BSSN
Hazemeter Data Download Protocol

Task
To download data from your hazemeter to your computer, create a text file, and upload the text file to NASA.

Frequency
Once a week

What You Need

In the Classroom

  1. Connect one end of the communication cable to the hazemeter communication port and the other end to COM 1 (communication port 1) on the IBM-compatible computer. (See picture)
  2. If entering HyperTerminal for the first time, start HyperTerminal: Start->Programs->Accessories->Communications->HyperTerminal. HyperTerminal is available on all Windows operating systems (you may need your Windows CD). (See image)
    1. Enter the initial area code information (410 or 443), then click OK.
    2. Enter the name of the connection: Hazemeter
    3. Select the following parameters: (See image)
      1. Bits per second: 9600
      2. Data bits: 8
      3. Parity: None
      4. Stop bits: 1
      5. Flow Control: None
    4. Click OK
  3. If not entering data for the first time, select the Hazemeter HyperTerminal connection. (See image)
  4. In HyperTerminal, select "Transfer" and "Capture Text…" to create a new text file.
  5. Name the file using the following format: 170402RobertPooleMiddle_99.txt (where 170402 is day/month/year; followed by the school name; underscore; and the instrument number). Once the name has been entered, click Start. (See image)
  6. Turn on the Hazemeter by pressing the black button on the side of the instrument. The Hazemeter display will show "RS232 Remote" and information will begin transferring to the computer. (See image)
  7. Press 'D' to download the hazemeter data. The menu will appear again when the download is complete. (See image)
  8. In HyperTerminal, select "Transfer" and "Capture Text…Stop" to close the capture file.
  9. After each download, press "I" to clear the memory.
  10. Enter your instrument number located above the display written in black marker on the circuit board. If your number is 33, enter 033. (See image)
  11. Press "O" to turn off the hazemeter. (See image)
  12. Disconnect the hazemeter from the cable once the hazemeter display turns off.
  13. Send data files to Dave Giles at NASA once a week to be processed. Open your web browser and go to http://aeronet.gsfc.nasa.gov/haze_upload.htm . Locate the file on your computer using the "Browse" button, then press the "Submit" button to send the files.

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Step 1: Top

Picture showing how the cable is connected to the hazemeter

Step 2a: Top

A screen snapshot showing how to access HyperTerminal in Windows

Step 2a(iii): Top

A screen snapshot of the communication properties for HyperTerminal

Step 2b: Top

A screen snapshot showing how to locate the link for the Hazemeter in Windows

Step 3: Top

A screen snapshot showing the initial output from the hazemeter when connected to the computer

Step 4: Top

A screen snapshot showing the input box for naming the download file

Step 5: Top

A screen snapshot showing how the data will appear after downloading from the Hazemeter

Step 6: No Picture/Image Top

Step 7: Top

A screen snapshot of the effect of pressing "I" to initialize the hazemeter and reenter the 3-digit instrument number

Step 8: Top

A screen snapshot showing the output from the Hazemeter before turning OFF

Step 9: No Picture/Image Top

Step 10: No Picture/Image Top

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