Pilot’s Guide

for
for the
the

Stormscope ®

Series
Series II
II Weather
Weather Mapping
Mapping System
System

Model WX-1000
WX-1000
Important Notice
• This data is provided at no charge, or at cost, to the
public and is considered publicly available, No License
Required (NLR) as defined in the Export Administration
Regulations (EAR) Part 734.7-11.

• This guide provides general information about the

operation of the WX-1000. This guide does not cover
all possible interconnections with all possible types and
numbers of alternate displays and customer-supplied
switches. Refer to your aircraft flight manual and flight
manual supplement for information specific to your
aircraft. If there is conflicting information between
those manuals and this pilot’s guide, your aircraft flight
manual and flight manual supplement take precedence
over this pilot’s guide.

Safety Summary
These warnings and cautions appear later in this guide and
are repeated here for emphasis:

WARNING Never use your Stormscope system to attempt to penetrate a

page 4-1 thunderstorm. The FAA Advisory Circular, Subject: Thunder-
storms, and the Airman’s Information Manual (AIM) recom-
mend that you “avoid by at least 20 miles any thunderstorm
identified as severe or giving an intense radar echo.”

CAUTION Even a single discharge point may represent thunderstorm

page 4-1
activity and should be avoided.

A A Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide

 Pilot’s Guide
for the

Stormscope ®

Series II Weather Mapping System

Model WX-1000

Methods and apparatus disclosed and described herein have been developed solely on company funds
of L-3 Communications Avionics Systems, Inc. No government or other contractual support or rela-
tionship whatsoever has existed which in any way affects or mitigates proprietary rights of L-3 Commu-
nications Avionics Systems, Inc. in these developments. Methods and apparatus disclosed herein may
be subject to U.S. Patents existing or applied for. L-3 Communications Avionics Systems, Inc. reserves
the right to add, improve, modify, or withdraw functions, design modifications, or products at any time
without notice.
© Copyright 2000, 2004
L-3 Communications Avionics Systems, Inc.

Stormscope® is a registered trademark of L-3 Communications Avionics Systems, Inc.

The white L3 in a circle design logo is a trademark of L-3 Communications Corporation.

Designed and manufactured in the United States of America by

L-3 Communications Avionics Systems, Inc.
5353 52nd Street, S.E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49512 USA
(800)253-9525 or (616)949-6600
Fax (616)285-4224
www.L-3com.com/as
Stormscope® System Advantages
Welcome
L-3 Avionics Systems, one of the world’s most experienced
companies in airborne thunderstorm avoidance instruments,
is pleased to welcome you to the family of tens of thousands
of pilots who are enjoying the benefits of safer flight with a
Stormscope® weather mapping system.

The Original
Don’t be fooled by Stormscope system look-alikes. There is
only one Stormscope system, and only one company that
makes the Stormscope line of weather mapping systems. The
Stormscope system, the original, most accurate weather
mapping system is manufactured by L-3 Avionics Systems.

Fly with Greater Confidence

You now own one of the leading instruments in the world
for airborne detection and mapping of thunderstorms.
Unlike any other product, your new Stormscope system will
enable you to make better informed thunderstorm avoidance
decisions so you can fly more safely and with greater confi-
dence than ever before.

Convenient Features
The advanced, patented technology in your new Stormscope
system was developed over many years and is so unique, so
revolutionary, it surpasses all others. Here are some of its
features:
• Maps electrical discharges
• Operates in 25, 50, 100, and 200 nmi ranges
• Provides a 120° forward view and a 360° view of the
surrounding airspace
• Uses a high resolution 3-inch ATI CRT display
• Provides expansion capability for heading stabilization,
navaid, and EFIS options as described in this guide

ii A Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide

Revision Highlights
This revision D of the pilot’s guide makes the following
changes:
• Changes occurences of “Goodrich Avionics Systems” to
“L-3 Communications Avionics Systems, Inc.” or just “L-3
Avionics Systems” and makes related company contact
information changes. (On March 28, 2003, Goodrich
Corporation sold its Avionics Systems division to L-3
Communications Corporation.)
• Eliminates the Warranty Information chapter. Warranty
information is now provided on a separate warranty card.
• Adds new processor part numbers to table 5-1.
• Corrects operating temperature ranges in tables 5-1 & 5-3.
• Increases typeface size and adds more white space.

Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide iii

Section
Table of Contents Page

List of Illustrations .............................. vi

List of Tables ..................................... vii
Chapter 1, System Description ........... 1-1
General Description ............................................................... 1-1
Processor ................................................................................1-2
Antenna ................................................................................. 1-2
Display .................................................................................. 1-2
Functional Description ........................................................... 1-2
Model Definitions .................................................................. 1-4
Features ................................................................................. 1-6

Chapter 2, Storm Mapping Principles .. 2-1

Anatomy of a Thunderstorm ................................................... 2-1
Stages of a Thunderstorm ........................................................2-3
Storm Mapping Technology .................................................... 2-4

Chapter 3, Operation ........................ 3-1

Introduction ..........................................................................3-1
Controls & Screen Elements ................................................... 3-1
Turn On the WX-1000 .......................................................... 3-3
Adjust the Screen Brightness ................................................... 3-4
Switch to a Weather View .......................................................3-5
Select the Range ..................................................................... 3-5
Clear All Discharge Points .......................................................3-6
Check the Status of the Continuous Self Test ........................... 3-7
Run the Operator-Initiated Self Test ........................................ 3-7
Use the Checklist Feature ........................................................3-8
Set the Date and Time .......................................................... 3-11
Time an Event ...................................................................... 3-11
Measure Elapsed Time .......................................................... 3-12
Turn Off the WX-1000 ........................................................3-13
Error Messages ..................................................................... 3-13

iv A Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide

 Table of Contents (continued)
Section Page

Chapter 4, Weather Display Interpretation .. 4-1

Introduction ..........................................................................4-1
Typical Patterns ...................................................................... 4-2
Mapping Headings Past Thunderstorms .................................. 4-4
Special Patterns ....................................................................... 4-6

Chapter 5, Specifications .................. 5-1

Appendix A, Heading Stabilization Option . A-1
Applicable Models ................................................................. A-1
General Description .............................................................. A-1
Heading Options ................................................................... A-2
Heading Error Message .......................................................... A-3

Appendix B, Navaid Option ................. B-1

Applicable Models ................................................................. B-1
General Description .............................................................. B-1
Main Menu ........................................................................... B-3
Navaid Setup Screen .............................................................. B-3
Data Comm Errors ................................................................ B-6
Warning Message .................................................................. B-6
NAV FLAG .......................................................................... B-6

Appendix C, EFIS Option .................... C-1

Applicable Models ................................................................. C-1
General Description .............................................................. C-1
EFIS Thunderstorm Symbology ............................................. C-1

Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide v

Figure
List of Illustrations Title Page
1-1 WX-1000 Major Components .......................................................1-1
1-2 Display With 360° View ................................................................ 1-3
1-3 Display With 120° View ................................................................ 1-3
1-4 WX-1000 Functional Diagram ...................................................... 1-3
2-1 Electrical Discharges in Thunderstorms .......................................... 2-1
2-2 Discharge Rate a Function of Wind Shear ....................................... 2-2
3-1 Controls & Screen Elements .......................................................... 3-1
3-2 System Test in Progress ...................................................................3-3
3-3 All Tests Are OK ............................................................................ 3-4
3-4 MAIN MENU Screen ...................................................................3-4
3-5 360° Weather View........................................................................ 3-5
3-6 120° Weather View........................................................................ 3-5
3-7 OPTIONS Screen .........................................................................3-7
3-8 WX-1000 Checklist Worksheet Sample .......................................... 3-8
3-9 CHECKLIST MENU Screen ........................................................3-9
3-10 A Checklist Screen .......................................................................3-10
3-11 Skipped Item ...............................................................................3-10
3-12 Skipped Items .............................................................................3-10
3-13 TIME/DATE Screen ...................................................................3-11
3-14 Error 01 ......................................................................................3-13
3-15 Error 44 ......................................................................................3-14
3-16 Error 46 ......................................................................................3-15
3-17 Mic Key Stuck .............................................................................3-15
4-1 Airspace Diagram ..........................................................................4-1
4-2 Three Clusters Within 200 nmi ..................................................... 4-3
4-3 Range Changed to 100 nmi ........................................................... 4-3
4-4 Two Clusters Within 200 nmi ........................................................4-3
4-5 Range Set at 200 nmi ..................................................................... 4-5
4-6 Aircraft Progresses 100 nmi ............................................................ 4-5
4-7 Range Changes to 100 nmi ............................................................ 4-5
4-8 Aircraft Turns to Avoid Thunderstorms .......................................... 4-5
4-9 Randomly Scattered Discharge Points ............................................. 4-6
4-10 Cluster and Splattering Within 25 nmi ...........................................4-6
4-11 Discharge Points Off the Aircraft’s Nose .......................................... 4-7

