lgl (12/06/82)
I have received numerous responses to my query on the use of the Voice Response System. One of the respondents yielded a copy of the FAA's brochure describing the system. On examination I've noted that many of the responses contained questionable information so I thought that I would summarize the system for the benefit of all interested. You will need a 12 key touch-tone pad or the equivalent since the '#' key is used for EVERYTHING. Many stations reporting weather can be accessed through this system. A list of the stations can be found in the last section of the pamphlet. To enter numbers as part of a three letter identification code, such as 7A9 (Plains, Georgia), precede the numeral part of the identification with a zero. You would then dial: "07 21 09 ##" and here the computer generated voice identification for location 7A9. The letters Q and Z are assigned to the number 1 key on the keypad and are positioned as the first and third letters respectively. To obtain info on ZZV (Zanesville, Ohio) dial: 13 13 83. Position 2 in the number 1 keypad is reserved for "space" and is currently unused. All identifiers are terminated by a double '#'. Other commands and responses include: Y## - Yes response N## - No response * - An asterisk during a report causes the system to STOP Once stopped, the following commands may be used: *G - Go ( continue after a stop ) *R - Repeat the current portion of the report (really handy...) *J - jump ahead.. seems to go to the next report type or station. *D - Delete (haven't tried this one yet..) *B - Begin over (From the VERY top) (note: after stopping the report, the above commands must be preceded by a second asterisk. Therefore, to stop and repeat a portion of a report, enter "**R" .) During Winds aloft reporting, altitudes must be given as 60 for 6000, 25 for 2500, etc. The pamphlet says it's ok to say 6000 for 6000 but I couldn't get it to work. Minimum winds aloft forecast altitude is 2000 AGL and reports are given for the requested altitude and that 4000 feet above and below. To get all three, an minimum of 6000 AGL requested is desired. This must mean that the requesting Alt is in ft. AGL as well. (Another reference to the charts..) There ARE local numbers for the system outside of D.C. as I have been using it here in Columbus. Unfortunately, they are publicized only in the pamphlet which was out of stock at the local FSS. Try calling them to get the current access number. The copy of the pamphlet I reviewed was dated October 1, 1979 but the control information still works as advertised. Lionel G. Lynch (...cbosgd!nscs!rmas70!mork-cb!lgl)