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2. Technical Specifications 2.1 Hardware:

The ATIS System shall be a Windows PC-based system that uses commercially available offthe-shelf (COTS) hardware components. The system shall consist of Workstation, and a server which interfaces with the ATIS radio transmitter. The voice server shall also provide access to the ATIS message via telephone. The ATIS shall be interfaced with AFTN and AWOS. The system shall allow the setup of a single configuration, with one remote workstation and shall have a flexible, modular design. The integration of ATIS with the other ATC components shall not result in any degradation of operational systems, subsystems, networks, or facilities. All hardware components for the ATIS System shall be commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) items. 2.1.1 ATIS Work station The ATIS Workstation shall be located in the ATC Tower. It shall consist of the following components: a) A fully configured personal computer (Pentium PC) running in the Windows 7 operating system, which will contain an audio output card (for local monitoring) and a network card (for connection to a Local Area Network) including a video monitor for displaying the ATIS Systems graphical user interface, a keyboard and mouse to be used for providing user input to the system. See Checklist for minimum PC requirements. b) An amplified speaker, which will allow personnel to listen to the voice output of the ATIS broadcast at the ATIS Workstation. c) A microphone and pre-amplifier for manual recordings (as backup) 2.1.2 Server The Voice sever shall provide continuous audio output of the ATIS broadcast. Its functionality shall be controlled by the ATIS computer which will send voice files and control messages to the voice server via an Interface through a cable from the ATIS Workstation. The voice server shall be capable of storing audio files up to 8 minutes in length and the audio output shall be done at 64 kbps. The Server will be located in the Equipment Room.

2.1.3 VHF Transmitter The output of a server shall be connected to the VHF transmitter equipment. The ATIS information shall be continuously broadcast over a discrete VHF radio frequency. ATIS transmissions on a discrete VHF radio frequency shall be engineered to be receivable to maximum of 65NM from Tower and a maximum altitude of 25000 feet AGL. ATIS signals shall also be received on the surface of The Airport. 2.1.4 Power requirements A single phase UPS shall be connected between the ATIS system and a single phase AC power source. UPS input voltage shall be 220-240V/50Hz. The personal computer at the work station shall have its own UPS.

2.2 Software
The ATIS software shall be an executable software package with supporting configuration files and a database of digitized audio files containing an extensive vocabulary of weather and airport terms required for ATIS broadcast operation. The text-to-voice component of the system shall access the database to produce broadcast-quality voice output. This ATIS system software package shall be provided including: a) Factory-configured site-specific weather information b) Compliance with ICAO International Standards and Recommended Practices, including compliance with ICAO formats for TCP/IP and serial connections c) Automatic update of ATIS ID letter when New ATIS message is created d) Upgradeable path for automatic retrieval of weather data code via network or serial connection to a weather data feed (AWOS, AFTN) e) Automatic conversion of METAR from its encoded format to English text and to natural voice for broadcast f) Free text entry g) automatic inclusion of weather data, field conditions and NOTAMs h) call-in telephone access to listen to ATIS message from analog phone line i) Automatic logging of weather data received, weather data errors, start and end time of broadcasts, broadcast contents, and any technical errors. Log files may be viewed, copied or printed and shall remain on system for at least 30 days j) Text of ATIS broadcasts saved to hard drive and/or removable media k) Software tools for manual correction of weather data errors

l) Software and hardware for making manual recordings for broadcast, and for audio monitoring of ATIS broadcast before being sent to radio transmitter m) Software license The system shall have robust software and user friendly GUI that makes the system reliable and consistent while easy to learn and operate. The software shall be able to support Real time data validation, Playback, verify & edit prior to broadcasting. Standard fixed audio messages some of which are shown in the checklist (attached) shall be included in the software.

2.3 Graphical user interface

The system shall have an English language Graphical User Interface (GUI) that offers an easy-to-use tabbing design for navigation through the software. A GUI having a large work area with pull-down lists, selectable buttons and editable text boxes that allows the user to create a new ATIS message is essential. The GUI shall include access to log files, viewing of current broadcast text and specific weather data items, running technical and diagnostics tests, changing the speech rate and password control. The Application shall be launched from ATIS icon on windows Desktop. After launch, the application shall display the Current ATIS page. When software is shut down, broadcast is terminated. Contents of main application window shall include Current ATIS page (used by ATC), New ATIS page (used by ATC), Fixed Messages page (used by ATC), and Configuration page (used by Maintenance). Maintenance Functions shall be under password control. ATC Functions shall not require password control.