vi A Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide

 List of Illustrations (continued)
Figure Title Page
4-12 Line of Discharge Points While Taxiing........................................... 4-7
4-13 Developing Cluster Within 25 nmi ................................................ 4-8
4-14 Split Image Off Nose of Aircraft ..................................................... 4-8
A-1 Heading Display at Top of Screen .................................................. A-2
A-2 Heading Flag at Top of Screen ....................................................... A-2
A-3 OPTIONS Screen With Heading Stabilization .............................. A-3
A-4 Error 11 ....................................................................................... A-3
B-1 Typical Weather View Screen With the Navaid Option ................... B-2
B-2 MAIN MENU w/Navaid ............................................................. B-3
B-3 OPTIONS Screen w/Navaid ........................................................ B-3
B-4 Navaid Setup Screen ..................................................................... B-3
B-5 Error 13 ....................................................................................... B-6
B-6 Warning Messages ........................................................................ B-6
B-7 NAV FLAG ................................................................................. B-6

Table
List of Tables Title Page
5-1 WX-1000 Processor Specifications ................................................. 5-1
5-2 WX-1000 Display Specifications .................................................... 5-3
5-3 WX-1000 Antenna Specifications ..................................................5-4
B-1 Navaid Data Item Abbreviations ................................................... B-4

Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide vii

 Chapter 1
System Description

General Description
The Stormscope® Series II Weather Mapping System, model
WX-1000 (figure 1-1) detects electrical discharges from
thunderstorms up to 200 nautical miles away and displays
the thunderstorm locations relative to your aircraft. The
WX-1000 also provides checklists and timing functions.

Processor

Display

Antenna

Figure 1-1. WX-1000 Major Components

Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide 1-1
1-1
Major Components Chapter 1 – System Description

The WX-1000 is a passive system so there is no transmitter

and no harmful transmissions. The system operates as well
on the ground as in the air, thereby giving the pilot impor-
tant planning information before takeoff.

Processor
This compact, tray-mounted computer processor receives
electrical discharge information from the antenna, processes
it to determine range and azimuth, then forwards the
information for presentation on the cockpit display. The
processor may be installed almost anywhere in the aircraft.

Antenna
This combined loop and sense antenna is sealed in an
aerodynamic flat-pack and mounted on the outside of the
aircraft where it detects electrical discharges associated with
thunderstorms. The antenna is available in black or white.

Display
The display (figures 1-2 and 1-3) is a self-contained, 3-ATI-
sized unit with a high resolution, green monochrome
Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) display. The bezel contains four
momentary contact push-button switches and an on/off/
brightness knob. The display provides control and display
functions for the processor. The display’s bezel is available in
black or gray. The display is not required if you have the
EFIS option. (See appendix C.)

Functional Description
Figure 1-4 and the following paragraphs describe how the
major components of the WX-1000 connect to each other
and to other aircraft systems.
The antenna detects the electric and magnetic fields gener-
ated by intra-cloud, inter-cloud, or cloud-to-ground electri-
cal discharges that occur within a 200 nmi radius of the
aircraft and sends the resulting “discharge signals” to the
processor. The processor digitizes, analyzes, and converts the

1-2 Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 1 – System Description Functional Description

BRT BRT
OFF OFF

25

25

MENU 120° MENU 360°

CLEAR 200 nm CLEAR 200 nm

Figure 1-2. Display With 360° Figure 1-3. Display With 120°

Electromagnetic Signals Radiating from

Atmospheric Electrical Discharges
Associated with Thunderstorms

Stormscope® Model WX-1000

Heading
Input* Discharge Signals
Antenna
Heading Test Strike
Valid Control
Input* ±12 V dc
±15 V dc

Display Signals
Navaid
BRT
OFF

+++
+++
+
+++
++++ +
+++++
++++
+

Input* Control Signals 25

+ ++
++++++
++
+
+++
+
++ ++
++
+++++
+++
+++
++
+++
+++
+++++ +++++
++ ++++

Display
MENU 120°
CLEAR 200 nm

Output
Display
to EFIS* Processor

Processor External Comm Power

Fault Line Clear Mic Input
to EFIS* Input* Inhibit 11–32 V dc *Optional

Figure 1-4. WX-1000 Functional Diagram

Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide 1-3

1-3
Model Definitions Chapter 1 – System Description

discharge signals into range and bearing data then stores the
data in memory. The WX-1000 then displays discharges as
storm cells as described in the next paragraph.
The WX-1000 plots a “+” symbol (discharge point) on the
display when it detects associated discharges within the
selected range and view. The processor will plot another “+”
close to the first for each additional discharge determined to
be associated with the group. The processor will not plot a
“+” for any discharge not associated with a group unless it’s
detected within a 25 nmi radius of the aircraft. The effect of
this clustering algorithm is to display the location of storm
cells instead of individual discharges. This “cell display
mode” is most useful during periods of heavy electrical
discharge activity and frees the pilot from sifting through a
screen full of discharge points to determine exactly where
the storm cells are located.

Model Definitions
This guide covers all variations of the WX-1000 model as
listed below. Options only available on certain models are
described in appendices A, B, and C.

WX-1000
WX-1000 is the base model

WX-1000+
WX-1000+ is the base model plus heading stabilization to
accurately display discharge points relative to the “own aircraft”
symbol in the middle of the screen as you make a turn.

WX-1000E (232/422 Navaid)

This is the base model plus:
• Heading stabilization
• Display of navigation data from discrete inputs (RS232/
RS422)

1-4 Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 1 – System Description Model Definitions

WX-1000E (429 Navaid)

This is the base model plus:
• Heading stabilization
• Display of navigation data from ARINC 429 bus inputs

WX-1000E (429 EFIS)

This is the base model plus:
• Heading stabilization
• Display output to an EFIS display unit via ARINC 429
bus outputs, or to a radar indicator via the L-3 Radar
Graphics Computer (RGC). The EFIS display unit or
RGC/radar indicator can be in place of the standard
WX-1000 display, or in addition to the WX-1000 display.

“E” Models
Installing a 232/422 navaid option, a 429 navaid option, or a
429 EFIS option into a WX-1000+ turns the system into a
WX-1000E. Only one of the three options can be present at
any given time inside the processor.

Determining the Unit’s Model Number & Options

You can determine your unit’s detailed model number and
installed options by getting the part number from the tag on
the back of the processor and looking up the corresponding
part number definition in table 5-1. If you don’t have easy
access to the rear of the processor, you can determine the
general model number and installed options by observing
the display as follows:
• If no heading is displayed at the top of the weather
screens, then you probably have a WX-1000.
• If a heading is displayed at the top of the weather
screens, but no graphical course deviation indicator is
displayed near the bottom of the weather screens, then
you have a WX-1000+.
• If a graphical course deviation indicator is displayed
near the bottom of the weather screens, then you have a
WX-1000E (232/422 Navaid), or a WX-1000E
(429 Navaid).

Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide 1-5

1-5
Features Chapter 1 – System Description

• If you have Stormscope options available on your EFIS

display or on your weather radar indicator, then you
have a WX-1000E (429 EFIS).
This guide will hereafter use the term “WX-1000” to refer to all
variations of the WX-1000 model unless otherwise indicated.

