wXstation^TM Data Sources

wXstation^® employs a multi-process data communications function designed to receive, process, and store information from the Unisys weather data service and NOAAPORT. The data communications function employs a UNIX-based multitasking architecture that allows it to run as a background task 24 hours a day, or as directed by the operator. This approach to data communications ensures that all wXstation data bases are maintained with current up-to-date information.

wXstation can ingest a wide variety of alphanumeric data services provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which is available through the National Weather Service (NWS) as the family of services (FOS) data listed below:

• Domestic Data Service,
• International Data Service,
• Public Product Service,
• High Resolution Data Service,
• Digital Facsimile Service (DIFAX),
• NOAA Weather Wire Service, and
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 604 Service.

The data communications function provides the capability to ingest and decode all of the services simultaneously without any operator intervention. In addition, wXstation can decode and display data from a variety of U.S. military data sources and FAA sources, such as the following:

• Automated Weather Network (AWN),
• Navy Integrated Tactical Environmental System (NITES),
• Continental Meteorological Display Station (COMEDS),
• European Meteorological Display Station (EURMEDS),
• Navy Oceanographic Data Display System (NODDS),
• Air Force Digital Graphics System (AFDIGS),
• FAA 135 Service.

These sources provide data similar to that provided by NOAA and the NWS.