RANET: Radio and Internet for the Communication of Hydro-Meteorological and Climate Information for Development

WMO Commission for Agricultural Meteorology International WMO Commission for Agricultural Meteorology International Workshop on the Content, Communication and Use of Weather Workshop on the Content, Communication and Use of Weather

and Climate Products and Services for Sustainable and Climate Products and Services for Sustainable ––Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia –– May 2009May 2009

[Originally presented at a Joint BKRP/NOAA Workshop in Bal, [Originally presented at a Joint BKRP/NOAA Workshop in Bal, Indonesia Indonesia –– June 2006]June 2006]

Howard Diamond, U.S. GCOS Program ManagerHoward Diamond, U.S. GCOS Program ManagerNOAA/National Climatic Data CenterNOAA/National Climatic Data Center

‘‘RANET 101RANET 101’’RANET:RANET:

- is an international collaboration of meteorological and similar services working to improve rural and remote community access to weather, climate, and related information;

- works in parts of Africa and the Pacific, with several Asia countries beginning activities in 2006. LAC possibilities in 2007;

- receives support to maintain and develop core systems and country activities. Funding is currently provided by the USAID Office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance, NOAA, the Australia Bureau of Met. and AusAID, the New Zealand Met. Service and NZAID, the UK Met. Service, UNESCO IOC, and others. However, significant in-kind support, in-country and local resources, and donation of commercial services makes RANET possible;

- stresses local ownership within the program and through equipment deployment;

- works with partners to develop a holistic response to community information needs (a.k.a.: RANET’s 1% rule);

- is a technology implementation, not a platform, based program

RANET: Expected Outcome SummaryRANET: Expected Outcome Summary

"RANET has focused on a specific informational need and has trained farmers how to apply the information. When the system is in place, farmers notice tangible benefits to themselves within one season. They are better able to plan for and cope with climatic conditions, resulting in more plentiful harvests. But an additional, higher-level benefit is that they have learned how to obtain, value and apply practical information delivered via ICTs. This is a skill, a behavioral change, that can help them improve many other aspects of their livelihoods."

AFTN for many years AFTN for many years –– then it became a charged service in many countriesthen it became a charged service in many countriesCountries switched to email Countries switched to email –– now a problem in most placesnow a problem in most places

Over subscribed for the available capacityOver subscribed for the available capacityTechnical problems within ISPs and connectionsTechnical problems within ISPs and connectionsNot timely enough for meteorological communicationsNot timely enough for meteorological communicationsHuge bills when staff forget to disconnect from dialHuge bills when staff forget to disconnect from dial--up systemsup systemsInternet surfing means exposure to virusesInternet surfing means exposure to virusesAntiAnti--virus software not kept up to datevirus software not kept up to dateMessages droppedMessages dropped

We are now moving to RANETWe are now moving to RANETHF radio digital emailHF radio digital emailSatellite digital emailSatellite digital emailBase station established at Melbourne, AustraliaBase station established at Melbourne, Australia Woleai, Yap RANET

Communications in the Pacific

NOAA and USAID funded a visit to Niger, Africa by Garry Clarke NOAA and USAID funded a visit to Niger, Africa by Garry Clarke and Colin Schultz to attend a RANET meeting.and Colin Schultz to attend a RANET meeting.RANET in Africa is used to disseminate information to small RANET in Africa is used to disseminate information to small communities via WorldSpace satellite and Community FM radio communities via WorldSpace satellite and Community FM radio but no reverse communications back.but no reverse communications back.Garry suggested adding HF radio Garry suggested adding HF radio digital email to fix this.digital email to fix this.Immediately applicable as a Pacific solution Immediately applicable as a Pacific solution for communications both ways complemented for communications both ways complemented by existing US EMWIN systems.by existing US EMWIN systems.NOAA, UK, Australia, NZ funding has NOAA, UK, Australia, NZ funding has supported systems so far.supported systems so far.We have hooked our We have hooked our mSTARmSTAR AWS into HF AWS into HF digital email at Tuvalu.digital email at Tuvalu.Program and technology advances from PacificProgram and technology advances from Pacificinfluencing efforts in Africa. influencing efforts in Africa. Implementation as funding permits.Implementation as funding permits.