Features
• Four weather ranges: 25, 50, 100, and 200 nmi
• Two weather views: 120° forward view, and 360° view
• Three types of self test: power-up, continuous, and opera-
tor-initiated
• Local and remote clear – allows operator to clear displayed
discharge points using a button on the front of the WX-
1000 display or from a remotely-mounted “clear screen”
button (not supplied)
• Mic inhibit – inhibits thunderstorm processing when the
communications transmitter is keyed to prevent the
processing of corrupted data (some aircraft need to use this
feature, others don’t)
• Power/brightness control – allows operator to adjust the CRT
brightness and to turn the WX-1000 on and off
• Four buttons – these function keys perform various
functions depending on what mode the WX-1000 is in and
what screen is being displayed. This variability allows for
flexibility and future expansion.
• Cell display mode – allows you to view groups of dis-
charges (cells)
• Six dealer-programmable checklists, each containing a
maximum of 30 lines with up to 20 characters each
• Real-time digital clock display for time, day, and date
• Stopwatch timer function
• Elapsed time counter function
• Expandable – includes an expansion board slot for adding
options such as heading stabilization, navaid display, &
output to an EFIS (all options are described in the appendices)

1-6 Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide

 Chapter 2
Storm Mapping
Principles
Anatomy of a Thunderstorm
The WX-1000 is intended to help pilots avoid the dangers
associated with thunderstorms (convective wind shear,
lightning, icing, tornadoes, etc.). The WX-1000 locates
thunderstorms by detecting the electrical discharges that
thunderstorms always generate. Figure 2-1 shows how
thunderstorms create electrical discharges and radiate
electromagnetic signals.
Cold Air Mass

Cold Air Mass

Warm Air Mass

Warm Air Mass

i
nm

0
10
i
nm

0
20
a b c d

Figure 2-1. Electrical Discharges in Thunderstorms

a. The convective flow of air currents (warm air going up

and cold air going down) leads to friction between the
opposing air currents and wind shear in the space
between the opposing air currents. The closer together
the opposing air currents are, the greater the shearing
force of the air currents.

Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide 1-1

2-1
Anatomy of a Thunderstorm Chapter 2 – Storm Mapping Principles

b.The friction between the opposing air currents causes

electrical charges in the area to separate. As positive (+)
and negative (–) electrical charges are separated, they
accumulate in masses of similar charges (positive
charges near the top of the cloud and negative charges
near the bottom).
c. Electrical discharges occur as the accumulated masses
of separated positive and negative charges attempt to
rejoin. These discharges continue to occur repetitively
as long as the convective wind shear persists. A few of
the discharges are visible as lightning, but most electri-
cal discharges occur within a cloud or between clouds
and are hidden by those clouds. Only a small percent-
age of discharges occurs between the clouds and the
ground. Cloud to ground lightning occurs when the
negatively charged lower part of a cloud induces a
positive charge on an object on the ground. The
immense charge separation finally breaks down the
insulating air and a discharge occurs dumping negative
charge from the cloud onto the object and the sur-
rounding ground.
d.All electrical discharges radiate electromagnetic signals
in all directions close to the speed of light. The electro-
magnetic signals have unique characteristics and
varying rates of recurrence and signal strength.
Figure 2-2 shows that the rate of electrical discharges de-
tected in an area is directly related to the amount of convec-
Electrical Discharges
Increasing Rate of

Light Moderate Severe

Increasing Turbulence Due to Convective Wind Shear

Figure 2-2. Discharge Rate a Function of Wind Shear

2-2 Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide
Chapter 2 – Storm Mapping Principles Stages of a Thunderstorm

tive wind shear turbulence present. In fact, as convective wind

shear increases, the rate of electrical discharges increases at an
increasing rate. This relationship means that if you find the
electrical discharges, you’ve found the wind shear.

Stages of a Thunderstorm
All thunderstorms begin as cumulus clouds, build to an
intense mature stage, and finally dissipate. Each of these
stages in the life of a thunderstorm present a different set of
dangers to aircraft. The WX-1000 maps all stages in the life
of a thunderstorm so that you won’t be caught unaware by a
thunderstorm that can build, mature, and dissipate in as
little as 20 minutes.

Cumulus Stage
The cumulus or beginning stage of a thunderstorm is usually
precipitation free. In this stage, the risks to an aircraft and
its occupants include strong vertical winds, severe turbu-
lence, icing, and convective wind shear.

Mature Stage
In the mature and most intense stage of a thunderstorm, the
water droplets within the cloud collide and combine to form
rain and hail and, at cooler temperatures, sleet and snow. This
stage poses many hazards to aircraft including heavy precipita-
tion, high winds, convective wind shear, severe turbulence,
downbursts, hail, icing, tornadoes, and lightning.

Dissipating Stage
In the dissipating stage, the updraft weakens and at the same
time, the convective wind shear and other hazardous condi-
tions begin to subside. There may be high rainfall rates in
this stage, but the severe dangers are diminishing.

Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide 1-3

2-3
Storm Mapping Technology Chapter 2 – Storm Mapping Principles

Storm Mapping Technology

The WX-1000 & Weather Radar
The storm mapping technology used in the WX-1000 is
fundamentally different than the technology used in weather
radar. Weather radar operates by transmitting UHF radio
waves in the direction of interest and then receiving echoes
from water droplets, whereas the WX-1000 operates by
receiving signals already present in the atmosphere due to
electrical discharges. The WX-1000 analyzes the unique
characteristics of these signals, their signal strength, and
their varying rates of recurrence to determine the location
and intensity of the thunderstorms that generated the
discharges. The WX-1000 can receive radiated electromag-
netic signals from electrical discharges up to 200 nmi away.
One disadvantage of weather radar is that the cumulus stage
of a thunderstorm (usually precipitation free) is unlikely to
appear on weather radar; however, it generally does contain
electrical discharges which will appear on your WX-1000
display as a light but increasing cluster of discharge points.
Another disadvantage of weather radar is that due to attenu-
ation, it may not see the “storm behind the storm” or may
understate its intensity. Your WX-1000 is not subject to
attenuation. With the WX-1000, electrical discharges are
mapped throughout the storm area. The size of the cluster of
discharge points on your WX-1000 indicates the size of the
storm area. The speed with which the discharge points
appear indicates the intensity of the storm regardless of the
size of the cluster. The more intense the storm, the faster the
discharge points reappear.

Automatic Updating
The WX-1000 receives and processes electrical discharge
information continuously and updates the screen as needed,
which may be many times every second. Even though the
electromagnetic signals from electrical discharges are of very
short duration, the WX-1000 stores the resulting discharge
points in memory and displays each point for a maximum of 2
minutes before it is erased from the screen and from memory.

2-4 Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 2 – Storm Mapping Principles Storm Mapping Technology

In the 360° view, the WX-1000 can store and display 512
discharge points within the selected range. In the 120° view,
the WX-1000 can store and display 256 discharge points within
the selected range. When the number of electrical discharges
exceeds the maximum displayable capacity in a given view
within a 2-minute interval, the oldest discharge point in
memory and on the screen in that view is erased and replaced
with the newest discharge point. This process continues to
replace old discharge points with new ones to make sure that
discharge points on the screen represent the most recent
electrical discharges. In a typical thunderstorm, all the
points on the screen may be replaced with new points every
1 to 2 minutes. In a severe thunderstorm, the display may be
completely updated every 30 to 60 seconds.

Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide 1-5

2-5
 Chapter 3
Operation

Introduction
This chapter describes the WX-1000’s controls and screen
elements, and then lists the operating instructions and error
messages. Refer to the appendices for descriptions and
instructions for options such as heading stabilization, navaid
display, and display on an EFIS.

Controls & Screen Elements

Figure 3-1 and the following paragraphs describe the WX-
1000’s controls and major screen elements. The WX-1000 also
provides connections for a remote switch that clears dis-
charge points from the screen.
Azimuth Outer Range
Marker BRT
Ring
OFF

Power/
Discharge Brightness
Point Control
25 Inner Range
Own Aircraft Ring (25nmi)
Button
MENU 120°
Labels
CLEAR 200 nm

Displays Clears Changes Switches

Main Discharge Display to 120°
Menu Points Range View
Figure 3-1. Controls & Screen Elements

Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide 1-1

3-1
Controls & Screen Elements Chapter 3 – Operation

Outer Range Ring The outer range ring

identifies the outer boundary of the current
range. In the 360° view, the outer range ring
is made up of 9 arcs spaced 30° apart along a
circle centered on the aircraft symbol. In the
120° view, the outer range ring is made up of
2 arcs each spaced 30° on either side of the
aircraft heading along a circle centered on the
aircraft symbol. If the range is set to 25 nmi
in either view, the outer range ring is a solid
ring instead of arcs. The numerical value of the
radius of the outer range ring is displayed in the
range indicator at the bottom of the screen.
Power/Brightness Control (OFF/BRT)
Rotating this knob clockwise turns on the WX-1000
and increases the brightness of the display. Rotating
this knob counterclockwise decreases the brightness
of the display and turns off the WX-1000 when the
knob reaches its fully counterclockwise position.

25 25 nmi Range Ring This solid ring is

displayed on every range of both weather views to
keep you informed of any thunderstorm activity
within a 25 nmi radius of your aircraft.

