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 Note that the archive is no longer being updated. We provide the archive for reference; many of the answers presented here remain technically correct, even if somewhat outdated.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.
>From: "Pandya, Rajul E." <address@hidden> >Organization: UCARWest Chester University >Keywords: 200008221228.e7MCSSN28075 ldm-mcidas Unidata-Wisconsin Rajul, >I would like to install McIDASX on a PC running Solaris x86 2.7. I have LDM >and GEMPAK running, so I wanted to start getting satellite data. >I do have two questions, though > >1. I'd like to get radar data as well, but I think that all radar products >require subscription - is that correct? Currently, the NIDS and NOWrad (tm) radar products require a subscription to WSI Corporation. The NIDS products will become freely available in the December timeframe. The NOWrad products are, however, created ty WSI, so they will continue to require a subscription. >If I get a subscription from WSI, >though, I can use the FILE command directly in the pqact.conf if I want this >data available for GEMPAK. Is that correct? Yes, you can FILE the products directly. >2. Can I view satellite images in GEMPAK without installing McIDAS? Yes. >The way >it looks to me from the webpage, I need to install McIDAS in order to run >McIDASX-LDM scripts to get the satellite data from the IDD. Do I have that >right? No, you only have to have McIDAS-X installed if you need to build the ldm-mcidas suite of decoders. If you can use one of the binary distributions that we make available, then you do not need to install McIDAS-X. >Thanks for all your help, Since I perceive that you really don't want to install McIDAS-X, and since it is most likely that you will be able to use one of our binary ldm-mcidas distributions to decode imagery from the Unidata-Wisconsin (MCIDAS feed type) datastream, I will hold off on sending you the McIDAS-X access information for now. Tom Yoksas >From address@hidden Tue Aug 22 14:34:15 2000 >Subject: RE: 20000822: use of ldm-mcidas for imagery Hi Tom, Thanks for the help. You were correct, for now at least I didn't really want to install McIDAS; I was just planning to look at Sat imagery in GARP at least until later in the year when I had more time to install McIDAS. Anyway, I looked at the email list for ldm-gempak and found a message you wrote to Columbia, Missouri about the exact same thing. I followed the steps you suggested and it works great; I was just looking at GOES-10 Water Vapor. Anyway, thanks for answering my questions this morning and setting me along a very fruitful search. I really am impressed with UNIDATA in general; the web resources are excellent and when I needed more help I got prompt and patient help. Thanks, Rajul