This note is to remind each site of the need to reboot your WSR-88D systems after the Y2K rollover. In July 1999, each site was sent a copy of the reboot procedures to be executed after the Y2K transition. The procedures were sent by the ROC and are titled "YEAR 2000 SOFTWARE REBOOT PROCEDURES FOR THE RADAR DATA ACQUISITION GROUP, THE RADAR PRODUCT GENERATION GROUP AND THE PRINCIPAL USER PROCESSOR GROUP".

For clarification, we ask that you please make note of a typo on page C3 of the procedures. Step 16 (for the RDA) should read:

"At the * prompt, enter" vice "At the CDS> prompt, enter"

For step 16, please cross out "CDS>" and replace with an "*" to avoid any confusion. Note that this change applies to all copies of the procedures -- those sent this summer to the field and also those downloaded or printed from the above listed ROC website.

These procedures need to be executed once and should be performed as soon as possible (not immediately -- but as time, situation and weather permits) after 0001 UCT/Zulu/GMT (not local midnight) on January 1, 2000. Every person responsible for executing the procedures for each RDA, RPG and the PUP should also take time to review the procedures before they are accomplished. You should find them to be straightforward and brief. You will be basically taking each system down and then rebooting to bring it back up in a controlled sequence. On or about 12/30/99, you should check to ensure that clock times on the RDA, RPG and PUP are coordinated and set as closely as possible to the same time. This will ensure that when 0000 UCT on 1/1/00 occurs, it will happen on all the systems at each site about the same time. In the event your system(s) goes down after the rollover and you have not executed the reboot procedures, contact the WSR-88D Hotline for assistance.

In closing, you should know that the ROC has done much analysis and testing of the system to ascertain that it will be available for your use, without problems, after the rollover (visit the ROC website for test documentation and more NEXRAD Y2K information). The reboot procedures were developed to allow for a smooth transition of the WSR-88D systems into the next century and each of you can help to make this happen -- with proper preparation and execution of the procedures. Please remember that the WSR-88D Hotline (augmented with engineering resources and other ROC staff) will be on duty and available to assist with any problems that you may encounter during the Y2K rollover. Thanks for your cooperation and support, and best wishes for the upcoming holiday season.