200 nm Display Range Indicator This button

label/indicator displays the numerical value of
the current range displayed on the screen. This
value corresponds to the distance from the
aircraft to the outer range ring. The possibili-
ties are 25, 50, 100, and 200 nmi.
Buttons The four gray buttons protruding from
the bottom half of the bezel are momentary contact
switches. The WX-1000 assigns them different
functions depending on which screen and options
are currently active.
Own Aircraft Symbol This symbol indicates
the location and heading of your aircraft relative
to the thunderstorm activity.

3-2 Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 3 – Operation Turn On the WX-1000

+++ Discharge Points The position of these +

++++
++ ++
+++ symbols indicates the azimuth and range of the
+++++
++++
+ detected electrical discharge activity relative to your
aircraft. Discharge points sometimes overlap to
form clusters. A large cluster indicates that the
thunderstorm covers a large area. A dense cluster
indicates an intense thunderstorm. The size of the
discharge points increases as the selected range
decreases in order to enhance the storm clustering
effect on the shorter ranges. The latest discharge
points (none older than 2 minutes) are stored in memory
and displayed even if you switch ranges or views and
then switch back to the original range or view.
Azimuth Markers The azimuth markers
help to quantify the angular location of electri-
cal discharges relative to the aircraft. In the 360°
view, 9 short radial markers are spaced 30°
apart around the outside of the outer range
ring. In the 120° view, 4 azimuth markers
radiate out from the aircraft symbol at 30°
and 60° on either side of the aircraft heading.

Turn On the WX-1000

1. Rotate the OFF/BRT knob clockwise about 180°.
The switch clicks and the WX-1000 begins the power-up
self test and displays the SELF-TEST screen (figure 3-2)
with the message
SYSTEM TEST IN BRT
PROGRESS. The OFF

power-up self test SELF-TEST

takes about 15 WX-1000

seconds to ensure SYSTEM TEST

that all major IN PROGRESS . . .

functions are operat-

ing properly. Items
tested include
antenna reception,
memory, micropro-
cessor functions, and
installed options. Figure 3-2. System Test in Progress

Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide 1-3

3-3
Adjust the Screen Brightness Chapter 3 – Operation

If the WX-1000 detects no faults, the SELF-TEST screen

(figure 3-3) displays the message ALL TESTS ARE OK.
After a few seconds, the display switches to the MAIN
MENU screen (figure 3-4).

BRT BRT
OFF OFF

SELF-TEST STORMSCOPE

WX-1000
MAIN MENU
SYSTEM TEST Checklists
IN PROGRESS . . . Time/Date
Options
ALL TESTS ARE OK

360° 120°
NEXT GO

Figure 3-3. All Tests Are OK Figure 3-4. MAIN MENU Screen

If the WX-1000 detects a fault, an error message is displayed.

Refer to page 3-13 for more information on error messages.

NOTE The WX-1000 may complete its power-up self test before the
CRT comes on. In this case, it is possible that the first screen you
see will be the MAIN MENU screen or an error message resulting
from the self test.

Adjust the Screen Brightness

1. Rotate the OFF/BRT knob clockwise to increase the bright-
ness of the display or counterclockwise to decrease the
brightness of the display.

3-4 Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 3 – Operation Switch to a Weather View

Switch to a Weather View

The arrow symbol (>) on screen (figures 3-5 and 3-6) and
in the following step means “go to.”
1. On either weather view screen or on the MAIN MENU screen
>
(figure 3-4), press the 360° button to switch to the 360°
>
weather view, or press the 120° button to switch to the
120° weather view.
When changing between views, the range remains con-
stant, but since the 120° view provides an expanded view,
the thunderstorm information is displayed in greater detail.

BRT BRT
OFF OFF

25

25

MENU 120° MENU 360°

CLEAR 200 nm CLEAR 200 nm

Figure 3-5. 360° Weather View Figure 3-6. 120° Weather View

Select the Range

1. Switch to one of the two weather views (figures 3-5 and 3-6).

2. Press the button next to the on-screen range indicator (the

lower right button) repeatedly to step through the operating
ranges 200, 100, 50, and 25 nmi.
With each press of the range button, the screen changes to
display the electrical discharge activity detected within the
new range. The range indicator will also change to display
the numerical value of the new range (25, 50, 100, or 200
nmi). This new range corresponds to the distance from
the aircraft to the outer range ring on the screen.

Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide 1-5

3-5
Clear All Discharge Points Chapter 3 – Operation

The WX-1000 stores electrical discharge information for

all ranges simultaneously to provide you with an instant,
up-to-date display of electrical discharge activity when
you select a new range.
As you move from one range to the next, the 25 nmi
range is always indicated by a solid ring to advise you of
your close proximity to thunderstorms. You may also
notice that the discharge points are progressively larger on
the shorter ranges and smaller on the longer ranges. This
effect makes it easier to spot clusters of discharge points
in any range.

Clear All Discharge Points

You should clear the existing discharge points after every
heading change to ensure that any new discharge points are
positioned correctly with respect to the current heading. (If
you have the heading stabilization option installed and
turned on [on the OPTIONS screen], you do not have to
press the CLEAR button after every heading change. See
appendix A for more information on the heading stabiliza-
tion option.)
Clearing the discharge points periodically while you’re
monitoring thunderstorms is also a good way to determine if
the storm is building or dissipating. Discharge points in a
building storm will reappear faster and in larger numbers
after you press the CLR button. Discharge points in a
dissipating storm will reappear slower and in smaller num-
bers after you press the CLR button.
1. To clear all discharge points, first switch to one of the two
weather views (figures 3-5 and 3-6).

2. Press the button adjacent to the on-screen CLEAR button

label (the lower left button).
All discharge points are erased from the screen and from
the WX-1000 memory. The WX-1000 continues to plot any
new discharge points on the cleared screen.

3-6 Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 3 – Operation Self Tests

Check the Status of the Continuous Self Test

The WX-1000 uses three types of self tests: the power-up self
test, the continuous self test, and the operator-initiated self
test. The continuous self test continuously checks for major
component failures.
1. Press the MENU button to go to the MAIN MENU screen
(figure 3-4).

>
2. Press the NEXT button repeatedly if necessary until “
Options” is highlighted.
>
3. Press the GO button to view the OPTIONS screen (figure 3-7).
The Continuous Test item is listed as OK or FAULT.

BRT
OFF

OPTIONS

Continuous Test: OK

MENU
NEXT TEST

Figure 3-7. OPTIONS Screen

Run the Operator-Initiated Self Test

The operator-initiated self test is more extensive than the
continuous self test and is recommended to verify proper
operation of the WX-1000 whenever thunderstorm activity is
displayed.
1. Press the MENU button to go to the MAIN MENU screen
(figure 3-4).

>
2. Press the NEXT button repeatedly if necessary until “
Options” is highlighted.
>

Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide 1-7

3-7
Use the Checklist Feature Chapter 3 – Operation

3. Press the GO button to view the OPTIONS screen (figure 3-7).

4. Press the TEST button to run the operator-initiated self test.

The WX-1000 switches to the SELF-TEST screen (figure 3-
2) and begins the self test. The SELF TEST screen displays
the message SYSTEM TEST IN PROGRESS… for the
duration of the test (between 5 and 10 seconds).
If the WX-1000 detects no faults, the SELF TEST screen
displays the message ALL TESTS ARE OK (figure 3-3).
After a few seconds, the display switches back to the
OPTIONS screen.
If the WX-1000 detects a fault, an error message is dis-
played. Refer to page 3-13 for more information on error
messages. Once you’ve pressed any button to acknowl-
edge the error message, the display switches back to the
OPTIONS screen.

Use the Checklist Feature

Before you can use the checklist feature, you must fill out
checklist worksheets (figure 3-8), then ask your Stormscope
dealer to enter the checklists into your WX-1000 using
specialized equipment. Keep a copy of the worksheets in
your aircraft at all times. Any time you want to change your
checklists, have your dealer enter the changes.

WX - 1000/1000+ Checklist Worksheet Stormscope®

78-8060-5815-8 (Rev. 01) Series II Weather Mapping Systems

Checklist No. Aircraft Registration No.

Title
1. Instructions
2. Use this worksheet to specify
desired checklist items to be
3. programmed by your dealer in your
®
Stormscope Series II Weather
4.
Mapping System, Model WX-1000
5. or WX-1000+
1. Enter checklist number and title
6. at the top.
7. 2. Enter aircraft registration
number.
8.
3. Enter desired checklist items in
9. the order in which you want
them entered (one item per
10. line).
11

Figure 3-8. WX-1000 Checklist Worksheet Sample

3-8 Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 3 – Operation Use the Checklist Feature

You can create as many as 6 separate checklists, each con-

taining a maximum of 30 lines, with a maximum of 20
characters per line. It’s solely your responsibility to select
appropriate checklist items.
One of the following symbols appears in front of each
checklist item:
• (Item not yet checked)
3 (Item checked)
(Item skipped)

The WX-1000 stores checklist status in memory so that if you

exit checklist mode and come back later, you can continue
where you left off.

