Airport Weather Advisor® — ICAO Compliant System Design (CPS & DCP)
This brochure details the core architecture behind the ICAO Type-Certified Airport Weather Advisor® system: the Central Processing Station (CPS) and Data Collection Platform (DCP), the two components that turn raw field sensor data into compliant, distributed aviation weather reports. The system's modular design allows integration of sensors from multiple manufacturers, letting airports select the optimal sensor combination for their climate, operational requirements, and budget while maintaining full ICAO compliance.
Central Processing Station (CPS)
A secure computer system with an easy-to-use interface supporting Airport Weather Advisor®.
- Communicates with the DCP via UHF data radio, optical fiber, or twisted pair copper
- Processes and distributes METAR reports in real time, fully compliant with ICAO Annex 3
- Customizable user screens with real-time data display, intelligent report editing and augmentation
- Distributes reports via ground-to-air VHF radio and telephone; built-in automatic self-testing of electronic components and data quality
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Latest Microsoft Windows O/S |
| Security | Passwords with user management |
| Compliance | Component of Mesotech's ICAO Type-Certified AWOS |
| Voice Outputs | Up to 4 telephone lines, VHF transmitter |
| Automated Reporting | ICAO Annex 3 compliant |
| Report Editing | Built-in syntax certification, intelligent supplemental editing |
| Workstations | Unlimited |
| Dimensions | Tower Server: 178×356×432 mm; UPS: 102×254×381 mm; Monitor: 406×508×178 mm |
| Radios | UHF: 76×25×127 mm; VHF: 152×51×203 mm |
Data Collection Platform (DCP)
The "in the field" brains of the AWA system.
- Connects directly to analog and digital sensors without external interface components
- Self-contained data collector/processor built for exposed, severe outdoor conditions
- Sensor status and data viewable locally via USB service port and any laptop with a terminal emulator
- Works seamlessly with the CPS for accurate sensor data, status, and maintenance
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 381×406×203 mm |
| Weight | 13.6 kg |
| Supply Voltage | 120VAC or 12VDC |
| Power | <10W (without sensors) |
| Operating Temperature | -55°C to +70°C |
| Connectivity | UHF Data Radio, Ethernet, twisted pair copper, optical fiber |
| Maintenance Port | USB |
| Enclosure Rating | NEMA 4X |
Optional/Compatible Sensors (multi-manufacturer support within the ICAO Type-Certified framework)
- CBME80B/CBME120 LIDAR ceilometers — cloud height, up to 5 layers, 7,600–12,000 m range
- Digital Barometer — ±0.03% FS (0.3 hPa) accuracy, -40°C to +85°C
- Air Temperature/Relative Humidity Probe — ±0.1K temp, ±0.8% RH, NEMA4/IP65
- Motor Aspirated Radiation Shield (MARS) — <0.2°C RMS radiation error at 1000 W/m²
- Mechanical Wind Sensor — 0–100 m/s range, ice-resistant coating
- WindObserver 70 (ultrasonic) — FAA/CAA accepted, 0–70 m/s, 150W heating, MIL-STD-810F tested
- Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge — 8" orifice, 400W heater for snow measurement
- SWS-200 Present Weather & Visibility Sensor — 10m–99.99km range, ICAO 9328 compliant
- ALS-2 Ambient Light Sensor — supports METAR/RVR calculations, integrates with SWS-200
- BTD-200/BTD-300 Lightning Detection — 35km range, <2% false alarm rate
