B4-20 RELEASE AND RECORDER RECORD 
more than 3°C, classify the data above the independent shift 
as doubtful; if more than 3°C, classify the data as missing; 
i.e., terminate the sounding at the point of the shift. (Do not 
mistake a ''wet bulb" effect for an independent temperature 
shift.) 
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Figure B4 - 7. Independent Temperature Shift 
b. Lack of Sensitivity. Sensitivity is the measure of the re- 
corder's ability to return tothe same ordinate value when this 
value is approached from upscale and downscale, or the re- 
corder's ability to respond to small changes. A lack of sensi- 
tivity is indicated by failure of the recorder pen to return to 
the correct ordinate value. This failure results in "stepping 
of the traces'' and is most noticeable when the radiosonde 
switches from reference to temperature or when the pen shifts 
abruptly in the middle of the temperature trace after having 
been recording nearly isothermally. When lack of sensitivity 
becomes apparent, action must be taken to have the ground 
equipment serviced before the next flight. Failure to do so 
may result in many non-representative ''supers" aloft and data 
which are doubtful. When there is a lackof sensitivity, levels 
should be selected as near to the topof the temperature trace 
as possible. If the temperature traces show abrupt changes of 
more than 1°C, the data will be classified doubtful. 
c. Fading or Weak Signals. Some factors which could cause this 
condition are very strong winds aloft which willcarry the in- 
strument out of the range of good reception, weak batteries, 
bad ground equipment, and failure to tune the ground equipment 
properly. If weak or fading signals persist, action must be 
taken to have the ground equipment serviced. The temperature 
trace may be entirely missing or scattered to such an extent 
that actual ordinate values cannot be determined. When such a 
SSG FMH#3 