To Use the Checklist Feature:

1. Press the MENU button to go to the MAIN MENU screen
(figure 3-4).

>
2. Press the NEXT button repeatedly if necessary until the
“Checklists” item is highlighted.

3. Press the GO button to view the CHECKLIST MENU screen

(figure 3-9).

BRT
OFF

CHECKLIST MENU

ENGINE FAILURE
ENGINE RUN-UP
TAKEOFF
CRUISE
BEFORE LANDING
LANDING

MENU
NEXT GO

Figure 3-9. CHECKLIST MENU Screen

>
4. Press the NEXT button repeatedly if necessary until the
desired checklist title is highlighted.

Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide 1-9

3-9
Use the Checklist Feature Chapter 3 – Operation

5. Press the GO button to view the

BRT
items in the selected checklist
OFF
(figure 3-10).
BEFORE LANDING
The first unchecked item in
FUEL QT Y - C H E C K
FUEL CROSSFEED-OFF
the checklist is highlighted.
WING FLAPS-TO/APPCH
PROP SYNCHRO-OFF 6. After you accomplish the
LDG GEAR-DN AND CHK
selected checklist item, press
the CHECK button.
MENU BACKUP
CHECK SKIP The list scrolls up so that the
next item on the list is high-
lighted and a checkmark
appears next to the accom-
Figure 3-10. A Checklist Screen plished item.
The last item on each of the checklists is followed by the
message END OF CHECKLIST.
After all items have been checked, a confirmation message
CHECKLIST COMPLETE appears and all button labels
disappear except MENU.

7. To skip the selected checklist item without checking it off the

list, press the SKIP button.
The list scrolls up so that the next item is highlighted and
a large dot appears next to the skipped item (figure 3-11).
All skipped (unchecked) items appear again at the bottom
of the checklist (figure 3-12).

BRT BRT
OFF OFF

BEFORE LANDING BEFORE LANDING

WING FLAPS-TO/APPCH BETA LITES-CHECK/ON

FUEL CROSSFEED-OFF SKIPPED ITEMS
PROP SYNCHRO-OFF FUEL CROSSFEED-OFF
LDG GEAR-DN AND CHK APPROACH SPD-99 KIAS
L D G L I G H T S - A S R E QD END OF CHECKLIST

MENU BACKUP MENU BACKUP

CHECK SKIP CHECK SKIP

Figure 3-11. Skipped Item Figure 3-12. Skipped Items

3-10 Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 3 – Operation Set the Date & Time

8. To scroll backwards and review the checklist at any time,

press the BACKUP button.

Set the Date & Time

1. Press the MENU button to go to the MAIN MENU screen
(figure 3-4).

>
2. Press the NEXT button repeatedly if necessary until the
“Time/Date” item is highlighted.

3. Press the GO button to view the TIME/DATE screen (figure

3-13).

BRT
OFF

TIME/DATE

Stopwatch: 00:00:00
Elapsed Time: 02:48:22

10:58:43
25 Dec 91

MENU UP
NEXT DOWN

Figure 3-13. TIME/DATE Screen

4. Press the NEXT button repeatedly until the day field is
highlighted.

5. Press the UP or DOWN button repeatedly to step the day

field to the proper day.

6. Repeat steps 4 & 5 to set the month, year, & time.

Time an Event
The stopwatch feature allows you to time an event. If power
is interrupted to the WX-1000, the stopwatch resets to 00:00:00.
1. Press the MENU button to go to the MAIN MENU screen
(figure 3-4).

Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide 1-11

3-11
Measure Elapsed Time Chapter 3 – Operation

>
2. Press the NEXT button repeatedly if necessary until the
“Time/Date” item is highlighted.

3. Press the GO button to view the TIME/DATE screen (figure

3-13).
The stopwatch digits should be highlighted.

4. Press the START button to start the stopwatch.

5. Press the STOP button to stop the stopwatch

6. Press the RESET button to reset the stopwatch digits back

to 00:00:00

Measure Elapsed Time

The elapsed time feature allows you to measure the amount
of time that the WX-1000 has been turned on.
1. Press the MENU button to go to the MAIN MENU screen
(figure 3-4).

>
2. Press the NEXT button repeatedly if necessary until the
“Time/Date” item is highlighted.

3. Press the GO button to view the TIME/DATE screen (figure

3-13).

4. Press the NEXT button to highlight the Elapsed Time digits.

5. Press the START button to start measuring the elapsed time.

6. Press the STOP button to stop measuring the elapsed time.

7. Press the RESET button to reset the elapsed time digits

back to 00:00:00

If power to the WX-1000 is interrupted, the current elapsed

time value is stored in memory. After power is restored, you
must press the START button to continue counting elapsed
time, starting from the stored value.

3-12 Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 3 – Operation Turn Off the Stormscope System

Turn Off the WX-1000

1. Rotate the OFF/BRT knob counterclockwise until it turns off.
Power turns off to the WX-1000 display, processor, and
antenna, and all discharge points are erased from memory.

Error Messages
The WX-1000 detects most common faults and displays error
messages indicating the nature of the faults and which
functions may be inoperative. In most cases, all other
functions will continue to operate. If continued operation is
possible, the message PRESS ANY KEY TO CONTINUE
appears. Pressing any button returns you to the screen that
was displayed before the error message appeared and permits
operation of the remaining functions.
If you get an error message that won’t go away after cycling
the power off and on, write down the error message and call
L-3 Avionics Systems customer service (1-800-453-0288) or
your authorized Stormscope dealer for service. The following
paragraphs provide a few examples of possible error messages.

ERROR 01: Continued operation is not possible (figure 3-14)

Meaning: An error or malfunction may exist in the system
hardware: circuitry, video output, data memory, program
memory, video memory, etc.
Action: Continued
operation of the unit is
not possible. Turn the OFF
BRT

unit off and call for

service.
ERROR 01

Continued operation
is not possible

Figure 3-14. Error 01

Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide 1-13

3-13
Error Messages Chapter 3 – Operation

ERROR 44 or 45: Weather mapping is inhibited (figure 3-15)

Meaning: There may or may not be an error in the thunder-
storm processing circuitry of the unit. Seventy percent of
these errors are caused by aircraft noise. Other causes
include flying near power transmitters, taxiing over under-
ground cables, or operating near a hangar, power lines, or
GPU cart. As you move away from these interference sources,
the weather mapping functions should automatically
recover. In general, when these messages occur intermit-
tently, they are usually caused by some outside interference.
Action: Turn off different aircraft systems to try to isolate
any source of noise that may be causing the error, or press
any button to continue operation without thunderstorm
data. If these messages display steadily, call for service.

BRT
OFF

ERROR 44

Weather mapping
is inhibited

Press any key

to continue

Figure 3-15. Error 44

3-14 Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 3 – Operation Error Messages

ERROR 46: Weather mapping is inhibited (figure 3-16)

Meaning: This error typically means that the WX-1000
antenna is not able to receive or forward thunderstorm data;
but this error could instead be caused by noise or by a faulty
processor. Weather mapping functions are not available.
Other functions are operable.
Action: Press any button to continue without thunderstorm
data and call for service.

MIC KEY STUCK: Weather mapping is inhibited (figure 3-17)

Meaning: The microphone key may have been depressed for
more than 1 minute and is inhibiting the processing and
displaying of thunderstorm data, but it’s more likely that
there’s a problem with the processor.
Action: Check your microphone key to see if it’s stuck. If
that’s not the problem, press any button to continue without
weather mapping functions and call for service.

BRT BRT
OFF OFF

ERROR 46 MIC KEY STUCK

Weather mapping Weather mapping

is inhibited is inhibited

Press any key

to continue

Figure 3-16. Error 46 Figure 3-17. Mic Key Stuck

Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide 1-15

3-15
 Chapter 4
Weather Display
Interpretation
WARNING Never use your Stormscope system to attempt to penetrate a
thunderstorm. The FAA Advisory Circular, Subject: Thunder-
storms, and the Airman’s Information Manual (AIM) recom-
mend that you “avoid by at least 20 miles any thunderstorm
identified as severe or giving an intense radar echo.”