RANET in the sub-Sahara

The RANET Story: Africa to the Pacific and Back

RANET is an RANET is an ““Originator to End UserOriginator to End User”” SystemSystem

Designed to provide information to remote communitiesDesigned to provide information to remote communitiesInformation received via WorldSpace, HF or commercial satellite Information received via WorldSpace, HF or commercial satellite receiversreceiversUses small Community FM Radio Stations to rebroadcast Uses small Community FM Radio Stations to rebroadcast (not strictly RANET but included in the concept)(not strictly RANET but included in the concept)Projects include a number of FM solar/hand cranked radios for Projects include a number of FM solar/hand cranked radios for communitycommunity

Information re-broadcast by local Community FM Radio Station…LikuVillage, Niue. Testing at MetService

RANET: The Benefit of CommunityRANET: The Benefit of Community--Centred NetworksCentred Networks

CommunityCommunity--Based Approaches Foster Local Stewardship which:Based Approaches Foster Local Stewardship which:Improves network sustainability by distributing management Improves network sustainability by distributing management and oversight of equipment and and oversight of equipment and ‘‘nodesnodes’’;;Provides a sense of ownership that increases interest in and useProvides a sense of ownership that increases interest in and useof climate, weather, and water services of climate, weather, and water services –– and gets information to and gets information to largest user group and those who need it most;largest user group and those who need it most;Through partnership, helps address other information and Through partnership, helps address other information and communication needs that might take precedence over climate, communication needs that might take precedence over climate, weather, and water issues;weather, and water issues;Over time improves local understanding of and participation in Over time improves local understanding of and participation in observing efforts.observing efforts.

Community FM Radio Station Audience at Siviri Village in Vanuatu

NMHS in some countries can and do manage hazard warnings other NMHS in some countries can and do manage hazard warnings other than meteorological; e.g. Tsunamithan meteorological; e.g. Tsunami

Communications systems in this presentation already do that or Communications systems in this presentation already do that or have the capacity to provide an expanded warning servicehave the capacity to provide an expanded warning service

Systems should provide a Systems should provide a seamlessseamless and and rapid rapid throughput of critical throughput of critical safety warnings to end users in communitiessafety warnings to end users in communities

MetServiceMetService has already completed such projects and some are in has already completed such projects and some are in progressprogress

LetLet’’s look at the technologys look at the technology

The RANET Story – Well Suited for Hazard Warning

Tropical cyclone damage

WorldSpace Satellite BroadcastWorldSpace Satellite BroadcastWorldSpace satellite broadcast WorldSpace satellite broadcast ((receive onlyreceive only))

•• Latest Satellite Digital Audio Broadcast TechnologyLatest Satellite Digital Audio Broadcast Technology•• Uses lowUses low--cost radio receivers and antennascost radio receivers and antennas•• Data Interface available for PC or LaptopData Interface available for PC or Laptop•• Able to send HTML and images at 128 KpsAble to send HTML and images at 128 Kps•• Data easily viewed using Internet Browser eg. IE6Data easily viewed using Internet Browser eg. IE6•• Will carry the Pacific component of the EMWIN broadcast in Will carry the Pacific component of the EMWIN broadcast in

the Asiathe Asia--Pacific region on AsiaStar satellitePacific region on AsiaStar satelliteIssuesIssues

•• AsiaStar broadcast not received east AsiaStar broadcast not received east of about 180 degree meridianof about 180 degree meridian

Typical WorldSpace outdoors antenna and receiver

WorldSpaceWorldSpace CoverageCoverage

Satellites Satellites –– Signal Reception LimitsSignal Reception Limits

Kiribati

Solomon Islands

Papua New Guinea

VanuatuFiji Tonga

Samoa

Tokelau Is.

