The MW32 system consists of a receiver, processor, and antennas to track the radiosonde attached to a free-flying balloon. The integrated display and keyboard unit supports menu-driven operation. Side panel connectors enable rack mount installation. The display unit and connector panel have been designed using MIL‑STD‑1472F as a guideline. The system can be operated, assembled, and disassembled wearing gloves or arctic mittens.
The MW32 system is designed from conception for demanding uses in harsh environments and rough transportation. A special feature is the unit’s conductive cooling. MW32 complies with MIL‑STD‑810G for vibration, functional shock and transit drop, low and high temperature, temperature shock, sand and dust, wind-driven rain, humidity, salt fog, and altitude.
The MW32 system uses a self-guiding menu, making it easy to operate. After powering up, the radiosonde connects to the system for setup using a ground check device. Once finished, the system indicates its readiness for launch. The MW32 system provides one integral LAN port, two USB ports and four serial ports. It also supports the PCSERV protocol of the Vaisala MARWIN Sounding System MW12 legacy so the MW32 can replace the MW12.
With Vaisala Radiosonde RS41‑SGM, encryption and radio silence (patent EP2689279, a method for launching and a radiosonde) improve the security of defense operations. Radiosonde transmission does not reveal the balloon launch location because the radiosonde transmitter is not switched on until a specified height or time from launch is reached. Data is recorded during the radio silence, and when the radio silence ends, it is then transmitted to MW32.