CAUTION Even a single discharge point may represent thunderstorm

activity and should be avoided.

Introduction
The examples in this chapter are designed to help you relate
the patterns of +’s on your Stormscope screen to the size and
location of thunderstorms that may be near your aircraft.
A blue and white grid in the examples represents the airspace
around your aircraft. (See figure 4-1.) Each square in the grid
represents a 100 by 100 nmi area. A circle represents the area

Current Stormscope
Range 100 nmi
100 nmi

Heavy
Electrical Activity

Moderate
Electrical Activity

Light
Electrical Activity

Figure 4-1. Airspace Diagram

Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide 1-1

4-1
Typical Patterns Chapter 4 – Weather Display Interpretation

monitored by the WX-1000. Areas of gray or black indicate

thunderstorms. The darker the area, the greater the rate of
electrical discharge activity.

Typical Patterns
Three Clusters within the 200 nmi Range Ring
Figure 4-2 shows the 360° weather view at the 200 nmi range.
Using this knowledge, the outer range ring, and the azimuth
markers, the three clusters of discharge points on the screen
can be interpreted as representing three thunderstorm cells
at the following azimuth and range:
Cluster Azimuth (clock position) Range
1 11:00 180 nmi
2 4:00 75 nmi
3 4:00 180 nmi
The screen can also tell us about the relative amount of
electrical discharge activity in thunderstorm cells. Clusters 2
and 3 have more discharge points than cluster 1 indicating
greater electrical discharge activity. All three clusters how-
ever must be avoided because you can’t necessarily deter-
mine the severity of thunderstorms based strictly on the
number of discharge points. For example, in the western
United States, a severe thunderstorm may only have a few
electrical discharges.
When the range is changed to 100 nmi (figure 4-3), only
cluster 2 remains visible. Clusters 1 and 3 are beyond the 100
nmi range and therefore no longer appear on the screen.
(Clusters 1 and 3 would again be visible if the range were
returned to 200 nmi.) Cluster 2 is now more defined and the
discharge points are larger. The interpretation of cluster 2
remains the same: a moderately active thunderstorm at
azimuth 4:00, range 75 nmi.

Two Clusters within the 200 nmi Range Ring

Figure 4-4 shows the screen in the 360° weather view at the
200 nmi range. Using this knowledge, the outer range ring,
and the azimuth markers, the two clusters of discharge
points on the screen can be interpreted as one thunderstorm
cell at 5:30, about 150 nmi from the aircraft, and another cell
at 1:00, about 100 nmi from the aircraft. The cluster at 1:00

4-2 Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 4 – Weather Display Interpretation Typical Patterns

2 3

BRT BRT
OFF OFF

25
25

MENU 120° MENU 120°

CLEAR 200 nm CLEAR 100 nm

Figure 4-2. Three Clusters Within Figure 4-3. Range Changed to

200 nmi 100 nmi

BRT
OFF

25

MENU 120°
CLEAR 200 nm

Figure 4-4. Two Clusters Within 200 nmi

Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide 1-3

4-3
Mapping Around Storms Chapter 4 – Weather Display Interpretation

has fewer discharge points than the cluster at 5:30, indicating

a lower rate of electrical activity. Both clusters must be avoided.

Mapping Headings Past Thunderstorms

Figures 4-5 through 4-8 and the following paragraphs show
the progression of an aircraft past several thunderstorms.

Range Set at 200 nmi

Figure 4-5 shows the 360° weather view at the 200 nmi range.
Two thunderstorms appear almost as one cluster of dis-
charge points off the nose of the aircraft, centered 180 nmi
away. A second cluster at 9:30 indicates a storm system
containing three thunderstorms.

Aircraft Progresses 100 nmi

Figure 4-6 shows that the aircraft has maintained its heading
and progressed 100 nmi. The two thunderstorms off the
nose of the aircraft appear to have expanded horizontally on
the screen. This effect is normal anytime you get closer to a
storm. The line of thunderstorms previously at 9:30 now
appears at 8:30.

Range Changes to 100 nmi

Figure 4-7 shows the screen a short time later in the 120°
weather view at the 100 nmi range. The thunderstorms at
8:30 are not visible in this view but the thunderstorms off
the nose of the aircraft appear in greater detail as two
separate thunderstorms (at 11:30 and 12:15 centered 90 nmi
from the aircraft).

Aircraft Turns to Avoid Thunderstorms

Figure 4-8 shows the screen a short time later after the
aircraft has turned to the right to avoid the thunderstorms
and the pilot has cleared all discharge points (in order to
redraw them in correct position relative to the new heading.)
(Systems with heading stabilization installed [appendix A]
automatically rotate the existing discharge points to their
correct position relative to the new heading without the
pilot having to clear the discharge points.)

4-4 Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 4 – Weather Display Interpretation Mapping Around Storms

BRT BRT
OFF OFF

25 25

MENU 120° MENU 120°

CLEAR 200 nm CLEAR 200 nm

Figure 4-5. Range Set at 200 nmi Figure 4-6. Aircraft Progresses 100 nmi

BRT BRT
OFF OFF

25 25

MENU 360° MENU 360°

CLEAR 100 nm CLEAR 100 nm

Figure 4-7. Range Changes to Figure 4-8. Aircraft Turns to Avoid

100 nmi Thunderstorms

Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide 1-5

4-5
Special Patterns Chapter 4 – Weather Display Interpretation

Special Patterns
Randomly Scattered Discharge Points
Atmospheric instability associated with cumulus clouds, or
developing or dissipating thunderstorms could cause randomly
scattered discharge points as shown in figure 4-9. If you observe
random discharge points, continue to monitor the screen for
developing clusters which indicate thunderstorm activity.

Cluster and Splattering Within 25 nmi

Figure 4-10 shows the 360° weather view at the 25 nmi range.
One moderately active thunderstorm appears as a cluster of
discharge points at 8:30 centered 14 nmi away with a splat-
tering of discharge points throughout the 25 nmi range.
Such splattering is due to electrical discharges within 3 to 5
nmi of the aircraft and indicates that the aircraft is too close
to the thunderstorm.
While the main cluster should be your primary concern, you
should also avoid any groups of discharge points within the

BRT BRT
OFF OFF
25

25

MENU 120° MENU 120°

CLEAR 200 nm CLEAR 025 nm

Figure 4-9. Randomly Scattered Figure 4-10.Cluster and Splattering

Discharge Points Within 25 nmi

4-6 Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 4 – Weather Display Interpretation Special Patterns

25 nmi range. Switch to the other ranges to ensure that there

is no thunderstorm activity along your intended path.
Note that the WX-1000 plots every electrical discharge
detected within the 25 nmi range at the exact location
detected unless the discharge is associated with a cluster of
discharges, in which case the discharge point is clustered
with the associated discharge points.

Discharge Points Off Aircraft’s Nose

Figure 4-11 shows the 360° weather view at the 200 nmi range.
The discharge points ahead of the aircraft could be caused
by a strong thunderstorm just beyond the 200 nmi range.
Another cause might be electrical discharge signals arriving
via atmospheric skip from a distant thunderstorm well
beyond the WX-1000 range. In either case, no immediate
action is required.

Line of Discharge Points While Taxiing

Passing over a cable beneath the taxiway can cause a line of
discharge points across the screen as shown in figure 4-12.

BRT BRT
OFF OFF

25 25

MENU 120° MENU 120°

CLEAR 200 nm CLEAR 200 nm

Figure 4-11.Discharge Points Off Figure 4-12.Line of Discharge Points

the Aircraft’s Nose While Taxiing
Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide 1-7
4-7
Special Patterns Chapter 4 – Weather Display Interpretation

Similar concentrations of discharge points across the screen

may appear while taxiing due to electrical signals from nearby
equipment such as arc welders or subway rails. After passing the
source of the interference, press the CLEAR button.

Developing Cluster Within the 25 nmi Range Ring

Figure 4-13 shows a developing thunderstorm 12 nmi from
the aircraft. If you see a screen such as this with a developing
cluster within the 25 nmi range ring, you should change course
to avoid the storm and continue to monitor the screen.

Split Image Off Nose of Aircraft

A strong thunderstorm at 50–75 nmi away or a weak thun-
derstorm 5–25 nmi away could cause the display shown in
figure 4-14. Observe the splitting activity. The strong
thunderstorm tends to split much faster. Press the CLEAR
button and monitor the display for activity. Deviate your
course away from any activity within the 25 nmi ring.