2.4 Verification of weather data

The ATIS shall continually receive new weather data from weather data sources and shall obtain the most recently available data for weather products that are to be broadcast. The system shall be able to perform a date/time check of the incoming filtered weather data in order to prevent current data from being replaced by data with an earlier issue time. The ATIS shall be able to verify that METAR data conforms to a predefined ICAO format before including it for broadcast. METAR data that does not conform to this format shall be flagged as containing errors, and shall be corrected by ATC personnel at the Workstation. Weather data errors shall also be written to a log file, which shall be viewed, printed and saved to disk. Technical and broadcast log files shall also be created automatically, allowing the user to save, review and/or print records of the programs operation.

2.5 Access to Weather Data

The ATIS System shall automatically receive ATIS weather information (METAR) from any weather data source (AFTN/AMHS and AWOS). This weather information shall be incorporated into the ATIS message, along with other air traffic information that shall be selected by ATC personnel. ATIS System shall automatically incorporate the weather data into ATIS messages before they are monitored and approved by ATC personnel.

2.6 Contents of ATIS Messages

The ATIS shall be configured to provide a continuous audio broadcast of meteorological and airport information, including: Automatic update of ATIS identification letter when New ATIS message is created, Runway in use and approach-type information, Current weather data (METAR or SPECI), Field conditions, NOTAMs and advisories. All ATIS broadcasts shall be continuous, broadcasting 24 hours per day. At the end of a message, there shall be a phrase instructing Pilots to notify controllers on initial contact that they have received the ATIS broadcast by repeating the alphabetical code appended to the broadcast for example; Advise you have Bravo.

2.7 ATIS Message format

The ATIS Systems message format shall totally be configurable by the use of an ATIS template file. The user shall selects the required format from a list of available templates or generate a completely new template file which can be stored for later use. Once set, the same template file shall be used for all messages, until another template file is selected.

2.8 Recording and Monitoring

The ATIS system shall have a component that offers a manual recording feature as a back-up option to the automated voice generation capability. Recording, audio monitoring and audio alarms shall be done at the ATIS Workstation. For recording, the ATIS Operator shall be able to access the ATIS Workstation, and then use the data recording operation in the GUI to start the recording. Once the recording has been completed, the operator shall monitor it by selecting a playback operation in the ATIS GUI.

2.9 ATIS Failure Alerts

Upon failure of an ATIS operation, a visual indication of the failure shall be displayed on the monitor at the ATIS Workstation. Should the MET data value fall outside pre defined limits

or WMO standard the operator shall be made aware of the situation and allowed to make appropriate adjustments manually. The system shall allow for the use of pre-defined templates or manual entry.

2.10 Correcting Errors in ATIS Weather Data Items

The ATIS Workstation shall be expected to be used for correcting any errors that the ATIS system detects in the incoming weather data items. When an error has been edited for correction, it shall first be listened to, in order to ensure that it is correct. It shall then be accepted for use and available for broadcast. When a weather data error has been detected, a visual notification shall be posted at the ATIS workstation, and shall be supported by an audio alert. The user shall be able to mute the audio alert if he/she does not need it.

2.11 Transmission of the ATIS Broadcast

When the Voice Server receives the ATIS audio file from the ATIS Workstation computer, the server shall automatically start transmitting the audio data to the ATIS radio transmitter. The Server shall also control the PTT functionality on the radio transmitter.

2.12 System Access

Passwords shall be implemented for different access levels to ATIS. The user password shall be able to be changed at any time by the user at the ATIS Workstation. The maintenance password shall be able to be changed at any time by the Maintenance Technician at the ATIS Workstation. Passwords shall be case insensitive and shall be masked on all forms of entry, including changing of passwords.

2.13 Warranty
At least a 12-month warranty for the ATIS System (on hardware and software) shall be provided, beginning after the final site acceptance of the system.

2.14 Manuals
The ATIS system shall include the following manuals: 1. Operator Manual designed to provide ATC personnel with information required to generate, test and broadcast ATIS messages. 2. Installation and Configuration Manual designed to provide Technical Maintenance personnel with information required to install and configure the ATIS System.

2.15 On-site Installation and Training

On-site installation and training shall be provided for the ATIS System. Training shall include a combined training course, as follows: ATC Training to provide ATC personnel with training on the generation, testing and broadcast of ATIS messages Technical Maintenance Training to provide Technical Maintenance personnel with training on system maintenance.

2.16 Maintenance
All Maintenance Functions shall be performed at ATIS Workstation. Maintenance Functions on Configuration page shall include: Change speech rate, Access log files, Change password, Display system information, Change server IP address, Exit the program (terminate ATIS broadcasts) - All under password control. When need arises, modifications or additions to the voice library shall be requested. This may include changes or additions to the Field Conditions, NOTAMs/Advisories, Fixed Messages, and other items (e.g., local place names, commonly used phrases or abbreviations).