An Engineering Approach to Upgrade NOAA´s Tidal Observation Network Instrumentation

This paper describes the evolution and ongoing engineering effort to increase instrument reliability and maintain high data quality in NOAA´s National Tide and Water Level Observation Network. In 1978, data sets were below desired quality because extensive processing was necessary to obtain the required data products. A corrective maintenance program was initiated to provide an immediate short term solution. Parallel efforts to correct manufacturing design deficiencies and improve long term reliability were initiated. Modified instruments were then subjected to a rigorous reliability test program. The successful test results provided the impetus to undertake a pilot project to upgrade a portion of the Network in conjunction with the introduction of an Integrated Logistics Support Plan. In 1979, over 60 stations were upgraded with a significant increase in the reliability and data quality. An additional two hundred stations were designated for upgrade in 1980. In 1981, the pilot project is transitioning into an upgrade program to complete the entire network.