interface installed in the AWOS itself, that task must be performed by the technician of record or under their direct supervision.

 

Q: Does the system require any maintenance?

 

No. All routine testing and diagnostics are done in real-time over the network. If we determine the device has failed, we’ll simply stop by and replace it, or send you another one.

 

Q: How can you offer free on-site maintenance?

 

Easy. The RSINet hardware usually doesn’t break. It’s certainly more reliable than the average computer, and chances are your AWOS will have more problems than the network interface. Not only that, RSI is one of the larger AWOS and navaids maintenance companies around. We service over 100 aviation and communications sites in 13 states from the Rockies to the east coast. Chances are pretty good we’ve got a technician pretty close anyway. Plus, we think it’s just good customer service.

 

Q: How about telephone support?

 

You’ll get a live (although possibly sleepy) person 24 hours a day, or a call back within minutes. We are on-call 24 hours a day for our navaids, and you get the benefit of that service! Plus, RSINet techs can monitor and diagnose the network and your site from anywhere in the network service area.

 

Q: Do you have any special deals?

 

You bet. Ask us, especially about out RSINet / AWOS maintenance contract packages.

 

Q: My Fire Department / DOT / Emergency Services want the AWOS data. Can they get it?

 

They can, in a variety of ways. Most importantly, they can get the AWOS data in real-time as soon as the AWOS spits it out. That’s an exclusive feature of RSINet!

 

Q: Who are you guys?

 

Remote Systems Integration has been in business since 1992. With a combined 75 years of AWOS and navaids experience between the staff, we install and service AWOS, Instrument Landing Systems, marker beacons, lighted landing aids, NDB’s and much more. RSI consists of pilots, retired FAA technicians, and electronics experts with decades of experience. We have completed projects for customers such as NASA, the United States Air Force, DOD, Homeland Security, Chevron, and a host of other companies and airports. 

 

                        

             

      

   

 

Posted in News | Comments Off on RSINet FAQ’s

RSI wins South Carolina AWOS contract

Monday, January 7th, 2008

Remote Systems Integration has won a contract to maintain and repair the SC Department of Aeronautics’ Automated Weather Observation Systems statewide. The multi-year contract will cover all existing systems and will add newly installed systems as the manufacturer’s warranty maintenance runs out. This contract expands on RSI’s prior installation and maintenance activities in SC and is the first statewide AWOS maintenance program for RSI. To support this contract, RSI has added an additional FCC and FAA certified contract technician based in Columbia, SC to support emergency service on the state’s AWOS units. With this addition, RSI now maintains close to 80 AWOS units across more than a dozen states.

Posted in News | Comments Off on RSI wins South Carolina AWOS contract

|