8.6.1 Preparatory Steps

Preparatory steps prior to data validation include: collection and storage of the raw data,backup, data reduction, transfer of data off-site, and preliminary review. These steps are discussed in the following:

• Collection and storage on-site (as appropriate) of the "raw" signals from the sensors, followed by real-time processing of the "raw" data by the data acquisition system to produce reduced, averaged values of the meteorological variables. The reduced data are stored on the data acquisition system's computer, usually in one or more ASCII files.



• Transfer of the reduced data to a central data processing facility at regular intervals (e.g., daily). Once the data are received at the central facility, they should be reviewed by an experienced data technician as soon as possible to verify the operational readiness of the monitoring site. Backup copies of the data should be prepared and maintained on-site and off-site.

Data collected by the monitoring systems can usually be obtained by polling the data system at a site from the central facility using a personal computer, modem, and standard telecommunications software. Other options that are available for communications with aremote site include leased-line telephone service, local or wide area network (LAN,  AN)connections, Internet access, and satellite telemetry. For immediate turnaround of data, the operator can transfer the data to the central facility using a personal computer equipped with a modem and communications software.

8. QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL
8.1 Instrument Procurement 
     8.1.1 Wind Speed 
     8.1.2 Wind Direction  
     8.1.3 Temperature and Temperature Difference 
     8.1.4 Dew Point Temperature 
     8.1.5 Precipitation 
     8.1.6 Pressure 
     8.1.7 Radiation  
 8.2 Installation and Acceptance Testing
     8.2.1 Wind Speed 
     8.2.2 Wind Direction  
     8.2.3 Temperature and Temperature Difference 
     8.2.4 Dew Point Temperature 
     8.2.5 Precipitation 
     8.2.6 Pressure
     8.2.7 Radiation
  8.3 Routine Calibrations  
      8.3.1 Sensor Check  
      8.3.2 Signal Conditioner and Recorder Check  
     8.3.3 Calibration Data Logs 
     8.3.4 Calibration Report  
     8.3.5 Calibration Schedule/Frequency 
     8.3.6 Data Correction Based on Calibration Results  
  8.4 Audits 
     8.4.1 Audit Schedule and Frequency  
     8.4.2 Audit Procedure 
     8.4.3 Corrective Action and Reporting 
  8.5 Routine and Preventive Maintenance 
     8.5.1 Standard Operating Procedures  
     8.5.2 Preventive Maintenance  
 8.6 Data Validation and Reporting  
     8.6.1 Preparatory Steps 
     8.6.2 Levels of Validation  
     8.6.3 Validation Procedures  
     8.6.4 Schedule and Reporting
  8.7 Recommendations