AWIPS Fundamentals

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D2D Fundamentals

PCR All Panel Sample

This lesson presents information on the Panel Combo Rotate (PCR) and All Panel Sampling features. The PCR and All Panel Sampling features were designed to accommodate the upgrade of the WSR-88D network to dual polarization by providing ways to cycle through and toggle between up to 8 images in one editor. While this was designed for Dual-Pol data, the capability extends to any images loaded in multiple panel layouts. PCR has problems with layouts greater than 4 panels, but there is some limited capability. More practice with PCR and All Panel Sampling will be provided in WES Exercise 5 D2D Panel Combo Rotate and All Panel Sampling.

Panel Combo Rotate and All Panel Sample Basics

The Panel Combo Rotate and All Panel Sampling are two separate features in AWIPS, but they are designed to be used together. This section will describe the two features separately and then conclude with how they can be used together.

The order of display used by Panel Combo Rotate on a four-panel layout where two images are loaded to each panel. The left-hand group of four shows the first images in each panel, with a clockwise selection pattern beginning at top left. The right-hand group of four shows the second images in each panel, which are displayed after the first group in the order shown. Numbers indicate the corresponding number on the keyboard which directly loads that panel.

Panel Combo Rotate

Key Summary

  • delete (above keyboard arrows) - zooms in to first panel and each subsequent key press cycles forward
  • backspace - zooms in to first panel if in multi-panel mode and each subsequent key press cycles backwards
  • end - returns to multi-panel mode
  • 1-9 - zooms in to specific panels and allows toggling between particular panel positions.
  • ctrl + alt + 0-9 - extends capability beyond 9 panel positions, but there are currently issues with combined products at layouts higher than 4 panels

The Panel Combo Rotate was designed for image and graphic products loaded into a four-panel layout in the main display panel. In a four-panel layout, a forecaster can load up to two paired image products per panel for a total of eight image products, and as many graphic products as needed. Using the delete key above the keyboard arrows on the keyboard, a forecaster can quickly zoom in to the first panel and cycle forward through these eight products on a single panel display with simple keyboard commands, and all zooming, sampling, and stepping through time is linked. The backspace key cycles backwards, and the end key returns to multi-panel mode.

When a forecaster loads eight image products in the four-panel layout, they essentially load two four-panel layouts. This can be thought of as Side A and Side B.

  • Side A
    • First four products loaded
    • Numbered 1 - 4 (Top Left = 1, Top Right = 2, Bottom Right = 3, Bottom Left = 4)
  • Side B
    • Second set of four products loaded
    • Numbered 5 - 8 (Top Left = 5, Top Right = 6, Bottom Right = 7, Bottom Left = 8)

These products can be cycled through in order while in PCR mode using delete/backward keys to go forward or backward, or a forecaster can access any particular product using its corresponding keyboard shortcut. To access a particular product, a forecaster needs to press one of the keyboard numbers 1 through 8 (at top of the keyboard) corresponding to its product number. For example, to see product number 5, press 5 on the keyboard.

Shortcut keys while in PCR for directly accessing a particular product

Finally, a forecaster can identify when they are in PCR mode by noting the small “+” sign in the lower left of the single panel display.

A plus sign in the lower left of the single panel display is an indication that you are in PCR mode

Combined products do not work in panel layouts above 4 panels. The ctrl + alt + 0-9 keys allow single loaded products in layouts up to 16 panels to work, but the keyboard shortcuts are not convenient to toggle between multiple panel numbers for high layouts. So you are more likely to find the numbers more useful for 4 panel layouts.

All Panel Sampling

A Right-Mouse Button option is available to sample all available products loaded (up to 8 images). This is particularly useful in Dual-Pol analysis where variables need to be compared at the same location. When All Panel Sampling is turned on and a forecaster samples one of the products while in Panel Combo Rotate mode, the values from all eight products are displayed in the readout. The product values are listed in numerical order from top to bottom (i.e. product #4 will be listed 4th from the top), and the product currently being examined will have an equal sign to the left.

Cursor readout showing All Panel Sampling, in which the values of all eight loaded products are shown

Entering PCR Mode and using All Panel Sampling

Accessing PCR mode and All Panel Sampling is straightforward. The following task will show you how to enter PCR mode and cycle through the products. For more practice using PCR and All Panel Sample, please see WES Exercise #5 D2D Panel Combo Rotate and All Panel Sampling.

Task: Use Panel Combo Rotate and All Panel Sample on Dual Pol
This task demonstrates how to enter PCR mode, cycle through the products and use All Panel Sample, and exit PCR mode in D-2D.
View Jobsheet

Other Important Issues with PCR and All Panel Sample

Memory issues

The amount of memory used at any particular time in CAVE is dependent upon how many images are loaded onto the screen at that time. PCR uses a lot of frames and memory, so if you ever experience slower workstation performance when having multiple PCRs loaded (not commonly reported), you may need to either trim back your frame counts or limit the numbers of PCRs loaded at once.

Graphic Products

Only eight image products can be displayed with PCR, but as many graphic products (e.g. TVS) can be loaded into each panel as can be tolerated by a forecaster. When a graphic product is loaded into a panel, it will be visible on both sides of the PCR. For example, if the top left panel has a Z/SRM combination with the TVS graphic overlaid, the TVS graphic will be visible in both product #1 and #5 in PCR mode.

Num Lock On

If the Num Lock key is off, the “.” key on the keypad will cycle through products like the Delete key rather than toggle products. Num Lock needs to be on for many keyboard shortcuts to work, so it should be left on (note light on upper-right part of keyboard is on when Num Lock is on).