Recon Decoder v2.0.5 for Excel [Updated 20 July 2006]

[O Town]

This is the error I get.

'msoDB2E6.xls' cannot be accessed. The file may be read only, or you may be trying to access a read only location. Or, the server the document is stored on may not be responding.

Dunno worked fine the other day. It did actually open once after that error came up and said it was unable to save all changes and said it redid something or another. It did not look the same as the first time I viewed it.

[nolabelplez]

Actually, I'm trying to figure out how I could use Excel to help me chart the coordinates. I'd like to plug in the forecasted points and make a scatter chart to give me a graphic line that I could overlay onto a map.

Do any of you guys already have something like that?

[senorpepr]

This is great Senor, but I just have to ask for dropsondes too . . . it always confuses the heck out of me!

I actually have another version of this program that does have a dropsonde decoder. Unfortunately, each dropsonde is unique, so it's harder to get the proper data into it -- it's not user-friendly AT ALL. However, I hope sometime during this season I will work out the kinks and upgrade it from beta version.

[WindRunner]

This is great Senor, but I just have to ask for dropsondes too . . . it always confuses the heck out of me!

I actually have another version of this program that does have a dropsonde decoder. Unfortunately, each dropsonde is unique, so it's harder to get the proper data into it -- it's not user-friendly AT ALL. However, I hope sometime during this season I will work out the kinks and upgrade it from beta version.

Well, that does pose a difficulty when trying to decode using a standard, I suppose. This is definately going to be useful this season, though, and I'll be looking forward to that update.

[senorpepr]

Well, that does pose a difficulty when trying to decode using a standard, I suppose. This is definately going to be useful this season, though, and I'll be looking forward to that update.

My goal is to have it tested and ready sometime in July. Unfortunately, hurricane drops, tropical disturbance drops, and environmental drops all present different bulletins. (...because of the placement of the millibar levels)

I don't know if it will ever be completely user-friendly, espeically when it comes to the wind speeds at non-standard levels. However, if I can't find a fix for it, I'll write directions for it.

[WindRunner]

Directions are always good. And on a board this size, I'm sure at least one of us will be able to figure them out!

[jkt21787]

Absolutely Awesome! Thanks!

[SouthFloridawx]

bump

[Downdraft]

The first couple of times I used it it worked fine. Now it tells me the sheet is protected and won't let me paste into it. Scratcing my head here.

[SouthFloridawx]

The first couple of times I used it it worked fine. Now it tells me the sheet is protected and won't let me paste into it. Scratcing my head here.

Use the undo button and try again. I am going to message senor about it when he gets back.

[StormScanWx]

The first couple of times I used it it worked fine. Now it tells me the sheet is protected and won't let me paste into it. Scratcing my head here.

Use the undo button and try again. I am going to message senor about it when he gets back.

Maybe we can get a fix for this problem. I get the same error.

[senorpepr]

Make sure you are only pasting from the AF line to the bottom of the observations. It should not exceed 21 lines (the AF line + the 20 observations). Anymore lines will paste into the protected cells. Also, make sure you only paste in the white cells.

[senorpepr]

Any ideas or comments on the program?

I'm working on an upgrade... I'm not sure if I will have it ready before I go on vacation, though.

In the upgrade, expect to see a more user-friendly supplementary VDM decoder, a dropsonde decoder (that's pretty easy to use), and a more flexible HDOB decoder.

[SouthFloridawx]

Sounds good to me... I can't create something like but, once you get it done I'll probably have a couple of suggestions for you.

[senorpepr]

Well... I've been busy working on a new version of the decoder -- v2.0

It should be uploaded in time for the next storm… whenever that is. Of course, I’ll be looking for any comments regarding the decoder.

I’m running tests on it right now and making it reading for the public to use.

The new version will look a bit different from the old version. By “a bit,” I actually mean a lot.

First, there will be plenty of visual changes just to give it a different look. Why? I don’t know. I felt like doing it.

Second, the supplementary vortex data message decoder is adjusted for easier use. Instead of splitting the code into four parts (in- and outbound, data and supplemental), all the user has to do is paste the inbound data and the outbound data, cutting your decoding time in half.

Third, I’ve added ten extra lines to the AF and NOAA HDOB decoders. With Alberto, the AF missions would occasionally transmit data that exceeded the 20-line maximum. With 30 lines, this should stop the Excel errors.

Fourth, I’ve merged the AF and NOAA HDOB decoders into one. The decoder will automatically figure out which format (AF vs NOAA) is present, thus saving time.

Fifth, what’s a decoder without the touch of Google? In addition to the HDOB decoder being merged, expect to see an output that, when used with a website, will produce a Google Maps or Google Earth output. This will allow you to track the recon crews easier. Furthermore, the output will allow for the Google Maps/Earth plots to be colorized based on estimated surface wind speed. If the decoder estimates the surface winds to be category one, a color will represent those reports. Category two winds will be of another color, etc.

Sixth, now you can figure out when to issue a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert (TCFA). A checklist that the US Navy uses to issues TCFAs will be included.

Seventh, you’ve been waiting for it… a dropsonde decoder! After pasting the XXAA and the XXBB portion of the dropsonde into the decoder, it will output the height, temperature, dewpoint, and winds from all of the standard atmospheric levels plus it will provide winds for additional levels.

Eighth, to join the new dropsonde decoder is a dropsonde profile that will plot the winds onto a graph, showing where in the column of air that the strongest winds exist.

Finally, on the S2K Recon page, a help file will soon be added.

[senorpepr]

Here's a little preview of what the Google HDOB function can do.

I added some HDOB data from a mission through Katrina while she was a category five.

The numbers present are the actual flight level speed where the colors represent the category when adjusted for surface winds. (The decoder automatically adjusts what number to use based on flight level. It should be noted it is only an estimate.)

TD - Blue
TS - Green
H1 - Yellow
H2 - Orange
H3 - Red
H4 - Purple
H5 - Black

Orange disks with a white tack inside represent the aircraft when it's enroute to the storm.

[P.K.]

Sixth, now you can figure out when to issue a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert (TCFA). A checklist that the US Navy uses to issues TCFAs will be included.

I found a page that listed them all a while ago. Now of course I can't find it in my bookmarks anymore so that would be helpful.

The Google Earth bit looks good.

[WindRunner]

Dropsondes AND automated GE? WOW, Mike, this is making me very happy! If only we had some recon out there so we could play with this . . .

[rjgator]

Awesome

[SouthFloridawx]

Hurry up Mike!

no one mentioned on here the NHC has recon planned for tuesday? well they do...
071
NOUS42 KNHC 161500
WEATHER RECONNAISSANCE FLIGHTS
CARCAH, TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER, MIAMI, FL.
1100 AM EDT SUN 16 JUL 2006
SUBJECT: TROPICAL STORM PLAN OF THE DAY (TSPOD)
VALID 17/1100Z TO 18/1100Z JUL 2006
TSPOD NUMBER.....06-047

I. ATLANTIC REQUIREMENTS
1. NEGATIVE RECONNAISSANCE REQUIREMENTS.
2. OUTLOOK FOR SUCCEEDING DAY..POSSIBLE LOW LEVEL INVEST
AT 18/1800Z NEAR 35N 72W

II. PACIFIC REQUIREMENTS
1. NEGATIVE RECONNAISSANCE REQUIREMENTS.
2. SUCCEEDING DAY OUTLOOK.....NEGATIVE.
RMH