B4-4 RELEASE AND RECORDER RECORD 
record can be located by making use of the known rate of paper feed. 
The horizontal lines printed on the recorder chart are normally one 
minute apart when the recorder is operating on 60-Hertz after the radio- 
sonde was released, and the elapsed time will be added to all printed 
times to obtain the correct time. Those stations that have been supplied 
with remote control units do not needa person at the recorder at release. 
All necessary switches are on the remote control unit to start the timer 
and track the radiosonde. 
3.5 Release in Light Winds. In light winds, pay out the train until the 
radiosonde is reached. Hold the radiosonde byits ring or support strap, 
and release upon appropriate signal. 
3.6 Release in High Winds. If a train regulator is used, it should be 
attached according to instructions in JB3-7 and9. The balloon should be 
held in one hand and the train regulator and radiosonde in the other hand, 
if a one-man release is to be made. The train regulator should be held 
in such a way that the weight of the radiosonde or the weight of the regu- 
lator does not unwind any of the string until the moment of release. When 
the point of release is reached, the balloon is released and then the 
radiosonde almost simultaneously. Where space is available, the two- 
man overhead release may be preferable under certain conditions to the 
use of the train regulator during periods of moderate or high winds. 
During periods of high winds, the two-man overhead release may be 
combined with the use of the train regulator to make a successful re- 
lease when it otherwise might not be possible. To be successful under 
any conditions, the two-man overhead release must be carefully planned 
in advance by the two observers making the release. Familiarity with 
local obstructions, current wind and weather conditions, local turbulence, 
and many other factors willassist in making a successful release, These 
plans must be complete, and all preliminary checks of the radiosonde 
should be made with the balloon still in the inflation shelter. Once the 
balloon is out of the shelter the release should proceed smoothly and 
rapidly with no delay. The first observer will place the radiosonde top 
side up in his left hand, grasp the cord with his right hand at a point 
about two feet above the top of the radiosonde, and extend the train until 
a slight tension is exerted onhis right hand to avoid having the train be- 
come tangled. The second observer will then remove the balloon from the 
shelter; the balloon will be takenas rapidly as is practicable to the pre- 
selected site, with the first observer keeping the tension on the train. 
The first observer should position himself downwind from the balloon so 
that it will pass directly overhead when the weight of the radiosonde is 
assumed. Correct positioning is the responsibility of the observer with 
the radiosonde since under these conditions the observer with the balloon 
will find it more difficult to change his position. When the release area 
I> L(Y) FMH#3 
