This archive contains answers to questions sent to Unidata support through mid-2025. Note that the archive is no longer being updated. We provide the archive for reference; many of the answers presented here remain technically correct, even if somewhat outdated. For the most up-to-date information on the use of NSF Unidata software and data services, please consult the Software Documentation first.
Hi Brian, When Unidata released GEMPAK 5.11.1 in December 2007, we produced the last available binary builds. The majority of the support questions after that release were related to incompatibilities of the binaries with the system libraries. Sometimes, tracking down these issues was very time consuming. In most cases, building GEMPAK from source solved the issues related to binary builds. After discussions with the Unidata User's Committee and Policy Committees, the UPC decided that providing source only distributions in the future was warranted because: - As operating systems move forward, the binary builds will likely become incompatible with newer libraries. - The UPC does not have access to the wide range of systems that are currently being used in the GEMPAK community. - The UPC does not have the resources to continually produce binary releases with each source change. Both committees endorsed this action. The source only distributions have been a (re)learning experience for the users and the UPC. While on the one hand, the scope of the support questions has changed, the problems are usually very similar - incompatible or missing libraries. GEMPAK 5.11.4 was a major change in the structure of the GEMPAK source tree, and it has caused some build problems on our end. Sorry to not have better news about binary distribution availability, but 32-bit linux systems are fairly typical for GEMPAK installation, and I'm here to offer help if you run into trouble during a source build. Best, Michael James Unidata User Support > Hi - > > In the gempak installation documentation there is mention of a binary > download, as opposed to source code. Could you point me to the right > location where these gempak binary downloads are located? - I can't seem > to find them anywhere. I am running 32-bit linux. > > Thanks, Brian > > -- > Brian Belcher, Programmer/Analyst > Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Cornell University > 1127 Bradfield Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853 > address@hidden, 607-255-5589 > > > > > > Ticket Details =================== Ticket ID: YXX-666746 Department: Support GEMPAK Priority: Normal Status: Open