BRT BRT
OFF OFF

25
25

MENU 120° MENU 120°

CLEAR 050 nm CLEAR 100 nm

Figure 4-13.Developing Cluster Figure 4-14.Split Image Off Nose

Within 25 nmi of Aircraft

4-8 Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide

 Chapter 5
Specifications

Table 5-1. WX-1000 Processor Specifications*

Part Number Definition:
78-8060-5790-3 – WX-1000
78-8051-9160-4 – WX-1000+
78-8060-5941-2 – WX-1000E (232/422 navaid)
78-8060-6086-5 – WX-1000E (429 EFIS)
78-8060-6092-3 – WX-1000E (429 navaid RX low/TX low)
805-11000-001 – WX-1000E (232 navaid)
805-11000-002 – WX-1000E (422 navaid)
805-11001-001 – WX-1000E (429 EFIS RX high/TX low)
805-11001-002 – WX-1000E (429 EFIS RX high/TX high)
805-11001-003 – WX-1000E (429 EFIS RX low/TX low)
805-11001-004 – WX-1000E (429 EFIS RX low/TX high)
Size:
3.38 in (8.59 cm) high
4.88 in (12.40 cm) wide
12.62 in (32.05 cm) deep
Weight:
6.5 lb (3.0 kg)
6.9 lb (3.2 kg) with navaid or EFIS option
Mounting tray adds 0.7 lb (0.3 kg)
Power Input Requirements:
10.5 to 32 V dc, 28 W
Operating Temperature:
-55 to +70 °C (-67 to +158 °F)
Storage Temperature:
-55 to +70 °C (-67 to +158 °F)
(Continues on next page) *Specifications subject to change without notice.

Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide 1-1

5-1
Processor Specifications Chapter 5 – Specifications

Table 5-1. WX-1000 Processor Specifications* (Continued)

Operating Altitude:
55,000 ft maximum
TSO Compliance:
C110a
RTCA Compliance:
Environmental:
DO-160B F2-BA(BMNO)XXXXXXZ(AB)A(AZ)ZZZXXX
Software:
DO-178A Level 2
*Specifications subject to change without notice.

5-2 Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 5 – Specifications Display Specifications

Table 5-2. WX-1000 Display Specifications*

Part Number Definition:
78-8060-5900-8 – Black Bezel
78-8060-5900-9 – Gray Bezel
Size:
3.37 in (8.56 cm) high
3.37 in (8.56 cm) wide
8.24 in (20.92 cm) deep
Weight:
2.5 ±0.2 lb (1.1 ±0.1 kg)
Power Input Requirements:
+15/-15 V dc, 0.7 A (maximum)
Operating Temperature:
-20 to +55 °C (-4 to +131 °F)
Storage Temperature:
-55 to +70 °C (-67 to +158 °F)
Operating Altitude:
55,000 ft maximum
TSO Compliance:
FAA C110a & C113
JTSO C113
RTCA Compliance:
DO-160C F1-CA(NBM)XXXXXXZXXXZUAXXXXXX
*Specifications subject to change without notice.

Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide 1-3

5-3
Antenna Specifications Chapter 5 – Specifications

Table 5-3. WX-1000 Antenna Specifications*

Part Number Definition:
78-8051-9200-8 – White
78-8051-9220-6 – Black
Size:
1.13 in (2.87 cm) high
4.49 in (11.40 cm) wide
10.06 in (25.60 cm) deep
Weight:
1.9 lb (0.86 kg)
Operating Temperature:
-55 to +70 °C (-67 to +158 °F)
Storage Temperature:
-55 to +70 °C (-67 to +158 °F)
Operating Altitude:
55,000 ft maximum
TSO Compliance:
C110a
RTCA Compliance:
DO-160B F2-BACXXXXXXXXXXZZZXXX
*Specifications subject to change without notice.

5-4 Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide

 Appendix A
Heading
Stabilization Option
Applicable Models
The following Stormscope models contain the heading
stabilization option:
WX-1000+
WX-1000E (all variations)
The heading stabilization option must be installed on a WX-
1000 to create a WX-1000+ before the navaid or EFIS option
can be installed to create a WX-1000E.

General Description
The heading stabilization option automatically repositions
discharge points relative to the latest aircraft heading,
eliminating the need to clear the display after each heading
change.
The heading stabilization option also includes the following
features:
• The current numeric heading (figure A-1) is displayed
in a box at the top of the 360° and 120° weather view
screens.
• A FLAG message (figure A-2) is displayed in place of the
heading if the heading source (gyro) is malfunctioning
or is not yet up to speed.

Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide 1-1

A-1
Heading Options Appendix A Heading Stabilization Option

BRT BRT
057° OFF FLAG OFF

25 25

MENU 360° MENU 360°

CLEAR 050 nm CLEAR 050 nm

Figure A-1. Heading Display at Figure A-2. Heading Flag at Top of

Top of Screen Screen

Heading Options
The heading stabilization option adds two items to the
OPTIONS screen (figure A-3) as described below.
The “HDG Stabilization” item allows you to turn off the
heading stabilization feature should the external heading
source (gyro) fail.
The “Heading Display” item allows you to remove the
heading display from the weather views without turning off
the heading stabilization feature.

To Turn Heading Stabilization Off or On:

1. Press the MENU button to go to the main menu.

>
2. Press the NEXT button repeatedly if necessary until
>
“ Options” is highlighted.

3. Press the GO button to view the OPTIONS screen.

4. Press the NEXT button repeatedly if necessary until the

“HDG Stabilization” ON/OFF field is highlighted.

5. Press the ON/OFF button.

If HDG Stabilization was set to ON, it will switch to OFF.
If it was set to OFF, it will switch to ON.

A-2 Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide

Appendix A – Heading Stabilization Option Heading Error Message

BRT BRT
OFF OFF

OPTIONS

ERROR 11
Continuous Test: OK
HDG Stabilization: ON
Heading Display: ON Heading stabilization
is not available

Press any key

MENU to continue
NEXT ON/OFF

Figure A-3. OPTIONS Screen With Figure A-4. Error 11

Heading Stabilization

To Turn the Heading Display Off or On:

1. Press the MENU button to go to the main menu.

>
2. Press the NEXT button repeatedly if necessary until
>
“ Options” is highlighted.

3. Press the GO button to view the OPTIONS screen.

4. Press the NEXT button repeatedly if necessary until the

“Heading Display” ON/OFF field is highlighted.

5. Press the ON/OFF button.

If Heading Display was set to ON, it will switch to OFF. If
it was set to OFF, it will switch to ON.

Heading Error Message

Error 11 (figure A-4) and Error 10 are specific to Stormscope
models with heading stabilization installed using an XYZ
heading source. These errors mean that there may be an
error in the processing of heading, or that there is a malfunc-
tion of the aircraft’s compass system.
If you get an Error 11 or 10, turn the WX-1000 off then back
on. If the error reappears, press any button to continue
without heading information and call L-3 (1-800-453-0288) or
your Stormscope dealer for service.

Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide 1-3

A-3
 Appendix B
Navaid Option

Applicable Models
The following Stormscope models contain the navaid option:
WX-1000E (232/422 navaid)
WX-1000E (429 navaid)
The navaid option can only be installed on a WX-1000+.
Once the navaid option is installed, the model number of
the unit changes to one of the above model numbers.

General Description
The navaid option enables the WX-1000 to display key
navigational information from a qualified loran or GPS
receiver directly on the Stormscope system’s weather view
screens. (See figure B-1.) Specifically, the navaid option
includes the following features:
• Displays flight plan courselines and waypoints when
used with the appropriate loran or GPS receivers, or an
FMS
• Displays your heading-stabilized courseline and selected
waypoints
• Displays a graphical course deviation indicator (CDI)
with 5 nmi of deviation on each side of the courseline
• Displays up to 6 navigational data items (such as range
and bearing to the active waypoint, ground speed, etc.)
chosen by the user from a list of 14 items

Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide 1-1

B-1
General Description Appendix B – Navaid Option

BRT
022° OFF

099.8 N TO BJJ
M
140 KTS TK 036°
ETE
25 BRG 036°
00:42
MENU 360°
CLEAR 200 nm

Figure B-1. Typical Weather View Screen With the Navaid Option

• Displays warnings of weak and missing loran signals

• Works with a wide variety of loran receivers
• Works with qualified GPS receivers
• RS-232C, RS-422, or ARINC 429 communications
• The RS-232C and RS-422 communications are fully opto-
isolated to ensure the WX-1000 operates even when the
loran is faulty
• Contains an extra RS-232C communication port for future
expansion

NOTE When used with loran or GPS receivers that transmit flight plan
information, the navaid option can display flight plan
waypoints within the selected nautical mile range and view.
The maximum number of waypoints that can be displayed
depends on the Stormscope software version and the data input
format. For software version 3.23 or higher, the navaid option
can display up to the first 32 waypoints for flight plan data
input in the King KLN XX RS-232/422 data format, and up to
the first 10 waypoints for flight plan data input in a non-King
format. For software versions lower than 3.23, the navaid option
can display up to the first 10 waypoints. A tag on the back of the
Stormscope processor identifies the software version. Some qualified
loran or GPS receivers only transmit the next waypoint regardless of
the number of waypoints in the flight plan.

