Radiosonde RS80 atmospheric measuring instrument

The radiosonde is a meteorological instrument which is hung from a balloon released into the atmosphere. As the balloon goes up the radiosonde records air pressure, temperature and relative humidity and sends this information back to earth via radio waves.

Introduced in 1981 by the Finnish company Vaisala, the RS80 represents a major shift in the design of the Radiosonde. It was lighter and much smaller than previous versions and required no assembly or calibration before launch. Its size also meant smaller balloons could be used which were not only more economical they were also less of an air safety risk.

It enabled a new sampling rate of eight samples per ten seconds for each parameter. The entire transducer is welded into a solid state block eliminating all mechanical friction and adjustment, while the new transmitter and water active battery were smaller and lighter than previous models. The entire device is packed into a hermetically sealed metal foil bag to protect it against moisture.

This instrument is significant because it represents a major shift in the design and use of meteorological instruments in Australia. It is also significant for its pioneering role the history of the radiosonde and the gathering of meteorological information.