SATDAS—For Air-Sea Interaction Data Acquisition Using Satellite Telemetry

Abstract

SATDAS (Satellite Data Acquisition System) is a data acquisition system utilizing a satellite telemetry link that has been developed for Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, N.Y. It is to be used for air-sea interaction and oceanographic experiments. It is microprocessor-based with all functions under software control. These include data interrogation and acquisition, timing control, tape storage, and data telemetry. Data processing programs are included to calculate averages, variances, and covariances. Diagnostic routines are included for system self-test. The use of the microprocessor has resulted in a very simple configuration with an accordingly high level of reliability. Telemetry to shore is via the GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite). SATDAS provides a unique combination of in situ processing, system self-cheek, on-board recording, and satellite telemetry.