Cook Is

Niue

Pitcairn Island

Tuvalu

EMWIN LIMIT

ASIASTAR (WORLDSPACE) LIMIT

Internet Communications to and from Pacific Country ISPsInternet Communications to and from Pacific Country ISPs

Often no Backup System AvailableOften no Backup System AvailableIn the event of ISP equipment failureIn the event of ISP equipment failureIn the event of Satellite failure eg Intelsat 804In the event of Satellite failure eg Intelsat 804In the event that main satellite has to be In the event that main satellite has to be ““parkedparked”” in strong in strong winds; eg tropical cycloneswinds; eg tropical cyclones

There are costThere are cost--effective solutionseffective solutions……

Typical ISP satellite comsequipment.

HF Radio EmailHF Radio Email

What is HF Email? (What is HF Email? (two way communicationstwo way communications))Email received and sent via a HF Radio Transceiver Email received and sent via a HF Radio Transceiver Requires a special radio modem Requires a special radio modem Modem interfaces to PC or laptopModem interfaces to PC or laptopSoftware can interface with many applications, e.g. Software can interface with many applications, e.g. Outlook Express, our mSTAR automatic weather stationOutlook Express, our mSTAR automatic weather station

Niue HF email system, quickly installed after TC Heta

Funded by Met Office, UK

HF Radio EmailHF Radio Email

Why HF Radio Email?Why HF Radio Email?Cost effective twoCost effective two--way remote communications systemway remote communications systemEasy to install and operateEasy to install and operateSome Pacific NMS already have suitable HF RadiosSome Pacific NMS already have suitable HF RadiosMany staff already have HF radio experience Many staff already have HF radio experience

Typical HF radio Email system set-up

Wantok Community FM Radio StationWantok Community FM Radio Station

Applications for the Wantok SBSApplications for the Wantok SBS--11Low cost, low power community radio stationLow cost, low power community radio stationEducation and trainingEducation and trainingA tool for SocioA tool for Socio--Economic DevelopmentEconomic DevelopmentIdeal for Ideal for Disaster AlertingDisaster Alerting and and ResponseResponseGets important information to the Gets important information to the end userend user

Owned by the Community Owned by the Community -- for the Communityfor the Community

Liku Village RANET FM Community Radio Station

Commercial Satellite Commercial Satellite -- IridiumIridium

A Reliable Portable Internet Backup SolutionA Reliable Portable Internet Backup SolutionRugged external marine antennaRugged external marine antennaAll weather capabilityAll weather capabilitySimple Gateway program (Xgate compression software)Simple Gateway program (Xgate compression software)Can use any Internet Email or Browser Client Can use any Internet Email or Browser Client

Niue Iridium Backup ComsSystem –installed April 2005Funded by Met Office, UK

Wantok Community FM Radio StationWantok Community FM Radio Station

A Professional Quality FM Radio StationA Professional Quality FM Radio StationA complete broadcast station in a suitcase A complete broadcast station in a suitcase Ideal for a Community FM Radio StationIdeal for a Community FM Radio StationReadily accepts any audio sourceReadily accepts any audio sourceCan be solar/wind powered for remote communitiesCan be solar/wind powered for remote communities

The Wantok Suitcase FM Radio Broadcast System.

Hakupu Village, Niue FM station on the air…

Funded by NOAA / USAID, and NZAID

Pacific RANET Network DesignPacific RANET Network Design

Pacific RANET Network Design

Pacific communications projectsPacific communications projects(Completed or in progress)(Completed or in progress)

Vanuatu Vanuatu –– SiviriSiviri Village RANET project Village RANET project Funded By: NOAA / USAIDFunded By: NOAA / USAID

Vanuatu Vanuatu -- HF/VHF radio systems (three locations)HF/VHF radio systems (three locations)Funded By: Met Office, UKFunded By: Met Office, UK

HF/VHF radio system for Vanuatu (under test in NZ)

Niue restoration of observing systems and communications Niue restoration of observing systems and communications following TC following TC HetaHeta

Funded By: Met Office, UK; VCP (France); MetService; BureauFunded By: Met Office, UK; VCP (France); MetService; Bureauof Meteorology, Australiaof Meteorology, Australia

Niue Niue –– RANET projects at RANET projects at LikuLiku and and HakupuHakupu Villages, one to Villages, one to comecome