B-2 Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide

 Appendix B – Navaid Option Main Menu

Main Menu
The navaid option adds the “Navaid Display” item to the
main menu (figure B-2). The “Navaid Display” item allows
you to remove navaid-related
items from the weather views as
OFF
BRT follows:
STORMSCOPE 1. Press the MENU button to go
to the main menu.
MAIN MENU
Checklists
Time/Date
Options
>
2. Press the NEXT button
repeatedly if necessary until the
Navaid Display: ON
“Navaid Display” ON/OFF field is
360° 120° highlighted.
NEXT ON/OFF
3. Press the ON/OFF button.
If Navaid Display was set to ON,
it will switch to OFF. If it was set
Figure B-2. MAIN MENU w/Navaid
to OFF, it will switch to ON.

Navaid Setup Screen

The navaid option adds the “>Navaid Setup” item to the
OPTIONS screen (figure B-3). Choosing the “>Navaid
Setup” item brings up the Navaid Setup screen (figure B-4).
The Navaid Setup screen allows you to change which six
navaid data items are selected to be displayed on the weather
view screens and where on the screen they are to be dis-

BRT BRT
OFF OFF

OPTIONS Navaid Setup

Rng ETA MESA
GS Trk Time
Continuous Test: OK ETE WPT Lat
HDG Stabilization: ON Brg MVar Long
Heading Display: ON XTK MSA
Navaid Setup N/A
Rng ETA
GS XTK
ETE Brg
MENU EXIT
NEXT GO NEXT PLACE

Figure B-3. OPTIONS Screen w/Navaid Figure B-4. Navaid Setup Screen
Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide 1-3
B-3
Navaid Setup Screen Appendix B – Navaid Option

played. The navaid data items can be changed regardless of

whether the Navaid Display item on the main menu is set to
ON or OFF.
The six navaid data items currently selected are displayed in
the middle portion of the Navaid Setup screen in the same
arrangement as they would appear on the weather view
screens. The navaid setup grid displayed at the top of the
screen lists 14 navaid data items and a blank space. Table
B-1 lists the meanings of the navaid data item abbreviations.

Table B-1. Navaid Data Item Abbreviations

Rng .........Range to Active Waypoint
GS ...........Ground Speed
ETE .........Estimated Time Enroute
Brg ..........Bearing to Active Waypoint
XTK ........Crosstrack Error
ETA ........Estimated Time of Arrival
Trk ..........Track
WPT .......Waypoint Identifier
MVar .......Magnetic Variation at Present Position
MSA ........Minimum Safe Altitude
MESA ..... Minimum Enroute Safe Altitude
Time .......Stormscope System Stopwatch
Lat ...........Latitude
Long ........Longitude
The data items available for selection are dependent upon
the specific information provided by your loran or GPS
receiver. If an item on the grid is not available from your
receiver, that grid space will include an asterisk (*).

To Change the Six Navaid Data Items:

1. Press the MENU button to go to the main menu.

>
2. Press the NEXT button repeatedly if necessary until
>
“ Options” is highlighted.

B-4 Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide

Appendix B – Navaid Option Navaid Setup Screen

3. Press the GO button to view the OPTIONS screen.

4. Press the NEXT button repeatedly if necessary until

>
“ Navaid Setup” is highlighted.

5. Press the GO button to view the Navaid Setup screen.

6. Press the NEXT button repeatedly if necessary until the

navaid data item (or blank cell) you want to insert is high-
lighted.

7. Press the PLACE button.

The selected item appears in the upper left position.

8. To move the item to another position, press the MOVE

button.
Each additional press of the MOVE button advances the
item counterclockwise. When you move a data item into a
position that already has an item, the new item temporarily
displays in that position. When you press the MOVE button
again, the previous data item reappears.

9. To set the position of a highlighted data item, press the SET

button.
The highlighted data item is set into its current position
and the highlighting box moves to the next data item in
the grid.

10. To move the highlighting box back to the grid without

setting the position of the highlighted data item, press the
CANCEL button.
Any data item previously occupying the position will
reappear.

11. Repeat steps 6 through 10 until all six positions are filled
with the items you want displayed.

12. Press the EXIT button to return to the OPTIONS screen.

Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide 1-5

B-5
Data Comm Errors Appendix B – Navaid Option

Data Comm Errors

BRT
Error 13 (figure B-5) OFF

means receiving no
data. Error 14 indi- ERROR 13
cates a processing error. Communication error
Errors 15 and 17 Navaid option
indicate a faulty navaid not available
communication circuit. Press any key
to continue
Press any button to
continue without navaid
information, then call
for service.
Figure B-5. Error 13
Warning Message
BRT
If the loran or GPS 022° OFF

receiver determines its

position error to be
greater than 1.7 nauti-
cal miles, a warning
message in the form of 099.8 N
M w TO BJJ

a highlighted “w” will 140

ETE
KTS w
00:42
25
w
w TK 036°
BRG 036°

appear next to the MENU 360°

affected data items. CLEAR w 200 nm

(See figure B-6.)

Figure B-6. Warning Messages

NAV FLAG
If the loran or GPS
receiver fails to acquire 057° OFF
BRT

a consistent signal and

is not certain of its
position, the high-
lighted message “NAV 25
FLAG” appears. (See
figure B-7.) Naviga-
tional data will not be MENU NAV FLAG 360°
displayed if the receiver CLEAR 050 nm
indicates a flag condi-
tion.
Figure B-7. NAV FLAG

B-6 Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide

 Appendix C
EFIS Option

Applicable Models
Only the WX-1000E (429 EFIS) model contains the EFIS
option. The EFIS option can only be installed on a WX-
1000+. Once the EFIS option is installed, the unit’s model
number changes to WX-1000E (429 EFIS).

General Description
The EFIS option enables the WX-1000 to display its thunder-
storm data on an EFIS display unit via ARINC 429 bus
outputs, or on a radar indicator via the L-3 Radar Graphics
Computer (RGC). The EFIS display unit or RGC/radar
indicator can be used in place of the standard WX-1000
display, or in addition to it. Refer to your EFIS or RGC
manuals for instructions on displaying Stormscope thunder-
storm data.

EFIS Thunderstorm Symbology

The EFIS or RGC reads the Stormscope thunderstorm data
and displays the intensity level of areas of detected lightning
(not individual electrical discharges). Refer to your EFIS or
RGC documentation for details on how the intensity levels
are defined and displayed. Some EFISs and the RGC display
the following symbols. Other EFISs use different colors to
represent different intensity levels.
Light activity (up to 8 strikes/min)
Moderate activity (9-25 strikes/min)
Heavy activity (26 or more strikes/min)

Stormscope® WX-1000 Pilot’s Guide 1-1

C-1
Notes
Notes
Record of Important Information
Dealer Information
Name _________________________________________
Address ________________________________________
City, State, Zip __________________________________
Telephone ______________________________________

Equipment Information
Date of Purchase _________________________________
Installation Date _________________________________
Processor:
Model Number _______________________________
Part Number ________________________________
Serial Number _______________________________
Mod Letter __________________________________
Software Version _____________________________
Antenna:
Model Number _______________________________
Part Number ________________________________
Serial Number _______________________________
Mod Letter __________________________________
Display:
Model Number _______________________________
Part Number ________________________________
Serial Number _______________________________
Mod Letter __________________________________

NOTE To ensure that a new or repaired WX-1000 meets the TSO,

meets foreign government certification requirements, and meets
L-3 Avionics Systems performance standards, your WX-1000
must be installed and tested by an L-3 Avionics Systems-
authorized Stormscope dealer.
 75-0299-7690-1 (Rev. D, 6/07/04)

L-3 Communications Avionics Systems, Inc.

5353 52nd Street, S.E.
Stormscope® WX-1000
Grand Rapids, MI 49512 USA
(800)253-9525
www.L-3com.com/as