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NOAAPort Lite Frequently Asked Questions

Can you explain again what NOAAPort is?

Why is the product called NOAAPort Lite?

Because NOAAPort Lite utilizes a Ku-band satellite system, will periods of heavy precipitation interfere with the transmission of service?

Will NOAA Weather Wire be on NOAAPort Lite?

What meteorological software works with NOAAPort Lite?

Can I use an existing Ku-band antenna and LNB?

Can you explain again what NOAAPort is?
NOAAPort is the primary system the National Weather Service (NWS) uses to supply its forecast offices with alphanumeric, computer model, and satellite data. Using a high-speed satellite broadcast, NOAAPort delivers a continuous stream of weather data to each NWS Forecast Office. NOAAPort data is broadcast unencrypted for public use, but the volume and speed of the data requires a large antenna and expensive ground equipment.

Why is the product called NOAAPort Lite?
CSC chose this name because we are re-transmitting the NOAAPort data over a less expensive satellite system. That means users can get the data without the big dish and associated high costs! Users can also select just those data streams they want instead of being overwhelmed by the full NOAAPort feed.

Because NOAAPort Lite utilizes a Ku-band satellite system, will periods of heavy precipitation interfere with the transmission of service?
CSC is taking several steps to make sure you don't miss any products or services. Our transmit site will be able to increase its power should precipitation begin to affect the signal. And, NOAAPort Lite customers will have exclusive access to a dedicated CSC Web site that processes requests for a direct download or satellite retransmission of GRIB or alphanumeric products. You also have the option to upgrade your antenna to a larger size and increase your receiver's performance during heavy precipitation.

Will NOAA Weather Wire be on NOAAPort Lite?
NOAA Weather Wire data will be available on NOAAPort Lite. However, you need to know that NOAA Weather Wire is a dedicated system designed to deliver critical NWS Watch and Warning information within seconds. We cannot guarantee the same fast alerts with NOAAPort Lite because the Weather Wire is one of several data streams coming over a single satellite channel. If the timeliness of watches and warnings is crucial to the success of your operation, you should contact us about a dedicated NOAA Weather Wire system.

What meteorological software works with NOAAPort Lite?
CSC is recommending Marta Systems as the meteorological software vendor for NOAAPort Lite. Marta Systems can be contacted at (805)933-1270.

For those users who have written their own meteorological analysis software and want to ingest data from the Ethernet port on our receiver, we are providing a simple ingest program at no extra charge. We will ship source code for UNIX and Microsoft NT systems that will connect to the Ethernet port, ingest the files, and store them on disk. Our intent is to provide users with a program that can be used as a simple operational capability or a starting point for custom software development.

Can I use an existing Ku-band antenna and LNB?
CSC will allow you to use an existing antenna and LNB with the NOAAPort Lite receiver provided you contact us to discuss your equipment type. If we approve, we will reduce the cost of your system accordingly.