Funded By: NOAA / USAID, NZAIDFunded By: NOAA / USAID, NZAID

Premier of Niue and Ed Young, NOAA PRH open Liku Village Community Radio Station

Pacific Communications ProjectsPacific Communications Projects(Completed or in Progress)(Completed or in Progress)

Pacific Communications ProjectsPacific Communications Projects(Completed or in Progress)(Completed or in Progress)

Tarawa, Kiribati and Funafuti, Tuvalu Tarawa, Kiribati and Funafuti, Tuvalu –– HF radio / satellite HF radio / satellite email, systems and backup solar power for upper air email, systems and backup solar power for upper air programmeprogramme

Funafuti Funafuti –– RANET (four atolls) and an mSTAR automatic RANET (four atolls) and an mSTAR automatic weather station projectweather station project

Funded By: Met Office, UK

Director, NMS, Tuvalu with RANET and mSTAR AWS systems

FundingFunding

Pacific RANET projects to date have been completed with Pacific RANET projects to date have been completed with funding support from funding support from

NOAA NOAA Met Office, United KingdomMet Office, United KingdomNZAIDNZAIDAusAIDAusAIDMetServiceMetServiceAustralian Australian BoMBoM

Need to continue to Need to continue to promote RANET promote RANET solutions and seek solutions and seek additional fundingadditional fundingsupport support

Liku Village, Niue Station assembly

Where to from hereWhere to from here……The Pacific RANET Steering Committee has made a start but thereThe Pacific RANET Steering Committee has made a start but there is is more to domore to do……

Set up projects toSet up projects to……Repair unserviceable EMWIN systems in the Pacific RegionRepair unserviceable EMWIN systems in the Pacific RegionUpgrade EMWIN systems when required for new digital satelliteUpgrade EMWIN systems when required for new digital satelliteEstablish RANET systemsEstablish RANET systemsAssist NMS to establish, or refine, local procedures to adequateAssist NMS to establish, or refine, local procedures to adequately ly handle emergency information that is receivedhandle emergency information that is receivedIdentify locations / communities as primary sites (Identify locations / communities as primary sites (ieie EMWIN / EMWIN / RANET and back up RANET and back up comscoms) and secondary sites (FM stations) in ) and secondary sites (FM stations) in countriescountriesEstablish Establish comscoms links between the two site typeslinks between the two site typesEstablish aural alerting devices in communities, eg sirenEstablish aural alerting devices in communities, eg sirenCoordinate with Disaster Management Units where these are Coordinate with Disaster Management Units where these are establishedestablishedWe welcome working with our colleagues from the Indian Ocean We welcome working with our colleagues from the Indian Ocean community and hope that we can have some talks about crosscommunity and hope that we can have some talks about cross--training with persons from the Pacific involvingtraining with persons from the Pacific involving

•• Indian Ocean inIndian Ocean in--Country training Country training •• Collaboration with key RANET focal points in Australia, New ZealCollaboration with key RANET focal points in Australia, New Zealand, and,

and the USand the US

Thank You!Thank You!

For more information please contact the following Key For more information please contact the following Key Persons:Persons:

Garry Clarke: Garry Clarke: Garry.Clarke@metservice.comGarry.Clarke@metservice.comColin Schulz: Colin Schulz: cschulz@squirrel.com.aucschulz@squirrel.com.au

Kelly Kelly SponbergSponberg: : Kelly.Sponberg@noaa.govKelly.Sponberg@noaa.govEd Young: Ed Young: Edward.Young@noaa.govEdward.Young@noaa.gov

Some Web Links:Some Web Links:http://www.ranetproject.net/http://www.ranetproject.net/

http://metart.fao.org/Eaboutranet.htmhttp://metart.fao.org/Eaboutranet.htmhttp://http://www.firstvoiceint.org/How/RANET.htmwww.firstvoiceint.org/How/RANET.htm

http://www.research.noaa.gov/spotlite/archive/spot_ranet.htmlhttp://www.research.noaa.gov/spotlite/archive/spot_ranet.html