A change is in the works for the management and operation of NWWS.
Beginning Spring 2013, the NWWS will initiate transition to the next-generation system currently known as the Weather Radio Improvement Project (WRIP).
WRIP test and evaluation activities will involve integration testing between WRIP and users in the near future and require a period of evaluation to ensure a smooth transition.
The new system will operate like the current system does, with dissemination of weather data via either:
(1) C-band satellite
(2) using an Internet-based method known as the
"Open Interface"
(3) through the International Justice and Public Safety Network (Nlets)
NWS will coordinate activities to ensure a smooth transition from the existing
service to the new WRIP provided service.
C-band satellite users can continue to re-use the outdoor antennas they already have in place (which will not require re-pointing),
but will need a new satellite receiver, new Low Noise Block Converter (LNB), and new (or modified) weather data display software. Open Interface users will need the new (or modified) display software. The Nlets system is a private law enforcement/emergency management network not open to the general public.
We will have more specific information about the satellite receiver and LNB you will need after we have completed our testing on this equipment later this year.
Costs to use the new system will be at or below current costs.
During the transition to the new system, your cooperation will be appreciated as we will need to work collectively to ensure a smooth changeover.
Please feel free to contact us for more information about the upcoming change. When it is verified that the new system is operational and working properly,
the old system (operated under contract with Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) for the past 12 years) will be decommissioned (turned off),
but this will not happen until Spring 2013 at the earliest.